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Magic Roadshow May 15th, 2007 Issue # 71 Rick Carruth / editor (C)2007 All Rights Reserved Worldwide Street Magic's #1 free newsletter for magicians, street performers, restaurant workers, close-up artists, and mentalists, with subscribers in over 72 countries worldwide. _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Hi All
Welcome to another issue of the Magic Roadshow. All you guys and ladies who have signed up since our last issue are wished a special "Hello and Welcome". I hope you will find something here that will keep you coming back issue after issue.. I don't say it often enough, but I want to take a moment and thank too all you great folks who email me from time to time with your thoughts and comments. It means alot to me for you to take time out of your day to share your thoughts.. Without bragging, I've heard over and over how much you enjoy the Roadshow, or how much you appreciate my efforts. And I'm honestly humbled that you find some form of pleasure in my little experiment in magic communication. Although I formerly responded to emails in a matter of a few hours, it may now take several days for me to get back to you. It's not that I'm too busy, it's that I'm just busy enough that I can't respond to emails the way I want to every single night. I have a couple of 'email' nights each week during which I respond to numerous emails in one setting.. Remember, if you have a favorite site I haven't visited in the Roadshow, write me and tell me about it. Getting it exposed to a bundle of subscribers, and no telling how many readers who visit through the search engines, can only help the sites owner(s). EMAIL ME I think you will find this issue very interesting.. I'm revealing a couple of sites that, until now, I've kept under wraps, and only dolled out video's one or two at a time. Now.. I'm giving you the whole enchalada... Enjoy... ---------------- In This Issue ----------------
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Math Whiz or Mental Magic ?? Those of you who know me know how much I enjoy the possibilities within the pages of 'classic' magic books. Magic travels in circles.. and many new effects are only older effects revisited, with a twist. Taking an older effect and developing a new way to perform it is infinitely easier than developing a totally new method of magic.. As they say.. " Why re-invent the wheel " .. Companies like Goodyear and Michelin have made a fortune by simply improving on an existing product. You too, can achieve great satisfaction, and perhaps influence the magic community as well, by making the effort to create your own personal magic. It's not necessary to buy every new dvd or every new book or lecture notes in order to be successful. Actually, your chances of success are much greater IF you take the time to create your own effects. Don't make the mistake of thinking of classic magic and techniques as being 'old fashion'. Certainly, some styles of performing are old fashion, but that shouldn't be a reflection on the magic itself. I watched with amazement recently as dozens of magicians lined up to buy a dvd and thumb tip from Jeff McBride following a lecture in which he used a thumb tip and a small rainbow colored ribbon of silk to entertain a room full of pro's. You would have thought he had just introduced an amazing new device to the magic community! The only thing 'new'... was Jeff's handling of a very 'old' effect. In days past, we didn't have the luxury of calculators and computers. All math was performed the old fashioned way... by hand. Everyone knew, and appreciated, how difficult it was to add or subtract a large column of numbers. That served as a perfect backdrop for magicians who performed mathematical magic. It also served as a basis for demonstrations of mathematical skills, some of which may have been legit, and others that were .... uh... a little 'tricky'. This effect is definitely on the 'tricky' side. And I am going to show you how magicians take an effect, and adapt it to create an entirely different effect. The performance is basically the same, only the patter differs. The Effect: In the past.. the performer began with a large chalkboard and an audience member to assist in his 'display of amazing mental calculations, performed with lightning speed'. The performer wrote a three digit number on the board as an example of what he wanted the spectator to do. The spectator was asked to write a three digit number under the first number, and the performer would follow by writing a three digit number under the spectators. This would continue rapidly until the spectator had written four numbers and the performer had written a three digit number under each of the spectators numbers, plus the one first number, for a total of five. The total numbers were nine... four by the spectator and five by the performer.. As an example of math wizardry, everything was written very quickly, and as soon as the last number was written the performer would pause for merely a couple of seconds and write the 'answer' under the list. With the proper patter, the performer could convince the audience he had the ability to add a large group of randomly chosen numbers almost at a glance.. Here's an example: 458 - first number wrote by the performer as an example. 