Greetings from all of us here at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. This week, I am writing the Email Newsletter from the heart of Times Square in New York City. Bonnie felt that I could use a few days away, and surprised me with tickets to “A Little Night Music” with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury plus, as an added bonus, tickets to La Boheme at the Met. We went to the shows on Wednesday and Thursday evening, and had a wonderful time. If you have never seen the inside of the Metropolitan Opera, it is beyond incredible. If you ever find yourself in Manhattan, go for the tour. Anyway, it is now Friday morning, and as soon as I am done writing this, we are heading for the train back to Boston.
There is big Conclave news. Good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first? OK, the bad news. The bad news is that Mark Kalin & Jinger have been offered an eight week engagement in Puerto Rico. They had to choose between a one-night show at the Conclave and eight weeks in Puerto Rico. Mark says that it was actually a difficult decision, but from a purely economic standpoint, they could not turn down the Puerto Rican deal. Especially in this economy, I completely understood. Now, the good news. We have been able to fill Mark’s spot with Ed Alonzo. Ed has been the Magic Castle Stage Magician Of The Year twice, the Magic Castle Comedy Magician Of The Year twice, and this year, the day after his Conclave appearance, he is being named the Magic Castle Magician Of The Year. We are extremely lucky that he will be with us. If you have never seen Ed perform, you are in for a treat. If you have seen him before, then you know exactly what you are in for! Which brings me to, “Have You Registered Yet?” This year’s Conclave will be one of the best ever. I promise! The dates are April 9-11. There are still registrations available. Get all the info here:
(http://www.hanklee.org/conclave12.html)
And now, to this week’s excitement! It’s a new one, and I think you will really like it.
Call Us And Get A Free Gift: We love getting your orders online. Our Online Catalog is super easy to use, and makes ordering a breeze. The only downside is that we don’t get to talk to you! Frankly, the elves, and me too, are missing that personal touch. We want to talk to you. We want to know how nice and warm it is in Florida while we are freezing up here. We want to here how much colder it is in Washington state than it is here in Boston. We want to know how the kids are. And, it’s hard to do that online. So, we want you to give us a call and place your order. And, we want to make it worth your while. So, from now until the 6th of March, everyone who calls in an order will get a really nice free gift. No matter how big or small your order is, you will get a gift. Just mention that you would like the free gift and you will get it. And, we are not talking about some little junkie item, we are talking about a gift with at least a $25.00 value, maybe more! Plus, the call is free! Use our toll-free Order Line at 800 874 7400 and we’ll pay for the call!
Now, I know what you are thinking. I live in Norway and I can’t call my order in. I work during the day and can’t call in. I get it. But, don’t sweat it. Place your order as always in the Online Catalog, and just put the Secret Phrase I Tried To Call in the Customer Notes Box, and we will still send you the free gift! Because, as we all know, it’s the thought that counts.
So, call us or try to call us, because Elves are standing by!
Now, to this week’s Hotlist.
(1) Dove Wand: The fun surprise that gives your magic wings! A sell-out at every magic convention!
Hold up your magic wand, and suddenly a dove appears perched at the end of the wand!
It looks so cool! And, there is no need to keep livestock!
Comes with special wand and even more special dove! You will do this one all the time! $22.50 (60.1653)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9971&cat=0&page=1)
(2) Exchange Rate Inc – Cameron Francis: Cameron Francis' Exchange Rate gimmick allows you to make an eye-popping change between a coin and a folded bill.
Borrow a coin from your spectator. He signs one side, you sign the other. You then offer to blow their mind, and if you can't, you'll give them the bill in your pocket (can be any currency)!
Holding their signed coin at your fingertips (sleeves rolled up), you give one tiny shake and you are now holding the bill! No cover and almost no sleight of hand.
You then reach into your pocket (or have the spectator do it if you're feeling brave), and retrieve the signed coin.
Exchange Rate is easy. It's super visual. And it's fun to perform!
And that's not all. On this DVD you'll also learn:
Driven - A 100% impromptu pen thru bill. Borrow the pen. Borrow the bill.
