December 21, 2008

Here's what's in this edition of  
Jheff's Marketplace of the Mind Newsletter

*** GUERRILLA Q&A - Jerome Finley
*** BLANK MENTAL TELEPATHY CARDS - Chazpro Magic
*** MICROPHONE HANDS FREE BRACE - Trevor Duffy
*** FULL HOUSE - Wayne Fox
*** THOUGHT PROCESS - Wayne Fox

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.

*********

A lot of folk have asked me how long it takes for me to
review items.  Frankly, I can comment quite quickly on
tricks and small booklets.  Books and DVDs take longer.  I
have one DVD set (Looch's DVD set) plus quite a few books
which I am getting through as quickly as I can.  Then, there
is the Friends of the Marketplace and I usually try to put
those items in priority.  And stuff that I think is really
good I try to make comments on and add to my website as soon
as possible.

That means items that I'm not too crazy about sometimes
takes a while for me to get around to.  The bottom line is
the good stuff I try to get out first and as quickly as
possible.  If you don't see my quickly add something to my
website and/or comment on it, I'd be somewhat suspicious.
There may be a reason I'm not getting around to it quickly.
You can certainly e-mail me directly and I'll let you know.

And that brings me to the five items in this newsletter.
The first item is a very limited edition as Jerome Finley's
work is part of the Friends of the Marketplace so I'm
rushing that out to you so that if you're interested you can
grab it before it sells out.  The other four are items that
I've been sitting on for awhile, but I wanted to get my
comments on them out there.  I think what I say about them
speaks for themselves, so I'll say no more.

I do have lots more to review and I'll try to get to them
all as soon as I can.  That includes new work by Kenton
Knepper, Sean Waters, Dr. Bill, Joshua Quinn, Patrick
Redford, and more.  Right now, I'm in Las Vegas, but when I
get back I hope to cram most of the rest of that stuff into
a few newsletters to end the year.

And a couple of you asked me when, or if, I'll be putting
out my picks for best of 2008.  Of course, I will.  If you
have any favorites, send them to me.  That way, I'll be sure
not to overlook them in my consideration.

**** JOURNAL OF THE MIND SALE MUST END DECEMBER 23!
Quickly now, other than a love of mentalism, what do Jack
Kent Tillar, Greg Arce, John Riggs, Maurice Fogel, Alain Nu,
Mark Strivings, Stuart Cumberland, Paul Brook, Banachek,
Bryn Reynolds, and Craig Browning all have in common?  If
you guessed that they all have more than three letters in
their first name, then you need to be taken out behind the
shed and dealt with.

Seriously though, if you don't know, then you're obviously
not a subscriber of, or aware of, the Journal of the Mind.
All of the names above have been spotlighted in the first
two volumes of my e-magazine.  Each issue has effects,
essays, and other articles written by and about the featured
mentalist.

I get several e-mails monthly from folks who tell me how
much they appreciate my site and how apologetic they are
because they purchase their products from another source.
They wish there were some other way to support my website.
Well, subscribing to the Journal of the Mind is certainly
one excellent way.

Subscriptions to Journal of the Mind 2009 are now available
and I'm having a bit of a sale.  Right now, for only $39.95,
you can subscribe to the 2009 Journal of the Mind (the first
issue won't be out until February).  And if you've missed
any of the previous two volumes, now is the time to catch
up.  If you haven't gotten any of them, then for only $89.95
(reg. $107) you can get the 2007 and 2008 volumes, plus
subscribe to 2009.  Yeah, I know that's a crazy price, but
'tis the holiday season, as they say.  This sale won't last
long.  More details on the website.

http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/journalofthemind.html

**** HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - DELAYS MAY OCCUR
Due to Thanksgiving, my week at the Castle, and the rest of
the upcoming holiday season, shipments may be delayed a bit.
Also, I will be out for most of the Christmas and New Year's
weeks, but most orders should be shipped no later than the
week of January 5, if they don't go out in a timely manner.

