Search found 102 matches
- May 31st, 2011, 2:29 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: a question about Ethics in Mentalism
- Replies: 35
- Views: 9380
Re: a question about Ethics in Mentalism
Hi, Just reviewing this thread, and am in agreement with Steve. However, just to be clear, Derren did not originate the pseudo-scientific approach. That had been around for several years (decades) before Derren arrived on the scene. However, he did develop & "popularize" it in the UK (...
- May 6th, 2010, 5:42 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Picture Duplication help
- Replies: 14
- Views: 4572
Re: Picture Duplication help
Richard's right. You're basically asking how a trick is done on an open forum, which is a no-no. And quite frankly, as a working mentalist, I have several ways of performing the same "effect" -- pic dupes included -- so asking for a method is a little basic. It is clear that you are not fa...
- December 7th, 2009, 12:16 pm
- Forum: Collector's Marketplace
- Topic: VERY RARE tony Andruzzi book on eBay - The Negronomicon - The Locked Book!
- Replies: 0
- Views: 1082
VERY RARE tony Andruzzi book on eBay - The Negronomicon - The Locked Book!
Hi again, OK, this one is very rare - Tony Andruzzi's "Negronomicon," otherwise known as "The Locked Book." For sale on eBay! This was Tony's FIRST book he created by hand. It is number 299 (the second last one he made) and is made from a different cover stock (suede), so for Col...
- November 25th, 2009, 5:33 pm
- Forum: Collector's Marketplace
- Topic: eBay Auction: Tony Andruzzi's "Grimoire of ye Mage"
- Replies: 0
- Views: 735
eBay Auction: Tony Andruzzi's "Grimoire of ye Mage"
Hi all, I just posted a new auction item on eBay. It is #225 of the 250 that were handmade by Tony. It includes the two calligraphed letters needed to complete two of the effects, and - very rare - the handmade prop box Tony included in many of the early copies. The props themselves are long gone, b...
- October 29th, 2008, 1:25 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Suggestions for Walk-around Mentalism
- Replies: 19
- Views: 8121
Re: Suggestions for Walk-around Mentalism
We're ALL still learning, and if anyone ever says otherwise, they're either lying, stupid, or dead. The best thing about an event like that is it gives you the confidence to know that even in less-than-ideal circumstances (which are more the norm that we'd like in strolling situations) you can perse...
- October 28th, 2008, 12:58 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Suggestions for Walk-around Mentalism
- Replies: 19
- Views: 8121
Re: Suggestions for Walk-around Mentalism
Hi again, Thank you for the kind responses. I've been busy lately and have just now been able to check back, and I'm gratified that some have found my post useful. I just finished a weekend of two strolling gigs, and they could NOT have been more different. They also help clarify some of the points ...
- October 15th, 2008, 5:00 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Suggestions for Walk-around Mentalism
- Replies: 19
- Views: 8121
Re: Suggestions for Walk-around Mentalism
I'd like to offer some quick advice about walk-around mentalism. Over 60% of my work is in this area, so I've given this a great deal of thought. It's one thing to list effects you will use during walkaround (mentalism or otherwise), but it's equally, if not MORE, important to think about three very...
- October 25th, 2007, 12:45 pm
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: Max Maven's "The Hawk"
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1448
Re: Max Maven's "The Hawk"
Hi, I don't have it in front of me, but the Gilbreath simply works - it cannot fail. However, here are some troubleshooting thoughts: 1) Review how to split the pack for the riffle. If you're using the Tamaraiz tabled "push-together" idea, you have to be careful doing this because if it's ...
- September 18th, 2007, 12:32 pm
- Forum: Link Watch
- Topic: Julien Maire's "Digit" magic printer illusion
- Replies: 3
- Views: 777
Re: Julien Maire's "Digit" magic printer illusion
The video on his website tips the method - it was filmed too close. But still, the apparatus to accomplish the effect had to have been very well made. It operates so smoothly.