376 - first number wrote by spectator 623 - performer 297 - spectator 702 - performer 621 - spectator 378 - performer 148 - spectator 851 - performer ____ 4454 - Total The spectator would add the column the old fashion way, and the total would naturally match the performers, proving that the performer must have the ability to perform mental calculations at super-human speed.. The Secret: Simple. The very first number, the one wrote by the performer as an example, told the performer what the total would be... almost. The performer only needed to subtract 4 from the three digits, and add 4000, to arrive at the total. Look at the example above, and look at the first number.. 458. Subtract four = 454. Add 4000 = 4454. All that was necessary was for the performer to then write a three digit number under the spectators number that, when added to the spectators number totaled 999. For example.. the first number wrote by the spectator was 376. The performer took a quick look at 376 and then wrote 623.. 376 - spectators number 623 - performers number ____ 999 This was repeated four times. The spectator wrote four numbers, and the performer wrote four numbers to make each one of the spectators numbers total 999. This assured that the total of the eight numbers would always total 3996 + the first number. The easy way to add it all, again, was to subtract 4 from the first number and then add 4000 to get your total.. In the above example, it was easier to subtract 4 from 458 and add 4000, than to try to mentally add 458 and 3996. Keep it simple.. Now.. how does this translate into a different effect? The Transformation: I can think of three or four different ways to present this effect, making it appear as if I've developed my own magic effects. Since I know that the sum of the numbers will be the first number, minus four, plus 4000, I can easily perform a mental math miracle and predict the correct sum by writing down the proper first number. If I decide now that the number I'm going to write down as an example for the spectator will be 541, then I know that the sum of the numbers will be 541 minus 4 = 537, plus 4000 = 4537. I can now write 4537 on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope before the effect begins, or, I can write it on the back of a blackboard, or.....?? And with the proper patter, I can take an old magic classic and easily morph it into what appears to be a unique effect.. You could decide to write a 'prediction' on a notepad, hand the spectator a die, ask them to roll it three times and write the number down as a single, three digit number. And as soon as you see what the three digit number will be; finish writing your prediction, close the notepad, and proceed with the effect as above. You could use nine playing cards, ace through nine, and allow the spectator to mix and draw cards at random as his method of selecting his numbers. Drawing three cards.. four, eight, five.. becomes 485. You could write your prediction, seal it, and then force three cards on the spectator to arrive at the first number.. Or, how about using a modified Tossed Out Deck, consisting of about fifteen of one card on top of the deck, fifteen of a second card in the middle of the deck, and fifteen of a third number on the bottom of the deck. Put a rubber band around the deck and toss it into the audience. Ask the first person to catch it to peek at a card near the top of the deck and then toss the deck to someone else. Ask them to look at a card near the middle of the deck, toss it, and have a third spectator look at a card near the bottom of the deck. You will know the three cards in advance, assuming the audience can follow your instructions. You've successfully 'forced' three cards on three different audience members, and this becomes your first three digit number after each audience member calls out their number.. You could have five prepared decks, if you are a risk taker, and repeat the above senario four more times, allowing up to fifteen audience members to assist in the selection process. This is just a small sampling of the opportunities.. Using the senario above, you've taken a simple mathematical demonstration and transformed it into a seven to ten minute mental magic effect. You can adapt so many classic effects to suit your style or purpose -IF- you'll take the