Carl Ballantine 1922-2009

It’s rare in our lives when we have the opportunity to meet those who we’ve admired, revered, and respected. To have the opportunity to call them friends is even more rare. I had that rare privilege of meeting Carl Ballantine several years ago in Hollywood, thanks to my good friend, Robert Baxt. Carl had befriended Robert, and I remember the day Robert told me of their meeting. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Carl’s act, and the fact that he and Robert were friends was icing on the cake. It was only a matter of time that Carl and I met, as it was a custom that Robert and I met for lunch several times a year at Musso & Frank’s in Hollywood, along with several other friends and performers. Imagine my delight when Robert told me that a very special guest would be joining us for lunch on a particular Musso & Frank’s outing a few years ago. And so it began, a friendship with the great Carl Ballantine. Each and every time thereafter, Carl would join us for lunch, sit at the head of the table, and hold court over all of us, and keep us laughing in hysterics. Always ordering his favorite flannel cakes and giving the waiter a “hard time” in good fun. He told us stories of his days as a performer, and I would marvel at the fact that he remembered specific details of those he performed with.

As many of you may or may not know, Carl was also a television and film actor as well. One of my favorite stories was when Carl made a film with Elvis Presley. During a break, stepping out of his trailer, Carl noticed a brand new Cadillac convertible. As he walked around and admired it, Elvis walked up and asked him if he liked his brand new car. Without missing a beat, Carl said that he loved it. Elvis looked at him, tossed him the keys, and said, “Then it’s yours, Mr. Ballantine.” Elvis GAVE Carl the car! To which Carl replied as only Carl could, “If I had known he was going to be so famous, I would have held onto that car and never sold the damned thing.”

Betty, Gerald Kirchner, Carl, Me, and Chuck Kirchner backstage at the Magic Castle

One of my favorite photos of Mike and Carl clowning around

One of our many customary lunches at Musso & Frank’s

Over the years, Carl stayed busy, still performing his magic act when asked, acting, and doing voice-over work. Two years ago, although having had to have a pacemaker put in, it didn’t stop him. In 2007, Carl was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers at the Academy of Magical Arts and as recently as last year, he was awarded one of the top ten most funny magic acts today! No matter how many times I’ve watched him perform, I always found myself laughing out loud at some of the things he did, even when I knew what was coming. His timing and comic stylings were unmatched. No one else could make a magic-act-that-goes-wrong look so good. Lots of people don’t know that Carl was actually an accomplished magician who had a true love for the art of magic. There just aren’t many like Carl left: true performers and legends of magic. I’m very thankful for the day that Robert Baxt introduced me to Carl, and I’m honored to have been able to call Carl my friend. If I could wish for one thing, selfishly, I would have wished that I could have met him sooner.

At 92 years old, Carl had a good run and leaves behind  legacy of great memories and laughter. What else could you ask for? We’ll all miss you at lunch at Musso & Frank’s, Carl, and the guy I bought your cigars from is going to wonder what happened to me. Thank you for everything.

Please enjoy a couple of YouTube videos I found and see why “this kid’s dynamite”:

Until next time,

Paul

Vampires?

As I sit here on Halloween Eve, I thought I’d share a little story with you: My youngest son, Max, in an effort to raise extra cash to customize his 1969 Chevy Nova, applied for a seasonal job at the Spirit Halloween Store. These are national franchise stores that temporarily open for the months of September and October as a mega Halloween outlet. Max was excited when his application was approved and his employment began. We find the stories extremely interesting about some of the customers he waits on. For instance, the other day, a woman came into the store and was looking to buy a vampire cape. Max waited on her and she asked if she could try the cape on. Max replied, “No problem,” and pointed out to where the dressing rooms were. This is where the story gets bizarre. She very seriously explained to Max that she was a vampire. A REAL vampire. Max just replied, “OK.” After all, his father owns a magic shop so he pretty much has heard it all. But she was adamant. She repeated “I’m a real vampire.” She wanted to warn Max because when she came out of the dressing room to admire herself in the mirror, she didn’t want him to be startled when he noticed she had no reflection. So into the dressing room she went, and when she came out with her cape, they went to the mirror. She was surprised when Max said that he could see her reflection. Oh well. So much for real vampires…

Another customer offered him a black Bic lighter and told him it possessed special powers to cast spells. Quite an education so far for Max. Tonight he works until 11:00 PM and until 8:00 PM tomorrow night. I’ll bet he’ll have some real doozies to tell us that Betty and I can’t wait to hear.

