This issue has a nice selection of both easy card tricks and advanced card tricks, plus a couple of different magic PDFs, including one classic that details tons of newspaper magic. Regardless of your preference, we’ll walk you step by step through each effect with a combination of written word and videos, including several very interesting Youtube magic videos. (There.. One paragraph with ALL my primary magic keywords.. 😉

You’ll probably notice a general ‘theme’ to this issue. I’ve found a number of resources related to ‘paper’ and ‘paper magic’. I can’t take all the credit though.. I’ve had help from friends, particularly Michael Lyth, Paul Lelekis, Jeff Hobson, Simon Aronson, David John O’Connor, Bob Solari, and Werner Miller.  Please support this amazing line-up of performers by visiting their websites. I know I do…

This past week has been quite a week. My wife, Carolyn, had a run-in with our first tropical storm, Ana, and found out first hand what it’s like to get caught on the ocean during a storm. After leaving Nassau on a Carnival cruise, the ship had to find a place to drop anchor for a day to avoid the worst of the storm. Then, like a little rabbit on the run, the ship had to bob and weave through the Atlantic, avoiding the squalls and wind, to get to the Charleston harbor. I found a website that displays the location of virtually any large or semi-large ship in the Atlantic, usually within a thirty minute time frame, and I was able to watch her ship in almost real time. Aside from my personal involvement, I could monitor the ship and the weather maps, almost reading the mind of the Captain as he made crucial decisions. It was quite an experience, more so for Carolyn I’m sure!  I’ll give credit to Verizon Wireless.. even in the middle of the Atlantic, I could get through to her cell phone, even when none of her friends had service. I’m so glad to have her back… and I’m so dreading next month’s cell bill.. (..but it was worth it..)

Questions and Comments.. EMAIL ME  ( [email protected] )
 ~ Table of Contents ~

– Caucasian Box  –   A Magical Utility
– B-FLY    –   A  Super Packet Effect
– Justin Willman on Conan  3-30-15
– Enigma Card  –  A Creation by Bob Solari
– Children’s Magic Shows – Keeping the Peace
– The Bead Poodle  –  A Nice Give-Away
– Tricks Without Names –  Another Mathemagical Medley of Semi-Automatic Tricks
– Newspaper Magic –  A Classic PDF
– Ideas for Magic with Paper  –  A Resource page
– Build The BEST Paper Airplane in the World
– 10 Amazing Paper Tricks  –   Video Tutorial
– Unique Shuffle With A Common Magic Prop..
– Dual Magic Squares Effect..
– Amazing Jumping Card Trick  –  Video Tutorial
– Magic Lesson 19 – Finger Illusion Lesson:
– Magic Tricks and Tips  – 113 After Dinner Tricks
– The Best (and Worst) Ways to Shuffle Cards – Video
– Persi Diaconis – Math, Magic, Deception & Probability – A Radio Interview
– Magic Clip Art –  Free Clipart, Animated Gifs and Graphics
– Magic Tricks Camel Cigarettes –  Retro Advertisements & Magic
– Impossible Nail Thru Wood Trick  –  An Illusion.
– Mystery Cube-in-a-Cube Puzzle Woodworking Project
– The Business of Stage Hypnotism
– The Most Important MagicianBusiness Podcast Ever ! (According to Keith and Julian)
– Hidden Answers –   Mathematical Magic
– MAGIC NEWS.org
– The Prediction of a Random Number Based Upon Your Date of Birth
– Drawing the Mirth-Mobile, Wayne’s World AMC Pacer –  A Three Minute Video
– A Little Video Treat –  Video
– The Other Corner
– Free Ebooks for Subscribers

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The only good luck many great men ever had was being born with the ability and determination to overcome bad luck…”  – Channing Pollock

“To entertain well requires hours of study, disciplined practice, eloquent scripting, diligent rehearsal and a passionate performance…and that’s just the self-working stuff.”   Mick Ayres

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Caucasian Box  –   A Magical Utility
Jeff Hobson

During the Abbott’s conventions of the past, Neil Foster was a good friend and always a consummate performer. During one demonstration of his skills, while hosting the magic competitions, he showed us a surprising ending for a card manipulation routine that I believe was only performed for magicians. I only saw him do it once, but it has stuck with me for years. I eventually made up a version of my own and have used it many times for laymen. The effect is a very magical.

The prop is easily made and what is traditionally known as a ‘jap box’. Of course, I would prefer to call it “Hobson’s Caucasian Box” just to be fair! I made mine from the stiff cardboard that make up common school binders. The box has no top or bottom. The dimensions of my box are approximately 12” wide, 8” high and 7” deep when in open position. The narrow sides I made are split into two sections. (photo B1)

Although not necessary, this makes it a nice, small package when collapsed for traveling. The secret back flap is nothing special but merely an extra piece of board cut to the same size as the front panel of the box. Attach this secret panel to the front panel by the bottom edge only. (photo B2 and B3) All edges and seams are fastened together with black, reinforced ‘duct’ or carpet tape available from most hardware stores. You might have to trim the edges after assembling to make it work smoothly. The box should easily collapse flat.

