College Bound!

Hey, kids! Mike Giusti here. How's it going? That's fascinating...

I'm officially hijacking Paul's blog again as he is currently college hunting with his wife, Betty, and their son, Cole in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. As of this moment, they are in a meeting with one of the college counselors discussing Cole's future at that particular college. Next, they'll be going to another college for more of the same and hopefully, a little r&r thereafter... Cole is looking to get his degree in business, and I think that's a brilliant decision; this kid's as sharp as a tack, and I remember him when he was just a little kid! It's amazing how much faster time flies the older you get! I can't believe it has been over 13 years since I graduated from college.

As an aside, I know for a fact that Paul has been personally touched by all the emails, letters, and cards he has received from all of you wishing him well. He is almost 100% again, and I know that all your thoughts and well-wishes meant the world to him. And I expect twice as many when I have my next kidney stone!!!

I personally want to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Bill Abbott for appearing as my special guest on the Magic Broadcast's Mike on the Mic show. If you missed last Tuesday night's show, it was informative, entertaining, whimsical, and funny as heck. Bill talked about all the ins and outs of his best-selling products, "The Thing" and "Chico, the Mindreading Chimp," available here exclusively at Hocus Pocus! Look for the show when the Magic Broadcast rebroadcasts it in the future. Although I won't be returning to the Broadcast to go live for a couple of weeks, I can guarantee an entertaining and triumphant return when I finish with my move. For those of you who don't know, I sold my house in less than 24 hours (the housing market here is unbelievable) and am moving to the other side of town in order to start another new chapter in my life -- the life of a bachelor! I am actually very excited about it and have a feeling I am going to love my independence.

Tony is actually helping me move this weekend (bless his heart -- a sign of a true friend is helping one move). Speaking of Tony, he is settling in quite nicely here in Fresno, as I promised he would. He has already gotten a weekly gig at a local casino, and the pay truly merits everything that Tony is and has created for himself over the past 20 plus years! Congratulations, Tony!!! Knock 'em dead!



In other news, if you are a performer and like a little mentalism, audience interaction, and perceived improvisation in your shows, I strongly recommend you take a look at the newest Hocus Pocus/Pro Magic Exclusive, "Time Control." This thing is terrific! The effect is that you begin by displaying a prediction hanging on a stand in full view! Explain that you will now ask a volunteer to stand up whenever he wishes during your show. Anytime! He can even stand in the middle of your performance; whenever he feels the urge. Your show begins, and sSometime in the middle of the show the volunteer decides to stand up. You smile because this is the time you wanted him to stand! You then prove it by handing him the prediction envelope that was hanging in full view throughout the entire show and ask him to take out its contents. Inside, the volunteer finds a large, non-working analog kitchen clock with NO batteries! You ask him to compare the time he decided to stand to the time on the large clock. It is the exact same time! Nice!



Also, for you close-up guys, I just received a sample of a new David Forrest effect entitled, "Encased," a Signed Card in Card Case. Since making it visible on the web site, we've already taken dozens of phone calls and email inquiries about this item. Although it is scheduled to ship next week, I would strongly recommend you take look at it if you are a close-up or walkaround worker. I have taken a look through it and can't wait to sit down and play around with the possibility of adding it to my repertoire (as it takes up virtually no room and doesn't interfere with my existing routines).

Well, that about covers it from this corner of the desk. Thank you for checking in from time to time, and we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming next week.

Mike

The Two Most Dreaded Words

Kidney stones. Two words you never want to hear. You might remember two weeks ago, we took a little break as Mike was going on vacation. No sooner did Mike hit the road when I began to feel a tremendous amount of pain in my back. By Monday evening, my wife, Betty, drove me to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with having kidney stones. I've had these before, and for those of you who have never had them, it's the closest thing for a man to feel giving birth. That's what a female doctor once told Mike (he's had them, too).

