December 25, 2007
Here's what's in this edition of
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter
*** ANY CARD... - Alain Nu
*** QUICK COMMERCIAL CARD READING
- Ron Martin & Larry Baukin
*** COBRA SHARPIE - Mozique
*** PULSE - (unknown)
*** UPDATE ON 3510
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.
*********
First off, I hope you have (or had, depending upon when you
read this) a very happy holiday season.
Now, on to a more urgent, and embarrassing bit of business.
A few days ago many customers were sent delayed notices that
I had charged their card. They were notices only. NO
CREDIT CARD WAS CHARGED AT THIS TIME, NOR WAS IT EVER
CHARGED TWICE OR MORE!
What happened was that I noticed that most of the credit
card orders were marked "unknown" or "offline" in my
shopping cart system and weren't showing up at the year-end
totals when I got those figures (which HAD to be accurate
this year due to legal matters I'm involved with). Up until
last month, I manually processed all credit cards which is
why orders were marked that way. So I simply changed the
status of the orders. I didn't realize until it was too
late, and about half the orders had been re-designated, that
e-mail notifications were sent out. After a bunch of folks
contacted me, I tried very hard to broadcast an apology and
warning to all of the customers involved, but couldn't
figure out how to do that using the shopping cart system I
pay for on a monthly basis. (I've since found out it's a
very complicated process)
I did the next best thing which was to e-mail everyone who
was on my mailing list, since a large majority of customers
do get this free newsletter. Not every customer is on the
mailing list nor got the message and I spent quite some time
sending correspondences to concerned customers who sent me
mails such as this:
"ALL of these charges have already been PAID. Reverse these
charges immediately. Do NOT charge my card a SECOND time.
I do not wish to EVER do business with you again after you
pull this [expletive deleted]. This is unfriggin real that
you would do this."
Paul K., from MD
Okay, Paul K. was the only one that sent e-mail like that.
He was the only one that was unforgiving, even after I
explained it to him and apologized. Apparently,
unintentionally getting an incorrect e-mail that didn't
reflect the reality is a heinous crime in his eyes. I
truly wanted to make him some sort of offer, but since he
made it clear that he does not wish to "EVER" do business
with me again, doing so would only be more insulting to this
gentleman.
I can't please everyone. I can only run my business the way
I would want to see it run as a customer. These things
happen. I'm sorry for raising a concern to those who were
affected and steps have been taken so this doesn't happen
again. I truly thank everyone for their patience and
understanding.
**** UPDATE ON 3510
My last e-mail recounted that along with the many
typographical and grammatical errors, there was text missing
from the 10 Card Poker Deal. Since then, Penguin Magic has
given purchasers free access to Luke's 10 Card Poker Deal
video lessons. Also, Luke has made available a supplement
which contains updated information as well as the missing
text. You may e-mail them at
customerservice@penguinmagic.com. You can also e-mail me
and I'll be happy to pass it along.
Remember, I still think the material in the book is great.
It is certainly Luke's best collection. I'm just very
disappointed that both Luke and the publisher feel it's okay
to have a nice $50 hardback published with such a lack of
care towards the text. In the supplement, Luke takes full
blame. That's nice, but wrong. A parent must take
responsibility for his children, just as a publisher must
take responsibility for whatever he publishes. It doesn't
matter whether Luke takes the blame or not, Penguin Magic
still comes out looking very badly.
**** PRODUCT UPDATES
The Bikini Deck, which is an interesting Boris Wild Marked
Deck, has been discontinued and is no longer available.
**** HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
I will be out of the office right after Christmas and
through New Year's week. So any orders placed after the
20th of December may not be sent out until January 7.
Orders placed after Christmas definitely will not be sent
out until January 7. This excludes e-books and Marketplace
Memberships, of course.
**** 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 FOR 2008 AVAILABLE NOW!
For extra discounts and six issues of Jheff's Journal of the
Mind, which spotlights mentalism's hottest and most creative
talents each issue, join the 2008 Marketplace of the Mind.
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
*********
ALAIN NU
ANY CARD...
Suggested Retail Price: $35
Available at:
http://www.magicalthinking.net/nu.html
THE BLURB:
One of Alain's most prized reputation-makers this is the
effect that helped to tip the scale to alain's favor before
he was signed for FOUR hours of TV specials with the TLC
network! Learn all about Alain's experience with his most
diabolical methods to the classic Any Card at Any Number
(ACAAN). Any Card..., uncovers 12 full years of developing
and performing Alain's own personal touches on this most
incredible premise.