To prepare, place the open box on a table and open the secret flap so the box is rigid. In my routine, I place the front corner of the box so it extends off the edge of the table by an inch or so. This is so I can pick up the box one-handed during the routine.

To perform, do some card manipulations and prepare to produce some back-palmed cards. Pick up the box in your free hand. Grab the box carefully at the bottom corner so that the box does not collapse. (photo B4)

Drop the cards into the box. They should all drop into the secret flap. After the last card is in the box, use your fingers to shut the secret flap trying not to make a noticeable movement of the box. Show the free hand empty and dramatically lower the hand into the box. (photo B5) Don’t stop! Keep going down and through the bottom of the box. (photo B6) Look at the audience. They should have a question mark above their heads.

At this point, you should have your arm through the bottom of the box to the elbow. You still have a grip on the box with the other hand too. Now lift your arm (the one through the box) to the audience. (photo B7)

Pause to allow the effect to register.

Now re-grip the box to able to pinch the top edge of the box and the secret flap together. Remove the box from your arm keeping the opening to the audience so they can see clear through it. (photo B8) Now you can flip the box so it becomes flat, place it away and accept your applause. (photos B9 – B12)

I have also performed this as a climax to the 6-card repeat effect. Not a bad idea though I say so myself!

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Jeff Hobson offers a FREE Magic Video Theater where he posts rare and vintage videos, interviews and has great lectures available. To access this private video page, just sign up at:http://www.hobsonschoicemagic.com/ and click on “Special Offers”
Hobson also has a NEW professional magic lecture available as a streaming, online rental. See the trailer at the url above…

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B-FLY    –   A  Super Packet Effect
Paul A. Lelekis

There are a number of effects out there that are similar to this one, especially The Biddle Trick, but this one only uses a 10 card packet.  In addition, I’ve included a ploy of NOT looking at the cards when counting.
EFFECT: Ten cards are counted off by a spectator.  The performer first shows 5 of these cards to the spectator.  Then the other 5 cards are displayed,  without the performer looking!

The magician asks which pile the selection is in and then makes the selection invisibly jump from that packet to the other!

METHOD: This is a simple trick, but like most tricks employing the Biddle Steal, it is amazes the lay audience!

Begin by having a spectator shuffle and count off ten cards from the top of the deck.  Then have the spectator choose any of the ten cards.

Take the selection (say, it’s the 7 of Diamonds or 7D) and TILT it into the packet under the top two cards, making the 7D, third from the top.

Now overhand shuffle the packet, being certain to run the first three cards, one at a time.  The 7D is now third from the bottom.

‘I am NOT going to look at any of these cards.  I am going to show you these cards, one at a time, as I count them into TWO five card piles.  When you see your selection among these ten cards, merely note which pile it is in and, afterward, I’ll ask you which pile.’

Here’s how you proceed: After stating the patter above, turn your head and then turn the ten card packet, face up.  Hold the packet in Biddle grip with your RH (if you’re right-handed!) and then thumb off the cards, one at a time, with your left thumb.

Count the first five cards out loud, Biddle Stealing the third card, which is the selection (7D!) back beneath the RH packet.  Continue counting until you reach the count of ‘Five!’  The count should be smooth and without pause.  The 7D will remain hidden, now on the bottom of the RH packet!

Place the four, supposedly five, cards face down onto the table.  Keep your head turned to the side so that you cannot see the selection!

Reverse count the next five cards (with head still turned!) placing the last card, a double, on top.  The 7D will now be second from the face of this face up packet.

Turn this six card packet (supposedly five), face down, onto the table and to the right of the first packet.
Now ask:  ‘Which packet is your card in?’  She will indicate the first packet.

Pick up that packet and false count this four card packet as five as follows:  Hold the packet face down in the RH in Biddle position as you thumb off the first card with your left thumb.  Count off the second card in the same way but obtain a left pinkie break beneath this card. As you count off the third card, steal the ‘broken’ second card back under the RH packet at the count of ‘Three!’  Then count four and five. You may opt to perform this count in Elmsley Count grip.  The mechanics are the same but requires a little bit of practice.

Next, twist the packet and reach into the middle of the cards and pretend to remove an invisible card – supposedly the selection – with an audible ‘Snap!’  This snap is created by pressing up on the packet with the tip of your left index finger as you ‘remove’ the invisible card.  Hand the invisible card to the spectator.  This will get giggles!  Place the packet back down onto the table.   This ‘Snap!’ is something I learned from Paul Cummins years ago at a lecture.  It adds another dimension!

