June 26, 2007
Here's what's in this edition of
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter
*** ASTROLOGIC by Alain Nu
*** NU WAYS by Alain Nu
*** OUT OF OFFICE UNTIL JULY 3
To make a purchase of any item in the JMOM newsletter,
please go to http://www.MarketplaceoftheMind.com
and use the shopping cart. If you're unable to do
this, you may respond to this e-mail.
To make sure you've not been missing any newsletters, check
out my blog, which is accessible from the main page. All of
the recent past newsletters are archived there.
*********
Richard Mark and Christopher Woodward's MAURICE FOGEL: IN
SEARCH OF THE SENSATIONAL is now in stock. It just arrived
on my doorstep within the last hour. I've had a chance to
flip through it, and read a section or two. Simply, it is a
gorgeous book, as you'd expect from Stephen Minch's Hermetic
Press. It is quite comprehensive and covers a biography of
this remarkable performer as well as over fifty routines and
effects. It definitely belongs in any mentalist's library.
I'll provide a more detailed review as soon as I can.
*** AWAY FROM THE OFFICE UNTIL JULY 3
I'm taking my summer vacation early this year.
Unfortunately, that means that most orders won't ship out
until July 3. I certainly will have internet and e-mail
access, so I'll be able to process orders, answer
questions, and provide website updates.
*** MARC OBERON
I just got his 37 effect. Without question, I now feel that
this guy is just out to take your money. 37 is another
effect that is a magicians' version of a mentalism classic,
not very well thought out and with ideas that aren't
original, nor credited. I will now warn you to stay away
from Marc Oberon's material. Don't buy any of it! I know
he's got more stuff being released and I dread reviewing
each and every one. A more detailed review of 37 (and his
Master Deck) will be coming soon.
*** SUMMER SPOTLIGHT: MENTAL ACTS
Here's a new feature that will call attention to products
that I feel shouldn't be overlooked by the working
mentalist. The following products are or can be complete
mental acts by themselves.
DOUBLE COINCIDENCE -- This three-phase book test is one of
the most powerful book test routines I've seen. Though one
book is prepared, it's the routine that is strong, not the
props. The first phase involves picking up images from a
selected passage; the second, the performer draws the
thought-of word; and the third phase involves an impossible
prediction of a freely chosen word.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Double_Coincidence.html
CRUISE CONTROL -- This routine involves many elements of a
cruise being freely chosen and all of them being predicted
by the performer at the routine's finish. I've always gotten
great response from this routine and feel that this is one
of Larry Becker & Lee Earle's most underrated creations. If
you do a travel themed set, you certainly want to check this
out. Heck, I'd recommend it just for the special traveler's
cheques which are ingenious.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Cruise_Control.html
QUESTA -- A professional Q & A routine that blends a trio of
principles together so that anyone "in the know" wouldn't be
able to backtrack. This is not a routine that is
recommended for mentalists with little experience, but they
can certainly purchase this and know what to work on and
towards.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Questa.html
***** TRIO AND THE MEMORY PILL ACT
The creator of the classic Blister effect, Jack Kent Tillar,
has a new book destined to be a mentalism classic. TRIO is
a book comprised of three complete knock-out mentalism acts.
And THE MEMORY PILL ACT, one of Bascom Jones' favorites, is
a complete act, as well. Getting paid to do any one of
these acts will more than cover the cost of both. Step on
over to the Marketplace of the Mind and check them out, if
you haven't already. And, if you have and have not ordered
them, do so. I know that you'll be glad you did.
Incidentally, the second volume of The Private Files of
Jack Kent Tillar will be out at the beginning of July.
Those who purchase TMPA will be receiving an e-mail about
how to obtain the next e-book before anyone else and at a
special sale price.
***** MARKETPACE MEMBERSHIP CLUB
The latest issue of Jheff's Journal of the Mind spotlights
Maurice Fogel, the subject of the new book by Christopher
Woodward and Richard Mark entitled Maurice Fogel: In Search
of the Sensational. To get it, you need to buy a membership
in the Marketplace of the Mind. For the $37 cost you get a
subscription to the 2007 issues of Jheff's Journal of the
Mind, an all-new e-zine for mentalists, and an additional
5% discount off merchandise from the Marketplace of the
Mind. There will also be specials and other stuff
throughout the year. Check out the preview edition
of the Bonus #0 issue featuring Jack Kent Tillar. Go to
the website and click on the banner at the top. Or use
the link below.
Check it out here:
www.marketplaceofthemind.com/jmmc.html
***** THE FRIENDS OF THE MARKETPLACE
Don't forget to check out the new Friends of the Marketplace
section. This is for those creators who are producing
wonderful products that I don't carry. This is because, to
save overhead, I order as needed from my distributor, and
these creators aren't mass distributing it. If you'd like
me to review your product and help you sell it, then you'll
find details about the Friends of the Marketplace program on
the website. There's a button on the left hand side for you
to click on.
