Friday, February 25, 2011

Free DVDs! Your Choice!

Greetings from everyone at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. No time for idle chit chat this week, so let’s get right down to it.

There is all kinds of news on this year’s Cape Cod Conclave. First of all, we have just added magical super star Bob Sheets to our already incredible lineup! If you have never seen Bob perform, you are in for a real treat. If you have seen him perform, then you already know what a treat awaits you!

This year, due to popular demand, we have added a One Day Registration for Saturday only. So, if you can’t make it for the entire weekend, but you still want to come down for a day, here’s the deal: The One Day Registration costs $85.00 per person. For that, you get to attend all of the Saturday events, including the Dealers’ Room, plus you get a ticket to the Saturday evening show. It’s a really good deal. We are not set up online to handle the One Day Registrations, so if you want to register for just Saturday, give us a call at 800 874 7400 and we will hook you up. Of course, you can register for the full weekend at www.magicfact.com.

You may have noticed that we are now posting our online demo videos in both Quicktime and Windows Media Viewer format. Many of you told us that you could not view Quicktime demos, so we added the WMV format. Now you can watch the demos on any computer, anywhere!

On a sad note, we are losing far too many in the magic community. In the past few weeks, we have lost Terry Seabrooke, Tim Conover, Pavel, Steve Dacri and now Dr. Robert Albo. Enough already! They will all be dearly missed.

Time for some goods news! Check out this week's excitement!

DVD GIVEAWAY: So many new DVDs; so little time! So, what could be better than an old-fashioned DVD Giveaway! For the next seven days, from right now until Thursday, March 3rd, 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 Thursday March 3rd, at midnight!

Now, let’s take a peek at this week’s Hotlist!

(1) Psi-Poker: The latest creation from Ben Harris.
This new effect is totally self-working, requiring no skill or gaffs. The secret is ancient, but it’s never been used in this manner before.
So, what is Psi-Poker?
The effect is a multiply prediction of how a game of “Texas Hold ‘em” will play out from a shuffled deck. Hand a prediction to a spectator for safe-keeping before you introduce a deck of cards. The prediction is never again touched by the performer. The deck is shuffled, and another spectator is asked to decide from where the cards should be dealt. He cuts the deck to do this, or he can simply point to any spot in the deck. His choice is free. It is emphasized that his decision will ultimately decide the fate of the game.
Now, two hands are dealt: one for the spectator, and one for the performer. The game plays out in an exciting manner. Ultimately, it is a very close game. The spectator almost forms a winning straight but just misses by one pesky card.
The prediction is now read and it successfully predicts:
1. Who will win the game and how.
2. That the spectator will almost form a straight.
3. The exact card that the spectator was looking for to complete his straight.
It’s a triple prediction which describes how the game played out and the exact card that the spectator was looking for! It’s quite an impossible moment. Remember, the spectator could have decided to deal the cards from any point in the deck!
Important Points:
* The result is different each time. This means that Psi-Poker can be used in situations like walk-around, table-hopping, or on the streets.
* There are no gaffs of any kind. This uses a single deck of playing cards and a single prediction.
* No poker knowledge is required.
* The prediction is not tampered with in any way.
* The spectators deal the cards at all times.
Psi-Poker could well be the self-worker of 2011. You’ll have so much fun performing this. Texas Hold ‘em is a hot topic, and Psi-Poker lets you relate in and amaze without lifting a finger.
$20.00 (30.1453)

What they are saying about Psi Poker:

"Ben has discovered something quite amazing about Texas Hold'em and #######. Using that discovery he has created a very clean, hands off effect. This is a lovely gambling themed prediction that taps into the popularity of the world's most famous card game. It's an incredibly easy but powerful effect." - Marc Paul (UK)

"PSI Poker is a fantastic idea. The game itself is very popular. The handling is so natural. I like everything about it.” - Steve Dusheck (U.S.A)

