This site is useful for checking out new cards before their initial release (i.e. Worldwake): http://www.gatheringmagic.com/
If you're looking for information on cards that have been archived/already released I would go here: http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Default.aspx (this site has a really nice intuitive interface, and it's typically where I go if I want to gathering ideas for deck construction).
Hope that helps!!! :)
The first release of Magic the Gathering cards was on August 5, 1993.
You can not. They are not part of Magic the Gathering.
41
A lot
No
Spelling stores
60-75 cards,
nerdy kids and card shops?
yes it does, but the selection is limited.
Either 8 or 15 cards.
Magic the Gathering cards dating back to 1993 (Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited) tend to be very valuable. You can get information on individual cards here: http://www.magictraders.com/pricelists/
You can find tournaments for magic cards at Magic The gathering in San Francisco,Ca or at 2154 university ave. in Berkeley,Ca.