Last week, we told you about the Big List that is going out tonight. I’ve almost driven Mike to a mental breakdown as we finalized, alphabetized, numbered, and made the final preparations. There are 230 items up for grabs on this list, and let me tell you: there is something for everyone as this is just one part of the overall list; there are over 2000 items in this collection! I got a lot of emails and phone calls after last week’s vlog as some of you were able to scout out some jewels for yourselves. The link to the list will be sent to all online members tonight at 6:00 PM, so if you’re still not an online member and want to get in on the action, you still have time to join!

News from the Magic Land of Allakazam

Very excited about the next project to come from our good friends Mark and Nani Wilson. I can’t tip it yet but I will tell you that it’s going to be a limited edition product to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Magic Land of Allakazam! Wow! It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years! Betty and I will be traveling south in two weeks to spend the day with Mark and Nani and to finalize the details. While we’re there, we’re going to take a tour of the new upstairs mini-museum that their son, Greg, has worked so hard at putting together. Their entire warehouse is like a time capsule of their lives as performers. I can’t wait to see what Greg has done, and Betty and I look forward to spending the day with Mark and Nani.

So Long, Soupy

I couldn’t end the blog without saying so long to Soupy Sales. I don’t know about you guys, but Soupy Sales was a big part of my life growing up as a kid. I never missed a Soupy Sales show. Who could forget dancing to the mouse? And White Fang, the dog that played practical jokes. And no one could take a pie in the face better than Soupy. A huge part of Americana is gone now that Soupy Sales has left us. So, so long, Soupy and thanks for the laughs and the great memories.

So, tomorrow’s Halloween. Watch out for the vampires, and don’t forget to turn your clocks back 1 hour tomorrow night.

Until next week,

Paul

The Big List

You may remember several months ago, I told you that we acquired a rather large private collection. We had prepared a partial list and sent it out to Online Members, and the response was tremendous, and we appreciate all your support. So many of you have asked since then when the next list will be coming out. Your wait is almost over. There are literally thousands of items and a collection of this size is a major undertaking. First, you must make sure that all the items are complete with all parts and instructions, if available. It’s an arduous task, at best, and very time-consuming. Thankfully, my good friend, Steve Dick, from Southern California, was available to come and help us out. Steve is an expert in rare, collectible, and used magic, and someone whose opinion I value. So, for days on end, Steve helped to catalogue, price and inventory the next grouping of items. So, hold onto your hats and buckle your seat belts; the next list will be sent out on Friday evening, October 30th. Important to note: the only way to gain access to this list is to become an online member, which is completely free. The secret link will be sent to you via email. So, if you are not yet an online member, you still have time to sign up HERE! Just to show you we’re not kidding about how large this collection is, Mike and I filmed a short video tour. Enjoy.

Until next time,

Paul

An Amazing Weekend

The title says it all; last Friday I took my family to Hollywood, California to celebrate my son, Cole’s, 21st birthday. We arrived around noon and checked into our hotel and spent the day walking around Hollywood Boulevard. We had lunch at Musso and Frank’s, and it was fantastic. On the way back, we stopped at the Kodak Center and one of my personal favorites, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, to look at all the famous foot and handprints. My son in-law even stopped to take his photo with Houdini’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Standing in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Checking out all the famous foot and handprints

George Burns

My daughter, Renee and Marilyn Monroe

Jonathan and Renee with Snoop Dog

Houdini’s star

After our sightseeing tour, it was time to get ready for dinner at the Magic Castle for an evening celebration. We were joined for dinner by Mark and Nani Wilson and Mark Nelson. Special thanks to Nani and Mark for enabling us to use the Houdini Seance Room for our dinner. It made the evening even more special taking in the atmosphere of the room.

After dinner, we enjoyed the Palace of Mystery show watching Mike Caveney and Tina Lenert and then the Parlor of Prestidigitation. Afterwards, Robert Baxt took on the role as our official Magic Castle tour guide, showing Cole and the rest of the first-time Castle visitors. Visiting invisible Irma is always one of the highlights for anyone who’s never been to the Castle before. Amanda tried to stump her, requesting various Barry White songs, but Irma didn’t disappoint.