Next pick up the other packet (6 Cards!), still face down in Biddle grip, and reverse count five cards.  Again, the fifth card is a double.  The 7D is now on top of the face down packet. Ask the spectator to place her “invisible” card on top of the packet.  Twist the packet again (or use any other magical gesture) and then say, “There!  You can’t see it but your selection has just reappeared back on top of the packet!  Look – I now have six cards!”

Spread the cards from left to right without reversing their order.  Keep the 7D on top, displaying six cards!  This is the first revelation. Place this spread packet onto the table.  Now pick up the first packet, and show that it contains only four cards!  Place it back down. Ask for the name of the card and turn over the top card of packet number two to show that the 7D has traveled from the first packet to the second!

You can view ALL of Paul’s ebooks, all 21, at Lybrary.com .. They are, undoubtedly, one of the best values in all of magic..  Many are now considered underground classics…
http://lybrary.com/paul-a-lelekis-m-163788.html

Be sure to check out Paul’s latest.. ‘6 EZ To Do Card Miracles’  just released on Lybrary and absolutely guaranteed to please any card guy amongst our readers…

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An Effect from Justin Willman … And a Word ..

I saw Justin Willman on Conan a couple of weeks ago. I always enjoy watching Justin on TV as he performs magic that really impresses the audience, yet is not very difficult. (My one problem with magicians performing on TV.. they seldom credit properly. More on that later…)

Justin began the effect with a card pre-signed with his own signature, face DOWN on top of the deck, and unknown and unseen to Conan or the audience. Justin performs a double turnover and asks Conan to sign the face of the supposed ‘top’ card. Once done, Justin turns both cards as one back to their original position. Conan and the audience believe the top card to be Conan’s card. Justin takes the top card, folds it twice (into fourths), and asks Conan to place it in his lips. He does…

Justin now performs another double turnover of the top two cards. The second card is a duplicate of the card folded and secretly signed before the effect began. Justin signs this card, relative to the position he signed the first card, and turns both cards back as one. Conan’s card is now back on top and the card just signed by Justin is the second card down. The audience believes the top card to be Justin’s card.

Justin takes the top card, the one with Conan’s signature, folds it into fourths, and places it in his own lips. After comedic relief.. Justin insist he and Conan ‘touch’ their two cards together to invoke the magic. They do, to the amusement of the audience, and Conan unfolds his card.. to reveal his card now has Justin’s signature.. and Justin opens his card to reveal it contains Conan’s signature.

In the original version, the spectator is given the card to hold under palm on the table. Putting the card in the lips is probably OK –if- both parties are aware of what’s about to happen. I’m sure Conan was informed beforehand and agreed to the routine… Strangers are not apt to want to get THAT close to an unknown magician. Family maybe, Friends maybe, but not strangers.

As for crediting.. Wayne Houchin taught this effect as ‘French Kiss’ on ART OF MAGIC in 2009. He also included this effect on INDECENT in 2006. Wayne ended French Kiss with the card either in the mouth or lips.

As it goes, the transpo and basic handling for this effect was created in the 1980’s by our friend Paul Lelekis. Paul performed it for many customers while table-hopping, before publishing it in the Linking Ring in July 2005. Paul titled the effect ‘Signed Two-Card Transpo’, and published it in Tony Econ’s column, ‘Card Corner’. Paul also published it in his second ebook ever.. EIGHT + ONE. (Available athttp://lybrary.com/ )
The only difference between Wayne’s version and Paul’s creation was the ending position of the signed cards.

Let this be a lesson to those of you sitting on pet effects.. If you DON’T allow them to be published in publications like The Linking Ring or the Magic Roadshow, or if you don’t compile your works in book or ebook form, you are in danger of losing ownership.

The Magic Roadshow, for example, is copyrighted. Anything appearing here, or in most other magic publications, can be verified as having been submitted by you, on a certain date, and you have established ownership. In the Roadshow’s case, the author’s also retain all rights to their effects. So, a word of advice.. Do as Paul Lelekis and others do and share your work with others. If you think seeing someone perform one of your ‘pet’ effects is troubling, wait until you see a stranger establishing ‘ownership’ of your ‘pet’ effect, and you lose the right forever to call it your own.