(2) F-1 Wallet – Jason Rea: Ask yourself this question. Does your current card to wallet routine allow the following?
A card is selected, signed and put back into the deck. Instantly, you can show that the selection has vanished. You can even count the cards and there are only 51.
Your wallet has been in full view since before the card was even selected.
Yet when you open the zipper compartment the chosen card is inside.
Now, imagine that whole routine is achieved with absolutely no sleight of hand at all. Read that again Zero sleight of hand. Not one little bit!!
The F1 Wallet is easy enough to be used by the beginner and looks so impossible that the pros will love it!!
Have you ever wanted a palm and no-palm card to wallet that is designed to look and function as a standard day to day wallet, yet contains two killer lightning-fast load functions; sure you have! Well, Jason’s wallet combined with his F1 gimmick allows just that. The wallet has been designed by Jason Rea to ensure it’s a real-world worker.
On the instructional DVD Jason takes you through some of his pet routines including:
F1 Card to Wallet
This could be the cleanest and easiest no-palm card to wallet ever. Jason's routine is slick, fast and totally sleight-free. You will not believe the speed in which the card appears in the wallet!
F1 Repeat Card to Wallet
This effect is a commercial winner. A three-phase routine with two selected cards. The first selection is found via the use of a long card (a lovely gag but nevertheless very impressive to your spectator). The second card is found in the zipper compartment of your wallet. Finally, with the wallet in full view, your spectator sees their signed card go in to the middle of the deck (they can even push it in themselves and it really is their signed card). Quick as a flash you open the wallet and remove their card again! You will not believe how easy this effect is to perform. If you’re a working pro this could be the only card effect you need to use at the table.
F1 Torn and Restored Card
It looks impossible; it’s a real crowd pleaser with a killer knock out finale. It’s so easy to do and is ideal for walk-around and close up.
F1 Multiple Selection
Three cards are selected and signed by your spectators. The cards are lost in the deck. After a little fun with your audience you open your wallet and remove all three cards from the zipper compartment. The wallet can be sitting on the table before the effect even starts!
The special F1 gimmick can be easily adapted to your preferred brand of playing card.
The F1 comes with everything you need (apart from a long card for the gag) to start working it right away. $97.50 (30.1571)
Note: Coming in stock very soon. Pre-order now and we'll pay the shipping!

(3) Tag-O-Magic: I remember it like it was yesterday....I was out with friends when that lovely lady turned to me and said, “You're a magician? Do a trick.”
I had left the house unprepared!

No gimmicked decks, no special coins, and not a packet trick wallet in sight. I reached for my car keys in a mad dash to the magic shop and that's when I remembered it - I just bought Tag-O-Magic!

That little tag turned me from “Zero” to “Hero”! Thanks Tag-O-Magic.

Tag-O-Magic is a custom designed and specially die-cut key tag that attaches to your normal key chain and allows for amazing and ever present magic under any circumstances!
Imagine this: you openly break a plastic tag off your everyday key chain. The spectator hears the snap of the plastic and clearly sees the broken tag. But with a simple wave, the broken tag is completely restored!
But wait - there's more!
In an instant, the restored tag pops back on your key ring! The plastic tag apparently melts through metal to return to its original position. You broke it, you restored it, and like real magic it's back where it belongs.
And yes, it's fully examinable!
Tag-O-Magic also has a handy “B” side filled with hidden effects just waiting to be revealed: psychological forces, mathematic mindbenders, a pasteboard prediction, and a classic mental miracle using the spectator's very own smart phone. You'll never be unprepared for magic again!
Comes complete with custom-made key tag set and detailed instructional DVD.
$19.95 (10.1622)
Available for shipping the third week of March. Pre-order now and we will ship yours for free!

