Three Person Telepathy

One of my absolute favorite mentalism effects is Anneman's "Fourth Dimensional Telepathy". However, it seems to me that the effect is too random and has no real focus. In essence, three people think of what appears to be random unrelated thoughts and the mentalist can read their minds/predict what they are thinking.

There are two things that I don't like about the original handling. First, there is no focus or theme to the effect. Each person thinks of something random and unrelated to what the others are thinking. I like my routines to be tightly focused and to have a general theme in order to keep the effect interesting. Second, in the original handling the first "thought" must be some sort of force whether it be a playing card or word from a book or whatever. Meanwhile, the other two "thoughts" can be freely selected. It never made much sense to me to have one person have to look in a book or choose a card while the others didn't have to do anything but think of a word or object. I decided to make my own presentation of this effect where the force make sense and a theme is added to the effect.

Orignally, I toyed with the idea of getting rid of the force all together Well, I guess not getting rid of the force but using a psychological force instead of a book or card or some other physical method. However, in the end I decided to keep in a force and to build my theme around that force. Basically, I have added a deck of special cards to the routine to give it a theme. The rest of the effect is performed exactly as the original so I will leave it to you to look up the original to apply my ideas.

Anyway, I took 25 blank face playing cards (of course, you could use index cards instead) and wrote five different phrases five times each. The words I wrote were these: Holiday, Vacation, Vehicle, Crime, Movie. Then I placed the cards in a repeating stack that I could easily memorize. The cards can now be cut as often as you would like and the stack will not be disturbed. These cards are now the themes of the effect.

I have the first spectator choose a card and show it to the other two spectators. Then the card is replaced in the pack and the pack is put away. Now, the first person has thought of the category. The second person is instructed to think of something specific relating to the category (i.e. if the category is "Vehicle" the second specator thinks of any type of vehicle whether its a car, horse, spaceship or whatever). The third person is asked to think of anything that relates the topic no matter how vague - just as long as it can relate to the category in some way. Then the mentalist (me) gets to reveal each of their thoughts.

The force is very easy. You can use any card force you like if you want the spectator to choose a specific topic. However, I do it a bit different. I have the cards mixed and then I spread out the cards in my hands and have the spectator choose one. I cut the cards where the spectator takes his card. Now, if I glimps the bottom card and I have my stack memorized I immediately know what card the spectator has. I prefer this method because I can offer a card in the fairest way possible and the outcome can be different everytime the effect is performed. I have plenty of time to get my glimps as I turn my back to the spectators as they are looking at the card.

I like this method because it takes the necessary force and turns it into a theme for the effect. I can patter about how its easier to read minds if everyone is thinking about the same topic. I personally believe that this plays better than just naming random things people are thinking. Form a logical standpoint it is probably more impressive to read random, unrelated thoughts of people. However, I think there is more drama and entertaiment if there is a theme.

Basically, my presentation of this effect is the exact same as the original. The only difference being that I introduce my "category cards" for the initial force and build the rest of the effect around whateve category the first person chooses. So, if you want to try my presentation all you need to do is write up the cards (you can use any categories not just the ones I use) and know the workings of "Fourth Dimension Telepathy".

I hope you try this and I hope you like it.

Audiences just LOVE a good story

It is true, all audiences just love a good story to go along with the magic. In fact, many argue that presentation and storyline are what turns a mere trick into magic. Well, if you are looking for some fantastic deck story routines you MUST check out Andy's thoughts at The Magic Circle Jerk. Of particular mention is the "A night out" I am thinking of using this routine - only without the cards and preferably without a drag queen, but beggers can't be chosers....

Need a Star Wars Fix?

Well, last night on the O.C. it appeared that Ryan and Marissa may finally get back together....err....so I've been told by my sources. After the O.C., the full length trailer for Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith was aired for the first time.

Although I don't have a link to new trailer (it will be on Starwars.com on March 11) I do have a link to a terrific Star Wars clip to curb your Star Wars appetite. Click for "Jedi Car Wars"

Confabulation Type Effect

I have heard a lot about the effect known as Confabulation. I have, unfortunately, not been able to get my hands on any current (or old, for that matter) methods for the effect. Here is the effect:

The performer asks three random spectators to name something and the named items appear written inside the pocket/envelope/wallet of the performer. The illusion is that the prediction was written prior to the effect and that the performer had accurately predicted the the spectator's had call out.

