Magic Roadshow
January 15th, 2006 Issue# 39
Rick Carruth / editor (C)2006 All rights reserved worldwide
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January 15th, 2006 Issue# 39
Rick Carruth / editor (C)2006 All rights reserved worldwide
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Hi Folks..
Welcome to all the new subscribers! There's a bunch of you sneaky people this time.. and I hope you find something useful and entertaining in this and all future issues. If you don't - let me know..
Well, here's part two of the "Best of Magic Roadshow - Part 3". Got that? Actually, part one, which was published two weeks ago, will be combined with this issue to form "Best of.. vol.3". The two issues combined were a little too long for one web page.
Just got back from the SCAM convention in Columbia S.C., and I wish each of you could have been there. I've secured several interviews for future issues with some of the top names in magic. I look forward to getting the info together and into the Roadshow. John Tudor, Henry Pettit, and Chris Hage did a great job, as usual, putting together what many attendee's are saying should become a national event in the world of magic. More later..
Again, I've selected a cross section of resources from past issues. Not every great resource made it into these two issues. I don't want anyone to think that by reading the last issue and this issue that they have 'seen it all', because that's far from true. I left some treasures behind, to be discovered by those who take the time to explore past issues..
That said.. I sincerely hope you enjoy THIS issue !
Email Me.
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ReVisited...
:: 57 Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena (Visual Illusion · Optische Täuschungen)
:: De'vo XB
:: Card Trick Central - (200+ Free Tricks)
:: Time Out
:: Cardworker
:: Your Own Magic Web Site
:: Bartricks International
:: Magicians, Clowns, Success, Marketings, and Being Prepared..
:: Card Sorcerer
:: K.I.S.S.
:: The Floating Note
:: What Do You Get..
:: Derren Brown
:: Speaking of Derren Brown..
:: Ellusionist
Think... Practice... Prevail
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:: 57 Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena (Visual Illusion · Optische Täuschungen)
(Featured in issue# 29, this was not exactly a magic related link. I found it so interesting that it really didn't matter. It's magical in it's own way.. )
Folks, this ain't your typical illusions! Based on both scientific explainations and other explainations hitherto unknown to science, Michael Bach has put together a site of illusions that are nothing short of amazing.
Michaels 'visual illusions' are not truly 'optical illusions' because they originate in the visual pathway of the eye, and not the optic.. Huh?
"Most visitors of this site are not vision scientists, so you might find the explanatory attempts too highbrow. That is not on purpose, but vision research just is not trivial, like any science. So, if the explanation sounds like rubbish, simply enjoy the phenomenon ;-)." Michael
Be sure to visit the Biological Motion link, one of my personal favorites. While there, look for Niko Troje?s "beautiful demos" link..
( http://www.biomotionlab.ca/ ).
On a good day, Michaels site is visited by over 2,000,000 , as in - Two Million - visitors.
Let me know what you think..
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/
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:. De'vo XB
Extreme card manipulations taken to - an extreme. So much mind blowing content is included in the XB DVD Double Volume Set, full retail should be about $90.
For beginner through intermediate, almost 4 hours of pro tips, valuable information, secrets of performing and promoting yourself and incredible moves you will NOT find anywhere else (and introducing the brand new "Perching" concept that is revolutionizing XCM)....
$39.95 for the two DVD set, quickly becoming scarce as word spreads. Some sites have already taken down their sales links until they can get additional copies.. honestly!
Go to this link and watch a sample video... I did.. and I bought it from myself..
http://www.ellusionist.com/cart/?aid=827
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:. Card Trick Central - (200+ Free Tricks)
I'm sure many of you have visited Card Trick Central in the past. But, if you haven't been back in a while, then maybe it's time for a return visit.. I just went and checked.. and they have added even more since this resource originally ran in issue thirty..
I think most of the tricks, and I counted more than two hundred, on the site have been submitted by magicians from around the world. They range from the easy to difficult, and are separated by classifications...
Easy Tricks ------------ Tricks for beginners.
Intermediate Tricks --- Tricks for middle level card magicians.
Hard Tricks ----------- Tricks for advanced card magicians.
Other Tricks ----------- Tricks involving other items.
Impromptu Tricks ----- Tricks that require no preparation.
Mathematical Tricks --- Tricks based on math principles.
Mental Tricks ---------- Tricks using your mind.
Memory Tricks -------- Tricks that require you to remember certain things.
Self-Working Tricks --- Steps to the trick are so simple to follow, that it almost works itself.
Sleight Index ---------- Different sleight of hand tricks including shuffles, passes and more.
Did I mention it's all free...??
http://web.superb.net/cardtric/tricks/master.htm
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:: Time Out
Every good magician has to take a "time out" from time to time. I took time out recently to take a light-hearted look at the fine art of being a magician. Of course, I didn't want to leave out mentalist. I'm sure I could have come up with a much bigger list, but I didn't want to make too many enemies..
( I hope you take this in jest.. Just as it was intended..)
Q: What do you call 15 magicians in a circle?
A: A dope ring.
Q: What should you do when a magician throws a hand grenade at you?
A: Pull the pin and throw it back.
Q: If a mentalist and a magician are tossed off a building, who hits the ground first?
A: The mentalist. The magician has to stop to ask directions.
Q: What does a bowling ball and a illusionist have in common?
A: Who cares? They'll both end up in a gutter.
