Greetings from all of us here at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory, where our new Medford showroom opened this week. Getting the showroom ready and set-up was far more work than I had anticipated, but I must tell you, it was well worth the effort. The new showroom is unlike any you have experienced in the brick and mortar world of magic shops. First of all, it is nowhere near as large as any of our previous showrooms, but it is far more “inviting.” You will not see every trick, book and video that we carry on display. We have hand-picked the items that are on display, and the displays will change all the time. You will have on the spot access to our online catalog and all of the online video demos. And, you will find a comfortable spot to sit and watch. Plus, you will have immediate access to our incredibly knowledgeable staff. We will be happy to help you choose exactly the right effects to fit your style. Since the showroom is attached to the stocked-to-the-rafters warehouse, you
can just sit back while the elfin staff finds the perfect tricks for you! Please do come by and visit. We are open Wednesday through Friday from 1PM – 6 PM and Saturday from 11AM – 6 PM. We are at 102 North Street in Medford, MA, just 15 minutes North of Boston. If you are getting this eMail Newsletter in html format, I have included a couple of photos of the new showroom at the left. If you are still getting the Newsletter in Text Only format, let me know and I will be happy to hook you up with
html.
Conclaver’s Week: Those of you who attended last year’s Cape Cod Magic Conclave know that this is Conclaver’s week. But, did you know that you can use your Conclaver’s Week certificate online? Well, you can. Just enter the code CONCLAVER and you will get what you deserve. Of course, we know who was at the Conclave, so if you were not, don’t be a wise guy and enter the special code, because we know where you live, if you catch my drift.
David Stone Real Secrets DVD Vol. 2: If you pre-ordered this DVD from us, you will be getting a letter in the mail within the next couple of days. Needless to say it is a yucky mess, but we have addressed it nicely, and I think you will be pleased. So, hang on for a day or two.
While we are not having a grand opening at the new showroom, but more of a “soft opening,” I think it is appropriate that we do a little something to celebrate. So, here goes:
AUGUSTAWIND EXTENDED: That’s right, we are extending this fabulous sales event for four more days! From the very moment you receive this email until Monday, August 13th at midnight, everything (well, almost everything) is on sale at 25% off the retail price. All you need to do is enter the special code AUGUSTAWIND in the Discount Coupon Box at the bottom of the first page of the online checkout at www.magicfact.com and we will automatically deduct 25% from your order total. If you are calling your order in to the Toll Free Order Line at 800 874 7400, FAXing your order to us at 781 395 2034 or emailing us your order to magicfact@aol.com make sure and mention the special code so you can save a huge 25%!
There are a few rules that apply, as with all things in life.
The minimum order to use the 25% off discount is $25.00.
The 25% is deducted from the retail price of the item. No intermediate discounts (such as HankoGram pricing) may be applied. In the case of sets, such as DVDs and Videos, the 25% is deducted from the retail price of each item and not from the set price.
Certain items, due to contractual restrictions, are not included in this sale. All Joe Porper items, Paul Harris Prime Time Magic items, Viking/CW items, Kennedy Enterprises items, Colin Rose items, Mike Caveney Books, JB Magic, Martin Breese, Mikame Craft items, Greater Magic Teach-In DVDs, One Of A Kind Collectors' Items and a few other items are not included in the sale.
If you place an order for an item that is not on this list or not noted in our online catalog, but is excluded from the sale, we will let you know before processing your order.
Coupons will be deducted from the order total before the discount is applied.
As the discount is automatically generated, you must put the special code AUGUSTAWIND in the Discount Coupon Box. You may have to scroll to the bottom of the page to find the box, but it is there. If you are not sure how to do this, please phone your order in and we will take care of you. We cannot offer discounts retroactively.
And that's it. It could not be easier. So, get your order together and save yourself some serious money! But, act quickly. The sale ends Monday at midnight!
Now, let's take a look at the Hotlist at www.magicfact.com.
