Here’s a whimsical Hermes necktie that I like. I can’t think of an occasion that I’d actually wear it, but I admire the snake-charmer print for some reason. Also in this post, I review a book, “The Rise of the Indian Rope Trick,” which examines a legendary trick from the subcontinent that has never been verified as fact. One of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock photos is [...]

Last night renowned sex therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer visited me at the Waldorf for my late show, Miracles at Midnight. During one part of the show, I magically pass one solid object through another. I call it a penetration effect. Last night, in a moment of inspiration, I asked Dr. Ruth to assist with this trick. I looked at her and asked, “Dr. Ruth, would you please help me with a penetration effect?” She answered, [...]

Guest author Mark Levy: “Why did I tell this story? I told it because, well, it’s a damn good story. It’s got an intriguing premise and action that unfolds on the streets of Brooklyn and New York. It’s also got a big city reporter who’s so affected by the experience that he lies awake in anticipation and nearly starts believing in miracles. What could be better?” [...]

Vanity Fair Daily talked with me about the history of salon magic, the connection between certain tricks and the internet, and where this ancient art might just be headed. This intensive interview took place at [...]

Seth Godin’s wildly popular marketing blog featured an article about me today. Read on, and learn how a professional marketer views my career. I think even I learned a [...]

After a public show, the audience files out and I’m left alone in the empty room. There is no evidence that something extraordinary had taken place. The moment has passed.

There was a stretch of time when I felt a giant disappointment after my performances. The flip side of two high-energy ninety minute shows, back to back, is the inevitable drop back to reality. For three hours, I gave pleasure and excitement to my audiences, brain and body working at full tilt. Yet, at that time, there was little pleasure in it for me.

The painting above resonated with me during this time of my life. [...]

About one year ago, I spotted a gentleman at my show wearing a handsome Hermes necktie. It was royal blue, and decorated with magic rabbits jumping out of top hats. During the show, I complimented the man on his tie. “Appropriate for a magic show,” I mentioned with a wink. After the show was over, I was surprised when he walked up to me, undid the knot, and handed it to me as a gift. [...]

Here is a gallery of some original Chan Canasta paintings. They were for sale through a Belgian art dealer I came across online. There are 21 images in this gallery – enjoy the vivid colors!

According to the National Theater in Washington DC, “The day when everyone dressed formally to go to the theatre has passed.” Despite being a historic theater – one that every U.S. president has attended since 1835 – the National has relaxed its dress code to allow patrons a freer choice. The theater’s website states, “To feel well-groomed, comfortable and good about yourself for a special occasion is really the guiding rule.”

I was upset to read this.

I believe that dressing up to go to the theater is a form of civility that should be resurrected. [...]

The Essential Magic Conference will be held on July 15, 16 and 17, in Portugal. I was asked to participate in one of their “passion videos.” This video just went live today on YouTube.

From time to time, I’ll upload some photos from various resorts I’ve performed at. Here are a few that I particularly loved.

I have not mentioned this in print before, but since the very beginning my goal has always been to perform Chamber Magic for twenty years. There aren’t too many shows that have staying power. Not only magic shows, but theatrical shows in general. Ten years have flown by, and I want to keep Chamber Magic alive for ten more. Maybe I’m crazy, but I love performing this show. I’ve molded my life around it.[...]