December 9, 2007
Here's what's in this edition of
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter
*** 3510 - Luke Jermay
*** BLACK MOON - Docc Hilford
*** REAL GHOST - Christopher Taylor
*** RETRO-SIGHT - Devin Knight
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.
*********
Though I had a few other items that I needed to get my
comments done for, I know that these four products (three by
very well-known mentalists) are ones most are waiting to
hear about. So I'm getting my thoughts out on these first
and then I'll get to rest to the rest as soon as I can.
Luke Jermay disappointed many people with his
last few private releases, but I think you'll be pleasantly
surprised by his latest book (yeah, it was late in the
making). Christopher Taylor's Real Ghost has been selling
wildly and getting rave reviews. So I'll mine to the
others. Remember, it is still available, but I can't say
for how long. Devin Knight always releases intriguing stuff
and this latest one is quite unique. Incidentally, this is
#5 in the Psychic Sight series. #4, which is Foresight, has
had some production delays but should be out within the next
month or so. Finally, Docc Hilford has a new release which
is . . . well, typical Docc.
Incidentally, I really do appreciate that folks want to
share my views with others on other forums, but I would
appreciate it if you don't cut and paste the entire review
and instead post a link to the products page on my site.
This is because sometimes I will update my comments because
of new info I've learned about the product or because of
errors. For example, I've revised my comments on the
Osterlind Trilogy because I mistakenly named the wrong part
of the trilogy that was previously available in print. It's
a minor point, but it was an error. (Thanks to Jim Sisti
for pointing it out.)
Besides all the cool new stuff that's been added to the
site, which you should check out, I just got Anthony
Miller's Pocket Space, which has been garnering great buzz.
I think it's got a great method, but I do have some concerns
about it. I'll provide comments soon.
Okay, there's a lot of stuff this issue . . .
**** WEBSITE CHANGES
To make things easier for me, I am no longer manually
entering credit card charges. It's now done automatically,
which means you'll get receipts instantly. Part of the
reason for this is because it was time-consuming. But the
big reason is because the shipping charges seem to working
fine now so there is no more need for me to compute and
charge them manually.
As to shipping, all U.S. mail will be shipped by USPS
Priority Mail. All international orders will be shipped by
International Air Mail, though if shipping exceeds $40, you
can choose the flat-rate box option.
**** REAL GHOST STILL AVAILABLE
My distributor did get a limited supply of Christopher
Taylor's Real Ghost, but apparently some that were earmarked
to be distributed were not claimed. So there is a nice
supply of this wonderful new utility item that should last
through Christmas. Oh, and I'll be adding my comments about
Real Ghost within a day or so.
**** PAST NEWSLETTERS NOW ON-LINE
Finally, I broke down and just decided to be plain lazy.
Instead of taking the time to re-format the newsletters and
make them all pretty looking for the blog, I decided I'd
rather spend the time on other more important things like,
oh, keeping the website up to date with the current
mentalism products and my comments. Right now, I'm only
posting the 2007 newsletters. Perhaps, in time, I'll put
more up.
So, there's a whole new section where you can see all the
past newsletters. If you subscribed and aren't receiving
them, either check to make sure that the newsletters aren't
being considered spam by your Internet provider, or
re-subscribe (which is the easiest).
***** MARKETPLACE MEMBERSHIP CLUB
The new issue of Jheff's Journal of the Mind spotlights
Mark Strivings, one of mentalism's most prolific creators
and most famous as the creator of the SUC case, which
pros use. To get this issue, 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.
Enrique Enriquez has a wonderful new e-book on the Tarot,
LOOKING AT THE MARSEILLES TAROT, which is suitable for both
beginners and experienced readers. Joshua Quinn's DUPLICITY
takes your favorite drawing dupe routine to the next level.
Also new to the section are Ron Martin's THE TAROT READER'S
NOTEBOOK, a must-have for Tarot readers; Patrick Redford's
TRIANGLE, a comic book featuring 3 clever new items; 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
*********
LUKE JERMAY
3510
JMOM Price: $45
Suggested Retail Price: $50
THE BLURB:
INTRODUCTION [Excerpt]
As I write the introduction to this book I am on a flight
from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. I am presented with exactly
forty-five minutes to sum up my feelings about the book.