**** JE4
I've been getting quite a lot of compliments about JE4.
Hardly anyone has discussed it on the forums, though.  For
those that don't know, JE4 is my Fourth Dimensional
Telepathy routine that is the cornerstone of my club act,
the one I perform regularly at the Magic Castle.  JE4 stands
for Jheff's Elegant 4th Dimensional Telepathy routine.
Because I'm still performing it, I'm limiting this to only
100 copies and selling it for $100 each.  And, boy, have I
already been taking the heat from some professionals
familiar with my routine who told me that was way too low.
But I already made my decision.

Here's two more pros who were very excited about JE4:

"Jheff's thinking is direct and to the point. His entire
routine is a lesson on how to apply a classic routine with a
refreshing handling to play to a modern audience. The
manuscript clearly details the specific handling with clear
photographs to aid each phase. The handling is
straightforward allowing you to focus on your routine. The
presentation offered by Jheff is a comical one which most
audiences will relate to! For someone in Jheff's position to
release a manuscript of this calibre you know it's going to
be fantastic. He is well versed in all the classics and
wouldn't release this if he didn't feel he had something
unique to offer. This is the only handling of the routine I
have ever seen which has convinced me to want to try it out
in front of a real audience!"
Colin McLeod
author of "Deceit: The Next Step in Chair Predictions"

"Anneman's '4DT' has been a highly favored staple of
classical mentalism because it is so pure, strong and real
feeling. In Jheff's 'JE4' manuscript we can immediately see
the personal value he's placed upon this routine and how
he's molded and fit the demonstration to suit him and his
style of performance over the years. Learning of Jheff's own
experience, subtleties and touches make this one routine
well worth picking up and comes straight from his current
working act and professional repertoire as performed at The
Magic Castle.

I personally love 4DT and every little nuance, variation in
handling and professional presentation I can find is
devoured and appreciated immediately with 'JE4' being no
exception to this rule! If you love 4DT as much as I do then
Jheff's version and handling of 'JE4' will certainly cause
you to smile and become a welcome addition to your library
and repertoire."
Jerome Finley

http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/je4.html

**** IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS
I've had to change the shipping charge policy for
international orders.  Since the price increases earlier
this year, I've allowed international customers to make
choices.  Unfortunately, this has proved disastrous.  For
example, I've had several customers order using the Flat
Rate Envelope Priority Mail option, however the items would
not fit into that envelope.  Several orders have been lost
or seriously delayed with the standard air mail option.

So, from now on, international customers will automatically
get the priority mail option.  I can certainly accomodate
cheaper shipping methods, but you'll have to e-mail first
before you order and I can tell you what they are so we can
work out the best and most inexpensive way to mail the
stuff.  If you think an order can fit into a flat rate
envelope, write to me and I'll let you know if that  option
can be used. Just contact me first.

Hopefully, this will work out, but things may change.

**** MONSTER MENTALISM SPECIAL RETURNS!
I have a few sets left of the most talked about DVD set of
the year.  So, for a limited time, I'll offer that special
again.  You can get an additional 15% off for a total of 25%
off the Suggested Retail Price.  This offer will last until
the few that I have on my shelf are sold and then the
discount below will be deactivated again. You can save even
more if you're a subscriber to Journal of the Mind.

To take advantage, use "DOCC" (without the quotes) as the
coupon code.  Make sure you see the discount before you
finalize your order or I will NOT be able to refund the
difference.

**** PRODUCT UPDATES
Other new items that will be discussed in upcoming
newsletters and/or added soon to my catalog are Joshua
Quinn's PARALIES, Patrick Redford's HEPTAGON, Kenton
Knepper's SIGNS OF INFLUENCE, Looch's YOUR THOUGHTS ARE MINE
DVD, Tony Eye's POPULAR SELECTION, Aaron DeLong's BELIEVE,
Hondo's INTUITION, Trevor Duffy's MICROPHONE HANDS FREE
BRACE, Steve Bryant's THE LITTLE EGYPT BOOK OF GHOSTS, Juan
Tamariz' VERBAL MAGIC, 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.

