Our Magical Heroes

We all have them. That certain person or persons that inspired us to take up the art of magic. As a kid growing up in Fresno, we had no magic shop, the library had no magic books, so consequently, I knew nothing about magic. Until one special day. It was a Saturday afternoon and my mother called me in to watch a TV show called the Magic Land of Alakazam! At 6 years old, I had never seen anything like this before, and I was instantly hooked! The show was hosted by a gentleman we all know as Mark Wilson and his lovely wife and assistant, Nani Darnell. Even the advertisements for that show were exciting to watch. After my first viewing, I remember asking my mother how to learn how to be a magician. She had no idea, and so we began to search out our local area for anything magic-related. Nothing came up, unfortunately.



The next Saturday, however, I was glued to the TV set again as the next episode of the Magic Land of Alakazam aired. This became my standard Saturday routine regardless of what I was doing or where I was; I immediately went home to tune it in. As I began sending away for magic catalogs, I would pour through them at the end of each episode hoping to find those exact tricks Mark and Nani had just performed. I was able to purchase some of the magic tricks by mowing lawns and delivering newspapers in my area. We all have heroes, mentors, or those we look up to. It is rare when you actually get to meet them in person. Even rarer is it when you get to call them your friend. I can't even begin to imagine the thousands of magicians that were first inspired by them as I was.



Just the other day, Mark called me on the phone just to see how things were going and to tell me one of his funny jokes. If somebody were to have told me when I was a kid watching his TV show that Mark and Nani Wilson would be in my life as they are now, I would have absolutely died and gone to magic heaven. I'm sure that as many of you read this, you are inspired by the Wilsons as well. They are responsible for all the magic you see on TV to this day! Mark and Nani were pioneers of the art, bringing it to the public's attention and helping to garner the respect it deserves.



Whether it was one of their several TV shows, technical advisors to TV and movies, amusement park shows, trade shows, theaters, and even helping to bring the Chinese Acrobats to America, their enthusiasm for magic has never, ever wained.

In January, when Hocus Pocus hosted its first Swap Meet & Get-Together, Mark and Nani were our honored guests. They spent their entire day signing autographs, taking pictures, lecturing, and answering questions about all their many projects. It's easy for me to say that, had it not been for Mark and Nani, I may have never gotten into magic at all. I can't thank Mark and Nani enough for what they've done for me and the art of magic. Their friendship is one that I treasure and still find it hard to believe possible to this day.



Mark and Nani Wilson are and will forever be my magical heroes.

Until next time,

Paul

1969, A Good Year

Thanks to Mike for taking over last week's blog. It was very entertaining to read, and I'm sure many of you can identify with those gigs that don't quite pan out as expected.

1969 was a good year. 400,000 people attended Woodstock, Richard Nixon was in the White House, Jethro Tull played on the radio, Apollo 11 was up and running, I was only 14 years old, and gas was only 26 cents per gallon! Oh, and the 1969 Chevy Nova was created, and everything was groovy.

As I had mentioned weeks before, Max was getting his new 1969 Chevy Nova looked at by our mechanic. After a full day at the shop, the thumbs up were given and I guess I don't have to tell you that Max is now the proud owner. Last Friday, I took the day off and Max and I polished up the chrome rims and began detailing projects on the car. I have to say, this car has a lot of get up and go. We drove it around for several hours and had a great time. I want to say I'm very proud of Max as he has saved his own money over the past several years and purchased the car himself without any help from Mom and Dad. He still has quite a bit of money saved up and will continue to customize and accessorize his car. He's continually online finding parts and pieces to add to the car. Then he gets Betty to place the order for him. Every day, he waits for the UPS truck to arrive. He even came in with Betty to work the whole day at Hocus Pocus to earn some extra money and wait for UPS again. It will be another 9 months until he is legally able to drive, and he hopes to have a lot of the work completed before then.

The last couple of weeks, we've had many visitors here at Hocus Pocus, some of whom were either on their way to or coming back from the recent IBM Convention in Reno. We always enjoy visits from fellow magicians, especially those who haven't visited our new location yet. The longest trek was made by our good friend, Chris Kenworthy, all the way from Maryland. Believe it or not, Chris arrived Monday afternoon of this week at about 3:15 PM and left Tuesday at 11:30 AM! Now that's what I call dedication and loyalty. It's always great to see Chris, and I only wish his visit would have been longer.


