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

Wow, What a Week!

Indeed, what a week it's been. There's lots to talk about, so let's get right into it:

First, I hope you had a great Memorial Day Weekend last week. I certainly enjoyed my four days off with the family, and I appreciate Mike taking over blogging responsibilities for me...

I'd like to congratulate all the performers of the World's Greatest Magic Show:

Kevin James
Paul Kozak
Joseph Gabriel
The Majestix

They've all won the International Magic Awards, which will be presented to them this week in Las Vegas at the Greek Isles Casino, where the show is performed nightly! I can personally say that it is an award well-deserved!

As you know, Tony Blanco has officially joined the Hocus Pocus crew Tuesday, and he has fit like a glove! It's as if he's been here forever! I couldn't be happier with this new crew, and it means that Hocus Pocus will be an even MORE well-oiled machine than it was...

This week at the shop has been non-stop BUSY. With the Monday holiday, Tuesday morning came with a BANG! Thanks to all of you, it has been one of the largest weeks Hocus Pocus has ever had. In fact, we shipped out so many packages every day this week, we had to schedule an additional 3rd UPS pick-up! Bravo to all of you!

Big news department: I have secured another exclusive for Hocus Pocus. Mike may have tipped you last week about this: the product is Cerebro Solo, and it reads INCREDIBLE! The best part is that the product delivers on every written word describing it and its possibilities! I urge you to read the description on the site.

Another hot item, straight from Bill Abbott's working repertoire, is The Thing! Check out the description and the online video of Bill performing The Thing live on the street here! Through exclusive arrangement, Hocus Pocus will be the only supplier of The Thing for a limited time. Pre-order yours now for guaranteed delivery. Remember, it will be here before it will be available anywhere else!

There are also a ton of new books and DVDs Mike has been putting on this week, so spend some time and check them out. The faster I give these new products to Mike to put on the site, the faster he puts them up.

On the home front this weekend, my sons Cole and Max are hosting their first-ever garage sale! Cole's been going to every relative in the family collecting things to sell. Out garage is so full of stuff, it looks like a scene from Sanford & Son! While Cole runs his garage sale, Max will have his Novelty Table set up as well. It will be very interesting to see how the day unfolds, and I'll be sure to inform you about it next week. Cole's goal is to earn as much money as he can to purchase a laptop computer! Max just wants the cash!

My daughter, Renee, is graduating from U.C. Santa Barbara next Saturday! Betty and I are extremely proud of how hard she's worked to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology. Wow! It really is mind-numbing to believe that she's been away for four very short years! Time does fly, and I'm shaking my head in disbelief as I write this...

So there you have it: quite a full week, and it was only four days! I can't wait to see what a full five days will be like next week!

Until next time,

Paul

Memorial Day Weekend

Hi, all. Mike Giusti here. I've hijacked the blog once again, and you're all in trouble now!

Paul has decided to take a long overdue mini-vacation from Friday to Tuesday to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, and I can't say I blame him! As for me, I have to drive to San Francisco to perform, so Monday for me will be a welcomed extra day (as I find myself behind the wheel driving all the way back). Just to let you know that Hocus Pocus will be closed on Monday, Memorial Day, but don't let that deter you from placing your orders as usual. We will have our 24-hour answering service taking your calls, and the emails will be working overtime as usual.

As for the shop itself, as you probably already know, there isn't a day that goes by wherein Paul and I don't put anything new up on the web site. There are literally hundreds of new products to be released for the Summer, and my fingers already ache from typing and clicking... I know that Paul was excited about securing a new exclusive product that I'm sure he'll be teasing you about in next week's blog, so stay tuned!

You may want to head on over to Magic Broadcast, where Hocus Pocus and I will be giving away a $50.00 gift certificate for the winner who shares their most embarrassing moment. That's $50.00 to spend any way you wish, and just for writing or speaking. Simply go here or email me your most embarrassing/funny moment while performing magic, or and you could call the Magic Broadcast Talkback line at 1-888-808-2412, and you could hear your submission live on the air Tuesday, June 7th from 9:00-10:00 PM PST at Magic Broadcast!

The heat is really kicking in over on this side of the coast! Temperatures are already in the triple digits with no signs of letting up! It gets more and more difficult to be outside and even exercise in such heat, but before I know it, I'll be bundling up for winter!