A lot has contributed to the style in which this book has
been written; among other things a recent transatlantic
relocation from the UK to the USA to make a home in Las
Vegas. I now find myself a married man, and to top it all
off I have even begun work on that traveling freak show I
have been dreaming about for oh so long. As I write this I
am currently on my way out of Las Vegas--the magical capital
of the world--feeling very ill from the extreme turbulence
on an otherwise uninteresting flight. Vegas is a town that
has in the short while I have lived here already deeply
affected my approach to magic and mentalism. Las Vegas
really is the best place in the world to see both great and
terrible magic. From the best of the best to the worst of
the worst, Vegas is your place.
The bulk of this book was written as I lived and worked as a
traveling performer. Much of the book being written on
planes, in hotels and while generally on the road. There
really is a great advantage to having a mobile office. As
one of the publishers of this book would say: “as long as
there's a Starbucks, we're good to go.”
The book was written in this fashion with my thoughts being
collected in essay form while on the road. Now, looking back
over it, I find it a genuinely nosaltigic read. The task of
elaborating on my traveling essays to make them more
complete and lucid was much like reading an old travel
journal or diary from years past.
Certain essays remind me of specific performances and
places. Others remind me of various TV shows I have worked
on. I hold many good memories attached to the writing in
this book and some not so good memories.
The one thing the ideas presented in this book all have in
common is that they were formed in part because of the
countless “bad” magic and mentalism shows I have encountered
on my journeys. From live performances to certain recent “TV
Stars”, bad magic is simply bad magic.
It is these “bad magic/mentalism shows” that are the true
inspiration for this book. Without having witnessed so much
bad magic and mentalism I would never have been moved to
examine my own performances at a deeper level. It was this
examination triggered by these performances that inspired my
feelings and thoughts as recorded in this book. So in a way
I have all the shows that have made me feel sick watching to
thank for their inspiration in questioning my own
performances at a deeper level.
It is my hope that you enjoy what is presented in this book.
You will of course not agree with everything I have written,
and this is the whole point!
The best thing I could ever hope to achieve with this book
is to encourage you to question your own performances in the
same way I have questioned my own. If you do this, we
together are fighting against those “bad magic/mentalism”
shows I know we both hate so much. Together with our love
for the art that has given us so much, we now have the
chance to give it something back. Lets keep magic and
mentalism as exciting to our audiences as it is to us.
Enjoy your journey and maybe our paths will cross along the
way.
With all sincerity I am;
Luke Jermay
Beginning his descent into LA, 2006.
CHAPTER ONE
DEVELOPING COMPELLING DEMONSTRATIONS
This chapter outlines my own personal beliefs on presenting
contemporary mentalism. From the structure of an effect to
building a routine and a show. Each point is complete with
working examples from my own repertoire.
CHAPTER TWO
A WORKING EXAMPLE OF MY GUIDELINES
In this chapter we handle a working example of all the
guidelines outlined in chapter one by creating and applying
these rules to an effect.
CHAPTER THREE
AN APPROACH TO “PROP FREE” MENTALISM
A brief look at performing modern mentalism without the aid
of apparatus and props of any kind. This chapters features a
breakdown of what I think are the most useful methods for a
performer to have in his or her tool box when it comes to
performing mentalism with no psychical props at all.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
This chapter outlines the attention to detail that I feel is
needed to make a truly compelling performance. It also
features a working example of how applying the small touches
to an effect can make all the difference.
CHAPTER FIVE
PRESENTATIONAL TOUCHES
A collection of presentational additions that can be added
into many effects that you already perform as well as all
the effects featured within this book. These range from the
use of a slinky as a pendulum right the way up to saying the
alphabet backwards and writing inside out verse. These
touches are used throughout the book to build compelling
demonstrations and will be referenced throughout from this
chapter.
CHAPTER SIX
TOUCHING ON HOY – THE REAL WORK
This chapter features possibly the strongest, prop free,
anywhere, anytime demonstration of mind reading available to
the mentalist. Featuring brand new work on my original
effect as well as three different effects that are achieved
with the same basic conceptual methodology. This chapter
also includes new work on the effect eliminating the need
for a psychological force, a new and bold out for the brave
performer, a new idea from which a miracle could spring “the
Stranger’s Name Concept” and also features a guest
contribution from Chicago’s Chris Carter.