Here's what it contains:
1) Alain's detailed handling of his solution to the classic
Berglas Effect, which he simply calls, "Any Card..." A
randomly thought-of card is found at a random number from
the top, or face, of an examinable deck, under the watchful
eye of a very skeptical audience!
2) Seven essays, integral to Alain's philosophy of ACAAN.
These cover important presentational considerations,
creative concepts, subtleties, anecdotes, opinions, and
objectives of the ACAAN effect that are often never
addressed.
3) One entire chapter which details three original
development techniques as well as three original casual
false mixes (w/photos and illustrations).
4) An entire chapter dedicated to 6 different variations and
a related effects, three of which are easy to do and can be
learned in under 30 minutes!
5) 52 full pages, on 8.5" X 11", very clearly written. Plus
a BONUS EFFECT: Any Card Thru Table (and into the awaiting
hand of a stunned spectator!)
52 pages, 8.5" x 11"
MY COMMENTS:
The Any-Card-At-Any-Number plot is becoming irritatingly
ubiquitous. Assuming that you are as intrigued by this plot
as so many others, this begs the question of whether this
particular version is right for you. I can't say that, but
perhaps the blurb and some additional info that I'll provide
will help.
Obviously, if you're not into using playing cards, you're
probably not reading this right now, anyway. Also, Alain Nu
is one of the masters of mentalism and magic and his
thinking in this book is brilliant, if not necessarily the
type of material that you're comfortable with. I definitely
enjoyed reading this book. He always includes important
philosophies, intriguing handlings, and worthwhile
discussions of his effects.
That said, Alain admitted in a pretend ad copy of this book
(on page 11) that his "Any Card..." method is "Not easy to
do or learn. Advanced-level card technique preferred.
Lengthy set-up. Also requires that you do mental gymnastics
while performing, and is entirely dependent on your ability
to sell it for it isn't. Consider yourself warned." On the
other hand, it's not as comparatively difficult as some of
the hardest card sleights or mental work. As Alain points
out, and I agree, it will take a certain level of
committment in order to maximize the effectiveness of this
miracle, as Alain has envisioned it. Many top
professionals, including David Berglas, have done so and
that's why this particular effect is one of their most
memorable ones.
Included in this book is Alain's incredible Bluff Bridge,
which is a false bridge shuffle that is incredible. I saw
him many years ago use this in a lecture and everyone's jaws
dropped. He also explains his favorite cuts, passes, and
other moves which are not common ones, but should be, as
they are excellent, too. And, as the blurb says, there are
some technically easier variations of this effect that he
includes. One of them uses business cards.
I think it's fair to say that this book isn't for everyone,
but if the blurb above interests you, or you're a fan of
Alain Nu's thinking, then you certainly won't be
disappointed as this book is a thoroughly engaging and
enlightening exploration of a neo-classic plot in mentalism
and magic.
*********
RON MARTIN & LARRY BAUKIN
QUICK COMMERCIAL CARD READING
Suggested Retail Price: $85
Available at:
http://www.mevproshop.com/qccr.html
THE BLURB:
From the working repertoire of two professional readers ...
A new system for amazingly accurate & quick readings
Make Your One-On-One Readings More Dramatic,
More Meaningful, and More Satisfying For Your Clients
If you're a Pro Shop regular, you know how much I love to
tell the story of how a certain item has come into being.
For once, however, I'm going to let someone else tell the
story -- specifically, Ron Martin, one of the authors of
QUICK COMMERCIAL CARD READINGS. As you probably know, Ron is
also the author of several classics in the field of psychic
readings (Tarot Reader's Notebook and Palm Reader's
Notebook, to name just two), so when he talks, the
professionals listen.
Here's Ron to tell you more . . .
A System 30 Years in the Making
"I had been thinking of a method -- a system -- for giving
card readings that would surpass anything anyone had ever
seen. The problem was, there were NO CARDS available that
were perfect for the task. That was 30 years ago . . .
Recently, just such cards were created by CARD-SHARK of
Germany -- but I couldn't figure out how to make them work
without years of practice. I explained my system and dilemma
to mentalist and expert Tarot reader Larry Baukin and asked
him what could be done. He LOVED the idea and came up with
the perfect answer in one day!
Based on his own psychic party readings, he added the method
I'd dreamed about and, with some field testing, it's NOW A
REALITY. He even found a way to use a couple other existing
decks of cards that was even easier.
With as few as 3 cards, you can answer your client's
question with a precision that has not been possible without
secondary devices and superior card sleights. You can, if
you wish, use this technique to give half-hour readings, as
Larry does.