The next time you read this blog, my good friend Tony Blanco will be in his office, ready and willing to take your orders, answer your questions, and track down new products for the web site. He'll also be Paul's personal slave, so I'll probably never see him again! Inside joke between the three of us. Now, I have a huge favor to ask of you:

Tony has spent the last 20+ years performing and living in Las Vegas, so moving all the way to Fresno is a whole new ball game. Tuesday is Tony's first official day with us here at Hocus Pocus, and I know it would mean the world to him if you called us toll-free at 800-407-4040 just to welcome him aboard and introduce yourself. Tony's one of the nicest, most unassuming, yet professional people on the planet, and I know he'd love it!

Hold on a sec -- phone's for me...

That was Paul on the line (taking that so-called vacation) reminding me to wish all of you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend. I was going to do that.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Mike

The Heat is On!

Boy, oh boy, is the heat on here! We went from pouring down rain and wind to over 90 degree weather almost overnight. Time to pull out the shorts and short-sleeve shirts and get ready for those triple digit days!

You might remember the first part of the year, I mentioned a visit we had from Criss Angel and his manager. We teased you about a project they are working on, and now I'm happy to give you a bit more info. On Wednesday, July 20th at 10:00 PM on the A&E Network will be the series premier of Criss' new weekly show, "Mindfreak!" This is big news for the magic community and will definitely be a boon to the promotion of magic in general!

Got an email this morning from Robert Baxt who is on the set at Universal Studios where he is playing the part of Joseph Pujol, better known as Le Petomane in a motion picture due out later in the year. Robert sent the photos along, and I thought you might enjoy them as well.



Robert's not only one of the busiest working pros (he's not only a magician, but an actor, writer, and comedian), I don't know how he finds time to even sleep!

It's been a busy week here at Hocus Pocus as always, and I can't wait to spend some quality time with Betty and the kids. Cole, my eldest is hardcore into raquetball, and he's trying to recruit Mike into joining him at the local gym for some serious bottom-kicking! He's also very excited (Cole), as he finally had his braces removed this week, and he couldn't be more elated! Both he and Max are incessantly trying to convince Betty and I to take them to go see the new Star Wars film. I can't believe this movie generated over $17,000,000.00 in its first showing alone! If we're lucky enough to even get in, I'll give you my brief review next week.

In other news, our own Mike Giusti has been chosen to perform at the premiere of the new "Bewitched" movie to be released in the next few weeks. Mike will be bringing his own wildman and zany attitude and make this one of the most unforgettable premieres this town has ever seen! Remember, anything that has to do with magic that you become a part of is always great for not only your promotion but for magic in general!



Today, we'd like to formally announce that Tony Blanco will be joining the Hocus Pocus team full time on the 30th of this month! Tony is a master of magic and mime. He's an expert stand-up comedian, host, and master of ceremonies. He's a professional juggler, stilt walker, and unicyclist and full-time Las Vegas performer. Tony will be bringing all these skills and many more to Hocus Pocus, and we welcome his arrival.

So there you have it -- quite a full week. Don't forget to check out the web site as we are updating it with hot, new items each and every single day.

Until next time,

Paul

Who's Superstitious?

Friday the 13th, and we defy all superstition! We're walking under ladders, crossing the paths of black cats, and breaking every mirror we see. Not really, but it sounded good, right? It's funny how we all believe in these little things: my mother, to this day, will not let you open an umbrella inside her house, and that's no joke!

Lots to talk about this week. My son, Max, became an official teenager on Wednesday! The big 13! To say he's excited about becoming a teenager is an understatement. We started having the pre-birthday warm-up from Max two weeks prior by him leaving us notes on the refrigerator, slipping them under the bedroom door, and of course, verbal hints being dropped at every opportunity. For his big gift, he wanted a new Go-Cart, so Wednesday night, after dinner, we had the official unveiling! This baby goes a full 25 MPH, believe it or not, and for Max, that's supersonic! Of course, he test-drove it up and down the street all evening, and this weekend, we'll be taking it to my mother in-law's farm where there will be plenty of wide open space for Max to break it in.

Tomorrow, Betty and I will be taking Max and 8 of his best friends to Boomers for a big birthday bash where, for four hours, they'll be able to stuff themselves with pizza, cake, and ice cream, play arcade games, miniature golf, bumber boats, and Go-Carts, and play Lazer Tag! Ah yes, to be 13 again!

In other news, my daughter Aimee is visiting for a few days from Santa Barbara. It's always good to see her when she has time due to her hectic work schedule.