Uninked - The bill switch on acid. You offer to give your spectator a dollar as a 'thank you' for their kind reactions to your magic. But you notice the bill has some nasty marks on it... they'll love what happens next!
Tear It Up 2 - A two phase, torn and restored card guaranteed to leave your spectators speechless.
Cheque This - A borrowed bill turns into an IOU cheque. Then a selected card is shown to have been predicted on the cheque. Finally, to cap it all, the bill reappears inside a card case that has been on display the entire time!
Implicit Progression - An easy, impromptu progressive assembly!
A Strange Revisit - The Jacks are doing something strange with a spectator's selection. Something very strange.
Cagey - A stunning transposition with an ending that will slay your spectators.
Plus - Learn the $100 Bill Switch!
$30.00 (DVD01106)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9972&cat=0&page=1)
(3) Unconquered: Mastering The Three Card Monte DVD: The classic three-card swindle revealed!
Three Card Monte is an ancient game. On this DVD, learn a magician's version of this perennially-popular hustle. Everyone's familiar with the premise: A spectator is asked to keep track of one red card after it's been mixed among two black cards. No matter how fairly the cards are mixed and how slowly the magician moves, the red card is always where it is least expected.
Thanks to the cleverly-designed Bicycle cards (included), what was once a difficult sleight-of-hand feat is now within the reach of everyone. On this video, professional magician John Sturk will teach you:
-Visual magical versions of this classic trick.
-Complete scripts.
-History and background of the effect.
-A variation using Jumbo cards and more!
Also included on this DVD are PDF and MP3 files that can be downloaded onto your Mac or PC. With all the tools available to learn this classic trick, you'll pick it up in no time! $12.50 (DVD01107)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9974&cat=0&page=1)
(4) Jumbo Unconquered: Jumbo cards to perform the classic Three Card Monte! These cards are specially printed by the U.S. Playing Card Company on their Jumbo Bicycle stock. Complete with Bicycle backs!
Includes a routine by professional magician John Sturk - no table or jacket required! Perform completely stand-up!
Cards measure 7" x 4.5". $20.00 (30.1473)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9977&cat=0&page=1)
(5) Tossing Broads – Tony Giorgio: In the 19th Century Victorian British underworld slang, playing cards were called “broads.” Playing a game of cards was known as "Spreading Broads." Cheating at cards was called "Broading" and a card sharp was called a "Broadsman". Tossing Broads is a gaffed game that cannot be beat; hence, the broad tosser plays a gaffed joint, or flat joint. A Three-Card Monte game with the prevailing myth is that the broad tossers used a queen as the winning card, and would say, "Find the Lady."
Pages: 30 - Saddle Stitched. $24.95 (BK01698)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9973&cat=0&page=1)
(6) Magic Wand’s Journey: Dámaso, great magician from Spain, has developed The Magic Wand's Journey, a trick tested for years only in Europe, now available for everyone all over the world.
You'll make a Magic Wand fly, totally surrounded by the audience, wherever and whenever!
And here comes the good part:
The trick resets in seconds. Spectators can not interfere with the thread.
Light material. Good adherence. It allows for many variations and new movements.
Give the wand to a spectator. He'll find no gimmicks, and he can keep it as a souvenir!
After this effect, you can also continue performing cigarette routines -the wand is the same size as a cigarette-.
Also includes a bonus trick you can continue with in your show: The Hypnotized Card. Place a card in the hand of a person in the audience. The card will remain standing up by itself!
Replacements are also available.
Marc Oberon, FISM world winner, and European close-up magic winner, said in Madrid: "I'm surprised. This routine is totally new for me!"
The pack includes:
DVD in English and Spanish.
6 wands pack and all material you need.
$40.00 (10.1563)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9978&cat=0&page=1)
(7) Vectra Line – Steve Fearson: This is the dawn of a new era in levitations. Never break your thread again! Steve Fearson's Vectra Line is the strongest invisible thread ever offered to the magic community.
A single strand can hold nearly 1/4 pound! That's a full deck of playing cards!
Now, for the first time you can safely levitate large items like CD's, coat hangers, scissors, you name it.
Vectra Line is as invisible as some of the thinnest threads on the market but is stronger than all of them.
