Criss Angel's successful Mindfreak series which aired last year on A&E has been renewed for 21 more episodes. Taping of the new series will begin in February and will continue through June with the first episode scheduled for a June airing. This year's creative team will include: Banachek, Mark Cannon, Dexter, Luke Jermay, Todd Robbins, Jim Steinmeyer, and Johnny Thompson. When asked about what we have to look forward to in the second season, Criss Angel told MagicTimes, "There will be huge growth, more magic, guest magicians, more celebrities and a spectrum of subjects that we had not touched on in the first season. I have the best minds in our craft involved in season 2 and the magic will be monumental!"(1/3)

Bob Friedhoffer will present his "The Science of Magic and Illusion" show and lecture at The California Institute Of Technology on January 26. The show is free. For more information click: HERE.(1/3)

The 37th Annual Magic Collectors' Weekend will be held in Arlington, Virginia on March 30-April 1, 2006. This year's event will include a magic exhibit from the Library of Congress. Open to MCA members only. For more information click: HERE.(1/3)

Eric Mead is featured in an Aspen Times story where he offers his opinions about magic. Discussing why he doesn't do illusions he said, "That makes me feel like a furniture-mover… Because you know that it's not me, it's the prop that does it. When you have that big box, it's hard to make it look like you're doing anything at all." Explaining what makes strong magic he said, "I'm always aware of what I'm communicating, that idea that magic is less about ideas and more about emotions. When you can express that sense of mystery, that's it. You have to communicate that feeling wonder and mystery is a positive emotion, a valuable experience. Because a lot of people feel frustration when they encounter magic." The article also gives a good biography of Mead and his latest pursuits. To read the Dec. 30 article by Stewart Oksenhorn titled "The mystical magic tour" click: HERE.(1/3-Subscription)

Gene Anderson, The Evasons, Norbert Ferré, George Saterial and Levent will headline at the SAM Parent Assembly's 97th Annual Salute To Magic Show on April 8 in New York City. Chris Capehart will perform the pre-show and Sam Schwartz will receive the magician of the year award. For more information and tickets click: HERE.(1/3)

Roy Davenport's Davenport’s Christmas Wonder Show starring Roy Davenport, Richard Griffin, and Ali Bongo is reviewed in the Norwich Evening News which commented, "This was a real 'old fashioned' variety bill, but presented in the very modern Auden Theatre with impressive lighting and sound systems." To read the Dec. 27 review by Brian Gaudet titled "Davenport’s Christmas Wonder Show" click: HERE.(1/3)

James Randi, Penn & Teller, Richard Wiseman, Jamy Ian Swiss and Mac King will be featured at the annual "The Amaz!ng Meeting 4" presented by the James Randi Educational Foundation. The event will take place on Jan. 26-29 at the Stardust Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. For more information click: HERE.(1/3)

Mandy Muden is featured in a Daily Record article that discusses her start in magic and where she is currently appearing. The article explained about he comedy club appearances, "Muden's brand of magic works in a comedy setting because her tricks have a habit of going intentionally wrong - much like Tommy Cooper's." To read the Dec. 30 article by Jonathan Trew titled "Putting The Magic Back In Comedy" click: HERE.(1/3)

Dr. Larry Hass' Theory and Art of Magic program at Muhlenberg College has announced the lineup and dates for 2006. Featured presenters include: John Carney, Jim Steinmeyer, Eugene Burger, Jamy Ian Swiss, James Hamilton and Margaret Steele. They will present lectures and shows beginning September 5.(1/3)