A followup to Showstoppers Showcase: The twin rabbits in this photo are having a family reunion. The bunny on the right is the one I received in my original Mattel magic set at age seven. It’s the only piece remaining from that set. The bunny on the left is from the Mattel magic set I purchased at the Magic Collectors’ Association conference earlier this year. I’m sure these two Leporidae have much to discuss!

Another magical rediscovery: The photo below shows the first magic props that I purchased for myself, when I was eight years old. The Cups & Balls is one of the oldest effects in magic, and this colorful set of Cups & Balls was manufactured by the S.S. Adams Company, makers of magic and novelties for 100 years. I bought it in a souvenir shop at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, circa 1970 – 71. I spent so many hours practicing this effect in front of a mirror, it is still etched in my memory.