October 9, 2008
Here's what's in this edition of
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter
*** MONSTER MENTALISM - Docc Hilford
*** TELETHOUGHT WALLET - Chris Kenworthey
*** THOUGHTLESS - Peter Nardi
*** VALIDATE - Val Le Val
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 the website. All of the recent past newsletters are
archived there.
*********
After I had just completed this newsletter I got some news
and products which made me stop and re-do the newsletter and
update my website. So what was it that made me do this. I
have two words:
Bob's back!!
The Bob in question is Bob Cassidy. And the "back" means
he's now released some new material. Most of his older
e-books are available through http://www.lybrary.com, but
his new stuff will be handled by Jerome Finley. The link
will go directly to his site. He's got two new books.
Details are on my website and I've added my comments on
that.
Ron Martin's Palm Reader's Notebook is another exciting
brand new release. It's been added to my website along with
my comments.
Finally, Alain Nu has released Word Work 2, the promised
second volume of Alain's series on his book test work. I
don't have this one yet, but as soon as I do, I'll post my
comments shortly after. It is on the site as well as the
link to purchase it.
On to other stuff: After the last newsletter, I got quite a
lot of e-mails from people eager to know what I thought
about Docc Hilford's new set. It seems to be generating a
lot of controversy. So, I won't keep you in suspense any
longer. My comments are below.
Also, I just received a copy of Ron Martin's new updated
version of the Palm Reader's Notebook. I haven't had a
chance to look it over completely, but I'm sure it will be
great.
The next newsletter which I actually should have out
tomorrow will feature the Bob Cassidy e-books and Ron
Martin's new e-book, plus Scott Grossberg's BAUTA. I'm
trying to play catch up and have almost ready yet another
newsletter which will have Paul Hallas' book, the Howard
Adams books, the Tommy Pad, and Hiro Sakai's Recipe. That
should be coming out either Sunday or Monday.
Oh, and for those waiting for the next Journal of the Mind,
which features Bryn Reynolds, that will be up this weekend,
too.
**** PRODUCT UPDATES
Other new items that will be discussed in upcoming
newsletters and/or added soon to my catalog are Thom
Bleasdale's TOMMY PAD, Scott Grossberg's BAUTA, Hiro Sakai's
RECIPE, Howard Adams OICUFESP and MINDESPA, Tony Eye's THE
WRITE STUFF, Paul Hallas' MAGIC FROM THE OVERGROUND, Aldo
Colombini's TRI-COLOR DIVINATION, Menny Lindenfeld's PSYCHIC
CREDIT CARD, three from Dave Powell (HAUNTED HAND, INVISIBLE
CARD PUNCH, MICROWRITER), Sean Field's EXPLICIT FOOTAGE:
TOME and EXPLICIT FOOTAGE: BENZ, John Sheets' NAILED IT,
Haim Goldenberg's INSIDE THOUGHTS and MY PRECIOUS, and a
bunch of cool stuff from Craig Browning. Some of this stuff
is already on the website with comments. Some of this stuff
I will not catalog.
**** KENTON KNEPPER
Kenton has decided to release many items that are available
only on his website. Make sure you subscribe so that you
can get news of it. He does have many downloadable works
and check it out. This newsletter contains his latest
effort which, again, is only available through his website.
Here's the link:
www.WonderWizards.com
**** JACK TILLER'S DUET
The corrected editions should be in my hands this weekend
and then I'll be shipping them out.
**** MINDVENTION
Don't forget that November 9-11 is the 2008 Mindvention at
the Palace Station in Las Vegas. Luke Jermay, Marc
Spelmann, Docc Hilford, Christopher Taylor, Paul Vigil, Mark
Strivings, Lior Manor, Rick Maue, Paul Draper, and some guy
who uses his first, deliberately-misspelled first name to
impress people. (Yeah, that's me, of course). It's still
not to late to make reservations and join in the fun. If
you're interested, here's the link.
http://www.mindvention.com
***** JOURNAL OF THE MIND 2008 SUBSCRIPTION AVAILABLE NOW!
The new issue of Jheff's Journal of the Mind spotlights
BANACHEK, one of the most respected and controversial
mentalists of our time. To get this issue, you need to buy a
membership in the Marketplace of the Mind.
For $47 you get a subscription to the 2008 issues of Jheff's
Journal of the Mind, an all-new e-zine for mentalists.
Plus, you get an additional 5% discount off merchandise from
the Marketplace of the Mind, and many other very cool
features. If you want a taste of what you get, 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.
Recent additions include:
Dr. Bill's FOURCE - A clever new updating of a classic
force!
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Fource.html
Kenton Knepper's THE GUIDE - Anyone can hypnotize their
audiences with this new tool from the creator of Wonder
Words!
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Guide.html
Jerome Finley's THOUGHT CHANNEL - An incredible new version
of a classic effect that uses no gimmicks and appears like
real minding!
