Greetings from all of your friends at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. The heat has finally arrived. And, we’re not talking about the Miami Heat (although they seem to have arrived as well). Wednesday was in the high 90s, the first really hot day in these parts. The rest of the week followed suit, but the weather is supposed to break this weekend. Luckily, the air conditioning is working both at the office and at home.
I just want to let you all know what a great job my son Aron is doing here at Hank Lee’s. The elves have taught him well, and he is a quick study. If you call us, good chance you will speak with Aron. He is so nice and so polite on the phone. And, he is becoming more knowledgeable by the day. Kudos to the kid!
My Singing Son Lucas will be returning home from St. Louis next week. He has had a wonderful couple of months with the St. Louis Opera Company. He is now a union boy. Because the St. Louis Opera is a union house, Lucas had to join the musicians’ union. It’s really a good union, and they make sure that the artists are treated properly. Health insurance. Pay for overtime. The usual. For me, I can’t wait to see him. The three boys have a lot of movies to catch up on!
In the magic news department, we are told that the Spider Pen Pro has been delayed by a couple of weeks. The original release date was June 25th, but it has been pushed ahead to mid-July. There’s no real surprise here. It’s hard to stick to a release date, especially in this little magic industry. If you have ordered one, do not worry. We will get them in as soon as they are released, then off to you!
One of our most sought-after items has been Rich Marotta’s Fishbowl Production. It’s a great stand-up effect, and has been unavailable for some time. Well, Rich has made up a new batch, and they are once again available. You should really check this one out in this week’s Hotlist. It is really a “pack small plays big” effect.
And that’s all the news for this week. Check out the terrific excitement we have for you!
BUY MORE GET MORE: Starting right now and running through Tuesday, June 26th at midnight, we are having our famous Buy More Get More event. Here is how it works:
For each order you place during the event, you will get a Promotional Gift Certificate which you can use towards a future purchase here at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. The value of the coupon depends entirely on the size of your order. Here is the breakdown:
* Order between $25.00 and $100.00: Coupon is for 25% of the merchandise total. (Orders less than $25.00 get our sincere thanks, but sadly no coupon)
* Order between $100.00 and $300.00: Coupon is for 30% of the merchandise total.
* Order over $300.00: Coupon is for 35% of the merchandise total.
When you place your order online at www.magicfact.com, please put the special phrase BUY MORE GET MORE in the Customer Notes Box of the online checkout. If you place your order by email or FAX, just include the special phrase with your order. And, if you place your order by phone, toll free at 800 874 7400, please mention the secret phrase to get your coupon. The coupon will be sent along with your order and can be used whenever you wish, no expiration date. You will get a coupon for every order you place during the event. Just don’t lose the coupons, please. The Buy More Get More event includes every item we carry!
And now, this week’s Hotlist!
(1) Always A Winner: Six stainless steel cups, which are numbered (by dice) from one to six, are shown on a beautiful solid oak, hand-stained platform.
In each cup, an amount of money is placed. One cup gets a $100 bill, the other five get smaller bills or coins.
Five spectators are picked from the audience. One by one they are asked to roll a die. They are told that whatever number they roll, they will get what is under that cup.
For example: If a two is thrown on the die, the number two cup is lifted up and they get that prize. It is further explained that you will get the last cup.
As each cup is lifted, the spectator wins the "small" prize.
The magi will always be left the "big winner!"
This is self-working and everything is examinable at the beginning and end of the effect.
$80.00 (10.1706)
(2) Rich Marotta’s Fishbowl Production: Available again!
Rich Marotta wowed them at the SAM Convention with his fantastic Fishbowl Production. Now, you can wow them as well!
Here's what they see:
Explain that you like to take your pets with you wherever you go. It's just not that easy to do. But, you have worked out a way!
Take out a small wallet. Really small. Open the wallet and it instantly changes into a large travel bag!
Open the bag, reach inside and bring out a large fishbowl filled with water and fish! It's really easy traveling with fish! Their jaws will drop! Where did that fishbowl come from??
You get Rich's full routine, direct from his stand-up comedy act. Everything is included. The fishbowl, the wallet to bag prop, the special harness, fake fish and instructional video.
A monster effect!
$225.00 (60.1059)
(3) Anti-Faro DVD - Christian Engblom:
The Anti-Faro is a groundbreaking discovery and a singular leap forward into the design and construction of effects utilizing the Faro Shuffle.
