March 20, 2008
Here's what's in this edition of
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter
*** IT'S A MATCH V.2 - Andy Leviss
*** CHINESE CHOICE - John Archer
*** COINVEXED - David Penn
*** MENTAL FRISBEE - Nathan Kranzo
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*********
As those who are Marketplace Members know, I've been busy
playing catch up. I released Volume 1, issue #6, the Stuart
Cumberland issue, last weekend, and am nearly complete on
the Paul Brook issue. I expect that to be polished and
released March 31, probably sooner. Then, Volume 2, issue
#8, will feature . . . but, oh, that would be telling.
Let's just say this guy is a big name in mentalism. Anyhow,
that explains the lack of a newsletter for the past week
or so.
Lots of new stuff has come out while I've been playing catch
up. I'll have another newsletter for you in a few days.
More items to review include the New Jinx reprint, Docc
Hilford's The Secrets of Dr. Tao, Andrew Gerard's Street
Sense, Rick Maue's Psi-Wave, Brian Caswell's Trilogy Bikes,
and the Paul Brook collection of books. Some are already
available on the website, some will not be, and some will be
added as soon as possible.
By the way, because I've been playing catch up, the first
Conversations of the Mind has also been delayed until I
am positively back on track. I expect to schedule the first
one in early April, perhaps sooner. Though this is a
feature for Marketplace Members, the first one will be
available to all newsletter subscribers. I'll definitely
let you know when it's rescheduled.
Finally, I must mention the passing of the legendary Arthur
C. Clarke. Arthur, we'll be closing the pod bay doors now
for you.
**** FROZEN IN TIME
I do have several of these in stock now, but once they're
gone, there will be another long wait to get them. This is
really a very cool little pocket piece of mentalism.
www.MarketplaceoftheMind.com/Frozen_In_Time.html
**** TABLES FOR BILL MASON'S SENSATIONAL
In the last issue, I reviewed Ed Fowler's Bill Mason's
Sensational. Ed contacted me to tell me that he has some
very nice custom made tables just for this routine. He did
send me some pictures and they are nice, indeed. If you're
interested, you can contact him through his site:
http://www.carlyletouch.com/
**** 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.
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.
I've just added BILL MASON'S SENSATIONAL by E. Raymond
Carlyle, which is a wonderful Q&A act, and Dr. Bill's
MIRABELL, an elegant update on a Stewart James classic.
Outlaw-Effects have a beautiful new aged book called THE
WITCHES' ALMANAC and it is their best aged book yet. 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. Also new to the section are Ron
Martin's THE TAROT READER'S NOTEBOOK, a must-have for Tarot
readers; Joshua Quinn's DUPLICITY, which takes your favorite
drawing dupe routine to the next level; 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
*********
ANDY LEVISS
IT'S A MATCH
JMOM Price: $22.00
Suggested Retail Price: $24.95
THE BLURB:
Now includes DVD, more matches, and bonus ideas!
Transform the Spectator into the Star!
Effect
You display a glass bowl filled with over two dozen
matchbooks from hotels around the country. You also show a
hotel key card which is placed face down on the table. The
key stays in full view the entire time. The spectator
randomly removes matchbooks from the glass bowl, one at a
time, and stops on any one they choose. They turn the key
over and both are a PERFECT MATCH!
This is so diabolically clever; we wish we could tell you
how it's done!
The spectator FREELY chooses ANY matchbook.
There are NO switches or funny moves!
Perfect for close up or even platform!
This updated version now includes 25% more custom printed
matchbooks (with a different hotel from the original
release), a custom manufactured hotel key, and detailed dvd
instructions which include bonus ideas and tips.
MY COMMENTS:
This is a favorite among many, many mentalists. It truly is
a great effect, and over the years it's gathered a deserved
reputation. Many mentalists have built on it so that the
revelation of the hotel's name is only part of the routine.
So what's different in this version? You get DVD
instructions (all the better to show you some more videos of
magic for sale), the matchbooks, and the hotel key, which is
the modern plastic credit card variety. More importantly,
there is a different hotel from the original release and a
few more matchbooks in the pile. I also like the feature
that will enable you to lay out the matchbooks on the table
without giving the method away. (I'm not sure that was in
the original as I can't find mine to compare.)