Q: Why do magicians drive VW's?
A: Because they can't spell PORSCHE!
Q: What do you call a mentalist in an institution of higher learning?
A: A visitor.
Q: How do you get a one-armed magician out of a tree?
A: Wave at 'em.
Q: Why do blondes have big bellybuttons?
A: From dating magicians.
Q.What are the worst six years in a magician's life?
A: Third Grade.
Have YOU got any..??
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:: CardWorker
Are you ready to cross the line? That's the question Mick Ayres asks at his super-informative site -- CardWorker.com .
Some of you 'insiders' are probably familiar with Mick, others of you will offer a blank stare and a polite shrug of the shoulder. After all, if you don't appear on the Stars of Magic TV show, who are you anyway?
I have had the rare opportunity to hear and watch Mick perform. When I say rare, I'm talking maybe 'one convention every few years' rare.. Despite Mick's talent as a card worker and entertainer, he doesn't get out much..
Walt Disney won't let him..
As a full-time performer at Disney's exclusive Vacation Club Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, Mick is limited by contract how close, or far, he can perform from Hilton Head. That, and the fact that he performs about 1300 shows a year on the island..
But he's not limited by how much of his material he can share with us through his writings.
His CardWorker site features a wide array of effects, sleights, routines, and essays. In Mick's own words:
"Early in the 20th century, magic shops often had a white line painted on the floor near the back of the store. Unless you were recognized by the shop owner as a serious student of magic, you were not given permission to cross the line. All the secret props, devices, gimmicks and the 'underground' books were kept behind the white line. The general public wasn't allowed access to these secrets."
Mick, through his web site CardWorker, gives YOU the opportunity to "cross the line" and..
"...offers explanations, discussions, and reviews about new and classic card sleights, routine scripting and preparation, rehearsal techniques, little-known finesses and staging procedures for entertainers interested in presenting fresh, new material from the world of card magic.
You can learn a lot here...if you're willing to do the work and put in the practice..."
http://www.cardworker.com
**editors note.. Read an in-depth interview with Mick at my favorite source for all news magical - Tim Quinlan's 'Inside Magic'..
http://insidemagic.com/celebrity.shtml
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:. Your Own Magic Web Site
I've wanted to write this article for a long time. I realize it may be a subject you don't have any particular interest in.. but I do get a lot of inquiries. So, for some of you at least, this may be a lifesaver. Regardless of what form of magic you're into, whether it's performing, manufacturing, developing, writing, or whatever, there will come a time when you realize the need for your own website.
This article is an abbreviated version of a longer article I'm writing on the same subject. I will provide a link, through the newsletter, to the longer version once it's complete.
I'm going to show you how to develop a web presense for less than thirty dollars, and I'm NOT going to cut corners. In fact, cutting corners is the first bad habit we need to rid you of.. There's no such thing as a free lunch on the web. Oh, you can get free services, free hosting, free this and that, but believe me brother - you're going to pay of it in the long run.
Rule#1.. Go ahead a spend a couple of extra dollars and sign up for services that have a proven track record.
This article included my personal suggestions for finding a hosting company, establishing your own blog, buying design software, signing up for cheap credit card services, and a few other specialized services. I won't reprint the entire article here.. Instead, I'll simply furnish you with the link and let you read it at your convenience..
http://www.streetmagic.info/eMagic33.html
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:. Bartricks International
"When Michael Hayes was seventeen years old he was thrown out of school for everything that pays the bills now. One year later he was fired from a Toronto radio station For an April Fool's day stunt that was a little too realistic -- he convinced listeners the station building was collapsing, complete with sound effects. He created a mini panic and loads of publicity.
Fortunately, Club Med recognized and appreciated his talents for attracting attention and he spent the next six years traveling and developing his "Bartricks" at their chain of resorts. Hayes has made a career out of creating magic and has a knack of giving life to ordinary, everyday objects. He reveals the secrets to his tricks with the debut of his video, "Be the Life of any Party". It seems everything Michael was thrown out of school for now pays the bills and gets him international acclaim."
Visit Michaels site and let him teach you about fifteen of his favorite bar tricks, including pictures..
http://www.bartricks.com/tricks.shtml
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:: Magicians, Clowns, Success, Marketings, and Being Prepared..
My friend, Esther Beris, is quite a clown. No, really.... she's a clown, as in a professional clown. Esther is also one of my very favorite writers in the performing arts market. Her advice is absolutely dead-on.
Although geared toward the clown market, her articles are a perfect fit for magicians as well. If you get to the major national conventions like SAM, you will probably see Esther there, as she also carries about a love of magic and performing magic.
Her newsletter, the Clown Marketing Blueprint Update, is full of gobs and gobs of valuable info, and is one of only four newsletters in the world I read as soon as it hits my inbox. Others may have to wait a week or more before I get around to opening them... but not CMBU..
Here's an article full of perfect examples of right-on marketing advice for those of you who want to advance your magic beyond the birthday party market.. Powerful stuff..
http://streetmagic.info/eMagic34.html
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:: Card Sorcerer
Where did the movie " Shade " get it's name? From the luminous liquid which, when applied to the back of playing cards, becomes visible only to someone wearing a certain type of sunglasses. Where do you get 'Shade' ? Right here..
More importantly for magicians though, is their wonderful selection of free videos displaying various card flourishes and poker chip tricks. These videos are so well done that I have found myself going back there time after time this past week to re-watch certain videos.