Q. Is Vectra Line stronger than Kevlar or Spectra thread?
A. Yes, substantially stronger.
Q. Can I refill my existing ITR with Vectra Line?
A. Yes, you can refill any thread reel with Vectra Line.
Q. Are there any drawbacks to using Vectra Line?
A. Vectra Line can be difficult to cut with a scissors. They need to be very sharp. Alternatively you can use a razor blade.
Each package of Vectra Line Invisible Thread includes access to downloadable resources including usage tips and even a full routine utilizing the famous Fearson Hookup, recognized universally as the best way to float an object.
Fearson's Vectra Line is the result of several years of research and development. Ultra high-tech fibers are used primarily by the military and space programs and are generally unavailable to the public at large. We are proud to bring you this exciting product, at an affordable price.
Each length of Vectra Line contains over 100 individual invisible fibers. So one 20 foot length equals well over 2000 feet of super strong invisible thread!
$15.00 (70.984)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9975&cat=0&page=1)
(8) Master Wax: Is your wax letting you down? The Master Wax is Steve Fearson's preferred blend of flesh colored premium magician's wax specially formulated for thread work.
Invisible thread work demands a wax that is tacky and pliable, yet hard enough to hold the thread firmly so that it doesn't pull through the wax and come loose. This wax meets all those requirements!
Most blends of wax are too soft for thread work allowing the thread to pull through or tear loose from the wax, resulting in an embarrassing situation. When they do work, they often leave a sticky mess on your hands or props.
Fearson's Master Wax solves these problems once and for all.
It will stick firmly to a fingernail, playing card or other hard surface and comes off clean! It will not cause a mess by sticking to your skin or clothing like other brands. But most importantly...
Fearson's Master Wax holds thread tight!
Because it's harder, a smaller amount can be used. It can also be used again and again, so a little bit goes a long way. And since it's flesh colored, it's more stealth-like than traditional white wax. It is a near perfect match for the fingernail color of any breed or creed. $7.00 (70.985)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=9976&cat=0&page=1)
(9) Probe: After more than 5 years of underground sales to a select group of Mentalists and Magicians, Rhinesense Mk 4, Probe is finally available to you.
Mentalism doesn't get much more direct than this. The spectator is handed a packet of ESP cards. They take any one and place it between their hands whilst your back is turned; the remaining cards are placed out of sight in their pocket.
When you turn around you, know instantly, electronically and every time, which one they have.
• No Forcing, No Fishing, No Set-Up, No Practice, No Hassle.
• You touch nothing before, during or after.
• Strap on like a watch and you are ready,in seconds.
• Instantly repeatable; no reset.
• Up to 12 different items can be identified.
• Professional, close-up and stage routines included.
• Many accessories available including custom printed cards.
Broadcast quality DVD with almost 90 minutes of detailed instruction on how to use Probe with Cards, Words, Pictures, Coins, Bills, Nuts, Matches, Candy, Envelopes, Food and many other items. Dozens of tips and ideas sent in by Probe users from all over the world.
Probe has been used on TV by professional mentalists in 9 countries.
Do not confuse Probe with crude consumer electronics converted for magic use. Probe is built ground-up by surveillance electronics expert and mentalist Dave Everett.
Routines and ideas from Sean Taylor, Richard Paddon, Edward De'Ath, Wayne Rodgers, John Archer and more. $500.00 (40.712)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1084&cat=0&page=1)
"Just thought I would let you know that I bought a Rhinesense over here in the UK and I love it. Best effect I have come across in years."
- John Archer
"Dave Everett's Rhinesense is honestly as close to real Mindreading as you can get."
- Sean Taylor
(10) Killer Epic: Through special arrangement with ProCraft Illusions and Whit Haydn we have secured a limited number of Whit's renowned Killer Epic. If you've seen Whit's routine then you know the power it has. His routine blows the standard Mental Epic routine out of the water with its no-force killer finish!
Performer announces that his mentalism skills are actually somewhat limited, that he will be depending on the ESP of the audience members instead! Using the jumbo slate, he first writes a three-number prediction and covers it. Then he asks three audience members to choose a digit, each of which he writes down underneath his prediction.