This is a wonderful effect that uses a principle which is
not new. If you are familiar with Casino Royale by Larry
Becker (who graciously gave his permission to release this
effect), then you probably know how this works. You can do
this surrounded and impromptu, but it's probably not
suitable for walkaround since you'd need a container for the
matches. A switch bag, such as Jay Sankey's Clear Close-Up
Switch Bag, would go well with this, although it's not
needed. Also, this trick is not instantly repeatable. The
only other downside to this routine is that the matchbooks
are in English. Though one can certainly claim that these
are matchbooks collected from the U.S., that won't help much
if most of your audience doesn't speak or read English.
This is the best type of mentalism effect: simple in plot,
easy to do, and stunning for audiences. If you already own
and use the original, you'll probably want to get a couple
of these just to have a different hotel. If you don't
already own and use this, I'm sure when you get this, you
will use it. Highly recommended.
*********
JOHN ARCHER
CHINESE CHOICE
JMOM Price: $36
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $40
THE BLURB:
Now is your chance to perform one of the most talked about
routines from the critically acclaimed "Educating Archer"
DVD. John Archer's Chinese Choice is not just a trick - it
is a powerhouse of a routine that blends comedy and
mentalism to perfection.
If the name John Archer is not enough to make you buy this
effect immediately then read on to find out more about this
eagerly anticipated release…
Three spectators are brought on stage and invited to take a
traditional Chinese meal in a way they used to do thousands
of years ago...
You explain that the ancient Chinese were great
mathematicians and believers in numerology. Often numbers
were used to help make even the most mundane of choices. Why
else would all the items on a Chinese menu be numbered?
Hence you explain that you are going to show them how the
ancient Chinese would decide what to do when going out for a
meal.
One of the spectators is given a small packet of plastic
number cards to shuffle. They now choose one person who will
be in charge of the menu, while the other two are in charge
of setting the amount they will pay for the meal.
The menu is shown as representing the restaurant they will
visit. The three spectators are given three cards each and
two of them take turns to make up three two-digit numbers.
These two digit numbers are added together to arrive at a
total and a decimal point is added to form a price to spend
on the meal - but alas! It is incredibly low! 1.65! The
prospect of a good meal does not look hopeful!
The third spectator now adds up his three cards to come up
with a number, to represent a dish on the menu. When they
check out the menu they see that all other menu items are
normal, however item number 15 is an "Eat as much as you
like buffet for three people, cost - 1.65."
Comes complete with two custom printed menus (a large one
for stage and a pocket sized version for close up), a set
of plastic number cards, and full instructions & routine.
MY COMMENTS:
If you've seen John Archer perform this routine on his
wonderful DVD, Educating Archer, then you know how much fun
this is. I'm not so sure about it being "one of the most
talked about routines," but it certainly and unquestionably
is creative and crowd-pleasing, at least the way John
presents it. What's nice about the routine is that
everything can be examined -- the menu, the number cards,
the pad, etc. There are no gimmicks. There is a "move", as
John routines it, but you can alter the routine to perform
it without it. That move is not difficult, by the way.
The routine plays exactly like described above. If you're
familiar with Larry Becker's "Gaff Free Duo," from
Stunners/Stunners Plus, which John credits as the
inspiration, then you're essentially familiar with this
routine. You get two very nicely printed menus. The stage
size menu is approximately 8.5" by 12" and the tri-fold
smaller menu is about 8.5" x 4". Both are handsomely
printed. I will note that the smaller menu is labeled as a
"take-away" menu. In the U.S., we say "take-out," but I
don't think that's a difference that will be challenged or
suspicious to the audiences in the U.S. In the video, John
uses playing cards as "number cards." For this, one's
supplied very high quality plastic number cards to use. The
instructions are on a large, heavy piece of two-fold paper,
much like a menu, and all of this is polybagged.
If this routine is appealing to you, then I highly recommend
this.
*********
DAVID PENN
COINVEXED
JMOM Price: $135
Suggested Retail Price:$150
THE BLURB:
David Penn has finally released his Coinvexed gimmick to the
magic world!
After signing a coin the spectator experiences something
extraordinary as the signed coin bends within their own
hands. The spectator can then keep the coin as a souvenir
that freezes the moment of magic forever.
No switches! The coin that the spectator has signed is the
same coin that bends. Only the coins and the sharpie are
seen and the sharpie is perfectly normal. No special
chemicals! Just a diabolically clever gimmick that hides in
full view.
"David Penn has the best solution for a signed, bending coin
routine I have ever seen! This is sure to become a regular
performance piece for many professional magicians."