Free Card Flourish Videos-- Card Spread Flourish, Center Lift Flourish, Multiple Charlier Cut, One Handed Cut Charlier Cut, One Handed Shuffle and Cut, Perfect Faro Shuffle, Tactical Green Bicycle,
Copag Card Bend
Free Poker chip trick videos-- Twirl Combo, Pinch Flourish, Knuckleroll, Chip Shuffle
( A certain website named after a small, wobbling artic animal, is currently selling a video of poker chip maneuvers, mainly the knuckle roll.. I'm not sure how this compares, but hey, it's free...)
In addition to selling material to mark decks, which can be very helpful to magicians, they have a special section devoted to detecting marked cards...
"As with most areas of card magic, marked cards have evolved significantly over the past century. Magicians often have no idea how unbelievably deceptive the marked cards of today have become.
To detect a deck that has been marked by modern methods requires training and plenty of experience. Any expert who specializes in marked cards will respect how difficult it is, and how time consuming it is, to thoroughly check a deck and determine if it has been marked.
However, the majority of marked decks that magicians are typically given access to are marked with obsolete methods. As this guide will show, detecting an obsolete marked deck is fairly easy given a little knowledge and experience.. "
Check it out.. http://www.cardsorcerer.com/index.asp
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:. K.I.S.S.
Some of the best magic is the most simple of magic. Not every confounding effect involves sleight of hand or complex memorization. And not all good effects have to be a total perplexity to other magicians. If you find yourself performing your effects for the amazement of other magicians, then your performing for the wrong audience..
As you remove a deck of cards from the pack, remark of your recent 'jolting' experience with a screwdriver and an electrical outlet, and the astounding mental abilities you've acquired since..
" A deck of cards is a magical thing, for sure. Consisting of 52 cards that represent the 52 weeks of the year, four suits to correspond to the 4 seasons, 13 different values to represent each of the 13 symbols of the lunar calendar, and a total of 365 pips to represent - what else than - the 365 days of the year, a deck of cards is the perfect tool for a sensitive magi like myself.."
"I want you to take this deck, look throught it to make sure all the cards are different, and then shuffle the deck to your hearts content. Satisfied? Good! Now, look at the bottom card, memorize it, and carefully slide the deck back into this pack, face down of course, as I hold it open for you.."
"Now, I'll close the top, completely isolating the deck from the outside world, but not from my probing mind. I'll place the deck against my forehead, like this, as my subconscious mind gently whispers to my conscious mind that your selected card, hereto unknown only to you, was a.... a..... a..... ( and name the card. correctly of course..)"
How did I do it? As the name implies - K.I.S.S. .
KISS is a marketing term commonly used by copywriters that means " Keep it simple, stupid". Copywriters need to compose simple and straight-to-the-point copy, ( unlike what I've done to this point..) to help the readers fully understand the offer and motivate them with simple keywords.
How simple is this trick? Take a razor blade or box cutter and cut a small window in the lower corner of what will be the underside of the pack as you hold it for the cards to be inserted. Cut properly, when the cards are placed in the pack, only the number and pip of the bottom card is visible through the opening you cut.
Your fingers will conceal the opening as the deck is being placed inside the pack by the spectator. As you bring the pack forward to your forehead, carefully turn the pack around, glimpsing the cards identity.
Your work is done, and the rest is a matter of patter. Remember, magic like this works particularly well on the typical audience. I know many of you may already know this effect, but I'll bet your audience doesn't... and thats what matters. I know magicians who make a full time living performing tricks like this. It's ALL in the presentation - if you know how to K.I.S.S.
R.Carruth
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The Floating Note (video solution)
I keep a file on my desktop titled "magic roadshow stuff". It's just an accumilation of stuff that I have run across on the web and hope to use some day. The recent passing of Mike Bornstein brought to mind Mikes famous "Mike Bornstein's Original Floating Dollar Bill Levitation". I sat down and wrote up a description of the Floating Note effect in notepad and moved it over to my 'stuff' file, intending to use it in the next issue of Magic Roadshow.
That was several months ago and I kept intending to publish it, but for whatever reason I wasn't quite happy with my description of Mike's effect.
This issue rolled around and I said, "OK, this is it. It's time to edit the Floating Note and run it in the newsletter. No more procrastinating.." .
Well, I received an email from PubTricks the other day and they were offering me a free download, just for the heck of it.. Not one to turn down a freebie, I checked it out and, lo and behold, it was Mike's Floating Note.
I guess I don't have to edit my description after all.. I just send you directly to the video and instructions for constructing your own Floating Note..
(A tip of the hat to Mike Bornstein for originating this effect..)
http://streetmagic.info/floatingnote.html
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If you liked this effect, check out some of the other effects PubTricks has to offer..
http://streetmagic.info/Pubtricks.html
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What Do You Get..
What do you get when you cross Scarne and Carruth? Well, you get several tricks that were published by Scarne, then reworked by myself to improve the handling or make them more timely.
None of these require sophisticated sleight of hand. That was the intent of Scarne when he published "Scarne on Card Tricks".. to create a book chock full of great tricks which didn't require great sleights.
