It's great to be home again after a busy time away performing. I am keeping busy with various projects including a close-up version of Dream Prediction. I've been working on this for quite some time and can reveal that it is close to finished. The props include a wallet that has been especially made for Dream Prediction out of high quality leather. The wallet is designed with a few special features that make the effect easy to perform. It also includes the gimmick envelope that has been hand made for me. I have to say that I'm extremely happy with the final product.The first person to see the wallet was Richard Webster who immediately placed an order! As Richard noted, it's a high quality production that any mentalist would be proud to carry with them at all times. There is something very classy about having props that look and feel good - especially when performing close-up.

Speaking of Dream Prediction - this amazing video came to my attention recently as James Holguin performed Dream Prediction at The Magic Castle for Valentines Week. You can see by the reaction of the lady on stage, and the audience how strong it is. This is definitely worth checking out, and James does a fantastic job. He also came up with a wonderful idea of clipping the prediction to ANY microphone stand.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrHVZok1sL4&context=C3a3e413ADOEgsToPDskJm8In4TUX0SWjlGmwd7EqV

 FREE MARKETING IDEAS

A few years back I interviewed my good friend Alan Watson. Alan, for those who don't know runs a weekly e-zine magazine for magicians. It's filled with news updates and has over 16,000 subscribers! Alan is also a successful magician here in New Zealand performing kids shows, restaurants and trade-shows. He has to be one of the hardest working magicians I know.

Be sure to check out the series of interviews because he offers some real insight and valuable information that will help any performers career. Visit them at: 

 http://www.youtube.com/user/AlanWatsonMagician

WHAT'S HOT IN MAGIC THIS WEEK FROM www.HOCUS-POCUS.com

Each week I take a look at what is hot in magic from my good friends at Hocus-Pocus in Fresno California.  

Bearly Impossible Pro Series Volume 7 by Paul Romhany

I have finally released the FULL version, complete with script for the opening of my mentalism show. This book is 57 pages and includes both the stage version and 'stand-up' version I have used. It's a fun routine where you predict a chosen object, the cost, and color. There is certainly something very endearing about a teddy bear, and the routine I use really connects with the audience. The reason I came up with this (thanks to my friend TC Tahoe for the idea), was because I wanted something that let me show some humor to the audience, had a kicker ending, and let them get to know me. It sets the tone for the rest of my one show. Included in the book are photos and drawings of all the props, including the latest version I had made by a design from Illusion designer Mark Parker.

BONUS - there are three great ideas in the back of the book using Teddy Bears for other effects including a novel production for Paper Balls Over the Head, and two other mentalism style routines.

For the past twelve years this routine has been the opening act of Paul's Mentalism Show, both land and cruise ship work. This book details the original method plus the updated method and equipment used. The book also explains a solo version that Paul uses in more intimate situations.

This book also gives Paul's word for word routine, complete with gags and bits of business making this a COMPLETE package. BONUS ROUTINES: As a bonus Paul shares THREE different effects that use Teddy Bears including a Paper Balls over the Head Production and another highly commercial stand-up bear routine plus a great Bear Routine for kids performers.

"There is something very endearing about using a Teddy Bear in a show - especially if you end up giving it away. This is one of my all time favourite routines to open my show as it immediately gets the audience on my side and prepared for the rest of the show."
- Paul Romhany

THE EFFECT: The performer shows a gift box, and talks about how he bought this gift for his four-year-old niece for her upcoming birthday. He then talks about 'coincidences' and wants to try an experiment. Audience members are asked to call out any color, any amount of money, a ladies name and a 'gift' is selected. The selections are written on a whiteboard.

The lady is invited on stage and SHE TAKES OUT of the gift box a birthday card addressed to the magician's niece whose name matches the one called out ... coincidence ONE. She then takes out a gift certificate for the EXACT amount that was called out ... coincidence TWO ... she then reaches in and takes out the gift which matches her choice AND it is the exact color that was called out. The color, money, name and gift ALL MATCH 100%. Also, the SPECTATOR takes out the items from the gift box.

Instructions by Paul Romhany
Illustrations by Mark Parker

Pages: 52 - 5" x 8" - Softcover - Perfect bound - Black and white photos and illustrations

Populate by Mark Parker - book - FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Here is the latest illusion design from Mark Parker. I had the honor of seeing this illusion during it's working stages and then the final production. Let me just say that it is probably the strongest production illusion I've seen in a long time. Even though I know how it works I still couldn't figure out how the heck all those people were produced! This is so much more stronger than than the Jarret Box because this is shown completely empty just before the production. If I were to perform for America's Got Talent THIS would be the one illusion I would perform - it would blow the minds of the audience. When it comes to Illusion Design Mark Parker is without a doubt one of the most creative and original thinkers in the industry. This is why he consults for some of the largest names in the business.

Populate - An illusionary appearance of a small crowd. Introduction by Eric Olsen of EDF Magic

This is the first in a series of single illusion publications by renowned Illusion designer Mark Parker, author of illusion books 'Vivify' & 4E Illusion Design.

Populate is Parkers take on the Guy Jarrett 21 person cabinet.

In this version an elevated framework structure, screened with fabric is shown completely empty & revolved 360 degrees. In an instant the fabric is stripped away revealing the surprise appearance of 26 people.

The illusion is self contained, performed away from any backdrops and requires no black art.

A stunning and surprising appearance of a small crowd of people.

The illusion is described in detail complete with dimensions and construction notes. The apparatus required is designed to break down into individual sections for easy transport

Printed in glorious full color throughout, complete with detailed 3 dimensional illustrations.

"Mark has a devilishly creative mind that scares me!"
-Lu Chen

"Populate is a wonderful & surprising illusion. Mark's elegant design solution to this plot is a must read."
- Charles Bach - Las Vegas

"Mark Parker is an explosive creative genius of illusion design! A rare combination of style and intellect --sometimes bold and sometimes practical --but always a thing to behold. Fascinating excellence!"
- Brett Daniels - USA

Always Remember to Floss by Dan Sperry - IN STOCK

Finally Dan is releasing his famous Razor Blade routine - something I've been waiting to see for a long time. Having seen Dan perform this I can honestly say his routine will leave your audience with a memorable impression! What I like about this is the structure of the routine - it really makes sense. It is also something you can perform surrounded as it's very clean - everything is shown at the tips of the fingers. The idea of using Dental Floss is great as the props aren't 'special' and the audience can relate to them.
Dan performs this close-up and on stage - so it's a very versatile routine.

In recent years the gut wrenching Razor Blade swallowing illusion has become increasingly popular. What has always been regarded as a stage routine has now been adapted for close up and street performing environments by Dan Sperry. Using innocent looking every day objects that you can carry on you and set up in a matter of seconds Dan has created a simple yet diabolical switch method that is completely safe and sure to shock and amaze your audience.

EFFECT:
Magician displays 3 razor blades and places each blade on the open palm of a spectator. Next he shows a small piece of paper and a box of dental floss. To prove they are real he slices a small piece of paper. He next takes a length of floss from the box and begins to ingest it - showing he has indeed swallowed it by opening his mouth. Finally he places the three blades into his mouth apparently swallowing them as well. After a few moments he produces the 3 blades threaded onto the floss from his unharmed mouth.

This method and effect can be performed close up and surrounded. The method is extremely simple and can be adapted to stage performance situations as well. There is no limit to the number of blades used in the routine, 3 is just used as an example for close up situations. The gimmick can be assembled in a matter of minutes and effect can be reset in less than 10 seconds - even in front of your audience!

The effect comes complete with all necessary gimmicks.

Razor blades not included.