The "World's Greatest Magic Show" which opens this week at the Sahara in Las Vegas will star Kevin James, Sylvester the Jester, Jason Byrne, The Majestix, Joseph Gabriel, Zieda Lavavootnish, Billy Ferguson, Kenneth Harvard, and Jeff Hobson. A Las Vegas Review-Journal article quotes a hotel executive, "We're excited to be able to bring this unique style of show to the Sahara… Our guests will receive a fast-paced, high-energy show that will defy all other magic shows." To read the Oct. 10 article titled "'World's Greatest Magic Show' to make its debut at Sahara" click: HERE.(10/13)

Teller is reported to be writing a book about David P. Abbott. An Associated Press article reported that, "Teller was in Omaha last week to see Walter Graham, a retired businessman who also performs magic. Teller credited Graham with collecting Abbott's manuscripts." To read the Oct. 11 article titled "Teller Writing Book on Omaha Magician" click: HERE.(10/13)

The closing of the historic Siegfried & Roy show is mentioned in many articles that look at it's history, evolution and importance. A Las Vegas Review-Journal article reported, "The Mirage show opened Feb. 1, 1990, and ran for 5,750 performances for an estimated 10.5 million patrons, The pair performed six shows weekly before capacity crowds of 1,504 paying an average of $110 each, including tax. They performed about 45 weeks per year, meaning Siegfried & Roy generated about $44.6 million in annual pretax ticket revenue." A Las Vegas Sun article reported that, "Siegfried & Roy merchandise has become a hot commodity at the online auction house… A recent search on eBay for 'siegfried and roy' turned up 112 products, from autographed posters and 'Gift for the Ages' show guides to coffee mugs and stuffed white tigers." There were also several articles about the possible causes of the accident.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 12 Las Vegas Review-Journal article by Mike Johnson titled "Siegfried & Roy Timeline" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 12 article Las Vegas Review-Journal titled "The Mystery Of Siegfried & Roy" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 11 Las Vegas Review-Journal article by Rod Smith titled "Siegfried & Roy At The Mirage: Show officially ends" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 10 Las Vegas Sun article by Kirk Baird titled "Siegfried & Roy memorabilia a hot commodity" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 10 article titled "Siegfried Speaks One on One With News 3's Jim Snyder" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read an Oct. 8 transcript of an Eyewitness News, Steve Wynn interview by Gary Waddell titled "Steve Wynn Gives Exclusive Interview" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 10 New York Daily News article by Jose Martinez titled "Say a 'do almost did in Roy" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 10 UPI article titled "Big-haired lady may have spooked tiger" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 12 Las Vegas Review-Journal article by Norm titled "Wynn's actions raising eyebrows" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 12 Associated Press article by Adam Goldman titled "Siegfried and Roy Respected After Attack" click: HERE.(10/13)

Greg Wilson, Amos Levkovitch, Simon Lovell, John Shryock & Mari, Jarvis, Tim Noonan, Chase Curtis, Bruce Gold, and Blake Maxam appear at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles on Oct. 13-19. Simon Lovell lectures on Sunday Oct. 19.(10/13)

David Blaine's comparison to Houdini is discussed in a Newsday article by Houdini expert Kenneth Silverman. Silverman pointed out that "Blaine is more correctly viewed as an anti-Houdini. For Houdini the supreme escape artist - breaking out of jails, squirming out of straitjackets - the constant challenge was not staying in but getting out. Although Blaine himself idolizes Houdini, he has an unusual relationship with the world of magic. He respects fellow magicians but does not socialize with them." The article also quotes Richard Kaufman and Stan Allen. To read the Oct. 12 article by Kenneth Silverman titled "Nothing Up His Sleeve" click: HERE.(10/13)

As David Blaine gets closer to the finale of his "Above the Below" stunt some articles look back at what happened and try to explain the reaction of the audiences. A DVD and video titled "David Blaine: Above The Below" is already being advertised for a Nov. 24 release. The format of both the VHS and DVD is in PAL and cannot be viewed in the United States without special equipment.(10/13)
--To pre-order the David Blaine DVD click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 12 Newpaper Asia article titled "Blaine's magic is simple ...if you have the budet, says local magician" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 10 Toronto Star article by Sandro Contenta titled "Just hangin' out in London" click: HERE.(10/13)
--To read the Oct. 8 Evening Standard article by Abul Taher titled "Blaine reveals his inspiration" click: HERE.(10/13)