(This was one of several effects published in issue 36. Check 'em out )
~ The Wizard
The original 'Wizard', as popularized by Scarne and Steffi Storm, utilizes a confederate who deducts a spectators chosen card via telephone. A card is picked, a phone call is placed, and when the "Wizard" answers the magicians asks to speak with the Wizard. Immediate the Wizard begins to call out numbers.. " ace, two, three, four, five.... " until the magician says "Hi, Mr. Wizard", thus signaling the confederate that was the chosen number.
The confederate then says " hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades" with the magician again interrupting at the chosen suit. Armed with the number and suit, the magician now hands the phone to the spectator, who will have their card revealed to them by the Wizard.. This is a nice little trick when done rapidly. the pauses on the phone shouldn't be long.. just long enough for the Wizard to acertain the card...
However... I have problems keeping the 'Wizard' at home when I need him. This is my version of Scarne's classic..
My answering machine gives me two options - electronic voice or personal recording. I'm lazy, so I've opted for the electronic feature. It's quick and to-the-point (unlike my writings), and gets across the message that I'm not home and they need to leave a message at the tone. Ta-da ...
Since I can switch back and forth between the two, I've recorded a message on the machine for special occasions as follows:
" Hi, the Wizard here.. Sorry I can't come to the phone at the moment - I'm in the basement plucking the wings off bats. If you would like to leave a message at the tone - you may.. Of course, since I'm the Wizard, I know who you are and what number you're calling from. I'll get back...
Oh.. and if some guy named Rick, claiming to be a friend of mine, has asked you to pick a card - Tell him two things.. One: tell him to quit calling here. And Two: Your card was the six of hearts.. "
When I leave home, and know in advance, that I'll need to contact the Wizard, I switch the answering machine to my message and go about my business. When I approach someone with the Wizard trick I speak fondly of the Wizard and his amazing skills.
After forcing a card with whatever method strikes me as appropriate at the moment, (usually an extended magicians choice with a 52 card deck or a hindu force..) I ask them to call the Wizard and allow him to display his amazing long-distance psychic skills.. Generally, I don't ask the name of the card before the call. That adds to the mystery, since they know what the card is.. and I (supposedly) don't...
Everyone has a cell phone.. I either ask them to call the Wizard at telephone #_____ , or give them my phone to use. Since my phone is also a speaker phone that can be heard by several people at once, I like to use mine..
( When I get home and check my messages, I usually have a couple of calls where someone holds their receiver for a few seconds and then hangs up.. not sure what to say. It's OK though, I check my caller ID and call 'em back... )
Folks.. this is an IDEAL trick to use if you work restaurants. It's also a very strong and simple effect to use if you would like to impress a restaurant manager..
( This effect works particularly well on restaurant managers in the Charleston area... Are you listening ...David ?)
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:. Derren Brown
Derren Brown is one of my very 'favorite' mentalist in the world. I've located a site that has fourteen of Derren's videos at one location.
You can go here and watch the best of his best, and, read the corresponding articles that offer his explanations... including:
Are you feeling sleepy?
People mysteriously fall asleep in public telephone boxes.
Find out what trick Derren has borrowed from the politicians. »
The lost taxi driver
A London cabby manages to lose London's largest landmark.
Read about how Derren distracts the driver. »
Silent responses
Before she's even opened her mouth, Derren knows this saleswoman's going to lie.
Read his explanation and see how easy it is to tell. »
First kiss
This salesman describes his first kiss, but something's not right about the detail.
Read about how Derren detects the lie. »
The art of distraction
Derren diverts people's attention so they don't notice him picking their pockets.
Read his explanation of the oldest con trick in the world. »
Memories are made of this
How does Derren remember every card that's been played in a game of blackjack?
Read how he maintains his winning streak. »
http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/M/mindcontrol/video/index.html
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~ Speaking of Derren Brown.......
Here is the download link to a free Christmas bonus I offered my readers. This link will remain active until the end of January.. after that you'll have to write me for the link..
Included is:
- Derren Brown Style Illusions + Mind Control
- Hypnosis for Beginners
- Seven Success Secrets of Hypnotism
- How to get the Truth out of Anyone
- Hypnosis Advanced Hypnotic Techniques
- Self Hypnosis
- Hypnotic Inductions
And eleven more...
http://snipurl.com/hypnomagic
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~ Ellusionist
Ellusionist has a number of brand new effects and DVD's on their site. I encourage you to take a moment and visit their homepage and look around. Some of the new effects include:
RELEASED: Criss Angel - Self Levitation DVD
RELEASED: Ghost Gaff Deck
RELEASED: MERCURY Download by David Kong
RELEASED: Criss Angel - Coin in Soda Can
RELEASED: GLASS DVD by Adam Grace
RELEASED: INFUSION DVD & DL by Geir Bratlie
RELEASED: Ultimate Card Through Window
RELEASED: FUSE - Fire Writing
RELEASED: 50 Ways to Rock a Lighter
Visit Ellusionist http://www.ellusionist.com/cart/?aid=732
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I hope you enjoyed this issue. Those of you who are my treasured long-time readers may feel a little slighted having to revisit sites you've probably already bookmarked.. but I hope I jarred your memory , at least..
The past couple of weeks have been hectic, with working, the convention, and all.. I'm glad that next issue will be back to an "all new" format, although the 'best of' issues were due out long before now..
Remember, if you have any comments, request, rants or raves.. email me and lets talk.
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Please don't forget to visit some of my other sites.. see what's new -
http://www.streetmagic.info
http://www.magicroadshow.com
http://www.streetmagic.info/blogger.html
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/shareware
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May my next issue find you well..
