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I think some of the so-called entertainers in Vegas (and beyond) who have the nerve to charge people for tickets to see their often self-produced, bloated, amateur shows (usually these individuals can't get hired unless they build or lease their own theatres and do-it-yourself finance their own show and try to act like they are really professional) need to see someone like Liza Minnelli who puts them all to shame with her professionalism and showmanship.

Talk about real magic...Jan and I ventured out to Primm last night to see a true show-business icon perform a memorable show that was nothing short of perfection. I speak of Liza Minnelli, who played a sold-out concert at the Star of the Desert Arena, and from the front row, I can tell you it was an awesome show by a first class performer who is truly one of a kind in every sense of the word.

The daughter of show-biz legends Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli has the chops to rock a room like very few others. She played a 2 hour concert like it was in her living room, with energy of someone half her age (she is 62, she freely admits), engaging the audience with stories from her life, growng up in and around show business Royalty. It was a fascinating performance.

She sang so many classics, from Cabaret and other hits from her many film and stage performances, joked about her career and many marriages, played with the 12 piece orchestra, danced with her 4 "Williams Brothers" dancers (who sang and pranced and made her look even better) changed costumes 4 times, going from a stunning white shimmering outfit to start the show, to a classic black ensemble for some torch songs, then disappeared briefly to slip into s sexy, leggy outfit with cool boots that showed off her still-marvelous legs, and finally appeared in one of her trademark red outfits for the final segment of her amazing show, which of course, ended with her stunning rendition of New York, New York that brought the audience to their feet for what was probably the 7th or 8th standing ovation. It was an unforgettable night.

She absolutely mesmerized the sold out crowd, she is an unbelievable entertainer, such energy, stamina, humor, great stories...it was a piece of history, a study in true showmanship that is so rare among today's performers. Talk about magic. I had chills, we both had tears during several moments, I can't truly explain it properly, it was a very special experience that seemed to hypnotize the audience from the moment she appeared on the stage, smiling and singing and chatting. She was so grateful for the adulation, she generously acknowledged her fantastic orchestra, many of whom have been playing with her for decades, and her singer/dancers who portrayed the early Williams Brothers of yesteryear.

She looks fabulous, her voice was husky like her mom's, she hit all the right notes and held nothing back.

After New York, New York, she came back for 3 more curtain calls, and clearly the audience didn't want this experience to end. She walked to the edge of the stage, thanked everyone and launched into a song, without the orchestra (it was totally unplanned so the musicians just sat and watched) and brought the crowd to their feet again as she sang "I'll be seeing you"... many with tears in their eyes, as she thanked everyone again for the support and for coming to see this performance that was pure perfection in every way.

I have seen her several times, and I cannot recall her touching me and the audience so deeply as she did this particular night.

At this stage of her life, she could easily "mail it in" and the show would still be better than most others out there, but she delivered a remarkable performance that was perfection. We were all very lucky to be there. We will never forget this night.

Thank you, Liza. Momma would be proud.

Red Sox Nation is divided. The unthinkable has happened. One of their STAR players, the only and only Manny Ramirez, suddenly found himself summoned to the Fenway Park locker room to clean out his locker. He was banished to the West Coast, where he will play for his previous enemy Joe Torres, the manager of the Dodgers.

Here in Vegas, the Dodgers are shown on TV most of the time, so we switched over to check out how Manny looks in his new pinstripes of the Dodger Blue. FIrst thought - Hey Manny, where's the red sox?

He hit a home run at his second at bat and yesterday hit another, so he continues to be a powerhouse and a hit machine in a whole new arena. Go Manny!

I am sure many RSN members will be looking for Dodger games to catch one of the finest ball players in the game as he tries his best to help his new team get to the playoffs. Who knows, he may even get to face the Red Sox down the road. The way the Dodgers seem to be playing, that is a very real possibility.

Some Nation Members say they are glad to see him go, he was trouble, he called the owner a crook, he pushed a team mate....hey, isn't that just Manny being Manny?

Others say the Sox made a blunder, as Manny is part of the reason they won the World Series twice...

Yep, he sure knows how to get attention. One minute we are being told that the Amazing Johnathan had a stroke and was just steps away from dying, and the next it's...an inner ear infection.

At a party held for visiting magicians Alan and Michele Watson from New Zealand, Mike Weatherford rushed away to get to his office and put together the sad news, only to find out an hour later that the crazy magician simply had a common ear infection. Guess we can't trust those pesky magicians who claim to have the scoop on the inner world of magic.

I was recently honored by the International Magicians Society, which we all know, is the world's largest magic organization.

The founder and president, Tony Hassini (pictured below in my office) made the surprise visit to my home to break the news to me. I was given a Merlin, the magic world's Oscar, for 2008 Close-up Magician of the Year.

Tony Hassini founder of International Magicians Society and 2008 Merlin award winner Steve Dacri for CLose-up Magician of the Year

The thing weighs over 50 pounds, looks like real gold although I know its not, but a shining, Oscar looking metal thing that will be going into the trophy case (shoe box) in my office.

I'm told it will be officially be presented to me at some event in the future, so I will save my acceptance speech for that. I do want to thank Mr. Hassini and the board of governors of the IMS for this very much appreciated award, It is given out by my peers, making it extra special to me. Previous Merlin awards include Criss Angel, David Copperfield and Siegfried & Roy.

Surely this must mean that I will now start to be offered the really good jobs, both here in in other cities. Already, I have since been offered a very lucrative contract for appearances in Cleveland that we are now considering, so I know things are definitely heading to new heights. I'll keep you informed.

THE AMAZING BALLANTINE SOUVENIR DVD

Meet the man behind the laughter, the one and only Carl Ballantine, The World's Greatest Magician. Over 2 hours of fun and laughs, including highlights from the famous Comedy and Magic Lecture with Steve Dacri.
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