Search found 1376 matches

by Jack Shalom
April 22nd, 2024, 6:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us
Replies: 63
Views: 1826

Re: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us

In this case, not a tv special effect, anymore than a dancing hank is. Yes, close up you probably see (and hear) how it's done. But it's a stage effect.
by Jack Shalom
April 22nd, 2024, 11:31 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us
Replies: 63
Views: 1826

Re: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us

"The woman acted like a genuine volunteer. The man did not. He dutifully rose from his seat like someone nominated for an award. His obedience was similar to that of a trained dog." With television spectators, they are frequently briefed beforehand by staff that they will be going on. Noth...
by Jack Shalom
April 22nd, 2024, 1:26 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us
Replies: 63
Views: 1826

Re: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us

My conclusion: Both spectators were instant-stooged. This allows her to say that there was no preshow work and no stooges involved. Looks like an Al Baker idea to me (p. 57, Mental Magic), although used in a more clever way. No instant stooges, but I suspect one of the spectators was a bit puzzled....
by Jack Shalom
April 22nd, 2024, 1:20 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us
Replies: 63
Views: 1826

Re: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us

Brad Jeffers wrote:
Tom Frame wrote: Mike Close is aware of the method
Is that always the case?
Is it a prerequisite that in order to perform on the show you must reveal your methods to Mike Close?


Yes.
by Jack Shalom
April 21st, 2024, 4:53 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us
Replies: 63
Views: 1826

Re: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us

This disclaimer is on the video:

"In this routine, Emily does not touch the cards. She abides by the rules of the show as it is forbidden to use stooges, instant stooges and partake in any preshow work. The named playing card and position are a genuine free choice."
by Jack Shalom
April 21st, 2024, 4:45 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us
Replies: 63
Views: 1826

Re: Astonishing ACAAN on Fool Us

Because she asked the participants at the top to not react strongly, I thought it was going to be some kind of dual reality effect. But even taking that into effect, without pre-show and without stooging, I got nothing. It was very clean--unless there was something that was cut out from the presenta...
by Jack Shalom
April 17th, 2024, 9:36 am
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8161
Views: 16118543

Re: ERDNASE

Great find, Brad.

I always thought that Expert's claim to fame is that it was the first American card trick book that really went into detail about teaching card sleights. But this 52 Wonders seems to be quite detailed too (though no illustrations).
by Jack Shalom
April 3rd, 2024, 3:12 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Golden Buzzer!
Replies: 22
Views: 1423

Re: Golden Buzzer!

by Jack Shalom
March 18th, 2024, 8:18 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Who is the best coin magician you have seen?
Replies: 82
Views: 16471

Re: Who is the best coin magician you have seen?

Jack Shalom wrote:I'm not a huge fan of coin magic, but I like the fluidity of this magician a lot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOuKLmcodnQ


I didn't mention the name, but that was Ponta the Smith. Pretty impressive, I think.
by Jack Shalom
March 17th, 2024, 9:36 pm
Forum: Reference Room
Topic: Reaching a creator to ask for permission.
Replies: 13
Views: 1145

Re: Reaching a creator to ask for permission.

Bill, is there any way to talk about these original ideas without giving away the actual stack? Say, for example, if you discovered that the diamonds all happen to be at prime numbered positions, it would seem fair to be able to publish that without compromising the stack itself. Then those who do k...
by Jack Shalom
March 13th, 2024, 4:01 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Sanada Gimmick resources
Replies: 10
Views: 624

Re: Sanada Gimmick resources

Colin McCloud has some very clever uses of it for mentalism. Check it out on the Alakazam Unlimited subscription--$7 a month or so.
by Jack Shalom
March 8th, 2024, 9:51 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Performing for Elders?
Replies: 6
Views: 1165

Re: Performing for Elders?