A week ago today I had a procedure done, which I will not go into detail about, to blast apart a 7 mm stone with a laser. Most of the stone has "passed," but until all of it disappears, I am forced to drink the most putrid-tasting liquid 3 times a day! In four weeks, I go for another x-ray and, with fingers crossed, if everything's clear, I can stop drinking this stuff. In fact, Mike has been nice enough to type this over the phone while I rest up from home. I would personally like to thank all of you who have called, emailed, and sent letters and get-well cards. I was very touched by all your thoughts and concerns. I will be back Monday with a vengeance, so not to worry.

Other happenings while I was away, it was extremely busy at Hocus Pocus, and I have to say I was (and still am) extremely impressed with how well the entire team handled the workload while I was away. So many new products have hit our doors recently! One of the things I thought was extremely cool was the Houdini action figure. Check it out below:



If you're a Houdini buff or your kids like magic, this is a really cool item to have, either in a collection, or for the kids to play with.

Another thing you should really take a look at is the beautiful Alan Wakeling Automaton on our web site. This automaton was hand-made by the late Alan Wakeling, and when you see it operate, you would swear it's really alive. It's truly a thing of beauty!



You may have noticed on the front page of our web site that our own Tony Blanco has started a blog of his own, entitled "Tony's Picks & Tips." There's a ton of valuable information Tony will be tipping, including honest product reviews and solid performance tips and advice, etc. Well worth checking out!

Last Sunday, Max went off to his second week at YMCA Summer Camp. My oldest son, Cole, drove both he and his best friend, Joe, to the facility in the beautiful mountains near Kings Canyon National Park. Max took along with him two sacks filled with novelties. As soon as he arrived, all the camp councelors greeted him and remembered him as the life of the party last year. What they didn't know was that one of those bags of novelties was filled with 100 stink bombs! Oh, I'm sure they'll remember him next year as well...

I'm looking forward to going back to work Monday after two weeks off. This was not my idea of a vacation. I just have to remember that "slow and steady wins the race."

Finally, Mike will leave you with a snapshot memory from his vacation.



Until next time,

Paul

Back in Two Weeks

It's time for Mike to take a little vacation. So, while he is gone, we're all going to be pulling double-duty in his absence. Thanks for tuning into this page from time to time. I promise I'll be back in two weeks with more Hocus Pocus happenings. In the meantime, don't forget to check out the web site for incredible new products and explosive deals!

Until next time,

Paul

Breaking All Records!

Well, July has come and is almost gone, and we've broken all sales records in our 30-year history in the magic business here at Hocus Pocus! We cannot thank you enough for your continued and growing support for we realize that none of this would have been possible without you.

In other record-breaking news, the heat has not let up. We are in the 13th day of average 107 degree heat with no end in sight! The last time it was this hot in Fresno for this long was in the mid-eighties. Last weekend when I helped my daughter Aimee move into her new apartment, the temperature on Sunday reached a whopping 113 degrees as promised by the good ol' weatherman! When we were done moving, we all decided to take a swim in our pool, and when I dove in, it was like diving into my bathtub as the temperature was 85 degrees! No relief there...

Fish by mail! My son Max has discovered that you can buy tropical fish ONLINE! Who would have guessed it? He currently putting together an order, and it will be very interesting to see just how these fish are delivered. How things have changed since I used to raise tropical fish! It's still a terrific hobby and very relaxing watching, along with my son, the fish swim around.

Hope many of you had a chance to catch the first Criss Angel Mindfreak special on A&E last Wednesday. We enjoyed watching it and are looking forward to the upcoming episodes. Let me know your comments and thoughts here on the blog if you get a moment.

Had a surprise guest this week at the shop. Mark Murphy, owner of Murphy's Magic Supplies, stopped in to visit, take a look at the shop, and talk. While he was here, he and his wife decided to take a trip to beautiful Yosemite Valley, located only 2 hours away! They had never been there before, and I'm sure their camera will be loaded with photos!


Mike's soon-to-be old house in 30 days!

The real estate market is booming here in Fresno despite contrary reports. To give you an example, our own Mike Giusti put his 3 bedroom, 2 bath house on the market Tuesday and it was sold within 24 hours! He got a total of 4 bids and was able to pick and choose which one he liked the best. Congratulations, Mike! Just don't ask me to help you move. Ha!