Next, the performer makes a second prediction, writes it on the slate and covers it. He then tosses a coin to the audience. While his back is turned, the audience is instructed to pass the coin back and forth randomly until they hear him say “Stop!” The person who ends up with the coin is asked to toss it and call “Heads” or “Tails.” Performer again writes the results on the slate below his prediction.
Performer writes a final prediction, covers it, and throws a banded deck of cards to three audience members and has them each peek at a card, memorize it, and stand up. (They do not disclose their card!)
The performer then proceeds to reveal the covered panels on the slate. The audience is understandably impressed when the first two predictions match, right down to the initials of the individual who tossed the coin! But the audience is flabbergasted when the performer reveals the names of the three cards and says, “If any of you standing sees the name of your card, sit down!” –– and they all sit down!
Typically, the old Mental Epic had none of this kind of build-up, none of this suspense, none of this brand of routining, and no killer finish: The final prediction was revealed and that was that. With Killer Epic, Whit Haydn introduces his crowd-pleasing total spectator involvement and spectacular finish that leaves audiences breathless!
In addition to Whit's routine you also receive the best Mental Epic board on the market today! If you're looking for the ultimate dry-erase Mental Epic this is it!
The board measures 17"x26." It is easy to travel with and plays to a large audience. The jumbo-size slate can easily be seen from the back of the house and yet is perfectly suitable for parlor work. The slate features a Dry-Erase writing surface. The reverse side of the slate is a full-sized, ungimmicked writing surface suitable for any mentalism effects!
The slate is quality constructed using the finest materials available. The previous model has been improved in a variety of ways. For one, it is constructed with a 1/4" Baltic birch plywood core which makes it stronger yet lighter! The gimmick has also been upgraded with a more robust material that won't warp or bend in extreme temperatures. Even the dry-erase surface is made from a true dry-erase material for easy cleaning and marker removal. To cap it all off the entire board is framed in durable gleaming metal.
Whit Haydn's Killer Epic comes with the jumbo slate, colorful numbered frame covers, marking pen and Whit's complete Performance & Instruction Video that includes special tips on handling, audience involvement and patter.
If you're looking to add a Mental Epic routine to your show this is it! $350.00 (60.1652)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1428&cat=0&page=1)
(11) Color Fusion – Nash Fung & Zenneth Kok: For the first time, the originator himself, Nash Fung, reveals the method of his original Color Fusion.
A card is selected, signed across its face, then a quarter containing part of the signature is torn away for the audience to keep.
With the remaining 3/4 card, you proceed to change the color on its back – one quarter at a time! This is done with pure sleight of hand. It is so visual you will swear it must be trick photography. At the end, you return the 3/4 card for inspection. The signature matches, the card matches, but 3/4 of the back is now in a different color!
This trick is performed stand up at chest height, which facilitates higher visibility for larger crowd of audience
Ideal for both strolling and banquet shows.
Everything is examinable, resulting in a truly impossible looking souvenir. This is a perfect trick to impress your spectator; they will keep this mismatched piece of art for years to come.
Package includes:
• 8 Special Bicycle Stock Gaff Cards for CNR-Color Fusion & restoration
• Full training DVD that will guide you through every step of this effect, including multiple handlings, performance, handling tips and all the subtleties
• An interview with Nash Fung that explores more ideas and possibilities
$29.95 (DVD01104)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1205&cat=0&page=1)
...the effect is a real eye popper... -Matthew Field, Magic Circular
...Nash Fung's Color Fusion looks so good that your audience might believe that you are a real magician. - Peter Duffie, Magic Magazine
(12) The Ripper: Take your subject on a walk through Whitechapel with Jack the Ripper.
Using a map of Whitechapel and the back of an old Scotland Yards case file, you help your subject as they guide themselves to the exact location of the first Ripper murder.
Then in their minds eye, they describe in detail what the location looks like even though they have never seen it before!
At the end you flip the case file over to reveal an old photograph of the exact location they just described!
Your audience will be stunned and your subject will be sleeping with the lights on for a good long while.