Rick Carruth

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Enigma Card  –  A Creation by Bob Solari

Imagine you’re in a restaurant, standing at a corner table, holding two indifferent cards in a small fan. Imagine you’re pattering about the problems we magicians encounter entertaining a small table with a deck of cards. After all, what’s magical about a deck of small pieces of cardboard, printed with thirteen different values? We can muse about theories. We can inject well-known facts, or fables. We can patter about the four suits and how they represent the four seasons, We can remind our audience that each season has thirteen weeks.. thus the thirteen values. If that doesn’t impress our audience, we can remind them that the sum of the numbers one through thirteen is ninety-one (91)… and what is 91? The number of days in a season. Inevitably, someone will remind you that 91 times 4 is 364. In your best wizardly way, you can mention that the Joker was added to the deck to cover that one odd digit… and the second Joker was added to allow for leap years…

In the meanwhile, you continue to show these fortunate few a Three of Hearts and a Seven of Clubs. As entertained as they may be pondering your little discourse on a deck of cards, they are about to be floored.
The guy sitting directly across from you with the Dali mustache and a tropical shirt unbuttoned one button too far gives you a stink-eyed look and ask..”Whatcha holding them two cards for..?”
“These two?.. I thought you’d never ask”

In a moment of transformation, you push on your two card fan, just enough to push the Seven behind the Three, and in a micro-second the Seven has changed into the Queen of Diamonds. Just as it occurs to Dali guy to ask to see the back of the two cards.. you do. Front and back. A Three and a Queen. There is nary a Seven. You can hand out the Queen for examination. You can tip your head to your small audience and let them be…  At this point.. nothing else matters, as your audience has witnessed a small packet miracle and they are left to consider what manner of magic bedecked their meal..

Personally, I use Enigma Card as a reveal utility. That’s one of the many possibilities, aside from being a stand-alone effect. I’m sure those of you accustomed to devising your own routines will have no trouble finding a half dozen uses for EC.

First, let me tell you what Enigma Card isn’t.. It isn’t sleight of hand, elastic cards, sticky cards, or specially printed cards. It’s purely mechanical, which makes it virtually self-working. No, it’s not motor driven, it’s mechanical in the sense there are ‘parts’ which interact to promote the conceal.. but it relies on good ‘ol finger power to seal the deal.

Bob has created a very limited run of the Enigma Card, 350 to be exact, and I own number 294 if that gives you any indication of the number remaining. Bob has also put a video on his site showing the Enigma Card in use. I would love to see him complete sell out. When you order, tell Bob I mentioned you could receive a free effect when ordering the Enigma Card. Get one, and let me know how it works for you. Still less than $20.. till the last ones gone..

http://bobsolarimagic.com/shop/Enigma-Card

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CHILDREN’S MAGIC SHOWS
David John O’Connor

In recent years when the birthday party magician arrives at the door, he is shown directly into the room where the children are waiting. Then the parent leaves the performer to his own devices, to join the other parents for tea etc. In earlier times the parents would be with the children for the show which was much more appropriate.  This immediately becomes a dilemma for the performer who is then expected to not only entertain the children but to act as custodian and in some cases disciplinarian.

In this day and age it is preferable and necessary to have parents present during the show, obviously for security reasons and for the parent to maintain order with their children. I don’t believe that a magician can perform well and control a bunch of unruly kids at the same time, so make sure there is at least one adult present in the room.  I have had experiences where the parents were otherwise occupied instead of being with their children, so made sure there was plenty of clapping, laughter and noise from the children to give the impression that, ‘Hey the kids are having fun’.  However it should be mandatory to have at least one parent present.

Provided you have a structured show and you are competent, it is relatively easy to control and entertain at the same time. Just be aware of how far you can allow kids participation to go. This comes with experience; however I have found that children are not as well behaved these days as they were some years ago. The relevance of A D H D is far more common these days too that can lead to over excitement or extrovert behavior in some children. I don’t allow kids to handle any of my props unless they are failsafe ones.

Having children all shout the magic word or other participation remarks adds to the fun element of your show, just as clapping does.  So include plenty of sight gags and funny patter. Early on in your show it is sometimes easy to spot a youngster who may give you trouble later, so be aware not to involve them.  Sometimes a child will grab at a prop and I have even had them run away with it. In this case use a little tact by coercing them back with a small reward or ask them to be your assistant, or to hold a specific item. Instead of a reprimand make them a part of your show where possible, even allowing them to choose a friend and have them bring that person on stage.  Giving the naughty child a role or specific duty helps.  Never chastise a child either or you might have an irate parent to contend with. There are polite ways of maintaining control.

I once saw a magician who when the children become unruly and over boisterous, he walked forward and gently stepped on their toes without noticing he did!  While I have never tried this, It really worked for him on naughty children.  If a situation becomes truly difficult to handle, stop performing immediately and say nothing. Waiting silently will soon register and the audience will soon quieten down for you to continue.

Another problem is when there are adults present, many tend to chat among themselves (particularly men folk) and again, I stop till they have quieted.  It may even occur that the parents will gather at the back of the venue to drink that can become a real distraction, so again I would stop and patiently wait till they stopped talking and drinking. Most times words to them are un-necessary.

Some performers draw an imaginary line or place a ribbon on the floor with instructions not to cross that line during the show unless invited to by the magician.  Fortunately, as a children’s entertainer you will have the best intentions of doing a good, enjoyable show, so keep the kids on your side.