Once again, thank you for making July an unforgettable month here at Hocus Pocus, and I hope wherever you are is a lot cooler than it is here! Tonight Max and I will put in the online tropical fish order. I'll report back next week.

Until next time,

Paul

Mindfreak

No, that's not my state of mind; it's to remind all of you to watch Criss Angel's TV series, "Mindfreak," starting this Wednesday, July 20th on A & E. Check your local listings for times and show schedules. It was certainly exciting for all of us here at Hocus Pocus to be involved in a small way with this project.



Be sure to check out a brand new Hocus Pocus Exclusive called Kinetink we secured earlier in the week! This comes to us from Craig Matsuoka, and when he first sent the video demo over, I knew it was a winner! Pre-orders are being taken now as only 100 units are being offered. Don't let this one pass you by! Also, be sure and check out Entity by Peter Loughran, a state of the art device that allows you to control and move objects seemingly with only the power of your mind. If that doesn't do it for you, check out the online video and watch for yourself.

In other happenings this week, we're all trying to stay as cool as possible as the temperature has been soaring into the 107-110 degrees and is expected to go as high as 113 tomorrow! And Tony thought he was escaping the Vegas heat... Or perhaps he brought it with him?

Betty just left to take my oldest son, Cole, to get all four of his wisdom teeth removed! Just the thought of it causes my jaws to ache! My daughter, Aimee, is moving into her brand new (and first) apartment this weekend. What better time to move all that furniture than in 113 degree heat! Max, in the meantime, has turned into quite the tropical fish eficionado as he now has a 10-gallon and a 30-gallon tank in his room. He's on the Internet constantly learning about all the different kinds of tropical fish in the world and filling me in on all the details. My oldest daughter, Renee, called me all excited last night to tell me that she has just received a big promotion with Macy's -- she's now going to be a specialist in charge of Macy's exclusive line of women's clothing! Before graduating this year, she had worked with them both part and full-time for two years. She's very excited, and so are we! I have to say I'm truly blessed to have such great kids!

Mike has not been able to look up from his keyboard or do anything else this entire week! On top of moving out of his house and performing in the evenings, I've been having him list all of the Warner pieces on the site I told you about last week! He came up with the "Warner 5-A-Day" idea, and it's a good one; as soon as he lists them, almost all sell right away! Even if you're not a collector of Warner magic, you should still look at the pictures and descriptions as each piece is absolutely gorgeous to look at and unique in their own way!

My sister, Jan, has been gone this week on vacation in Las Vegas. We're all anxiously awaiting her return on Monday. In case you didn't know, Jan almost single-handedly runs the entire shipping department. She does such a good job and makes it look so easy, we sure found out it isn't as easy as it looks! ARE YOU BACK YET, JAN?

So, while we're trying to stay cool this weekend while moving my daughter and the trips to the pet store for more tropical fish for Max (he really wants a pair of Zebra Danos), think of me with cool, cool thoughts. Please.

Until next time,

Paul

What a Great Week It's Been!

First of all, I'd like to say that I hope you all had a great 4th of July Weekend last week. I certainly enjoyed my time off with my family. We had a great time on the 4th watching fireworks and eating lots of good food. There are so many things that have happened; let's start right away, shall we?

As many of you may know, next week will be the official Centennial Celebration of the Magic Circle of England. To commemorate this event, Colin and Sharron Rose of the Five of Hearts Magic Company have created a special line of museum-quality magic apparatus in limited quantities. Rare woods with historical context and importance have been used to create this very special line. Some pieces are limited to only one. We are extremely honored that they have made available to Hocus Pocus exclusively the entire line. In fact, these pieces are so rare and unique that we've created an entirely new category to represent them called "Trafalgar/Victorian," located within the site. Again, please remember: these are extremely limited pieces and will not be available for long. This is truly your chance to own a piece of history as well as unique magic. For the story, photos, and history of the Trafalgar and Victorian Range of magic, we have set up a special page on the Hocus Pocus web site located here.