Rick Carruth
================================
Welcome to all the new subscribers! There's a bunch of you sneaky people this time.. and I hope you find something useful and entertaining in this and all future issues. If you don't - let me know..
Well, here's part two of the "Best of Magic Roadshow - Part 3". Got that? Actually, part one, which was published two weeks ago, will be combined with this issue to form "Best of.. vol.3". The two issues combined were a little too long for one web page.
Just got back from the SCAM convention in Columbia S.C., and I wish each of you could have been there. I've secured several interviews for future issues with some of the top names in magic. I look forward to getting the info together and into the Roadshow. John Tudor, Henry Pettit, and Chris Hage did a great job, as usual, putting together what many attendee's are saying should become a national event in the world of magic. More later..
Again, I've selected a cross section of resources from past issues. Not every great resource made it into these two issues. I don't want anyone to think that by reading the last issue and this issue that they have 'seen it all', because that's far from true. I left some treasures behind, to be discovered by those who take the time to explore past issues..
That said.. I sincerely hope you enjoy THIS issue !
Email Me.
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ReVisited...
:: 57 Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena (Visual Illusion · Optische Täuschungen)
:: De'vo XB
:: Card Trick Central - (200+ Free Tricks)
:: Time Out
:: Cardworker
:: Your Own Magic Web Site
:: Bartricks International
:: Magicians, Clowns, Success, Marketings, and Being Prepared..
:: Card Sorcerer
:: K.I.S.S.
:: The Floating Note
:: What Do You Get..
:: Derren Brown
:: Speaking of Derren Brown..
:: Ellusionist
Think... Practice... Prevail
=======================
:: 57 Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena (Visual Illusion · Optische Täuschungen)
(Featured in issue# 29, this was not exactly a magic related link. I found it so interesting that it really didn't matter. It's magical in it's own way.. )
Folks, this ain't your typical illusions! Based on both scientific explainations and other explainations hitherto unknown to science, Michael Bach has put together a site of illusions that are nothing short of amazing.
Michaels 'visual illusions' are not truly 'optical illusions' because they originate in the visual pathway of the eye, and not the optic.. Huh?
"Most visitors of this site are not vision scientists, so you might find the explanatory attempts too highbrow. That is not on purpose, but vision research just is not trivial, like any science. So, if the explanation sounds like rubbish, simply enjoy the phenomenon ;-)." Michael
Be sure to visit the Biological Motion link, one of my personal favorites. While there, look for Niko Troje?s "beautiful demos" link..
( http://www.biomotionlab.ca/ ).
On a good day, Michaels site is visited by over 2,000,000 , as in - Two Million - visitors.
Let me know what you think..
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/
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:. De'vo XB
Extreme card manipulations taken to - an extreme. So much mind blowing content is included in the XB DVD Double Volume Set, full retail should be about $90.
For beginner through intermediate, almost 4 hours of pro tips, valuable information, secrets of performing and promoting yourself and incredible moves you will NOT find anywhere else (and introducing the brand new "Perching" concept that is revolutionizing XCM)....
$39.95 for the two DVD set, quickly becoming scarce as word spreads. Some sites have already taken down their sales links until they can get additional copies.. honestly!
Go to this link and watch a sample video... I did.. and I bought it from myself..
http://www.ellusionist.com/cart/?aid=827
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:. Card Trick Central - (200+ Free Tricks)
I'm sure many of you have visited Card Trick Central in the past. But, if you haven't been back in a while, then maybe it's time for a return visit.. I just went and checked.. and they have added even more since this resource originally ran in issue thirty..
I think most of the tricks, and I counted more than two hundred, on the site have been submitted by magicians from around the world. They range from the easy to difficult, and are separated by classifications...
Easy Tricks ------------ Tricks for beginners.
Intermediate Tricks --- Tricks for middle level card magicians.
Hard Tricks ----------- Tricks for advanced card magicians.
Other Tricks ----------- Tricks involving other items.
Impromptu Tricks ----- Tricks that require no preparation.
Mathematical Tricks --- Tricks based on math principles.
Mental Tricks ---------- Tricks using your mind.
Memory Tricks -------- Tricks that require you to remember certain things.
Self-Working Tricks --- Steps to the trick are so simple to follow, that it almost works itself.
Sleight Index ---------- Different sleight of hand tricks including shuffles, passes and more.
Did I mention it's all free...??
http://web.superb.net/cardtric/tricks/master.htm
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:: Time Out
Every good magician has to take a "time out" from time to time. I took time out recently to take a light-hearted look at the fine art of being a magician. Of course, I didn't want to leave out mentalist. I'm sure I could have come up with a much bigger list, but I didn't want to make too many enemies..
( I hope you take this in jest.. Just as it was intended..)
Q: What do you call 15 magicians in a circle?
A: A dope ring.
Q: What should you do when a magician throws a hand grenade at you?
A: Pull the pin and throw it back.
Q: If a mentalist and a magician are tossed off a building, who hits the ground first?
A: The mentalist. The magician has to stop to ask directions.
Q: What does a bowling ball and a illusionist have in common?
A: Who cares? They'll both end up in a gutter.
Q: Why do magicians drive VW's?
A: Because they can't spell PORSCHE!
Q: What do you call a mentalist in an institution of higher learning?