To perfectly interweave a deck, that is shuffle the cards one-for-one, is by far one of the more challenging feats of our craft. Known as a Faro, this form of perfect shuffle has many applications for the magician. However, if one were able to unmix the cards, that is separate them one-for-one, this could provide unparalleled support for new possibilities. The Anti-Faro, a concept devised by Christian Engblom, which accomplishes exactly what its name implies, is real and finally revealed.
Learn to Anti-Faro a deck of cards in this 50 min. video featuring Christian Engblom, Paul Wilson, and Alex Pandrea.
It is no surprise Christian's method for unshuffling the cards has reached legendary acclaim in recent years. Once thought impossible to achieve, the Anti-Faro has evolved mechanically from a concept to an efficient technique. Whether you're willing to challenge yourself to learn the Anti-Faro, or are simply curious about its potential, this video offers an in-depth course on everything from the inspiration and concept to the physics behind why and how it works. For those of you incredulous about its practicality, witness it executed perfectly several times over and discover how even a not-so-perfect Anti-Faro can be useful.
Never before seen effects, applications, and ideas using the Anti-Faro.
$20.00 (DVD01352)
(4) Enigma Card - Bob Solari: The most visual effect Bob Solari has ever created! Make sure and watch the video demo!!
Performer is seen holding two cards, for example the Ace of Spades and the Three of Hearts.
The two cards are held in a spread.
Instantly and visibly the Three of Hearts changes into the Queen of Diamonds! Both sides of each card are shown.
The Queen of Diamonds can be handed out for examination.
No sleight of hand, No specially printed cards, No elastics, No sticky cards! 100% mechanical.
Learn in minutes. Each unit is handcrafted and tested by Bob Solari. Complete with everything you need, photo illustrated instructions.
$19.95 (30.1703)
(5) Ultimate Guide To The Linking Rings - 4 DVD Set - Levent:Everything you ever wanted to know about this timeless magic effect! This monumental four DVD set will teach you the Linking Ring routines of the greats in magic, including Chung Ling Soo, Roy Benson, Dai Vernon, Robert-Houdin , and Paul Potassy among others. Sleight- of- hand master Levent gives you the step-by-step moves and techniques you need to perform this spectacular magic stage effect. His instructions range from the most simple and basic steps to complex and difficult sleights. As a bonus, Levent includes the secrets of his own 11 ring routine. This is the most comprehensive work to date on this ancient magic trick. Over seven hours of material!
$79.95 (DVD01353)
(6) Al Koran’s Secrets DVD - Performed and explained by Graham Jolley in conversation with Martin Breese:
The DVD is the final work of Martin Breese's long career in magic. So determined was he to see this produced that while ill, he forced the hospital to send him home for the filming. He had a great passion for the work of Al Koran and great respect for Graham Jolley - 'Britain's most baffling mind reader'.
Martin had spent many years trying to bring these together and the passion and humor is evident as they talk about their hero. The two discuss the life of Al Koran and Graham Jolley demonstrates and explains Al Koran routines, often with his own twist added.
Routines include:
Five Star Miracle Wallet
Countdown
Card Stab
Himber Dictionary
Lazy Magician's Card Trick
Three Rings
Medallion
Plus a bonus video of part of Graham Jolly's live performance entertaining executives with his inimitable patter and Al Koran routines.
$42.50 (DVD01351)
Note: This is a non-discountable item.
(7) Vaudeville Deck:
Bringing the Past Back to Life
Some of the world's most talented and influential magicians came out of the Vaudeville era. It was a time of creativity and variety that captured the imaginations of audiences around the world. Legends such as Houdini, Alexander, Carter and Thurston graced stages adorned with rich red curtains and worked their miracles.
Custom Faces. Custom Backs. Custom Everything.
The Vaudeville Deck was designed to show that the era may be gone, but it is definitely not forgotten. Designed from the ground up over the course of 10 months, the Vaudeville Deck features 100% custom artwork that pays tribute to the grandeur and mystique of the great magicians of yesteryear. The back design evokes sweeping stage curtains that surround a crystal ball. The vibrant color scheme just begs to be showed off and will get your creative juices flowing.
The faces have an aged, vintage look, with each King being modeled after a famous Vaudeville-era magician. The Jacks and Queens pay tribute to antique fashion styles. Even the pips have been created from scratch with a stylish curtain theme! The crystal ball from the back design is seamlessly integrated into the Ace of Spades, which has an intricate and ornate design that's reminiscent of a fine antique. The tuck case is a work of art by itself, featuring the custom Vaudeville logo, an eye-popping color scheme, precise embossing and gold foil accents.
