Greetings from all of us at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. Well, we made it back from the Ohio Road Trip in one piece. There are more dead bugs on the front of my car than you would think possible. I’m off to the car wash today for a wash and scrape.
Traveling 1350 miles in 48 hours is one of life’s true learning experiences. Here are some of the things I learned on the road. If you think you want to drive a little past Buffalo and stop for the night, don’t. There are exactly zero motels or hotels between Buffalo and Dunkirk, New York, which is about a hundred miles further down the road. If you stop in a town that has a Best Western and a Day’s Inn, stay at the Best Western. It can’t be worse than the Day’s Inn (no letters please). The one I stayed at was an absolute dump. If you love Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee and you want to get one after you leave Dunkirk, New York, forget it. It doesn’t exist. And, the Iced Coffee at the new McCafe does not compare. “What flavor would you like?” Coffee flavor, thank you. And, what could be better than dinner at 11:00 at night at Applebee’s? Nothing, sez me.
Despite a few little glitches, the trip was a breeze. The car got about 49 miles to the gallon, which was nice. It handled well on the highway, and with the cruise control set, I could get a little shut-eye while the car took care of everything. Not true. I never snoozed, not for one second, while driving. That would have been very dangerous.
Now, I am back, Lucas is back and all is right with the world. At least as far as I can tell. I do have some good news for you, our favorite customers.
If you ordered Dice Illusion and have been wondering just where in heck they are, the news is really good. We have been in touch with the manufacturer and will have them in stock next week, finally! The first batch was a nightmare, held up in customs and finally returned to the manufacturer. This batch will arrive here, smooth as silk and we will get all the back orders right off.
There has been all kinds of talk about U.S. Playing Card and the future of Bicycle poker size gimmicked cards. The future of Jumbo Bikes has also been the topic of Internet buzz. Well, here’s the scoop. We have every type of poker size gaff you might want. Blank Face, Blank Back, Double Blank, Double Face, Double Back. All in stock and available for immediate shipment. We also have plenty of stock on Jumbo Bike decks. So, you can order them and we will ship from stock. For now, at least, there is no need for worry.
If you have looked at your calendar, you know that this is Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer. It’s time to bring out the lawn furniture, the grill, the umbrella and the garden hose. We love this weekend. I get all my planting done for the summer. And, we always have a wonderful sales event this weekend!
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALES EVENT: Our annual Memorial Day weekend sale! It starts right now and ends on Tuesday, the 26th of May at midnight. Everything (well, almost everything) is on sale at 29% off the retail price. All you need to do is enter the special code MEMORIALDAY in the Discount Coupon Box of the online checkout at www.magicfact.com and we will automatically deduct 29% from your order total plus you will get your Reward Points (points worth another 20% toward a future order!). 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 to mention the special code so you can save a huge 29%!
• The minimum order to use the 29% off discount is $25.00.
• The 29% 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 29% is deducted from the retail price of each item and not from the set price.
• We cannot combine offers.
• Certain items, due to contractual restrictions, are not included in this sale. All Joe Porper items, Viking/CW items, Kennedy Enterprises items, Colin Rose items, Mike Caveney Books, Johnson Products items, MagicSmith items, 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 and Reward Points will be deducted from the order total before the discount is applied.
• As the discount is automatically generated, you must put the special code MEMORIALDAY in the Discount Coupon Box. You may have to scroll to the bottom of the page to find the box, but it is there.
Read this: If you are not sure how to do this, please phone your order in to our toll-free order line at 800 874 7400, 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 positively ends Tuesday, May 26th at midnight, Eastern Time
Now, let’s take a look at this week’s Hotlist!
Identity – Richard Sanders: Walk up to someone you've never met and have them choose a card, mark it and then shuffle it into the deck.
Next, you draw a series of random marks on the back of any indifferent card. Those marks visibly jump from card to card, finally vanishing completely.
The deck is slowly spread to reveal the marks on the back of one card, the spectator’s signed selection.