time to think of ways to make each effect your own... A special 'thanks' to Charles Barry Townsend, author of World's Best Magic Tricks, for providing the substantive example I based the original classic effect upon.. R.Carruth ============== Telekinesis - Video Tutorials The following is a series of video performances and tutorials related to Telekinesis. Joe Marshall has been performing magic since the age of three when his grandfather showed him a card trick. Joe was hooked. At 12 years old he was the youngest magician ever inducted into the Counts of Conjuring, a secret magician's collective, and in time became one of its leaders. Joe now spends his time performing street magic and close-up magic for spectators across the Midwest. Telekinesis is the ability to influence objects with your mind. Bending spoons is a good example. The following is an index of the telekinesis video's available to visitors. - Introduction: Learn Easy Magic Tricks Online for Free - Introduction to the Floating Card: - The Floating Card Trick Explained: - Overview of the Floating Card Trick: - Hiding Mistakes in the Floating Card Trick - Introduction to the Card Pointer Trick: - The Card Pointer Trick Explained: - The Card Pointer Trick in Detail Introduction to the Eye Glass Flip: - Eye Glass Flip Explained: - A Caution for the Eye Glass Flip Trick Introduction to the Pepper Shaker Trick - The Pepper Shaker Trick Explained: - An Overview of the Pepper Shaker Trick: - Introduction to the Quarter Hop Trick The Quarter Hop Trick Explained: - An Overview of the Quarter Hop Trick: - Introduction to Spoon Bending http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/magic-tricks-telekinesis.htm ====================== Telekinesis Psychic Test Speaking of Telekinesis.. this is a simple online test inspired by coin tossing. The algorithm randomly generates zeroes and ones, instead of heads and tails, and test your ability to influence the outcome. The laws of mathematics dictate that over a period of time the number of zeroes and ones generated should average 50% each. Over a period of time, the longer the test proceeds, the closer the averages will be to an even split. IF you have telekinetic abilities you should be able to influence the algorithm to generate a greater number of one number over the other.. There's nothing to download or sign up for.. simply visit and test. There are several other online test as well, including a Zener Card test, a Tarot Card reading, and ESP test, Sensitivity test, and Remote Viewing test.. Don't visit this site unless you have some time to kill .. http://www.psychic-experiences.com/psychic-tests/ ====================== Free Magic Tricks for Parties - Video Tutorials This set of video performances and tutorials are presented by Tim Mannix, one L.A.'s busiest variety arts entertainers specializing in family entertainment and corporate events. Originally from Oklahoma City, his interest in magic began at the age of eight when he received Marshall Brodien's TV Magic Set for Christmas. A member of The Society of American Magicians, International Magicians Society and past President of Hollywood Ring #21 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Tim's experience includes everything from stand-up comedy magic for adults to performing birthday parties for children. - Floating Ball Magic Trick : - Magic Rope Trick : - Simple Magic Trick for Parties - Make an Ordinary Object Appear from Nowhere : - Make a Fish Appear from Nowhere : - Fantastic Five Magic Trick : - Secret of the Fantastic Five Magic Trick : - Magic Cup Trick : - Magic Mentalism Trick - Secret of the Mentalism Magic Trick : - How to Force a Card Trick - Part 1 - How to Force a Card Trick - Part 2 - How to Hire a Magician : - Hiring Tips from a Magician - Magic Birthday Party Favor Ideas : - How to Perform the Floating Cup Trick : - Magic Knot Trick Using Rope or Ribbon : http://hobbies.expertvillage.com/interviews/magic-tricks.htm ==================== Magic Card Tricks: Full Deck Arrangements - Video Tutorials Any decent series of magic tutorials would not be complete without a little card magic.. right? Malik Haddadi is a magical comedy entertainer, balloon artist, and juggler with over 15 years experience. As a full time professional, he entertains audiences of all ages and sizes for many different types of events. He is also a member of the Faneuil Hall Street Performer Program in Boston, MA. A number of these effects use a full deck setup, which allows you to perform magic not normally do-able with a standard deck.. - Full Deck Setups & False Cuts: - Setting Up a Brand New Deck: - Ace - King Deck Setup: - A Poker Trick: - Explanation of the Poker Trick: - Red & Black Deck Setup: - The Red & Black Separation Card Trick - Part I: Explanation of the Red & Black Separation Card Trick - Part