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Thought_Channel.html
Jerome Finley's THOUGHT CHANNEL 2.0
The sequel to one of the most incredible routines to come
out in decades, this manuscript has a no-gimmick version of
pseudo-psychometry that is a must-have for serious
mentalists.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Thought_Channel_2.html
David Hoy's THE E.S.P. LECTURES
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/ESP_Lectures.html
Paul Brook's THE ALCHEMICAL TOOLS -
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Alchemical_Tools.html
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
*********
DOCC HILFORD
MONSTER MENTALISM (4 volumes)
JMOM Price: $126
Suggested Retail Price: $140
THE BLURB:
Docc Hilford is the crazed creator of the renowned Cassandra
Deck, author of over 30 books on mentalism and consultant
for a dozen television shows. He’s joined by professional
mentalist David Alexander to discuss the psychology behind
each piece. Monster Mentalism is an astonishing collection
of useable effects and the diabolical methods that have made
Docc Hilford infamous.
For a full list of the contents, click below:
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Monster_Mentalism.html
MY COMMENTS:
Most readers know that I think Docc Hilford is one of the
few creators whose works I will buy sight unseen and
recommend. With this set, my opinion isn't any different.
However, this is definitely a set that may disappoint Docc
Hilford fans because his top material isn't included (e.g.,
Wizard's Manual, Cellular Mitosis, Cassandra Deck, etc.).
But let's be fair. Comparatively, with the exception of
Richard Osterlind, the big names of mentalism who've been
participating on L&L videos have also not released their
best material on DVD (Banachek and Maven, specifically).
Taken by itself, the material on this set is still superb.
And, as you would expect from this series, Docc's razor
sharp thinking and charismatic style are in full evidence.
If you don't care for the effects, the explanations and
discussions are a master class in mentalism and more than
worth the price of this set. I'm sure you'll find, at the
least, quite a few invaluable pieces of information that
you'll find worthy of your purchase, even if this doesn't
turn out to be your favorite set of mentalism DVDs.
The key to this is expectations. If you're buying this
because you want to see what the fuss with Docc Hilford is
all about or you're a fan wanting to see Docc Hilford
present his classic well-known material, you will definitely
not get that. On the other hand, if you look at it kind
of like a four DVD series of solid mentalism, classic
principles, and brilliant discussions of stagecraft,
presented by your host, the knowledgeable Docc Hilford,
you'll find it much more enjoyable and useful. Personally,
though I did feel initially let down because I had those
expectations, and though I do agree with many that the Docc
Hilford DVDs we'd like to see are yet to come, there are
more than enough pearls of wisdom here and that made
watching and purchasing this set quite worthwhile.
*********
CHRIS KENWORTHEY
TELETHOUGHT WALLET
JMOM Price: $54 (small)/$135 (large)
Suggested Retail Price: $59 (small)/$159 (large)
THE BLURB:
TeleThought Wallet is one of the most diabolical utility
devices in magic. Its potential is limitless.
As they say "the sky is the limit," here. Virtually any
"mind-reading effect" can be performed with the "TeleThought
Wallet." Design duplication, book tests, telepath
experiments can now be presented under immaculate test
conditions. Imagine using the "TeleThought Wallet" for
preshow work! Or combining it with a "Brainwave Deck,"
"Invisible Pack," or "Precognition Deck." There is at least
one other wallet currently on the magic market, which could
vastly enhance its potential and ingenuity if it employed
the same material presently utilized in the "TeleThought
Wallet." Something to think about.
Wallet Dimension Approximately 4 1/4" x 2 3/4" (10cm x 7cm)
Wallet Dimension Approximately 7" x 4" (17cm x 10cm)
MY COMMENTS:
This is another wallet that performs the same basic function
as Ray Piatt's Caper Case, Peter Nardi's Mind Spy, and Mark
Strivings SUC wallet. What makes this one different is that
there is special material which allows you to do the
necessary work while the wallet is in full view of the
participant, who will be completely unaware of this. Of
course, I'm being a bit vague for those who aren't familiar
with the aforementioned wallets, but on this public page, I
must, especially since the ad blurb doesn't mention it.
The question that I'm sure experienced mentalists will want
to know is how it compares to the other wallets. It's
definitely just as versatile as the SUC wallet, however one
very important function that the Telethought Wallet can do
that the SUC can also do is not mentioned in the
instructions. Its design makes this function a bit more
difficult to do than the SUC, but it can still be
accomplished. The Caper Case relies on a natural, though
extra move, that Telethought Wallet doesn't need and the
same goes for Mind Spy. In brief, once you close the
Telethought Wallet, there's no need to do any other move and
the information can be revealed.
I've noticed on forums that some have been complaining that
the wallet doesn't look like a regular wallet. I disagree.