One last incredible kicker. Offer the card to the spectator as a souvenir. In order to personalize it, you shake the card and, get ready for this, the marks on the back of the card visibly morph into the spectator’s very own name!
Yes, the marks visually re-form with no cover whatsoever into the name of the spectator that you just met!
With no switch, the card is immediately handed to the spectator to keep. It is completely examinable!
Key Points:
* No previous knowledge of the spectator is necessary
* Perform for anyone
* Instantly reset
* Completely examinable
* The ultimate give away
* Bonus material, sleights and handlings included
* Over 2 hours of no holds barred, DVD training:
Note: a basic to intermediate level of card handling skill is recommended for this effect, however all sleights used in this effect are well taught on the DVD.
Package includes:
* Gimmicked Bicycle card
* Full training DVD that will guide you through every step of this effect, including method, performance, variations, handling tips and all the subtleties that make this effect so devastating! $29.95 (30.1428)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1784&cat=0&page=1)
Coin Bomber – Johnny Wong: One of the finest gimmicked coins ever created! It is also the best item Johnny Wong has invented in the last ten years ten years.
With the Coin Bomber, you can perform all kinds of penetrations, transpositions, appearances, disappearances, changes and more!
There are more than 50 amazing magic effects described! The instructional DVD teaches 10 routines in detail.
One of them is to multiply one Half Dollar into so many that they fill up a small table.
The gimmicked coin does all the work, and you have never seen a gimmicked coin like this!
Comes with the very special Half Dollar,
Includes many routining ideas and several full routines by the creator, Johnny Wong.
Not inexpensive, but when you see the coins, you will be totally thrilled!
$399.95 (20.415)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1678&cat=0&page=1)
Illusion EFX DVD– Andrew Mayne - Seven incredible easy-to-build inexpensive stage illusions for the beginner and the pro.
Make motorcycles appear, move through human beings, build a Shadow Box illusion for under $50, and more!
Based upon his experience performing around the world in resorts, showrooms and cruise ships, Andrew Mayne presents practical illusions that can be put together very quickly for very little money.
* 7 illusions
* DVD running time 65 minutes
* Shot in widescreen 16:9 format
$24.95 (DVD01006)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1788&cat=0&page=1)
"I got my start as a professional magician as an illusionist. First in talent competitions, then a circus and finally cruise ships and resorts. I was always looking for something new and different to add to my act - however I was constantly faced with the challenge of not enough time or money to do everything I wanted. That’s when I started thinking about practical solutions that could be put together quickly and inexpensively.
My first books (Solo-X and Illusion F/X) dealt with these problems. Later on I published the Illusion Impact series (Voodoo Box, Specter Cabinet, etc.) and presented more easy-to-build solutions.
Yet people kept asking me to do a video so they could see ideas in action. This is finally it…
Illusion EFX features seven illusions involving everything from mini motorcycles to audience members. All are easy to build requiring no power tools and not much money.
Whether you’re a Las Vegas illusionist looking for something new to add to your act or a high school student looking for something to do in the talent show, Illusion EFX has something you can use.
In Illusion EFX I’ll show you everything from a flash mini motorcycle production to a method for walking through a brick wall that’ll only cost you $5. I also show you how to build a Shadow Box illusion for under $50 that folds down totally flat and assembles in seconds.
In the DVD I show you the effect, explain the theory behind the effect, teach you how to make it and then how to perform it. I also show 3D renderings of how illusions are set up on stage so you’ll understand all the behind the scenes details.
I didn’t have it back then, but it’s here now…" -- Andrew Mayne
Fire Coin: A precision-gimmicked coin which allows you to produce new and dramatic effects.
Its new concept allows you:
* To have the coin ready any time anywhere.
* A really long preset time, because the lighter fluid loader is integrated into the coin.
* To show both sides of the coin.
* To keep the coin lit up for a very long time without the risk of burning yourself
* To create new effects using your coin magic repertoire. $65.00 (20.417)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1823&cat=0&page=1)
Note: Due to the natural of this item (it uses real fire) we cannot sell this to anyone under 18.