Today, we received Gilligan's Prediction, which, I'm sure most of you have seen on our web site. We ordered 200 units, and I would guess that a little over 150 will be shipped out today to those of you who pre-ordered. Thanks again for your orders! If this is something you were considering purchasing, it is a tremendous value for your the low priced at which it's advertised. The method is really clever; I cannot believe a fifteen year-old magician came up with something as good as this! Definitely worth a second look if your are still pondering purchasing this item!

I'm sure all of you know by now the sad passing of one of magic's great legends, Jay Marshall. I can happily say that I was extremely lucky to see Jay perform over the years at many magic conventions. To see him perform "Lefty" and "Paging Juan Escadero" was the epitome of true magic! I know it's cliche to say, but there really will never be another like him! As we like to say at Hocus Pocus, "He had a great run." With Jay passing away, it really is the end of an era.

Mike recently had an interesting show last weekend for an insurance group. Talk about a challenge: the room he was performing in was surrounded 360 degrees with mirrors! Not only on the sides of the room, but also on the ceiling as well! If there's nothing more challenging in a magic career, it's performing in those conditions! Kudos to Mike; he pulled it off and even received a standing ovation! When I hear stories like that, it makes me want to take up performing again! Mike keeps encouraging me to do so, and I must admit, the notion is becoming more and more
appealing. It's just finding extra time that is the problem...

I'll leave you with a wonderful note I received from our good friend from the United Kingdom, Nicholas Einhorn. Congratulations to both he and his wife, Jo, who had their first child, a baby girl:



Jo & Nick are delighted to let you know that at 2.59am on 5/12/05 Emily Natasha Einhorn made her first public appearance. She weighed in at 7 lbs and 4 oz. The Show started at 3.00 pm the day before so as you can image the performance was quite long, but the main act was well worth waiting for and the whole cast is now resting and excited about future projects.

Lots of love,

Nick (Director) and Jo (Producer!)

Thanks again for all your letters, comments, and suggestions. I really do read them and appreciate them all. It's you who makes Hocus Pocus what it has become today!

Until next time,

Paul

Remember Your Mom!

All right, guys and gals, let's not forget that this Sunday is Mother's Day. The most important thing your mom wants is to more than likely spend some time with you and your family. Remember all the nice things Mom did for you while growing up?

I remember for my 6th birthday party, it was a pirate theme. For two weeks, my mother slaved away and made all the party decorations and party favors herself! I can still remember her sitting up late at night cutting out pirate hats and eye patches and gluing skulls & crossbones together. Oh, and the cake: no store bought cake, but a homemade cake shaped like a pirates' island, complete with palm trees, pirate's chest, gold chocolate coins, and pirates. By the way, my birthday is September 1 (no gifts, please), and in Fresno, California the temperature around then is generally 104 - 108 degrees. Not this particular September 1, though; for my 6th birthday, it poured rain like you wouldn't believe! I thought my big outside birthday party would be ruined, but fear not; Mom came to the rescue! She went to the hardware store, bought a ton of roll-out bamboo fences, and both she and my father lined them up against the walls of the garage and brought all the tables inside. Opening the front of the garage, it was like living in a pirates grotto as the water cascaded off the open garage door! It was better than it would have been had the day been sunny! I have my mom to thank for that memory and many others.

Speaking of rain, that's all we've had here. It's May and it's pouring like crazy. It should be bright and sunny but all the weather reports tell us we're in for rain, rain, rain, until the middle of next week! We're so close to the mountains, it's great for the skiers as ski slopes report that they'll be open all the way until Memorial Day! Hard to believe but true.

Our visitor this week was my good friend Terry Godfrey from San Diego. Terry was on his way to perform at the Sacramento State Fair, and he stopped by for several hours. Terry's one of the busiest professionals in the business, and he's truly one of the most well-rounded performers whether it be be large stage shows or close-up work! His version of the Miser's Dream would make Al Flosso "stand up straight, boy!" Terry and I had a chance to reminisce, and he left with a big box of books, his favorite...

Hope you've had a chance to check out the web site this week and notice all the new products being updated and added by my favorite "number one guy" (said in my best Jack Palance voice), Mike Giusti.

Speaking of Mike Giusti, Mike and I will be in a huddle Monday compiling a list of private collectibles to be sent to all online members. If you are not an online member, be sure to sign up today! Simply enter the web site HERE and sign up to become a member! It's simple. It's fun. Best of all, it's free!

So there you have it! I want to say thank you to all the moms out there, to my mom, and to my wife, Betty, for not only being an incredible mom to all of our children, but the best wife any guy could ever have!

Until next time,

Paul

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