At a senior center I once made the mistake of doing a card effect, and used the premise (though not the effect) of Barrie Richardson's "Do You Want To Continue?" The script has the performer teasing the participant with something like, "Are you sure you'd like to continue....this tric...
by Jack Shalom
February 25th, 2024, 10:18 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Hark, I Hear The Cannons Roar
Replies: 8
Views: 858

Re: Hark, I Hear The Cannons Roar

Yep, here in Brooklyn we told it as Ian describes, where the guy practices the whole day, and everyone he meets from the grocery store clerk to the taxi man to the stage door attendant quizzes him. Part of the fun of the joke (for the joke teller, not necessarily the listener!) is in how long the jo...
by Jack Shalom
February 14th, 2024, 6:26 pm
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8161
Views: 16118543

Re: ERDNASE

I'd be curious if Chris has any other examples of this happening. It would strengthen his case if he could show that this was not just an ad hoc kind of justification.
by Jack Shalom
February 14th, 2024, 11:41 am
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8161
Views: 16118543

Re: ERDNASE

In Chris Wasshuber's latest newsletter, he repeats his contention that the S W Erdnase reverse was a double fake out on Gallaway's part. That is, he wanted to throw people off by having them think they solved the mystery by reversing the name. Just curious if there are any extant examples of this su...
by Jack Shalom
February 7th, 2024, 11:42 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Variations of Jim Steinmeyer's "Nine Card Problem"
Replies: 40
Views: 5251

Re: Variations of Jim Steinmeyer's "Nine Card Problem"

Great thread, and a fascinating principle. My question is: is there a version of the trick that doesn't reveal its self-working nature as soon as the specs are at home and try it out for themselves, and realize it always works if you just follow the directions? Otherwise, it's just a principle and n...
by Jack Shalom
January 23rd, 2024, 11:11 pm
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8161
Views: 16118543

Re: ERDNASE

Thanks, David, for taking the time to explain your views on the movie. Much appreciated.
by Jack Shalom
January 23rd, 2024, 5:07 pm
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8161
Views: 16118543

Re: ERDNASE

I know it was basically talking heads, but I found it fascinating. It seemed organized by topic, with each interviewee giving his view on the basic themes.

I especially liked the section on Revelation(s) and the Annotated Erdnase, as that history was new to me.
by Jack Shalom
January 23rd, 2024, 9:58 am
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8161
Views: 16118543

Re: ERDNASE

Thanks for posting this, Mr. Ben

What did you find about the film that was objectionable?
by Jack Shalom
January 10th, 2024, 8:40 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Brooklyn Magic Shop
Replies: 4
Views: 848

Re: Brooklyn Magic Shop

Right now, it looks like it's open just on weekends from 12-5pm.
If I get a chance I'll take a look when it's open.
by Jack Shalom
December 13th, 2023, 11:57 am
Forum: General
Topic: The follow up to bounce/no bounce?
Replies: 0
Views: 2470

The follow up to bounce/no bounce?

by Jack Shalom
December 12th, 2023, 9:46 pm
Forum: General
Topic: A topit?
Replies: 11
Views: 1984

A topit?

https://kennesawco.com/products/kennesaw-conceal-carry-quilted-vest

Maybe? One of the photos there makes clear what I'm talking about.
by Jack Shalom
December 8th, 2023, 7:03 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Gregory Arce
Replies: 1
Views: 1157

Re: RIP Gregory Arce

Oh, so sorry to hear this. Greg was a very kind contributor to the MC when it was at its best, offering all kinds of good advice. His mentalism books were full of practical effects with high impact. It is sad to hear about this.
by Jack Shalom
December 7th, 2023, 1:31 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: All Backs Routine
Replies: 52
Views: 18896

Re: All Backs Routine

I guess this is heresy, but All Backs always looked to me, even before I knew much about card magic, exactly what it is--a bunch of face to face cards in different configurations. It never seemed magical to me at all.
by Jack Shalom
December 5th, 2023, 10:19 am
Forum: General
Topic: Holiday Giveaway, Random edition
Replies: 3
Views: 1932

Re: Holiday Giveaway, Random edition

Thanks to everybody who entered. And the winners are:
https://jackshalom.net/2023/12/05/9th-a ... t-winners/
Happy holidays, all
by Jack Shalom
December 2nd, 2023, 1:08 am
Forum: General
Topic: Holiday Giveaway, Random edition
Replies: 3
Views: 1932

Re: Holiday Giveaway, Random edition

Last call, deadline Saturday 11:59pm PT

https://jackshalom.net/2023/11/23/ninth ... ic-contest
by Jack Shalom
November 23rd, 2023, 10:57 am
Forum: General
Topic: Holiday Giveaway, Random edition
Replies: 3
Views: 1932

Holiday Giveaway, Random edition

It's a lousy world right now. Maybe our ninth annual magic contest can cheer up folks here a bit. Here are the details:

https://jackshalom.net/2023/11/23/ninth ... c-contest/
by Jack Shalom
November 21st, 2023, 12:42 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Holiday Book Sale
Replies: 6
Views: 1427

