May 2010 be a
very magical year
by Bobby Warren

How was 2009 for you? Personally, it was a good year for me and my wife. We got a handle on our finances after taking a class promoting financial peace. We began knocking out our debt, no longer used credit, established a spending plan before the beginning of each month and brought our spending under control. While things were going well on the personal side, the number of magic and mindreading shows decreased nearly by half.

While the shows were not what they once were, new magical doors opened for me when Samuel Patrick Smith tapped me to be the editor of this Web Portal in late 2009. (Read More)

In my short time at the helm of the Portal, I had the opportunity to watch Richard Osterlind perform and write a review of his show. I also interviewed him and Jim Sisti about the Corinda's 13 Steps DVD project with L&L Publishing. Richard has always been willing to answer every question and offer guidance on my shows. I am so appreciative of how much he has been willing to help me.

I also had the chance to see Michael Ammar lecture and interview him. It was an honor to see how he treated his students and audience. He is a consummate magician and gentlemen.

I spent some time chatting with Jon Racherbaumer about his vast experience and his approach to magic and performing. It was an incredible lesson in magic history, theory, and performance. He was very accommodating and generous with his time.

The year (2009) ended much differently than I would have anticipated, and I might add it ended better than I would have imagined. I appreciate the opportunity afforded me by Sammy Smith and the I.B.M. leadership to be part of this Web Portal. I am looking for greater things for us here on the Portal in 2010.

Don't be shy. Send me an e-mail. Let me know what you are thinking. If you see something on the Portal you like, I would encourage you to write a comment. This is our Portal designed to promote the I.B.M. and advance the magical arts. You have a role in all of this.

So, thank you for a great year. Let us hope and pray that the economy that has been sluggish will turn around, that joy will be more abundant, and there will be plenty of shows for all of us.

Here's to a great 2010!