The Week After

First of all, thank you so much for all your nice emails, phone calls, and especially those who sang happy birthday to me on the answering machine. I also want to thank Mike for taking over the blog last week during my short 5-day vacation. No one could believe I actually took that many days off in a row. In fact, I found it hard to believe myself, now that I think about it... I spent the time off with my family: we had dinner together; Betty and I caught the film, "The Illusionist," which I highly recommend if you haven't already seen it. Also, before the movie, we caught the preview of the other magic related movie coming out, "The Prestige" with Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. This looks exciting and I can't wait until its release! My daughters gave me a new book on Frank Sinatra, one of my favorite singers. From the rest of my family, I got a new Koi for the Koi pond and other goodies too many to mention. All in all, it was a fantastic birthday celebration. Thanks again, everyone!



This week has been very busy as we've been receiving lots of effects, one of which is the award-winning FISM effect from Henry Evans entitled "Find the Way." When Marc DeSouza returned from the convention in Sweden, he told me that this was a must-have, and I can see why! We are very excited to be able to offer a limited supply to you, our Hocus Pocus fans! If you have a moment, check it out on the website here and check out the new online video as well!



This just in! We're very excited to be able to carry the David & Dania line of quick-change products. Their first offering is the David & Dania Top Hat & Color Changing Gloves, a fantastic and unique color change straight out of their award-winning act! Stay tuned as we'll be offering more of their products as they become available.



Also, Lee Alex's Color Changing Vest has been flying off the shelves. It is definitely one of the hottest-selling items we've ever offered, and I cannot believe the quality that went into making these! Costume Change effects are HOT, thanks to David & Dania. Adding something like this definitely sets your act apart from your competition. It really is a small investment that delivers a very large return! Check this out as well as other color-changing effects we have to offer.

Cole is all settled into College and doing well. We know this because we rarely hear from him anymore. I'm sure his schedule is just as busy as mine, if not more so, with all the reading, writing, and homework that gets piled on!

Speaking of school, Max is now in his third week of high school! The first week took some adjustment for him, but he's in the swing of things now. He's excited because the last class of the day is P.E., and right now, they're swimming, one of his favorite things to do.

My oldest daughter, Rene, is enjoying her new management position with Gottschalks department stores. She's all settled into her new apartment, and she was telling me the other night how Gottschalks is getting ready to set up camp for Christmas the end of this month. Man, it seems like the stores are doing this earlier and earlier every year, doesn't it?

My younger daughter, Amy, continues to study hard as she nears her final year in college. Where has all the time gone??? I can still remember them all in diapers like it was yesterday.

We're very excited about a special offer here at Hocus Pocus. On your next order, upon request, you will receive 2 free DVD demos of various effects available at Hocus Pocus. This is part of a new program we're starting, and we will continue to update and offer new DVDs as time goes on. They're absolutely free, and all you have to do is request one on your next order. It's like having your own visual catalog you can watch over and over again!


Bill Palmer with his Cups & Balls display at TAOM

I just got off the phone with Bill Palmer, who was very excited about his History of the Cups & Balls lecture at the most recent TAOM Convention in Texas. For those of you who don't know, Bill is THE authoritarian on Cups and Balls and owns just about every version ever made! Bill sent the above photo showcasing just a small sampling of his collection on display! Thanks, Bill!

So there you have it. Never a dull moment here at Hocus Pocus. This place is where the action is, that's for sure! I think I'll take off a little early this afternoon as Betty and I will try to catch the new movie, "Hollywoodland." Have yourself a fantastic weekend.

Until next time,

Paul