I wish so badly I could be there. But since I can't, I expect full reports from Kyle Peron, Michael Tallon, Mark Weidhaus, and others.

Looking forward to reading reports.

Peter

Registration starts at 6:00. So nothing to report right now... lol
Wish you were here Peter.

Watched the close up competion today and Johan stalh was exllent and Micah, Chaz blew it away with there routines.

How My son Eli??

The stage is tonight, so he hasn't gone yet, but seems to be having fun

Thanks for the update.

Ok contest over and I got to tell you the talent was amazing everyone from ando with his "bright" ideas that makes the light bulb in your head go off. To eto son and his colorful expressions, but watch out you might get blinded from the Mylar. Mj, your art skills are superb I mean that drawing almost looked real. Eli what can I say I wish I was 14 again I would produce a candle for my girlfriend over a candle light dinner. To the other contestants thank you all for showing me that I need to raise my talent

BTW... I am at the SAM convention here in Atlanta. If anyone else is around, please track me down. I plan to do some interviews in the dealers room after lunch tomorrow, so if you can't find me, ask Banachek, Eric Decamps, Kozmo or Levent and they'll point me out.

Yea I will be there lol I'll ask one of the guys to point you out.. And I'll be there with roses on

I think I have an idea what if you got the contestants from the contest together and interviewed us all?

Well folks, it has been a blast so far at the convention. I apologize for not chiming in sooner. I have been invoilbed in so many things so far and have not really had time toi check emails or post. It is all good though and I do enjoy assiting out here as much as I can.

I have to tell you that the Stars of Tomorrow show was absolutely AMAZING!!! These kids are simply a joy to work with and so professional. They did a kick butt job and I was prouid and honored to work back stage with all of them. If they are reading this. THANK YOU for reminding me and others just why I love the art of magic.

The stage contest I just watched last night and was a nice mixture of new ideas and interesting routines and sequences.

Hefe: I enjoyed watching your performance. Thank you. ANYONE who has the determination and who is able to perform and compete on a national level deserves my recogintion and praise. It is NOT easy and you did a fine job. I have some ideas for you if you would like to talk etc. Just top me in the halls if you see me as I would be happy to talk ideas with you.

Dodd: Great having you here. I have not seen you yet but will look for you. Hard to find anyone when you are running backstage tech all day and such. lol It would be great to shake your hand and say thanbks for all you have done.

Andost: you also did an incredible job last night. I know just how tough it is to compete on this level. As I satted to hefe, I have much respect for anyone who competes on this level in front of their peers. I really loved your staging of your act and the overalllo theme of it. I am such a proponent to creativity in our art and I loved seeing you add so many new ideas to what you presented. You made it VERY easy for folks to like not only your magic, but you as well. Great thinking in the act and If you see me in the halls, please stop me. I also would love to talk to you as well.

Overall, the convention has been really fun. the hotel is simply amazing and the layout this year of the spaces is really great. everything is so close to each other. the dealers room is much larger this year with plenty of room and also tables to hang out and session in. I really love that change this year as it weas always so tight in the dealers room. This gives folks a chance to hang out in their longer. A good idea.

I am also glad that they allowed seval folks to perform in the close up contest NOT as contestaants, but to give these folks the chance to show what they can do and to get feedback from the judges. The only thing that can not do is be eligible for awards. However, this is a great way of gettinbg folks to see how the contest works and have a feel for it. It givbes them valuable information for which they can improve their acts and hopefully compete sometime in the near future.

Well I best get ready for the day and will report more later for sure. if anyone sees me in the halls, PLEASAE stop me and say hello. I would really like to meet you and have a chance to talk magic.

Dodd: if you need any help with interviews or ideas for people or topics, please let me know. I have been to these convcentions for so long that I mioght be able to assist you if I can. Just let me know.

Kyle

Hefemexy
My family really enjoy your act .

I had thought to do so last night, but everyone was going in different directions after the final intro and voting.

Tell Eric Jones I will see him real soon!

SYRS

Thanks Andrew your family is lovely, Eli makes me wish I was14 again lol

Here's a quick snapshot from yesterday. Johnny Thompson watching Richard Turner do his thing:

Thanks Dodd .

My Pleasure! Here's one of my favorite pics from the convention. Yes.. that is Sandy Mashall:

That's a police horse. I think Sandy couldn't finish the card trick because he was in a no passing zone.

Ha!

I just posted our interviews from SAM 2010 in Atlanta. I hope that you enjoy our chats with Kozmo, Levent, Merrit Abrose, Eric Jones, Michael Close, Celeste Evans, Axel Hechlau, Merrit Ambrose, Losander, Bev Bergeron, Eric Decamps, Banachek, Johnny Thompson, Debbie Leifer, Richard "The Cheat" Turner, Sandy Marshall, John Harrison, Arthur Trace, Debbie Leifer, Aldo Columbini, Bill Andrews, Bob Little, The Reed Sisters, and of course the outgoing SAM President Mike Miller and the newly inducted President Mark Weidhaas.

Listen Here: http://bit.ly/SAM2010Atl