You can even do these very fast readings standing up, with
the client holding the cards in her hands. Yes, it requires
that you know your cards well, and it takes some practice,
but what skill doesn't? And yes, you'll need to buy a deck
of cards (or maybe two, if you wish), but it will allow your
readings to be mysteriously accurate and meaningful.
There's never been anything like this, as far as we can tell
-- and we did a LOT of research! This is a whole new card
reading category. Created only for the professional,
commercial card reader, this is PERFECT. This will allow you
to read MORE people -- far better, and in less time --
making agents and party planners happy . . . and expanding
YOUR income!"
And Now, The Bad News
Honestly, I was a little skeptical when Ron first teased me
with what he wrote above. I mean, I've seen a lot of
"perfect systems" that just weren't practical in real-life
situations. But after reading the book, and realizing that
both he and Larry had taken the system out into the harsh
light of the real world, I had to admit the beauty of what
they have created.
So, what's the bad news?
Well, there's no way around the following facts about QUICK
COMMERCIAL CARD READINGS:
1) This system is NOT for beginners.
2) QUICK COMMERCIAL CARD READINGS doesn't teach you the
meanings of the cards.
3) There's a possibility that you'll need to buy at least
one deck of cards if you don't already own one that's
suitable for the system.
And, finally . . .
4) It's a relatively expensive e-book.
Reading back over the last four points, I realize that none
of those "down-sides" will present much of a problem to the
working professional. And if those negative points are
enough to deter the average person from investing in this
system, that's OK with me . . . and Ron . . . and Larry . .
. and every professional reader that has seen this system.
For example, here's what one reader said . . .
"Wow -- what a great book! I can't remember when I last read
a book and then immediately read it again. I'm delighted
it's being sold at a high price, as I want this book to be
as little known as possible, except for people in its
intended market.
For me, Christian Schenk’s decks of Tarot cards and playing
cards were the product of the year. This book, by two
seasoned professionals, is the perfect accompaniment to the
cards. I consider it the book of the year."
-- Richard Webster
Despite the deceptively-simple concept behind QUICK
COMMERCIAL CARD READINGS, this 60-page e-book is packed with
tips and techniques that will literally take your card
readings to a new level.
Here's a partial list of what's covered in this book:
• Where to get the perfect deck
• The Pyramid Spread
• Reading for a couple
• Real-life examples
• The Cause & Effect Spread
• Learning the client's question
• The Diamond Spread
• Help with peeks
• A deck that might be even better
• If they don't have a question
• Reading for a small group
• The "Favorable Factor"
• Astrological information
• How to time predictions
• The Q&A Reading
• The Riverdance Spread
• Other possibilities
This is practical, time-tested information from two
professional readers who know what works -- and just as
importantly, what doesn't.
It's Not Just What You Know . . .
If you're familiar with the special cards that Ron found to
be perfect for his system, you may think you already know
everything you'll need to know to incorporate them into your
own readings. But, as my grandfather always told me, "Why
re-invent the wheel when someone else has already done that
for you?"
There's just too much good information on just about every
page that could take you years to discover on your own . . .
such as how NOT to use the deck in readings, for starters.
Plus, the stress-free strategies for learning the client's
question, and how to answer them accurately, are easily
worth the price of this e-book for the true worker.
Add to that the powerful card spreads that Ron and Larry
explain in detail . . . the word-for-word real-life examples
. . . the special moves that do much of the work for you . .
. the practical wisdom that comes from two lifetimes of
doing commercial readings . . . and this book becomes a
valuable addition to any worker's library.
And speaking of workers, I'm guessing that if you are a
professional, you're not even reading this . . . you've
already skipped to the bottom and hit the Add To Cart
button. Ah, well . . . so be it.
MY COMMENTS:
There are two qualities which make this particular book
unique. The first is that it uses Christian Schenk's Tarot
decks and this manuscript will tell you where to get them.
Alternatively, or in addition, there are playing cards with
these special qualities that can be used, too. I catalog
some of them and you may have one already.
The second unique thing, and perhaps what makes this
downloadable e-book most special and exciting, are the
reading techniques described. Tarot readers may already
know how to do a three-card spread, but the use of this
special deck allows for some very creative handlings and so
much more. For instance, you can easily control which card,
or cards, will answer certain questions by the way you place
the three cards on the table. Purists, incidentally, may
very well not like this as I'm sure they'll cringe at the
thought of controlling which cards are being dealt and
turned over. But the book concentrates on quick readings
only, not the type you'll do in a formal setting. This type
of reading definitely has its place.