***** JOURNAL OF THE MIND
There are two new issues of Journal of the Mind.  Issue #10
spotlights the very controversial and talented CRAIG
BROWNING.  It's a huge issue - more than 50 pages! - and is
just jam-packed with some of the most useful advice you'll
ever need.  Issue #11 features some guy who comments on
mentalism products and spell his name funny.  Yep, it's me.
This issue features my lecture notes from Mindvention 2008
and all the stuff that I didn't have time to pack into that
hour that went really fast.

For $47 you get a subscription to the 2009 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:

The Miracle Factory's THE SHAKESPEARE EXPERIMENT - An
elegant book test using the works of the immortal Bard!
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/shakespeare_experiment.h
tml

Dr. Bill's SUGGESTABILITIES - Three essays and effects
which illustrate some very powerful techniques.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/suggestabilities.html

Doug Segal's BIG BROTHER'S TAWDRY LITTLE SISTER - A crowd-
pleasing routine in which the performer controls the
audience in a fun game of celebrity elimination.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/big_brother.html

Alain Nu's WORD WORK, VOLUME 2 - Alain's legendary work on
book tests using an unprepared or borrowed book!
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Word_Work2.html

Greg Arce's HANDS OF TIME - Three brilliant new effects from
one of the most creative minds in mentalism today.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/Hands_of_time.html

Bob Cassidy's 21ST CENTURY Q&A - A brilliant Q&A routine
combining classic ideas and principles in mentalism.
http://www.marketplaceofthemind.com/21st_Century_QA.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

Have a happy holiday season. Until next time. -- Jheff

*********
JEROME FINLEY
GUERRILLA Q&A
Suggested Retail Price: $399
Available at:
http://www.sangomahealer.com/performersonly.html

THE BLURB:
"Jerome Finley is a controversial performer who isn’t afraid
to cross the line separating Performer from Shaman, a line
I’ve treaded vicariously off-and-on myself for most of my
life.  In fact, as far as I can tell he isn’t aware such a
line even exists. I’ve taken great enjoyment in watching the
New Generation running amok with the craft, and Jerome is
running with the top mad dogs. Jerome eschews the tricks of
the trade for the Real Work, which in Mentalism can take you
into somewhat esoteric practices. We’re not talking billet
switches here; we’re actually getting into the thoughts and
minds of people. In this book you’ll learn how to do it."
- John Riggs, from the Introduction to 'Guerilla Q&A'

I’ve always felt that Q&A IS/was the penultimate
demonstration of mind reading and mentalism in its most pure
and affecting form. I’ve worked with dozens of methods for
this act and demonstration over the years and am finally
tipping the methods and outline I use today after hundreds
of performances.
Multiple methods are explored in this manuscript including:

• No preparation Q&A! Nothing written down, no questions
asked, no pre-show, no odd handlings or lengthy procedures,
no stooges, gaffs, gimmicks, one ahead, assistants, question
stealing, dual reality or anything set up in advance – you
can walk right out on stage and immediately go into this act
with devastating results. This is the ULTIMATE in ‘thought
of’ question answering and picks up where ‘Dynamite
Mentalism’ left off! It’s updated to work with contemporary
audiences and their modern concerns with a fresh new
approach, handling and presentation that’s sure to work
wonders in your current show and program.

• Other ‘no prep’ methods for Q&A are taught in depth. This
consists of written questions, direct questions and answers,
open audience readings and what I like to call ‘free range’
Q&A. Techniques and subtleties to increase the commercial
value of your existing Q&A act are also revealed and
regardless of the methods you choose or favor, there will be
something of immense value here for everyone.

• A full ‘readings primer’ which details how I give my
readings both up close and personal as well as live on
stage. These are not canned readings or stock lines, but a
fluid system which allows ANYONE to generate and deliver
‘spot on’ readings very easily and naturally. There is
nothing to remember and again, you can do this anytime,
anywhere.