There have been many presentational angles to this effect. Some use the the premise of buying a new dream car where each spectator calls out a feature on their car of their dreams. Others use a dream vacation premise where each spectator calls out something special about their dream vaction. Some use a "Clue" style presentation where the who, what, and where of a murder are described. The presentational ideas are limitless and the effect itself sounds pretty dang good.

Unfortunately, it is a difficult effect to find in print. Although, I hear a version of it appears on Marc Spellman's DVDs. I'll have to check that out one day. Another version I was aware of was called "Fortune & Fate". About a year ago I tried to order it from Hank Lee's (of course it WAS listed in their inventory) but, alas, I get an email saying the product is no longer in print - Don't get me started on Hank Lee's....

I came up with my own version of this effect and I am going to tip the method right here right now ***GASP*** and hopefully the magic world won't come tumbling down because I decided to post my method on a public blog. If the magic world is totally destroyed by this than I apologize ahead of time.

Anyway, I am not going to write out my presentation because coming up with a premise is easy enough for this type of effect. Here is the method:

The main secret to my method is "double writing". I start off with a large notebook, actually a sketch pad, that I am going to write on. I use the sketch pad because I also use it for James Biss's "T&A" effect from his "Messing with Minds" book, which can be found HERE and is a good read.

I hold the pad in one had as I have a pre-folded index card, business card, or slip of paper finger palmed in my other hand. I show the pad to the audience to show it is nothing more than a pad of paper. As I bring the pad back up to face me I place the folded billet on the pad. The pad is held at an angle so that nobody can see the folded billet. As you get the first person to stand and make his/her word selection, you are secretly unfolding the billet. Then you simply double write whatever the spectator says. First, write it on the big pad of paper and then write it on the appropriate place of the billet. Do this repeatedly for all three specators.

Then, as you are recapping what just happend you are secretly refolding the billet on the pad. once you have the the billet folded place it back into finger palm position. Now, you hand the pad to a spectator to verify that the information written on the pad is accurate. You reach into your pocket to reveal your prediction. You can either get one of them there fancy loading wallets or, what I do, is have a sealed pay envelop in my pocket. I pull out the envelop and have the spectator confirm it is sealed. I then open the envelope and I seemingly pull the folded prediction out of the envelope. I then compare the prediction with the writing on the pad and take a bow.

Like I said, I don't have any resources on the Confabulation effect. This was just me shooting from the hip for a possible solution. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions please let me know I would love to discuss it - that is if magic doesn't come compeletly undone for what I have done here today.

Sankey to Release NEW Product Very Soon!!

Finally it is here. The follow up to Sankey's breakthrough in sponge ball technology! You see, regular sponge balls are just too damn hard to handle. They roll around and they are not natural things to which a spectator can connect. So, Jay invents "EAR PLUGS!". They are a hoot because everybody LOVES ear plugs and they aren't so damn hard to work with as those spongy little balls. After all, most people only become familiar with the concept of a ball at childhood and almost all major sports use some sort of ball. Clearly, not many people will grasp the concept of the spongeball so it only makes sense to ditch the idea and use something more common.

After the success of "Ear Plugs", Sankey still wasn't happy. He needed something made of sponge that people actually used. Something that people could connect with on an intimate level. He searched the depts of his closet and, dare I say, his very soul and was inspired by His favorite Possession for the sponge routine of the next generation!

Imagine, you take out a large sponge Butt Plug and shove it up your spectator's ass. You dramatically say, "hold it...hold it....squeeze.....just a little longer. Do you feel it getting bigger?" and all of a sudden the spectator releases only to find that now there are at least 15 plugs in their ass!!! Or, alternatively, the original plug has somehow transformed into a GIGANTIC plug - maybe it even changes color from the traditional red to a darker color. I wouldn't say you finish clean, but the spectator is left with a great keep sake of their magical moment - something to show the grandchildren.

(I have it on good authority that Steve B...oh wait that is too obvious....lets call him S Brooks personally loves this effect and practices it in the mirror each night. You know, to make sure the all the angles are covered).

What's that? You love the idea but don't know if will fit in your act? Well, how could it not? There is even a version for you Gospel Magicians out there.

Can I get an Amen?

Worst Card Trick Ever

In the tradition of Ed Marlo and Dai "The Professor" Vernon, Penguin magic has released an very original card effect available for Instant Download. Penguin has taken a unique approach to in this new pasteboard masterpiece - an approach never even thought of by the two card legends mentioned above. Instead of releasing a hard hitting relevant piece of magic, Penguin has released a card effect that has no purpose, no meaning, no relevence, and compelety eliminates any element of mystery and wonder that so often just gets in the way of a good magic effect.