II: Explanation of the Red & Black Separation Card Trick - Red & Black Location Trick: - Red & Black Location Trick - Si Stebbins Deck Setup & CHaSeD Order: - Finding a Card With the Si Stebbins Deck Setup - Si Stebbins Setup & the 27th Card - Stebbins Setup Poker Trick: - The 8 King Deck Setup: Free Card Magic http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/magic-card-deck-setup.htm ====================== Clearvoyance - A review Many years ago I bought a book by the great paranormal researcher, Dr. J.B. Rhyne of Duke University. Dr. Rhyne was one of the developers of 'zener cards', commonly known as ESP cards, and from that time I, and many others, have associated zener cards with ESP, and ESP with the paranormal. I was talking with a friend, Harvey Raft, one of the two owners of Magication, and the subject of ESP cards was brought up and I commented that I had trouble locating effects with the classic zener symbols. Harvey told me that they actually had a couple of different mental magic effects with ESP cards, and the next thing I knew I had a mailbox half full of ESP cards! One of the effects was aptly named 'Clearvoyance', and consist of 50 different cards that have the various zener/ESP symbols on the back and one of the symbols on the face. Throught a simple, yet devious, marking system within the ESP symbols, a performer can tell the symbol on the face of the card. Because these are ESP symbols, and not conventional playing cards, the performer can devise many different psychic oriented effects to totally baffle his audience. Only someone who actually owns a deck could have a chance of reading the backs of these intelligently designed cards. Created in a stark black/white design, very appropriate for performers of the dark arts, the first thing you notice is the quality of the cards, which are specially made for Magication. As such, they are totally exclusive to Harvey Raft and David Lew. Personally, I don't like to perform magic available to magicians worldwide. Although anyone can order this mental miracle deck of ESP cards, you can ONLY order it from Magication. Anyone who has attended a recent lecture or performance by the highly entertaining Boris Wild knows the power of a marked deck. I know, marked decks have been around forever. But occasionally someone like Boris comes along and reminds the magic community of it's power. Clearvoyance contains the same power. Anything you can do with a regular marked deck you can do with Clearvoyance, except you have the ability to use an entirely different visual and mental approach. That's what makes me a fan of Clearvoyance.. Check out this and other mental magic effects at: http://www.magicationproducts.com/products.html ====================== Do Popular Magicians Have Something You Don't ? David Blaine influenced a generation of magicians. Criss Angel is influencing a new generation as we speak. Each had the proper instructions and mentors necessary to become household names... When you watch Criss perform on A&E during his new season, pay particular attention to his greatest tool, or I should say, his greatest TOOLS... Johnny Thompson, Luke Jermay, and Banachek. Watch as he brainstorms with three of magic's most creative minds to make his performances complete.. Having a great mentor is CRITICAL to your success in magic. Having awesome instructions is equally important IF you want to leave YOUR mark on magic.. Discover the Secrets ====================== 'Squidoo' to You Too Squidoo is one of the new social websites that allows virtually anyone to set up a free site and interact with other viewers, if you want. Unlike other sites, like MySpace, Squidoo does allow you to 'monetize' your site and promote yourself and/or your other online endeavors. The developers will publish Google Ads on your site, for instance, and split the proceeds with you. You can also easily set up Amazon ads, Ebay ads, and cafepress products on your site and earn up to 50% of all sales as well. If you're a magician, and don't have a site, this is the perfect place to start. You DON'T have to be a webmaster to create your site. Actually, everything is extremely user-friendly and you can set up a site in a very short time. Type up a few paragraphs about yourself and your magic, press the 'publish' button, and you're online.. And of course.. there's NO COST whatsoever.. Squidoo has it's own search engine, and to be listed near the top for your search terms it's important that you have visitors. How do you get visitors? First, invite your friends, co-workers, and family to visit ypour site. Second, send ME your url, and I'll publish it in the next issue(s) of the Magic Roadshow. We all, as a group, should take a moment to visit one anothers sites. Even if you don't take the time to read the content, just the act of clicking the link