Review of the "Run" Deck

It's not very often that I'm excited by a "designer" deck of playing cards.

You know, those special edition cards that are often based on a theme, and cost - depending on where you purchase them - between three to eight times what you normally pay for a deck of cards. Well the "Run" deck of cards has changed my mind.

I'm not sure what the theme is, but the "Run" deck evokes to me a kind of Art Deco feel. With its gold foil and stylish images, the deck is gorgeous. Also, as you would expect, the cards handle and fan well.
Gaffed Monte
The deck also comes with a couple of gaffed cards that allow you perform a Mike Skinner-style three card monte routine. You can learn the routine through an accompanying online video. 

The packaging is also worth mentioning. The cards come in a sturdy, horizontal format box that is attractive, fresh, different. 

In every way, this deck is for show. I really like the look of these cards. 

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Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies. 
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Roughing Sticks by Harry Robson and Vanishing Inc.

If you're like me and rely on the old "rough and smooth" principle, you probably know the routine when you treat your own cards. Lay out the cards, use the spray, and then wait for everything to dry. You don't want to do this inside but outside, there are breezes that kick up and blow the cards around. And when the "rough" wears off, you have to repeat the messy process. 

That's why I'm so fond of "Roughing Sticks" by Harry Robson and Vanishing Inc. According to the ads, this product is the result of some 30-years of trial and error and research on the part of Robson. 

Rough Going
"Roughing Sticks" are about the size of an eraser ("rubber" in the UK) and when you rub the surface of the stick against a card, it acts as an instant roughing fluid to keep cards together. According to the ads, you can create at least 150 "Invisible Decks" (Robson says "100" in the accompanying online instructional video). 

Easy to use and it's not messy, what's not to like? An accompanying instructional online video teaches you everything you need to know. In the video, you can watch Robson make an Invisible Deck in less than two minutes. Even if you can't make the deck in two-minutes, it will take you less than five-minutes.

In my testing, the "Roughing Stick" worked effectively and efficiently. It was everything that was touted in the ads. This is going straight into my magic toolbox.  

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Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies. 

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Review of The Bullet Catch by John Gaspard

I'm personally not much a fiction reader and I don't regularly do mysteries (it's been years since I dipped my toes into a juicy Agatha Christy novel). So why did I read "The Bullet Catch" by John Gaspard, a new mystery novel set in the present day?

You see, the book stars a compelling magician character named Eli Marks. After all, doesn't it make sense that a magician would make a good crime solver? And in Gaspard’s hands, the tale is like a great magic trick – you don’t know where it’s going and when the revelation occurs at the end, everything comes together. It's lots of fun. 

Magic Minnesota
The setting is modern day Minnesota. Eli is a magician and film magic consultant who resides with his uncle, who, by the way, runs a brick and mortar magic shop. While the magic shop may be a throwback to another era, the book features a contemporary world populated with iPads, Netflix and more.

No surprise, there’s been a mysterious murder in town just as a movie’s being made about a magician whose life ended tragically by (what else?) a bullet catch gone wrong. Add in some shady characters that includes a masked magician who once gave away secrets on TV (sound familiar?), a psychic with a dire prediction and assorted other characters, and you’ve got the makings of an enjoyable mystery and read.

The Magic Angle
Particularly fun for magicians is the magic angle. Author Gaspard knows his magic and history (or he did some in-depth research). From the tricks that the lead character performs (Dr. Daley's Last Trick, Invisible Deck and more) to the historical references (Morrit's Donkey Vanish, center deals and more), there are definite insights.
 
There are also aspects of performing and working as a magician. The lead character deals with tough crowds in his shows as well as with recalcitrant witnesses as he tries to solve the mystery. It's all spot on.

So who did it and why? Gaspard weaves a tale of deceit and lies that's fit for a magician. And while it all comes together in the end, I certainly didn't see it. Referenced in the novel is the old magician's adage, "don't run if no one is chasing you." I think it's particularly fitting. 

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It's truly mystery and magic.

Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.
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Tie Shell (The Color Changing Tie) by David Penn and World Magic Shop

It’s "color-changing" in the magic sense of the phrase, and the Tie Shell allows you to apparently switch ties in almost no time.

I guess there’s no secret to shroud here – it’s all in the name. David Penn's Tie Shell is just that, a gimmick so you can make a “shell” of one tie that rests on another one that you’re actually wearing. And when you want, and with a little misdirection, you can effectively remove and ditch the “shell” and magically "change" your tie.

The Gimmick
The well made Tie Shell gimmick lets you customize two ties of your own choice. You’ll destroy one tie in the process that will act as the first tie.

The second tie is kept normal and it’s the one that you’re actually wearing at the end. You’ll have to do some arts and crafts to make your tie shell gimmick, but the process is fairly straight-forward and it’s not difficult. The gimmick is efficient and effective.

Misdirect
To perform the actual change, you’ll need some misdirection. Penn teaches you how to briefly turn around under the guise of a spectator showing a playing card or freely chosen word to the audience so you can make the change.

I found the Tie Shell to be everything that’s it’s touted to be. If you want to make your necktie change in the course of an act or routine, this is a great way to go.
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.
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Review of Dream Prediction Elite Version (Wallet) by Paul Romhany

Here’s a great mentalism effect. Paul Romhany has created a wallet and routine that allows you to perform an astounding prediction.