I introduce you to "Dating Service"

This has got to be the most insanely stupid card trick ever. The good news is, the deck has been thoroughly shuffled by the spectator - as mentioned in the video roughly 50 times. But so what? The specator picks the cards face up from the deck!

If anyone out there uses this effect please let me know so that I can kick you square in the ass. Believe me, the people watching you getting beaten will be more entertained by you crying in a puddle of your own piss and blood then if they watched you perform this trick.

Playing with Balls and Twangers...

Apparently, in the 1970's there was a childrens television show called "Rainbow". One particular episode that supposedly aired on televsions contained a clip that was filled with enough sexual innuendo to make Andrew Dice Clay blush.

The show taught children the value of sharing: "Yesterday I played with my balls, today I am going to paly with my friends balls"

CLICK HERE to view the clip.

Stop Procrastinating!

I have some startling news I would like to share with all of you. I am dying. You are dying. As a matter of fact, we are all dying. Each day that goes by the second hand on the time bomb of life moves closer to detonation. As you can probably guess, I have been thinking about how short life can be. The carpet of life can be pulled out from under us by any number of unforeseeable events. A random shooting in the streets, a disgruntled postal worker, a drunk driver, lightning, or some religious nut with a bomb strapped to his chest could all easily wipe us from existance. In the end, when our corpses are nothing more than dust and history has long forgotten our names the only thing that will remail are our accomplishments and each day that we procrastinate we risk accomplishing nothing.

We should decided what we want out of life and go for it full speed ahead. Where would we be today if Johannas Gutenburg decided to put off inventing the printing press? What if Lincoln decided to put off freeing the slaves? What if Neil Armstrong said, "Screw it, I'll go to the moon some other time?" What if Jack Daniel decided to put off distilling his fine whiskey? What if Chef Boyardee decided to put off canning his delicious pasta recipes?

Luckily for all of us Jack Daniel's whiskey was distilled and the other stuff was done too. The point is that each of the examples above shows people who got off their ass and did something important with their lives. These people could be you or me. With today's technology and educational opportunities we should be just as smart, if not smarter, than the folks in my examples. How come they all acheived great things and most of us have not? It is because they do not procrastinate and we usually do.

With all of this in mind, I am going to take my own advice and drink some Jack Daniel's. I am also going to strive to reach each and every one of my personal goals. These goals range from becoming an excellent mentalist to motivating myself to shower EVERY day. First on my list though is find a day job to support my sorry ass. I am going to push myself to be attentive and serious. I will do all of these things and contribute my fair share to society - starting tomorrow.

Syd Bergson Center Peek

Billet work is one of the foundations of mentalism. A billet is nothing more than a slip of paper but true to the elitest nature of magic and mentalism we have to call it something special in order for ourselves to feel special. Typically, billets (or slips of paper) are handed to a specatator who, in order to focus his thoughts, writes down some information and the mentalist then somehow (presumably through thought reading) devines what the specator was thinking. This is a very powerful technique and when handled appropriately it slays audiences.

My favorite billet peek has to be Syd Bergson's Center Read. I am sure Bergson has released this in manuscript form at some point but I admit that I have not read the original presentation. In fact, I learned the move from my mentalism hero Richard Osterlind from Volume 1 of his Easy to Master Mental Miracles DVD set - a must have for any aspiring mentalist!

I wanted to share my presentational idea utilizing this peek as I feel it works around some of the precieved downsides of both Osterlind's and Bergman's handling in a rather bold way. I am going to be somewhat vague so that I won't tip the method of this beautiful peek so if you need clarification shoot me an email (magicadvocate@gmail.com).

In Bergson's handling, according to Osterlind in his DVD's, required the billet to be burned thus removing any evidence of the peek. The billet was handed to the mentalist behind his back, the mentalist brings the billet out front and lights it on fire. This is troublesome because most places frown on open flames because it is a health and safety risk so this presentation is no longer viable in most settings.

Osterlind's handling deals with this problem and improves the routine by being subtle in his handling of the billet so that the audience doesn't even realize he brings the billet in front of his body. The billet begins behind his back and ends behind his back and then he can hand the billet back to the spectator at the end and finish totally clean!

