THE AMA GETS THE RED CARPET TREATMENT

No, it isn't the Oscars. Neil Patrick Harris, host and co-producer of the most recent Academy of Magical Arts banquet, has worked his own type of magic on what was once a magic insider's event and added a bit of star power. The New York Post's Pop Wrap blog has even taken notice by promoting NPH's efforts and the appearance of Christina Hendricks and Zachary Quinto at the Hollywood event. "While I've always been a fan of magic, specifically slight of hand, I have never been as driven to learn the craft as I am today. Three of my favorite actors on TV -- Neil Patrick Harris, Christina Hendricks, Zachary Quinto -- all attended the 41st Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards over the weekend. So consider this the day that I buy my very first top hat and rabbit. Not for magic necessarily, I just love bunnies in formal wear."

FBI INVESTIGATING MAGICIAN'S STUNT

According to NewsDay.com, "Federal authorities are investigating a central New York magician's claim that he successfully shipped himself in a crate to Las Vegas via the United Parcel Service. A spokesman for UPS says the company believes Wade Whitcomb's claim is a hoax. The Transportation Security Administration and the FBI are investigating Whitcomb's claim." Magician Wade Whitcomb staged the stunt to help promote the launch of VentMa.com. The custom designed crate contained four cameras which were used to record the stunt, videos of which can be seen on the site.

ACADEMY OR MAGICAL ARTS AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Magic Castle's Academy of Magical Arts held its 41st annual awards banquet at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood last night (March 8th.) The event was hosted and co=produced by Neil Patrick Harris. Here are the winners:

• Magician of the Year: Guy Hollingworth
• Masters Fellowship: Dominique
• Lifetime Achievement: Bob Fitch
• Performing Fellowship: Celeste Evans
• Performing Fellowship: Howie Schwarzman
• Literary Fellowhip: Louis Falanga
• Special Fellowship: Eric Eswin
• Junior Achievement: Farrah Siegal
• Lecturer of the Year: Jeff McBride
• Close-up Magician of the Year: Doc Eason
• Parlour Magician of the Year: Shoot Ogawa
• Stage Magician of the Year: Kevin James

BROKEN WAND :: ALI BONGO

At 8 AM this morning (March 8th) magic lost one of the funniest men in the art, Ali Bongo. Born William Wallace in 1929, Ali Bongo was serving as the current President of London's Magic Circle and was know for his act as the "Shriek of Araby." Sadly, we'll neve again hear hm exclaim include "Uju Buju Suck Another Juju" or "Hocus Pocus Fishbones Chokus".

• Ali Bongo Dies (The Stage - UK)

SARMOTI :: THE MAGIC RETURNS

The final performance by Siegfried & Roy as presented on 20/20:

MNW #95 :: PAUL WILSON

Paul Wilson is much more than an award winning conjuror. He's a scam artist, movie consultant and television presenter. He has studied sleight of hand, cheating and conjuring since the age of eight. He consulted on the 2004 Sylvester Stallone film "Shade" in which he directed and starred in the highly acclaimed opening titles which featured his expert sleight of hand with cards. In the filme, he appeared as Mr. Andrews. He also served as a magic consultant on the Joe Carnahan film "Smokin' Aces," has consulted for Criss Angel, produced A&E's television show Mondo Magic, appeared on Modern Marvels casino technology episodes, co-created, produced and starred in Court TV's The Takedown and is the resident cheating expert on Italian television's Arcana show. Wilson is currently a writer and presenter on the BBC's The Real Hustle. The show is now a hit in the United Kingdom and is in its' eighth season. His credits within the magic community include The Royal Road To Card Magic, Hit the Road with Paul Wilson and Lee Asher, Knock 'Em Dead, Twists Of Fate, The Restaurant Act, and The Unreal Work with Paul Wilson and Jason England. Join us for a very thoughtful interview with magician Paul Wilson on this episode of the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast!

LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW WITH PAUL WILSON

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HUGE CELEBRATION OF PENN & TELLER'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY

Zimbio was he first to publish photos of the Rio's 26 story Building wrap honoring their 35th anniversary.

According to the Daily Fiasco, "The Rio is marking Penn & Teller’s 35th anniversary with a 26-story, 27,000-square-foot wrap on the southeast side of the building that was unveiled last night. Now you, too, can say you spent a night in Penn Jillette’s crotch. Live the dream, kids. Live the dream.

Penn & Teller have spent the last eight years at the Rio, and have garnered 11 Emmy nominations without a win for Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, which will soon start its seventh season. It’s also one of the best shows on TV. Maybe not Rock of Love Whore Bus good, but pretty awesome nonetheless. "
Penn told Fox 5 in Vegas, "We've been doing … tens of thousands of shows. We should've started counting them, but we didn't know we'd be this successful."

According to Digital City, they'll also celebrate with a mini tour of the East Coast in May with appearances at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods on May 21st and Harrahs in Atlantic City May 22-24.

NO MAGIC FOR HEATH LEDGER

According to several reports including EntertainmentAndShowbiz.com, the final film performance by Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" is facing a marketing crisis without a major US distributor. According to the article, "The movie is facing a limited U.S. release, and its executives have been searching for six months for backers in America but are having difficulty finding a company to release the experimental film." Ledger plays Tony, a conman/Magician saved by the performers in the troupe of 1000 year old Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer.) Andrew Garfield plays a slight of hand performer named Anton & the Devil is played by Tom Waits. Since Ledgers untimely death, Collin Farrell, Jude Law & Johhny Depp were used to portray "physically transformed versions" of Tony so that the film could be completed.

NORM'S SPY HINTS AT IRREGULARITES IN SARMOTI'S FINAL BOW

Norme Clarke's quotes a "spy" in his column, hinting at several "irregularities" during the recent Siegfried & Roy performance to benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute. The article hints that there may have been a stand-in for Roy and that the Tiger seen on stage may not have been Montecore, the cat involved in Horn's Injury. "The weirdest thing that happened Saturday, said my spy, "was the faux pas, when the curtain came up on the small box and a masked person was inside while the Siegfried & Roy figures were across the stage. That other person was never seen in rehearsals. It was a mistake," he said, a moment that made some in the audience suspicious that the switcheroo was on." The SARMOTI manager, Barry Yuman denied both accusations. "Roy said, 'That's who's working with me.' This (night) was also about Montecore, wanting him to be part of the farewell. He saved Roy's life," Yuman said. Of reports that there was a stand-in needed because Horn was suffering from a condition that causes bleeding in the lungs: "That's crazy crap. Roy has nothing wrong with him. He is in perfect health considering he's gone through this very debilitating experience."

SARMOTI 20/20 SPECIAL PREVIEW