Search found 208 matches

by Dick Christian
July 2nd, 2011, 4:52 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Ford Kross - RIP
Replies: 10
Views: 4707

Re: Ford Kross - RIP

Riley,

So sad. He will be missed.

Thanks for letting me know.

Dick
by Dick Christian
June 4th, 2011, 11:38 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: a question about Ethics in Mentalism
Replies: 35
Views: 9357

Re: a question about Ethics in Mentalism

I have read Tellers intro to Banacheks PS1, but dont have Maxs Fabulous Monster. Like Steve Pelligrino I agree with some of Tellers opinions and disagree with others, but the bottom line is that when it comes to either claims or disclaimers I agree with Steve and Dusty that both are unnecessary so I...
by Dick Christian
April 16th, 2011, 6:39 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Psychometry
Replies: 6
Views: 3527

Re: Psychometry

In addition to those from fabricmanipulation, Lee Earle also sold a set at one time but I don't know if he still offers them. Several others have produced such bags over the years. In 2008 Haim Goldenberg sold a psuedo-psychometry effect called "My Precious" that used three coin purses sim...
by Dick Christian
April 16th, 2011, 9:56 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Psychometry
Replies: 6
Views: 3527

Re: Psychometry

Just curious -- what are you hoping to acheive by making your own? Are the various bags already on the market somehow inadequate? If you are simply trying to save a few bucks, then telling you how to make them would necessarily involve either giving you someone's proprietary information sharing my o...
by Dick Christian
April 13th, 2011, 4:39 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: The Invisible Eye: the trick that fooled Paul Curry
Replies: 2
Views: 3209

Re: The Invisible Eye: the trick that fooled Paul Curry

El Mystico,

Thanks for the kind words.
by Dick Christian
April 13th, 2011, 3:42 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: The Invisible Eye: the trick that fooled Paul Curry
Replies: 2
Views: 3209

The Invisible Eye: the trick that fooled Paul Curry

In 1996, ten years before his death, the late Dennis Marks released to the magic and mentalist communities his closely guarded creation The Invisible Eye. A versatile utility gimmick highly praised by both mentalists and card magicians, the Invisible Eye enables you to perform a variety of otherwise...
by Dick Christian
March 9th, 2011, 5:32 pm
Forum: General
Topic: "Conjuring Psychology"
Replies: 15
Views: 3783

Re: "Conjuring Psychology"

I also have a copy of Jason Randall's book (but not for sale). It is one of the many sources in the bibliography for the "Principles of Deception" presentation that I have been giving on a regular basis as part of the training program for analysts at our various national intelligence agenc...
by Dick Christian
February 15th, 2011, 2:59 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Chris Philpott's "Incandescence" Book Test
Replies: 5
Views: 2599

Chris Philpott's "Incandescence" Book Test

Chris Philpotts Incandescence; The Love Poem Book Test is another of the latest entries into the growing number of book tests available to the mentalist. Although, by his own admission, he is neither a performing magician or mentalist but, like many, he has recently rekindled a long dormant passion ...
by Dick Christian
February 13th, 2011, 4:54 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Review of MOAB 2.0
Replies: 9
Views: 5983

Re: Review of MOAB 2.0

Richard, Tried to send you a PM but got a reply saying you don't accept them. Contact <!-- e --><a href="mailto:marcsky@comcast.net">marcsky@comcast.net</a><!-- e --> about getting a review copy for Genii. For other interested parties, you CAN purchase directly from via <!-- e --><a href="mailto:mar...
by Dick Christian
February 13th, 2011, 4:25 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Review of MOAB 2.0
Replies: 9
Views: 5983

Re: Review of MOAB 2.0

Richard, A quick check indicates that it is currently available through most dealers, although not all of them offer the extra Michael Weber routine Dan Hendrix mentioned. I don't know whether or not it can be purchased directly from Ted. There is nothing in the material accompanying the book that i...
by Dick Christian
February 13th, 2011, 4:46 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Review of MOAB 2.0
Replies: 9
Views: 5983

Review of MOAB 2.0

In 1995 Ted Karmilovich took the world of mentalism by storm with the release of his Mother Of All Book Tests (commonly referred to as MOAB) which very quickly became, and has largely remained, the gold standard to which most subsequent book tests have been compared. With the release of MOAB 2.0 he ...
by Dick Christian
February 9th, 2011, 8:24 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Picky about mentalism
Replies: 4
Views: 2572

Re: Picky about mentalism

Hey guys so here it is, What are the best hard hitting mental ism effects out there. I am not looking to become a mentalist but it has always been an area of interest and I'm looking to expand my repertoire. I've read quite a bit on the subject (thirteen steps, kenton kneppers stuff, luke jermay, b...
by Dick Christian
February 3rd, 2011, 12:12 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Best “Book Test”…
Replies: 85
Views: 32829

Re: Best “Book Test”…

Jeff As you suspected, I have Rising to Any Occasion. Originally published in the 1970s as a limited edition of only 200 copies, IMO it is primarily of interest to collectors these days; however, although there are more recent book tests that I consider superior, it remains a workable effect that wh...
by Dick Christian
February 3rd, 2011, 8:03 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Tim Conover Has Taken His Life
Replies: 47
Views: 31151

Re: Tim Conover Has Commited Suicide

Like many others in the DC area, Ive known Tim since he was a teenager. Not only an exceptional thinker, creator and performer, but a true friend and a gentleman in every sense of the word. His passing is not only a devasting loss to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but to our art. R.I.P. Di...
by Dick Christian
December 3rd, 2010, 9:52 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Tricks using a De Bruijn cycle?
Replies: 19
Views: 9419

Re: Tricks using a De Bruijn cycle?