As mentioned in the blurb above, and I'll reiterate, this
book is not for beginners. It will not teach you the
meanings of cards or any philosophies behind the Tarot. If
you need that, go to www.mevproshop.com (who also publish
this e-book) as there is some excellent material there that
will teach you Tarot.
For those who do Tarot readings, this is a marvelous 60 page
e-book that will provide you with a powerful new approach to
doing quick readings. It's another one of those
"so-simple-that-I-should-have-thought-it" ideas that you'll
want to start using as soon as you can. The publishers may
feel they priced it high, but I think it could have been a
bit higher and still worth it. At this price, it's a
bargain and highly recommended.
*********
MOZIQUE
COBRA SHARPIE
JMOM Price: n/a, by request only
Suggested Retail Price: $299.95
THE BLURB:
The Cobra Sharpie looks like a real Sharpie and writes like
a real Sharpie but its an incredible electronic utility item
that will open the doors to many new and exciting effects!
The Cobra Sharpie kit comes with Special Cobra Sharpie pen
and full instructions outlining some great routines and
ideas to get you started!
Each Cobra Sharpie is painstakingly hand manufactured by
Mozique and has so much electronics crammed into it that it
would not look out of place in a James Bond film!
The Manual includes detailed handling tips and features
ideas and routines from: Mozique, Peter Nardi, Dr John,
Martin Duffy, Kennedy, Piers Casimir-Mrowceynski and Gregory
Wilson.
A selection of routines possible with the Cobra Sharpie:
* Emotional Buzz!
The spectator becomes a mind reader and is able to
identify a chosen object with a little help from the Cobra.
* Matchbox Monte
The magician is able to identify which of three
matchboxes contains the magicians finger ring and also
includes variations using a spectators own ring.
* Cobra Cards
Tips on using shimmed playing cards with the pen as a
means to locate a spectator's card.
* Cobra Pen Influence
A full routine utilizing Miniature playing cards and
coins but with a kicker finale. The magician is able to
identify the location of a silver coin which has been hidden
underneath one of four playing cards. Having successfully
identified the correct card several times the magician then
shows the spectators how easily influenced they are with a
mind-blowing finale.
* Lie Detector
The classic coin in hand routine using the magicians
and a spectator's finger ring!
The magician is able to guess which hand the spectator
is hiding there own ring by using apparently only
psychological means, plus tips on using other objects for
this.
* Cup Detective / Russian Roulette
A full range of tips on the classic object under cups
routine. The Manual gives tips on how to make your own
magnet ball and includes handling tips on using the Cobra
with such marketed effects such as 'Spike' and the
'Scorpion'. A sure-fire way to detect no more fumbling!
MY COMMENTS:
Despite this looking like a very intriguing electronic
device, the instructions state that the batteries last an
average of six months and you must send the unit back to the
manufacturer for replacement. I cannot recommend any
product, especially if it costs $300, that you have to send
back every six months. That's just flat out ridiculous.
Now, if and when a Cobra Sharpie Version 2 comes out where
you can replace batteries yourself, I will certainly have
very different feelings about this.
*********
PULSE
JMOM Price: n/a
Suggested Retail Price: $20
THE BLURB:
Stop your pulse with no gimmicks or suggestion!
Effect
Imagine if you were at some place, anytime, anywhere.
Someone grabs your pulse. A friend, a spectator, anyone. You
ask them to find your pulse. They do so. You start to
concentrate...and your pulse starts to slow
down...slowly...stops. The spectator feels your pulse
stopping and you can also cause it to speed up again.
* TOTALLY impromptu!
* No sugestion!
* No under arm gimmicks
* Different from any other versions
* KILLER reactions!
* Anytime and Anywhere
Includes BONUS routine Pain: pinch someone's arm and they
won't feel any Pain. Again with NO gimmicks or suggestion.
100% Impromptu.
Pages 8 - Saddle Stitched - Black and White Photos
MY COMMENTS:
First off, the "creator" of this booklet didn't think to put
his name on it. Is he ashamed? Is he hiding? Was it
invented by a phantom mentalist with Alzheimer's Disease?
Second, this method is not "Different from any other
versions." I don't do this type of effect, but several
sources have told me that this is not new. Not only that,
the author points out one method involving a rubber ball
that is dangerous and procedes to describe a different
method that is equally as dangerous. This author says that
he "created this effect back in 2002 when I was in college."
Uh-huh. Did he create billets, too, as well as forget his
name? (I'm being sarcastic there.) Oh, well, at least the
price is low. However, what it's really worth, is well
below that.
Here's the obvious: This effect will not be cataloged on my
website and is available only by special request.
*********
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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.
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