Fukai

Monday night, we hosted Japan's Fukai, who did an outstanding lecture. We had a great turnout of over 50 people, some of whom came from as far away as Los Angeles and Sacramento! All those in attendance had a great time. One of the more popular items was Fukai's Funny Flying Flower, which we were fortunate enough to pry a few of them away from Fukai while he was here the next day. Because each one is handmade by Fukai personally, when we sell out, we'll have no more. If you are interested, check it out on the web site and order one now before it's too late.

Yesterday was my daughter Renee's 24th birthday. Boy, where has the time gone? Tonight, we're all going out to dinner and then back home for cake and ice cream for everyone but me. I have now lost a total of 205 pounds so that makes it easier to pass on the cake and ice cream...



The weather here has been slightly unbearable starting the Fourth of July. Starting at 105 degrees and working its way up since, we've finally seen a little bit of a break. Today is a very bearable 92 degrees and the next month will most definitely be the worst of the year. August in Central California is akin to weather on Venus, it feels like.

This weekend, we're hoping to catch the new Harry Potter movie, and I'm sure Max will want to take another drive in the car. Most of all, we'll all just try to stay cool. To bad we can't get gasoline for 26 cents per gallon...

Until next time,

Paul

They Can't All Be Great...

Summer has officially arrived!

Hi, everyone. Mike Giusti here, hijacking the blog while Paul takes some time off to be with his family. He promises to return next week with details of Max's car and his Fourth of July experience. Let's just say that Max is very, VERY happy.

As for me, this Summer has proven to be more than I can handle. At least so far. I'm looking at the temperature right now, and it's already 100 degrees well before noon! Allow me to explain when I say this Summer is proving to be more difficult than I anticipated: The Fourth of July had me performing two different gigs in the late afternoon and late evening. The first gig was a Fourth of July Celebration performing magic and comedy and the other, a Fourth of July party involving playing music.


Same place, two years ago and 10 degrees cooler!

Now, the third of July was a nice 98 degrees. It was bearable. Performing outdoors that day would have been uncomfortable, but do-able. As fate would have it (or God has a sick sense of humor), the next day, it jumped a whole 10 degrees to a searing 108! Very uncomfortable and incredibly difficult to perform outdoors. Since it was at one of Fresno's most prestigious country clubs, dressing your best is expected, and I will be truthful: I was dreading the time that I had to start my set. Not because I don't like performing, I just don't like performing outdoors in this kind of unfortunate weather. But, I put on a positive mind-set, set up in the heat a couple of hours beforehand, and when I was finished, I knew that the actual gig would be difficult; my shorts and short-sleeve shirt were soaked with sweat and I had to abandon a couple of the effects I was planning for different ones. This meant I had to drive back home and get the props and myself ready. Since the closer I had planned would not work in the heat and wind, I had to abandon it for something far more challenging, especially in the heat: the strait jacket escape. It never fails to get laughs. "I can do this," I thought to myself, "Just forge ahead and not pay attention to the heat." Can you see where this is going?

The gig starts. It's hotter than Hades, and the turnout is less than expected because of the heat. People's attitudes are much less tolerant because of the heat. Performing and coming up with frantic energy (which is what my act revolves around) is proving to be incredibly challenging; the heat zaps everyone's will and energy, BUT the show must go on! Throughout the act, I am sweating so profusely, my eyes are stinging as the sweat drips into them. My nose looks like a faucet as the sweat drips off of it like a broken spigot. My voice is going fast as the heat takes every drop of moisture from the back of my throat, despite the quick swigs of water and iced tea I take in-between tricks. The lines, gags, and bits of business flow from me much like the liquid which is being sucked out of my body. But there are barely any hints of laughter or hands being raised for volunteers because no one has any energy left.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the end is near, and the strait jacket must be donned to end the show. What was I thinking? I get the burliest guy I can find with the words, "Hammer Strength" on the front of his sweat-soaked shirt, and he goes to work strapping me in. And strap me in he does. The heat must have really ticked him off, because I can't remember the last time I was strapped in so tight. Plus, I was soaked with sweat inside the jacket so movement was limited. Forget about grabbing all the props I had lined in one of the sleeves of the jacket; the only thing I was able to procure was a fake hand after my right arm was almost locked in place while trying to escape. The fake hand drops out from the collar, and no one laughs, despite the look of false horror on my face. I look out into the crowd and people have begun to leave the show to take refuge underneath their umbrellas and watch the show from 100 feet or more away. Finally, I slam the jacket onto the ground to smatterings of applause, thank everyone for coming out, and end the show.