Cole, Amanda, me, Betty, Renee and Jonathan ready for the Castle

Our dinner guests, Nani and Mark Wilson in the Houdini Seance Room

Renee and Jonathan

Betty and I

The whole gang with our Mark Wilson “magic hands” pose

Cole and Amanda, first-time Castle goers turned 21

The next morning, I was up bright and early to attend the Magic Castle Swap Meet to check out the goods and meet with old friends.

My friend Jeff Peterson, all the way from Las Vegas, to sell and swap

Kevin Curtain, creator of Devil’s Cola Bottle and Devil’s Pitcher, discussing his next big thing

After the Swap Meet, I loaded all the treasures into my car and all of us headed over to Beverly Hills to Katz’s Deli for a great lunch. Then, it was down the street to our must-stop-every-time-we-go-to-Hollywood Crumb’s Bakery, where they have the most unbelievable cupcakes. After that, it was down the street to Sprinkle’s Cup Cakes because, well, you can never have too many cup cakes, right? It’s a toss-up; Betty likes Sprinkle’s and I like Crumb’s. It’s called compromise.

The showcase at Crumb’s

After a great lunch and cupcakes in hand, it was back to our hotel to put on our tuxedos and evening gowns to head to Santa Monica for the World Magic Awards. We arrived at 3:45 at the Barker Hangar where we were greeted by old friends and illusionists, Richard and Josette Burr. I’ve never been to the taping of a live TV show before, and it was a very fun experience. There was a pre-show party and a red carpet runway. Everyone took their seats and the show began promptly at 5:00 and, for the next 2 hours, we had the pleasure of watching some of the best magicians in the world performing their magic. The show ended exactly at 7:00 with an after party that followed with a huge food buffet, live DJ, and more. The World Magic Awards will be aired on November 26th, so check your local stations for more details; you don’t want to miss this show!

Alyssa, Richard, and Josette Burr greet us at the pre-show party

Me with my daughter, Renee, the lady in red

The whole gang ready to go

Pre-show party in Barker’s Hangar

Red carpet runway

Ruta Lee on the runway

Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, the hosts of the awards

The stage before the show

Seats begin to fill up

Almost show time

Huge confetti shower after the show

One of the decorations inside the party tent

Magical cake

The party’s almost over

Cole hangs out with Dos Equis, the World’s Most Interesting Man

Renee and Ed Alonzo

Betty and I with Ed Alonzo

They say all good things must come to an end, and it was time to call it a night. We got back into our car and drove home for 3 hours. We arrived back in Fresno a little after midnight. It was quite a weekend and one I know that all of us will remember. Special thanks to everyone who made this weekend possible. You know who you are.

Until next time,

Paul

Magic Castle Bound

This week has gone by faster than ever, thanks to the many orders you’ve sent our way. Our “Bang For Your Bucks” promotion was a huge success, and so many of you took advantage of the deals and discounts that were offered. Speaking of great deals, you have until tomorrow night at midnight to snag Larry Becker’s Versadex Wallet for an incredible $100.00-off discount! That’s right; the regular price is $124.95, but you can buy yours for only $24.95! Insane? Yes. But what the heck! Check it out HERE! This is just the beginning of some great deals we’ll be offering you over the next few months. Believe me when I tell you there’s gonna be some real money saved in your pocket on some great items! So stay tuned.

Magic Castle Bound

Tomorrow, we’ll be heading south to the Magic Castle to attend the Fall Swap Meet. This visit is a little more special than others as we’re celebrating my oldest son, Cole’s 21st birthday. It a tradition in the Gross family to take each son or daughter to the Magic Castle when they turn 21. So off we’ll go: Betty, Cole, Cole’s girlfriend who just turned 21 Amanda, my daughter Renee and her husband Jonathan, and me. The exciting part is that it will be the first time for Cole, Amanda, and Jonathan, and they’re all looking forward to it. We’ll be joined by Mark and Nani Wilson, Robert and Yumi Baxt, and Mark Nelson for an early dinner and then we’ll catch all the shows and give them an extensive tour of all the Castle’s nooks and crannies. Saturday morning, we’ll get up early and attend the Swap Meet and then back to our hotel to get dressed in black tie and drive to Santa Monica to attend the World Magic Awards. This show will be taped that afternoon to be aired in November. The lineup for this event is some of the best in the magic business, and we’re all looking forward to the event. I’ll report more next week.