• Short Q&A: a miniature performance best suited for close
up, parlor and even walk around performances, situations and
venues.

• Other techniques and ‘boosters’ to my Q&A are also taught
here and include ‘Hurling the Headlines’, working with a
higher volume of people, opening your Q&A act, psychometry,
direct mind reading, fielding questions, harvesting your
hits, rapport and making deep connections with your audience
members, plenty of hypnotic techniques, suggestion based
work and much more!

• Contributions, subtleties and touches from people the
likes of John Riggs, Paolo Cavalli, Ted Karmolovich, Alain
Nu, George Anderson and many others are also included.

• EVERYTHING you need to perform an incredibly strong Q&A is
here! We’ll look at the show format and outline, building
sequences, how to open and close such an act, sensational
questions and answers, length of readings (and performance),
the psychology behind such a demonstration and WHY it
maintains such great appeal to people and audiences
everywhere.

My goal for this book is for it to become THE DEFINITIVE
guide to no preparation Q&A.
None of the methods taught in this book require ANY
sleights, gaffs or gimmicks. The focus is on prop-free work
and performance; answering THOUGHT OF QUESTIONS and
delivering open readings. For other variations, the most you
will ever require are some pens, paper/index cards and
you’re ready to go with nothing prepared and NO ASSISTANTS.

Q&A is the ONLY thing I perform on stage these days. It
encompasses and exemplifies everything I think and feel
mentalism is and should be. I’ve been honored to share my
work and material in LIVE PERFORMANCE with some of the best
in the business and they all agree on one thing – it’s the
best version of this type of Q&A they’ve ever experienced.

Like ‘Thought Dial’, my ‘Guerilla Q&A’ will be limited to 50
PHYSICAL manuscripts, signed and shipped immediately by
yours truly.

The price is $399.00, will be available to ship BEFORE
Christmas and is sure to be a welcome addition to any
existing, professional repertoire and library. It will top
out at 150 pages and includes EVERYTHING you need to know to
begin performing this act immediately.

If you don’t perform a Q&A, now is your chance to have one
of the best acts around! If you do perform a Q&A, this is
your opportunity to take it to the next level.

Though I’ve simplified the work as much as possible (it
appears as though you stand there and simply receive
specific, thought of questions and answer them!) this work
and manuscript is geared towards the advanced level student
and professional workers in our community. Like all great
mentalism, the focus here is on performance and presentation
with cutting edge methods and devious psychological ploys
which make it work the right way, every time.

I’ve made it easy by removing any odd handlings or lengthy
procedures. You are actually doing what you claim to be
doing (for real). THIS IS THE ULTIMATE ONE MAN SHOW and
plays for audiences of practically any size. It’s always
ready to go and receives the strongest, most powerful
reactions in my program. It’s so incredibly devastating in
performance that I’ve focused my entire career around this
one piece and it’s the ONLY thing I perform in my current
full-length show.

All my best,
Jerome Finley

MY COMMENTS:
In the opening pages of this work, Jerome states that "to be
caught in a process of trickery means game over..."  And,
for someone like Jerome, he must maintain this philosophy
because, as he states, "I play FOR REAL because what I am
doing IS real on many levels . . . I HAVE TO BE
bulletproof."  I certainly applaud Jerome for taking this
risk and anytime a performer adopts this attitude, it
certainly is a risk.  It's a risk that I have trouble
taking.  Just as there is no such thing as "foolproof" (if
you think so, I'll find you the right fool to prove you
wrong), I don't believe anything is bulletproof (I know
there's the right bullet out there just waiting).  Despite
that, it works well for Jerome.

I claim what I do is real, but I will say, in private and
not during performance, that I do use a little bit of
cheating to ensure that my performances are successfully
entertaining.  I refuse to say just how much cheating there
is or identify the parts that I used such cheating.  I want
to play for real, but leave the door open so that if they
catch me, or think they catch me, I have an excuse. And so
long as I can duplicate some of what I do for real, that
suits me just fine.  The key words are that this latter
approach "suits me."

