Category: Celebrities

When you think of the most famous magicians of all-time, a lot of them are still alive to this day. Names like Penn & Teller, David Copperfield and David Blaine come to mind, as well as departed names like Harry Houdini. While they’re obviously at the top of the heap in terms of all-time greats, there are some that aren’t remembered as well as they should be. Here are five magicians that most people have never heard of, but really should.

5. Howard Thurston

After running away to join the circus as a young child, magician Howard Thurston would go on to work with many of the others in the field that will be mentioned later on. Thurston, an Ohio resident, became a master of card tricks and his traveling show became the biggest in the United States, earning him recognition as the greatest magician of his time. It has been over 80 years since Thurston’s death, but many aspiring magicians still read his books on how to perform the basics.

4. Adelaide Herrmann

Many may have heard of Alexander Herrman (or Herrmann the Great as some called him), but his wife was also a legend in magic. So much so, in fact, that Adelaide Herrmann was referred to as the Queen of Magic. Herrmann was an expert in acrobatics and honed her illusionist skills early on in her career. Even after the death of her husband, Adelaide powered on and continued to dazzle audiences across the United States. She passed away in 1932, performing nearly the entire time.

3. Harry Kellar

It has now been over 100 years since the great Harry Kellar passed away, leaving less and less people knowing about his amazing legacy. One of the greatest American magicians ever, Kellar was the man on the scene before the likes of Harry Houdini. A mentor to Houdini, Kellar was famous for his sleight of hand and performed tricks like self-decapitation. During his retirement, Houdini sung Kellar’s praises, acknowledging him as the greatest of all-time.

2. Richiardi Jr.

When we say the name Aldo Izquierdo, you probably don’t know who we’re talking about. That’s the real name of magician Richiardi Jr. Then again, most don’t know that name, either. Richiardi Jr. was sort of a shock magician back in his day that would make appearances on national television, including “The Ed Sullivan Show”. Richardi passed away in September of 1985, but his influence isn’t lost on today’s magicians with many (including Criss Angel) citing him as one of the best.

1. P.C. Sorcar

Perhaps the most famous magician to ever come from India, P.C. (which stands for Protul Chandra) Sorcar was a global icon when he started touring the world in the 1930s. Anointing himself as the greatest magician in the world during his time, Sorcar had an affinity for traveling to Japan where he would put on shows that highlighted his Floating Lady routine. Sadly, he would pass away while in Japan of a heart attack in 1971 before global television could really his skills.

When magic tricks go right, it can be one of the most incredible sights in the world. People will gaze in wonder and attempt to figure out how that trick was pulled off. Unfortunately, there are times when magic tricks go horribly wrong. These miscues can end up injuring the performers, audience members or even result in death. There have been many instances where magic tricks have gone awry, but there are a handful that truly stand out, making global news in the process. Here are five of those tricks that magicians wish turned out differently.

5. Marcin Poloniewicz Hurts News Anchor

Not many people in the magic world know the name Marcin Poloniewicz, but the Poland native had a magic trick that went viral for the wrong reasons. While appearing on a morning talk show, Poloniewicz had one of the anchors take part in a three card monte variation where there was a nail hidden under a paper bag. He then took her hand to what he thought was the bag without the nail, but instead impaled that hand, which put her into obvious and immediate pain.

4. Princess Tenko

Born as Marikoa Itakura, Princess Tenko has been practicing magic since the mid 1970s and is thankfully still with us today. While performing a trick called ‘The Spikes of Death’ in Sabae City, Japan, Tenko placed herself into a box that had 20 blades drop down. However, the trick went awry and instead of avoiding the blades, she was struck multiple times. Tenko suffered injuries to her chest, back and head, nearly losing an eye in the process.

3. Wizard Mandrake

Tragedy struck in 2019 when Chanchal Lahiri attempted a trick where he was submerged underwater while wrapped in chains. Better known by his stage name Wizard Mandrake, Lahiri was in the Bengali River, but didn’t emerge from the water when he was supposed to. As a result, a search for his body took place, and it was too late. The 40 year old magician passed away, telling photographer Jayanta Shaw before the trick that “If I do it right, it’s magic. If I make a mistake, it becomes tragic.”

