So Much Magic, So Little Time

I know I say this a lot, but I mean it every time, and here it is again: What a week! Work, work, work, work, WORK! We've all logged in some miles and earned our keep this week, that's for sure, and it's all thanks to you. You've kept us busy throughout the dreaded month of April! I say "dreaded" because April is notorious for tax time, and chances are, everyone digs deeper into their pocket for Uncle Sam.

Betty and I enjoyed our trip to San Francisco last week. The weather was beautiful and perfect. Not too many people, and Lewis Black's show was so great, my jaws still ache from laughing so hard. If Lewis ever comes to your area, drop what you are doing and go see his show.

New products keep coming in faster than I can even keep up with this week! There are tons of new DVDs, including the new Greg Wilson, Aldo Colombini, Ross Bertram, and more. Check out the website for details! Another item we're excited about that will be coming in the next couple of weeks is the new Gilligan's Prediction. Stop what you're doing right now and head on over to the website and see this thing in action! I predict a total sell-out of our first shipment, so pre-order yours today! Another thing to talk about is Jay Leslie's terrific new kid show item, "To the Moon!" Created exclusively for Hocus Pocus, every kid show worker will want one of these as it is perhaps one of the best sucker effects to come along in quite some time! This is a quality piece of apparatus that is well-built and you'll be able to perform it in mere minutes! Jay has only produced 12 units, which we've acquired so get your today!

I just purchased a small private collection of antique magic that I'll be sending to Hocus Pocus Online Members soon. Currently, we are looking to also purchase older magic. If you have any older magic props you are not using, give me a call toll-free at 800-407-4040. I'm willing to pay cash or give you store credit -- your choice! We're also looking for the following items:

Collector's Workshop Khyber Kobra
Collector's Workshop Jumbo Card on Seat
Collector's Workshop Gilded Cage
Origami Illusion
Charvet No Assistant Black Nest of Boxes

We have a new employee starting here on Monday. Her name is Nancy Weismann, and it is her voice you'll be hearing on the phones. Nancy comes to us from the Vendo company. Nancy's a very nice and professional person, so when you talk to her, make sure you give her a warm Hocus Pocus hello. I think we've also found our replacement for Jason London. Although we're not at liberty to reveal who it is yet, you can rest-assured that he is a full-time working professional who has made his career out of magic! Mike and I are very excited to have this individual climb aboard, and I predict a long and happy future with him! We're in the process of working out the final details with him, and once done we will be making the announcement, so stay tuned!

After doing this for 30 + years, you sometimes wonder how well you are doing. We're kept in check by customer comments and suggestions, and we read and listen to them all. This morning I opened up my email and found this letter from a long time customer, and it really put a spring in my step:

Hey - this is a letter that is to say "thanks" for all the things you've done to help me along. You are an amazing entity in this realm of magic business, and, well, I truly hope you know what you are worth. As far as I am concerned, there is no magic shop except for your little realm sitting there in Fresno.

I pass the word on the various group boards I am on about Hocus Pocus every time a person comes along and asks for a dealer that is good. Anyone starts talking about buying new routines, I tell them about you. I do it on boards, I do it verbally for folk I talk with and to. Still, I wish there was more I could do to help you. Word of mouth is one thing, buying the routines is another, but...it really doesn't support you the way you deserve to be upheld in this crazy business.

I wonder how many performers in our business really appreciate or understand the depth of what you do for us/them? I cannot think of any other dealer who is so directly dedicated to providing the best in material, the best in trade situations, the best in customer satisfaction than you. And, I've dealt with two or three major sources on repeated business. Over the last few months we have briefly touched base on them. And, each and every one of those dealers is not half the merchant you are. There is no doubt about this, Paul, you are simply, THE BEST.