Influence U: Larry Becker & Lee Earle - Imagine sitting at a restaurant table with a group of people, saying, "Before you decide it's impossible for words alone to influence your choices, consider why corporations spend 26 billion dollars a year in product and brand advertising."
"A friend in the ad business, John Shrell, agreed to share a few insider tips to show how it works," you continue, "With the condition that he be allowed to verify my success. So when we finish, we'll have to make a phone call to satisfy him. He owes me lunch if I show him I've learned enough. Here's his toll-free number." You write it on a paper napkin of a packet of Sweet'n'Low and toss it on the table in full view.
Nearby items are quickly grouped in the center of the table - a salt shaker, a spoon, a glass, a packet of Equal, a napkin - the normal things found on most restaurant tables. Then you continue, "All but one item will be eliminated in the fairest way possible."
Here's how it's done," you explain, "Everyone will take turns pulling two items slightly away from the others. One of them will be eliminated and the other will be returned to the center. But first, I'll attempt to influence your decision by using marketing terms. Just keep in mind, the final choice will always be yours."
As each pair of items is selected, you describe them with advertising hyperbole and 'buzz words', "You are deciding between a clean, shiny spoon and a sensible, conventional pepper shaker," or "You're evaluating the fragile shaker full of sweet, delicious sugar and a sturdy cup for a man-sized serving of robust coffee."
One by one the participants around the table cull the assortment of items until only one remains, for example, the napkin. "I'm surprised," you admit, "how dependable certain words are for influencing choices."
"But don't take my word for it," you continue, "Let's call John to verify." Offer your cell phone to the person holding the number you wrote earlier. "Go ahead, make the call. Let John know he owes me lunch." A voice mail message answers the call on John's line; he apologizes for being unavailable to take the call, and asks the caller to leave a 30-second message - especially if the caller is holding the thought of a napkin!
Influence U is small enough for your shirt pocket and always ready to go. All you need is a cell phone (required), a restaurant, coffee shop, or diner - and someone you want to blow away.
* No forces
* No gimmicks
* No sleights
* No electronics (just your ungimmicked cell phone)
* No memorization
* No set-up
* No assistants or stooges
* No special conditions.
No matter which item they choose, John names it specifically!
This is not a P.A.T.E.O. force. We'd be ashamed to sell something like that for this price. Influence U is not any other kind of force, either. Period. It's a free selection. John Shrell will name almost anything normally found on a table at the diner.
For a single person (or when not actually at a restaurant) you could just as easily say, "Imagine you've just sat down at a booth in a coffee shop. Let your eyes roam over the things on the table - does the glass have dried water spots on it? Are the fork's tines bent? Is the menu appetizing? Look at other things; the salt shaker, the teaspoon, the napkin... Now, imagine me reaching into your imagination and removing one of the things you've visualized. Which one did I take?"
Remember, your 'back story' is that you are going to influence their choice, to an item you already have a wager on.
Comes complete with everything you need to pull off this amazing feat of mentalism! $69.95 (40.582)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8975&cat=0&page=1)
Cigarette Through Spoon: Brand new from Kikuchi, the incredible Cigarette Through Spoon!
Show a metal spoon and a cigarette. Slowly penetrate the cigarette through the bowl of the spoon! The audience will be aghast!
You can also do it with a crayon, straw, pencil, feather, etc.
Perfect for table hopping and a great change from the Cigarette Through Coin.
Comes complete with specially constructed gimmicks and instructional DVD! $39.95 (10.1405)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8978&cat=0&page=1)
Alex Elmsley Two DVD Set: Signature Magicians Series - It is not often that one is privileged to sit in on a session with one of the truly greats of magic. But here you are invited to spend over two hours with a man whose work has been revered for fifty years all over the world and acclaimed by the elite of the art – Vernon, Marlo and scores of others. Alex Elmsley, in his seventh decade and still bristling with ideas and techniques that have made him a true living legend. This unique experience will inspire and stay with you for the rest of your magic life.
On the Lecture DVD you will see the application of his original thinking in eight effects and some unique moves.
Effects include:
* Power Poker - a spectator chooses his own poker hand but the performer always wins.