The Routine
Here’s how the routine plays. You bring out a wallet and an envelope that contains a prediction that you lay on the table. If you like, a spectator can hold the prediction. The envelope has a clear window so the prediction note inside is in view at all times.

You ask spectators to name anything: travel destinations, numbers, amounts of money, famous celebrities, and more. You write these down on the wallet's notepad to provide a written record. 

After showing the notepad and allowing spectators to agree that your notes are correct, you openly bring out the prediction from its envelope, and your prediction is correct. Everything matches.

As the ads state, there’s no preshow work, no forces and no stooges.

Confounding and Fabulous

Of course, this effect is a variation on the powerful and well known “Confabulation” effect by Alan Shaxton. The wallet and envelope are specifically designed to let you perform this effect in strolling and walkaround situations. 

The effect isn’t all that difficult to learn and use and requires no complicated sleight of hand – although there is a key move that you will have to casually execute. The effect quickly resets (if you prepare ahead before the gig) and angles are generous – you can perform this in any situation where your audience is in front of you.

The kit comes with the high quality wallet, envelopes and two notepads (which can be purchased at office stores). There’s an accompanying DVD that teaches you everything that you need to know.

Walkaround

It’s been awhile but I have performed a version of Confabulation in the past in my walkaround restaurant sets. In that routine, I brought the prediction out from a zippered wallet that was in my pocket. Paul Rohmany has done a great job of simplifying the effect and his brilliant use of an envelope creates a powerful convincer.

I like Dream Prediction Elite Version and plan to work it up and perform it soon.
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.

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Review of Coin Thru Nose by Tyler Sutter & The Magic Estate

Here’s a bit of true geek magic that will definitely shock the house.

As with classic Hindu needles, you’re going to have work at this one to make it happen, as well as deal with discomfort and mucus. It’s not for everybody and something that I’m not about to attempt, but Coin Thru Nose is just what the title states.

From the Nose
Here’s how the effect plays. You bring out a coin and mark it for identification, place it on your tongue and apparently swallow it. After some grunting and byplay, you bring out a hemostat, shove it up your nose and pull the marked coin out. 

This effect may be more accurately described as “coin from nose.” In fact, Tyler Sutter himself even refers to this effect by that name in the video.

Shockingly Simple?
The ads state that this is “simple and shocking to do.”

However, you will have to learn how to shove a coin up your nose and keep it there, as well as deal with one in your mouth. There’s definite danger. 

The other aspect is that you are dealing with your mouth and sinuses, as well as accompanying (real) mucus and other secretions. Discomfort is a given. Even after hundreds of performances, the process causes Sutter’s eyes to tear up. In addition to the coin, all you need to purchase is a hemostat that is readily available from a variety of strores.

Sutter performs this one on stage as well as in close-up. Handling looks straightforward. It’s all in working up your tolerance to the process. Master “Coin Thru Nose” and you’ll have a geeky masterpiece at your beck and call (and up your nose).
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.  

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Review of Standup Magic by Tom Wright

The “standup” in the title is probably not what you think it is. I often refer to “stand-up magic” as entertainment that’s performed while a magician is standing up in front of a crowd, whether it’s on a stage, or on the floor of a banquet room, ballroom,  or living room.

Upstanding 

“Standup Magic,” as performed by Tom Wright, on the other hand, offers his approach to performing at specific close-up gigs: those at banquets where spectators are seated around tables. This two-disc set also teaches several powerful routines.

Wright’s philosophy promises: 1) more focused attention from spectators, 2) better reactions, and 3) louder applause. Indeed, there is potential for these benefits. The approach can be applied to some restaurant settings, but will depend on the seating arrangements.

Commercial Tricks

With Wright’s approach in mind, the discs teach five entertaining routines and one opening bit. The performances are done for live audiences in banquet settings, and Wright does a thorough job of explaining and teaching his routines. His opener is the well known and surprising cards from mouth, which is followed by his stunning production of a wine bottle that’s precedes a comical production of his shoe. Note that the main routines require that you be wearing a jacket.

From here, Wright performs a great wine bottle through the table routine or his "chop cup." I liked both. The wine bottle penetration requires extra gimmicks that you'll probably need to purchase. Wright’s chop cup is excellent, but employs specialized holders and ditching mechanisms. The routine features lots of audience interactions (a powerful trademark in all of Wright’s fun presentations) and two large loads at the end.

Wright also teaches a card from mouth routine - a selected card is discovered, folded in his mouth, and a ring on rope effect. The ring on rope begins with a professor’s nightmare sequence that’s followed by ring penetrations both on and off the rope.

Worth It

Even if you don’t employ Wright’s approach to performing close-up magic at banquets, this DVD set is worth it just for the routines and his insights, which he teaches in detail. 

I found "Standup Magic" to be an upstanding magic instructional DVD set.
Follow the latest magic news, products and happenings and ask me questions on Facebook ("friend me at "Wayne Kawamoto"), Twitter and GooglePlus. Also, please subscribe to my weekly magic email newsletter here.

Dealers, contact Murphy's Magic Supplies.

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