Greetings from all of us at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. It has really been a fun week here at magic central. We’ve been busy with orders, as usual, plus we’ve been busy with Conclave work, as we always are at this time of year. And, you know the old saying, “Busy hands are happy hands.” Yes, but what about happy feet?
I hope you all had a fabulous Valentine’s Day and a really exciting President’s Day. I am still buzzing a little bit from all the chocolate. To be honest I had to fight Bones The Dog for the chocolates, but I won. He may be smart, but sometimes I’m, just a little smarter. Besides, chocolate is really bad for dogs. And, I know it must be really good for humans. Right?
On the automotive front, it was time for a new family car. The lease was up on the Jeep and, while I love the car, getting 12 miles to the gallon was getting very old. I decided way back when gas was $4.00 a gallon, that it was time for a change. I know that gas prices have come down quite a bit since the $4.00 peak, but who knows what the future holds? Perhaps I should ask Max Maven. Anyhoo, Bonnie and I decided on the Toyota Prius. 45 miles to gallon is a big selling point. We pick the car up next week, and just can’t wait. Going green. That’s us. Could sandals with socks be far behind?
Monk is one of my favorite TV shows. So, how surprised was I to see good friends Steve Valentine and Andrew Goldenhersh in major roles on the show! The show is set in San Francisco, but the Magic Castle is the main setting for this episode. A little geographically confusing, but a fun watch. No doubt it will repeat on the USA Network.
Our old friend Yigal Mesika is getting ready to announce an amazing new item, Tarantula. It’s not quite ready to ship, but we do have a sneak-peak video that you can watch. Check it out by copying this URL into your browser and hitting Enter:
(http://www.hanklee.org/quicktime_movies/tarantula1.mov)
As soon a Yigal releases the Taratula, you will be able to get yours right here!
Of course, I must mention the Conclave. You knew I would. I just want to say that the talent is all booked and the lineup looks absolutely amazing. This is the last year we will be at the SeaCrest Hotel, as next year we move to a new venue. I hope you will join us for this year’s event, as I can guarantee that you will have a great time. The dates are April 17th – 19th. You can register online by clicking the Conclave Button at www.magicfact.com, or you can call us toll free at 800 874 7400 to register.
That’s all I know, so let’s take a look at this week’s excitement!
FREE MAGIC – YOUR CHOICE! That’s right, absolutely Free Magic! And, all you have to do is a little bit of math. Here’s the way it works: Until Thursday, February 26th at midnight, put all the items you want to order in your Shopping Cart in the Online Catalog at www.magicfact.com. Check the total (not including the shipping). Now, take 25% of the total (Hint: Just multiply the total by .25) and we will give you Free Magic up to that amount. All you need to do is let us know what Free Magic you want by listing it in the Customer Notes Box of the online checkout. No special codes. Nothing to remember. It’s easy as pie.
For example, let’s say your order total before shipping comes to $500.00. 25% of that amount is $125.00. You have earned $125.00 in Free Magic. Just list the additional items you’d like in the Customer Notes Box, up to $125.00, and we will ship them along with your order, absolutely free. This is an amazing deal, and you should really take advantage of it!
If you are placing your order by phone at 800 874 7400, just let the order taker know what Free Magic you would like. Same if you are placing your order by FAX at 781 395 2034.
The only rule is that your order total must be at least $25.00 to take advantage of this promotion. Enjoy!
Now, let’s take a look at this week’s Hotlist.
The Magic of Fred Robinson – Peter Duffie: This may well be the most anxiously-awaited book among magicians the world over. It has been in the making for years!
The Magic of Fred Robinson documents and describes every effect that Fred performed. It has been written by Peter Duffie who has skillfully described all of Fred's sleights and effects in the greatest of detail.
Nearly 20 years in the making! Available in March. Pre-order now and don’t miss out! $104.95 (BK01636)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1799&cat=0&page=1)
Here are just a few of the comments from those who have written lengthy tributes to Fred and his contribution to magic.
“I state without fear of exaggerating that Fred was one of the all-time greats; especially with cards.” Dai Vernon
“Card magic and techniques of card-handling have fascinated me for most of my life. Meeting Fred was a highlight of my life.” Roy Walton
“Your journey with Fred is about to begin thanks to Peter Duffie and Martin Breese. I envy you.” Simon Lovell
Captured - Justin Miller:
Justin Miller has created one of the most amazing Cap In Bottle effects we have ever seen. So clean. So straight-forward. It’s the one you have been looking for. Comes with instructional DVD. $30.00 (10.1501)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=7671&cat=0&page=1)
"Magic as visual and direct as Captured does not come along often, it is truly a thing of beauty" - Dan White
"All I can say is WOW! Captured has a very nice visual and audible feel to it... I love it!" - Dan Hauss
"This takes Cap in Bottle to the next level! I love that I can finally do this in the spectators hand and I don’t have to wear a PK ring." - B. Smith
"Captured is the only cap in bottle I'll ever do. This solves the problems I had with several other cap in bottle routines. This trick is almost self working." - Eric Jones
"OMG.. WTF.. This is the SHIZNIT of Cap in bottles!" - Chris Kenner
"Captured is truly captivating... get it... CAPtivating... ha ha" - Danny Garcia
Translocation: John Kennedy's Translocation has inspired numerous variations since he created it in the early 1970's.