I began with the above because I wanted to stress that this
material is very strong, though it's clearly not for
everybody.  As examples, I described the different
approaches that Jerome and I take to presenting mentalism as
real.  If you're not comfortable either taking risks on
stage or having your audience think you're doing this for
real, then you'll clearly not be comfortable with this
material and you'll not be able to successfully perform
this.  Incidentally, a large part of your decision should be
due to your persona.  My performance persona and Jerome's
are quite different.  His audiences can believe him doing
some things that mine won't and vice versa.  You could, in
fact, be quite comfortable with this type of routine but it
doesn't fit with your persona.

With that caveat out of the way, let's continue with a
bald-faced, very subjective, testimonial-type proclamation.
If you want to be known as a real mind-reader, then Jerome
Finley has taken the very best ideas from classic works and
performers and combined them with his own cutting-edge
thinking to provide a solid, modern version of the Q&A act
that can be the highlight of your whole show, if not the
whole show itself!

If you read between the lines, you'll realize that what I'm
saying is that experienced mentalists should certainly be
aware of the foundational techniques that Jerome is using.
He's not necessarily bringing anything ground-breaking in
terms of technique, but he has marvelously put this whole
routine together, provided his insight from his experience
using this, and added some brilliant, insightful touches of
his own.  Jerome's using ideas from George Anderson, Orville
Meyer, and Gail Sheehy with additional material by Bob
Cassidy, Michael Weber, Alain Nu, and Paolo Cavalli, plus
others.

This 158-page e-book is a complete kit on performing "real"
Q&A. Though it provides everything you need to get started,
it's not totally comprehensive.  It talks about three
different methods of performing Q&A.  There are chapters
that contain many ideas and explore supplementary
techniques.  For example, there's material on using names,
dreams, colors, and zodiac signs in order to round out the
Q&A performance.  Some of this material is not detailed as
much as it is in other sources and Jerome provided many
references that one should be familiar with (that's why I
say it's not comprehensive), but it will certainly provide
enough info to help those who need to know this to get
started.  Jerome also includes a few pages discussing a
short Q&A that he uses at tables or for small standing
groups.

Experienced professionals who perform or have studied Q&A
may not find a lot of new techniques in this 158 page
e-book, but Jerome's routine is solid and worth looking into
if you're needs are for a solid, tested, "real" looking Q&A
routine.  Most importantly, Jerome has already crafted a
well-built wheel and experienced professionals are probably
already familiar with the terminology and references.

Novice performers who want to delve into Q&A will find no
better place to start if they want this type of routine.
However, this latter group may have to supplement this by
reading up on material which is referenced and summarized in
the pages.  Finally, I'll echo what John Riggs says in the
introduction.  Though many mentalists believe Q&A is one of
the strongest routines a mentalist can perform, it is only
such because of the performer who needs a strong routine and
stage charisma to pull it off.  Guerrilla Q&A provides that
strong routine for you.           

*********
CHAZPRO MAGIC
MENTAL TELEPATHY CARDS (Blank)
JMOM Price: $12
Suggested Retail Price: $15
Refills: $9 (MSRP: $10)

THE BLURB:
New Routines! Extra Cards!

Telepathy Cards are based on a diabolical principle credited
to Bob Fillman and Tan Hock Chuan. Briefly: 6 ungaffed
envelopes are shown, each with an ordinary, white card
inside. A spectator selects any card, signs it, then turns
it over and puts it back into the envelope. All the
envelopes are closed, then thoroughly mixed. After the
mixing, no one - the spectators or the performer - knows
which envelope contains the selected card.

The performer deals the envelopes into a row on a table and
has a spectator select one...it is the correct envelope with
her signed card! Instead of having the spectator locate the
envelope, the performer can hold each one to his forehead
one at a time to get a mental impression, then set aside one
envelope - the one containing the selection!