PC Sorcar discusses his "Magic City" in a Times Of India article, "Every visitor to this magical city -- to be set up at a site near the Sunderbans -- will live like a king with his own personal attendant. Entry on week days will be at throwaway prices, but on weekends the charges will be more than that of regular hotels." The article reported that "The estimated cost has been pegged at Rs 60-70 crore to start with and paperworks are expected to be complete by next March. The land of magic will be ready to throw open its doors in another three or four years." To read the Oct. 10 article by Nilanjana Bhowmick titled "PC Sorcar to set up magic city" click: HERE.(10/13)

TEXAS: Dan Fleshman lectures on Oct. 14 at Magical Gadgets, Inc. (7151 Preston Rd. #125) in Frisco. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information phone: 214-387-8388.(10/13)

Rob Holladay's magic show, "RUA Bully," that educates about bullying is featured in a Pharos-Tribune article. To read the Oct. 10 article by Deb Saine titled "Abracadabra" click: HERE.(10/13)

Damian Tong and Debbie Salcedo marriage at the Jirayr Zorthian's Altadena ranch is reported in a Pasadena Star News article that describes what happened, "Once on stage, Salcedo was tied to her soon-to-be-husband, who had already been buckled into a straitjacket. 'Since time immemorial, man has tried to escape the bonds of matrimony,' intoned fellow magician and ordained minister Bill Peron, who wore furs and a set of antlers. 'Today we will see how difficult it really is,' he said." To read the Oct. 11 article by Becky Oskin titled "Magical matrimony" click: HERE.(10/13)

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David Blaine is now being reported to end his "Above The Below" stunt on Monday Oct. 20 in many different newspaper articles. Until recently the stunt was supposed to end on the 19th and last 44 days. By our count an Oct. 20 ending would make it a 45-day stay. As far as we can tell he is still scheduled to come out on the 19th and it will air on the 20th at 10pm on Channel 4 in the UK.(10/14)

David Blaine is interviewed on CNN where he says that, "This whole thing has been so much more difficult than anything else I have ever done ... And I don't think I can do anything like this again… It's been really cold, and when you are starving your body only produces one-third of its heat. It's been 40 degrees some nights. It's really hard to sit, and all of my muscles are really weak." To read the Oct. 14 article titled "Never again, Blaine tells CNN" click: HERE.(10/14)

David Blaine was reported to be "so weak with hunger yesterday he needed a cue card to remember a telly message for fans." A Sun article also quotes the statement he read, "This is it. I'm getting ready to come out. This has been my own personal journey through 44 days of light and darkness. Soon it will all be over." To read the Oct. 13 article "Thank cue, David Blaine!" click: HERE.(10/14)

David Blaine is supposed to be a victim of a flash mob that has been organizing on the web for the past few weeks.(10/14)
--To read the Oct. 13 Web User article by Claire Woffenden titled "Flash mobbers prepare to taunt Blaine" click: HERE.(10/14)
--To read the Oct. 13 Sun article titled "Gang plan Blaine torture" click: HERE.(10/14)

Roy is reported to be "making a steady recovery" in a KVBC-TV article that reported, "that's the word from doctors who say he now has a great chance of surviving this month's tiger attack." To read the Oct. 13 report titled "Roy Horn Making Steady Recovery" click: HERE.(10/14)

Joe Cabral weighs in on the Roy accident in a WTNH-TV report that quotes him, "If you go to the mirage and see how these animals are treated it's almost better than human beings… You learn the animal is not just another prop or a tool an animal is something to be cared for." To read the Oct. 13 report by Sara Welch titled "Local magician talks about training with Siegfried and Roy" click: HERE.(10/14)

Siegfried and Roy's tiger Montecore has completed his 10-day quarantine and was found not to have rabies. He will now be transferred to the animal habitat at the Mirage. To read the Oct. 13 Associated Press article titled "Tiger to remain at Mirage casino habitat" click: HERE.(10/14)

Richard Reed and Keelan Leyser who star in a new 10-part television series in the UK are featured in a Local London article that reported, "Since the success of David Blaine, a new generation of magicians with street cred has appeared in a puff of smoke vying to capture the imagination of today’s cynical public. …Step up Croydon magician Keelan Leyser and his partner Richard Reed, from Wallington, who are about to feature in a 10-part television series showcasing seven of the country’s youngest and most talented illusionists." To read the Oct. 13 article by Croydon Guardian titled "Playing tricks on the public" click: HERE.(10/14)