CHAPTER SEVEN
HAIL DUNNINGER – A PRINICPLE AND AN EFFECT
In this chapter I take a closer look at the “Dunninger Ploy”
and describe its use in relation to a card effect using a
prop you almost certainly already own.
CHAPTER EIGHT
A LOOK AT TV MAGIC/MENTALISM FROM EDITING TO BROADCAST
Here I share my personal thoughts on the world of TV magic.
From selective editing to pre-show work and dirty “camera
tricks”.
CHAPTER NINE
STANDING ON THE SHOUDLERS OF GIANTS
This chapter is a work inspired by my influences. As
performers I truly think we are building everything we
perform on the work of greats from the past. Here I share
three routines that I feel are directly inspired by Canasta,
Dr. Jak’s and Koran.
CHAPTER TEN
MENTALISM WITH PLAYING CARDS
This chapter features mentalism with playing cards. All
neatly piled together so those who would rather poke
themselves in the eyes with anthrax covered magic wand than
mix mentalism and playing cards can simply skip.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
SUGGESTION
A chapter featuring effects that mix the classic methods of
magic and mentalism with suggestive techniques to create
bold and new effects never before possible.
CHAPTER TWELEVE
A BRIEF JOURNEY INTO THE BIZARRE
No skulls, altars or sacrificed goats rather Mentalism with
a surreal twist. From making time stand still, traveling
backwards in time, scars healing themselves, incredible
coincidences, a game of life and death, demonstrating your
"grift sense" while charmingly stealing from your
spectators, revealing innermost fears and stealing watches
with your psychic power Its all very odd. Featuring guest
contributions from Morgan Strebler, Craig Browing and Liam
Montier.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
ZEROING IN
Methods to zero in on the correct spectators for your
effects. This features a cold approach to working with
suggestive methods as well as a honing method design for the
stage performer and a method designed for the close up
worker.
Pages 177 - Hardbound
MY COMENTS:
There is no question that this is Luke Jermay's finest and
most accesible work. It's sort of a greatest hits package
plus an in-depth look at his performance style and
philosophies about mentalism. Though Luke is comparatively
young and still maturing in his knowledge of mentalism and
performing mentalism, he has tremendous talent and has
gained a respectable wisdom through lots of performing
experience and his friendship with many of the top names in
mentalism and magic. There is a whole wealth of topics
covered including staging, patter, presentation, pre-show
work, working on TV, suggestion, mentalism with playing
cards, impromptu mentalism, and the use of props, among many
others. Among the essays and advice are many of Luke's
well-known routines, such as his famous Touched On Hoy which
is one of those routines that is "worth the price" of this
book.
My only complaint is that this hardback book, which looks
nice, was very sloppily edited. In one section he writes
that certain patter that is bolded is emphasized, yet there
are no words in that section that are in bold. And, along
with all the typos and grammatical errors, it could have
used a font that is easier on the eyes to read. These are
certainly bothersome, but any intelligent reader will
understand the text. And this isn't Luke's fault, but the
publishers (Penguin Magic) who should have taken more care
with what they had.
Despite that, this is a highly recommended book.
Experienced mentalists will certainly get some wonderful
routines that Luke has been using and applaud his
discussions of topics that need to be said over and over
again to the new generation of mentalists. Novice
mentalists will certainly get . . . well, they'll get a
whole lot, so they should just get it. It's just that
simple. Definitely recommended.
*********
DOCC HILFORD
BLACK MOON
JMOM Price: $41
Suggested Retail Price: $45
BLACK MOON REFILLS
JMOM Price: $13
Suggested Retail Price: $15
THE BLURB:
“Yang is the male. It is white and the sun. But Yin is the
woman. It is BLACK and the MOON.” - Lao Tse 660 B.C.
For the mentalist, PREDICTING THE FUTURE is where
reputations are made. And BEING CONTEMPORARY is where the
higher fees are found. The current craze in the New Age
world is the Chinese Zodiac and the I Ching. Black Moon
provides the modern mentalist with a self-contained method
for knowing a person’s Chinese Zodiac sign and accurately
predicting their future! And most importantly, you can PROVE
YOU KNOW THE SUBJECT’S FUTURE for the next year!
Effect
On a piece of paper, the mentalist writes what he believes
to be the subject’s Chinese Zodiac sign. He also makes a
prediction of what I Ching symbol, or trigram, the subject
will randomly choose. The subject states the year of her
birth and throws three ancient coins to determine a symbol
that foretells her future.