A: A visitor.
Q: How do you get a one-armed magician out of a tree?
A: Wave at 'em.
Q: Why do blondes have big bellybuttons?
A: From dating magicians.
Q.What are the worst six years in a magician's life?
A: Third Grade.
Have YOU got any..??
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:: CardWorker
Are you ready to cross the line? That's the question Mick Ayres asks at his super-informative site -- CardWorker.com .
Some of you 'insiders' are probably familiar with Mick, others of you will offer a blank stare and a polite shrug of the shoulder. After all, if you don't appear on the Stars of Magic TV show, who are you anyway?
I have had the rare opportunity to hear and watch Mick perform. When I say rare, I'm talking maybe 'one convention every few years' rare.. Despite Mick's talent as a card worker and entertainer, he doesn't get out much..
Walt Disney won't let him..
As a full-time performer at Disney's exclusive Vacation Club Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, Mick is limited by contract how close, or far, he can perform from Hilton Head. That, and the fact that he performs about 1300 shows a year on the island..
But he's not limited by how much of his material he can share with us through his writings.
His CardWorker site features a wide array of effects, sleights, routines, and essays. In Mick's own words:
"Early in the 20th century, magic shops often had a white line painted on the floor near the back of the store. Unless you were recognized by the shop owner as a serious student of magic, you were not given permission to cross the line. All the secret props, devices, gimmicks and the 'underground' books were kept behind the white line. The general public wasn't allowed access to these secrets."
Mick, through his web site CardWorker, gives YOU the opportunity to "cross the line" and..
"...offers explanations, discussions, and reviews about new and classic card sleights, routine scripting and preparation, rehearsal techniques, little-known finesses and staging procedures for entertainers interested in presenting fresh, new material from the world of card magic.
You can learn a lot here...if you're willing to do the work and put in the practice..."
http://www.cardworker.com
**editors note.. Read an in-depth interview with Mick at my favorite source for all news magical - Tim Quinlan's 'Inside Magic'..
http://insidemagic.com/celebrity.shtml
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:. Your Own Magic Web Site
I've wanted to write this article for a long time. I realize it may be a subject you don't have any particular interest in.. but I do get a lot of inquiries. So, for some of you at least, this may be a lifesaver. Regardless of what form of magic you're into, whether it's performing, manufacturing, developing, writing, or whatever, there will come a time when you realize the need for your own website.
This article is an abbreviated version of a longer article I'm writing on the same subject. I will provide a link, through the newsletter, to the longer version once it's complete.
I'm going to show you how to develop a web presense for less than thirty dollars, and I'm NOT going to cut corners. In fact, cutting corners is the first bad habit we need to rid you of.. There's no such thing as a free lunch on the web. Oh, you can get free services, free hosting, free this and that, but believe me brother - you're going to pay of it in the long run.
Rule#1.. Go ahead a spend a couple of extra dollars and sign up for services that have a proven track record.
This article included my personal suggestions for finding a hosting company, establishing your own blog, buying design software, signing up for cheap credit card services, and a few other specialized services. I won't reprint the entire article here.. Instead, I'll simply furnish you with the link and let you read it at your convenience..
http://www.streetmagic.info/eMagic33.html
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:. Bartricks International
"When Michael Hayes was seventeen years old he was thrown out of school for everything that pays the bills now. One year later he was fired from a Toronto radio station For an April Fool's day stunt that was a little too realistic -- he convinced listeners the station building was collapsing, complete with sound effects. He created a mini panic and loads of publicity.
Fortunately, Club Med recognized and appreciated his talents for attracting attention and he spent the next six years traveling and developing his "Bartricks" at their chain of resorts. Hayes has made a career out of creating magic and has a knack of giving life to ordinary, everyday objects. He reveals the secrets to his tricks with the debut of his video, "Be the Life of any Party". It seems everything Michael was thrown out of school for now pays the bills and gets him international acclaim."
Visit Michaels site and let him teach you about fifteen of his favorite bar tricks, including pictures..
http://www.bartricks.com/tricks.shtml
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:: Magicians, Clowns, Success, Marketings, and Being Prepared..
My friend, Esther Beris, is quite a clown. No, really.... she's a clown, as in a professional clown. Esther is also one of my very favorite writers in the performing arts market. Her advice is absolutely dead-on.
Although geared toward the clown market, her articles are a perfect fit for magicians as well. If you get to the major national conventions like SAM, you will probably see Esther there, as she also carries about a love of magic and performing magic.
Her newsletter, the Clown Marketing Blueprint Update, is full of gobs and gobs of valuable info, and is one of only four newsletters in the world I read as soon as it hits my inbox. Others may have to wait a week or more before I get around to opening them... but not CMBU..
Here's an article full of perfect examples of right-on marketing advice for those of you who want to advance your magic beyond the birthday party market.. Powerful stuff..
http://streetmagic.info/eMagic34.html
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:: Card Sorcerer
Where did the movie " Shade " get it's name? From the luminous liquid which, when applied to the back of playing cards, becomes visible only to someone wearing a certain type of sunglasses. Where do you get 'Shade' ? Right here..
More importantly for magicians though, is their wonderful selection of free videos displaying various card flourishes and poker chip tricks. These videos are so well done that I have found myself going back there time after time this past week to re-watch certain videos.