David Seebach is featured in a Journal Sentinel article that mentions his use of a tiger in the upcoming Halloween show at the Modjeska Theatre. The article reported, "Seebach plans to open the second half of his Modjeska show with 'The Tiger's Bride,' a reworking of an older effect, 'The Lion's Bride.' He also will be unveiling a newly revamped Chinese sequence that includes the Enchanted Temple, an illusion built for him earlier this year by Owen Magic Supreme in Los Angeles." To read the Oct. 12 article by James Auer titled "Handle with care" click: HERE.(10/14)

John Hirokawa who received a Merlin award from the International Magicians Society on Friday is the subject of a Star Bulletin article that reported, "Hirokawa touched the heart during his acceptance speech when he invited the audience to 'find God' and thanked his wife for her love and support through the years." To read the Oct. 13 article by John Berger titled "John Hirokawa receives a Merlin Award" click: HERE.(10/14)

Bob Sheets, Mark Phillips & Karen Beriss, and Rich Bloch perform at Wednesday Wizardry on Oct. 15 at 7:30pm at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn (311 Kent Square Road) in Kentlands, Maryland. Tickets are $12-$15 per person and are available by phoning: 301-258-6394.(10/14)

"The Greatest Magic Tricks In The Universe Ever" is described in a Glasgow Evening Times article that reported "Voted for by a panel of magic experts, fellow magicians and celebrities including Paul Daniels, Jeremy Beadle, Anthea Turner and, bizarrely, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, the conjurors pay their respects to the men behind the magic." To read the Oct. 11 article titled "Magicians reveal their top 20 tricks" supplied by YellowBrix click: HERE.(10/14)

Penn Jillette writes an article about misdirection for the Atlanta Journal Constitution that looks at how misdirection can be applied in politics but actually discusses what misdirection is, by giving some examples. To read the Oct. 13 article by Penn Jillette titled "Political sleight of hand -- it's no magic" click: HERE.(10/14)

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Penn Jillette gives a lengthy interview to IGN FilmForce where he discusses the history of the Penn & Teller team, how they function, teamwork, and much information about the original three-member team which called themselves "The Asparagus Valley Cultural Society." Jillette said that he once partnered with Michael Moschen. "…we were club-passers. Serious club-passers. No talking, no jokes – just really jock juggling stuff. We were first in the world to pass nine clubs. Now people are doing eleven – but at the time in the early '70s, that was a big deal. And I met Teller during that time." He also offers insight into their show, "…I noticed -- and during the show, there are three times I look at Teller. What it is, it's a one-man show done by two people, and the times that I address Teller in the show are just twice. That I say anything to him. All the rest is addressed directly to the audience. It's exactly as if you were doing a one-person show." The article also covers a lot of important philosophy about show business. To read the Oct. 13 interview by Ken P. titled "Penn Jillette is interviewed: The non-silent half of Penn & Teller discusses his career" click: HERE.(10/15)

The two magic shows opening today in Las Vegas are featured in a Las Vegas Review-Journal article that discussed both shows. "The World's Greatest Magic Show" at the Sahara and David Saxe and John Stuart's new show "Ovation" at the Aladdin. The article reported that, "Saxe also produces 'V -- The Ultimate Variety Show' at The Venetian. He says 'the concept is much the same' for 'Ovation,' except the new show will feature a live band and be more tailored 'to Generation X.'" Magicians appearing in Ovation include Jason Byrne and Mark Kornhouser. To read the Oct. 14 article by Mike Weatherford titled "Two new shows hope to fill 'Siegfried & Roy' void" click: HERE.(10/15)

David Blaine is heard saying, "This last week is the tough part - I can feel it getting really hard." A Reuters article reported that he, "…has been complaining he smells of sulphur and has repeatedly said what he most longs for is to bathe and clean his teeth." An ITV article reported on the Flash Mob at the Blaine site, "One member said: 'The flash mob for David Blaine involved turning up, holding your mobile phone up, having it ring for a minute, then shouting 'what goes up must come down!' for two minutes then dispersing very quickly.'" (10/15)
--To read the Oct. 14 Reuters article by Andrew Cawthorne titled "Smelly Blaine near end of stunt" click: HERE.(10/15)
--To read the Oct. 14 ITV article titled "Mob flash Blaine with mobiles" click: HERE.(10/15)
--To read the Oct. 14 BBC News article titled "Tormentors 'scared' magician Blaine" click: HERE.(10/15)
--To read the Oct. 14 DeHavilland article titled "Magician found Blaine-baiting 'scary'" click: HERE.(10/15)

