Search found 3302 matches

by Bob Farmer
March 16th, 2024, 7:12 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Father Jim Blantz
Replies: 3
Views: 299

Re: RIP Father Jim Blantz

I recall he invented an effect with glasses and liquids that won an IBM award.
by Bob Farmer
February 19th, 2024, 8:19 am
Forum: General
Topic: Tacky Hands
Replies: 25
Views: 10151

Re: Tacky Hands

More experiments show the rosin spray does not work well as roughing fluid. It hardens rather than staying tacky. Back to Testor's Dullcote. Incidentally, I have it on good authority (a pole dancer) that pole dancers use this stuff.
by Bob Farmer
February 18th, 2024, 3:23 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Tacky Hands
Replies: 25
Views: 10151

Re: Tacky Hands

The rosin spray is also great for roughing fluid since the original formula for that stuff was rosin. I ordered some of this stuff and it works perfectly and is cheaper than the other stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Grip-Hand-Grip-Spray-Replacement/dp/B0C1KXFGS9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=S4BUX4B5OC6G&k...
by Bob Farmer
February 17th, 2024, 5:28 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Blackpool 2024 Day One
Replies: 12
Views: 1780

Re: Blackpool 2024 Day One

Craig, you are a saint to not only endure the challenges but report them. It sounds like a new tenth level of Hell for Dante's Inferno.
by Bob Farmer
February 14th, 2024, 5:46 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Bammo Mind Control
Replies: 2
Views: 3389

Re: Bammo Mind Control

It's only available from Lybrary.com.
by Bob Farmer
January 26th, 2024, 6:17 pm
Forum: Reference Room
Topic: Dover Books on Magic
Replies: 35
Views: 35698

Re: Dover Books on Magic

The Nelms book has excellent theory and terrible examples of tricks to illustrate the theory.
by Bob Farmer
January 17th, 2024, 6:03 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Kreskin ESP Magic Set
Replies: 4
Views: 963

Re: Kreskin ESP Magic Set

I have one that`s never been used though the outside of the box shows some wear. All of the "tests" use either the custom ESP cards or a pendulum. On a quick look through the booklet I didn't see anything about drawing shapes within shapes. It's this one: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/12...
by Bob Farmer
December 11th, 2023, 11:08 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Bill Goldman
Replies: 11
Views: 1806

Re: Bill Goldman

Bill was a great guy. I met him at 4F and we kept in touch over the years. He had a unique style and clever and deceptive ideas. When I was living in Toronto, Bill and Tim Conover were doing a trade show there. Bill called me and we went out to a private corporate party that Tim was doing. That is o...
by Bob Farmer
November 26th, 2023, 7:35 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: AI Generated Magicians From The Past
Replies: 29
Views: 4341

Re: AI Generated Magicians From The Past

Then it would seem that since you created the prompt that created the images, you would be the copyright owner of those images.
by Bob Farmer
November 25th, 2023, 6:05 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: AI Generated Magicians From The Past
Replies: 29
Views: 4341

Re: AI Generated Magicians From The Past

Are these images generated by AI from scratch or are they simply a super Google search of already existing images?
by Bob Farmer
November 23rd, 2023, 6:08 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: AI Generated Magicians From The Past
Replies: 29
Views: 4341

Re: AI Generated Magicians From The Past

Caption for the seance table shot:

"I'm not sure but I think there's a ferret in my pants."
by Bob Farmer
November 22nd, 2023, 4:03 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: AI Generated Magicians From The Past
Replies: 29
Views: 4341

Re: AI Generated Magicians From The Past

For the Ricky Jay look-alike and the old lady, the caption is:

"Watch closely, Madame, as I crush Fifi your pet chihuahua into my fist of oblivion."
by Bob Farmer
November 18th, 2023, 9:30 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Micky Hades
Replies: 2
Views: 1233

Re: RIP Micky Hades

When I was a very young magician, Micky published some of my stuff in the column run by Doug Henning. That was a big thrill. He was such a gracious man.
by Bob Farmer
November 13th, 2023, 4:08 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Sponge ball supply issue?
Replies: 18
Views: 3841

Re: Sponge ball supply issue?