I think that Osterlind's handling is terrific and I would never even consider saying that I have improved ANYTHING he touches. However, I was a little skeptical about moving the billet around and putting it back behind my back after it had been it view of the audience. To me it didn't make sense to do it this way so I set out to find a way to present this effect differently.

My handling requires the introduction of one additional prop - an ordinary paperclip. I hand the billet to the spectator and have them write their thoughts. Then I have the spectator place the folded billet in my hand behind my back - so that I cannot possible peek at the writing. While the billet is behind my back I have the spectator think about their word(s) and and take my free hand and remove a paperclip from my pocket. I then bring the folded billet out in front of me and place a paperclip on the billet while pattering about how I want to seal the billet shut. Of course, the work is already done behind my back and when I paperclip the billet the words are easily seen (if you know the move then this should make sense to you. If not, then buy the DVD and learn the move. You won't be sorry).

Here comes the bold part. With the paperclip in place and some strategic finger placement I can openly show the billet on both sides. Then I take the papercliped billet and place it down on the table in full view. Next, I take my whiteboard and Dry Erase marker and write down my impressions of what the person is thinking about (often times I will be off by just a little bit for dramatic effect). I hand my board to the spectator face down so nobody can see my prediction. Then I pick up the tabled billet take off the paperclip and hand it to a spectator and unfold the billet quickly and in such a way as to hide the work that was previously done. It appears to the spectator that I simply unfolded the card to reveal what was written. I confirm that it is the spectator's handwriting and that it was in full view of everyone and sealed tight the entire time. Then I have the spectator turn the white board over to reveal my prediciton and it matches!

The beauty of my version is that the spectators see the billet the whole time. I don't have to burn anything or return anything behind me. My handling of the billet is minimal and I can hand it back to the spectator when I am finished. Also, it is very bold and therefore exciting for me to perform. With the right specator and audience management you can even have the spectator hold the billet after you put on the paperclip - that is if you have the balls to do it.

I hope you like this variation and find a use for it.

Volkswagon Makes A Damn Tough Car

HERE is one tough little car. Who knew Volkswagon made such a tough Vehicle?

Brilliantly Funny ACR

Everyone who has ever picked up a deck of cards has fiddled with an Ambitious Card Routine. In fact, if you haven't bored the hell out of someone with an endless, pointless, repetitive ACR then you cannot call yourself a card magician. An ACR is the equivolent of the Native American "Vision Quest". That's right, it is a card magician's spiritual journey into the forest of magic (or is it a magical forest?) in an effort to find themselves - pretty deep stuff.

Most ACRs are boring and derivative. They all have the same patter and boring lines such as, "...and when we snap our fingers, the card JUMPS back to the top!" Every few years something or, in this case, someone comes along to revolutionize the way we bore specatator's with our ACR.

I humbly intorduce you to BerkelyJL of the Magic Cafe! Not only has he come up with a new presentation idea for the ACR by calling it his "Award Winning Trained Deck of Cards" but he also adds a brilliant piece of comedy to the routine by comparing his deck of card to one of two hillarious things:

1. A Pet Rock!!!
2. A Talking Iguana that Eats Dancing Mice!!!

Of course, BerkelyJL cannot decided which of the two is more funny (funnier?) so he needs the good folks at the Magic Cafe to help him decide. You can check it out at: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=106389&forum=24&8

I am not a comedian. I don't write comedy for TV or Movies. I am not claiming to be an expert. However, I do know that these two "jokes" are about as effective as Dale Ernhart's seatbelt. In my opinion, comedy and jokes should be funny - but that's just me.

Well, if magic doesn't work out for BerkelyJL he can always become a writer just like THIS guy

At least the the people who responded to this topic at the Cafe were wise enough not to endorse either of these lines.

Sexist or Showmanship?

In mentalism it is a necessity to have volunteers participate in the action. Of course, we all know that sex sells and keeping with that line of thought I always choose the sexist woman I can find to be an assistant. I never thought of my actions as being sexist but rather practical. I mean, if you ask some nasty looking thing (no offense to nasty looking peoople - I am no Brad Pitt myself) on stage then you risk the rest of the audience tuning out and getting bored - I blame society.

Don't get me wrong, I use other people as volunteers too. However, I always try to pick good looking ones when the volunteer is the main focal point of the effect. For instance, during my version of Fourth Dimensional Telepathy I don't care what the specator's look like. Instead, I just pick people randomly throughout the room. On the flip side, whenever I perform Richard Osterlind's Watch Routine (Mind Mysteries Volume 1) I always choose good looking participants because the audience's attention is directed towards the spectator for a prolonged period of time (while the watch is being randomly set, while the other spectator is thinking of their time, etc.). My thought process is that the good looking participants will hold the attention of the audience.