The Big Event

I promised you all last week that I would reveal this week, the special guest lecturer for the Big Event here at Hocus Pocus Saturday, February 27th, 2010. Before I give you the name, I want to give you a brief description of what we’re planning. This will be like a miniature convention, somewhat like we’ve held in the past. There will be a huge display of magic for sale, including thousands of items from our own collectible and private estate collection. There’ll be things here you haven’t seen but more about this later. Now I’ll reveal the 2 special lecturers. Yep, not 1 but 2:

Michael Ammar

We are extremely excited that Michael Ammar has signed on to be our featured lecturer. Michael’s new lecture has been garnering rave reviews amongst both attendees and professionals in the industry, and we look forward to his visit. 

Lee Alex

Lee Alex, master quick-change illusionist is our other lecturer, coming to us from the other side of the globe. Lee won the Merlin Award Illusionist of the Year, 2009. Author of the book, Time for a Change as well as quick-change products he’s marketed, this is an exciting opportunity to experience a completely new kind of lecture and learn about the art of the quick change.

Important details about the big event: Many of you are asking how much it will cost to attend. Here’s the answer: Nothing, nada, zero! It’s a free event but there’s a catch: Seating for the lectures will be limited so register now and call us at 800-407-4040 or 559-266-5150. We expect a monstrous turnout, so don’t be left out; February’s not that far away. I have other plans for this day but until they are confirmed, this is all I can reveal at the moment.

Dean Dill Update

Many of you have asked me about how Dean has been doing. I received this letter from Dean the other day and he has asked that I share it with all of you:

Paul,

Thanks so much for the checks and your never ending friendship and support. I am doing well. I have had 2 Chemo sessions. First 4 1/2 hrs under the needle and the second 5 1/2 hrs. Sounds pretty spooky huh? Actually I have had minimal side effects. Feeling pretty good most of the time. I am even at the Shoppe a few days a week. Radiation every weekday. Will do that for 26 to 30 days. Once they feel that the tumor has shrunk enough I will have surgery to remove the cancer. Then 6 more months of Chemo just to make sure.

My spirits are very good. The Lord has given me peace of mind and strength. That is all I pray for. The situation is for my good and
others around me. Suffering makes us strong and gives us compassion for others who go through trying times. I love you Paul and your team of people. You have always been there for me in special ways.

I took the addresses of the people who donated and will write thank you notes.

See ya and give Betty a hug for me.

Dean

We continually pray and keep Dean in our thoughts. We thank you as well as Dean for your continued support and well-wishes.

So that about wraps it up for this week. I’ve gotten lots of positive comments about the vlog (video blog) we did a while back so next week, Mike is going to fire up the camera and we’ll give you a video tour of some of the cool things living in our showroom floor.

As always, until next time,

Paul

Quite the Week

Quite the week is quite the understatement. Starting Monday, we hosted a Robert Baxt lecture. We had a great turnout. and Robert was in top form and kept his audience captivated and in stitches. Robert highlighted many of his signature effects and routines, shared stories, and talked about his philosophy on comedy magic. Robert proved that he is the master of “Packs Small, Plays Big,” always mindful of minimal set up. He even debuted his new effect, Baxt’s Lime in Coconut, Robert’s version of the classic Orange, Lemon, Egg, Canary routine. Typical of Robert’s thinking and creativity, now, anyone can perform this effect without the hassles of a live bird, real fruit, etc. We are pleased that Robert gave us the exclusive on this routine, and you can find out more about it HERE.

A packed house for Robert Baxt

Robert talks about his philosophy on comedy magic

Robert performs his hilarious mouth coil routine

The famous Sucker Silk to Soda Can

Robert performs his version of Cards Across with dollar bills

Robert debuted his Lime in Coconut

Tim Wisseman came in on Tuesday with a new effect that will be advertised on our web site early next week. As many of you know, Tim is the creator of some of the coolest bizarre magic effects we’ve ever had the pleasure of carrying. So much so, that he has his very own category on our web site. And speaking of Tim, Halloween is only a few weeks away, so you might want to check out Tim’s Dead Ringer Spirit Bell, Spirit Telegraph, Butcher’s Blade for your upcoming Halloween and/or seance shows.