I've just added the Craig Browning's CRITTERS, which is good
old fashioned mentalism fun with the theme of animals.
Also new to the section are Ron Martin's THE TAROT READER'S
NOTEBOOK, a must-have for Tarot readers; Alan Strydom's
PALMISTRY QUICKIES, a must-have for palm readers; Loren
Tindall's beautiful new THE DELPHI PORTAL, which is a
must-have prop for anyone who is a reader; and Gene
Nielsen's THE MAGICK YEARS, a jam-packed e-book filled with
over 70 professional and varied routines.
Remember, I don't make a dime on this stuff. I do this
because I think the stuff is very good and worth it.
http://www.jheff.com/friendsofthemarketplace.html
Until next time. -- Jheff
*********
ALAIN NU
ASTROLOGIC
Suggested Retail Price: $35
Available at:
http://www.magicalthinking.net/
THE BLURB:
Finally! Alain reveals for the first time, that EVERY zodiac
concept he has ever published in the past (as well as many
never been published before) are actually linked to one
another in an entire zodiac system of theory that may be
interlocked or separated into smaller sections as necessary!
Never before has Alain ever revealed an entire system of his
thinking in one volume. For the first time, everything is
explained and mapped-out as clearly as possible, in this 52
page manuscript, allowing for any one of eight sub-systems
to help you reveal up to (theoretically speaking) eight to
ten person's zodiac signs, without ever having to use the
same system twice, and then culminate into guessing one of
their exact birth dates! No pre-show and no props--this is as
close to real mind-reading as you can get.
Furthermore, Nu uncovers new information regarding the true
history of the branching zodiac concept--never been public
before--by providing a detailed historical document written
in a letter by the late T.A. Waters to Bob Farmer, not long
after the first published version of this effect was
released en masse by Ray Grismer's effect, What's My Sign?
This is, without a doubt, the most complete dissertation on
this subject ever released, by one of the true forerunners
in the field of this study.
MY COMMENTS:
That last sentence in the blurb pretty much took the words
right out of my mouth -- "This is, without a doubt, the most
complete dissertation on this subject ever released, by one
of the true forerunners in the field of this study." The
only thing that the blurb doesn't tell you is that it's 52
pages (8.5" by 11", saddle-stitched), although that info is
on the order page.
The variations do range in mental difficulty, with the most
difficult requiring you to keep track of the permutations of
the presentation. And some of this material has appeared in
earlier works, such as "Zodiattack" which appeared in
Alain's recently sold-out Nu Secrets & Realities. However,
that is the point of this book. It's a compendium of
Alain's thinking, so there's older material and a few new
things that haven't been published before. Hmm, I think I
just reiterated the blurb again.
Okay, here's something new to say: Any fan of Ray Grismer's
What's My Sign or any other zodiac-sign-revealing-effect
will find this compilation of Alain Nu's brilliantly unique
thinking on the subject to be a satisfyingly valuable
addition to their library. Uh, wait a minute. I think's
that yet another reiteration, albeit using different words.
Let's just try this: I recommend it and you should buy it
now before Alain decides to make this a limited edition,
too!
*********
ALAIN NU
NU WAYS
Suggested Retail Price: $20
Available at:
http://www.magicalthinking.net/
THE BLURB:
This nicely written set of notes consists of FOUR new and
audience-tested routines in an unusual collection of
"alternative mentalism effects." Alain's much sought-after
handling of Anders Moden's Healed and Sealed, and his
version of the classic Winston Freer puzzle are completely
routined. Plus, Alain shares his ability to create effects
around unusual props, a prediction effect using an infant's
toy is explored, as well as several mentalism ideas
involving the electronic children's game called 20Q.
MY COMMENTS:
This is a very eclectic collection of routines from Alain
Nu. They are certainly, as the blurb says, "alternative
mentalism effect." The standout is Alain's version of
Healed and Sealed, but he's got some very clever ideas for
the use of that fascinating 20Q game that's saturating the
market. (If you're not familiar with this award-winning
game, you can play the classic version online at
www.20q.net) Of the other two, one involves a child's toy
and the other involves a gorgeous hand-made version of the
Winston Freer puzzle. It's pricey, but very nice.
None of these effects are technically difficult to do,
although not all may suit your style. Without doubt,
though, this set of notes will get you thinking about other
unique props that you may have and how you can use them for
some mind-bogglingly unique effects on your own. This
24-page set of lecture notes (8.5" by 11", saddle-stitched)
is definitely recommended as delicious food for thought.
*********
To make a purchase of any item in the JMOM newsletter,
please go to http://www.MarketplaceoftheMind.com
and use the shopping cart. If you're unable to do
this, you may respond to this e-mail.
This e-mail is copyrighted by Jheff Poncher. No part of
this newsletter may be reprinted or distributed without
the express permission of the author.
You received this e-mail because you have subscribed. If
you wish to unsubscribe, then send me an e-mail at
Jheffsmind@aol.com and it will be done.