The small size looks very much like a credit card wallet and
doesn't look any stranger than the SUC wallet or the Caper
Case. The larger size seems designed for 3x5 index cards or
for those who may find the smaller size too unusual for
their audiences. This certainly doesn't look a normal 3x5
card holder, but it doesn't look totally strange, either. I
don't think 3x5 card holders are used by a lot of folks and
so most wouldn't know the difference. To me, it looks like
it could legitimately be a 3x5 index holder. Other than the
size, the difference between the two different wallets is
the price. The larger wallet is almost $100 more than the
pocket-sized wallet.
The package includes the wallet and one folded sheet of
glossy paper with photos that explain how it's done. As
I've already mentioned, one interesting function isn't even
mentioned. If you purchase this, and you're not familiar
with the SUC wallet, contact me and I'll let you know about
it. The instructions do not detail any routines. This is a
utility device and it's up to the purchaser to creatively
apply its uses.
At the time of this writing, I feel that the best, most
versatile small wallet of this size is Mark Striving's SUC
Wallet. I know that some don't care for the special
material that sets the Telethought Wallet apart from others,
but you don't have to use that function. However, since the
Telethought Wallet can do the same things as the SUC and
since the SUC is currently unavailable, it should be no
surprise that I strongly recommend this wallet.
*********
PETER NARDI
THOUGHTLESS
JMOM Price: $36
Suggested Retail Price: $39.50
THE BLURB:
From the mind of Peter Nardi comes Thoughtless a
mind-boggling, two deck triple whammy! The spectator names a
card from a red deck. This is removed and placed aside. He
takes out a blue deck that has been in his pocket all along
and counts through the cards face up – sure enough, there
are only 51 and the named card is missing. The card named
from the red deck is turned over and it is the missing
blue-backed card. The performer explains he was certain that
it would be the one named as it was actually the only card
in the red deck... He turns the red deck face-up and spreads
it – it now consists of 51 blank-faced cards!
No force – the named card is different every time. No R&S
and no deck switch – there really are 51 blank-faces in the
red deck. No palming is required, Thoughtless is so easy to
perform.
MY COMMENTS:
Certainly this is a strong piece of mental magic, but I'm
not sure this is something that may appeal to all
mentalists. At issue is the "vanishing" of the cards that
the participant originally saw. Sure, you can mention that
you mentally willed that person into thinking that there
were other cards in the deck and that will work quite well
one-on-one, but this presentational angle is not everyone's
cup of tea.
Also, it does require two decks of specially prepared cards,
which are included in the package, although the enclosed
instructional DVD does cover a version in which you can use
only one of the decks. There is a sleight or two required,
but they're moves which are easy-to-do. There's no question
that this can be quite a powerful effect. The question is
whether this effect suits you. If so, then this is
certainly something to invest in.
*********
VAL LE VAL
VALIDATE
JMOM Price: n/a
Suggested Retail Price: $35
THE BLURB:
The hit of the IBM/SAM convention, sold out in 1 day!
The perfect, ANY card at ANY date diary effect. With only
one diary, no outs, no memory work and a regular deck of
cards. You can perform this knockout effect. No odd or even
dates, absolutely any date can be named. No force this is a
different card EVERYTIME. The selected card is ALWAYS
printed next to the spectators freely chosen date.
ONE DIARY
ANY REGULAR DECK
NO RESET
ANY DATE, ANY CARD
ALWAYS THE RIGHT CARD
NO OUTS
DIARY & DECK CAN BE EXAMINED
LEARN IN 5 MINUTES.
Also can be performed using any cellphone, i-phone or palm
pilot.
Perfect for strolling, restaurants, NO RESET
Comes with high quality professionally printed diary and
step by step instructional dvd.
Running Time Approximately 50min
"Fooled me, I have no idea."
- Chris Kenner
"The diary plot is a favorourite of mine. When Val Le-Val
demonstrated his new diary trick for me, I was struck by its
simplicity and directness of effect. With absolutely no
memory work involved, you can do this at any given moment
with only one deck and the one diary to carry. It's clever,
practical and effective."
- Peter Duffie
"I love validate, its great."
- Henry Evans
MY COMMENTS:
There's really nothing wrong with this, except that there's
really nothing new with it either. At this point, I'm not
sure where this idea came from. On a forum, something
called Moore's Diary by Patrick Page was mentioned. I know
that Greg Arce published an almost identical method in his
Deep Thoughts which was published a few years ago. When he
created this, Greg actually talked to top pros, such as
Gordon Bean and Paul Wilson, and they didn't know of a
similar method in print. Greg, though, has pointed out the
method was so simple that he couldn't believe he was the
first one to put into print. Perhaps his instincts are
right.
In any case, the package includes a diary (and it's
suggested that you make your own from one and not use the
printed one included), a reference sheet (which you don't
need after you've transferred or memorized the info), and
DVD instructions. For $30 (slightly less than the cost of
Validate), you can get Greg Arce's Deep Thought, which
contains Date Me which, as I said, is the same as this, plus
a whole bunch of other really good material.
*********
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please go to http://www.MarketplaceoftheMind.com
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this, you may respond to this e-mail.
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