Friday, September 22, 2006

Yet Another Compu-Battle

Greetings from all of us at Hank Lee's Magic Factory, where I honestly yearn for the days of the manual typewriter and adding machine. My current theory is that man and computer were never meant to co-exist, at least not here at Hank Lee's. I have spent a week on the phone with our good friends at Pitney Bowes. Why? Because, no matter how I tried, no matter what permutations of computer and data I finagled, we could not get the machine to prepare the data in a way that is acceptable to the post office. And, we tried it all. Upgrade to Windows XP. It's that Windows word again. Seems every time I say it something bad happens. Uninstall the software then reinstall it. Change the format of the data six different times. It all was for naught. Because the software simply refused to work. And, then I spoke with a very nice lady at PB. She had heard of the problem before, and had solved it! Seems that there was one little character in one of the records, a greater-than sign. And,
this one character kept the data from sorting properly. I searched through the database, and it one gigantic file with zillions of name and addresses. And I found the very same greater-than sign. Erased it and the software ran like a top. How did the greater-than sign get in the record? No one here entered it. The only answer is that the computer did it on its own. Which is my point, after
all.
This weekend is Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. I want to take this opportunity to wish all of our Jewish friends, and all of my Jewish family the happiest and healthiest of years. L'Shana Tova!
Now that the compu-problem has been solved, the EXTRAs are being happily addressed and will be out the door in a day or two. So, this time, you can really watch for yours in your snail-mail box. But, if you can't wait, you can find the brand new EXTRA under the EXTRA Button at magicfact.com.
Because we are so excited about the new EXTRA, we are going to give you a chance to get any item in the EXTRA (except those that cannot be discounted because of contractual arrangements) at a huge 25% off! And, we are making it really easy. When you place your order online, just put the words EXTRA SAVINGS in the Customer Notes Box in the online checkout, and we will deduct the 25% from items that are in the new EXTRA. The online system will still show regular prices, but our smarter than smart elves will know which items are to be discounted. So, check out the great new stuff under the EXTRA Button and save some serious cash! This sales event will end on Thursday, September 30th at midnight, so don’t get left out.
Now, let's take a look at this week's Hotlist

Wedding Band Ellis Ring - Joe Porper - One of the true classics in the world of magic is the Jardine Ellis Ring. The basic concept is a metal harness ring with a fitted shell.
Joe Porper has taken the principle of the Ellis Ring and made a precision version using a man's wedding band. Available in Gold or Silver plate, each ring comes with complete instructions for several routines unique to this size ring.
Many of the existing Ellis Ring effects are possible with this set.
Little has been published recently, but one of the classic publications is John Howie’s fine book, Jardine Ellis Ring Magic. Copyright for this book belongs to Martin Breese, who has allowed Joe to re-write and publish material from that book .
Available in Gold or Silver plate, please specify color at time of order. $96.95
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8471&cat=0&page=1)

Far Sight - One of Devin Knight's most guarded secrets from his professional act!
A truly long distance, hands-off mental card effect that seems totally impossible. An effect that not only baffles lay people but magicians as well.
Invite anyone to help. Explain that you will try to subliminally force that person to choose a certain card. Proceed to deal 10 or 12 cards face up on the table. Point out that most of these cards could be psychological choices. For example, one card may be the only club on the table. Another card may be the only odd value. Another may be the only red court card, etc. Tell the spectator you will try to make him take a certain card while you are 15 to 20 feet away, with your back turned!
Walk to the other side of the room or stage and turn your back to the spectator. Instruct him to look over the cards and remove one. There is no funny counting, the cards are face up on the table and he just removes any one he likes. The spectator then covers the remaining cards so they can't be seen. This is all done while your back is turned. The person then covers his freely chosen card with his hand concealing it from view.
While still across the room, you pick up a magic marker, write something on a piece of cardboard and set it aside. You then tell the person what card you tried to influence them to take and why they decided on it. Only then does the spectator show the card they chose. It is the same one you wanted them to pick! Finally for a kicker finish, the cardboard is turned around and the card the person chose is written on it in large letters!
No Marked Card.
Nor Forces of Any Kind. No Restrictions
No Stooges
No Sleights
No Mirrors
No Duplicate Cards
No Secret Writing
No Fishing or Questions Of Any Kind
You never touch the cards (even secretly) after you deal them on the table.
The whole effect is done 15 or 20 feet away from the spectator.
A true hands-off one man effect that requires no secret assistants.
Packs small but plays big on stage.
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8472&cat=0&page=1)