I appreciate the time you take out of your schedule to spend the moments on the phone or emails in talking with me. I know you are consistently busy and have amazing levels of other wheeling and dealing you have to attend to in order to ensure that your shop has the most up to date materials, the most reliable effects, the most consistent inventory in order to meet the demands of a mail order clientele that you have...be it from an inside order fill to a drop ship from a manufacturer countless miles away. Having done a share of shipping and receiving many years ago (when I was working temp jobs at a younger point in my life), well, I know the type of dedication and hours it takes to stay on top of that type of duties.

Another point of impressiveness is the trust you have in your staff there with you. I do not see that very often in any form of small business organization. There is a well given distribution of authority at your place...which should, theoretically, help you handle the higher end of the management easier. How you do this, with a wife, with kids, with a family...amazes me. What you are running is something that seems to demand your attention 24 hours a day of your being. You must live doubly hard to achieve these things. Wow. That is pretty outstanding about you.

Anyways, this is a brief email to touch base and pass on my thoughts and thanks to you. I am proud to be a part of your clientele and represent you to the fellow performers I meet in this world...even if it is on a "word of mouth" basis.

There's a lot I could say...I'll keep that for another letter someplace further along the way.

The best to you -

Kym

Wow. It's letters like this that make it all worthwhile. Thanks to all of you and to you, Kym, who have helped make Hocus Pocus what it is today.

Until next time,

Paul

On the Road Again

"On the Road Again" is a great title, because if you remember last week, we headed south to Hollywood, California for the great, semi-annual Magic Castle Swap Meet. As tradition merited, we had our annual Friday lunch at Musso & Frank's. Everyone was there: Gerald and Chuck Kirchner, owners of Magic City, Robert Baxt, R. Paul Wilson, Joe Porper, Pete Biro, Lou Hirchorn, and Louis St. Pierre of Hollywood Magic, the legendary Carl Ballantine, and late guest arrival, Geno Munari of Houdini Magic shops! One of the great highlights was seeing Joe Porper and Louis St. Pierre renew their friendship as they hadn't seen each other in 30 years. Our sides were splitting as they rekindled old stories of shooting pool together and even being tossed in jail! Joe then demonstrated his latest product, the Folding Key (you may have noticed it on the web site already) and blew everyone away! This is yet another example of the genius machinist Joe really is!

After lunch, the whole gang walked across the street to Hollywood Magic with Louis! I was honored when Louis took me upstairs to the famous "Locked Room," where I was privvy to one of the largest collections of antique magic and books I've ever seen in one place! Louis is a great guy and really loves magic! Afterwards, it was back to the hotel for a little R&R with Louis, Chuck, Gerald, and the rest of the gang.


Louis St. Pierre and me

After we all got some rest, it was dinner with the Princess of Magic herself, Irene Larsen!


Louis St. Pierre, Chuck Kirchner, and Irene Larsen

Later, it was showtime at the Magic Castle, where I had the pleasure of seeing a truly unique young man named Arthur Trace! He performed a manipulation act with a large, abstract painting. I've seen a lot of magic acts in my lifetime, and I have never seen anything like this! After the performance, Dale Hindman was informing us that the AMA was going to sponsor Arthur to go to FISM with this act! I guarantee you will be hearing a lot about this exceptionally talented young man!

The next day, Saturday, we got up at the crack of dawn to stand in line for the Swap Meet. I always get to talk to my old friends like Frank Thurston while I wait in line. There weren't as many dealers as usual this time around, but there were still some good deals to be had! The next Swap Meet is in September, and you can bet we'll be there!

This week has really flown by! Lots of new things we're really excited about, including Devin Knight & Al Mann's Glass Box Prediction! This will be available the first week in May, and already everyone is talking about it. We've already started taking pre-orders. Go to our website and read all about the details! Just click on the banner and you're there!

Another exciting product we received this week is called "Child's Play," and it's anything BUT! I predict this will be one of the hottest products we've had in a while. It's so practical and easy to use, you'll have this with you every single day. Terrific for a guy who is a table-hopper, mentalist, and even stage performer! The price is so low, I still can't believe it! Can you tell I like this item? Check it out on the website as well.