The paper is shown to have all the same information written
on it BEFORE ANYTHING WAS CHOSEN! Docc has added a strong
psychological touch that apparently PROVES the mentalist’s
accuracy for the next year! This ploy is literally worth its
weight in gold!
BONUS: The special papers are set for use with the Dance of
Shiva or Acidus Novas. So you can do an additional reading
with the same paper. There is also a hand made, pocket-sized
book on I Ching and Zodiac interpretations. The mentalist
can do a full length reading without any knowledge of cold
reading, the Chinese Zodiac or I Ching. The interpretations
on the paper and in the little book are enough to begin
immediately.
FEATURES: The sheet of paper used is beautifully designed by
an Asian artist with I Ching trigrams and the twelve Zodiac
signs. The paper can be marked with the subject’s initials.
There are NO GIMMICKS to use or lose. Due to a secret
formula, all the mentalist needs is the subject’s birth year
and he instantly knows the Zodiac sign EVEN IF THE SUBJECT
DOESN’T! This feat alone establishes the mentalist as an
expert.
METHOD: WHAT?!! Yes, here’s the basic method. Black Moon
works on the same principle as the common Swami Gimmick, yet
NOTHING IS WORN by the mentalist. The gimmick is built into
the pad of papers, so ALL TEN FINGERS of both hands are able
to make information appear ANYWHERE on the INITIALED paper.
Every individual paper can be examined; it’s given to the
subject, so it’s not chemically treated or gimmicked. The
secret is old, but has NEVER been utilized like this before.
You get the large, 100 sheet, special pads of Chinese Zodiac
papers – three ancient Chinese I Ching coins – a
pocket-size, hand-made Book of Changes – and complete
instructions, along with the Docc touch that makes this
effect PROOF POSITIVE that you know the future.
Take Black Moon anywhere and you’ll be able to prove you are
a living Master of the Mind!
MY COMMENTS:
Before we go any further, let's just get this out of the way
again. Yes, I agree Doc's hyperbolic ad writing is over the
top. Yes, I agree that you may not get quite what you
expect from the ad blurb. Yes, his instructions/booklets
are usually sketchy, full of typographical errors, and
homemade. But that really has nothing to do with the routine
or the impact it will have on your audience, now does it?
If you disagree, then read no further. This product isn't
for you. Buy it at your own risk of disappointment.
Otherwise, read on and I'll give you the scoop on this
intriguing new item from Docc.
Black Moon is another routine from Docc Hilford and Dr. Lisa
Chin (or at least there was a lot of inspiration and
crediting to her). Unlike their previous reading system,
System 88, this requires more props and is more gimmicky.
This is not a drawback, just a note of comparison for those
familiar with System 88. First, you get a specially
prepared pad of paper. Now, you can certainly have your own
pads printed and gimmicked yourself, but Docc has refills
that you can purchase, if you'd prefer that. The pad is
specially made so that you can do quite a lot of things with
it. As the blurb says above, you could do an entire act
with it.
The pad (approximately 4" x 6") is labeled Chinese Zodiac
with the Yin/Yang symbol on top. Along the left side are
eight I Ching patterns with a single word meaning for each.
Underneath is a moon (about 1" in diameter) that can serve
many purposes. It's positioned so that you can use Docc's
Dance of Shiva or Millard Longman's Acidus Novus. That, of
course, greatly expands the possibilities of uses for this.
Finally, along the right side is a list of the twelve
Chinese Zodiac animals.
Besides the design, the pad itself is gimmicked. Obviously,
I can't reveal just how, but it's certainly gimmicked in
such a way that you can make it or replace it yourself.
It's not a reveloutionary or new gimmick, but the way Docc
uses it has not been used before. It allows you to do swami
writing without using a swami or wearing anything else for
that matter. Experienced mentalists may be able to "read
between the lines" and figure it out.
You also get a set of three I Ching coins wrapped with a
small ribbon. There is a very clever ploy which will allow
you to know exactly what I Ching trigram will be chosen
before the participant throws it. Unfortunately, it's a
clever ploy that will not work twice and so this particular
part is not repeatable for the same lady. Not a major
drawback, but a consideration.