In other big news this week, I have just purchased an entire collection of Alan Warner magic. There are 58 pieces in this massive collection. Some of them have not been available for years and some were done in extremely limited quantities like "Flight of the Falcon," "Spirit Cabinet," "The Millennium Collection," and so many more. If you are a Warner collector and are looking for specific pieces, I would urge you to contact me either by phone toll-free at 800-407-4040 or via email. Let me know if there's a particular piece you are looking for because there's a good chance it will be in this collection. In the meantime, you'll start seeing these being displayed on the web site. As you all know, Warner pieces never last for more than a day or two once we've listed them on the web site...

As if that wasn't enough, we've had a TON of products arrive in the store. A few things I urge you to check out are the new Graffiti effect, Table Lifter Set, and of course, the long-awaited CelebriTie! All of these I give my highest recommendation. Speaking of highest recommendations, yesterday we just received the new Marvyn Roy book, "Mr. Electric Unplugged," which I took home and read last evening. This is an incredible book by one of magic's most legendary performers and one of my personal favorites. I literally could not put the book down and was up until almost 2:00 AM reading it. If you are serious about magic in any way, pick up this book!

Yesterday, I was surprised when one of my very best friends from high school, Mike Baretta, stopped by for a surprise visit! Mike and I haven't seen each other in 4 years as Mike moved to Sacramento. We had a great time reminiscing about the old days, and my kids tried pumping Mike for information about dear old Dad in his prime of life. Mike is very excited about a brand new venture of his. He began a business called "Remember When Candy," in which he sells, for all you baby-boomers out there, all the candies from way back when we were growing up. We had a great time going to his web site and looking at all the different items he has to offer. If you have some time, check out his web site, and why not place an order there as well? Tell him Paul sent you!





I thought I'd share these photos with you guys from the 4th of July. It's our own Mike Giusti performing for the Copper River Country Club for their Annual 4th of July Celebration. Mike has worked this event for the last 4 years consecutively, and each year the event has gotten larger and larger. The photos were sent to Mike from the event coordinator, and he passed them on to me. Believe it or not, Mike was performing in those clothes in 104 degree heat and in a coat and tie no less. He's a better man than I.

So that about covers it. Once again, as I always say, there's never a dull moment here at Hocus Pocus. Have a great weekend!

Until next time,

Paul

AWOL Paul

Mike Giusti here (yes, that really is - was - me above), and I'm hijacking the blog again as Paul has finally taken a much needed 4 day weekend! You know it's time for Paul to take a vacation when he comes up to you, tells you something, and then an hour later, he tells you the exact same thing, and then another hour later, well, you get the idea...

I've gotta be honest, it's been one heck of a week! Yeah, I know -- you hear us say that a lot, but just take a look at the tons of things coming in and going out just today:


Jason up to his neck in shipping

In addition to dozens and dozens of new products hitting the store, the biggest sale in Hocus Pocus history has taken us by the necks and cranked us up into high gear! Not only are people saving 25% off but everyone's getting free magic, getting entered into a drawing for a prize per day, and also getting entered into a drawing for a huge $1500.00 Hocus Pocus Gift Certificate to be given away at the end of the sale! What's that? You wanna get in on the sale? No problem; click here and start saving and winning!

The 4th always means lots o' gigs for me, so in addition to my weekend restaurant gigs and helping Tony Blanco move into his new house, I'll be enjoying my 4th performing for many families, and that's just the way I like it! Two years ago, as I was performing my signature 4th of July finale, 3 fighter jets flew over right at the perfect time. I still get goose bumps thinking about it...

Speaking of Tony, my pal and brother in magic, he is now officially living in Fresno as the last of his Vegas belongings made their way here and the sale of his old house was completed just last evening. I'll let him tell you all about it. Take it away, Tonester!



Thanks, Mike. I tell you folks, besides being the "Cindy Crawford" of Hocus Pocus ads, Mike is a super guy and truly the brother I wish I had growing up. Now to my new postion here at Hocus Pocus: Paul has hired me on to be his right hand man but he really just calls me his "Personal Slave." Paul doesn't understand why I even bought a home since I'll never be able leave this building to have a life of my own. Paul's vision is to have Hocus Pocus give as much a personal touch to each customer.