- Nicholas Einhorn, Magic Circle Close-Up Centenary Magician
"Finally, a coin bending gimmick that I actually want to
use!"
- Marc Spellman, leading European mentalist
"This is too good to sell!"
- Braco, World renowned inventor and magical historian
"This is what we have come to expect from David Penn.
Revolutionary new thinking and an expertly structured
routine that is now destined to become a modern classic!"
- Chris Priest, Millennium Champion of Close-Up Magic
"Charlie the Chicken and I never leave home without it and
we look forward to damaging the economy forever!"
- Max Somerset, TV magician and star of "Max Magic"
Comes complete with gimmick and instructional DVD.
Running Time Approximately 36min
MY COMMENTS:
This is certainly an ingenious gimmick and unquestionably
recommended for those who are looking for a device that will
cause bending miracles with coins. However, it may not be
for everyone.
In handling, it's similar to Guy Bavli's key bending
gimmick, except that the gimmick is not hidden inside a
well-known magician's device, but hidden among, and
disguised within, the coins in your pocket. Aside from that,
the gimmick is made of metal and is certainly heavier than a
couple of coins in your pocket. You do have to use both
hands in order to use the gimmick, but you are doing it
during an off-moment and the gimmick is well-disguised so
anyone watching wouldn't really know what you're doing
anyway. Also, there are magnets in the gimmick, but they
are there mostly to use in the disguise of the gimmick.
Finally, there is a one-time preparation involved in the
gimmick, but it's takes a few minutes is very easy to do.
Besides the Coinvexed gimmick, which will last a long time,
you also get special stickers which help in the construction
of the gimmick, and DVD instructions. The production values
of the DVD aren't great, but it is certainly viewable and
useable as a learning tool. The coins you use are small
coins and so it can certainly work for any performer in any
country, however if you perform in different countries, know
that you may have to construct different gimmicks for each
place. Though I don't do much PK work, I can't say if
I'd personally use this, but I'd certainly consider it if I
did and definitely recommend this if this sounds like
something you could use.
*********
NATHAN KRANZO
MENTAL FRISBEE
JMOM Price: $157
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $174.99
THE BLURB:
“How To Get Them Laughing Within Seconds And Hold The
Audience In The Palm Of Your Hand”
At last, a mentalism opener that fits in your pocket and can
play to hundreds of people.
“When I added Mental Frisbee as an opener to my act it
changed the flow and energy of my show for the better. The
crowd was instantly laughing and astonished.”
- Justin Hanes Portland, OR
“Compliments…very entertaining effect. Best wishes from
Italy.”
- TONY BINARELLI World renowned entertainer and mentalist
Dear Fellow Entertainer:
In just a minute, I’m going to give you all the details
about a tool for magicians and mentalists who sincerely want
to add some comedy and strong mind reading to their act.
The $2,500.00 Frisbee???
Over the past few years whenever I shared this routine with
a fellow performer they would immediately ask if the effect
was available. You see…..the laughter and visual color this
routine creates makes it so unique and commercial that you
would be silly to not want to perform it.
A very popular mentalist offered $2,500.00 to me if he could
perform it exclusively for one year. He said if I ever plan
to sell it it should sell for no less than $1,000.00 or
people won’t appreciate what they have…a refined routine
from a pro’s act. And a really good one at that.
Here are a few reasons why it might be of value and interest
to you…..
It’s the perfect opener, which is PRICELESS to the
professional performer.
It packs flat. VERY flat.
The routine involves a ton of audience participation.
You fill up the stage WITHOUT an expensive illusion.
The routine plays just as well for 30 people as it does for
3000.
The effect is funny AND strong mentalism.
The use of Frisbees gives the routine unique appeal.
The routine includes a full professional script for you to
follow.
The routine is full of comedy to put the audience at ease.
And that’s just the beginning of the knowledge that is
shared in this routine.
The BIG SECRET about Mental Frisbee is how I used it to set
up other classics of mentalism. I will include the exact
routine I follow up with including great ideas from David
Hoy, Ron Wilson, and David Ben.
MENTAL FRISBEE contains important timing and performance
techniques that will help you command the stage, develop a
rapport with the audience, and make you look like an amazing
entertainer.
MENTAL FRISBEE is the cullmination of several techniques and
principles combed from the minds of some of the fields top
mentalists. There are some bonus ideas from Michael Weber
that will add quite a bit to your performance if you try
them out. I’m sure you will.
