An Interesting Year...

A large chunk of the year (mainly April - May) was devoted to the epic task of relocating from my previous abode in London SW16 to a beautiful apartment in South Croydon. Anyone who has gone through a similar experience will know that 'relocating', though simple in essence, can be a very fraught and stressful experience. On the whole, I have to say it went well and parts of the process were even fun!

In truth, it wasn't just a case of moving from A to B. You know how people occasionally 'upgrade' their computer or their car? Well, I went through a rather comprehensive 'life upgrade'. I know it sounds a bit weird to put it like that, but it actually describes the process very well. I was able to make a lot of positive changes in my life all at once, and I'm very pleased with where I've ended up. A large part of the fun has been embracing many aspects of 'new' technology (or at least 'new' to me!). From DAB radio to broadband internet, from a camcorder and desktop video editing to Sat Nav for the car, from a digital DVD recorder to a truly superb new super-powerful computer that, it seems to me, can do just about anything!

I have been travelling, although not as much as I would have liked. I've seen a lot of Sweden, given that that's where my very beautiful and talented partner lives (and she knows I would describe her that way even if she wasn't going to see this!), and I also spent time in Vegas, LA and Hawaii. It was my first trip to Hawaii, and I have to say it is a truly unique and amazing place.

It has also been a good year for business. In November I enjoyed my single most profitable month since I first started working for myself, way back in 1997. This was largely due to Malcolm Gladwell mentioning me and my Cold Reading book in a major article published in The New Yorker. Thanks Malcolm!

Magical meetings

The second half of the year was certainly busy with magic and magical meetings. I flew over to Sweden a couple of times to see my partner's new theatre shows, and then we both flew out to Vegas to attend the 'Magic Live' convention. Personally, I thought it was good, though not great. For me, there was too much chat, not enough actual magical performance. After the convention itself we stayed on in Vegas and saw just about every magic show in town, ranging from the very best (Mac King) to the also great (Lance Burton, Penn & Teller) to the very dire (Hans Klok, Dirk Arthur).

Literally the day after getting back from the Vegas / LA / Hawaii trip I drove up to Southport for the IBM British Ring convention, which was one of the finest I've ever attended. The only was I can describe it would be to say it was all highlights! Not long after the IBM was the wonderful Macmillan convention, held in the centre of London. This too was marvellous, and a great opportunity to meet friends both old and new. Plus I have continued to write my mentalism column for the Magic Circular (the in-house magazine of the world-famous Magic Circle).

Plans for 2008

I will be attending the Blackpool Magic Convention at the end of February. In March I will be going to the Eighth Gathering For Gardner, to be held in Atlanta, and the following month I'll be going to the 'FFFF' convention. As both of these meetings take place in the United States, I will be taking the opportunity to visit several other places that I've never been to, including parts of Florida, New Orleans, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, and parts of Canada. It's going to be quite a trip!

I also hope to find time to visit Turkey (specifically Istanbul), and Spain. I wanted to do these things this year, but the relocation and 'life upgrade' got in the way!

As always, if you think I may be headed in your direction, and you want to meet up, say 'Hi' or play Tour Guide, please feel free to get in touch!

"I just watched your tape. WOW! You are a very likable, entertaining performer and speaker. And, your message is very good."
- Chuck Hickock, mentalist and corporate speaker, Minneapolis