Comes complete with every thing you will need:
• Full Color Booklet explaining the working of the effect as well as offering an abundance of Ripper information.
• Special Reproduction Map of Whitechapel
• Laminated Case File with Photo on The Back
• Bonus Routine
$29.00 (40.713)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1188&cat=0&page=1)
(13) Harlan: Live! DVD Set: Dan Harlan's first DVD release in over 10 Years! From the creator of wonderful effects such as Card-Toon, Band Shark, and Hover Card, Dan Harlan is proud to release his newest DVD. Harlan: Live! was filmed live at Haines' House Of Cards located in Cincinnati, Ohio. All of Dan Harlan's A-Show stand-up material is finally revealed in this brand new, 2 DVD Set. Following Dan's show is an in depth interview with Dan (by Floyd Collins) and you will hear Dan talk about performing, creativity, and staging.
Disc 1: Dan's Full Stand-Up Show
Two Left Hands- Harlan's audience-pleasing warm up which gets everyone involved in the fun!
Hold It, Buster- The pun-filled, jumbo card monte updated with all the jokes and bits of business
Crazy 8- Harlan's ingenious signed, torn mis-made and restored masterpiece...finally on video
The World's Saddest Trick- Producing tears of laughter as a sad little hanky vanishes forever.
Ritual Necklace- A new presentation and handling that blows the dust off grandma's necklace.
My Word- The crossword puzzle book test that seems like mind-reading and requires no memorization.
Tightrope- Finally on video, Harlan's charming silent rope routine that tells a story without speaking a word.
Cheez Whiz- Harlan's hilarious, show-stopping routine performed entirely with groceries! First time on video!
Starcle- Creating magic with a paper napkin, Harlan captivates with a full presentation of his classic effect.
Every routine on this 2 DVD set is explained in full detail. Also, you'll learn how Harlan uses structured scripting techniques to achieve maximum entertainment.
Disc 2: The Interview
In this interview Harlan talks about his background in theater, his major influences, the business side of magic and much more. Some of the topics include:
Detail about how to properly use a ditch bag.
Dan explains his creative thought process and how he applies it to magic.
Various staging and theater tips.
Questions to Dan from local magicians.
Much, much more.
Also included on this DVD are the Crazy 8, Crazy Cash, and My Word templates for you to download and use. Everything you will need is included on this 2 DVD set.
$49.00 (DVD01101)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=1300&cat=0&page=1)
(14) Extreme Burn 2.0: The most visual bill change system ever; and now completely examinable!
Extreme Burn is back with a vengeance!
Extreme Burn 2.0 includes all the same incredible material from the original Extreme Burn DVD, plus 75 minutes of brand new material.
Featuring:
• Hand Out Techniques
• Advanced Underground Changes
• Magazine To Money Workshop
• New Moves, Fresh Concepts
• Subtleties, Psychology and More!
• New Ultra-Thin Gimmick plus
• Comes With The Extreme Burn Wallet/Holder
• Immediately Repeatable; Nothing To Reset
• Works With Any Currency
The Effect:
Show 4-5 bills cleanly, one at a time, on both sides. Lay them flat out in your hand. With no cover whatsoever, shake the bills.
Instantly they change. That's it. No folding. No funny moves. Nothing.
The bills just change!
Your spectators will swear they just saw a Hollywood special effect!
Richard Sanders has reinvented the multiple bill change. Working from the ground up he has transformed the visual impact of the effect and revolutionized the entire technique. Extreme Burn is a devious recipe combining one part technique and one part gimmick that will allow you to visually change bills with no cover.
The best part about Extreme Burn, besides the hyper visual changes is the fact that it is dead easy to do. The gimmick does most of the work for you so that you can concentrate on devastating your audiences.
Extreme Burn is not just a variation; it is an evolutionary leap forward in technique and effect. $34.95 (10.1114)
(http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=2116&cat=0&page=1)
And that’s this week’s hotsy-totsy Hotlist. I hope that you will find some stuff that will really tickle your fancy! And, don’t forget to call us at 800 874 7400 to place an order and get your free gift!
And, as always, whether you come and visit us online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street in Medford, we always love your company!
Hank