Note: The envelopes are identical and are not marked in any
way. The performer cannot see into the envelopes and does
not get any clue from any of the envelopes. Each card is
identical in size, shape and color. I’ve demonstrated this
effect hundreds of times and often would tell my audiences
that the envelopes are ordinary...they come from an office
supply store. The cards are cut from ordinary poster board.
“If you pay me the replacement costs, you can have them!”

The method is so subtle and fool-proof, that it is the
perfect principle for many routines, from standard magic
effects, to mentalism. The props can be thoroughly examined.
Effects can be repeated. Even if a spectator tries to mess
things up, you always know the correct answer! For example,
if a spectator turns over multiple cards, you’ll know.

Since the 1990s, Chazpro has offered several variations of
this popular principle. The most popular has been the sets
of Blank Telepathy Cards. With these special cards, the
performer can customize effects to a wide range of audiences
and themes. These cards are perfect for trade show routines,
mentalism and spirit effects, Bank Night tricks and more.

The new Blank Telepathy Card set includes updated
instructions with new routines! In several routines, the
spectator locates the correct envelope. In a Bank Night
Effect, spectators take turns selecting envelopes, leaving
the last one for the performer....the money envelope!

Includes 30 Telepathy Cards, 6 manila envelopes and
instructions.

Easy to do, yet Mind Boggling!

MY COMMENTS:
There's nothing new here.  Experienced mentalists know that
this is the classic Fillmore principle.  The instructions
are one double-sided 8.5" x 11" paper with a few photos.
The routines are briefly described: "Sensing Body
Electricity," "Spectator Finds the Card," "Bank Night," and
"Seance Effect."  All of these are pretty standard.

One major concern I have is a claim in the blurb.  It says
that "[e]ven if a spectator tries to mess things up, you
always know the correct answer! For example, if a spectator
turns over multiple cards, you’ll know."  This is true, but
there's no explaination for how to deal with this in the
instructions if this happens.  Experienced performers know
how to deal with it.  Those unfamiliar with these cards may
not be able to.

The only reason I'm carrying this in the catalog is for
convenience.  The cards are very nicely made.  They are
glossy on one side only and cut to the necessities of the
Fillmore principle.  And if you already know the principle
and know what these are, you can simply buy the refills
which contain thirty cards only and no instructions or
envelopes.

 

*********
TREVOR DUFFY
MICROPHONE HANDS FREE BRACE
JMOM Price: $63.00
Suggested Retail Price: $70.00

THE BLURB:
Don't be tied down to the mic' stand!

* Hands Free for Magicians
* Fully Adjustable
* Dismantles for Packing
* Extra Extension Included
* Spanners (Wrenches) Included

MY COMMENTS:
Probably the most efficient microphone holders are the ones
Jim Swomley makes called the Gim-Crack.  Unfortunately, they
are not available wholesale anymore and are not as easy to
obtain.  I've been told you can get similar ones at a music
supply store.

This one looks like you're wearing a Chinese Linking Ring
around your neck and the base has a traditional microphone
clip at the base.  It does pack flat and is fully
adjustable.  It's certainly easy and functional to use, but
it's not nearly as elegant as the Gim-Crack, or even the
hand-made ones from shoelaces and coat hangers.  It's also
quite expensive, in comparison.

There's no question that professional performers should have
a hands-free microphone holder in their performing kit.  If
you don't use it regularly, you do need it just in case of
emergencies.  You never know when your only option for sound
will be a hand-held mic, wireless or not.  Just recently, I
did a show for friends and family and it would have been
much better had I remembered to bring it with me. (Silly me
for trusting relatives to have what I need!)  In any case,
if you can't find a Gim-Crack or a cheaper alternative, you
can get this.  (Oh, and if I can get a better alternative
to sell you, this item will disappear from my catalog.)