2. Joe Burrus

In 1990, a magician named Joe Burrus idolized Harry Houdini and considered himself to be his generation’s version of the legendary performer. With that, he attempted to escape from a concrete filled coffin on Halloween night. Sadly, the coffin would collapse under the weight of the mixture and those on hand rushed to save Burrus, but he was buried alive, passing away at just 32 years old.

1. Several “Bullet Catch” Tricks

One of the oldest magic tricks in the book, but also the most dangerous, is the bullet catch trick. This is when a magician looks like they’ve been shot at directly, only to emerge safely with a bullet between their teeth. While this has been pulled off countless times successfully, it has also resulted in multiple deaths. The first notable death came in 1840 when Arnold Buck was killed after his blank bullet was replaced with nails. The most recent came in 1918 when Chung Ling Soo attempted it, with technology cutting down on the accidents since then.

When you think of how celebrities get around, you might think of them getting a limousine or other private transport like a helicopter or airplane. There are some celebrities that aren’t afraid to hit the open road on only two wheels. It isn’t just their film and television characters, either, as these celebrities have truly seen the world while riding motorcycles.

5. Katee Sackhoff

Katee Sackhoff burst onto the scene in the early 2000s thanks to her role in “Battlestar Galactica” and has since appeared in series such as “The Mandalorian” and “Longmire”. Sackhoff once rode across the country to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and put her motorcycle experience to the test. “I started riding in 2005,” Sackhoff said. “I grew up in a small town where four-wheelers were kind of the norm.”

4. William Shatner

Speaking of science fiction actors, there are perhaps none more well known around the world than William Shatner, who of course is known as Captain James T. Kirk from the original “Star Trek” series. Shatner has taken his love for motorcycles on the long road, heading 2,500 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles. “Riding a bike, you’re focused on the road, but you have time to dream and think and wonder about everything that we’ve seen,” Shatner said. “We saw the country…and all its magnificence.”

3. Ryan Reynolds

Once a rom-com star, Ryan Reynolds has branched out to take on interesting roles that include superheroes like Deadpool and iconic cartoon characters like Pikachu. Reynolds has one of the most extensive motorcycle collections for any Hollywood actor, and he has no plans of changing the hobby that he sees as a form of meditation. “When I’m riding a bike, the only things I’m doing are breathing, listening to the engine and changing gears,” Reynolds said. “It’s just me and my bike. No multitasking, no texting, and it clears my head like nothing else.”

2. Ewan McGregor

Known for his roles in blockbusters like “Star Wars”, “Christopher Robin” and “Moulin Rouge!”, Ewan McGregor has been going at it on the big screen for about 30 years now. Documenting his long rides, McGregor has documented his long motorcycle rides in “Long Way Up”. McGregor can’t picture himself not riding motorcycles, now. “I don’t ever want to not do it,” he said. “I don’t have to go out and go a million miles an hour. I like feeling the air, I like smelling the world as you go by and feeling a part of it. A trip to the shops or a meeting just becomes different.” 

1. Keanu Reeves

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see Keanu Reeves on the list. Not only do a lot of his characters in film ride motorcycles, but he’s often photographed riding one of his many bikes around. Not only that, but Reeves even started his own motorcycle company with Gard Hollinger called Arch. “Motorcycles have been a part of my life since I met this girl in Munich,” Reeves said. “We were working on a film together and she had this beautiful Kawasaki Enduro. I asked her if she could team me to ride…I’ve been hooked ever since.”

There seems to be a correlation between those who write for a living and run for their preferred choice of exercise. Perhaps it’s because both are forms of clearing the mind and take a strong psychological toughness to see all the way through. Because exercise and writing go hand in hand, there are plenty of authors that have dwelled upon their experience with running. Here are some of the most notable authors to open up about exercise.

5. Adam Hochschild

Throughout his career that has spanned more than 35 years, Adam Hoschschild has written books that include “King Leopold’s Ghost”, “Bury the Chains” and “Spain in Our Hearts”. In addition, Hochschild has also worked as a journalist and commentator that has a passion for running as much as he does with writing. For Hochschild, getting out and taking in nature while running or walking is a big part of his life. Don’t ask him to get on a treadmill, though, as Hochschild enjoys nature more than running in place and staring at a screen.