There are also several book tests by Bob Hummer and Al Mann that use the Gray Code principle.
by Dick Christian
September 13th, 2010, 8:54 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: The Jack the Ripper seance book... Paul Voodini.
Replies: 12
Views: 5610

Re: The Jack the Ripper seance book... Paul Voodini.

I bought the downloadable e-book from Lybrary.com and then printed and bound it myself as I do with any e-book worth reading. It's easy, economical and gives me a printed copy.
by Dick Christian
August 15th, 2010, 7:04 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Seeking to force a 10 digit number, any ideas of references?
Replies: 11
Views: 3169

Re: Seeking to force a 10 digit number, any ideas of references?

Ten digits is an AWFULLY large number to try to force, but if you must, DrDanny's suggestion is probably your best bet. However since the serial numbers on US currency consist of only 8 digits, but are preceded and succeeded by different letters of the alphabet you would have to convert those letter...
by Dick Christian
August 9th, 2010, 10:04 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Vincent Hedan's "Haiku Book Test"
Replies: 0
Views: 1167

Vincent Hedan's "Haiku Book Test"

A new book test that is worthy of serious attention is the Haiku Book Test by Vincent Hedan. Nicely produced in a unique format (60 page booklet measuring only 1 7/8 x 4) on quality stock with attractive printing, it features some 30 haiku (a codified form of Japanese poetry) in printed in both kanj...
by Dick Christian
July 31st, 2010, 2:40 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Best “Book Test”…
Replies: 85
Views: 32829

Re: Best “Book Test”…

For those who are aware of my particular interest in the genre it will come as no surprise to learn that Gregs Triple Threat book test has been in my collection since it was originally published in his 1997 booklet Mind Set #1. As he has noted it offers the advantage, as he says, of being done with ...
by Dick Christian
July 29th, 2010, 11:47 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Best “Book Test”…
Replies: 85
Views: 32829

Re: Best “Book Test”…

Silly me. I thought this thread was about book tests. Guess I should stop reading the headings. Too misleading.
by Dick Christian
July 29th, 2010, 2:14 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Best “Book Test”…
Replies: 85
Views: 32829

Re: Best “Book Test”…

I have read many of the posts in this thread. (Did not at first for I knew it would be a true chore). Do you guys really not know what a book test was and should be? This is what comes of magicians thinking they can do mentalism. J ack Jack, Having been collecting them for more than 30 years and se...
by Dick Christian
July 26th, 2010, 3:55 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: John Archer's "Streetwise" Book Test
Replies: 3
Views: 3143

John Archer's "Streetwise" Book Test

I received my copy of John Archers new Streetwise book test a few days ago. I knew a good bit about it before receiving the finished product as he and I had exchanged some brief correspondence about it before it was completed. I was impressed with what he had told me about it earlier and am even mor...
by Dick Christian
July 26th, 2010, 9:50 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: History of the magician
Replies: 2
Views: 691

Re: History of the magician

You mean we don't?
by Dick Christian
July 15th, 2010, 12:07 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Joshua Quinn's "Word To Your Mother" book test
Replies: 2
Views: 1853

Re: Joshua Quinn's "Word To Your Mother" book test

IMO English speakers in ANY country should be able to use it. Although the use of US states and/or Presidents is ONE of the options for the "chunnel" ploy (which is only used for the second revelation) it is only one of the many possible alternatives. Any imaginative performer should be ab...
by Dick Christian
July 15th, 2010, 7:09 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Joshua Quinn's "Word To Your Mother" book test
Replies: 2
Views: 1853

Joshua Quinn's "Word To Your Mother" book test

Although Joshua had provided me with a great deal of advance information earlier, I received my finished copy of Quinns Word To Your Mother book test on Monday and have now had a chance to review it in detail. While the origins of the several methods employed can be traced to the 1930s and are well ...
by Dick Christian
June 25th, 2010, 1:53 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Streetwise - New book test
Replies: 6
Views: 2591

Re: Streetwise - New book test

I was privileged to have recently received a sneak preview of John's new book test (not the finished product, but a few pages and details of methodologies employed and and how they are applied). Based on that information, "Streetwise" sounds like a useful addition to a working mentalist's ...
by Dick Christian
June 11th, 2010, 5:57 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Best “Book Test”…
Replies: 85
Views: 32829

Re: Best “Book Test”…

John,

Despite dire predictions to the contrary I don't think we need to worry about books "vanishing" in our lifetime.
by Dick Christian
May 24th, 2010, 4:10 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Devin Knight's "Word Sight" Dictionary Test
Replies: 0
Views: 1153