Criss Angel's two television specials will be airing on Canadian television in November. A company press release reported, "SPACE: The Imagination Station brings his astounding new form of entertainment to northern audiences in the Canadian television premieres of Criss Angel: Mindfreak airing Sunday, November 2 at 4pm ET and Criss Angel: Supernatural airing Sunday, November 9 at 4pm ET." To read the Oct. 14 press release titled "New York Illusionist Criss Angel Brings His Magic to SPACE This November" click: HERE.(10/15)

NEW JERSEY: Aldo Colombini lectures on Wednesday Oct. 15 at 8pm for JMMRT at the V.F.W. Hall (20 Pennsylvania Ave., two blocks from the NJ Transit -- Linden train station) in Linden. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. For more information click: HERE.(10/15)

Siegfried & Roy's white tiger, Montecore's fate is reported in an EOnline! article, "On Tuesday morning, the 600-lb., seven-year-old tiger headed back to the Secret Garden, his home at the Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas." To read the Oct. 14 article by Sarah Hall titled "Siegfried & Roy Tiger Sprung" click: HERE.(10/15)

Jon Armstrong and The Stoilovs join David Groves in "Magic In The Burbs" on Thursday Oct. 16 at 7:30pm at the Home Brew Coffee Company, (661 W. Arrow Hwy.) in San Dimas, California. Admission is $7.50 (includes one free drink) per person. For reservations and information phone: 909-394-1964.(10/15)

Jessica, Shayna and Mandy Reed who have been winning magic competitions and getting press in the magic magazines are featured in a Register Herald article that reported, "'The girls have been getting e-mails from Japan and things,' said Larry, who noted their popularity escalated in that particular country due in part to a two-hour documentary aired in Japan featuring the magical family." To read the Oct. 14 article by Ashley Rodeffer titled "Reed sisters publish story in magazine for girls" click: HERE.(10/15)

K. Lal is featured in a Tribune India article that reported, "Even at the age of 80, the effervescence has not dimmed. Globe-trotting magician Kantilal Giridharilal Vohra, alias K. Lal, has come a long way since his first performance in 1940, at a relative’s wedding reception. His family was at that time ostracised on the suspicion of propagating witchcraft." The article also describes his career, world travels and calls him "a living legend in the history of modern magic." To read the Oct. 13 article titled "Mesmerising Lal" click: HERE.(10/15)

PRESS RELEASE: Magician Blackstone's Famous Illusions and Secrets along with "Frankenstein" and Schwarzenegger Special Effects.

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Poof! at the Miners Alley Playhouse is reviewed in a Boulder Weekly article that describes the show as, "More than just a comedy, however, Poof! is also a magic show. A grab bag of classic tricks find their way into the production. Among many, many other tricks and sleights of hand, the audience oohs at the dancing handkerchief and ahhs at the famous Houdini escape from a locked trunk. The fact that Poof! is performed by the Miners Alley Playhouse company–a company of actors, not magicians–makes the credibility of the magic that much more remarkable." The show runs through Oct. 19. To read the Oct. 9-16 review by Gary Zeidner titled "It’s tricky" click: HERE.(10/16)

Jerry Andrus and Ray Hyman taped a segment for NBC Nightly News on Thursday Oct. 9 about the "The Oregon Vortex." The spot will air on Oct. 31.(10/16)

David Blaine is more popular in England than many people realize. A Sky News article reported that, "The US illusionist has topped MSN's list of top 20 searches for September." The article also reported that, "…MSN Search says people are still hungry for news about the American. Robin Kellett, MSN's Search Manager, said: 'It's no wonder - we're all trying to find someone hungrier than us after following the Atkins Diet!'" To read the Oct. 15 article titled "UK Starving For News About Blaine" click: HERE.(10/16)

David Copperfield's visit to Toronto's Bloorview MacMillan Children's Centre where his Project Magic helps people with rehab is discussed in a Canadian Press feature. To read the Oct. 15 article by Helen Branswell titled "Master magician Copperfield makes magic happen for young rehab patients" click: HERE.(10/16)

Puck is presenting his hypnosis show during the Fright Fest at Six Flags America, in Bowie, Maryland on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2. Also appearing is illusionist Joe Romano. For more information click: HERE.(10/16)

Mark and Jinger Kalin are featured in a Reno Gazette-Journal article where they discuss why they decided to stop using big cats in their show. Mark explained, "I think that this event with Roy will have a definite impact… It is causing a lot of questions in a lot of people's minds about the safety." To read the Oct. 14 article by Geralda Miller titled "Exotic cats phased out of Reno magicians’ act" click: HERE.(10/16)
--To read the Oct. 15 Associated Press article titled "Exotic cats phased out of Reno magicians' act" click: HERE.(10/16)

