Spellbound

My fantastic family got this book for me SPELLBOUND - THE WONDER-FILLED LIFE OF DOUG HENNING by John Harrison for Christmas. Wow! What a fun read. I've had trouble putting it down. I don't even think you'd have to be a magician to enjoy the story of this wonderful man. If you enjoy biographies of interesting people... this one is truly fascinating. Available at all bookstores and Amazon.com. It's around 45 bucks for hard cover. Great job John Harrison on filling in the bits and pieces that made up a truly inspiring life... the wonder-filled life of Doug Henning.

No Smoking In Sillyville

I think this pretty much says it all. :)

Late Night Magic in Las Vegas

For years the magicians of Las Vegas have gotten together after their evening shows and shared magic, ideas, and gossip with each other. I was lucky enough to be in Vegas for the IAFE convention recently and got to go to Boomers Lounge (in the back room of course) and hang out with the magic crowd. It was terrific. I got to visit with the incredibly generous and talented Gary Darwin (in photo). He showed me a terrific version of the "retention vanish". It totally made me rethink my use of this tricky sleight of hand vanish. I've been working on it ever since then. Thanks Mr. Darwin! I also got to visit with the incredibly talented Steve Daley - Tiny Bubbles - has his finger in so many show-biz pies... it's amazing. I loved hearing the plans for new projects (late into the evening) and am sure he'll make them all happen. Good luck Stevo. I got to meet many other talented and interesting performers this time out. Many thanks to you all. Hope I get to see you all soon.

LOVE

Every year for the last decade or so, I have attended the IAFE convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's a booking convention for Fairs and Expos. If you have a county or state fair... someone from your town is probably at this convention. Generally the convention is held at the Paris Hotel (a really nice hotel by the way) in December. I really enjoy the convention and Vegas this time of year. At the convention I get to meet lots of new people and catch up with friends I don't get to see through-out the year, but probably my favorite thing is seeing Las Vegas shows. Wow! The shows in Vegas can be sooooo amazing. The quality is astounding... shows I've seen and loved in the past include... The BLUE MAN GROUP, CARROT TOP, GEORGE CARLIN, CHICAGO, MAC KING, FITZ OF LAUGHTER, LANCE BURTON, SECOND CITY, STEVE WYRICK and PENN & TELLER. But I finally got to see The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil last week. Man o' man was that a terrific show! First of all, they start with some of the best pop music ever made (The Beatles), but it's been remixed to give it a new flavor. I was unsure if I'd like the new mix (I don't think you should mess with perfection) but I was quickly converted when I heard the new mix from the most awesome surround sound system I've ever witnessed. Then add to that the "dreamscape" style show that Cirque is able to create full of non-literal images and color, and skill, and it was one of the funnest theatrical evenings I've ever spent. Between my smiles, I sang along to almost the entire show. The show also reminded me of something... all you need is... love. Steve :)