Now the big question most folks are asking me: Why are you leaving Las Vegas? Are you giving up performing? The answers are simple, really. I have been performing for over 30 yrs (18 of which in LV) being a creative kind of guy I just really reached a level of, "So this is all there is in Las Vegas?" Lots of ideas and creative things are what I plan to bring to Hocus Pocus.

I have been very luckly to have appeared in Las Vegas at Circus Circus as a Clown to Stage Magician on the Court Jester Stage at Excalibur. So after 18 years, leaving Las Vegas for me was easier than it was for Nicholas Cage. I enjoy performing very much, so there is no way I will give that up. Only now I will hope to be a Big Fish in a Small Pond here in Fresno. This is my first blog since Paul is away, so trust me, I will find more ways to get him out of the office more! Please feel free to say hello when you call with orders; I will be here as your personal slave too! Not to spend blog time on the matter but if you want to get to know me: www.tonyblanco.com

Now that Tony has finished his biography, on behalf of Paul, Tony, and myself, make sure you and your family have a happy and safe 4th of July Weekend!

Mike & Tony

Summer is Finally Here!

Hard to believe, but officially, the first day of Summer began on Tuesday of this week! What that means to us is triple digit hot, hot, HOT! But that's OK; we'll persevere, use the fans, turn on the air conditioning, and tough it out!

Speaking of hot, have you checked out the web site recently? Mike's been putting on hot/new items like there's no tomorrow! The biggest news is that Bill Abbott has spoken with me and chosen to release his extremely popular, "Chico the Mindreading Chimp" Act exclusively through Hocus Pocus. For those of you who have seen Bill's act, either via his DVDs or live, you know that this is one of the most requested routines he performs! This is a solid 12-minute routine that will include ALL the props, special music, and DVD of three live (and different) performances! This is limited to only 50 units, so if you are a children's or family entertainer, this is definitely worth your serious consideration. Watch the web site next week for details!

Every week, we try to trim down the title page to make it a bit less cluttered, but for every item that comes off the title page, three new ones go up!

Here are just a few of the top sellers this week:

• Dragster
  
• The Thing by Bill Abbott
  
• Abyss
  
• Raven Slates
  
• In the News by Devin Knight
  
• CelebriTie
  
• Midas
  

Check these and many new products hitting the web site every day!

As many of you already know, the IBM Convention begins next Tuesday, the 28th of June, in Reno, Nevada. Lots of you have phoned and have planned on stopping by Hocus Pocus on the way to the convention. We look forward to a full house over the weekend and on Monday! If you're coming our way, give us a call; we'd love for you to stop by.

As for me, my youngest son, Max, comes home tomorrow from a week at Summer Camp, which means the house will no longer belong to Betty and me! Max will be sharing stories of his experiences with us over dinner, no doubt! It should make for some interesting conversation... Last week when he packed to go, he made sure to pack one dufflebag full of his novelties to sell. Among his supplies were shocking pens, stink bombs, bomb bags, and whoopie cushions. Since Betty and I did not receive any phone calls from the camp counselors, we can only assume that all went well. I'll let you know...

This weekend, I'll be working in my back yard around the Koi Pond doing some re-landscaping while Betty relaxes from a hectic week (that is, if I can convince her to relax). Mike performs several shows over the weekend, including a show for the premiere of the new movie, "Bewitched." I'll be extremely happy come Tuesday of next week as Tony Blanco will be here officially with Hocus Pocus, all moved out from Las Vegas.

Thank you for your nice letters and comments about last week's blog. I always enjoy reading them. Keep 'em coming!

Until Next time,

Paul

Happy Father's Day

As I write this today and look at the calendar, I can't believe that half the year has already gone by! Normally, I talk about things going on here at the shop and all the future irons I have in the fires, but I wanted to forego that today.

I noticed that it's time to recognize all the dads around the world because, as you are probably already aware, this Sunday is Father's Day! Let me tell you a little bit about my dad:


Marvin Gross, my dad.