will generate a 'hit' for the site owner and help improve his rank. Here are the links to two different sites I created in less than an hour.. total. Have a quick look and see what Squidoo looks like. The 'content' sections of my sites are fairly short.. I haven't taken the time to expand them yet.. but I will. Some users publish very long text sections, and you're not limited. I just wanted to get a couple of sites 'up there', and then go back an edit in my own sweet time. The word is.. if you have other sites, having a site at Squidoo linking back to them is given favorable weight by the search engines. I don't know yet, although I will difinitely find out. Increasing your search engine rank is enough of a reason, in and of itself, to create a site or two. So.. do two things - visit my sites quickly and look around. Then, sign up and create your own site(s) and forward me the url so I can publish them for other readers.. One thing to keep in mind.. I've noticed that Squidoo updates the stats every 24 to 48 hours. So, if you don't see known visits showing up.. don't worry, they will... http://www.squidoo.com/mentalmagic/ http://www.squidoo.com/street-magic/ ====================== Seth Godin's 'Who's There' - free download I enjoy anything written by Seth Godin. He is one of the 'true' guru's of the internet age. As the author of several books that have been bestsellers around the world, Seth has earned the respect of the business world and commands respect, and big fee's, everywhere he goes. One of his ebooks, 'Unleashing the Ideavirus', is the most popular, and most downloaded, ebook of all time. 'The Big Red Fez' was Amazons #1 ebook for almost a year. I have a hard copy, and highly recommend it. 'Purple Cow', was a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. 'All Marketers are Liars' is one of Seth's latest works, but has already made the Amazon Top 100. 'Who's There' is a great ebook on building your own blog, and how you can both profit and benefit from it. To quote Seth about 'Who's There'... "Who's There is not an ebook about how to write better or how to follow the traditional conventions about formatting and building a blog. It's not designed to sell you one service instead of another, either. Instead, I divide the blog world into three groups and turn my attention to one. And in particular, I try to sell you hard on how building a blog asset can have a spectacular impact on you, your career, your organization and your ideas. I promise this ebook is incomplete. I hope, though, that it encourages you to pay attention to some of the underlying forces at work online and off. And it's small enough to email to your colleagues or to post on your own site. Hey, it's free and it comes with its own carrying case." Yes, download a free copy right here, right now.. If you've ever thought about creating a blog, or already have one, this is one interesting read.. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/files/whos_there.pdf ===================== Color Change I love color changes.. I think they are one of the most visual bits of magic we can perform. Here's a link to another YouTube video that is a little different from the typical color change. For some of you who have trouble performing other styles, maybe this will suit you a tad better.. Let me know what you think and how it works for you.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvSigYEdAU0&mode=related&search= ===================== Derren Brown Video's Here are links to the last three shows presented on TV by Derren Brown. I hope you enjoy, and again, thanks to Steve (howdoidisconnect) for the links.. Derren show 2 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7682449756678501045&hl=en Derren show 3 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-39098269706933674&hl=en Derren show 4 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7697844717110640027&hl=en ===================== Erdnases' Expert at the Card Table - Free Download You can download your free version of Erdnases' classic ebook at this link.. http://www.301url.com/erdnase If you have a problem, let me know and I will send you the ebook as an attachment.. ======================= I encourage you to send any magic resources my way. If you know of a site that has a free ebook or a wide assortment of magic related material, let me know. I'm sure all the other readers will appreciate it.. I've been busy this past two weeks doing, among other things, redesigning StreetMagic.info . Have a look and tell me what you think, honestly.. Email me.. --------------------------- 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.streetmagicsecrets.info http://www.mentalists.info --------------------------- May my next issue find you well.. Rick Carruth / editor ::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~ |