Free Card Flourish Videos-- Card Spread Flourish, Center Lift Flourish, Multiple Charlier Cut, One Handed Cut Charlier Cut, One Handed Shuffle and Cut, Perfect Faro Shuffle, Tactical Green Bicycle,
Copag Card Bend
Free Poker chip trick videos-- Twirl Combo, Pinch Flourish, Knuckleroll, Chip Shuffle
( A certain website named after a small, wobbling artic animal, is currently selling a video of poker chip maneuvers, mainly the knuckle roll.. I'm not sure how this compares, but hey, it's free...)
In addition to selling material to mark decks, which can be very helpful to magicians, they have a special section devoted to detecting marked cards...
"As with most areas of card magic, marked cards have evolved significantly over the past century. Magicians often have no idea how unbelievably deceptive the marked cards of today have become.
To detect a deck that has been marked by modern methods requires training and plenty of experience. Any expert who specializes in marked cards will respect how difficult it is, and how time consuming it is, to thoroughly check a deck and determine if it has been marked.
However, the majority of marked decks that magicians are typically given access to are marked with obsolete methods. As this guide will show, detecting an obsolete marked deck is fairly easy given a little knowledge and experience.. "
Check it out.. http://www.cardsorcerer.com/index.asp
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:. K.I.S.S.
Some of the best magic is the most simple of magic. Not every confounding effect involves sleight of hand or complex memorization. And not all good effects have to be a total perplexity to other magicians. If you find yourself performing your effects for the amazement of other magicians, then your performing for the wrong audience..
As you remove a deck of cards from the pack, remark of your recent 'jolting' experience with a screwdriver and an electrical outlet, and the astounding mental abilities you've acquired since..
" A deck of cards is a magical thing, for sure. Consisting of 52 cards that represent the 52 weeks of the year, four suits to correspond to the 4 seasons, 13 different values to represent each of the 13 symbols of the lunar calendar, and a total of 365 pips to represent - what else than - the 365 days of the year, a deck of cards is the perfect tool for a sensitive magi like myself.."
"I want you to take this deck, look throught it to make sure all the cards are different, and then shuffle the deck to your hearts content. Satisfied? Good! Now, look at the bottom card, memorize it, and carefully slide the deck back into this pack, face down of course, as I hold it open for you.."
"Now, I'll close the top, completely isolating the deck from the outside world, but not from my probing mind. I'll place the deck against my forehead, like this, as my subconscious mind gently whispers to my conscious mind that your selected card, hereto unknown only to you, was a.... a..... a..... ( and name the card. correctly of course..)"
How did I do it? As the name implies - K.I.S.S. .
KISS is a marketing term commonly used by copywriters that means " Keep it simple, stupid". Copywriters need to compose simple and straight-to-the-point copy, ( unlike what I've done to this point..) to help the readers fully understand the offer and motivate them with simple keywords.
How simple is this trick? Take a razor blade or box cutter and cut a small window in the lower corner of what will be the underside of the pack as you hold it for the cards to be inserted. Cut properly, when the cards are placed in the pack, only the number and pip of the bottom card is visible through the opening you cut.
Your fingers will conceal the opening as the deck is being placed inside the pack by the spectator. As you bring the pack forward to your forehead, carefully turn the pack around, glimpsing the cards identity.
Your work is done, and the rest is a matter of patter. Remember, magic like this works particularly well on the typical audience. I know many of you may already know this effect, but I'll bet your audience doesn't... and thats what matters. I know magicians who make a full time living performing tricks like this. It's ALL in the presentation - if you know how to K.I.S.S.
R.Carruth
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The Floating Note (video solution)
I keep a file on my desktop titled "magic roadshow stuff". It's just an accumilation of stuff that I have run across on the web and hope to use some day. The recent passing of Mike Bornstein brought to mind Mikes famous "Mike Bornstein's Original Floating Dollar Bill Levitation". I sat down and wrote up a description of the Floating Note effect in notepad and moved it over to my 'stuff' file, intending to use it in the next issue of Magic Roadshow.
That was several months ago and I kept intending to publish it, but for whatever reason I wasn't quite happy with my description of Mike's effect.
This issue rolled around and I said, "OK, this is it. It's time to edit the Floating Note and run it in the newsletter. No more procrastinating.." .
Well, I received an email from PubTricks the other day and they were offering me a free download, just for the heck of it.. Not one to turn down a freebie, I checked it out and, lo and behold, it was Mike's Floating Note.
I guess I don't have to edit my description after all.. I just send you directly to the video and instructions for constructing your own Floating Note..
(A tip of the hat to Mike Bornstein for originating this effect..)
http://streetmagic.info/floatingnote.html
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If you liked this effect, check out some of the other effects PubTricks has to offer..
http://streetmagic.info/Pubtricks.html
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What Do You Get..
What do you get when you cross Scarne and Carruth? Well, you get several tricks that were published by Scarne, then reworked by myself to improve the handling or make them more timely.
None of these require sophisticated sleight of hand. That was the intent of Scarne when he published "Scarne on Card Tricks".. to create a book chock full of great tricks which didn't require great sleights.
(This was one of several effects published in issue 36. Check 'em out )
~ The Wizard
The original 'Wizard', as popularized by Scarne and Steffi Storm, utilizes a confederate who deducts a spectators chosen card via telephone. A card is picked, a phone call is placed, and when the "Wizard" answers the magicians asks to speak with the Wizard. Immediate the Wizard begins to call out numbers.. " ace, two, three, four, five.... " until the magician says "Hi, Mr. Wizard", thus signaling the confederate that was the chosen number.