Never confront or ridicule a child who is misbehaving, as stern words never help and if a parent is present will not endear you to them either. Always be in control and remain friendly.

If you have a sound system then use it, even in a home situation. Being heard properly gives you even more control especially over children. Remember the deaf person in the back row must be able to hear you.
Above all be a happy performer and be friendly towards the young audience after all entertainment is the name of the game. I also strongly endorse Donovan Powell’s fine article on Children’s magic last month. ‘Love Children’.
David J.

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THE BEAD POODLE  –  A Nice Give-Away
David John O’Connor

The little bead poodle dogs made from Christmas strings of coloured beads have become a great little give away for strolling and restaurant magicians around the world. These strings of beads are primarily used to drape and decorate Christmas trees and appear in stores like K-Mart & dollar stores when Christmas decorations begin to appear on their shelves. Get in early to stock up, as they soon disappear till the following year. They sell for around $3 to $4 a pack.

To make your bead poodle dog it takes a string of 16 beads and the twisting to form the dog is based upon the same handling used to make the basic balloon dog model made by balloon artists.

Hold the 16 string between the fingers and thumbs of both hands then release the right hand side.
The first 4 beads at the other end are then twisted together to form the head. The next bead, 5 becomes the neck.  Beads 6 -7 – 8 – 9 are laid together side by side then twisted together to form the front legs. Bead 10 becomes the dog’s body. Take beads 11-12-13-14 and lay them side by side twist together to form the back legs. Beads 15 and 16 become the tail.

It usually takes 2 twists at each joint to form the poodle.  More twists may cause the strings to break.
Having performed a little close up magic especially where you have used a volunteer, make them a bead poodle as a memento to take home. Little girls love them, as do the ladies and you will receive many oohs and aahs, and they will remember you. I always leave a bead poodle at any restaurant or coffee shop I frequent too and the waitress will always remember this little gesture. Kids will love you when they get one.
While making the bead poodle I usually say, “This little dog you don’t have to feed, don’t have to take him to the vet, never have to take him for a walk and the best thing of all, is you don’t have to scoop poop”.

(A picture tutorial on Wiki-How http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Dog-out-of-Mardi-Gras-Beads)

 

TRICKS WITHOUT NAMES –  Another Mathemagical Medley of Semi-Automatic Tricks  –   Werner Miller

Trick #5

Have the deck secretly stacked as shown in Fig. 1.

When performing, false cut/shuffle the deck, then deal the top six cards singly and alternately into two piles, place the left-hand pile on top of the right-hand pile and square. Remove the top card of the combined packet, table it unviewed, take away the top card of the deck and place it – also unviewed – on your packet so that there are still six cards.

Deal the cards of your packet back and forth again, put the left-hand pile on top of the right-hand-pile, and square. Place the top card of the combined packet on the table as you did before.. it goes to the right of the first tabled card and top up the packet by placing on the next card from the deck. Continue this way until you have a row of six tabled cards and you are still holding a 6-card packet. Deal the cards of your packet straight into another row just below the first one, from left to right, and discard the rest of the deck. Turn the tabled cards face up: Each row contains only cards of the same suit, and the values in each row are Ace to Six in numerical order. (Fig. 2)

 Assemble the cards of each row separately from left to right (A on 2, both on 3, etc.), then place one 6-card packet on the other, and turn the combined packet face down.

Ask the spectator to give the cards a few complete cuts, and finally to remove the top card as his/her selection.

Pick up the remainder of the packet, and mix these eleven cards by executing a Monge Shuffle (Fig. 3):

Hold the packet face down in the left hand and use the thumb to push off the top card into the right. Now, with the left thumb, push off the next card so that it goes on top of the first one. The left thumb then pushes off a third card, but this is taken on the bottom of the right’s packet. The fourth goes to the top, the fifth to the bottom and so on, alternately placing the left hand’s cards above and below the right’s. The value-matching card of the spectator?s selection ends up third from the top down.

Ask the spectator to tell you the name of the selection, but stress that the spectator is free to lie; he/she can name any Spade or Heart, even one of the missing values Seven to King. No matter what answer you get, spell the full name of this card the same way as in Trick #1, i.e., for each letter deal out a single card into a new pile, and after each word place all the remaining cards together on top of the dealt cards.
Turn over the final top card ? it tells you the whole story: the actual name of the chosen card (its value matches automatically the spectator?s selection, but the card is of the other suit) and whether the spectator lied or answered truthfully.

Note. The first phase of this routine can be used to produce suit-matching pairs as well. Let?s assume you need the four Aces and the four Kings, both in the same suit order. In this case start with the cards stacked as shown in Fig. 4, deal the top four cards back and forth, place the left pair on the right pair, replace the top card with the deck?s top card, etc.