Re: Holiday Book Sale

Steinmeyer is sold. Rest are available.
by Jack Shalom
November 19th, 2023, 12:53 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Holiday Book Sale
Replies: 6
Views: 1427

Re: Holiday Book Sale

Hmm--not sure why those description links in the OP are not clickable. These should work: https://www.tannens.com/products/sams-magic-of-sam-schwartz https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-book-reviews/the-lost-notebooks-of-john-northern-hilliarda/ https://www.miraclefactory.net/product/essential/ ...
by Jack Shalom
November 18th, 2023, 4:07 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Holiday Book Sale
Replies: 6
Views: 1427

Holiday Book Sale

Okay Geniis...you get first crack at these great magic books. First come, first serve. Prices in parentheses are the original retail prices, the price following is your price including free shipping. Only order from CONUS please. If interested, please PM. Buy more than one book and get $10 off your ...
by Jack Shalom
November 13th, 2023, 12:08 am
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8161
Views: 16118543

Re: ERDNASE

Hmm...James Harto wrote up his two person code called The Chandra Mindreading Act. You can find it here:

https://www.lybrary.com/james-s-harto-m-543557.html

I'm no linguistic scholar, but it doesn't read much like Erdnase to me.
by Jack Shalom
November 8th, 2023, 11:17 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: New Fool Us Host?
Replies: 13
Views: 2706

Re: New Fool Us Host?

I've only seen segments. She's more Las Vegas, more glamorous, less nerdy than Alyson. But she isn't over the top, which is a good start. It's still too early for her to have developed much of a relationship with P&T. Let's see what happens. Personally, I enjoyed Jonathan Ross the most.
by Jack Shalom
November 8th, 2023, 11:14 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: AI Sure Am Good
Replies: 1
Views: 521

Re: AI Sure Am Good

How refreshing to have a knowledgeable source provide all the latest info about Fool Us, delivered by a soothing, calming voice. I can't wait for Jonathan and Allison to share hosting duties this year! Good to know it's a comedy!
by Jack Shalom
November 5th, 2023, 10:08 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Card Lover's Dream Package
Replies: 1
Views: 1270

Re: Card Lover's Dream Package

Okay, only for Genii Forum-ites: $225 takes it.
CONUS, PM me, Paypal only please.
by Jack Shalom
October 31st, 2023, 11:58 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Card Lover's Dream Package
Replies: 1
Views: 1270

Card Lover's Dream Package

Nice Holiday Package! Demi deck (69.95) Regal Cop Wallet (45.00) Jerry O'Connell Small Plus Wallet (141.25) Out of Stock Gordon Bean Entourage (19.95) Out of Stock Martin Lewis Sidewalk Shuffle Jumbo cards (19.95) Bill Flash Reverse by Michael Chatelain (red Bicycle, no DVD, but video link) (39.95) ...
by Jack Shalom
October 30th, 2023, 10:05 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Nate Bargatze hosting SNL on October 28
Replies: 16
Views: 3574

Re: Nate Bargatze hosting SNL on October 28

The guy doing the Biden imitation was not very good. He was actually slipping into George Bush territory. Mike MacRae's voice impression of Biden is uncanny IMO. You can find it on YouTube.
by Jack Shalom
October 16th, 2023, 8:38 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Precedents for Ring/Coin Move
Replies: 10
Views: 4147

Re: Precedents for Ring/Coin Move

Sankey has it somewhere either in print or video. I think he uses it for a few items.
by Jack Shalom
October 16th, 2023, 8:36 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Dan Harlan
Replies: 4
Views: 3516

Re: Dan Harlan

Any chance of a Genii story?
by Jack Shalom
October 10th, 2023, 11:38 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Dan Harlan
Replies: 4
Views: 3516

Dan Harlan

Pretty inventive guy, around for quite a while. I was wondering if there had ever been a cover story on him. Seems like he'd have a lot of interesting stories and ideas to talk about.
by Jack Shalom
October 9th, 2023, 2:01 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Marlo Outjogged Oil & Water
Replies: 17
Views: 17384

Re: Marlo Outjogged Oil & Water

Here's a premise for Oil & Water I filmed some time ago that I don't think had been tried before:
https://jackshalom.net/2016/02/20/berni ... ard-magic/

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