* Ten Plus – a version of the classic Ten Card Trick
* Color Filter – a clever cards through the handkerchief effect
* Oyster Shells – an entertaining ‘marked cards’ routine
* No-Calc – a mathematical card location which involves no calculation!
On the Workshop DVD you are given the opportunity to experience many Elmsley subtleties and his thoughts, not only on a variety of sleights, but also on the magic scene today. There are demonstrations of his famed Christians to Lions and Twisters Flush routines.
This two volume set will hold a special place in your magic library, one that you will return to again and again. $59.99 (DVD00747)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8976&cat=0&page=1)
Refraction – David Penn: For the first time ever David Penn reveals his signature effect, Refraction.
While holding a borrowed wine glass in both hands, your spectator gets to witness the impossible as the stem visibly bends before their eyes. The glass is then given to the spectator to keep as a souvenir, freezing the moment of magic perfectly.
Bonus Material:
David's Cabaret handling presented by Rodney James Piper and a method to bend the spectator's own key which can be used to enhance the Refraction effect.
Features three live performances and a two camera, studio style explanation filmed at 'The House of Illusion' in Spain. $49.95 (DVD00743)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8958&cat=0&page=1)
"This is the ultimate finale to a metal bending routine".
- Marc Oberon, European Close-Up Magician of the Year '05
"I love performing Refraction knowing the spectator will remember that moment for the rest of their lives".
- Chris Priest, Millennium Champion of Close-Up Magic
"I love the way they look at me in compete awe when I hand them their signed glass".
- Jamie Alan, Leading European Illusionist
"I have received more repeat bookings due to this effect than any other in my repertoire. The effect is simple in plot, connects with the audience and freezes the moment of magic forever".
- David Penn, British Magical Champion & British Champion of Illusion '02
Color Changing Shoelace DVD: Dynamo's Color Changing Shoelace was used in the 2006 Adidas advertising campaign and was one of the tricks he performed in his award winning close-up act. Dynamo is one of the true up and coming talents in British Magic.
On this, his first DVD, he fully explains how to construct and fit the gimmick to your trainers, then how to perform the effect. It features live performances of Dynamo showing the effect on the street and one of his many trade show bookings, plus bonus footage. $27.00 (DVD00746)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8971&cat=0&page=1)
Breakdown Coin Vanish DVD – Dan Army: This revolutionary coin vanish was developed by Dan Army. It is a complete vanish of any small object, at will. Picture this. A coin is introduced, and held at the fingertips. Slowly, and inexplicably, the coin vanishes. It is nowhere to be found. They can search you until doomsday, and the coin is nowhere to be found. The method is absolutely ingenious, and is something that takes a very old concept to a new level in the modern day.
* No threads
* No pockets
* No sleeves
* No wires
* No magnets
* No rubber bands
* No sticky stuff
$20.00 (DVD00744)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8977&cat=0&page=1)
On The Button: From the wonderfully fertile mind of Wayne Dobson comes On The Button, a delightful close-up routine.
Six different colored buttons are placed in a line across a piece of black cloth.
Using an “invisible die,” a spectator randomly selects one of the buttons.
You gather up the cloth and mix up the buttons. Open the cloth and drop all the buttons on the table. The spectator’s button is gone!
The missing button is found sewn onto the cloth!!
$14.95 (10.1403)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8972&cat=0&page=1)
D’Light V5: Nicolas Lepage’s D’Light V5 is the perfect addition to your D’Lite routine. And, I do mean perfect!
It starts out like a regular D’Lite effect, but then it goes crazy! You can toss the light from hand to hand, then onto your body, onto someone else’s body, on the wall or anywhere else.
Just wait until you get your hands on this thing. You’ll never put it down! $49.95 (60.1463)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8970&cat=0&page=1)
Detectaball: Another new one from Wayne Dobson. Detectaball is truly delectable!
Show a black velvet bag containing two white balls and one red ball.
Invite three spectators to reach into the bag and remove one ball each, without looking at the color.
