Have You Heard...
October 6, 2008
by Maria Ibâñez
(Miami, FL)

Greetings... the financial up and downs continue to plague us, but it makes for interesting days as people seem to be "glued" to the newscasts and Internet news the way many were glued to their radios in the past. This too shall pass, the question is when and how long can some hold out financially. The news came fast and furious this week and due to the nature of what it was, several e-mails went out with regards to losing of friends in magic, surgeries of others, etc. I thank you for your e-mails of gratitude for the news and thank you also for passing the news along so it could be shared. (read more...)

For a number of years, a column written by one of the nicest ladies in magic, “Around Chicago with Frances” appeared in The Linking Ring. Frances Ireland Marshall’s column was the source of news and all that was happening in and about Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. Frances had been married to Laurie Ireland and after his death, she continued running the Ireland Magic Company in Chicago’s Loop. A few years later, Fran married Jay Marshall, moved to a new location and changed the name of the business to “Magic Inc.” Frances was one of the busiest people I knew; writing books about magic, publishing books about magic, selling magic effects, keeping everyone informed about magic and always maintaining a positive attitude about everything. Her legacy continues at Magic Inc., a shop that still exists today. (read more)

Have You Heard...
September 29, 2008
by Maria Ibâñez
(Miami, FL)

 Greetings... a financial see-saw has been giving many a yo-yo feeling with the ups and downs of the market.    Today is no exception with the Dow dropping another 700 points and no let-up in sight. Traditionally when the economy has been in poor health, the entertainment industry has done well, from all indications of the many I've spoken with, that doesn't seem to be the situation this time around as people watch their pennies due to the never ending increase of the cost of items coupled with the never ending decrease of income.    I hope that as you read this, things will start to slowly creep upwards and that the predictions of gloom and doom won't come to pass. (read more)

THE BUZZ - Latest Links
To Magic Info...
by MEL KIENTZ

There is certainly a ton of magic information floating around the Internet this month. I made it a point to miss Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed (MyNetworkTV). If you have something to say about this other than it's a shame to reveal a secret you may want to hit  the comment button at the bottom of this blog. Meanwhile there are other stories that have come across my desk and I pass them along to you. Ellis & Webster, • Kent Wong • Partick Page • Criss Angel • Greg Bordner • El Duco •  Elizabeth Warlock • Dorothy Dietrich • David Blaine • Mark Wilson • Dan Morrissey and Pheobe Hancock...have a look... .(read more)