4. Malcolm Gladwell

Known best for his work with The New Yorker for more than a quarter century now, Malcolm Gladwell has found success through penning books such as “The Tipping Point”, “Blink” and “Outliers”. Gladwell, who also hosts a podcast called “Revisionist History” is also one of writing’s most avid runners. While at his peak in running during the college years, Gladwell was able to run a mile in under four minutes. Now in his late 50s, Gladwell is still running and can knock out a 5:15 mile. “I always run when I travel,” Gladwell said. “It’s the only way to stay sane.”

3. Nicholas Thompson

A graduate of Stanford University, Nicholas Thompson has had stints with publications such as The New Yorker and Wired, and is currently with The Atlantic. Thompson is almost known more for his running than he is writing and editing, though. He has written several pieces about running, including setting record times in races. Not only has Thompson participated in marathons, but in 2021 he set the United States record for the 45-49 year old group in the 50k, finishing in 3 hours 4 seconds.

2. Joyce Carol Oates

The author of novels such as “Black Water” and “The Wheel of Love”, Joyce Carol Oates gets some of her writing ideas while she’s in the middle of a run. “Running,” Oates said. “If there’s any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can’t think what it might be. In running the mind flies with the body; the mysterious efflorescence of language seems to pulse in the brain, in rhythm with our feet and the swinging of our arms.”

1. Haruki Murakami

Japanese author Haruki Murakami has not only created works of science fiction, fantasy and beyond, but he’s also written about his favorite passion, running. Murakami is a marathon runner who wrote about his experience in writings such as “What I Talk About When I Talk ABout Running”. “Most runners run not because they want to live longer,” Murakami said. “But because they want to live life to the fullest.”

10. Celine Dion ($800 Million)

The Canadian born “My Heart Will Go On” singer has had some success outside of music, including perfumes and fashion. A large chunk of Celine Dion’s net worth has also come from residency on the Las Vegas Strip, as well as her touring career, setting records in both avenues.

9. Dr. Dre ($820 Million)

A hip-hop icon, Dr. Dre has been known more for his role as a producer and businessman in recent years. His label, Aftermath Entertainment, has struck gold with Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. Meanwhile, his headphone collection Beats by Dre sold to Apple for $3 billion back in 2014.

8. Madonna ($850 Million)

You can’t tell the story of pop music without mentioning Madonna, making her a true legend. With her music career (as well as some acting), Madonna has had massive endorsement deals and a few entries into the fashion world to help her amass a net worth of $850 million, making her the second richest woman on the list.

7. Herb Alpert ($870 Million) 

Perhaps the least known name among the younger crowd on the list, Herb Alpert is a living legend known for his trumpeteering. Starting his own record label in the 1960s, Alpert remains tremendously wealthy thanks to the sale of said label (A&M Records).

6. Sean Combs ($885 Million) 

Puff Daddy, P Diddy, whatever you want to call him, just don’t call Sean Combs unwealthy. The rapper is also a business mogul that started Bad Boy Records as well as the Sean John clothing line. Other ventures include Ciroc vodka, sports drinks, e-sports and much more.

5. Paul McCartney ($1.08 Billion)

One of the two surviving members of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney is the first billionaire on the list. Obviously his tours and royalties make him a lot of money, but McCartney also has many other investments to his name that set him apart from many other famous musicians. 

4. Andrew Lloyd Webber ($1.2 Billion)

Though he’s not a singing sensation like many others on this list, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is responsible for some of the most successful stage musicals of all time. Thanks to plays such as “Cats” and his art collection, Webber has become a billionaire.

3. Jay-Z ($1.4 Billion)

The rapper that notoriously said that he’s a “business, man,” Jay-Z has used his rap career to help launch other business ventures. This includes the clothing line Rocawear, nightclubs and even his own sports agency. It also doesn’t hurt that his wife, Beyonce, is among the highest earners in music, too.

2. Rihanna ($1.7 Billion)

One of the most successful artists of the new millennium, Barbados born Rihanna has been a business mogul for a decade thanks to her entry into the fashion world. Starting with a fragrance back in 2011, Rihanna expanded into starting the Fenty line that has earned her more than her music career has, interestingly enough.

1. Kanye West ($2 Billion)

Kanye West, or simply Ye these days, tops the list with a net worth of $2 billion. It’s not just the record sales or touring, but his many other business ventures that have propelled him to where he is today. This includes his luxury fashion line and investments in food joints and he’s even had interest in the automobile industry; hoping to create a flying car (seriously).