Watch John perform and teach you his preferred handling of this classic Coins Across routine. He will also teach Mark Lefler's reversal ending - a real mind blower!
You will receive a standard CD-ROM that you can watch on your PC or MAC computer.
Translocation is a serious routine meant for serious magicians who are willing to practice. You will require a close-up mat, four coins (such as half dollars), and an expanded shell. $19.95 (20.411)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9841&cat=0&page=1)
Mirage: Kevin Parker’s Mirage will absolutely knock your socks off. Watch the video demo. It will fool you. It fooled all of us, and we watched it a hundred times. The method is absolutely brilliant!
Produce a two liter bottle with liquid from thin air! Do it in short sleeves. Do it in your birthday suit. With your hands visibly empty. From nowhere, a two liter bottle with liquid appears! You can make any size bottle appear, up to 2 liters!
Beyond explanation. Watch the video. I insist.
Great for close-up, strolling magic and delightfully easy to perform. $19.95 (60.1579)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9836&cat=0&page=1)
Restaurant Magic Reader – Jim Sisti: A collection of the many articles and essays that Jim Sisti has written over the last 20 years on the subject of restaurant magic. Between these covers. you’ll find thoughts and ideas on such important topics as choosing material, selecting a performing character, getting and keeping a restaurant magic engagement, working with the management and staff, handling problem spectators, promotion and cross-promotion, proper dress, tipping, and so much more.
While you will agree with some of the opinions expressed while surely disagreeing with others, it is all irrefutably written in the singular voice, one informed by years of experience, of someone who cares deeply about magic and its perception. The Restaurant Magic Reader contains rich food for thought, worthy of consideration by not only restaurant magicians, but every walk-around performer.
184 pages • Perfect bound • Photographs $29.95 (BK01634)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9835&cat=0&page=1)
"This is real world experience from a top pro who has spent his professional life learning what works
Kellar Wonder Book with Pinback Button - Phil Temple:
Kellar Wonder Book
This 56 page audience booklet is a faithful reproduction of the original 1903 copy in the Byron Walker Collection and presents the reader with optical illusions, drawing mazes, shadow graphs, silhouette portraits, party jokes, paper folding effects, and magic tricks of the times.
Pinback Button
Created to compliment the Kellar Wonder Book, this 1.75" round pinback button presents the famous Strobridge Kellar portrait, and is reminiscent of the pinback buttons produced in later years by Kellar's successor, Howard Thurston.
$25.00 (BK01635)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9837&cat=0&page=1)
Shell Shocked DVD - Barry Taylor:
This instructional DVD teaches you great coin magic with a minimum of sleights, yet makes you look like a pro!
Barry Taylor has lectured and performed close-up and stand-up magic in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Asia. He’ll guide you through each effect with clear and concise explanations - including over-the-shoulder “performers view” segments - helping you become an expert with the Expanded Shell!
So get out your Expanded Shell, grab a few matching coins, and add some great close-up coin magic to your repertoire! $34.95 (DVD00973)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9838&cat=0&page=1)
Longhi Book Test - Olivier Longhi:
Not just another book test. Many effects can be performed with just this one book.
Each book is hand-made with over two hours of labor carefully put into each one. Made of high quality material, this book is designed to last.
Four effects are fully described, but the instructions explain another 15 effects that can also be done. If you are familiar with book tests, you'll understand how powerful this one is, and the potential the principle hides.
Here are some of the possible effects:
• The spectator rolls a couple of dice on the table, then adds the faces to obtain a number. He then opens the book, freely, anywhere he wants, and memorizes the sentence at the row that matches his number. You focus for a few seconds, and start writing on your board. The spectator reads the sentence out loud, and as you show your board, you will realize that it's a match.
• The spectator opens the book wherever he wants, and chooses a row number. He is asked to remember the first word of the row. It does not matter if it is the right or the left page. Once he tells which row number it is, you are able to reveal instantly what word was chosen!
• Explain that each one of us have different feelings about books, movies and paintings. However, it also seems that some objects can also be attracted by some people! In order to prove it, you ask a spectator to come on stage. Show a few books. The spectator picks one, opens it anywhere and names the page number. You open the book to that page, and read a paragraph. The paragraph is about a woman that exactly fits the description of the spectator!
• Explain that this book is extremely valuable to you, as it was given to you by your mentor, who passed away a few years ago. Explain that you are aware that the book itself has some kind of powers. Ask a spectator to pick a card, and keep it safe somewhere without looking at it. Now, the spectator opens the book anywhere, and reads the last sentence of the page. As the spectator reads the book, the name of a playing card is revealed. The spectator retrieves the hidden playing card, and it is the same!
Comes with Hardbound Edition of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Photo Illustrated Instructions. $138.00 (40.669)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9840&cat=0&page=1)
And that’s this week’s outstanding Hotlist. Something for all. Everything for some. Nothing for none. Seriously great stuff this week. Plus, don’t forget about the Free Magic Event, to which I can only say, “Wow!.”
As always I am just so pleased that you find time in your busy schedule to spend time with us, whether it’s online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street. Either way, we love the company!
Hank