Usually I don't get any complaints from anyone for choosing sexy volunteers. However, the other day I may have crossed the line between sexism and showmanship in a rather overt fashion. I was doing a show for free (my mentalism is not yet ready for paid performances) and had a crowd of only 15 people. I asked for a volunteer for a center tear type effect so I chose a very good looking lady to assist me. I should mention that my performing "character" is one that is sarcastic and a wise ass; just like my normal character come to think of it. So, I have this sexy assistant and this is what I said, "Do you know why I picked you as my assistant? Well, it is because this part of my show is new and it doesn't always work right. I figured that you should be my assitant so that if anything goes wrong everyone else here will still see something amazing." Implying, of course, that she is amazing to look at because of her good looks.

At the time of delivery, the line got a good laugh from the audience and my lovely assistant didn't seem offended. At the end of the show, I got a good round of applause and I thought things went great. However, a friend of mine told me later that he thought the line I used with the sexy assistant was offensive and sexist and that I should drop it from my shows. Of course, I disagreed with my friend for a couple of reasons. First, the audience laughed. If it was so offensvie shouldn't I have been scolded or walked out on by my audience? Second, the assistant herself didn't seem offended. Well, I didn't get slapped by her anyways. Although, I do agree with my friend that if she were offended she probably wouldn't have said anything since she was in the spotlight and was probably nervous. Finally, I think the line is okay because it fits in with my character. I don't play mister proper and nice when performing so when I use a line like this it isn't a shock to the audience. It is a natural extension of my persona and it is said in a playful way.

Overall, I really do not think that what I did was sexist or offensive. I like the line and I plan on using it again. Maybe I am wrong and just can't see that I am a horrible sexist person. My girlfriend keeps trying to tell me how bad it is, but I can't hear her when she is far away in the kitchen gettin' me another beer.

Kollosal Killer Presentation!

While looking around at other magic blogs, I came across "Magic Whack" (http://magicwhack.blogspot.com/) and discovered a very clever and new presentational idea for the Kollosal Killer:

"As much as I've picked on Kenton Knepper about some of the crap he's
published, I think he deserves massive respect for one thing. According to
secret sources, he can proudly tell people that he's got a 12 inch cock.
Actually its only 2 inches, but he's written "off by ten" in felt pen on the
tip."

While this approach is certainly interesting, I thought of a better way to present this effect. Instead of writing "off by ten" on the tip, Kenton should only write "off by one". When presenting this effect on stage, the spectator who sees this writing is left to think that "off by one" means that Kenton just forgot to write the number one in front of the two. Meanwhile, the rest of the audience will hear the specator read the words "off by one" and be lead to believe that Kenton's wang is 11 inches. It is a dual reality effect where the participant and the audience both precieve something different yet both are utterly unamazed - just like most of Kenton's stuff!

......eeew....I just thought about the poor spectator who gets called up on stage as a volunteer.

Introducing: The Magic Advocate

Grettings,

Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself and my blog. My name is Brian and I am a 27 year old, unemployed, attorney in the (great?) state of Minnesota - so if anyone reading this is a hiring partner at a law firm email me, we'll talk. Since I am currently not working I have plenty of time on my hands so I thought I would dive into the blogging world.

Why the "Magic Advocate"? Well, I suppose the "advocate" part is easily decipherable - I am an attorney, which is another term for advocate. As for the "magic" portion, I have been studying and performing magic for many years (roughly 10 years). I have decided to focus my thoughts in this blog on magic and mentalism so I am calling the blog "Magic Advocate."

As mentioned above, this blog will focus on magic and mentalism. Specifically, my interests are in the fields of cards, close-up, billet work, and mental bending. Therefore, I will be posting mostly on those topics. Of course, I will also comment on current events, politics, and the obligatory Steve Brooks jokes.

I thank you for checking out my blog and I hope you will come back often. Please feel free to email me with thoughts, ideas, or questions at magicadvocate@gmail.com. In the meantime, check out www.magicrants.com for great and insightful information pertaining to the world of magic. You will notice that Magic Rants has a HUGE blog roll of other magic related blogs. Of particular mention is the "Magic Mafia" - good stuff there!