Magic Of Mike Gallo DVD Vol. 1 - Mike Gallo has led a magical life. Growing up in the family of the renowned Lou Gallo, Mike cut his teeth at an early age, performing at the famed Forks hotel under the guidance of his dad and the late Eddie Fechter. Now, he lectures world wide and is considered one of the best close-up magicians in the world. You have a chance to see why!
Join Mike as he performs, and then carefully explains, some of his favorite magical effects. In Volume 1, Mike will share with you:
Sponge Ball Memories
Four Ace Production with O'Henry Aces
The Gallo Pearl and more! $34.95
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8473&cat=0&page=1)

Lemonstration - Max Maven says, “Words are whimsical things.”
You demonstrate this by using six specially printed cards. One shows a picture of a lemon on its face. This is set aside, face down.
To make sure there is no confusion, the remaining cards are dealt face up and spell the word "LEMON."
Rearrange the letters to spell "MELON." And, when the picture card is turned over, it now shows a melon!
Easy to do.
Comes complete with 6 special cards and full instructions. $15.00
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8470&cat=0&page=1)

Greed DVD - Daniel Garcia - This DVD consists of the complete multiple bill change routines with four ultra visual phases including the kicker ending that leaves everybody laughing. Vintage Garcia.
Plus five outrageous angle review section features:
- Over-the-shoulder cam
- Under-the-armpit cam
- Dude-on-the-ceiling
- From-the-side (FTS)
- Food-in-your-teeth cam $29.95
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8469&cat=0&page=1)

Viva Las Vegas - Viva Max Vegas? Viva Las Maven? No, it’s Viva Las Vegas, the newest from Max Maven.
Max takes you on a gambler's holiday, where you're always a winner!
Comes complete with pair of dice, 2 poker chips, 10 special cards and instruction sheet.
No sleights required, and tipping is optional. $25.00
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8468&cat=0&page=1)

Sudden Deck II - David Regal has done it again. Sudden Deck II will become one your new "do it for everyone" favorites!
Remove an unfolded, empty blank card case from your pocket and display it to the audience. "I do this to save space. Did you know that a card box is just a piece of cardboard that's been folded up?"
Show the opened box on all sides, then fold the cardboard back into the shape of a card box.
Snap your fingers and the card case becomes fully printed! Then, open the flap and pull out a full deck of regulation playing cards with which to perform your next miracle!
An incredible opening effect for any card routine!
Comes complete with four ingenious custom-crafted, precision-made gimmicked card cases (2 blank, 1 red, 1 blue) that makes this amazing routine possible plus detailed, photo-illustrated instructions. $29.95
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8466&cat=0&page=1)

Magic Of Mike Gallo DVD Vol. 2 - Join Mike as he performs, and then carefully explains, some of his favorite magical effects. In Volume 2, Mike will share with you:.
Shakesphere
Wild Transposition
Coins and Cylinder with the Spider Vanish and more! $34.95
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8474&cat=0&page=1)

Remembering The Magic Of Lou Gallo DVD - Mike Gallo - In this special edition, viewers will see footage of the great Lou Gallo performing the move he invented and made famous - The Gallo Pitch.
Lou Gallo was considered a trailblazer among close-up magicians. His work was often described as cunning, disarming, perplexing - even diabolical. Considered one of the to card performers of his era, Lou Gallo was best-known for his "Gallo Pitch." The pitch has been regarded as one of the most original coin sleights of the 20th century by such legends as Dai Vernon, Michael Skinner, and Derek Dingle.
On this DVD, Lou's son Mike not only demonstrates and explains his father's great pitch, he will also perform and explain some of Lou's favorite effects using the pitch.
Mike gets into depth on:
New Wave Coins Across
Rub-Rub
Coins Through The Table and more! $34.95
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8475&cat=0&page=1)

And that's all the cool stuff for this week. And, there's plenty of it! I do hope you will find some time to spend with us online at www.magicfact.com or at our live and in person retail store at 112 South Street in Boston. Either way, we welcome you with open arms.
Hank Lee