Fred Z
Fred Z
- August 6th, 2007, 9:27 am
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Why have i stopped being funny?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 7357
Re: Why have i stopped being funny?
Hi, Well, what a journey! And to tell you the truth, I don't have any concrete advice for you at this time. However, I may have a few questions that, were you to answer them for yourself, may help you start identifying what's going on. Clearly, by conciously changing your process of communication, y...
- April 24th, 2007, 9:39 am
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: magical oxymorons???
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4315
- April 24th, 2007, 9:36 am
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: Max Maven to Undergo Heart Surgery Monday
- Replies: 133
- Views: 40283
Re: Max Maven to Undergo Heart Surgery Monday
"Triple" bypass?
The rule of three, even with your surgery. (Or should I say, Thurgery)
Feel better,
Fred Zimmerman
The rule of three, even with your surgery. (Or should I say, Thurgery)
Feel better,
Fred Zimmerman
- March 28th, 2007, 9:36 am
- Forum: Close-Up Magic
- Topic: Name of Trick Needed
- Replies: 4
- Views: 821
Re: Name of Trick Needed
Emerson/West certainly put out a version, although since it uses an age-old principal, I'm not sure you could nail down a true "originator." Perhaps looking for the company that "popularized" it may be less of a chore.
Fred Zimmerman
Fred Zimmerman
- March 15th, 2007, 8:40 am
- Forum: Magicana
- Topic: Invisible Touch
- Replies: 24
- Views: 9413
Re: Invisible Touch
Of course, for what I'm about to say, I don't have specific the book/trick credit-that has been lost to the vagaries of time. When I was in College in the late seventies, I was beginning to switch to Mental items. I learned a simple routine (simplistic?) where you had someone write a word on a card,...
- March 7th, 2007, 9:50 am
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: will this put max maven out of work?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1582
Re: will this put max maven out of work?
While I haven't read the actual report, I find it interesting that they stopped at trying to see if a person would add or subtract numbers. Clearly, the person's attitude about math will have an impact on the results of this study. There are many people who, upon hearing they will need to make a &qu...
- March 6th, 2007, 9:14 am
- Forum: General
- Topic: Best Book Ever Written
- Replies: 43
- Views: 4034
Re: Best Book Ever Written
I'd like to make a suggestion from a practical point of view. Many of the classic Magic tomes suggested on this thread only break the surface of great books. There are indeed many fabulous books, all of which deserve their praise. However, I think we've seen the emergence of a new modern classic - C...
- February 1st, 2007, 7:19 am
- Forum: Close-Up Magic
- Topic: Walk Around Magic
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2266
Re: Walk Around Magic
Just to add another level of information - very often, Street Performers need to get a permit. This is the case in Chicago, and many other cities. There are also specific regulations about performing, (areas, volume, etc.) but that shouldn't be a problem. As Jeff said, don't be fooled by the Blaine-...
- January 23rd, 2007, 2:32 pm
- Forum: Close-Up Magic
- Topic: Walk Around Magic
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2266
Re: Walk Around Magic
Hi, This kind of "guerilla" magic is a rarified beast. Approaching people without any rhyme of reason is a tricky business (no pun intended). However, when you've actually been "hired" or "asked" to perform at a location, then I find the following opening very successfu...
- January 5th, 2007, 8:46 am
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: What is the most deceptive Book Test?
- Replies: 61
- Views: 23893
Re: What is the most deceptive Book Test?
Here'a a more logistical answer to the initial question, rather than philosophical. I like to use the Hoy version, with some embellishments. You can use any books (almost), and allows you to focus more on the specific time, place, and theme of the performance. I guess this maps back to where, when, ...
- January 4th, 2007, 2:20 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: What is the most deceptive Book Test?
- Replies: 61
- Views: 23893
Re: What is the most deceptive Book Test?
My major concern about book tests is the "WHY" of them. I think if you can find a good "why" for doing them, apart from "simply because I can," then it doesn't matter what version you use. If you do it well, for a reason that resonates with the audience, pick a book tes...
