Page 1 of 1
Paramiracles?
Posted: June 9th, 2004, 7:04 pm
by Guest
Would anyone like to fill me in on what the bulk of the material in this book covers, and whether or not they like it? I read the description on the HP website, and it looked like it could be either an absolute gem or an absolute waste of time and money. Anyone have input?
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 9th, 2004, 10:42 pm
by Ray Eden
I enjoy the book although I don't really use much from it. I basically bought it for the Teleport Envelope, but the Lesley's video/DVD series has the latest version. Lesley seems to indicate that there should have been some kind of template for the envelop sold with the video/DVD but one wasn't included in my set.
There are plenty of well thought out routines in the book, and it is well worth it if only for the information. Who knows when it will come to use.
Ray Eden
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 9th, 2004, 11:35 pm
by Ted Leon
In every one of our "high dollar" gigs, we use something from Paramiracle every time.
I won't tell you which effect....
Get the book, there's alot in there and alot between the lines.
Ted (Leondo)
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 10th, 2004, 9:18 am
by Guest
An excellent resource in my opinion. I've fallen back on many of Ted's ideas time and again. His Bending Wine Glass is a gem (that I've taken a bit further than the outlined norm... but that's another story.)
As Leon points out, there's some awesome material for corporate type dates as well as a few bits that are excellent when working the local Blues Bar.
Bottom line, it's worth every penny!
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 13th, 2004, 12:20 am
by Guest
Sounds good, thanks. I was afraid for a while that the glass bend would just be a script. Having heard your input however, I'm off to pawn my thumbtip.
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 16th, 2004, 8:46 am
by Guest
Originally posted by Jakob Liljenwall:
Sounds good, thanks. I was afraid for a while that the glass bend would just be a script. Having heard your input however, I'm off to pawn my thumbtip.
Hate to break it to you this way, but you'll need a bit more $$$ than a TT is going to garner. Stevens Magic had the thing for sale (original version) for around $1,500.00 a few years ago. My variation offers the option of an occassional glass shattering... in effect, the thing begins to bend but "I lose control" and it shatters. It's a great bit of PR when used sparingly. In that I try my darndest to make my show experiences as "real" as possible, little bits of this sort have always been inserted from time to time... it makes people talk and more important (like people going to a car race to see the accidents), it lures more people in with the hope that "it will happen" when they're there.
If you're interested in my version Email me. I have a reputable builder here in Mass. that can work with you on a custom piece. He's putting out some other effects & devices I've concieved over the years as well.
BTW... though the wine glass bit is what seems to attract folks most to the book, I can assure you that there are other effects within that are (dare I say it?) SUPERIOR and more practical. Ted's insights on building a Psychic's Corner are also very useful.
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 16th, 2004, 7:32 pm
by Bill Palmer
Originally posted by rayeden:
I enjoy the book although I don't really use much from it. I basically bought it for the Teleport Envelope, but the Lesley's video/DVD series has the latest version. Lesley seems to indicate that there should have been some kind of template for the envelop sold with the video/DVD but one wasn't included in my set.
There are plenty of well thought out routines in the book, and it is well worth it if only for the information. Who knows when it will come to use.
Ray Eden
There may, indeed, have been a template planned, but it was never executed. Sometimes things get discarded between taping and production. That should have been edited out.
The production model of the "Teleport Envelope" is far better than the one in the book.
Regarding
Paramiracles and the Bending Wine Glass, the book gives enough information that a savvy do it yourselfer could build a functioning BWG; however, the latest production model, which I own, is really cool. It's pricey, but darn well worth it.
It has NEVER just been a script, though. It was always possible to build it from the instructions in the book.
If anyone has purchased the lastest version of the BWG and did not get the book test that goes with it, please PM me and I will send it to you. I wrote it for Ted right after he returned to Germany after the Parkinson's benefit this March.
Let me also add this: I was one of the translators of
Paramiracles. As I worked on it, I actually constructed EVERY SINGLE ITEM and tested it, myself to make sure that it would work as advertised and translated. All of it works and is practical. The book contains Ted's knowledge and way of thinking.
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 17th, 2004, 5:01 am
by Edwin Corrie
As a side note - though still related to the subject of opinions on Paramiracles - I'd just like to put in a vote of appreciation for the quality of Mr. Palmer's English rendering. I'm a translator too, and it's nice to come across a translation that actually sounds natural. Card College is another example, but I was struck by Paramiracles too when I read it.
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 18th, 2004, 8:10 pm
by Bill Palmer
Originally posted by Craig Browning:
Originally posted by Jakob Liljenwall:
[b] Sounds good, thanks. I was afraid for a while that the glass bend would just be a script. Having heard your input however, I'm off to pawn my thumbtip.
Hate to break it to you this way, but you'll need a bit more $$$ than a TT is going to garner. Stevens Magic had the thing for sale (original version) for around $1,500.00 a few years ago. My variation offers the option of an occassional glass shattering... in effect, the thing begins to bend but "I lose control" and it shatters. It's a great bit of PR when used sparingly. In that I try my darndest to make my show experiences as "real" as possible, little bits of this sort have always been inserted from time to time... it makes people talk and more important (like people going to a car race to see the accidents), it lures more people in with the hope that "it will happen" when they're there.
If you're interested in my version Email me. I have a reputable builder here in Mass. that can work with you on a custom piece. He's putting out some other effects & devices I've concieved over the years as well.
BTW... though the wine glass bit is what seems to attract folks most to the book, I can assure you that there are other effects within that are (dare I say it?) SUPERIOR and more practical. Ted's insights on building a Psychic's Corner are also very useful. [/b]
Ted has phoned me about this and is not happy to see offers to construct HIS trick, even with "additions." If you plan to produce these, please contact Ted to make the proper arrangements.
Ted and I are both happy that you enjoy his book so much.
Re: Paramiracles?
Posted: June 18th, 2004, 9:28 pm
by Bill Palmer
Originally posted by Edwin Corrie:
As a side note - though still related to the subject of opinions on Paramiracles - I'd just like to put in a vote of appreciation for the quality of Mr. Palmer's English rendering. I'm a translator too, and it's nice to come across a translation that actually sounds natural. Card College is another example, but I was struck by Paramiracles too when I read it.
Thank you for your very kind words. I must give some credit to Charles Reynolds and Stephen Minch for their help with this. But much of the credit also goes to my friend Dr. Douglas Milburn, who was one of my instructors at Rice University. He stressed the value of a literary translation as opposed to a literal one.