Last week, we talked about the Hocus Pocus Big Event that we were thinking of scheduling for this November. The plans have changed and the new date set in cement is Saturday, February 27th, 2010. We booked one of the most influential and popular magic entertainers and lecturers to highlight this all-day event at Hocus Pocus. Next week, I’ll tip the performer’s name and a little more details of this special event. If you’d like to reserve your space for this event now, please feel free to do so by calling toll-free 800-407-4040 or locally, 559-266-5150.We are very excited about this event and the fact that we were able to book this entertainer, and I know you will be too.

Last weekend, Betty and I took a short trip to a town called Visalia with not really anything in mind, just a spur of the moment trip. While driving, we spotted and old nursery. Of course, I had to pull over and check it out. It was just by chance that I saw it because it was overgrown and not easy to spot. Going inside, we found a huge display of plants, flowers, and shrubs, and in the back, a cement statue of the mythical character, Pan. Seeing this, I immediately knew I had a place for it near my Koi pond. As we loaded it into the car, I noticed that there was a place to attach a pump on its base, making it into a fountain. So, tomorrow morning, my son in-law, Jonathan and I are going to set it up. I’m excited to see it in its final place and will be a real accent for the entire garden.

Next week, the big Fresno Fair begins. Wednesday, to be exact. Betty and I will be attending and hopefully, we’ll get to see old friends who perform there. Even Mike’s band, Midnight Run, the Sounds of Journey, will be playing there on the 16th and 17th! I can’t wait.

Until next time,

Paul

Back & Rarin’ to Go

So I’m back and rarin’ to go after a short vacation last week. Betty and I left last Wednesday morning and headed north to Saratoga, California. Betty bought me tickets a couple of weeks ago as a surprise for my birthday to see James Taylor. We arrived late afternoon in Saratoga, a small but quaint town. The small streets were lined with antique stores and other unique shops. We did a bit of shopping and before you know it, it was time for dinner. We ate streetside at a small Italian cafe called Bella Saratoga. It was a wonderful dinner, and we enjoyed people watching. Dinner was over and it was up the hill to the Mountain Winery, where the concert was to be held in the amphitheater. If you’ve never been to this place, what an incredible find it really is! Nestled in the Saratoga mountains with a view that is spectacular, it was the perfect setting for a wonderful concert.

The view from the top of the hill

A view of the Mountain Winery

James Taylor

The concert began at 7:30, and for two hours, we enjoyed all the songs that brought me back to my youth as well as new ones. Once the concert was finished, we got in the car and headed to Lafayette, California, about an hour’s drive away. We arrived about midnight, checked into our hotel, and got a good night’s sleep. The next morning, we met up with our son, Cole, who attends college in Moraga, sister city to Lafayette. He had some exciting news for us: he was offered a job with the accounting firm he interned with for the Summer! We were more than excited and extremely proud of him. We then took another short drive up to Walnut Creek, did a little shopping, and went to lunch with Cole and his girlfriend, Amanda. We spent the day visiting and then Cole told us about a new restaurant in Lafayette that he knew we would enjoy. He was right. What better way to celebrate his new job.

Dinner with Cole and Amanda at the Artisan restaurant in Lafayette

After dinner, Cole gave me my late birthday present: a new cement gnome for my garden. After doing so, he told me about a brand new place that he had found in South San Francisco called A. Silvestri Co. and decided to take a trip there on Friday to show us. Now, all regular readers of this blog know that my backyard garden is my “thing.” I spend my weekends and free time working out there. When Cole took me to the web site to show me some of the pictures, I was like a kid waiting for Christmas time again. Friday morning, Cole met us at the hotel and a short 25-minute drive later, we were in South San Francisco standing in the parking lot of A. Silvestri Co. This place is amazing and the size of the showroom is the size of an airplane hanger!

Cole and I in front of the showroom

One view from the parking lot

Inside just one corner of the showroom

Birdbaths, fountains, and more

Cole and I loading our purchases onto the forklift

This place was absolutely amazing. Thousands of statuary, fountains, birdbaths, pots, etc. It would take hours to see everything there, and you may not be able to do it in that amount of time! Believe it or not, everything seen above is actually manufactured by this company in a separate facility across the street. They pour, mold, and finish all the products they sell. After loading up the car, it was time to head home. It was great to take the time off and recharge my batteries.

The first day of Fall officially started Tuesday, although it would be hard to tell here with the triple-digit heat. Next week promises to be cooler, and I hope the weatherman’s right. Speaking of Fall, it’s time to start thinking of those holiday shows. I know what you’re thinking: how could it already be time for the holidays? This year’s gone by faster than ever.

