116: John Star's Birthday - Magic & Martinis Thursday - Sep. 12, 2013

This week has been about helping others and spreading some joy into the lives of some who may never get to see live magic. I was the Master of Ceremonies for the annual Grandparents' Day at Bayou Manor here in Houston. This is how we pay back the people who allow our local I.B.M. Ring #39 to meet in their facility each month.  The retired people from the Manor invite their children, grand children and some great grand children to come and enjoy them for an afternoon of fun.

On Thursday, our Chairman of the Charity Shows, Stephen Shain, had arranged for some of us to do our regular visits to the hospital. Today it was at the Texas Children's Hospital. 

After we finished the morning at the hospital, Steve Shain, Gene Protas and I went to a local Chinese restaurant where we met up with John Star for his birthday. Before the others arrived, John and I had a brief chat about his early years in the U.K. working with those like Terry Seabrooke, Tommy Cooper and so many others of the great U.K. magicians of yesteryear (i.e. David Nixon, Ali Bongo, Wayne Dobson, Billy McComb and others). 

Happy birthday, John Star. 

Happy birthday, John Star. 

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After the day was over, it was time to set down the cut-and-restored magic stethoscope and have a martini. Cheers!  

After performing magic at the hospital, it's time for a little R&R...well, actually, M&M (Magic and Martinis).

After performing magic at the hospital, it's time for a little R&R...well, actually, M&M (Magic and Martinis).

Photos from Abbott's 2012 Day 3

Day Three of Abbott's Get-Together was another beautiful, sunny day in southern Michigan. People were still coming in to Abbott's Magic Factory to pick up their registration packets. The bulk of their magic inventory, however, was relocated from the Factory to the dealers' room that was set up in the elementary school.

You never know who is going to show up at a Get-Together. Perhaps if I would have waited for the owner of this car to return, I could have solved an age old question.

Buskers fanned throughout the village to entertain the guests. One was appointed to the downtown area where the annual arts and crafts fair was taking place.

Jania Taylor (http://www.magicbyjania.com/) was assigned to the grocery store that had a throng of people who were there during the lunch hour for the Kiwani's Club benefit. They were offering lunch for $1.00 that included a hot dog, chips, soft drink and an ice cream sandwiich. You could order an extra hot dog for just 50 cents.

Michael Mode (http://www.magicmode.com/) was one of those who helped Jerry Costello with the "Happy Hour" party at Jerry's lake house that took place after Adele Friel's lecture and before the evening show. (Jerry is on the left and Michael is on the right).

You never know how people will be dressed for the Friday night show. Have you ever seen a dress made entirely from balloons? Never mind WHERE did she sit in the show last night. The question is HOW did she sit?

Following the evening stage show, the city presented an enjoyable fireworks show just outside the high school.