For more (and more elaborate) math-based magic by Werner Miller visit
http://www.lybrary.com/werner-miller-m-7881.html

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Newspaper Magic –  A Classic PDF
Gene Anderson and Frances Marshall

Magicians are always looking for ‘acts’.. For whatever reasons, they doubt their creativity. In recent years there’s been both an influx of shows and performers who utilize a variety of off-beat topics to entertain their audiences. There’s science shows, math shows, magic shows, hand shadow shows, and the list goes on and on. Add Newspaper Magic to that list please…

“Extra! Extra! .. An act done entirely with newspapers – is unique and novel, and it never fails to be well received by an audience. Its only draw-back of requiring a moderate amount of preparation is offset by the fact that this preparation can be completed several days before the actual performance if desired. No further set-up is required, and if several props are ‘loaded’ before arrival at the place of performance, the performer can walk right in, sit at the head table, and be introduced form there to do his act. The newspaper act can also be broken into several very logical segments for use as emcee bits or running gags, and naturally the individual effects can be blended into standard magic acts.”

I love off-beat books.. particularly those with 50’s era drawings and illustrations. This 160 page PDF includes tons of ‘stuff’ for the nimble-fingered performer who wants a little something different for their audience. You’ll find all types of hats, gaffed books, magic tricks, and the classic Anderson Torn and Restored Newspaper. As mentioned in the intro above, you could easily create an entire show from the effects in this ebook. Children’s shows, library shows, after-school shows, nursing home shows, and variations of magic shows are all possibilities.. (Thanks to Michael Lyth for researching this resource for Roadshow readers…)

http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/newspaper-magic-ranjan-de.pdf

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Ideas for Magic with Paper  –  A Resource page
by Jeff Lindsay

Look for plans to build ‘The Stunning Dragon Illusion’, as well as ‘The Sheet From the Fifth Dimension’ .

Be sure to check out some of the links at the bottom of the page, including the paper airplane site mentioned below..

http://www.jefflindsay.com/PaperMagic.shtml

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Build The BEST Paper Airplane in the World  –  Simple, Detailed Instructions

Yes, we’ve all made ’em.. It was exciting to have some new kid show you a paper plane that could fly half-way across the room. I remember the first time I saw a paper airplane with a paper clip on the nose. Now that sucker could fly!. It was a simple innovation, but indubitably – a staggering revelation to my young mind.

http://www.zurqui.com/crinfocus/paper/airplane.html

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10 Amazing Paper Tricks  –   Video Tutorial

If you like paper tricks and magic you’ll like this compilation of ten videos by ‘brusspup’.. Separate url’s include the templates for several of the tricks. .

#1 Impossible paper
Template: http://imgur.com/RVofGgw

#2 Perpetual Spinner
Template: http://imgur.com/FMnJ1v0

#3 Walk Thru Paper
Template: http://imgur.com/9ODGLfR

#4 Annoying Noise Maker

#5 Ruler Breaker

#6 Möbius strip

#7 Impossible Fold

#8 Blooming Flower
Template: http://imgur.com/638zNAp

#9 Paper Popper

#10 Super Paper Strength
Template: http://imgur.com/WQbwbyI

https://youtu.be/MZxtgUoGzMQ

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Unique Shuffle With A Common Magic Prop..
Xavier Perret

Xavier uses a common magic prop to get a very unexpected result with a shuffle. Chances are you have the prop. Chances are you seldom use it.. but you should. You can do this shuffle.. Note my new web address for the Magic Roadshow blog.

http://magicians.website/

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Dual Magic Squares Effect..

If you like magic squares as much as I, you’ll be entranced by Dual Magic Squares. Although not original to Mark Farrar, he does a fine job of explaining the effect and demonstrating the method. This is NOT about two magic squares. It’s about one magic square that, when turned UPSIDE DOWN, continues to read the same number in every direction as when it’s right-side up.

“The inspiration for this came from looking at an intriguing magic square in ‘The Complete Mike Rogers’ published by Magic Inc in 1975. This Reversible Magic Square is on page 24 and is credited to Royal Vale Heath who wrote the book ‘Mathemagic’. The square is unusual in that it can be turned upside down and it reads exactly the same and totals 264.”

With the images displayed, you should have no problem creating a dual magic square. Thanks to Michael Lyth for the link.. !

http://www.markfarrar.co.uk/chris-wardles-dual-magic-square.htm

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Amazing Jumping Card Trick  –  Video Tutorial

Thanks to 52Kards for the tutorial. Imagine dealing a card from the deck to the table. Imagine that card strangely jumping back on to the deck as if connected to a rubber band.. which it’s not. Actually, the card is totally unconnected to anything, except the hand of a skilled magician.

