Posts in inspiration
Best of the Industry

Back in 2013, I entertained at the annual gala for Silicon Valley National Association for Catering and Events. Had a great time and made some new friends.

Last night I was booked on an event by the past president of the SV NACE Chapter and before I took the stage, she presented me with this award for Best of the Industry 2014.

Had no idea and it caught me completely by surprise. Flattered and honored. Thanks, SV NACE!

A Beautiful Mystery and The Ugly Truth

I'm often asked if I know how all the magic works. If I were to see something performed, would I know how the secret. Sometimes yes, sometimes not.

So, let me introduce you to a beautiful mystery of the Piddington's -- a performance they gave over the radio, mind you. The Ugly Truth behind it is only a click away. I choose to #wonder about it. How about you?

Do let me know what you decide.

They don't make 'em like this any more.
Actually, many, many times I am given this photo to autograph it. And I never do. I don’t want to have anything to do with that. And also out of respect for Jayne Mansfield because she’s not with us anymore.
— Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren is the most beautiful and elegant woman on the plant. What class.

They broke the mold after my wife came along. They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

Read the whole story behind this famous photo here.

This is Jim Rockford. At the tone, leave your name and message. I'll get back to you.

I grew up watching reruns of The Rockford Files but never realized how much of an impression Garner made on me until I read his obit. That's the way it goes sometimes.

Mr. Garner disdained the pretentiousness of the acting profession. “I’m a Methodist but not as an actor,” he wrote in “The Garner Files.” “I’m from the Spencer Tracy school: Be on time, know your words, hit your marks, and tell the truth. I don’t have any theories about acting, and I don’t think about how to do it, except that an actor shouldn’t take himself too seriously, and shouldn’t try to make acting something it isn’t. Acting is just common sense. It isn’t hard if you put yourself aside and just do what the writer wrote.
— James Garner

Precisely the way I was taught to approach the profession and the craft of acting. And it certainly informs me a magician, as well.

 

Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.
— Mark Victor Hansen