Greetings from all of us at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. It is all fun and games here at Magic Central. We love the summer. Just enough orders to keep us busy, but still enough time to fill the warehouse with sand, some palm trees, hula girls and Pina Coladas. Ah, this is the life! Not. No sand. No trees. No hulas girls and certainly no Pina Coladas. But, there are those orders, and we surely do love ‘em. So, keep them coming!
Speaking of the summer. It is finally here. Almost every day. Still some rainy days. Last weekend, Lucas and I headed down to Martha’s Vineyard to see Bonnie and Bones The Dog. The weather was just beautiful. I even went to the beach one day and got a little tan. It’s hard to get all so tan wearing SPF30 sunscreen, but I am definitely tanner than I was last week. Word on the street is that the Obamas are going to vacation on the Vineyard at the end of August. Good for commerce. Bad for traffic. Good for excitements.
This past Friday, America lost one of its best. Being a kid growing up in the 50’s, every evening we would warm up the Dumont black and white television and tune in to the CBS Nightly News with Walter Cronkite. Cronkite was our window on the world. The newspaper reported the same stories the next day. But, Cronkite had them, complete with film, the same day that the stories happened. In those days there was no Internet (in fact, no computers) and we depended on the CBS News team to keep us informed. Cronkite was the most trusted man in America. He could have told us that black was white or up was down, and we would have believed it. Now, he is gone. The end of another era. Another dinosaur gone. So sad.
It’s reminder time!
The Platinum Club is going strong! The Platinum Club is a way for “regular customers” to get the best prices on everything they buy here at Hank Lee’s every day. No need to search around for who’s offering what deals. You will already have the best deal possible! Here is the link to check it out.
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9859&cat=0&page=1)
Now, you can follow us on Twitter as much as you want. Believe me when I say that we will not become Tweet Happy. You will not get a Tweet when I arrive at work and another when I take my jacket off and another when I get my morning coffee. I mean really. Is any of that important enough to share with the world? However, when a new and exciting item is on the horizon or comes in the door or when there is an exciting event around the corner, we will Tweet. You can sign on by going to http://twitter.com/magicfact. Follow us!
And, if you are still getting the weekly email Newsletter in Text-Only format, I have just one question. Why? The html version is so much better, with pictures and everything. Drop me an email and I will be happy to hook you up with the html format. So much better. So much.
And, that’s all the news from here. Now, to this week’s excitement!
BUY ONE GET ONE AT 50% OFF SALES EVENT: By far the most popular sale we ever held was the Buy One Get One At 50% Off Sale. When that event ran, we were inundated with orders. It's been a while, so we decided to do it again. Here's how it works. For the next 6 days, from right this very moment, until Wednesday, July 29th at midnight, you can save like crazy. How does it work? Simple, really. For every item you buy, you get the second item at half price. That's right, a full 50% off. So, if you buy a Harbin Suspension for $549.00 and a Sword Thru Neck for $199.95, you will get the Sword Thru Neck for $99.98! What a deal!!
The rules are also simple. We deduct the 50% from the lower priced of the two items. You can buy as many items as you want, we will do the math and you will save a bundle! We will try and pair the items for you to maximize your savings. There are a few items that are not included in this promotion. Very few. If you order one of those items, we will let you know before we process your order.
Note: Since this is a somewhat complicated sale, the online system will not do the math. We will do it here before we process your order. Your email confirmation will show the full price for each item, but we will figure the discounts before you are charged, and reimburse your credit card.
In order to take advantage of this outrageous sale, you must put the words BUY ONE GET ONE in the Customer Notes Box of the online checkout at www.magicfact.com. If you are calling your order in to our toll free number at 800 874 7400, give the order person the special code. If you are FAXing your order to 781 395 2034 or emailing it to magicfact@aol.com, just remember to include the special code, BUY ONE GET ONE and you will get the biggest discount ever! So, hop to it and save some serious dough!
DING. DING DING. Special notice! If you are one of the first 35 orders this weekend, we will include a really nice magical gift with your order! So, the sooner you place your order, the better for you. And us.