Christo Joe who is predicting what the headlines of four regional newspapers on Saturday will be is featured in a Times Of India article that reported,"Joe later claimed that he had successfully attempted the fire, spike and graveyard escapes. His next attempt would be the railway escape - to free himself of fetters from a track minutes before a train passed by." To read the Oct. 15 article titled "Magician predicts Saturday's headlines" click: HERE.(10/16)

NEW YORK CITY: Aldo Colombini lectures for the SAM Parent Assembly on Friday Oct. 17 at 7:30pm at the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' and Airmen's Club (283 Lexington Avenue) in Manhattan. The free lecture is a members-only event.(10/16)

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John Carney will be presenting special lectures throughout the east coast in the next week. You can catch one of these private lectures at The Dayton Mall Ramada in Dayton, OH on Oct. 19, Holiday Inn Monroeville in Pittsburgh, PA on Oct. 20, Pier Seven Restaurant in Washington, DC on Oct. 21, Faith Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Baltimore, MD on Oct. 22, Hancock United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, PA on Oct. 23, City University Graduate Center in New York City on Oct. 24, and the VFW Hall 1397 in Linden, NJ on Oct. 26. All lectures begin at 7:30pm and the admission is $25 per person at the door. For more information click: HERE.(10/17)

David Blaine's "Above The Below" stunt will end on Sunday as he comes out of his self imposed solitary confinement in a plastic box hanging in London. An Associated Press article reported, "Thousands are expected to show up on Sunday to watch Blaine's exit, which will be broadcast on television and streamed to paying subscribers on the Internet. Blaine's Web site says he may have to spend a month in hospital recovering from the ordeal." Several articles are now discussing the dangers he faces as he begins to eat again and how his body could react.(10/17)
--To read the Oct. 16 Associated Press article by Jill Lawless titled "Magician David Blaine Nears End of Stunt" click: HERE.(10/17)
--To read the Oct. 16 Scotsman article by Nell Raven titled "Feeding Time for Blaine" click: HERE.(10/17)
--To read the Oct. 16 Evening Standard article by Howard Jacobson titled "Blaine's new disciples" click: HERE.(10/17)

The Arts & Entertainment network has been scrambling to produce a special Siegfried & Roy edition of their famed Biography series. The show is scheduled to premiere on Monday Oct. 20 at 8pm ET on A&E-TV. They already shot interviews with Criss Angel, Penn Jillette, Robin Leach, Bernie Yuman, Shirley MacLaine, Steve Wynn, and Wayne Bernath. For more information click: HERE.(10/17)

MICHIGAN: A Milt Kort Honorary Tribute and Broken Wand Ceremony will be held on Sunday Oct. 19 at 3pm at the Troy Clawson Elks (1451 East Big Beaver Road) in Troy. Admission, which includes dinner, is $25 per person. For reservations phone: 248-333-7738.(10/17)

Oz Pearlman presents his WatchMagic show on Sunday nights at 7:30pm through the end of the year at the Joyous Life Theater (119 W. 23rd Street) in New York City. Tickets are $35 per person. For tickets click: HERE.(10/17)

Torkova, Peter Kougasian, Jon Stetson, Todd Robbins, Francis Menotti, Thorsten Happel, and David Sandy headline at Monday Night Magic on Oct. 20 at 8pm in NYC. For tickets phone Ticketmaster at: 212-307-4100. For more information click: HERE.(10/17)

David Sandy performs for Fantasma Magic at FAO Schwarz (58th Street and 5th Avenue) in New York City on Saturday Oct.. 18 at 2pm and 4pm.(10/17)

LOUISIANA: Joe Harrison and members of SAM  #36, IBM #27, and the local SYM. will be performing at the Children's Wing of the Jefferson Parish Library (4747 West Napoleon Ave) in Metairie on Saturday Oct. 18 beginning at 11am. Jon Racherbaumer is the event coordinator. For more information click: HERE.(10/17)

Trigg Burrage who was recently named young magician of the year by the SAM New Orleans assembly is featured in a Times-Picayune article that quotes him, "It's not just doing something that other people can't do; it's putting fantasy into everyday life." To read the Oct. 16 article by Beth Martin titled "Magical Evening" click: HERE.(10/17)

MARYLAND: Tony Clark lectures on Saturday Oct. 18 at 7:30pm at Denny & Lee Magic Studio (325 South Marlyn Avenue) in Baltimore. Tickets are $20 per person and are available by phoning: 410-686-3914.(10/17)

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