Dirk Losander and Luna Shimada

Congratulations to Dirk Losander and Luna Shimada! I just hung up with Losander, and he announced that they are expecting another child! Yahoo! It couldn't happen to two nicer people and parents! We send them all our well-wishes.


Lewis Black

Oh yeah, and the "On the Road Again?" Betty and I are heading north tomorrow to San Francisco to see Lewis Black, one of my favorite comedians (Mike is extremely jealous as Lewis is Mike's favorite comedian of all time)! Just looking at his picture makes me laugh! Betty and I will be having dinner at our favorite restaurant, Scoma's, and walk by the beach before seeing the show at the Warwick Theatre.

So there you have it: quite a full week, and who knows what's in store for the week to come? There's always something exciting happening at Hocus Pocus!

Until next time,

Paul

Topical Tax Time Tips Today!

Hey everyone,

I know that today is tax day, and for those of you expecting a refund, what better way to spend your windfall than on some of our great magic items? (And of course, for those who have heavy tax bills, what better way to relieve those tax day blues than with some of our great magic items?) :-)

We're happy here. Today, Betty and I head off for Hollywood, California where we will be having lunch at the famous old Hollywood restaraunt, "Musso and Franks" with many dear magic friends, including Chuck and Gerald Kirchner from Magic City, Louie St. Pierre, owner of Hollywood Magic, famous comedy magician and actor Carl Ballantine, Robert Baxt, Lou Hirschorn, R. Paul Wilson, and a host of others.

Tonight, we'll be having dinner at the Magic Castle with the Queen of the Castle herself, Irene Larsen, and catching Goldfinger and Dove who are starring there in the Palace of Mystery Show.

I also want to thank all our listeners who heard us on the Magic Broadcast earlier this week when The Mike on the Mike show starring our very own Mike Giusti had Robert Baxt and me as guests as we discussed fond magic memeories of my hero, Harry Blackstone Jr. and gave away tons of valuable prizes from our list of exclusive magic like the Baxt Cell Phone Suprise and Paul Kozak's Superior Salt Pour gimmick! Congratulations to all the winners!



As a matter of fact, Robert has been visiting this week as we work on his Cell Phone Surprise trick to ship next week. He's grimacing in this photo because those hammer/magic wands he's holding in that box are heavy (and funny). Later, Robert had a few spare moments and decided to make some extra dough on the streets of Fresno plying his three card monte skills. Beware if this man offers to let you win:



Other guests visting this past week included Australian magician Pete Brown who, on his first trip to the United States, dropped by to see us and walked the aisles and aisles of Hocus Pocus to purchase all the great stuff we have here, that he can't get "down under."



Pete and me.

For the rest of you, you may have noticed a new look to our website, and there are more changes on the way. We want to do our best to make your online shopping experience as pleasant as possible, and I ask you to let us know what you think about our site.

On top of all the other things that were going on this week, did I mention we shipped several hundred PSI Sharpies? Jan, my sister, who's in chargeof shipping in the warehouse, tells me her fingers are raw from packing and shipping them all. In my sleep I'm still seeing PSI Sharpies. Yikes!

That's all for now. Looking forward to telling you all about our trip next time!

Paul

Now We're Having Fun!

Hi,

Robert Baxt here! I'm hijacking the blog from Paul. He is so overwhelmed with response to the latest products we have here like the new Terminator Wallet and Baxt's Cell Phone Surprise (a little self-promotion never hurt) that he's probably never gonna' know that I'm doing this.

I've actually left my home in Hollywood, CA. down the street from the world famous Magic Castle and I'm here in beautiful Fresno, CA working on my latest release with Hocus Pocus.



Mikey-pooh here. Now it's my turn to do what I do best: take what's Paul's and make it mine, ALL MINE, BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA and all that stuff!