Now, let’s look at this week’s Hotlist!
Skully The Lifeless Assistant: Cesaral’s new Skully The Lifeless Assistant is the most technologically up-to-date Talking Skull ever! And, it is a true collector’s item. Very few of these will ever be made!
At the beginning of the routine, you can hand the skull out for examination. Show how the jaw can be easily removed and how it can be put back again (an audience member can even do this). Show that the skull has no wires, or anything attached. Place the skull on a table where it will not be touched again. Finally, present Skully, your lifeless assistant!
Skully as a puppet:
You can literally speak with Skully, and carry on a conversation with him. Skully could help you, or disturb you during the show, creating very funny and original situations.
Skully as a mentalist:
Effect 1: Ask the audience to tie a blindfold on Skully’s eyes so as to disable his vision. Using his magical powers he is able to see through the blindfold and correctly reveal, for example, a chosen card.
Effect 2: Variation of the “Add a Number” classic effect. Pull out a small writing pad and ask a spectator to write down a three-digit number. Give the notebook to someone else who, in turn, writes down a three-digit number. After a third person from the audience has done this, ask him to pass it on to a fourth person on the other side of the room. Ask the final spectator to add up the three randomly chosen numbers.
Now, ask Skully about the number in the pad, and Skully is able to name it. Of course the jaw moves according to the spoken messages. (The special pad is included)
Skully is an endless source of possibilities and a priceless item for collectors. Very few Skullys will be manufactured. Don’t miss yours.
Special thanks to Ted Orlando for his magic expertise and contribution to this project.
Important points:
* Easy to command all the Skully features. You can use any of the remote control units used in Cesaral Soundmaster. Three of them are included.
* Automatic movement of the jaw, according to the Skully speech.
* Skully can be fully examinable.
* Very easy to record and play all the Skully sentences you will need. No limits!
* Can be integrated with other elements from Cesaral Magic line of products such as:
* Cesaral ESP Perceptions.
* Cesaral ESP Calculator.
* Other electronic effects from other manufacturers
* Other items to come from Cesaral Magic
If you do so, you will be able to further increase the Skully’s possibilities. For example, the free number typed in a calculator by an audience member could be named by this lifeless assistant.
* Very visual and original routines available for stage, and even close-up performances!
* Enough sound volume for parlor shows. For stage shows, you could put a microphone close to the skull's mouth.
* It is very easy to use, allowing you to concentrate on the presentation!
Once again, please note that this is a pure collector's item; very few units will be built. $1988.00 (10.1531)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2122&cat=0&page=1)
Freaky Body Illusions: You won’t believe your eyes, ears, hands or feet! Marvin's Magic has collaborated with some of the best magicians and illusionists from around the world to produce some innovative and highly visual illusions that you will be able to do with your own body.
Included is the best version of Kevin James’ Living Arm that we have ever seen! This one item is worth the price of the entire kit.
Using these incredible magic props and exclusive DVD you will amaze your friends and family with a whole list of Freaky Body Illusions including: Twisting your head 360°, levitating yourself, flossing your brain, performing crazy finger stunts and even holding a living hand! $59.95 (60.601)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2102&cat=0&page=1)
Symphony DVD – Daniel Garcia: From our friends at theory11, the newest DVD featuring the one and only Daniel Garcia. Five signature effects from the mind of Daniel Garcia taught in over 90 minutes of training. Each effect is completely impromptu. No crazy gimmicks are required. And, they can be performed at a moment's notice.
Containing full instruction on Void, Visa, Jacob’s Ladder, .44, and Timeline 2.0. Shot on location in Las Vegas, Nevada, with multiple street performances. Each effect was hand selected by Daniel for practicality, simplicity, and visual nature.