MENTAL FRISBEE is simple to understand and there are no
“moves” or sleight of hand. The method is based on clever
principles combined with being WAAAAY ahead of the audience.
This is NOT a routine based on suggestion or NLP. This is a
strong routine that will always work and always conclude
succesfully with a strong punch.
Here is the effect as seen by the audience:
Five frisbees are tossed out into the audience. Whoever
catches a Frisbee is asked to join the performer on stage.
The performer explains that the people who caught the
Frisbees may seem random, but are in fact not. Adding to
that he explains that certain people “attract” particular
colors. The “law of attraction” if you will.
As each person approaches the stage the performer gives a
hilarious comedy reading to them regarding their color.
As a finale the performer explains he will test an audience
member to see if they can read the performer’s mind.
A sixth volunteer is asked to try and read the performer’s
mind and “receive” the thought of color the performer is
trying to send him mentally.
After a little humorous banter the volunteer finally
announces the color that has popped into his mind. To the
complete astonishment of the audience the performer proceeds
to show that indeed the volunteer is correct in his “hunch”.
It looks like this…..
The performer tells the volunteer to “blurt out the color
that pops into their mind when I snap my fingers”. They say
“green” for example, and then the performer announces
“that’s exactly right!” and it gets a huge laugh. Then the
performer proceeds to show proof that was the target color
via a great reveal that is NOT just pulling a piece of paper
out your pocket that says “green”.
The five different colors are represented by the frisbees
the spectator’s hold as “Human Visual Aids” if you will. The
spectators can also be used in a dramatic way to help with
the final revelation.
The volunteers are then used for a very strong follow up
effect where each one of their thoughts are revealed. This
effect is taught as a bonus routine in the manual.
If you are a pro entertainer, or thinking about going pro,
you can’t afford to NOT use this hilarious and strong
mentalism effect.
“So What DO I Get When I Purchase This Effect?”
- You will receive the complete Mental Frisbee manuscript
detailing the VERY CLEVER SECRET TO THE EFFECT, the detailed
handling, presentation and framing of the effect, plus
additional thoughts and ideas that can be added to the
routine. Within this manuscript is also the complete script
which is packed full with all the comedy lines and audience
management. You will also get Nathan’s follow up routine
that he performs after Mental Frisbee with ideas from David
Hoy, David Ben, and Ron Wilson. This manuscript is signed
and numbered.
- A certificate giving you full performance rights and TV
rights.
- The FIVE special soft frisbees. These frisbees are made
from special material that enables them to fold up and fit
in your pocket. Each frisbee comes with it’s own very small
nylon pouch.
MY COMMENTS:
What you're buying, and the reason for the high price, is
the whole idea of using soft, floppy, colorful, nylon flyers
(Frisbees) to get five people up on stage. Granted, this is
a great idea, but that's what you're really paying for.
You're also buying Nathan's routine, which is fun. It's
priced high because Nathan considers this to be a
professional piece, and it is. A professional wouldn't
think about the price, if it's going to be used. The
package includes a 24-page manuscript (8.5" x 5.5"), a
certificate giving you full performance rights, and the five
different colored nylon flyers.
What's quite misleading in the blurb is the fact that there
are no other original ideas or principles besides this, at
least so far as the Frisbee routine is concerned. The "VERY
CLEVER SECRET TO THE EFFECT" is quite old, found in many
basic magic sets, and most mentalists should be very
familiar with it. Also, Nathan doesn't specify in the blurb
the follow up routine that he performs after Mental Frisbee.
It's the tossed-out deck, but with a presentation that
doesn't involve actually tossing out the deck to the
audience. Obviously, you don't have to use this idea or the
tossed-out deck routine as the follow-up. My first thought
was that a chair routine would work well as a follow-up.
There are certainly many other possibilities as well. I'll
also note that though the blurb indicates it's a good
opener, it doesn't have to be. I know it will work well
anywhere in one's act, though it does do a good job of
setting a specific tone for the show if it's used as an
opener.
Don't get me wrong. I really like this idea of tossing
colored frisbees out to the audience. And Nathan Kranzo's
routine is, as I said, quite fun, although a professional
will, and must, adapt the script to his/her own style.
However, it is priced for the professional performer. If
you're looking for something new and innovative, or are
merely curious, you'll be disappointed with this. But if
you're looking for something solid, and you're a working
professional who's looking for a tested routine to add to
your act that is fun and memorable, I'd definitely recommend
you consider this.
*********
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