We weren't poor growing up on Long Island, but it wasn't lavish - just a regular middle-class house.

My parents tried to shield me from how famous they were when I was growing up on Long Island. I had no idea.

Indeed, most magicians catch the bug as kids. My first audience was my family in Long Island. My first 'assistant' was my mother, whom I levitated on a broom in our living room.

Oh", she thought, "how horrible it is that people have to grow up-and marry-and change!

I'm proud of where I'm from. I'm proud of Long Island.

Growing up in Rhode Island, my friends would have strung me up if I had been a Yankees fan.