*********
WAYNE FOX
FULL HOUSE
JMOM Price: n/a, by special order only
Suggested Retail Price: $20

THE BLURB:
The Ultimate Business Card Giveaway!

A small sealed envelope is handed to a spectator for
safekeeping. A sliding number puzzle is passed amongst the
audience and the numbers mixed. The spectator opens the
envelope, inside is the magicians business card. On the
back, hand written is a series of numbers, when compared to
the puzzle the spectator is holding, They match exactly.
Instant repeat (with different outcome of numbers) Perform
surrounded Self reset Full instructions and props Cabaret,
Close Up, Street Reviews

'Clever, entertaining and totally practical'
- Mark Hanson. USA Magic Reviews

'Great thinking, and a wonderful little prop. The audience
loved the little number jigsaw, as it's just like the ones
we have all played with, and could never do!' I especially
like the way, everyone around the table wanted to have a go
at mixing the numbers up, so they all got engaged with the
trick, right from the beginning.'
- Martin Cale

'Once again Wayne takes intrinsically interesting objects
(often from our childhood) and spins them into mind numbing
and more importantly, ENTERTAINING magic routines. Rubber
bands, toy soldiers, and christmas cracker toys... is this
guy working for Santa?'
- Simon Taylor

MY COMMENTS:
Ultimate Business Card Giveaway?!?  Hardly.  For mentalists,
the ultimate BC giveaway would be some personal information
amazingly revealed and written on the back of a business
card to be kept by the participant as a souvenir.  (For
magicians, the best I've seen is Michael Close's pothole
trick.)  This may be a petty complaint.  And I'm being quite
subjective.

Let me a bit more objective and discuss a couple of concerns
with this effect.  I really like the idea, but those plastic
little number puzzles are outdated.  Occasionally, I'll see
them at kids' parties as favors, but no one walks around
with them in their pocket.  At least, no adult does.  If
anything, they have e-versions of them on their iPhones or
other devices.

Also, the method leaves a little to be desired.  Let's just
say it involves a move used in many copper/silver coin
routines and requires the performer to carry two of these
puzzles.  In brief, then, this is a magician's mental
effect, or mental magic, with an outdated prop that probably
won't appeal to working mentalists.  There are some other
issues which I can't discuss here, but which I feel are very
problematic to this effect's success.  As a magic effect, it
may play well.  In considering this as a serious mental
effect, I can't recommend or catalog this.

*********
WAYNE FOX
THOUGHT PROCESS
JMOM Price: n/a, by special order only
Suggested Retail Price: $50

THE BLURB:
From the creative mind of Wayne Fox comes an impromptu mind
reading effect for 'The Workers'

Taken from Wayne's own performing routine, this is….Thought
Process!

Just think of any word…Think!

A spectator mentally selects any word that is printed on a
playing card box and remembers it. (A choice of over 30
words) The magician then instantly tells the spectator the
word they are merely thinking of!!!

: Instantly repeatable WITH A DIFFERENT WORD
: Supplied with instructional DVD containing three of
Wayne's unique presentations of the effect.
: The word thought of, is at no point written down.
: Complete with all props and special gimmicks for all three
presentations.

Running Time Approximately 36min

MY COMMENTS:
Words printed on a playing card box?  Okay, magicians may be
able to get their audiences to accept that, but I highly
doubt any self-respecting mentalist could.  The ad proclaims
that there is a choice of over 30 words, but it does not say
that there is a choice of 30 DIFFERENT words, which there
isn't!  That's an important difference and one that I can't
explain without giving the method away.  Needless to say,
that implies that the effect is not recommended to be
repeatable.  However, it is instantly repeatable and it can
use a second, different word, but you can't do it a third
time with a third different word, etc.  Now, if the premise
was such that these props could be adapted to other things,
or it could be repeatable, it might provide some useful
interest to the working performer.  But they can't, so I
have a hard time recommending this.  The package includes an
instruction booklet and the props necessary to do this
effect.

*********
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