Symphony contains tricks involving everything from rubber bands to credit cards to bills to playing cards. $29.95 (DVD01027)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2097&cat=0&page=1)
Five Card Opener (DVD and Cards) – Bill Abbott:
Introduction - From Bill Abbott
"When I was in high school I was doing a lot of shows on the weekends and most of those shows were mixed audiences of kids, adults, teenagers and seniors. I needed an opener to get everyone’s attention, hold their attention and keep their attention. The problem with the standard six or five card repeat is there is a lack of any real conclusion or finale to the effect. I wanted to have a genuine eye-opener that took the audience by surprise. That's when I began working on the Five Card Opener."
The Opener
"The "opener" of any act is a tough choice for any performer. How do you get everyone's attention and hold their attention as well as amaze and entertain them all at the same time. This is my solution to this eternal question. The Five Card Opener gets the audience’s attention. The Five Card Opener holds their attention. The Five Card Opener amazes. The Five Card Opener entertains. In addition to all this the Five Card Opener will work for any audience."
What is the Five Card Opener?
"The Five card Opener has it's roots in the classic five/six card repeat but it's similar only in method (slightly). The Five Card Opener is a completely fresh approach with three sequences that build to a definitive climax that is a big surprise. It has been my "talking" opener for the past 20 years and l use it at all of my magic shows. Corporate shows, family shows, college shows, etc. The Five Card Opener can be a whole new way to make your show fun!"
The "Real" Secret
"The real secret behind the Five Card Opener is that it is an audience response 'conditioner'. I have had corporate audiences (almost asleep after a long banquet and two hours of awards and speeches before my show) up and out of their seats at the beginning of my show using The Five Card Opener. It sets the tone for how the audience responds to the ending of each effect/routine because it also acts as a call back. There is a verbal trigger that the audience responds to every time you say it during the show, and they will react however you expect/direct them to. The Five Card Opener makes triggering applause throughout the show in all the right places easy, natural and above all fun. For example you can have the audience shout out a corporate slogan, perform a standing ovation, a specific school cheer, a company name, etc."
Simple To Do & Gets Reactions
"I know in performing this off the top of the show, I will not have any mediocre reactions to any of my effects because I'm giving them an outlet to respond in a big way. And they do. Even the most jaded ones. For the working performer you could literally 'drop' this into your show the next day. It’s big and visual and takes up very little room for a routine that plays to such large crowds. There are no angle restrictions. No special lighting or staging considerations. Work away from tables and out of your pockets, making an instant connection with your audience. And the best part is that it’s so easy to do. Basically, if you have opposable thumbs you can perform The Five Card Opener." - Bill Abbott
Included Props
Handmade gimmicked Bicycle Playing Cards in poker-size with wallet.
Handmade gimmicked Jumbo Playing Cards for audiences from 100-1,000.
Portable/collapsible free-standing container to keep the cards in pristine condition, to be sure your stage is clear and to really sell the mysterious climax of the routine!
Instructional DVD Featuring: A live college performance of the routine. A live family performance of the routine. A detailed routine handling of both the poker and jumbo-sized cards. The "real" secret of the Opener with all the psychological subtleties to make this routine play as strongly for you as it does for Bill.
Alternate Performance and Handling Ideas:
* Breast Pocket Only
* "Messy" Poker Presentation
* Jumbo Cards and Table
* Jumbo Cards and Pop-Up Basket
Full Performance Script in PDF exactly as Bill performs this at every show. (Remember the script is a template to add to, subract from and get creative with.) And much more... $79.95 (60.1602)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2086&cat=0&page=1)
Diabolical Coins Across – Roger Monaco: First shown by Roger Monaco 25 years ago. And, it fooled some of the most knowledgeable people in magic!
The effect uses three Quarters or three Half Dollars and a Penny or Chinese coin, Show three Half Dollars and a Penny in your right hand.
Close your left and right hands and turn them over.
Open your right hand and there are only two Half Dollars and a Penny. One coin has traveled to your left hand.
Pick up the two Half Dollars and place them in your right hand.
The first Half Dollar that crossed over is picked up with your left hand, which you close into a fist.
Your right hand shows two Half Dollars and a Penny. Close your hand around the coins and turn both hands palm down.
Open your hands to show that a second Half Dollar has traveled over to your left hand. Open your right hand and one Half Dollar and the Penny fall out.
Place the last Half Dollar in your right hand along with the Penny.
Pick up the two coins that traveled over with your left hand.
Close both hands, palm down.
Open your hands and only a Penny falls out of your right hand. There are three Half Dollars in your left hand!
Please note: When the hands are opened, fingers are spread wide apart, clearly showing that there is nothing else in the hand. Coins may be examined before and after as there are no gimmicked coins of any kind.
$25.00 (20.423)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2125&cat=0&page=1)
Smart Stuff – Bill Abbott: A book of brilliant ideas & routines for your Smart Ass deck
Smart Ass has become something of a phenomenon. Since it was released a year and a half ago, Bill Abbott has received many ideas, tips and fully scripted routines from performers who use their Smart Ass deck on a regular basis. This book is a compilation of these submissions as well as a few of his own that will shine new light on this highly versatile and deceptive deck of cards. There are ideas and routines using stickers, multiple decks, ice buckets, umbrellas, zip lock bags and airplanes! Included are routines for kids shows, corporate performances and comedy clubs. Contributors include Allen Zingg, Doug Brewer, Jeff Bloom, Dave Wood, Ken Dumm, Cody Fisher, David Klass, Cris Johnson, Max Muto, Andy Kean, Floyd Collins, Bruce Trigg and Anthony Lindan.
Contents Include:
An Introduction by Allen Zingg
Smart Bits
* Smart Stop by Bill Abbott
* Got Your Smart Ass Covered by Bill Abbott (& Sonny Fontana)
* Bag It Up Close by Bill Abbott inspired by David Klass
* Smart Bar by Doug Brewer
* Smart Stickler by Jeff Bloom
* True Love by Dave Wood
* Self-Esteem Success by Andy Kean
* Smart Ass Lines by Cris Johnson
* Impromptu Smart Ass by Max Muto
Smart Scripts
* Half-Assed by Ken Dumm
* MTV True Princess by Floyd Collins
* Using Your Head by Floyd Collins
* Smart Waltz by Bruce Trigg
* That Special Moment by Allen Zingg
* The Amazing Wizo! by Allen Zingg
* Mirabile Dictu by Allen Zingg
* Intuition by Bill Abbott
* Princess & The Pea by Bill Abbott
* Buyers Remorse by Bill Abbott
* Thinking On Your Feet by Anthony Lindan
* In Search Of A Smart Ass by Cody Fisher
$20.00 (BK01660)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2101&cat=0&page=1)
Romhany’s Multiplying Bottle Routine DVD – Paul Romhany: Direct from his current act, Paul Romhany releases his Comedy Multiplying Bottles Routine. A hilarious routine from start to finish, with a few surprises along the way.
This package includes the complete performance and instructional DVD, plus the audio CD with a male and female backing track needed for the Romhany routine.
You explain to the audience that you subscribe to a mail order magic company that sends you magic lessons on a CD. You received one today and brought it to show the audience how you learn your tricks. You play the CD and start the lesson. Bottles start to change places with a glass, multiply and change color until you end up with a table full of bottles!
This routine is designed to use any standard set of nine multiplying bottles. Paul shares his years of experience performing this routine from cruise ships, theaters to cabaret, and includes additional ideas on the best tube covers to use, how to make your bottles look good on stage, the best type of table and step by step instructions on how to perform this routine. No more worrying about what to say or which tube to lift - you just follow along to the voice over and let the fun begin!
Note: Use a standard set of nine multiplying bottle - sold separately. $39.95 (DVD01028)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2108&cat=0&page=1)
JOL Zippered Coin Purse: Made by Jerry O’Connell. This zippered coin purse protects those expensive coins from damage. Measures 2 1/4" x 4" (5.71cm x 10.16cm) $25.00 (70.972)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2130&cat=0&page=1)
And, that’s this week’s Hotlist. Some really great new items! And, don’t forget, you can buy one and get one at half price!
As always, we appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules to visit with us either online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street in Medford. Either way, we love the company!
Hank Lee