Almost immediately, I begin to feel dizzy and nauseated. Plus, my stomach is looking to quickly evacuate the charred hamburger I ate an hour before the show began. I sit down behind my table and breathe deeply. My girlfriend, Julie, immediately taking pity on me, rushes to my aid with iced tea and water, and like a real trooper, sees my utter exhaustion and begins to pack up my things for me while I am flooded with kids and adults, all telling me what a great show it was! Huh? Where were all these reactions while the show was going on? What planet was I on? What dimension-altering drug did I accidentally ingest before the show started?

I do have to say, throughout all this, the country club staff and entertainment director are incredibly friendly, professional, helpful, courteous, and completely understanding. They knew and understood the conditions were very uncomfortable, and they thanked me profusely for coming back this year.

Oh, but wait! I can't relax yet; I have to go back home, unpack the car and get my music gear packed and ready for the other outside show! At least, I think to myself, I won't have to be in the spotlight this time because it will be shared with three other people. At least a little pressure is off. But that's the only relief for me.


With my appropriately-named band, Train Wreck!

Julie, insistent upon going with me (although I can't imagine why; she's been with me in the heat all day), and I arrive at the party where a plethora of fireworks is going off, and there are plenty of people watching and having a good time. Perfect. This gives me time to sneak by and set up on the stage. I hear all the oohs and ahhs and anticipate a great show. Although near dark, it is still 102 degrees outside, but at least the sun is down and hopefully, there will be some relief in sight. I strap on my 20 lb. custom Alembic Series 1 bass (not pictured, by the way -- that's my Musicman Stingray bass which has a great sound but not nearly as nice and full as the Alembic), and my back cries out in agony. After twisting and turning and running around in the heat, my body is rapidly shutting down without my consent. I'm hoping this gig goes by quickly, but I realize that I still have an hour and a half of playing and singing left to go on the Fourth of July.

The fireworks are finished, and the people file in to have a seat and enjoy the music. All three of them! Everyone else has decided to leave immediately after the fireworks as the heat is much more than anyone is used to. I can't say I blame them; all I want to do myself is go home to my air-conditioned house and turn it down to 30 degrees! The music begins and we do a couple of sets with a break in between to cool off and drink something. We talk to our three biggest fans for a while and finally pack up and go home at around 12:30 AM.

Oh well, they can't all be great...

As I finish writing the blog today nearing 12:30 PM, it is already 105 degrees with no relief in sight. The thought of staying indoors and relaxing next Fourth of July sounds more and more appealing the more I think about it. On a serious note, Paul and I both hope you all had a much happier and fun-filled Fourth of July, and again, Paul will be back next week with another installment of "From the Desk of Paul Gross."

Until then, stay cool.

Mike

Are You Reelin' In The Years?

Well, I knew the day would come! My son, Max, has turned that age where driving becomes a reality, and since he sold his Model T, he's actively been searching for a vintage muscle car/street rod. The other night, Max caught word that a friend of Cole's had a truck for sale. Max and Cole started working me over immediately to take a look at this truck, so we headed on over to the owner's place. The engine was sticking out of the top of the hood a good 4-6 inches. It had no paint; it was just primed. The tires needed replacing along with the interior upholstery. When the owner turned the engine on, it was so loud, I thought I was at the airport with a jet plane taking off. NO WAY! Let me repeat: NO WAY! I did not score points with Max that evening. For those of you who have ever had the experience of buying your child's first car, can you feel my pain?

So, since then, Max has been searching the Internet and came across this 1969 Chevy Nova! Yesterday, Betty and he went and looked at it, and now, it's all Max can talk about. Today, they are taking it to our mechanic to have it checked out before POSSIBLY making the purchase (and I do stress POSSIBLY). It turns out that these older cars are a little more difficult to insure than your average vehicle since they are vintage and need to be proven their value and worth, so that's also something we need to consider... Meanwhile, Max is calling us every 30 minutes to get updates. In fact, Max just called Betty a few minutes ago. It's gonna be one of those days... Is it Christmas, and someone forgot to tell me? Hopefully, next week, I'll have an update for you on the final details of this experience. Pray for me. And pray for Max. LOL.