Unparalleled Quality
Ideal for eye-catching flourishes, ultrasonic throws, and amazing magic, the Vaudeville Deck is a true performer's deck. Printed by the United States Playing Card Company, the Vaudeville Deck features premium stock and finish for ultimate quality and longevity. A special double-backed card with a crystal ball reveal is also included so you can unleash your inner mystic.
100% custom artwork
Bright and vibrant design
Kings modeled after Houdini, Thurston, Carter, and Alexander
Premium stock and finish
Bonus double-backed reveal card
$7.95 (30.1704)
Note: This is a non-discountable item.
(8) Repair Bill: A great new close-up effect from Bob Solari. Perfect for restaurants and bars!
Show a knife and have it examined.
Borrow a bill that the spectator signs.
Fold the bill in half and plunge the knife right through center the bill!
They hear the bill rip!
Next the knife is seen and heard tearing the bill!
The bill is immediately opened showing it to be unharmed.
Easy to do. Nothing is attached to the blade. Complete with knife, gimmick, and illustrated instructions.
$8.50 (10.1707)
(9) Quarterly Returns: David Eldridge's Quarterly Returns, an instantaneous restoration! Have a card selected and signed across the face. The card is then cleanly and openly folded into fourths.
It is then cleanly and openly torn into four separate pieces and displayed one piece between each of the fingers of the left hand ala the Multiplying Billiard Ball display. It is that up front!
Gather the pieces together showing both sides. Then, holding the pieces in full view you blow on them and they instantly pop open fully restored! The card can be handed out and everything examined. A killer effect! Far and away the easiest of the torn card effects available to date.
$20.00 (30.1702)
(10) 8 Effects And A Sleight - Michal Kociolek: All routines in this book are card effects that can be performed with a regular deck of cards. For one effect will you need an additional regular card. Five effects are totally impromptu and can be performed with a borrowed pack of cards.
The book covers the following routines and one sleight:
You Know Better - From a shuffled deck, each of three spectators is given a card. Using their intuition, they place their cards randomly into different parts of the deck. In a remarkable way, all of them manage to find the mates to their cards, and they get all the credit for achieving the "impossible."
Off-Centers - A slightly advanced, but incredibly deceptive center dealing demonstration. This one will take you some practice, but you can be sure that it will be worth it.
Du-et - Another example of an effect where not you, but the two spectators do the remarkable, locating their lost selections in a pleasingly improbable way, without you even touching the deck.
Bold Collection - An unusual take on Roy Walton's classic "The Collectors" effect. The four Kings are displayed very openly, both front and back, then magically, three chosen cards appear one at a time, face down between the four face-up Kings, which never came near the deck.
Plan B - Using your "reading" people skills, you will apparently locate three spectators' selections, based on their "tells." When you'll realize that you somehow failed to do that, in an impossible way you will use your magic skills to get out of trouble.
In Between - A slightly revamped version of Michal's first ever marketed effect, where a card that's only in the spectator's mind, appears sandwiched between two lost selections that were used to create that thought of card.
In Oil, Under Water - A two-phase oil & water routine using only 8 cards, where the mixing and separation of the red and black cards happens in, and under the spectator's hands.
Colors - A great hands-off prediction, where you know the exact outcome of a truly random game, as well as the card that the spectator chose in an incredibly fair way.
MK Simple Shift Variation - A technical variation of Edward Marlo's classic "Simple Shift". It's quite easy, but very deceptive, and fun to do.
60 pages - 6" x 9" - Softcover - Black and white illustrations
$28.00 (BK01855)
"A promising collection of thinking card work from a fellow cardshark. His shift, center deal demo, and Si Stebbins routine are particular standouts." - Tony Cabral
"Well written, and full of solid, creative, material. I found Michal Kociolek's illustrative style to be clean, contemporary, and elegant." - Tom Gagnon
"This is an outstanding book. I read the proof on a plane ride recently and couldn't keep my eyes off until the last page. Great plots and twists, well written and a cool design vibe. Loved it!" - John Guastaferro
And that’s this week’s First Week Of Summer Hotlist. The temperature is up. The Red Sox are out of the cellar. There’s some great magic for you in this week’s Hotlist. What could be better?
As always, we thank you so very much for find the time to spend with us at Hank Lee’s Magic Factory. Whether it’s online at www.magicfact.com or in person at our delightfully air conditioned showroom at 102 North Street in Medford, we really love the company.
Aron, Bonnie and the Elves.