Printing – Dominique Duvivier: The adventure of this best seller goes on!
Now printed on Bicycle card stock and complete with instructional DVD!
Dominique Duvivier's masterpiece of card magic, Printing, is one of the all-time great visual mysteries. Thousands have been sold all over the world, but not until now has Dominique consented to reveal his personal methods and techniques for accomplishing this gem.
In effect, a small packet of face down cards in introduced. One at a time, the four tens appear face up. The rest of the cards are shown to have blank faces. The blank cards magically "print," duplicating the tens like a magical copy machine. The process continues, comically and magically printing the cards, culminating with printing the color of the close-up pad, an image of your wallet and finally the front of the card case.
Printing is extremely visual and super-easy to perform. Comes with a set of custom-made Bicycle cards, special wallet and DVD. $25.00 (30.732)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1417&cat=0&page=1)
Dark Light – Stephane Jardonnet: Even though it looks like an ordinary light bulb, welcome to the latest technology available. Almost three years in the making, in design, to produce a product that will be hard to improve.
A remote controlled light bulb, self contained. A single press on the remote control will allow you to switch the light on and off, no matter how close or how far you are from it.
Imagine the possibilities: Paranormal experiments such as Ouija Board or spirit seances, lie detector, pranks for TV or hidden camera shows where the light bulb only works out of its socket and so forth. You can have the light bulb on a real lamp, cut the cord and yet, the bulb is still on. Touch the cut cord, and the light switches off. Have a spectator touch the cord, the light is back. You can fan a deck of cards and have the light bulb switch on in the spectator's hand. These are just a few ideas. You are only limited by your imagination. This is a perfect tool you can use for any mentalism act.
Additional Information:
* The light bulb contains a powerful microprocessor developed to perform the effects.
* The light bulb does not light or turn off instantly, but only after a 1 second delay; this to allows you to show your hands empty, and not make any suspicious moves.
* The light is as bright as a regular 40 Watt bulb
* You can light the bulb as far as 150 Feet, even through a wall.
* Light bulb turns off automatically after 12 seconds of use to make sure it does not overheat.
* Charger for battery included. Please note that it will come with a Standard European Format plug, and additional US format Plug.
* Once charged in 15 to 60 minutes, you will have about 120 seconds of use. If you have the bulb blink for 3 seconds, you can do it up to 40 times in a row.
* Goes back to sleep mode automatically after 1 hour if you don't use it.
* Remote is 1.5" X 2.5" X ½”
* Made in France
* $595.00 (10.1520)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1779&cat=0&page=1)
Downfall – Dan Hauss: Dan Hauss has come up with an idea that you would think impossible. How could something so simple and so easy facilitate some of the best and most convincing psychokinetic effects ever?
Downfall introduces a new concept for PK effects that allows you to keep gimmicks and unnecessary items at home. Downfall uses an item that can be found virtually anywhere which makes this effect practically impromptu in any setting.
There is no doubt that with the knowledge given on this DVD a new genre of PK magic will be born.
No threads
* No magnets
* No weights
* No blowing
* No strings
* Easy Setup
* You don't even need to be in the same room
$14.95 (40.681)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1710&cat=0&page=1)
Blackout!: A new utility coin that allows you to perform ridiculously clean vanishes, changes, productions and transposition miracles, right under your spectator’s nose! Blackout! can be performed anytime, anywhere, under all lighting conditions and completely surrounded. This utility system is 100% practical and allows for literally endless possibilities. No need for close-up mats, backdrops, or anything extra.
Blackout! is machined to precise specifications by master craftsman Roy Kueppers. It then goes through a second and third stage of meticulous handcrafting and treatment by Mike Platt. The result of this laborious process is a unique gimmick that brilliantly overcomes the inherent problems of combining Black Art with the unforgiving conditions of close-up coin magic. Perform in any black (or even partially black) shirt or pants or jacket.