Devin Knight's "Word Sight" Dictionary Test

The late Al Mann was one of mentalisms most prolific creators and his Lexicon Phenomena, published in 1975 and updated and republished as The New Lexicon Phenomena a few years later, has long been considered one of the classic book tests using a dictionary and has spawned several adaptations, includ...
by Dick Christian
May 1st, 2010, 8:48 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Book Test Seminar & Workshop for working mentalists
Replies: 1
Views: 1063

Re: Book Test Seminar & Workshop for working mentalists

Seats are still available. If you are serious about book tests or simply want to learn more about them, you won't want to miss this 1/2 day seminar and workshop. You can contact me at <!-- e --><a href="mailto:gr8magik@aol.com">gr8magik@aol.com</a><!-- e --> (or by phone at (703) 425-6663) or Alain ...
by Dick Christian
April 23rd, 2010, 2:49 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Book Test Seminar & Workshop for working mentalists
Replies: 1
Views: 1063

Book Test Seminar & Workshop for working mentalists

Alain Nus Secret Series annuounces The Art of the Book Test Seminar & Workshop WHEN: Saturday, MAY 8th, 2010 (1:00 to 6:00 PM) WHERE: Alains Bat Cave in Kensington-Silver Spring, Maryland Whether you currently perform book tests or are just thinking of doing so, this is your chance to learn eve...
by Dick Christian
April 5th, 2010, 1:43 pm
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: rabbit advice
Replies: 7
Views: 3922

Re: rabbit advice

Dustin's points are all valid, well taken and should be heeded by anyone who plans to keep any live animals (including birds) whether or not they are intended to be used in performances. I assumed, perhaps mistakenly, that such issues were a matter of common sense that anyone asking the question pos...
by Dick Christian
April 5th, 2010, 9:45 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: rabbit advice
Replies: 7
Views: 3922

Re: rabbit advice

Umpa, Sorry to be so long in responding. I've been using the classic production of a live rabbit in my empty top hat to close my family and children's shows for over 30+ years (not the same rabbit of course). IMO the only way to do it is as described; i.e., don't use stupid boxes or other props that...
by Dick Christian
April 2nd, 2010, 9:27 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Bicycle ESP cards
Replies: 12
Views: 4711

Re: Bicycle ESP cards

Based on the work of J.B. Rhine (who was the first to use the cards created by Zener) a "full deck" IS comprised of 25 cards (i.e., 5 cards with each of the 5 symbols.
by Dick Christian
March 24th, 2010, 6:34 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Best “Book Test”…
Replies: 85
Views: 32829

Re: Best “Book Test”…

In response to Traviss post I went back to the top of the thread to refresh my memory re: which of Tim Cononvers routines I had referred to. Although this thread deals with book tests Tims routine is more aptly described as a newspaper test -- a category that I consider a sub-set of book tests and t...
by Dick Christian
March 21st, 2010, 12:26 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Best “Book Test”…
Replies: 85
Views: 32829

Re: Best “Book Test”…

Travis, Since I don't currently have Harkey & Anderson's "AH-HA" I am unable to confirm whether or not "Scatterbrained" is EXACTLY the book test that Tim Conover features in his performances or merely one of the several that are very similar to his. However, now that you have...
by Dick Christian
March 11th, 2010, 8:33 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: I Know the Secret of the Berglas Effect!
Replies: 122
Views: 59934

Re: I KNOW THE SECRET "THE BERGLAS EFFECT"!!!

I'm confused. Why is this MAGICBOYREAL idiot still being allowed to post to this forum?
by Dick Christian
January 23rd, 2010, 2:43 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Should Mark Lewis Stay or Go?
Replies: 101
Views: 22281

Re: Should Mark Lewis Stay or Go?

Keep him! His rare combination of encyclopedic knowledge and ascerbic wit make him someone's national treasure -- not necessarily ours, but someone's I'm sure.
by Dick Christian
January 8th, 2010, 8:35 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Paolo Cavalli
Replies: 9
Views: 8347

Re: Paolo Cavalli

Paolo Cavalli is a regular poster to the Magic Cafe (this forum's "bastard cousin") where he goes by "the Lord of Horses." You can contact him directly about his products thru the Cafe (to which anyone can subscribe) -- just be prepared for the extremely high chaff to wheat ratio...
by Dick Christian
December 2nd, 2009, 10:36 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: What is your favorite mentalism effect?
Replies: 21
Views: 10531

Re: What is your favorite mentalism effect?

Mark.Lewis wrote:I have always said that mentalism is the best type of magic if done well and the worst type if done badly. Alas however the latter is far more prevalent than the former.


We are in 100% agreement on that score.
by Dick Christian
December 2nd, 2009, 9:08 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: What is your favorite mentalism effect?
Replies: 21
Views: 10531

Re: What is your favorite mentalism effect?

Agreed that the concept of Mental Epic is great; however IMO the "propless" versions (i.e., those that do NOT rely on the 6 panel gimmicked board) are far superior than those that do. I also agree that 90% of those claiming to perform mentalism and calling themselves mentalists are boring ...

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