The 1969 Chevy Nova




A look at the interior


Happy 4th of July

In just a few days (can you believe it?), we'll be celebrating the Fourth of July. Each year, it's been a tradition that we travel south to a small town only 15 miles away from Fresno called Fowler to enjoy outside festivities and a full fireworks show at the high school where Betty graduated. Afterwards, we all go back to our house, and the kids light their own fireworks out in the street until about midnight.

Mike will be working all day on the Fourth. First at the Copper River Country Club (where we showed you pictures a couple of years ago) for a pre-fireworks full-evening show for all the families, and then afterwards, he and his band will be performing at a private event. I think Mike will be coming in on the fifth looking like a zombie. Pray for Mike. LOL.

Speaking of Mike's schedule, he will be performing in the San Jose area on October 5 for Magic Live, Volume 1 "No Camera Tricks" along with illusionist Ray Lum and magician Marshall Magoon. This promises to be a great evening of family-friendly entertainment, and if you are anywhere in the Bay Area or surrounding areas, I urge you to buy tickets to see this show. Details are below the flyer.


MAGIC LIVE, VOLUME 1

Saturday October 6, 2007

Heritage Theatre
1 W. Campbell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008

Two shows:

Matinee: 3:00pm
Evening: 8:00pm

Tickets:

$25.00 in advance
$35.00 at the door
$15.00 Children under 12
$20.00 Senior

How to Purchase Tickets:

There are five ways to purchase tickets to Heritage Theater performances: online, at the Box Office, by phone with Visa, MasterCard or Discover, by fax, or by mail. For more information about ticket sales, call (408) 866-2700 Tuesday-Friday between 9:00am and 5:30pm and Saturdays between 9:00am-1:00pm.

To purchase tickets online http://www.ci.campbell.ca.us/heritagetheatre/boxoffice.htm

Or at the box office:

Regular Box Office Hours:

Tuesday-Friday from 9:00am-5:30pm
Saturdays from 9:00am-1:00pm
Up until 1 hour before Show time

For more information, visit Ray's web site at: http://www.themagicofraylum.com/how.html

FREE STUFF!


Free posters at Hocus Pocus

That's right; I said free! I just had four different vintage posters reproduced in 11" X 17" sizes suitable for framing. If you'd like to get one for free, here's how it works: With any purchase of $50.00 or more, just ask for any one of the four posters above, and we'll send it to you along with your order! They'll look great hanging on your wall in your magic room or den. You can check them out on our web site in the new category FREE STUFF.

So there you have it: from kids and cars to fireworks and magic shows and free posters, what more could you ask for? Hope you have a fantastic weekend and a fun-filled Fourth of July.

Until next time,

Paul

It's Friday Already?

I can't believe Friday is already here! This week went by with supersonic speed; we've been so busy, everyone has been running around like headless chickens. So many new products are hitting the shelves, and we've been making deals to bring you new Hocus Pocus Exclusives, and they'll be appearing on the web site shortly, so stay tuned.

I hope your Father's Day weekend was a great and relaxing one. Last Friday, My sons, Max and Cole, surprised me by completely cleaning out the Koi pond. They went out and bought a shop vac, removed all the Koi from the pond, completely drained the pond, and scrubbed it down like it's never been done before. This is done once per year and not an exciting or fun project, as you may well guess. By the the time I got home on Friday, they had spent the entire day on the project and the water was sparkling clear and the Koi were swimming in joy. What a nice gift. As if that weren't enough, Max and Cole also bought me two Butterfly Koi to add to the pond. Thanks, Max and Cole, for a wonderful Father's Day!

Saturday night, we had dinner and everyone was there, including my daughters, Aimee and Renee, my mother, and Betty. We had a great dinner and everyone enjoyed themselves. Aimee kept us all entertained as only she can. Pretty lucky I have such great kids.


Craig Harlan and me

You might remember several months ago I wrote about my good friend, Craig Harlan, who was going through a personal battle with cancer. I am very happy to say that after a long, hard road to recovery, Craig came in yesterday and is completely cancer-free and he looked great! He looked like the ol' Craig all of us remember. He had a pep in his step and a renewed excitement that was extremely infectious! Craig has been a close friend for many years and has watched and helped Hocus Pocus grow into what it is today. It's like I said before: it's about keeping everything in perspective. I couldn't be happier about Craig's progress; it is nothing short of a miracle.


Would you like one of these?