- December 21st, 2006, 3:00 pm
- Forum: Close-Up Magic
- Topic: "You probably know this but..."
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2244
Re: "You probably know this but..."
I'll be the first to wade in. If you have any experience working in various venues, you are bound to come upon someone doing this. I have on many occasions, although fewer over the last several years. I feel there are two ways to think about this: 1) You should have your "set" tight enough...
- December 21st, 2006, 2:45 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Does anyone know about a way you can guess a person Birthday
- Replies: 23
- Views: 18112
Re: Does anyone know about a way you can guess a person Birthday
Hi,
This is a less direct way of doing it, but any Datebook Effect could be routined to show a result of "I knew when your Birthday was because ..."
Fred Zimmerman
This is a less direct way of doing it, but any Datebook Effect could be routined to show a result of "I knew when your Birthday was because ..."
Fred Zimmerman
Re: patters
Hi, Just a side note on the origin of the word "patter." Yes, it is a Middle English phrase, but HOW it was coined is interesting. In those days, (and up until the early 1960s), the Catholic Church used the Latin Mass. (Trinitine, if my memory serves.) And especially in those days, the con...
- June 27th, 2006, 1:52 pm
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: Definitive list of “Easter Eggs” on magic DVDs
- Replies: 43
- Views: 4314
Re: Definitive list of “Easter Eggs” on magic DVDs
There's an Easter Egg on this website that contains some incredible interviews with Vernon, some rare footage of Al Baker, and home movies of Houdini.
But of course, you all new that already.
Fred Zimmerman
But of course, you all new that already.
Fred Zimmerman
- June 26th, 2006, 7:14 am
- Forum: Link Watch
- Topic: Video - Weird Magic by Mats Kjellstrom
- Replies: 6
- Views: 886
Re: Video - Weird Magic by Mats Kjellstrom
...then thanks, it was very funny. I've got to get with it.
Fred Zimmerman
Fred Zimmerman
- June 23rd, 2006, 1:10 pm
- Forum: Link Watch
- Topic: Video - Weird Magic by Mats Kjellstrom
- Replies: 6
- Views: 886
Re: Video - Weird Magic by Mats Kjellstrom
Forgive me for being dense, but this is a gag, right?
Fred Zimmerman
Fred Zimmerman
- May 26th, 2006, 12:32 pm
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: New Theory on Becoming Invisible
- Replies: 5
- Views: 805
Re: New Theory on Becoming Invisible
I, too, have seen other articles on this and the idea of a "cloth" is not in the cards at present.
The word they prefer to use is "shield."
Fred Z.
The word they prefer to use is "shield."
Fred Z.
- May 18th, 2006, 2:31 pm
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: Free copy of Roy Benson by Starlight contest
- Replies: 240
- Views: 42822
Re: Free copy of Roy Benson by Starlight contest
...it's so late, it's gotten me to thinking ... 1) Da Vinci Code released 2) A book from the "MIRACLE" Factory is said to be "coming," but the arrival is shrouded in mystery 3) The name "Benson" translates as "Excellent son," and "Roy" translates as ...
- May 12th, 2006, 7:00 am
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: Free copy of Roy Benson by Starlight contest
- Replies: 240
- Views: 42822
Re: Free copy of Roy Benson by Starlight contest
It's so late ...
... it's become the sequel to "Protocols..."
It's so late ...
...even Busby made a crack about it.
Fred Zimmerman
... it's become the sequel to "Protocols..."
It's so late ...
...even Busby made a crack about it.
Fred Zimmerman
- April 14th, 2006, 8:54 am
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: Blaine set to live in aquarium
- Replies: 3
- Views: 557
Re: Blaine set to live in aquarium
Wouldn't it be easier to simply perform some magic?
Fred Zimmerman
Fred Zimmerman
- April 13th, 2006, 2:29 pm
- Forum: General
- Topic: Harry Lorayne Magic Books...Two "thumbtips" UP or DOWN?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1772
Re: Harry Lorayne Magic Books...Two "thumbtips" UP or DOWN?