Also included is a pre-folded booklet about I Ching. This is
a specially designed booklet that you can reproduce and give
away as a souvenir. Though it can stand alone as a
giveaway, it is also gimmicked to use the I Ching. It has
translations for the Chinese Zodiac and the eight trigrams,
which allow one to do cold readings. Oddly, the
instructions contain the lines "They also allow the PUA to
use the words as negs. 'Oh, I see you're a Cow. I knew
that,' is an example." Frankly, even though those two
sentences are parenthetical, I have absolutely no idea what
it means.
The instructions are eight pages, 5.5" x 8.5". Actually,
they are two sheets of paper folded in half and the
instructions cover six pages, with the remaining two being
the front and back cover. Everything seems to be covered and
explained in the instructions, though it does appear rather
brief for a complete reading system.
So, with all that said, the key question is, "Is this any
good?" Of course it is. It's good solid thinking from Docc
Hilford. It may not appeal to everyone, but this is
definitely a system that takes advantage of ladies and their
need to have their futures told. That is quite a lucrative
market and for those looking for unique, versatile reading
systems, Black Moon is certainly that.
As mentioned above, Black Moon Refills are also available.
You get two additional pads in each package.
*********
CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
REAL GHOST
JMOM Price: $270
Suggested Retail Price: $299.95
THE BLURB:
"Real Ghost delivers a ghostly cue to your subjects that
can't be explained. Don't think of this as a new way to
perform PK touches, think of it as a new utility that opens
the doors to possibilities only limited by your
imagination."
Patrick G. Redford (Author of Mendacity, Consecution, and
Prevaricator the Ultimate Ring of Truth)
At last, PK Touch as it would look if you were really doing
it: You ask two seated people to be sensitive; their eyes
are closed; they are asked to stand the very moment they
feel a touch; you openly touch one of them and both
participants stand simultaneously; the participants can be
yards apart!
Perform a Spirit Bell effect using a simple store bought
counter bell. The bell rings on command and you can be in
another room! The bell is fully examinable after it rings.
Upon receiving your Real Ghost, you will gain access to the
Real Ghost web site where you will find instructional video
clips on how to get the most out of your Ghost. The site
will also present routines contributed from pros like Luke
Jermay, Paolo, Patrick Redford and others.
A REVIEW BY PAOLO CAVALLI: "The main strengths of the little
ghost are essentially two - 1) Reliability -
If you know me or if you have read my numerous posts on the
Cafè, you know that I have always been staying away
consistently from high-tech gizmos of any kind.
Not so with the Real Ghost. I fell in love with it the first
time Christopher told me about it, and I BOUGHT TWO GHOSTS
on the spot!
And I am glad I did!
2) Versatility -
PK Touch is just the "tip of the iceberg" of what I had done
with the Real Ghost.
I came up with four different routines of my own for the
Ghost and I have already performed two of them (which I
named "The Volic Force 2007" and "The Intelligence Of Plants
& Flowers") more than once. With great results, I must add.
I have also used it to CUE a secret helper and, another
time, to be CODED some info from another helper.
I have used it to make objects FALL DOWN (and you can even
have a BIG object to fall down with the proper "balance" or
lack of it.
That's why, once again, with the many uses I came up for the
Real Ghost up to now, I REALLY believe that using it JUST
for "PK Touch" is to waste the versatility of this awesome,
little gizmo.
FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE!"
MY COMMENTS:
You might say that Christopher Taylor has technologized Lior
Manor's Invisible Touch routine. I normally don't like
gadgets and I normally don't like using those types of
"invisible" gimmicks, but this item is well made and has a
lot of potential. Unfortunately, there's not much more I
can say without detailing the gimmick and secret of this.
The only quibble I have is that something this high-priced
should have included instructions. Instead, Christopher and
Alakazam have a website for purchasers to go to and download
the videos, which are about 300mb. There is also a forum
that purchasers can go to to discuss the product. Now,
the downloadable videos and forum availability are certainly
a great feature and I applaud Chris and Alakazam for having
that, but it would only cost a couple of bucks to include
the video and it's pricey enough that it wouldn't hurt the
profit margin too much. Also, anyone reading this won't
have this issue, but there are some people who still don't
use the Internet or computers much, and they will be sorely
disappointed with having the hassle of needing someone to
get the video instructions from them. As I said, this is a
quibble as I think it's a cop out to NOT include the
instructions. Customers can always get updated videos or
infos from the designated websites. But this is not a
criticism of the actual product itself, just the packaging.
