The current power struggles and lease negotiations at the Magic Castle were the subject of a story in The New York Sun where they concluded, "As to the overall outcome, Mr. [Milt] Larsen said it’s 'too soon' to know how negotiations will work out. He has talked to at least four other venues about possibly taking his collection and starting anew." The article also quoted Diana Zimmerman about the takeover of operations, "Castle Partners has made a 10-point offer to the AMA, which, if accepted, should net them $1 million a year. Castle Partners has also made a lucrative consulting and licensing offer to Mr. Larsen." Mentioned in the article are Richard Kaufman, Bob Rossi, Michael Flint, Peter Reveen, Lance Burton, and Whit Haydn. To read the Feb. 25 article by Gary Shapiro titled "L.A.'s Magic Castle May Pull a Disappearing Trick" click: HERE.(3/2)

Penn & Teller receive an award. According to a Las Vegas Sun article they won the "Writer's Guild of America's 2004 award for outstanding comedy/variety series for their Showtime series, 'Bull----,' at ceremonies in Los Angeles on Saturday night." The article also reported that "Extreme Close Up magician Steve Dacri has moved from The Orleans to O'Shea's, on the Strip. The show, which starts March 5, plays Tuesday through Sunday." To read the Feb. 25 article by Timothy McDarrah titled "Rio's adults-only show is off its rocker" click: HERE.(3/2)

MAGIC magazine has announced that they will be presenting a "lucky 13" edition of their MAGIC Live! convention on Aug. 22-25 at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. Stan Allen told MagicTimes that the convention would present "new faces in a familiar format" by building on the strengths of the 10th anniversary convention and adding and improving the format to create an even better experience. Special attention is being given to present the close-up shows in the best possible way. Their 10th anniversary convention held in 2001 has been routinely described as one of the best magic conventions with an all-star cast and a unique and creative approach to presenting the events. All early registrants will automatically be eligible for a monthly drawing for free Las Vegas show tickets. For more information click: HERE.(3/2)

Steve Wyrick's show is reviewed in the Las Vegas Mercury where they conclude, "Magic aficionados will find few new tricks on display. However, his larger illusions are worth watching and his close-up rapport has improved. If Wyrick could develop a more uniformly engaging presence and inject a sense of danger into his show, the evening might become more magical." To read the Feb. 26 review by Barbara Scherzer titled "Stage: Sleight of bland" click: HERE.(3/2)

The legendary John Calvert will be lecturing on Thursday Mar. 4 at 7:30pm at Denny & Lee Magic Studio (325 South Marlyn Avenue) in Baltimore, Maryland. Tickets are $20 per person and are available by phoning: 410-686-3914.(3/2)

Meir Yedid presents his "Published & Published" lecture on Thursday Mar. 4 at 8pm for IBM Ring #244 at the Syosset Public Library (225 South Oyster Bay Road) in Syosset, Long Island, New York. Admission is free to members and $10 per person for everyone else. For more information phone: Bill White at: 516-785-4402.(3/2)

The 9th Annual Magical Evening of Family Entertainment takes place on Mar. 13 at 2:30pm and 7pm at the West Chester U in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Performers are David Oliver, John Cassidy, Bob Sheets, Kohl & Co., and R.G. Smith. The show is a benefit for The Exchange Club Family Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. For more information click: HERE.(3/2)

B.J. Hickman's recycling themed magic show is discussed in a Fosters Daily Democrat article that reported, "Hickman provides a humorous, audience-participation magic show using props that were made from recycled materials." To read the Feb. 27 article tilted "Kids learn another magic word" click: HERE.(3/2)

FISM World Champions Scott & Muriel will be launching their first theatrical tour in the Netherlands beginning with a world premiere performance on Mar. 12 at the Leidse Schuwburg in Leiden, The Netherlands. The 110-minute production titled "B!g Show!" will feature magic and various complementing arts such as, tango, acrobatics, singing, slapstick, and music. The show is described as, "It's subtle humour and refined comedy accompanied by a live band who create just the right atmosphere, whether they're playing big band, house, jazz, country & western, blues or rock and roll. In other words, pure fun!"  The show runs through May 15. For more information click: HERE.(3/2)

The Long Island Mystics will be holding a special auction on Monday Mar. 8 at 7:30pm at the United Methodist Church (Park Blvd.) in Massapequa, LI, New York. For more information phone: 516-483-9610.(3/2)

John George lectures on Wednesday Mar. 10 at 8pm for JMMRT at the V.F.W. Hall (20 Pennsylvania Ave., two blocks from the NJ Transit -- Linden train station) in Linden, New Jersey. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. For more information click: HERE.(3/2)

Criss Angel dropped by the MagicTimes offices last Tuesday to say hello and update us on the many projects he has been working on. He said that he is putting the final touches on his first DVD release titled "Criss Angel Made In Japan" and it should be out in the next month or so.(3/2) -A MagicTimes photo.