I've been having tons o' fun lately with Daniel Garcia's Torn DVD, Daniel's take on the now-classic Torn & Restored Card plot. Having practiced it for about a week now, tonight it will make its debut at one of my weekly restaurant gigs. Upon showing the first and second restoration sequences to Paul and some of the employees here at the shop and FRYING them completely, I'd say the signs are pointing to "all clear!" Keep in mind that Paul HATES card tricks and was blown away when I showed it to him. If you are a fan of the T&R Card and have not purchased Daniel Garcia's Torn DVD, do so immediately and without fail (it also contains Daniel's original VHS version converted to DVD as well)!

Also, some HUGE news:

Tune in to the Magic Broadcast this Tuesday for the Mike on the Mike Show, hosted by yours truly, where my guests will be none other than Robert Baxt and Paul Gross! Not only will you be hearing tons of performance stories and some terrific magic history, you'll also have a chance to win one of the following six prizes we are giving away:

1. Ascanio & Adventures of 51 Magicians & a Fakir Books

2. Portable Card Sword by Jay Leslie

3. Bill in Ice by Chance Wolf

4. Baxt's Cell Phone Surprise

5. Electronic Crasher

6. Kozak Salt Pour

That's $820 dollars worth of quality magic! Each and every product and description can be found by going to the Hocus Pocus Web site... http://www.hocus-pocus.com/magicshop/?hn=1

Tune in to the Magic Broadcast to find out how to win!

I'm out!

HEY WAIT A MINUTE! Robert Baxt typing again, how did Mike Giusti hijack my hijacking of the blog?!?! (He's not just good, he's VERY good!) Just wanted to add that the next project for Hocus Pocus and me will be my booklet, "10 Ways 2 Be Funny" for magicians and other performers. It'll be available before Summer. So until the next time Paul leaves the computer unguarded, I just want to say a big sincere "Thank You" to Paul and Betty and the whole Gross Family as well as the staff: Mike, Jan, Nick, Louie, Jay, and all the rest for making me feel so welcome here!

Nice try, guys. You didn't think that I'd let you get the last word in, did you? This is Paul, and I wanted to let everyone know that it's been a lot of fun having Robert around this week. The week has indeed flown by. In other exciting news, we will be carrying the entire AB Stagecraft Line of Mentalism from Mr. Paul Alberstat. As many of you know, Paul is a full-time performer, and all of the material from the AB Stagecraft line is real-world, audience-tested material. Watch our web site starting Monday for these products to begin appearing!

Talk about products appearing, have you checked out the web site lately? I've had Mike running so fast and so hard this past week, that I think he's lost 10 pounds in the process. When I cautiously approached his desk today to ask him a question, here was the look he gave me:



What does that mean? Just joking. Mike's one of the hardest working guys here. I know because his fingers hit those keys so hard and fast, his fingers are 2 inches shorter than when the week started.

Don't forget, next weekend is the big Magic Castle Swap Meet, and as always, I'm looking forward to our lunch on Friday, the day before. The whole gang will be at Musso & Frank's: Robert Baxt, Carl Ballantine, R. Paul Wilson, Joe Porper, Pete Biro, Chuck and Gerald Kirchner from Magic City, Louis St. Pierre - owner and Godfather of Hollywood Magic, Betty, and myself. Remember, if you are at the Swap Meet Saturday and you see me searching through all the great things there, be sure to stop me and say hello.

So there you have it and there it is: Fun, Fun, Fun! I can't wait for next week. And hey -- don't forget to listen to Mike, Robert, and I on the Magic Broadcast on Tuesday, April 12 at 9:00 PM!

Until next time,

Paul

No Foolin' Here!

Friday, April Fool's Day, and my son, Max, is in high gear. As you may remember awhile back, I told you he was the joke and novelty king. Last night, the phone at home was ringing off the hook. I asked Betty who it was who kept calling, and she told me it was Max's friends placing their orders for some April Fool's Day pranks! You should have been there this morning to see Max loading Betty's car with boxes of novelties and jokes to deliver to his friends at school this morning. It was hilarious, but it also made me very proud. Max is definitely a chip off the ol' block.