THE BIG EVENT!

Before I go this week, I want to tease you a little about an upcoming event to be held here at Hocus Pocus. It’s called The Big Event, and it will be a 1-day, one-of-a-kind experience. We’re finalizing the details and finishing touches now, and within a few days, I’ll be ready to make the announcement. I’m very excited about this event and hope you will be as well. If you live in the area or are within driving distance to Hocus Pocus, reserve Saturday, November 7th on your calendars. If you’d like a little more advanced information, feel free to call me at 800-407-4040 or 559-266-5150.

Until next time,

Paul

An Afternoon of History and Great Memories

So last Friday there was no blog as we were busy preparing for our Blackstone event. We set up chairs and tables and a large viewing screen. So due to our hectic schedule, I wasn’t able to write the weekly blog. I’m writing early this week as I am leaving tomorrow for a short vacation and returning next Monday. The Blackstone event Saturday was fantastic with over 120 people in attendance. At 12:00 I introduced Gay Blackstone to the audience and for the next 2.5 hours, she shared stories, excerpts, anecdotes along with a history of the Blackstone family, from Harry Sr. to Harry Jr. and what she has been doing on her own. Some of the highlights was a slide show presentation featuring many photos that have not been seen before. Also, a video presentation of Harry Jr. performing his classic Vanishing Birdcage, Buzz Saw Illusion, and Floating Light Bulb. After a brief intermission, Gay took questions from the audience for about 45 minutes and then it was time to wrap it up. There was something in this event for everyone, including a table of memorabilia, books, DVDs, etc. for sale, and I was even able to talk Gay into selling me Harry Jr’s Casadega Cabinet, which is now proudly displayed along with Harry Jr’s tuxedo and other Blackstone memorabilia.

Gay and Steve Dick setting up for the event

I couldn’t believe I was this close to Harry Jr’s Casadega Cabinet

Final touches on the memorabilia table before showtime

Gay signing autographs and greeting guests

A packed house as the lecture begins

Danielle Lamb posing with Harry Jr’s tuxedo

Danielle Lamb is quite the accomplished magician herself and one of my favorites

Members of the SAM 112 posing with Gay Blackstone

And the deal was made

Gay and I finalizing the deal on the Casadega Cabinet

It’s all mine. I can’t believe it!

Back of the Casadega Cabinet. Signed, sealed and delivered!

I can’t stress how important I feel it is to learn about the history of our craft. It’s not always about what the latest trick is. After all, it’s really about those who paved the way and brought the art to where it is today. All in all, this event was a great afternoon filled with history, magic, and great memories of two of magic’s greatest performers. I received many compliments over the weekend from those who attended, saying what a great time they had. For me personally, seeing all the live footage again and talking about Harry Blackstone Jr., it was as if he never left us. If you wish to see some of these moments captured on DVD, Gay was kind enough to offer her Blackstone Magical Moments DVD at a considerable discounted price just for Hocus Pocus customers. We have a limited supply of this DVD and when it’s sold out, there will be no more. Click the DVD image below to get the details:

I’ll be leaving this afternoon and heading north to Saratoga, California where Betty and I will be seeing James Taylor in concert tomorrow evening. This is a concert I’ve always wanted to attend, and Betty surprised me with tickets for my birthday this year. After the concert, we’ll head over to visit my son, Cole, in Moraga, California and have dinner, and then we’ll be heading home on Friday. I’ll be back to work on Monday.

Until next time,

Paul

Blackstone is Here!

It’s a busy day today as we get ready and set up for the Blackstone event for tomorrow. I’ll be back with pictures to post on the blog early next week.

Until then,

Paul

Let’s Try Something New

This weekend, we celebrate the Labor Day holiday. In fact, I’m leaving in a few short hours to start my holiday early. Betty and I will head up to the coast to beat the heat and enjoy the final days of Summer.

Mike has had a heyday with our new Flip HD camera. It started at MAGIC Live and he’s so enamored by it, every time I turn around, he’s filming something new for the blog or web site. So this week, we thought we’d try something new. So, for the very first time, I’ve created a short video blog (or vlog for short) below. Check it out and let us know if you like this new feature; we’re thinking about doing a vlog once every month or so. I look forward to your comments and thoughts on this new feature.

In the meantime, have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and I’ll be back next week.

Until next time,

Paul