There is already a lot of buzz about this utility item and
all the things that you can do with it. The package comes
with the two units you need and batteries. As noted above,
there is a sheet which gives you the url address and
passwords necessary to download the instructional videos and
access the forum. I've not used this extensively, so I
can't comment on its longevity, other than to say that
Christopher Taylor is a good guy and will provide support if
you should need it. This is definitely one of the best
utility items I've seen this year. It certainly has more
applications than just an electronic Invisible Touches
gimmick. Most know that I'm not wild about electronic
gimmickry, but Real Ghost is an exception as it certainly
intrigues me. Definitely recommended.
*********
DEVIN KNIGHT
RETRO-SIGHT
JMOM Price: $23
Suggested Retail Price: $25
THE BLURB:
RETRO-SIGHT.....Two different effects in one!
One of the most novel effects you will see. Something
totally unique...combined with a new principle in MENTALISM
that will delight even seasoned pros. This is release five
in Devin Knight's Psychic Sight Series. Two effects in one!
MIRRORED THOUGHT
The first effect is one that Devin has used to fool well
informed mentalists in the past. Two spectators are brought
on stage. Neither is a stooge nor has there been any
pre-show work.
The first spectator freely selects a word from the stack of
word cards. There is no force of any kind and the mentalist
really does not know the word selected. The first person is
told to think of his word. Performer then passes the cards
one at time in front of a mirror while he looks away. He
says that a psychic ability known as "Retro-sight" sometimes
allows a person to know what is not known by viewing words
printed in reverse in the mirror. He asks the second person
to look into the mirror and see if he gets any psychic
flashes regarding the thought of word. Believe it or not the
second person correctly names the selected word and is
puzzled as to how he knew it. Magician doesn't whisper to or
secretly cue the person. The magician really doesn't know
the thought of word until the second person reveals it. Can
instantly be repeated with a different word.
One of the most ingenious things you will ever see and will
fool any of your magic buddies who don't know the secret.
Nothing like this has ever been done before using this
method.
BONUS EFFECT: DIMENSIONAL TRANSPOSITION
In the second effect the magician is able to cause WORD
CARDS to transpose with those inside a mirrored dimension.
Magician introduces a set of word cards from the well known
game Word Chase. He shows the cards freely front and back,
nothing but a set of cards with a different word on each.
Performer claims that another dimension exists inside any
mirror. To prove this he holds the cards one at a time in
front of the mirror to show how the mirror reflects the
printed word on the card as a mirrored image. He says he
will make the word cards in his hand change places with the
ones in the mirror.
Suddenly ALL the cards in the mirror appear normal and can
be read. For a kicker the magician shows all the cards in
his hand are now printed in reverse mirror images. He then
repeats the effect using his business card, suddenly the
card reflected in the mirror becomes normal and can be read.
The card left in his hand is now printed in reverse and is
left with the spectator as a conversation piece. Even
includes a method that allows you to do this with a borrowed
business card.
No short or long cards, no rough or smooth, no double faced
word cards, no sticky stuff on the cards, and the packet of
cards is not switched.
Comes complete with set of word cards from the game Word
Chase, vinyl holder for cards and complete directions
detailing every nuance.
MY COMMENTS:
It's not often that you find unique effects in the world of
mentalism that play strongly. Retro-Sight is certainly one
of those rarities. Like many great mentalism effects, the
handling is simple and the secret is clever. The only
consideration for this routine is that you'll be needing a
mirror. You'll need to either borrow one or have one.
Other than that, you only need the supplied word cards.
Those who want to something magical with these can look at
the bonus routine. It's just as clever as the first effect.
I'll add that the word cards are not really from the Word
Chase game, though there is a game by that name. The 2.5" x
4" cards are printed on white glossy cardstock, which makes
them quite durable and pocket-sized, yet the lettering,
which measures about a little more than an inch high, can
clearly be seen by a fairly large group. Along with the
fourteen pages of 8.5" by 11" instructions, the package
includes a checkbook sized vinyl wallet to hold the cards
and which also have some faux instructions for the word
game. Other than that, the ad blurb says it all.
Definitely recommended.
*********
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.
