Meeting Planners Optimism Rising

Here's another new article I just found on the upturn in the meeting planning industry. Could indicate good things for 2011!

See Me at Cherry Street in Galesburg

I have a new close up magic venue on Saturday nights. It's the Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar in Galesburg, where I'm doing my strolling, tableside sleight of hand magic on Saturdays from 7:00 to 9:30 PM. It's a really fun place, and the owners, Lou and Stan Devlin are the nicest people imaginable, and they make everyone feel right at home.

Last Saturday was my first night working there, and my magic was a huge hit, and I had a great time.

I've also gotten some press coverage for being there, including an interview the other morning on WGIL Radio, and some upcoming newspaper spots. (I'll keep you posted on those as I know more about them.)

Anyway, it's a terrific time, so come join in the fun!

Thoughts on Goals for the New Year

A few thoughts I had on attaining goals; inspired by my friend, Amy B.

If you truly understand, and fully accept, that you are an idealistic person, it becomes increasingly easier to discern (and accept) when your ideal is unrealistic to the physical, emotional, and mental limitations surrounding its potential implementation. It doesn't mean that your ideal vision doesn't reflect "reality". It simply means that it is unlikely to manifest as a physical reality at this particular point in time.

It also doesn't mean that some aspect of it can't manifest physically now, or that it might not be a realistic vision for future manifestation, which is, in point of fact where its true value lies. But it does allow you to more realistically weigh the risks involved in making the attempt and to proceed, or not, with a more accurate assessment of what the actual physical outcomes are likely to be. This understanding, and acceptance, of the paradox between ideal vision and material limitations allows you to make more effective choices of how you spend your time and energy.

That being said, the true paradox is in those appropriate cases where, with full understanding of the limitations and the unlikelihood of manifestation, we nonetheless choose, with open eyes, to pursue the ideal as though there were no limitations. In those cases, even if we fail in attaining full manifestation of the ideal, as we most often do, we nonetheless often surprise ourselves with how much of it we are in fact able to manifest physically.

Of course, this is only truly possible in those cases where we are not attached to any specific outcome, and where we are fully prepared to accept complete failure. Only infinite patience brings immediate results.

But every significant accomplishment of mankind has begun with one or more idealistic visionaries whose ideal was completely unrealistic (from the perspective of the "current" physical reality) at the time of its imagining.

Therein lies the paradox, and the frustration,... as well as the joy, of living in a physical world, with imperfect people and circumstances.

Corporate Holiday Parties on the Rise

Here's an article I just found that indicates that corporate holiday parties are on the increase since last year. A good sign that perhaps the economic situation is finally making a turn for the better. Many experts I've followed have mentioned that you can tell how well a company is doing by whether they have a holiday party (and how big of a party they have) for their employees. Here's the link: Corporate Holiday Parties.

And, by the way, if you're like some, who plan their parties for after the holidays, to avoid competition for scheduling and services, you can still get me for great entertainment for your event.

A Blessed and Joyous Holiday to All!

For anyone who's not on my email list, here's my digital holiday card. All my best wishes to you and yours for the holidays!

And hey, if you're all shopped out and looking for something to do this week before the festivities begin, stop by and see me at The Whammy Bar Thursday evening 5:30--8:00 pm.

Joy to Your World!

I Was on WEEK-TV This Morning

Hey, did anyone see me on News 25 Today, this morning? I was on around 6 AM.

I thought it went well, but I didn't have a chance to record it, so didn't get to see the spot.

My Photo in the Journal Star

A nice photo of me appeared in today's Peoria Journal Star from my show yesterday at the Salvation Army's Red Stocking Party at Manual High School.

SHIFT Party Cencelled for Today

The SHIFT Arts Party that was scheduled for today at the Cornerstone Building in Peoria has been canceled due to the blizzard conditions. I'll post here if we decide to reshedule for another date.

Stay warm!

You're Invited to a Party for the Arts at the Cornerstone!

Just over a year ago, Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, made a visit to Peoria to learn about our arts community. He was impressed with what a truly thriving arts community there is in Central Illinois, and when asked how we could influence those in power to see the arts community as a driving economic and political force well worth investing in, he laid down a challenge: come together to move forward the priorities of the arts, entertainment, and creative community. Work together to promote the arts as the truly valuable economic and social resource that they are.

I'm happy to say that we've risen to the occasion, and have accomplished a great deal in the last year. The arts are truly alive and thriving in Central Illinois. And a big part of that movement has been events called SHIFT, where a group of those interested in promoting the arts have met and discussed strategies and projects for furthering that aim.

As a member of the SHIFT planning committee, I invite you to join us as SHIFT celebrates the accomplishments of the past year, and looks forward to the future...

We're holding a holiday arts party at the beautiful, historic Cornerstone Building on December 12 from 1 to 3 pm.


There will be food, drinks, music, and fun, and you can learn more about the Cornerstone and the exciting arts events that are happening there as well. We'll be unveiling a community mosaic photo collage (which we'll be sending on to Rocco), and enjoying the music of folk/rock/acoustic guitarist Jared Bartman and singer Mary Greenhood, who will perform a variety of original and inspiring folk ballads.

You can also feel free to bring a treat or beverage if you like.

You can RSVP for the party by calling ArtsPartners at 309-676-2787 or by email at admin@artspartners.net.

If you love the arts and want to celebrate with us, I promise you'll have a great time and meet some truly inspiring people. Hope to see you there!

Two Chances to See Me This Week...

I sense...
...that you have a strong urge to see some mind blowing close up magic...
Now just imagine having it completely fulfilled.
Here's your chance!

This Wednesday I'm at Tyroni's in Bartonville, and Thursday at the Whammy Bar downtown Peoria. You know you want to...

I know, you're busy, don't know if you can fit it in... Meanwhile, that urge gets stronger, and stronger, and STRONGER...

You know what to do!

I'll see you there!