Would you like one of these? There's no doubt that the most popular giveaway in the history of Hocus Pocus has been the giant Bicycle card box. We've literally given away hundreds of them with no signs of slowing down. We've recently obtained a limited supply of these once again so here's the deal: until next Friday, June 29th at midnight PDT, any order placed with a request for a giant Bicycle card box gets one! We'll send you one as a free gift with any purchase made! These make great decorations for your magic room and have enough room to house more than a dozen regular decks of playing cards. It's just another way of saying thank you from Hocus Pocus.


While you have time this weekend, here's my list of some things you should DEFINITELY check out on the web site; they get my highest recommendation:


Maurice Fogel - In Search Of The Sensational Book - In stock now


The System DVD Set by Dan and Dave - In stock now


Tickling the Mind DVD, Volumes 1 & 2 by Mel Meller - In stock now


Dead Zone Pro by Andy Nyman - In stock now


Connected DVD by Peter Harrison - In stock now



Oh, and I just got a phone call from Bob Kohler telling me that the Fitch Kohler Professional Holdout System is available once again! This is very exciting, and the Holdout truly takes magic to a completely different level. Check it out here!

Just a small sampling of some of the hottest products we've gotten in the past week. And now, it's time for me to go out in the warehouse as I spot the UPS truck pulling in with even more magic! I love my job. Have a great weekend.

Until next time,

Paul

The Heat Is On!

Writing the blog a day early this week as I am planning on taking some time off for the Father's Day weekend. The temperature here today is 104 degrees. I guess Summer has officially arrived. What I find crazy about this whole thing is that Mike rides his bike to work and back in this heat. Around 11 miles round trip per day at three days a week=33 miles per week. He shows no sign of letting up, and I feel like I should be following him home like they do the the Tour de France! Good luck, Mike!

Tomorrow, now that school is out, I'll be taking the day up with my son, Max, who wants to build a shelter to put inside the aviary for his quail. This will protect them from the extremes in temperatures when Winter comes and will also facilitate the laying of their eggs when the time comes. He's recently added more quail, parakeets, and finches to the aviary. All the birds seem to be getting along quite nicely and living happily, and Max couldn't be happier. He continues to think about and add things to the aviary as his Summer's project. Each night, Betty, Max, and I sit out by the Coi pond and listen to the birds sing. It's actually very relaxing, which is something I'm taking the time out to enjoy more and more these days...



As you know, Father's Day is this weekend, and since my daughters will be working on Sunday, we're going to switch it up and celebrate on Saturday night, which will be great! All my kids will be there, including Max, Cole, Aimee, and Renee. My mother is also joining us and we'll be having barbecue ribs, my wife's famous rice pilaf, and other treats. It will be good to share with the family the relaxation I enjoy near the Coi pond listening to the birds sing. That's livin'!

So if you're a father, Happy Father's Day to you, and make sure to take time and celebrate your father on Father's Day this Sunday.

Until next time,

Paul

Project Complete

This week, I wanted to talk about a project I am particularly proud of. A little over a year ago, we approached Harry Anderson about the prospect of producing what I think is his best routine of all: Cuff Links. Although this has been a previously-marketed product, I felt a revamping and updating of this particular effect was in order. After much discussion, Harry graciously agreed to allow us to produce a professional quality outfit, and Cuff Links Supreme was born! If you aren't familiar with this routine, it is non-stop comedy in a stand-up atmosphere that is guaranteed fun for all, including you!

Just to let you in on how the manufacturing process works, a part of this routine involves a special set of gimmicked handcuffs. We ruined over 100 pairs of handcuffs before we found the right style, the correct welding process, and the best quality handcuffs out there. The gimmick on the cuffs must be welded to insure lifelong durability and functionality. So challenge number one was finding someone who was willing to do the special weld on each set of cuffs. Now, as simple as this may sound, it's not as easy as you might think; after two months, we found someone who was not only willing to do the work, but did it exactly the way we requested.

The next obstacle was the two special wallets required to perform the routine as Harry does it. One wallet is a magnetic locking Himber Wallet and the other is a matching wallet that functions as a fire wallet. For these two items, the best person who came to mind immediately for this kind of work was my good friend, Tony Curtis, from overseas. After several months of samples being sent back and forth, the final approval was made, and the wallets were custom manufactured specifically for this effect.