What do you get when you mix R. Paul Wilson and Joe Porper? Simple: the new Terminator Wallet! Last November, Mike and I had the pleasure of witnessing the first working models from Paul and Joe! Even then we knew they were on to something special! The prototypes themselves were amazing, and now it's perfection! If you are looking for a way to bend signed, borrowed coins without any funny moves, switches, or awkward moments, the Terminator Wallet is made just for you. Joe and Paul are producing only 35 Terminator Wallets as an exclusive to Hocus Pocus, and as I write this, we have already sold 11! If interested, give me a call or check it out on the web site.

Something else I'm really excited about are the Gladiator and Knight Swords Through Neck! We received them yesterday and the quality is outstanding! This is not the typical Sword Through Neck you're used to seeing; these things look and feel like real, heavy, Victorian-style swords! Even the blades look real (not like tape measures) and are as close to solid metal as you can get! You'll have no fear waving these things around while onstage to prove they are genuine. Definitely worth taking the time to check out!


ROBERT BAXT

Special guest Robert Baxt will be gracing us with his presence here at Hocus Pocus for two weeks beginning Monday, April 4th. He's working on his new DVD for the fraternity: "How to Be Funny" as well as his next exclusive to Hocus-Pocus.com trick "Baxt's Cell Phone Surprise" in which a non-stooged cell phone goes off during your show and you take a real, honest to goodness, not a plant, cell phone from an unsuspecting spectator and destroy it to thunderous applause! So, when next you phone us, you might just hear Robert's signature "Hello, Hocus Pocus, this is Robert Baxt speaking." I'm sure Robert will not only bring his trademarked professionalism, but high humor as well. We all look forward to his appearance!

Two weeks from today, I'll be heading to Hollywood for the Magic Castle Swap Meet held on Saturday, April 16th. If you're there, say hello. Of course, we'll have photos like last time, so look forward to the coverage in the coming weeks.


JASON LONDON

In life, we all have the pleasure of meeting and knowing great people. I had the pleasure of knowing Jason London for the last 5 or so years. Jason is a great guy with a terrific sense of humor and an incredible knowledge of magic. This week, Jason had a fortunate opportunity to accept an offer he couldn't refuse (as the Godfather would say) to work for Pelco Co. Pelco is one of the world's largest security companies and this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for both Jason and his family. We'll miss Jason as I'm sure all of you will and hope you'll join us in wishing Jason all the very best in his new endeavor.

Tonight, I'll go home and tippy-toe around the house, in hopes of avoiding myriad traps Max has undoubtedly set for me.

Until next time,

Paul

A Day Off!

Well, here we are at the ending of another week. I am actually going to take a day off tomorrow. Mike and Jason have a running bet. Mike thinks I'll take it, Jason doesn't. We'll see whose $50.00 richer. I'm betting on Mike. It will be nice to take a three day weekend and enjoy the upcoming Easter holiday. All my kids will be at the homestead, and I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time with them. We'll all be going to my mother in-law's for Easter dinner, or should I say Easter Feast???

I was very happy this week to speak once again to Nicholas Einhorn from the U.K. We were able to twist Nick's arm to produce a limited quantity (10 units) of his best-selling self-levitation, In-Flight! For those of you who have had the opportunity to see it in action, you know how powerful this looks. It's practical, lightweight, and it can be performed anywhere, and I mean anywhere! Due to Nick's hectic full-time performing schedule (he's one of the most sought-after performers in England), it is rare when he has the time and energy to assemble these for us, and I thank him! If you're interested, check it out on our website, including a demo video of In-Flight in action. We've already pre-sold 3 so there are only 7 left!

