Castle Keep

I'm a member of the Magic Castle, the famed club for magicians in Hollywood. To be a member is to frequently (like, every year, it seems) have to follow and endure the club's current financial crisis or challenge to its very existence.

So far, it's survived 'em all and it looks now like it will survive the latest. The land on which the Castle is built was put up for sale by the family that has owned it for a very long time. No buyer has been selected but according to this article, the terms of any sale will stipulate that the Magic Castle (and Yamashiro, a Japanese restaurant just up the hill) must remain. We're leery of what they may do with the surrounding turf but it's good to hear that the Castle is not likely to disappear.

P.S. Every time I mention here that I'm a member, I get e-mails from strangers begging for guest passes. I'm sorry but the answer is no. And when you then write me again and tell me of the wonderful, deserving person you know whose only dream in life has been to visit the Magic Castle and could I please make an exception in just this one case, the answer will still be no.