The next part was the printing of the manuscript. Thanks go to Mike Caveney and Harry Anderson, for they allowed us to reprint a portion of Harry's routine, word-for-word from Harry's and Mike's original book, "Wise Guy." The manuscript turned out perfect, including photo illustrations and the necessary details.

The next step was including an actual live performance of Harry Anderson performing this routine. Thanks to Meir Yedid, we were granted permission to include a full DVD live performance from Harry's HBO Special, and it is FUNNY!

Last but not least, all the components were gathered and put together. The final product is, in my estimation, one of the best produced outfits that Hocus Pocus has ever been involved in, and we've had our share! It took many months to bring this project to fruition, and I am extremely proud to offer it to you.

The reason why I felt it necessary to give you a step-by-step procedure of this process was to show how much really goes in to creating and marketing a particular effect; it's not as easy as it may seem. There are many hours spent, money spent, and lots of trial and error to get it right. In the end, when done properly from start to finish, you have a product to be proud of and have complete confidence that those who acquire it will be just as satisfied as you are with the final result.

In closing, I guarantee that if you purchase this effect and take the time to learn and perfect it, you will have one of the strongest and most memorable routines that audiences will remember forever!

For all the details on Harry Anderson's Cuff Links Supreme, click HERE!



Now that you understand the creative process, I'm very excited to announce that the new Robert Baxt effect, Funny Money is now online for pre-order! All the components of this effect, again custom-made to Roberts exacting specifications, are here and being assembled. We are currently awaiting the live performance and instructional DVD, which, speaking to Robert, should be here next Tuesday or Wednesday, and immediately thereafter, all pre-orders will ship.

For all the details on Robert Baxt's Funny Money, click HERE!

We at Hocus Pocus take pride in every project we are involved in. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction and we'll continue to strive to give you the very best we can.

Until next time,

Paul

Home From School

Thanks, Mike, for taking over the blog last week. Betty and I headed north to the Bay Area to help our son, Cole, pack up his things and move out of the dorms for the Summer. Cole was lucky enough to land a resident assistant job for next year, so things are looking good for his return this Fall. After we helped him pack up, we all drove to San Francisco and had dinner at my favorite restaurant, Scoma's. The city was jam packed with tourists for the holiday weekend, and it took us over an hour to get over the San Francisco Bridge. We all had a great dinner, though, and Cole is now back at home where he's got a job as an assistant to a CPA.


Robert Baxt and his Funny Money

Last week, as Mike mentioned, my good friend Robert Baxt was here on his way to California Magic & Novelty Dinner Theater to perform for the weekend. While Robert was here, he and I worked out the details for manufacturing his latest release called Funny Money. Although at the moment I can't give out more information, I will say that it will be ready for release in the next few weeks. This effect will include all the props and a DVD of Robert performing this effect live at the Magic Castle. This is a great comedy magic effect that Robert has been using in his own show, and it's one of those great "packs small, plays big" effects that you will have with you at all times!


Tim Mannix always gets the chicks

My good friend Tim Mannix from Hollywood was here this week. Tim's an outstanding full-time family performer, and he always has the coolest stuff to trade with me. One of the treasures I got from him was a custom made Backgammon table decked out with card and magic designs! It is a true one-of-a-kind, and it sits in the middle of the showroom. He also brought with him a lot of antique and collectible props as well as custom Bob Mackie costumes from the Carol Burnett Show worn by Carol and her cast in a magic sketch. Tim spent most of the day here and had a great time roaming the place and checking out all the magic products here.


Doug Malloy's new Vanishing Radio

In case you haven't seen it yet, we are very excited to bring to you Doug Malloy's latest creation, the Vanishing Radio! Two years ago, Doug and I sat down and discussed the possibilities of updating this now classic effect! Doug put his nose to the grindstone, and after trial and error, has developed the best modern version ever offered in my opinion. If you ever considered adding this effect to your act or are even interested in this effect, this is the one to consider!



How many of you got started with one of these? This is an original Marshall Brodien TV Magic Kit. By the looks of Marshall on the box, he appears to be in his early 20s. I just received this in the mail today, and it's in perfect condition with all the original props intact. This will be a fine addition to my growing collection of magic kits which are "appearing" and growing steadily in my office:


Here are just a few of the kits in my collection



Some of my favorites are an original Doug Henning Magic Kit, several Blackstone Jr. Magic Kits, an original Mandrake the Magician Magic Kit, and Man from U.N.C.L.E. Magic Kit. I love looking through each one of them and the different tricks; it brings back so many childhood memories. If you have any old magic kits that you'd like to sell, please contact me at 800-407-4040 or email me at sales@hocus-pocus.com as I am interested.