Place a dollar on the back of one of the spectator’s hands, explaining that you believe they are holding the odd colored ball. If you are wrong, they keep the money. Of course, you are right; the spectator you selected is holding the red ball!
Now, up the stakes to two dollars! Place the three balls in the bag and mix them up. Again, the spectators each select a ball without looking at the colors.
You place two dollars on the back of one of the spectator’s hands. When they open their hand, they are holding a white ball. Oh, oh. The other spectators open their hands and, instead of one red ball and two white balls, there is now one white ball and two red balls. The spectator you chose is in fact holding the odd colored ball!
Great magic. Neat props. Easy to do. $29.95 (10.1404)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8974&cat=0&page=1)
Dragon’s Enchanted Trunk: Tip Over Trunks have been a feature of nearly every Illusion show for the past 100 years, probably more. This is no surprise, since it is a clever principle that has helped delight audiences of every generation.
We think the illusion is improved by lifting the trunk off the floor, or the typical low base. We think it makes the production all the more impossible.
With that in mind, we offer the Dragon's Enchanted Trunk. Angelo Carbone designed the trunk to be a good size without being too large. Measuring approximately 20 x 18 x 21.5 (51 x 46 x 55 centimeters) and resting on a wheeled stand that is roughly 24.5 x 26 x 22.5 (62 x 66 x 57 centimeters), it can produce an impressive load, an animal or even an assistant. Yet, when it is shown, it can clearly be seen to be a completely empty trunk.
Built strong enough for the toughest traveling show, it is colorful and attractive. It's tastefully painted with Chinese red and decorated with imitation gold leaf paintings of traditional Chinese Dragons. The design is modern but the look is classic Chinese. If you need a Tip Over Trunk for your show, and who doesn't these days, the Dragon's Enchanted Trunk is a great choice.
$750.00 (60.1462)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8973&cat=0&page=1)
Hopping Dominoes: Definitely not your father’s Hopping Half! Vernet’s Hopping Dominoes is a new version of the famous coin trick, made with two dominoes. It’s a continuous vanish and re-appearance of the dominoes with an astonishing climax. A powerful effect, ideal for parlor or close-up. Easy to do. And, wait until you see the gimmicks. Wow! $16.00 (10.1402)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8969&cat=0&page=1)
Telekinesis Deck: Incredible super psycho-kinesis!
You've never seen a card box like this before!
Here are some of its stunning effects:
* The coin on the box falls by itself
* Borrowed pen, bill, card falls by itself, miraculously
* The moment at which the object drops is under your complete control
* Can be used under cover, with plastic case
* You can show the cards inside to spectators
* Can be used as a remote signal device
* Remote control works 33 feet away
Absolutely no sound. This is the quietist psycho-kinesis machine ever!
Telekinesis Deck is a most powerful addition to your repertoire! $499.95 (40.581)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=8968&cat=0&page=1)
Evening At The Tom-Foolery: Tom Mullica is the world's greatest living bar magician. He is sought after all over the world. This DVD captures his full, mile-a-minute magic, comedy and slapstick. You just can't watch this video once. It gets funnier every time you see it! This DVD is the only existing record of Mullica's frenzy-filled act at the original Tom-Foolery Magic Bar Theatre. Here's your one opportunity to see this comedic genius perform his laugh-filled act on his own turf. See dozens of side-splitting gags, jokes and routines. See his hysterical Apple Trick and his trademark routine, Nicotine Nincompoop where he eats a pack of lit cigarettes with a stack of napkins as a chaser. This is a re-edited version of a tape sold in the early eighties. It includes some new material and improved video quality.
It's a performance only, 60 minute video. Next time you have a party, just put on this DVD and your guests will never laugh so hard. $19.95 (DVD114)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=5214&cat=0&page=1)
And, that’s this week’s hot stuff. Now, here’s the cool part. You can see it online at www.magicfact.com, or you can see it in person at our wonderful new showroom at 102 North Street in Medford! Either way, you know we love the company!
Hank Lee
