After a really bust Christmas Season of shows, a great way to start the New Year…
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Happy 35th Wedding Anniversary!
Today we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary.
It started with a great lunch at the Olde Angel Inn at Niagara On The Lake (one of her favorite places).
Fabulous day of fun with my beautiful bride Suzanne. I am one lucky man.
Houdini’s MAGIC Lives On…
Continuing on with National Magic Week – actually it’s the final day of Magic Week, National Magic DAY and the anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death. Houdini – one of the greatest magicians and escape artist of all time died on this day in 1926. If you don’t know the lore, well google it. He is Magic Royalty and an anniversary magician’s celebrate.
One of my special Houdini memories were visits to the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame once located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. When the museum first opened in 1968 it was pure magic. Viewing Houdini’s own props and escapes, his magic and his history. It was state of the art and really an experience.
As I young magician visiting, the admission sign read $1.00 or 99 cents if you were a magician. I always proudly showed my Junior Magicians Membership card to qualify for this prestigious discount.
And at the end of the tour was the gift / magic shop – expertly managed by the great professional magician Ronald Conley. Even though we only had a few encounters I really learned a lot from him.
Unfortunately the museum was destroyed by a fire in 1995 and some of Houdini’s props. But not the memory or the magic they created.
Thanks Harry, thanks Ron and Happy Halloween everyone.
That Old Doug Henning Magic Spell…
National Magic Week is almost over – this last night before Halloween – and then this magical week disappears. Until next year.
So, continuing with my three Horsemen of Magic (Houdin – Henning – Houdini) homage, I find the next one – Doug Henning (1947-2000) – to be very special.
I remember watching his first NBC TV special LIVE on December 26, 1975- and he was pure magic. And when that colossal tiger magically appeared live on TV – well it blew everyone away. As was Doug’s style.
And his style was the magic that changed magical history, just like Robert-Houdin.
Prior to Doug’s appearance in the 1970’s magicians were all top hats, tailcoats and very predictable, sophisticated presentations.
Then there was Doug Henning – long hair, dressing like a hippie, and performing magic in a rock style. He reinvented – he was different and took “the scene” by storm.
Numerous NBC TV specials – Broadway Musicals – Live Touring – Making Magic New and Special Again to audiences everywhere.
He started the chain reaction that led to the incredible magicians to follow.
Thank you, Doug Henning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygtrc83CW3E&t=101s
Let The Magic Begin!
Today starts off National Magic Week – October 25th to 31st. For over 40 years I have been “magishing” – it started way back when I was eight years old (I wasted my first seven years:). Over the next couple of days I will be posting some magical memories and insights. So let the magic begin…
A Little Magic Up Close Goes A Long Way!
Great Show last night for Sifton Residential Properties at Priority Park in Guelph.
Close up walk about magic for really nice Family audiences!!
“Amazing!!!
Everyone loves Rick- he showed his tricks and catered to different age group!!!
Well recommended- we will hire him again next time!
Cheers!”
Sifton Residential Properties
Back In The Pool – Again!!
Finally back in the pool!
About 10 years ago I started to lap swim going at least three times a week – I worked myself up to 1000 meters a swim.
However covid put an end to this.
Today I finally got back in the pool.
It will take time to work myself back up to where I was – but it feels great to be doing it again!!
There is great magic in the journey!!