Apparently the shortage of sponge balls is a result of the members of the magic sponge ball cartel (MSBC) limiting supply to push up prices. This happened once before, in 1987, when long lines of magicians were seen outside magic shops nationwide hoping to score some of the supply, only to see the d...
by Bob Farmer
November 12th, 2023, 7:31 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Sleight Reference
Replies: 3
Views: 1945

Re: Sleight Reference

Thank you! That's it. More later.
by Bob Farmer
November 12th, 2023, 6:55 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Sleight Reference
Replies: 3
Views: 1945

Sleight Reference

This sleight is usually used for a count down effect. A number is given and the cards counted down to find the selection. It works like this: the selected card is second from the top. The top card is turned face up and as it is squared with the deck a break is taken under the top two cards (the face...
by Bob Farmer
November 9th, 2023, 5:09 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Wagers of Sin by Max Maven
Replies: 28
Views: 6635

Re: Wagers of Sin by Max Maven

Having never watched that show, I have no idea what the password is.
by Bob Farmer
November 6th, 2023, 12:23 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Bammo Mind Control
Replies: 2
Views: 3389

Bammo Mind Control

This is a routine for those who want to elicit screams from their female spectators at the final revelation. They are thinking of a card, the only card in the deck with a secret message, a message so profound and emotionally connecting that a scream of disbelief is the only reaction possible. At lea...
by Bob Farmer
November 5th, 2023, 1:58 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: David Berglas has Died Aged 97
Replies: 27
Views: 4670

Re: David Berglas has Died Aged 97

When I was exchanging emails with David about Equivoque one thing became apparent: he was the master of every situation. I had posed a question about an Equivoque gone wrong and had asked him what he would do and he simply said he would figure something else out on the spot.
by Bob Farmer
November 4th, 2023, 8:22 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Karl Fulves has died
Replies: 16
Views: 4868

Re: Karl Fulves has died

Karl Fulves published some of the best books on magic. Every one was unique and interesting in some way. His analyses and compilations of principles were one of a kind. I don't have all of his publications but the ones I do have are valuable resources and have provided me with inspiration and hours ...
by Bob Farmer
November 4th, 2023, 7:42 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: David Berglas has Died Aged 97
Replies: 27
Views: 4670

Re: David Berglas has Died Aged 97

I communicated with David when I was writing the Equivoque chapter for the new Greater Magic. He was so gracious, so sharp, so witty, it was an honor to get his advice. When I was living in London in the mid 1970s, I saw David perform several times at the Magic Circle and he was the only magician wh...
by Bob Farmer
November 1st, 2023, 5:33 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Orson Welles On Magic Books
Replies: 10
Views: 3407

Re: Orson Welles On Magic Books

by Bob Farmer
October 31st, 2023, 7:56 am
Forum: General
Topic: Orson Welles On Magic Books
Replies: 10
Views: 3407

Orson Welles On Magic Books

In 1947 Orson Welles wrote the forward to Bruce Elliott's wonderful book, Magic As A Hobby. Much or perhaps all of what he had to say is as meaningful today as it was then, especially with the Youtube idiots gleefully exposing tricks they did not invent in hopes of clicks and cash. Here it is with s...
by Bob Farmer
October 30th, 2023, 6:07 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Method as Accoutrement - A Minor Rant
Replies: 25
Views: 4880

Re: Method as Accoutrement - A Minor Rant

For those who do not or cannot invent magic tricks, method may be irrelevant, but for those of us who do invent, method is never irrelevant. A method for something may lead to something else; any effect requires a deceptive method. A deceptive method may be old or new: age is irrelevant, only decept...
by Bob Farmer
October 28th, 2023, 7:20 am
Forum: Feature Articles
Topic: Michael Vincent article in Genii; Nov 2023
Replies: 18
Views: 8487

Re: Michael Vincent article in Genii; Nov 2023

It was on the post office wall under, "Wanted."
by Bob Farmer
October 24th, 2023, 5:14 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: The IDK Wallet
Replies: 13
Views: 5948

Re: The IDK Wallet

Jergen, there were three versions of the HT wallet so you must have a later version.
by Bob Farmer
October 24th, 2023, 9:35 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: The IDK Wallet
Replies: 13
Views: 5948

Re: The IDK Wallet

The major differences are these: the Heart Attack wallet has two indexes; the IDK wallet has one. This is better since the IDK wallet can display a bills section that appears to be simply that (no index in sight). The biggest and most important difference is that the IDK wallet has a direct connecti...
by Bob Farmer
October 23rd, 2023, 4:32 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Nate Bargatze hosting SNL on October 28
Replies: 16
Views: 3526

