I read the news today, oh boy.

Couldn't believe it when I saw page one today,

Merv Griffin:
July 6,1925 - Aug 12, 2007

Anyone who knows me, knows of my great affection and appreciation for Merv Griffin. My first network TV appearance was on "The Merv Griffin Show" in 1977, and it was a huge milestone for me.

If it wasn't for Merv, who loved magic and especially loved close-up magic, my career may have never had a chance to grow. As a result of that first Merv Griffin show, I appeared on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, Dick Cavett Show, Mike Douglas...all the big shows, and 7 more Merv appearances. Plus a small fortune in show bookings, All directly as a result of that very first Merv Griffin appearance.

In 1990, I was able to return the favor. I was working at ABC, casting talent and creating short comedy films for a late night TV show ("Into the Night Starring Rick Dees") and Tony Griffin, Merv's son, was auditioning for a part. He needed it to get his SAG card.

I gave him the role, he was obviously capable and looked great, and he wa able to get his union card as a result of the contract.

About a month later, my phone rings, it's that instantly recognizeable whisper of Merv Griffin, calling to thank me for helping out his son.

Then he hired me for a private party, a lavish affair he threw for Zsa Zsa Gabor, the first of many he would book me for over the years.

I last saw Merv 3 years ago; he looked great, full of energy. We were doing a benefit in San Francisco (I was on the bill with Pat Morita, Ronny Shell, Brett Butler, Carl Ballantine)

He greeted me with his customary bear hug and immediately asked if I had a deck of cards handy. He insisted that I entertain everyone. When Merv asks, you comply, and I was happy to do it. It was a fun 3 days. We shared several meals together and he always expected me to have a new trick ready (I did) and he would laugh and applaud and cheer. He was the ultimate audience. Spending time with him was always a special treat. He loved life, enjoyed his status as "Ultra-Rich" and he was beyond generous. He didn't need to work ever again, yet he was always pitching new ideas and creating shows to sell to the networks. He told me he loved the pursuit of the deal.

He was such a kid at heart, he spread joy wherever he went, he was totally unpretentious, he was...exactly what you saw on his TV show. That was the real Merv Griffin.

Such a huge loss for the world, and a time of sadness for his family and many friends. We will miss you Merv, and we will never forget all the happiness you brought to the world through your music, your game shows and the talk shows, and just by your presense.

I am forever grateful for your belief and encouragement, and honored to have known you.

Until next week,

Magically yours,

Steve
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Compiled by David Neubauer

PRODUCTION SHOWS:

Amazing Johnathan

10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara.
(ends Dec 31, 2007 forever)

Beacher's Madhouse

Christopher Karpiak, Chuck Lane, Tyas Frantz
9 pm pre-show. Last Sat. each month
Hard Rock Hotel.

Bite (Vampire Strip Revue)
Antonio Restivo
10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere.

Crazy Horse Paris
Stephan Vanel
8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand.

David Copperfield
June 14-July 3.
7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand.

Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
8:00 PM nightly, Saturday at 6:00 PM
Hooters Casino Hotel.

Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic

Hans Klok (with Pamela Anderson) - Planet Hollywood Resort.
7 pm & 10 pm, Thur. - Sat. Ends July 12.

Haunted Vegas Tour & Show
Robert Allen, Jac Hayden & Zamora - Greek Isle.
9:00 pm tour and show (Dark Fri.)
$10 off coupon:

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Lance Burton, Master Magician

7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat.
Monte Carlo.

Mac King Comedy Magic Show

1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.)

Clint Holmes Theater - Harrah's.

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show

2 pm every day, 6 pm Fridays

V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops - Planet Hollywood Resort.

Penn & Teller

9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio.

Steve Wyrick
7 & 9 pm. Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood Resort.

V, The Ultimate Variety Show

Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) or Nathan Burton (most Sun. - Mon.)

7:30 & 9 pm, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com
2 for 1 coupon:

World's Greatest Magic Show

Kevin James, Kozak, Roy Shank, Losander, Shimshi.

Billy Fergeson (pre-show).

6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle.

Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur

Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana

2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.)

$10 off coupon

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OTHER VEGAS MAGIC

RESTAURANTS:

Eric Allan, Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat.

Jayden LaCross, TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun.

Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show

Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230.

Las Vegas Magic Organizations

I.B.M. #257: 7 pm 1st Monday. http://www.ring257.com

Darwin’s Magic Club meets every Wednesday.

Both meet at: Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave.

Las Vegas Children’s and Family Entertainers Association

7 pm every 3rd Monday, Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo.

YMS (Young Magicians Society)

7 pm every 2nd Monday, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy.

NEWS:

AUGUST, 2007

August 19-22: MAGIC Live! - The Orleans.

http://www.magicmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER, 2007

September 14-16: Master Class. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger.

http://www.magicalwisdom.com

OCTOBER, 2007

October 10-12: Master Class for Mentalists. McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger.

http://www.magicalwisdom.com

October 23-26: Magic & Meaning Conference; MAGIC AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, George Parker, Special Guest: Robert Neale.

http://www.magicalwisdom.com

NOVEMBER, 2007

November 1-4: Magic for Medical Professionals, McBride's Magic & Mystery School with Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger.