Greetings from all of us at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. It turns out we didn’t have to go to Las Vegas this week to find the heat. The heat found us. Mamma Mia, it’s been a hot one. I could not believe my eyes when I looked at the thermometer and it read 99 degrees. And, that was Celsius. It wasn’t really Celsius, that was just a joke for the science kids. But, it was hot. And, it wasn’t any of that “dry heat” either. The humidity was high, so it was truly a “wet heat.” Luckily, every part of my life is air-conditioned. The house. The office. The warehouse. The car. The Stop & Shop. If I could only figure out a way to get to these places without getting out of the car, it would be great. An underground tunnel, perhaps.
With the summer heat, the elves are moving a little slower than usual. Sitting down seems to be the order of the day. And, what’s more fun when you are sitting down than playing with new magic. Some mighty fun stuff is just in stock. The Tango Ultimate Coins are a very new idea in gimmicked coins, and just fooling around with the gimmick stirs all kinds of creative ideas. Mickael Chatelain’s Reset Card is an incredible gimmicked card, perfect to add to your Ambitious Card Routine. Finally, David Leon’s ThumbScape thumbcuffs are so nice, and really designed to fool. I showed them to Steve, and I know I fooled him with them. When I showed him how they worked he was pretty darn impressed. And, he’s a tough one to impress.
On the shop front, I had to cover for Don while he took care of some very important errands. A new customer came into the shop looking for card tricks. He had already taught himself some sleight of hand, which was impressive. However, the fact that he learned the sleight of hand watching YouTube was even more amazing. We talked for a while. Then, I suggested Harry Lorayne’s Close-Up Card Magic, one of my favorite card books ever. He bought the book, and I was really pleased. It was like the old days on Lincoln Street.
On the home front® Lucas’ friend Julia flew in from the West Coast for a few days. She had never been to Boston, so Lucas gave her the full ten cent tour. They walked all around town in the broiling heat. Late at night, they ate Falafel at Falafel Corner, Lucas’ new favorite late-night haunt. Then on Wednesday they took the bus to Martha’s Vineyard to spend a couple of days with Bonnie, Aron and Bones. A great time was had by all.
And, now it’s time to look at this week’s excitement.
DVD GIVEAWAY: With so many great new DVDs hitting the market, what could be better than an old-fashioned DVD Giveaway! For the next six days, from right now until Wednesday, August 26th, at midnight, you have the opportunity to get DVDs for free! But, you have to get them the old fashioned way. You must earn them.
Here's the way it works. For every order of $100 or more, you get one free DVD (your choice of any single DVD that sells for $35.00 or less). If you spend $200 or more, you get two free DVDs (again, your choice). $300 or more gets you three free DVDs. And on it goes. The more you buy, the more you get for free! It's an incredible deal when you figure that the average price of a DVD is $35.00! In order to claim your free DVD, just put the name of the DVD in the Customer Notes Box at the bottom of the second page of the online checkout (after you fill in your name, address, etc.) at www.magicfact.com. If you phone your order in to our toll free number at 800 874 7400, just let the order-person know what free DVD(s) you want. If you FAX the order to us at 781 395 2034, same thing. Just let us know which ones you want. Remember, the giveaway ends on Wednesday August 26th, at midnight!
Now, let’s take a peek at this week’s Hotlist!
New Vanishing Coca-Cola® Bottle: The vanishing bottle in a tube has been on the market for a long time, but this new model has liquid inside (you see it splashing) and it even has the real, rounded closed bottom!
You cannot see any difference from an ordinary bottle even from a couple of feet away, and even if you see it from below.
Yet, it disappears in the traditional way! The bottle is made from an original 1/2 litre Coke® bottle.
The trick is a proven winner, and it will be for you, too, because it has all the ingredients of a successful performance, and yet is very easy to do!
You can show it close up, surrounded, on stage, for children or adults, silent or talking. An excellent routine is included.
The trick, which has taken years to perfect is extremely deceptive! We predict that you will use it in all your shows! If ever there was a winner, this is it!
Here are the important features:
• Never seen before!
• This unique, new model has rounded, closed bottom!
• It has Coke inside; they can see the liquid splash!
• You do not need to cover the bottle with a silk, and no more palming!
• The bottle looks exactly as in the photo!
• New, better routine with extra surprises!
• Spring Flowers and silks are not included.
$69.95 (60.1610)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1717&cat=0&page=1)
Fruitfull: New from Juan Pablo, a borrowed and signed bill vanishes from between your hands and reappears in any selected fruit!
Note this:
* No palming
* No bill switch
* Use any bill, borrowed and signed
* Only one bill is used
* No prepared fruit
* Use any fruit, vegetable or bread
* No reset, it is always ready to be performed
* Includes gimmicks and an instructional DVD.
$70.00 (60.1611)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2279&cat=0&page=1)
Creation – Peter Loughran: Peter Loughran has been creating and marketing original magic effects and illusions for almost two decades with dozens of top selling magic effects on the market today, while also consulting for dozens of other creators. Now, for the first time he shares some of his own personal underground secrets, tips and methods for producing, manufacturing, marketing and inventing magic.
Let Peter be your personal consultant and reap the benefits of his own personal experience. Peter will take you deep into the world of creating and marketing magic in an industry far different than any other. You will learn about a different side of magic, as he explains in detail some of the most important topics related to the subject. Advertising, marketing, pricing, distribution, packaging, ad copie, accepting payments, websites, manufacturing, legalities, it’s all here. He will even share some of his own personal stories. If you have ever thought about marketing your own magic trick or illusion, this book is a must-have
If you are already a seasoned creator or manufacturer, this book is a must-read and will be your personal reference guide as you read about different perspectives and how they can help better your business. If you are not a creator or have no intentions on producing magic, this book will give you insight on the complicated nature of creating and marketing a product in a very limited market and industry, and perhaps help you gain new respect for the creators in our art.
Creation is the first publication that covers this subject in this much real world detail. By using the information in this book you have the potential to make this a primary or secondary income and the book will pay for itself over and over.
Creation comes to you as a beautiful soft cover perfect bound 6x9 book and includes a forward written by fellow creator and professional international performer Paul Romhany.
Each one is hand signed by the author and Creation will only be printed in limited quantities. Pages 88 – Softbound $35.00 (Bk01664)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1783&cat=0&page=1)
Levitation - Andrew Mayne: Andrew Mayne, creator of Illusion EFX and Gut Buster, presents a new DVD dedicated to the art of levitation. Including five levitations for the stage and street, Andrew teaches practical methods for defying gravity that will leave your audiences spellbound. The levitations featured on the DVD include:
Levitator – Stand on a chair and float several feet off the floor, to the side and then glide gently to the ground.
UP – A baffling effect where you float up to a chair and back down making the audience wonder if you levitated or slowed down time. Makes a great emcee bit.
Flight – Put on a cape and float in the air like a superhero.
The Anti-Gravity Machine – An impromptu effect using a sheet of newspaper you can perform at a party to convince your friends you know an arcane science secret that allows you to defy gravity.
Ultimate Levitation – An easy to build stage illusion that allows you to openly levitate without any cover.
In this DVD Andrew shows his favorite methods for levitating in a variety of situations from the street to the stage and everywhere in between.
$19.95 (DVD01034)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2255&cat=0&page=1)
Decade Poster – David Blaine: This Deluxe Edition features a Hand Signed Autographed version of David Blaine's Decade Poster!
This stunning, one-of-a-kind collector's item commemorates David Blaine's 10th anniversary as an endurance artist.
The poster celebrates David's extraordinary accomplishments over the past decade, from his first days of being buried alive to his most recent feat, the bullet catch.
Designed by renowned artist Mark Stutzman, each 24 inch × 36 inch poster maintains the highest quality standards using the finest inks, professional grade card stock, and a premium diamond gloss finish. $40.00 (70.973)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2282&cat=0&page=1)
Seep – Peter Loughran: Borrow two playing cards (no force required) and ask the spectator to fold one card in half the long way, and to fold the other card in half sideways.
Place the card folded the long way inside the card folded sideways.
Both cards can be seen nested together, yet something strange begins to happen! The card folded long ways begins to melt right through the center of the other folded card.
Both cards are then immediately opened up to show they are still completely intact.
The two cards are then handed out for examination and for the spectator to keep.
• Seep can be performed with two normal borrowed playing cards.
• There is no force required.
• Use any deck or brand of cards
• The borrowed cards can be handed out for examination after the illusion.
• Requires virtually no set up and can be instantly repeated even with different cards.
• Easy to do and requires no difficult sleight of hand.
Comes with instructions, special gimmick and multiple handlings and performance variations. $24.95 (30.1439)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1805&cat=0&page=1)
Miracles With Your Business Cards – Jay Sankey: Learn effects using your business cards with coins, playing cards, spoons, drawings, matchbooks, markers, staplers, handkerchiefs, flash paper and more!
Contents include:
Signed And Stapled: Jay's super direct handling of the classic 'stapled' effect with a signed selection!
Creepy Crawlers: Three small 'bugs' drawn on three business cards mysteriously gather together onto one card!
Turning Point: A business card initialed by a spectator mysteriously turns over in a packet of business cards several times in a row!!
Fresh Ink: Mysteriously 'print' a business card at a moment's notice!
Power Lunch: The magician visually pulls the spectator's initials off one business card and slaps them onto another!
A Formal Affair: Cause the drawing of a spoon to mysteriously bend!
Memory Lapse: A spectator is 'influenced' to forget a detail everybody else clearly remembers!
Change In Direction: Three business cards, three freshly drawn arrows and a startling visual change.
Seeing Things: A few holes are punched in a business card, but with just a wave of yours hands, all the holes visually disappear!
Plus these:
‘Rub Away’ Vanish Intensive: This technique is perfect for business card routines and Jay covers it in rare detail including the timing and rhythm, executing it 'on the table,' 'on the knee' and even 'on the card case.' Many essential small details are explained!
An ‘Out To Lunch’ Collection: Five super commercial effects based on Gene Gordon's beautifully deceptive 'Out To Lunch' principal. So easy, so magical!
Thoughts On Design: Jay used to work in an advertising agency, so it's no surprise he has some solid advice on designing your business card!
Gimmicked Business Cards: Jay shows you how to prepare your business cards for effects involving playing cards + several routines with 'gimmicked' business cards. The Pocket Toss Turnover: Jay came up with this very cool technique years ago and share it for the very first time!
Card2Card: Jay teaches you several different methods for dramatically transforming a freely selected card into your own business card! The perfect magical transition!
Features more than 20 magic & mentalist effects you can perform with your own business cards!
Many of the routines are very easy to do!
Learn all of Jay's strongest business card routines over the past 20 years + many brand new effects!
Over 40 minutes of bonus features!
All required sleights, forces and techniques are taught in complete detail! $25.00 (DVD01036)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1834&cat=0&page=1)
Rhapsodies in Silver & Other Mysteries DVD Set - Michael Vincent -Enter a world of elegance and sophistication where time stops, money disappears into thin air, black becomes white and white becomes black. Michael Vincent defies all human logic as the world's maestro of sleight of hand, and after the huge worldwide success of The Classic Magic of Michael Vincent he is now back by popular demand to continue where he left off.
Once in every generation is born an individual whose work becomes known worldwide as a touchstone for excellence. With the hands of an artist and the soul of a poet, Michael is just such an individual. His sleight-of-hand is masterful, his presentations are inventive and his performances are the epitome of class and sophistication.
As the only magician in history to have won the prestigious title of "Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year" three times, Michael has spent the better part of three decades honing his skills to become one of finest magicians that Great Britain has ever produced.
The material on this collection features some astonishing effects from Michael's repertoire. Michael takes you on an introspective journey into his world of magic. Over four DVDs, you will be privy to his thoughts, beliefs and values about the craft of magic.
While the focus is on magic with coins and cards, you will also be exposed to a way of thinking which can take your magic to another level. The pathway to excellence is all about having a road map and the terrain on this DVD has been laid for you to follow.
Michael amplifies his teaching and mentoring with the intention to leave you moved and inspired to become even better magicians. As you watch it, you will experience for yourself why Michael's stunning presentations are regarded by audiences and fellow professionals alike as some of the very best in the world today.
Disc One: The Live Performance - The Slot Machine; Coins Across & the Coins Through the Table; Match Made in Heaven; Dai Vernon's "Matching the Cards;” The Two-Card Monte; Michael's handling and presentation for Eddie Fechter's "Be Honest, What is it;" and The Mushin Travelers.
All routines in the live performance are explained in full.
The Revelations:
A Discussion on Coin Magic with Chris Harding, including a detailed study of the fundamental coin sleights
My Three Coins Vanish is a wonderful sequence that will serve not only as a mystifying piece of elegant coin magic but will enable you to practice all of the discussed techniques in a specific context.
The Right Way to Wash Your Hands is a study of "The Beat." An extremely valuable technique to learn.
MV's Slot Machine is Michael's handling of a Dr Sawa routine that is a fabulous opener as well as a guaranteed ovation getter.
Disc Two: The Close up Show
Routines Performed and Explained: This collection of effects is a study in powerful routines and staging. Michael presents a staggering series of effects for a lay audience.
Fooled by a Gentleman is a fantastic opening routine inspired by the great thinking of Nate Leipzig
Asthmatic Card Control is a wonderful routine to demonstrate your abilities at shuffle tracking and card control.
The Invisible Card is one of Michael’s favorite effects.
Three-Card Monte - Discussion and presentation tips on this classic routine.
The Card at Any Number - Michael's take on this much-explored effect is discussed and explained in full.
Disc Three: The Pathway to Excellence Continued
A discussion of how to improve your magic, raise your own standards and how to master and improve the basic techniques in sleight-of-hand.
This is a follow up to the mentoring process started on Volume
One. Here, Michael takes you deeper into the dynamics of successful card handling.
Intermediate Steps:
The Control - A Further Discussion
The Double Lift - MV Combination double lift
The Palm - MV/Marlo One Hand Bottom Palm-The Double Undercut Palm-The Side-Jog Set for/The LJ Angle Palm and The Diagonal Palm Shift
The Top Change - A discussion on The Two Card Monte
The Force - The Dribble Force plus some wonderful applications of this technique
The False Shuffle - A Discussion on The Zarrow Shuffle
Bonus Explanations:
A Match Made in Heaven is a wonderful stand-up version of a Dai Vernon classic!
The Mushin Travelers - This will really give you something to work on.
Disc Four: Bonus Explanations
The Coins through the Table is a study in the ebb and flow of tension and relaxation. This routine is one of the highlights of Michael's highly acclaimed Magic Castle Act. Now he shares it with you!
Stand-up Coins Across/Chinese Connection is a discussion on one of the popular performance-only effects from Volume One
Chink-a-Chink - A personalized approach. A classic routine gets the "Vincent Touch."
The Shattering Coins and Silver Balls: A Tribute to Eddie Joseph A staggering piece of close up coin magic that you have to see to believe!
Michael's Stand-Up Rhapsody in Silver – After many requests since the release of the previous collection, this routine from the first live parlor show is now performed and explained in full detail.
The Chain of Excellence - Michael's magic has been inspired by the work of the great masters who came before him. By working in harmony with the work of the past masters we are able to then realize our own artistic potential. A full and detailed list of credits and inspirational sources has been included on the DVD for your reference and further study. This will allow the chain of excellence to continue. $79.95 (DVD01035)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2265&cat=0&page=1)
And that, fellow kids, is this week’s Dog Days Of Summer Hotlist. How hot is it? Hot, really hot. We have collected some super fine new items for you, and I hope you enjoy reading about them. More importantly, I hope you are moved to buy some of them.
As always, I honestly do appreciate your spending time with us, whether it is online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street. Either way, we love the company!
Hank Lee