Last week, I mentioned the construction going on in the back lot, and I'm proud to announce that it is all finished. We now have some desperately-needed extra room, and we'll be putting it to good use! This extra space will help facilitate a faster, more efficient shipping and receiving area, which means, you'll be getting your orders faster!

Special thanks to Ron Allesi for securing an exclusive on what could very well be one of the most perfect mentalism effects: DreamCatcher! We're extremely excited about adding these to our exclusive line of products, and Ron has arranged for us to receive a total of 40 units. No more will ever be made again by the manufacturer. You can pre-order yours now if you wish for April 15th delivery. Read about DreamCatcher and check out the great graphics Mike did on the website!

I'm really happy with the way our little blog seems to be attracting more and more attention each week. I'm also very happy to read the nice letters and stories shared from you. It's been a great way to get to know some of you a little bit better. So keep those cards, letters, and emails coming, folks!

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend, and remember -- place your bets on Mike! Ha ha!

Until next time,

Paul

Room To Move

Hello, all!

Hope you all had a terrific St. Patrick's Day yesterday. Thanks for the tremendous response you've given us for our St. Patrick's Day Sale Event! We shipped 118 boxes yesterday all over the globe!

It seems like every 6 months or so, we find ourselves needing more room as new products continue to arrive daily. We've done many things like adding a second tier to the warehouse, and tearing down and moving a few walls here and there, and now we're adding more space to the back lot!

This week, our landlord is here from Gulf Shores, Alabama. Most people don't like to see their landlord, but I love it when Bob makes an appearance. He really cares about his tenants and does everything possible to make us feel completely comfortable. He's never closed-minded to ideas I may have regarding the business. He was the one who encouraged us last year to build up and out; whatever we wanted to in order to make the building work for US! This visit, he brought us great news: he is adding on an additional 900 square feet to the back lot. This means we'll have even more space to utilize and manage (which we welcome). As I type this, they are feverishly working in the back, sawing, hammering, etc. Construction should be completed by Monday! This will be a welcomed start to the new week!

Last week, I told you how cold it was here. Cold like BRAZIL! It was in the high 70s to low 80s as if we skipped Spring and jumped right into Summer. Today, it's cold, windy and overcast and Mr. Weatherman says we're in for more rain for the next 4-5 days. So it's back to warm clothes and umbrellas.

Mr. Fresno



Al Radka was known as Mr. Fresno. Al came to Fresno over 60 years ago. Starting out as a radio personality, Al took his career in many different directions, including local TV personality. Al had a kids show every day on local television called "Al Radka's Fun Time." He would play old cartoons and my favorite "3 Stooges" episodes. He wrote, produced, and directed a lot of local television commercials which were corny, yet funny. He even wrote jingles, which believe it or not, I can still remember the words. Everywhere Al went, he had a smile on his face like in the above picture. He was a jokester and loved to make people laugh. He did so much to raise money for charitable causes and was always available to help whoever needed it. No matter where you went in town, people knew instantly who Al Radka was. Everyone. Al Radka passed away last week at the age of 89. His raspy voice and funny jokes, told in his straw hat and striped coat will stay with me forever.

Spoke to R. Paul Wilson a few days ago, and we're excited to be able to offer his new DVD, "Unreal Work," along with Jason England. People have been waiting for this for a long time. It was a huge hit at the WMS this year. We have a limited supply immediately available for shipping. If you are interested, definitely check out the web site.

We are also excited about a new product from Chance Wolf of Wolf's Magic. Several years ago, Chance told me about an effect involving a borrowed bill that ends up inside a solid cube of ice. He's been performing it for years prior and had been considering releasing it to the magic fraternity. The wait is over; Chance has granted us the exclusive selling and distribution rights for "Bill in Ice." Chance is putting the finishing touches on them now, and they'll be ready to ship April 1, and that's no joke. Again, check out all the details on our web site.