This week, Mike has done an outstanding job listing a record number of new products. If you haven't visited the web site lately, do yourself a favor and CHECK IT OUT!

This weekend, I have no plans to travel or go anywhere. I'll relax at home with my wife and sons. Here's to hoping you have a well rested weekend as well.

Until next time,

Paul

A Magician's Life

Bruce Cervon (1941-2007)

I hate starting the blog like this, but I am very sad to report that magician Bruce Cervon passed away last night, May25th. I am especially morose about this as Bruce and I worked together at a couple of venues and had some great conversations and stories to share.

From the Whaley's Who's Who in Magic:

Cervon, Bruce, AIMC (Akron, Ohio: 20 Jun 1941-2007) Stage name of Andrew Bruce Cernava, a grandson of Yugoslav immigrants. Inspired around age 7 when father taught him a one-hand cut. Soon self-taught from Gilbert Mysto Magic set & the card section reprint from Hoffmann's Modern Magic. Pro close-up & stand-up magician since 1964 when he moved to Hollywood.

1971 AMA Best Lecturer.
AMA Best Close-up Magician 1973, 1976.
Expert court witness on gambling.
AMA Treasurer 1978-94 & Secretary since 1994.
Co-publisher (with Louis Falanga & as successor to Larry Jennings) of L&L Publishing since c1990.
Wrote The Real Work: Card Secrets of Bruce Cervon (1976, 64pp), The Cervon File (1987), Ultra Cervon (1990, 186pp, with Stephen Minch), etc.
See Mike Maxwell, Bruce Cervon's The Black & White Trick and Other Assorted Mysteries (1989, 151pp), and Stephen Minch, Bruce Cervon: Hard-Boiled Mysteries (1998m 192pp). Produced The Vernon Chronicles (4 vols, 1988-92), including as Vol.4 co-edited (with Keith Burns, He Fooled Houdini: Dai Vernon a Magical Life (1992, 308pp).
Tricks in Genii, Pallbearers, Epilogue, Ibidem, Cardiste, Hierophant, Talisman, Linking Ring, Magic & Spells, Magick, MUM, Richard's Almanac, & in books by others.
TV segments.
2 audios; 2 videos ("Ultra Cervon).

What an accomplished magician and an all around nice person. Bruce will surely be missed by us all.

In other news, Paul has taken a day out of the office to work with friend and magician Robert Baxt about a new project that they are being especially candid about. I had an opportunity to take a candid shot of them working and talking about something in the offices yesterday, but I can't make heads or tails of it:



And check out this video of Robert performing a levitation. While I'm unsure if this has anything to do with the above photo as far as a new project goes, it certainly is interesting and entertaining:



If the above embedded object doesn't work for your web browser, you can check it out here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZMaQfosV1dI

Regardless, make sure you keep tabs on the web site for more details when this new project hits!

Until next week when Paul returns,

Mike

Private Collection Extravaganza

Boy, how I wish all of you could be here in person this week. Mike and I have been feverishly working on compiling a massive private estate and collectibles list. This is one of the things I enjoy the most. You never know what you're going to see or what's coming in the mail. Check out the photos below of just some of the things you'll be able to purchase is you are an online member as I am going to send out a private email listing this Saturday. It is a massive list with something for everyone, whether you are a children's entertainer or a stand-up comedy magician, and everything in-between. Make sure to click the pictures below to get a bigger and better view:


Just take a look at some of these gems!


Some of the larger items for sale




Items for as far as the eye can see!







A new feature of the web site we've created is the Clearance Product Category where you can save a bundle on various items. Many of you have already found it and grabbed up some major deals. Remember, all the products in this category are new, unused, but limited to stock on-hand. Check it out often as new products are added almost daily.

Hocus Pocus teams up with Jeff Hobson and the Lecture Network, which host live magic lectures over the Internet and so much more! Just another way the Internet brings magicians from all boundaries and backgrounds together directly to your computer! We urge you to check out this new service, and you can subscribe directly through Hocus Pocus by clicking the banner below:



It's back to work on this list for now. Remember, if you are not a member and want to get in on this weekend's massive estate and collectibles event, sign up here.

Until next time,

Paul