Re: Nate Bargatze hosting SNL on October 28

I stopped going to 4F when the Saturday night show was closed by Stephen Bargatze, a comedian. Truly the event had lost its way.
by Bob Farmer
October 23rd, 2023, 4:30 pm
Forum: Feature Articles
Topic: Michael Vincent article in Genii; Nov 2023
Replies: 18
Views: 8487

Re: Michael Vincent article in Genii; Nov 2023

I am as interested in Cy Endfield's political views as I am in anyone else's, which is zero interest. Endfield's book is great and Zulu is even better.
by Bob Farmer
October 21st, 2023, 10:45 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Bendix Bombshell
Replies: 5
Views: 3807

Re: Bendix Bombshell

KHC the IDK wallet is made of real leather and has none of the problems associated with the Bendix Bombshell (which is way too big). The manuscript details several no-palm routines. See:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGycfx3y6KQ
by Bob Farmer
October 12th, 2023, 5:11 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Custom Gaffed Card Maker
Replies: 4
Views: 3637

Re: Custom Gaffed Card Maker

Thank you.
by Bob Farmer
October 12th, 2023, 10:26 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Custom Gaffed Card Maker
Replies: 4
Views: 3637

Custom Gaffed Card Maker

My goto custom gaffed card maker has decided to retire. I'm looking for anyone else who might be in the same business. I know about the large companies making full decks but my need is more for on-demand small sets of cards (e.g., Three Card Monte gaffs). Any leads would be appreciated.
by Bob Farmer
October 10th, 2023, 9:56 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Walter Gibson
Replies: 5
Views: 14368

Re: Walter Gibson

There is a wonderful book listing all of Gibson's works and it'smore than 380 pages single-spaced. See:

https://www.amazon.com/Man-Magic-Myster ... 0810821923
by Bob Farmer
October 8th, 2023, 6:16 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Bammo Blackjack Bushwhack
Replies: 2
Views: 3224

Re: Bammo Blackjack Bushwhack

Hi Jack: I tried that and it is not as effective because, I think, it dissipates the impact of my cards. Too much going back and forth. Remember, it's supposed to be a test not a competition, so it makes more sense to reveal all the cards the spectator has first to see how he has done. Then, my reve...
by Bob Farmer
October 7th, 2023, 5:36 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Bammo Blackjack Bushwhack
Replies: 2
Views: 3224

Bammo Blackjack Bushwhack

Bammo Blackjack Bushwhack Two sets of nine cards are shuffled by the spectator and the magician as part of a Blackjack aptitude test. The spectator even shuffles the magician's cards. When dealt out, the spectator has nothing but the magician's cards form a magic square summing to 21 horizontally, v...
by Bob Farmer
September 21st, 2023, 3:10 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Ghosts Haunt the October Issue of Genii!
Replies: 8
Views: 1769

Re: Ghosts Haunt the October Issue of Genii!

Groucho actually said, "Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana."
by Bob Farmer
September 19th, 2023, 11:07 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Tony Hassini speaks ...
Replies: 41
Views: 7081

Re: Tony Hassini speaks ...

My favorite fake degree is here:

https://www.subgenius.com/
by Bob Farmer
September 15th, 2023, 7:37 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: What is this principle called?
Replies: 30
Views: 12421

Re: What is this principle called?

The earliest reference I could find is to “A Novel ‘Force’ For A Series of Names,” in Further Magic Of The Hands by Edward Victor, Max Holden, 1946, pp.103-104. There a spectator picks a number from 1 to 6. A card is introduced and the name at the number noted. For example, #3 is “Wellington.” There...
by Bob Farmer
September 14th, 2023, 11:28 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Inventor of prediction method?
Replies: 3
Views: 3057

Re: Inventor of prediction method?

Tom Stone has unearthed the answer. Turns out I already asked the question and forgot the answer.

viewtopic.php?t=39326
by Bob Farmer
September 11th, 2023, 1:15 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Bendix Bombshell
Replies: 5
Views: 3807

Re: Bendix Bombshell

Mine is also black. However, that wallet is obsolete with the introduction of Tony Miller's IDK Wallet.

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