Comes complete with full length DVD and everything you need to perform impossible looking coin magic. Available in US Quarter and US Half Dollar. $55.00 (20.416)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1712&cat=0&page=1)
In The Life With Doc Jon DVD: Join School for Scoundrels in an amazing weekend with Doc Jon. Doc has lived an extraordinary life as a dealer, mechanic, crossroader, and card and dice cheat for crime mobs in Las Vegas and Hawaii, as well as for the Yakuza in Japan.
He sits and talks with us for nearly four hours on these 3 DVDs, telling us his thrilling life story and talking about what it takes to be a successful cheat. He talks about being busted with a gang for drilling the slots on the floors of Las Vegas casinos, about betrayals and friendships in the world of professional gamblers, and about going to prison for running a juiced dice table in an illegal gambling house for the Mulano Family in Los Angeles.
It is fascinating to hear about this strange life from a man who has really been there, and who has spent time in prison as a result, and was nearly blown up by a car bomb.
He talks about how you develop the moxie to move under fire, and the difference between being a great card handler and a true card cheat. This is the real deal, and the authenticity and authority of the story is apparent from the very beginning.
He teaches how to handle a deck of cards in a way that won't make a pro grimace. he shows some never before published cheating moves and some advanced handlings and nuances on some classics. He explains chip stealing moves as well as card handling. He talks about what is actually useful and important and tips his method for marking and re-sealing a deck of cards for Blackjack. A great unpublished version of the Mexican Turnover is also shown.
This is a fascinating and gripping story filled with humor and danger, and remarkable "real world" feel. This is rare glimpse into a life to which few ever get a peek. Doc's story explains how he moved from a young dealer for the house, just looking to learn how to protect his game, to a full-fledge card mechanic, crossroader, and dice cheat. $55.00 (DVD01005)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1768&cat=0&page=1)
Malone Meets Marlo – Six DVD Set – Bill Malone:
Welcome to the wonderful card magic of Ed Marlo!
Ed Marlo, the genius of construction, and the incomparable Bill Malone, the brilliant performer, come together in this landmark anthology, as Bill performs and explains some of Marlo’s finest contributions to card magic, compiled by Bill from Ed’s writings and their personal sessions!
Join Bill as he guides you step by step through what will undoubtedly become the greatest and best collection of Marlo material...ever.
Special set price - $180.00 (DVD01004)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1675&cat=0&page=1)
To see the full contents of this amazing 6 DVD Set, go to this URL: (http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/malonemeetsmarlo.html)
Let’s Have a Dream DVD – Dominique Duvivier: A great new routine from Dominique Duvivier
Start off with a "Mythical Card" and a regular deck.
Begin to flip over cards until you are told to stop by an audience member. Flip the last card to show the spectator, without seeing the card yourself. The spectator is to remember the selected card.
Replace the card back into the deck and shuffle the deck.
Spread the deck out on the table. Select any random card and show it to the audience. It’s the selected card!
Explain that you had a dream about your "Mythical Card" and turn it over to reveal a perfect match with the audience member's selected card. Amazing!
Includes Bicycle card props and instructional DVD with English and French Tracks. $15.00 (30.1429)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1806&cat=0&page=1)
Gymnastic Deck: Uses a glass and a deck and a silk handkerchief.
Four cards are selected by a spectator and returned to the deck.
The deck is placed in a long-stem glass with an indifferent card showing.
The glass is covered by the silk, just for an instant.
When the silk is removed, one of the chosen cards has appeared on the face of the deck! Yikes!
The effect is repeated three more times, each time one of the selected cards appears on the face of the deck! It’s as if the cards have jumped right to the face of the deck! Quite the gymnastic feat!
Gymnastic Deck is easy to do. If you can hold the glass, you can perform this routine!
Comes with long-stem glass, all the special cards and complete instructions. Supply your own silk. Just $20.00 (30.536)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1245&cat=0&page=1)
And that’s this week’s Memorial Day Weekend Hotlist. Really a list to remember! So much great stuff. So much.
As always, and especially on a holiday weekend such as this, we appreciate your finding time in your busy schedules to visit us either online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street in Medford. Either way, we love the company.
Hank