(4) Tea Leaf Reading and More (2 DVD Set):
If you have already enjoyed learning from Leaping Lizard's Palm Reading DVD sets, you already know the type of unique and easy to learn instructional DVDs they create. In this new 2 DVD set Leaping Lizard tackles a subject matter that is seldom written about and one which can be daunting for the new reader to learn.
You begin with your host, a reader with over 37 years of experience, who leads you step by step into learning how to read Tea Leaves. Dean will teach you, as he does members of the lay public and new age customers. He will teach you the real methods used by tea leaf readers around the globe.
Using one-on-one narratives and interesting animated segments, you will learn how to interpret the various blobs, clumps and smears within the bottom of a tea cup.
Because there is so much information about symbolism and shapes in this set, the second DVD contains PDF files that you can print out to learn and study.
Also included is bonus material in the form of several other methods of readings that are similar to Tea Leaf Reading. These include:
Blei Giessen
- A German method of divination using metal figurines that are melted down and tossed into water. Still practiced today, this New Years Eve tradition is relatively unknown in the USA.
Wax Splatter Readings
- This traditional method of reading is popular among Santaria and similar religions, involves colorful wax, splattered into a dish of water. A nice alternative to Tea Leaf Reading in many circumstances.
Dry Tea and Herb Readings
- What do you do if you are not allowed to serve or drink tea? Here is a way to do Tea Leaf Readings using dry tea or other herbs. Never shared before.
Lip Stick Print Reading
- This is a popular one with the ladies and for those who perform in convention environments. A simple lip print on a card andal can be revealed!
And, as usual, there will be some discussion of the business aspects of doing readings, logistics of Tea Leaf Readings, what kind of tea to use, how to use bag teas and loose teas and much more! $75.00 (DVD01242)

(5) Moneypulation DVD Vol. 1 - Lawrens Godon:

Visual Coin Techniques for the Advanced Magician
14 no-gaff, stand-up routines and techniques!
In this volume Lawrens Godon reveals a revolutionary system of coin manipulation based on a single sleight, often neglected and rarely used. With this knowledge at hand you will have a whole set of incredibly visual utility sleights and ideas at your disposal.
No-talk teaching and slow-motion sequences make everything easy to learn.
Original, deceptive and elegant, designed to be performed for larger groups as well as under most close-up situations, these coin effects are right up the alley of those who enjoy working at chest level.
Not a DVD for beginners, but any magician familiar with intermediate level coin techniques will be able to learn the material taught.
Content:
The Dynamic Back Thumb Palm
The Trapdoor
A V A (Appear-Vanish-Appear)
Spellboundary
Three Fly
Silk Contact
Fly Again (performance only)
Cointumacious
Bonus:
On/Off
Fake Drop
Wanded
Continuous Production
Crystal (glass ball routine)
$39.95 (DVD01241)

"The Coin Magic of Lawrens Godon is incredible! I was completely fooled. I had long awaited the release of his DVD on the Dynamic Back Thumb Palm..." - Ponta The Smith

"I spent some time with Lawrens during the European Coinmagic Symposium in Milano and had an opportunity to see some of the most difficult coin magic look absolutely effortless. Anyone who can muscle pass a coin directly into Harada Hold every time is someone I need to watch...closely. I recommend Lawrens Godon's work to anyone." - Eric Jones

(6) Time For A Change DVD – Lee Alex: In 2010, Lee Alex presented his Time For A Change lecture 27 cities and towns, in 10 different countries worldwide. In 2011 the lecture will continue with 7 countries and 24 cities already on the list!
Magicians who perform in all branches of the art were excited byt the lecture on the subject of quick-change costumes for magicians.
In collaboration with British illusionist Russ Stevens, Lee Alex now presents this information on DVD.
* Detailed explanations of the construction of the costumes
* Explanations for dressing the individual costumes
* Methods for performing the costume changes quickly and efficiently
* Presentation ideas for the solo performer and using an assistant
The following five costumes are demonstrated and explained:
* And So To Bed - pajamas, bathrobe and slippers change to a full tuxedo.
* One Piece Suit - a full tuxedo changes to a casual suit of contrasting color.
* Two Piece Suit - a casual suit changes instantly into the magician wearing cargo shorts and a short sleeved Hawaiian shirt.
* Surf the Wave - the magician is wearing a short-sleeved shirt and cargo shorts. In a flash the magician’s outfit changes into a white long-sleeved shirt and long black trousers, plus the "Color Change Waistcoat".
* The Long and The Short of It - the basic principle of changing from a short costume (with skin revealed) to a long costume is explained.
Bonus
– The real secrets of the Color Change Vest: detailed performance explained for the first time showing the correct methods of this best selling magic item.
$34.95 (DVD01240)