Just thought I'd hop in... I, too, began my card life on Harry's books. I still use the "Lorayne Poker Deal" to GREAT effect, and I also use the subtlties I learned from his material for the impromptu Out of This World. And lastly, I'll never be able to sell my My Reputation Makers because...
- March 14th, 2006, 1:37 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Looking for mentalism trick involving water.
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3503
Re: Looking for mentalism trick involving water.
You could take "Think-a-drink" a la a lot of people, especially Wakeman, and down-size it to be a mental-type effect. Audience member calls out a drink, and it is produced from the (opaque) tumbler. Perhaps a lot of work for a little effect, but perhaps it could build with others. Fred Zim...
- February 14th, 2006, 1:35 pm
- Forum: Close-Up Magic
- Topic: Arising cards..
- Replies: 42
- Views: 2965
- February 6th, 2006, 2:55 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Wayne Dobsons richochet
- Replies: 3
- Views: 624
Re: Wayne Dobsons richochet
Just my two-cents, but in this militaristic world we live in, children shooting guns at things for fun during a show doesn't seem like a good idea. I know, it's just ballons, and we're all enlightened people, and we can wrap our minds around it properly, but you never know who's in the audience, and...
- February 6th, 2006, 12:10 pm
- Forum: General
- Topic: Australian Magician Tim Ellis & Ethics
- Replies: 3
- Views: 703
Re: Australian Magician Tim Ellis & Ethics
This seems to be a tempest in a teapot. This kind of Internet Marketing has been going on for years and is considered widely as "SOP." Companies the world over routinely embed all sorts of searchable terms in their websites. As far as ethics go, I think the trademark laws are fairly clear....
- February 6th, 2006, 9:04 am
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Chairvelopes
- Replies: 2
- Views: 950
Re: Chairvelopes
Heck, just use two Himbers. I've easily put two Himbers in one pocket, shown one, replaced it, and then taken out the appropriate one when the need arises. It can be done very cleanly.
Hope this helps.
Fred Zimmerman
Hope this helps.
Fred Zimmerman
- February 3rd, 2006, 1:19 pm
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: What is your opinion about background music
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1949
Re: What is your opinion about background music
Hi, As in any theatrical production, your music is another character in your show. It makes entrances, exits, supports a scene in the background, or drives it in the foreground. And just like anything, too much would make it looose its "specialness." Even musicals and operas have moments o...
- January 20th, 2006, 9:54 am
- Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
- Topic: Cash Out by Greg Arce
- Replies: 6
- Views: 940
Re: Cash Out by Greg Arce
Hi Greg,
What's the turn-around time on receiving the e-book? I'm not complaining, just asking? I ordered Thursday and was wondering if I'd receive it Friday or to start looking next week.
Thanks!
Fred Zimmerman
What's the turn-around time on receiving the e-book? I'm not complaining, just asking? I ordered Thursday and was wondering if I'd receive it Friday or to start looking next week.
Thanks!
Fred Zimmerman
- January 16th, 2006, 7:00 am
- Forum: Close-Up Magic
- Topic: Favorite Trick that uses the Elmsley Count
- Replies: 80
- Views: 22133
Re: Favorite Trick that uses the Elmsley Count
This is just a side note, but an observation regarding how the Elmsley is used. I prefer tricks where the "count" is used casually to display cards, and not to literally "count" them. The moment you draw attention to the number of cards you have, people will start not believing t...
- January 12th, 2006, 7:31 am
- Forum: Buzz
- Topic: Magic Forum Revealing Passwords to Magic Sites
- Replies: 88
- Views: 12142
Re: Magic Forum Revealing Passwords to Magic Sites
"Obviously we have to strike a balance between many different views..." Why? Let's say I want to form an ethical position on bank robbery. I go out and poll 100 people, including other bank robbers. The results are mixed. Many think Bank Robbery is not ethical - that it's illegal. Many thi...