Ascanio Book Update:

After a major Customs foul-up, I am happy to say that the Ascanio books will be here this afternoon. If you've already ordered one, yours, of course, will be shipped immediately. If you haven't ordered this fantastic book yet, jump on the bandwagon as Hocus Pocus is the first and only place you'll be able to purchase this book from for months to come!

If it doesn't rain all weekend (keeping fingers crossed), I'll finish my yard work projects from last week! Betty and I plan on attending a huge annual Antique Street Fair. Who knows what we'll find?

Until next time,

Paul

Smoke 'Em if You Got 'Em!

The incredible John Rogers

Our web page has exploded since the beginning of the week. Since Monday, not only has Mike put on more than 50 new products, we have acquired the John Rogers line. This line of faux cigars and cigarettes is incredible, and John is quite the craftsman. Each and every one of his items is meticulously hand crafted from wood and from scratch. Need the perfect manipulation cigar? We've got it. Need the perfect cigar for the purse routine? We've got it. Need the perfect cigarettes for a manipulation act? We got it all. One of my personal favorites is the Diablo Cigar. Just watching the online video makes me laugh out loud. Watch John as he performs this, and you'll do the same.

You might remember, last week I mentioned that there were some hot new items previewed at the Blackpool Convention in the U.K. One of the most talked-about items was the Electronic Crasher. We received confirmation early in the week that we will have these to ship out on April 1st (no, it's not an April Fool's joke). There's also a cool online video of the Electronic Crasher in action, so head on over and take a gander.

Oh, I almost forgot (I don't know how) -- Banachek and Dela have released a brand new version of Banachek's best-selling Psychokinetic Pen called the PK Sharpie! Now, you can do everything the original did but with an item you most likely carry with you everywhere: a Sharpie brand marker! We were very lucky to obtain the first 50 released, and they're selling like hotcakes!


Cody Fisher

Talk about hotcakes, Cody Fisher's Signed Card to Any Wallet sold out completely of the first shipped 100 pieces in 3 days! Spoke with Cody yesterday, and the poor guy is whipping them up as fast as he can so you can have it in your hot little hands ASAP! Also, be sure to check out Cody's School Show Opener, which is a tried-and-tested, 5-minute routine involving an entire school show audience and a spoon! Every word of his patter is included, and we thank Cody for allowing us the exclusive on his fantastic products!

Thank you all for your tremendous response and support regarding the Fabrice Delaure line of electronic magic. The orders have been pouring in, and Fabrice is elated with our new working relationship. So am I. Jason spoke with Fabrice a few days ago, and there will be three new products that will be released shortly. Keep your eye on the web site for updates...

Finally, the weather has been beautiful these past few days. We expect a high today of 78 degrees and a high of 84 degrees tomorrow. The air conditioning unit for the warehouse has already started its pre-summer warm-up! Sounds like a terrific weekend to work in the yard! Maybe I'll pick up building bird houses again.

What a year this is going to be, so fasten your seatbelts and keep your hands and feet in the vehicle at all times.

Until next time,

Paul

Spring Has Sprung

Hi, all!

Although you can't tell around here because it's a bit overcast and rainy, Spring is officially here. In fact, as I'm writing this, it's just about to start pouring again. Don't get me wrong -- we need the rain as the major source of income for this city is agriculture, but it would be nice to see the sun once in a while...

You may remember that I posted the coming of a major announcement on the last blog entry, and in case you haven't seen the site yet, Hocus Pocus is proud to be the exclusive official dealer of the Fabrice Delaure line of magic here in the USA!



The high quality and integrity of this line of magic is something I've been wanting to represent for a long time now, and a dream has come true. Everything that Fabrice puts out is of the utmost quality and it's backed up 100% by both Fabrice and Hocus Pocus. I've had Mike work feverishly to put these products online and they've been appearing in vast numbers every day, and there's still more to come!


Gerardo Para, magician and friend

We're always happy when we are visited by our customers. Recently, Gerardo Para, from Chile, who always visits us twice a year, just paid us a visit. He's quite well-known in his country and puts on one heck of a show. You could not meet a finer gentleman than Gerardo!

