White House Dinner Attack!

 

Tonight was the White House Correspondents Dinner. In the magic community, we were excited because one of our own was scheduled to perform, Oz Pearlman, the Mentalist. In fact, while the dinner was going on, Oz was doing some feats for the First Lady and President Trump and two other people. He was just revealing a word, likely the conclusion of a mind reading feat, when 4 shots were heard to ring out.

A gun man broke through a security check point and was heading to the ballroom when Secret Service fired him. I think the shots heard may have been from Secret Service. I do not know at this point if the gun man got off a shot or not. I did hear one Secret Service man was injured but alive, so I guess the gunman got off one shot at least.

In the photo above, everyone sees the pandemonium that is breaking out. Secret Service is rushing in. The sheer horror of it is captured on the First Lady's face. Oz Pearlman sees it too, and about 2 seconds later he drops to the floor along with everyone else at the table. Secret Service rushes in and grabs the President to get him safely out of the room. See photo below.

In a Press Conference shortly after, the President confirmed the gunman had been apprehended. He is a male from California. He also said they plan to reschedule the event with a month. Curious if Oz Pearlman will return to perform. This has to be beyond harrowing for everyone involved. 

HOUDINI 110 Years Ago Today In Washington DC

 

(Library of Congress)

What are you doing today, April 19? Well, exactly 110 years ago, if you were strolling through Washington DC on Pennsylvania Avenue, you'd stumble upon a huge crowd of people watching a man dangling from a rope 4 stories in the air. That same man is hanging upside down by his ankles and is wearing a straight jacket. Yes, it's Harry Houdini and he is in the Nation's Capital promoting his appearances in town. 

The location today is the building next to the National Theater on Pennsylvania Avenue. The original Munsey building was torn down in 1980. At the time of Houdini's escape, the Munsey building also housed the offices of the Washington Times Newspaper. The brick building to the left is actually The original Washington Post building.  In previous articles I wrote on this escape, I never had a photo of the event. But it occurred to me that if Houdini had done this escape in front of a newspaper office, there MUST BE photos. And sure enough, I found some!

A Few Details About Upcoming Episodes on the Magic Detective Podcast and More!

 

As I quickly approach 70,000 downloads (less than 180 away) on my podcast, I'm exciting by some of the episodes coming up. I mentioned earlier in the year that I had the entire season planned out, which was true. But as usual, I have fallen behind schedule. I moved the Bessie Houdini podcast up to episode 115. As of the moment, I am not sure which will be next. All the images here have Episode #s on them, but they are subject to change. I may start front loading the non Houdini episodes, so that later in the season as we get closer to October 31st, I can have more Houdini podcasts.

More than likely the next episode will be the Life of Doug Henning. I already have several episodes about Doug's Specials on my podcast: #13, 20 & 107. But this time I will cover the LIFE of Doug Henning. I also have an episode on my friend Steve Baker, the controversial Escape Artist. His story has never been told really, other than on his old webpage, which I actually ran. He had a crazy career, truly second only to Houdini. 

Then I have an episode on Alexander Herrmann, which is actually the first of several Herrmann related episodes. I will eventually do Compars, Adelaide, Leon, and maybe even Felix. But only Alexander this season. 

BTW, quickly, I want to thank everyone who has posted reviews on Apple Podcasts and/or sent me comments about the podcast. I really am grateful that you enjoy the podcast and am so thankful for YOU as listeners. Each episode takes hours and hours research. I do not use ai. I rely upon my vast library, and AskAlexander, and a handful of the magic history related sites. It's a lot to comb through. Though technology does make it a bit easier. I can't imagine doing this without computers, meaning databases. Maybe one day ai will be helpful, but honestly, they get so much incorrect. I have my way of doing things, and though it might take a bit longer, it will be correct (unless the source info is wrong lol)

And I have an announcement coming up in a few days. Something new for the site and podcast. Plus I will have a new print available on my art site, shortly. So much to look forward to!!!