(7) Magic Zone Party Banner Tape: I wish this had been available when I was doing kid shows! It's the best. It is bright yellow, three inch wide tape with bold black lettering: MAGIC ZONE DO NOT CROSS! It look's like the tape police use to mark off crime scenes. Only, you use it to mark off your performing space. It's a great way to keep the kiddies under control and away from your props.
* Use it to set the stage for living room parties or to dress up the stage.
* Perfect for Safety Magic programs.
* Re-Usable, but inexpensive enough to leave at the party as a souvenir.
You get a giant 500 foot roll. $49.95 (70.835)

(8) The Vanishing: Harry Houdini performed his final miracle in 1926. Or did he?
Your audience will be amazed as photographs of locked handcuffs mysteriously open and an image of Houdini vanishes without a trace.
This lovely packet effect transforms a mundane card routine into a true piece of close up theatre.
The Vanishing uses a compelling story line and powerful visual magic to take your audience on a magical journey with the world's most famous magician.
* Easy to Learn
* No Adhesives or Roughed Cards
* No Elmsley Counts Needed
Comes complete with custom designed photo card set, photo envelope, and a detailed instructional DVD.
$19.95 (10.1623)
Available for shipping the third week of March. Pre-order now and we’ll ship yours for free!

(9) Cataclysm – Armageddon Edition: This new Armageddon Edition comes complete with all the information contained on the original DVD plus some killer bonuses!
For the first time Brian shares his pet handling for this astounding effect.
As an added bonus, and with kind permission, Mark Elsdon has included his incredible follow up to Cataclysm called Devastation.
From the creative mind behind the best selling card effect Trilogy comes Cataclysm, which has been called Brian Caswell’s greatest creation! Imagine showing a deck of Bicycle brand playing cards. Each card has a number written on the back. Your spectator names 3 playing cards and these are removed from the face up deck and placed on the table. A photograph is shown to contain 3 face-down playing cards each bearing a different number on the back. Unbelievable as it sounds, when the cards are turned over the numbers match!
Yes, it really is that clean!
Easy To Do
No Sleight Of Hand
No Funny Moves
No sticky Stuff
No Rough & Smooth
No Duplicate Cards
No Thin Cards
Instant Reset!
You will absolutely love Cataclysm! It really is the cleanest effect of it's kind.
Requires a regular Bicycle red deck
$31.90 (30.1452)

(10) Web Runner: I am not a big fan of the novelty. We carry 99.9 percent magic stuff. And just a teeny tiny number of novelties. But, when I saw this one, I just knew you would love it!
It’s the first remote controlled toy of its kind! This spider has realistic, fully functioning, articulated legs, glowing red eyes and can move over any smooth surface.
Having 360 degrees of spin motion, it will move on floors, walls and even upside-down.
Its advanced air suction technology allows the spider to cling onto walls!
The spider is controlled wirelessly via its combination remote control and charging station (6 AA batteries not included). Limited edition collector’s comic book as well as a lifelike spider bite temporary tattoo included.
$25.00 (50.971)

And, that’s this week’s Closer and Closer To the Conclave Hotlist. Great stuff at great prices. Who’s the best? I already know. But, I do love to hear it.
As always, I thank you, one and all, for taking time out from watching the snow melt to visit us, whether it’s online at www.magicfact.com or in person at 102 North Street in Medford. Either way, we love the company.
Hank