There’s no doubt you’ll need to practice to get your ‘aim’ right. But the look on the faces of the masses will be more than worth it. The title is a little misleading, as this is not actually a ‘trick’… it is a method, and one you’ll use over and over…

http://www.etricks.info/

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Magic Lesson 19 – Finger Illusion Lesson:

The bending finger illusion is a great example of the saying ?less is more?. Sometimes just a glimpse of something is stronger than a longer look. There can be many reasons for this but the one that is critical today is that you will likely be caught out on the method to this if you do it longer than is required.

This same reason applies to large illusions used in stage magic shows as it does to compact illusions like this finger illusion. When you watch a the flashy stage illusions there is a reason why they are flashy and fast moving; it detracts from the method becoming obvious.

http://magictricksforkids.org/magic-lessons/magic-lesson-19-finger-illusion/

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Magic Tricks and Tips  – 113 After Dinner Tricks
Will L. Lindhorst

The accomplishments of such men as Hermann, Kellar, Thurston and Houdini have been a constant inspiration to me and I have endeavored in the following pages to present clear and simple descriptions of the methods, not hereto­fore disclosed, by which some of the most popular and puzzling illusions are performed.

The practice of after-dinner tricks makes for popularity, and one whose ability in this respect becomes known is assured of many invitations to social gatherings. Its value lies not only in entertainment, however, for the develop­ment of proficiency in the performance of illusions means also the development of poise, confidence, and the coordi­nation of thought and action. ( Thanks to Michael Lyth for the link..)

http://www.magictricktips.com/magictricktips01.php

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The Best (and Worst) Ways of Shuffling Cards  – Video

Numberphile, otherwise known to us as Persi Diaconis, details the how’s and why’s of shuffling cards. Aside from the obvious reasons, Persi discusses the best, and worst, methods to shuffle a deck of cards. Does the Hindu or overhand shuffles suffice? How about the riffle shuffle – and how many riffles are requires to properly shuffle a deck? And did you know that one of the most popular of shuffles requires 10,000 shuffles to accomplish what another achieves with 7 ??

I probably wouldn’t pay these stats much attention, if it weren’t for the presenter, Persi Diaconis. Known throughout the world as a brilliant mathematician and highly skilled magician, Persi authored scientific papers, preceded by years of dedicated work, to support his findings.

https://youtu.be/AxJubaijQbI

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Persi Diaconis – Math, Magic, Deception & Probability  –  A Radio Interview

Robert Pollie’s ‘7th Avenue Project’ weekly radio show, seriously seeks the unusual, intelligent, and curious interviews on virtually any science or art. Persi’s interview definite meets all the criteria. Subjects include:
– His friendships with other magicians, including Ricky Jay, Randi, and Dai Vernon

– Some surprisingly profound mathematical card tricks
– Why science needs statisticians
– Duping others and being duped himself
– Why he’s so secretive

Believe me, this is time well spent. You can click the arrow on the picture and listen to the interview without downloading.

http://7thavenueproject.com/post/92353298895/persi-diaconis-magic-mathematics

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Magic Clip Art –  Free Clipart, Animated Gifs and Graphics

Don’t need to sign up or log in to access clipart. You can download the UBB code for posting in forums and profiles, the HTML code for posting in a website, or the direct url code. Also, you can simply right click the images and ‘save as’ to wherever you normally keep your images. Thanks to Michael Lyth

http://www.picgifs.com/search/?q=magic+tricks&c=all

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Magic Tricks Camel Cigarettes –  Retro Advertisements & Magic
Nice selection of advertisements from Camel cigarettes’…  “It’s Fun to Be Fooled” ad series.

This was Camel cigarette campaign that revealed a magician’s ‘secret’ in a full page advertisement. No, the Roadshow is not advocating smoking.. we are simply looking back at a nicely drawn set of ads designed to entice new smokers and to persuade smokers of Lucky Strikes to switch to Camels. R.J. Reynolds implied the Lucky Strike ads fooled consumers with illusions, and their goal was to ‘expose’ the illusions.

The Federal Trade Commission eventually contested the ads and declared them “inaccurate, false, and misleading..”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/crossettlibrary/sets/72157625904572640/

You can also Google  –  It’s fun to be fooled camel cigarette ads  – and see even more ads from this era..   Thanks to Michael Lyth for the flickr link…

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Impossible Nail Thru Wood Trick  –  An Illusion.

It doesn’t hurt to get away from purely magical stuff every now and again. This is a nice project for that weekend when you don’t have a show..

http://magicians.website/

Watch on Youtube…
https://youtu.be/fEATei2wewY

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Mystery Cube-in-a-Cube Puzzle Woodworking Project

There has been some discussion among Roadshow readers about woodworking projects that would be of interest to magicians. Although this is not ‘magic’.. it IS magical.. in its own way.

http://etricks.info/

Watch on Youtube..
https://youtu.be/TfV_APBk16Q

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The Business of Stage Hypnotism
The Secrets Of A Full Time Stage Hypnotist

Andre Grove started as a magician and wanted to be the next David Copperfield until he saw a stage hypnotist and his performing career changed forever.