The confederate then says " hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades" with the magician again interrupting at the chosen suit. Armed with the number and suit, the magician now hands the phone to the spectator, who will have their card revealed to them by the Wizard.. This is a nice little trick when done rapidly. the pauses on the phone shouldn't be long.. just long enough for the Wizard to acertain the card...
However... I have problems keeping the 'Wizard' at home when I need him. This is my version of Scarne's classic..
My answering machine gives me two options - electronic voice or personal recording. I'm lazy, so I've opted for the electronic feature. It's quick and to-the-point (unlike my writings), and gets across the message that I'm not home and they need to leave a message at the tone. Ta-da ...
Since I can switch back and forth between the two, I've recorded a message on the machine for special occasions as follows:
" Hi, the Wizard here.. Sorry I can't come to the phone at the moment - I'm in the basement plucking the wings off bats. If you would like to leave a message at the tone - you may.. Of course, since I'm the Wizard, I know who you are and what number you're calling from. I'll get back...
Oh.. and if some guy named Rick, claiming to be a friend of mine, has asked you to pick a card - Tell him two things.. One: tell him to quit calling here. And Two: Your card was the six of hearts.. "
When I leave home, and know in advance, that I'll need to contact the Wizard, I switch the answering machine to my message and go about my business. When I approach someone with the Wizard trick I speak fondly of the Wizard and his amazing skills.
After forcing a card with whatever method strikes me as appropriate at the moment, (usually an extended magicians choice with a 52 card deck or a hindu force..) I ask them to call the Wizard and allow him to display his amazing long-distance psychic skills.. Generally, I don't ask the name of the card before the call. That adds to the mystery, since they know what the card is.. and I (supposedly) don't...
Everyone has a cell phone.. I either ask them to call the Wizard at telephone #_____ , or give them my phone to use. Since my phone is also a speaker phone that can be heard by several people at once, I like to use mine..
( When I get home and check my messages, I usually have a couple of calls where someone holds their receiver for a few seconds and then hangs up.. not sure what to say. It's OK though, I check my caller ID and call 'em back... )
Folks.. this is an IDEAL trick to use if you work restaurants. It's also a very strong and simple effect to use if you would like to impress a restaurant manager..
( This effect works particularly well on restaurant managers in the Charleston area... Are you listening ...David ?)
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:. Derren Brown
Derren Brown is one of my very 'favorite' mentalist in the world. I've located a site that has fourteen of Derren's videos at one location.
You can go here and watch the best of his best, and, read the corresponding articles that offer his explanations... including:
Are you feeling sleepy?
People mysteriously fall asleep in public telephone boxes.
Find out what trick Derren has borrowed from the politicians. »
The lost taxi driver
A London cabby manages to lose London's largest landmark.
Read about how Derren distracts the driver. »
Silent responses
Before she's even opened her mouth, Derren knows this saleswoman's going to lie.
Read his explanation and see how easy it is to tell. »
First kiss
This salesman describes his first kiss, but something's not right about the detail.
Read about how Derren detects the lie. »
The art of distraction
Derren diverts people's attention so they don't notice him picking their pockets.
Read his explanation of the oldest con trick in the world. »
Memories are made of this
How does Derren remember every card that's been played in a game of blackjack?
Read how he maintains his winning streak. »
http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/M/mindcontrol/video/index.html
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~ Speaking of Derren Brown.......
Here is the download link to a free Christmas bonus I offered my readers. This link will remain active until the end of January.. after that you'll have to write me for the link..
Included is:
- Derren Brown Style Illusions + Mind Control
- Hypnosis for Beginners
- Seven Success Secrets of Hypnotism
- How to get the Truth out of Anyone
- Hypnosis Advanced Hypnotic Techniques
- Self Hypnosis
- Hypnotic Inductions
And eleven more...
http://snipurl.com/hypnomagic
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~ Ellusionist
Ellusionist has a number of brand new effects and DVD's on their site. I encourage you to take a moment and visit their homepage and look around. Some of the new effects include:
RELEASED: Criss Angel - Self Levitation DVD
RELEASED: Ghost Gaff Deck
RELEASED: MERCURY Download by David Kong
RELEASED: Criss Angel - Coin in Soda Can
RELEASED: GLASS DVD by Adam Grace
RELEASED: INFUSION DVD & DL by Geir Bratlie
RELEASED: Ultimate Card Through Window
RELEASED: FUSE - Fire Writing
RELEASED: 50 Ways to Rock a Lighter
Visit Ellusionist http://www.ellusionist.com/cart/?aid=732
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I hope you enjoyed this issue. Those of you who are my treasured long-time readers may feel a little slighted having to revisit sites you've probably already bookmarked.. but I hope I jarred your memory , at least..
The past couple of weeks have been hectic, with working, the convention, and all.. I'm glad that next issue will be back to an "all new" format, although the 'best of' issues were due out long before now..
Remember, if you have any comments, request, rants or raves.. email me and lets talk.
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Please don't forget to visit some of my other sites.. see what's new -
http://www.streetmagic.info
http://www.magicroadshow.com
http://www.streetmagic.info/blogger.html
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/shareware
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May my next issue find you well..
Rick Carruth
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