There have been many spiritual gurus throughout history who have had a negative influence on their followers. While some of these gurus may have had good intentions, their methods often resulted in chaos and destruction. In this blog, we will explore five of the most notorious spiritual gurus who exerted a negative influence on their followers.

1:  Jim Jones

Jim Jones was the founder of the Peoples Temple, a religious cult based in San Francisco. In 1978, Jones led his followers to Guyana, where they established a commune called Jonestown. Tragically, Jonestown became the site of a mass murder-suicide when 918 people died after drinking poison at Jones’s direction.

2:  David Koresh

David Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians, a religious sect based in Waco, Texas. In 1993, Koresh and his followers became involved in a standoff with the FBI and ATF. The standoff ended when the compound caught fire, resulting in the deaths of 76 people, including Koresh.

3:  Shoko Asahara

Shoko Asahara was the founder of Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese religious cult. In 1995, cult members carried out a deadly sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system. The attack killed 13 people and injured over 6,000 others.

4:  Warren Jeffs

Warren Jeffs was the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a Mormon splinter group. In 2006, Jeffs was convicted of sexual assault for marrying and raping two underage girls who were his followers. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.

5:  Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez

Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez was a follower of conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck. In 2011, Ortega-Hernandez opened fire on the U.S. Capitol building, resulting in damage but no injuries. He was later arrested and convicted of several felony charges.

These are just a few examples of spiritual gurus who have exerted a negative influence on their followers. It is important to be critical of anyone who claims to have spiritual knowledge and to research their teachings before following them blindly.

Many people think politicians and armies have the most power to affect communities, cultures, and countries. However, a balanced history study might show that entrepreneurs have done the most to change things. They introduce innovations that improve lives and change society. Many of the wealthiest businesspeople also use some of their fortunes to fund worthwhile causes. To understand this argument, consider five entrepreneurs with the vision to change the world. 

Five World-Changing Entrepreneurs 

Most people should find it easy to name several businesspeople that history will remember for their world-changing efforts. Also, these visionaries seldom work alone, so many might say they should share credit with employees and partners. That makes it difficult to limit this list to just five individuals. 

Also, most lists of impactful entrepreneurs tend to focus on people who are still living. After all, many people still have these newer achievements fresh in their minds and tend to take older innovations for granted. This article tried to avoid that bias by focusing on famous business people who have passed on or passed their prime entrepreneurial years. 

Benjamin Franklin 

Benjamin Franklin wore many hats and gained fame as a statesman, publisher, writer, and inventor. Some historians have compared him to a combination of Thomas Edison, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, and Mark Zuckerberg. He certainly had an entrepreneurial streak and founded businesses to market his inventions. Some examples include the lightning rod, bifocals, and both fire insurance and fire departments. 

Thomas Edison 

Thomas Edison stands out because of his gifts for both invention and business. He also relied on teams of talented young technicians who tested and refined Edison’s initial ideas. Also, many of Edison’s key inventions improved upon earlier products. For instance, Edison did not invent the telegraph or the telephone, but he vastly improved them. He deserves credit for having ideas and putting teams together that could turn them into reality. 

Henry Ford 

Henry Ford also can’t claim to have invented automobiles. In those days, a group of manufacturers produced the first cars. However, they cost a lot, so most people could never afford one. Henry Ford figured out how to mass-produce vehicles more cheaply, making cars and trucks accessible to the general population. 

Andrew Carnegie 

Andrew Carnegie started out poor. He worked for other people before beginning his own company. Historians still consider him the wealthiest person ever by measuring his fortune in today’s dollars. His cutting-edge steel mill probably stands out as his primary business accomplishment. However, many people remember him well for the philanthropy he funded with 90 percent of his fortune during his later years. He donated to libraries and schools all over the United States. 

Bill Gates 

Bill Gates has lost his long-held top spot as the wealthiest man in the world. Still, nobody should overlook the world-changing impact of Bill Gates’s Microsoft and the innovative and affordable personal computers and software it developed. More recently, Gates has donated billions from his fortune to his charitable foundation, which helps confront global problems like poverty and disease. 

Do Entrepreneurs Set Out to Change the World?

Naturally, businesspeople have their own reasons for starting companies. Many see a problem that they can solve and hope to earn a good living by doing it. Even so, many successful entrepreneurs have a vision and wish to create positive change through their efforts.