My dad was instrumental in the creation of this business, believe it or not! When I was a mere 18 years old and decided I wanted to be in the magic business, my father was right there supporting me all the way. He taught me to work hard and do what it takes to be successful and not be afraid to go the extra mile. Although he may have had his doubts about my success in the business at first, he never once voiced them. Instead, he supported me, helped me get the bank loan, and he even came and helped me paint the walls and hang shelving at my first store! I learned from my dad how to be a good businessman, but more importantly, how to take care of my children. He was the best audience whenever I got the newest magic tricks and wanted to perform them. If I could fool him, I knew it was perfect. If not, back to the drawing board.

Dad had a great sense of humor and was always the center of attention at any party or get-together he attended. He attracted people like a magnet. He stood a full 6' 6" tall, a bit intimidating when you first saw and met him, but he had a heart of gold. He would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar in his pocket without hesitation if you needed it. He was honest, hard-working, and never selfish. He had literally hundreds of friends who I didn't even know, and he was never a stranger anywhere he went. He was always there for my sister and me no matter what we were going through!

When we were kids, our Father's Day tradition was to let Dad sleep in on Sunday morning followed by the breakfast of his choice! Then we would go visit my grandparents, and the highlight was going to Foster's to get a Root Beer Freeze! Sounds simple but it was a great time for us all!

It has been 16 years since my dad passed away, and I still think about him every day. Referring to his words of wisdom whenever it comes to making a life or business decision, I always find myself reflecting and repeating the words of advice and love he always gave me.

So, if you can, give your dad a call or visit this Father's Day. Me? I think I'll sleep in, do a little visiting of my own, and go to Foster's for that Root Beer Freeze...

Happy Father's Day!

Paul

John Calvert!

So, imagine my surprise this week when I hear the doorbell ring here at the shop on Monday, and I see what looks to be a man resembling John Calvert standing outside the warehouse. I ring him in, and it IS John Calvert! What a surprise! John and Tammy had a few days off in between their very busy lecture tour from Florida to California, and John decided to spend some time with his "son from Fresno." That's what he calls me.


John hangs out at Hocus Pocus

John said that since they had a few days off, he knew I would have a project for him. He was right; I had three! I suggested that John and I produce a series of DVDs featuring his famous Magazine Tear, 100 Foot Rope Escape, and Sightless Vision Act. John immediately agreed, and in less than 24 hours, the cameras were rolling and guests were seated in our in-house studio! The DVDs should be ready for release in 30 - 45 days from now, and they will be worth every penny! John releases the nuances and subtle hints that make these three showpieces worth their weight in gold! In case you didn't realize, John Calvert, besides being a living legend of magic, has been performing these and other effects continually for the last 50 + years!


John performs the Sightless Vision Act

At 94 years of age, that's right -- I said 94 -- he's got more energy and gusto than people a third of his age! The man is always going and continually busy! He wraps up this year with numerous performances and lectures at the Magic Castle and is one of the headlining acts of England's Magic Circle Centennial Celebration!


Mike gets first-hand lessons on the Sightless Vision Act

While John and Tammy were here, we enjoyed having them as our guests for dinner each evening as John told numerous stories of his days as a movie star, magician, and traveller around the world! He also brought along a very rare McElroy Brothers' Talking Skull. For those of you who know me, antique and collectible magic is a passion of mine, and this was a one-of-a-kind piece custom made just for John in 1937! Not only was it featured in his full stage show, it even made its appearance in several of John's movies. Check out the photo below: I'm the one drooling all over the table!


John, me, and George

As I write this, John & Tammy are packing up their gigantic motor home and heading south for Bakersfield, Las Vegas, San Diego, Long Beach, and it goes on from there! If you have a chance to see John & Tammy lecture, DO NOT miss it!

I'm taking tomorrow off, heading south myself to Santa Barbara where my oldest daughter is graduating from UCSB! I couldn't be more proud! If you have someone graduating from high school or college, congratulations to you as well!

Boy, with all the excitement that this week has brought, I can't even imagine what next week will bring; there's never a dull moment at Hocus Pocus!

Until next time,

Paul