For those of you who purchased the Paul Kozak Salt Pour, you may have noticed a tidbit of his routine on the DVD that didn't make it on our web site (for good reason). It's his Bottle Production from Silks, and I'm happy to say that we will also be carrying this fantastic product to complement the salt pour routine.

One of the things that Kozak mentions on the DVD is that you are free to use his routine for your shows (this is one of the reasons we didn't put his entire routine on the web site). It's very rare that a professional performer is willing to sell not only a product, but the routine that accompanies the product as well! What you are receiving is, in fact, years of refining, study, redesigning, and all the nuts and bolts that would otherwise take you years to acquire on your own! Kozak is that kinda' guy, and what class! I personally have tremendous respect for performers like Kozak who do their homework, love what they do, and have no problem sharing that part of themselves with others. There's a huge difference between a performer who offers a product that he himself never uses and continuously produces "new" products as the flavor of the month, and a performer who decides to share with you what he personally has used for years (and still does). Thanks again, Koz!

I've had a lot of comments about new products that were introduced at the Blackpool Convention last week. I understand that there were several that really stood out. Not to worry; Jason's already made contact with some of the originators and you'll start seeing these items pop up on the web site soon! I always appreciate any input or information like this from you as we are constantly searching the globe for new and original products.

Hope you all have a safe and restful weekend. I can't believe it -- Fed-Ex just showed up at our door with a ton of packages, and if it's what I think it is, you'll be pleased! Stay tuned.

Until next time,

Paul

Big News!

Some big news happening around these parts.

I spoke to Paul Kozak this morning, and he couldn't be more excited. Originally, he had been scheduled to be the emcee at the World Magic Seminar awards show. At the last minute, they asked him to close the show instead. Being the steadfast pro that Koz is, he said yes, of course. He brought down the house by ending his entire performance with his salt pour routine. Everyone went crazy! Paul told me that his only regret was that it wasn't captured on film.

My friend Tony Blanco also shared a great story about the WMS:

No one ever really knows what going to happen (i.e. guests stars). The curtain opens and a video starts with words in the clouds. Imagine, Dream... and I am thinking "David Copperfield?" Then comes a voice-over narration and yes -- it's Copperfield voice. The video screen lifts and out comes David. Standing Ovation. He then goes into his welcome and starts the show with his hand gag.

Out from the wings runs a stagehand whispers something and runs off David looks back and says "You mean this isn't the MGM?" Sh*t."

The MC for the afternoon comes out and says, "I guess $60,000 doesn't get what it used to."

I'm pleased to announce that we will be carrying a few of the highly coveted Finn Jon products (you probably already noticed the "Finn Jon Smoke From Anywhere" making its appearance). Stay tuned as we'll be highlighting and showcasing them on the Hocus Pocus web site.

I'm also very pleased to announce that after many trials and runs, the Robert Baxt Computer Cutie is being shipped out as I write this, and each one is absolutely gorgeous! Silkscreened on vinyl in vibrant color, you'll be proud not only owning this but performing it as well. Robert really has brought the Bathing Beauty concept into the 21st Century and I'm proud to stand behind it!


An early headshot of PUNX

Ted Lesley sent us, from his private collection, all the props and cases that belonged to the late PUNX. This is his entire Baking a Cake routine that PUNX performed in his shows for many years. If you are a collector or a magic historian buff and interested in purchasing this, please contact me for more information at 800-407-4040.

Also, our very own Jason London has been working with a new supplier of some outstanding mentalism products. I guarantee you've never seen anything like this before. We are very excited about making this new contact and can't wait to be able to offer the line to you.

I am pleased to report that we will have a very exciting announcement come next week. Although I can't go into details now, the results will be evident on the site. Make sure you check it out.

So there you have it. There's one thing for sure: there's never a dull moment around Hocus Pocus.

Until next time,

Paul