-It is so important that you every show as happy as your audience.
-Learning to let go of marketing and hand it over to a professional.
-The day to day work schedule of life on the road when touring.
-Dealing with theatre owners and local council regulations.
-Understanding the attendance habits of theatre patrons.
-Listening to your audience?s conversations after the show.

http://www.magicianbusiness.com/mb-45-the-business-of-stage-hypnotism-with-andre-grove/

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The Most Important MagicianBusiness Podcast Ever ! (According to Ken and Julian)

OK, if Ken and Julian are willing to go out on a limb and call this ‘Our most important podcast ever..’, then maybe we should sit up and take notice.. considering the high level of past podcasts. To quote from their site..

“Every year an opportunity arises to take your magic business to the next level. Successful corporate entertainer Barry Friedman shares tips , practical booking strategies and life changing insights from his Show Biz Blueprint course in this candid chat with Julian Mather and Ken Kelly.”

– How to use your current network before paying for advertising
– How to increase your telephone conversions with this simple mindset change
– What type of entertainers benefit most from Barry’s showbiz blueprint?
– Do you have to be a professional entertainer to benefit from Barry’s course?
– Hear how showbiz blueprint changed Julian Mather?s career.

http://www.magicianbusiness.com/showbiz-blueprint-barry-friedman/

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Hidden Answers –   Mathematical Magic
Gérard P. Michon, Ph.D.

Everyone knows of my fondness for a good mathemagic effect. Dr. Michon has put together a nice little site with a number of well-known and not so known effects based on mathematics. Many of these effects can well represent magic when presented properly. All it takes is a little fore-thought and practice. Effects include:

-Multiples of Nine:  A secret symbol is revealed.
-Casting Out Nines:  A missing digit is revealed.
-Triple threat  mind reading.
-Mass media mentalism  by  David Copperfield  (1992).
-Fitch Cheney’s 5-card trick:  4 cards tell the fifth one.
-Generalizing the 5-card trick and  Devil’s Poker…
-Clubs Hearts Spades Diamonds
-Kruskal’s Count.
-Paths to God.
-Stacked Deck.
-Enigma Card Trick.
-Magic Age Cards.

http://www.numericana.com/answer/magic.htm

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MAGIC NEWS.org

You can get your magic fix on Magic News every week. Don’t wait a month for the next Roadshow. Instead, go to Magic News for the latest, along with the more interesting going-ons in the world of magic. Honestly, no other site publishes the breadth of magic related stories and videos as Magic News.  http://magicnews.org/

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Never Miss Another Radio Show Again.. Listen and Record Any Show From Any Where – Free

Until you have the freedom to record ANY radio show in the country, you have no way of knowing exactly what you’re missing.  Anything, from anywhere in the country, can be recorded once.. or daily. Political comment. Sports Talk from any city. Ambient, Country, Rock, Progressive, Blues, Jazz… you name it.

Record it and listen whenever convenient. (I use the paid version of DAR every week to record a couple of blues shows from Louisiana and Texas, as well as a daily local sports talk show that comes on in the middle of the afternoon when I’m usually too busy to listen.)

Check it out FREE   –  http://dar.fm/new/9100625178

 ~ Two of My Favorites From the Archives.. ~

The Prediction of a Random Number Based Upon Your Date of Birth

Secretly write the number 4028 on a slip of paper. Fold it and hand to someone for safe keeping. This you explain is your forecast of an event with numbers that hasn?t yet occurred.

You now invite a student to write down their date of birth.

Now have them write down a significant year in their life below this.

Ask them to calculate how many years have elapsed since that significant year.

Finally have them write down the age they are this year below the other numbers.

Now get them to add up all the numbers like an addition.

EXAMPLE

Date of birth 1964
Significant year 1981
Number of years passed since that year 34
That persons age as of Jan 1st  this year 50
Now have that spectator add up the numbers.

1964
1981
34
50
——-
4029

Have your forecast read out and of course it?s the same number 4029 that you knew in advance despite not knowing the persons date of birth or the significant year they chose.

NOTE. When you instruct them to calculate how many years have passed, it is taken from their significant year to 2015 that is:

2015
-1981
=  34

Place a little emphasis in that you could not possibly know what years they would think of.

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Drawing the Mirth-Mobile, Wayne’s World AMC Pacer –  A Three Minute Video

Here is the Mirth-Mobile, a sky blue AMC Pacer with flames above the tires owned by Garth in the 1992 comedy Wayne’s World, drawn by the amazing Marcello Barenghi.. You must watch the video to the end to get the full effect of Marcello’s Magic.

https://youtu.be/4ioAmGDtzHc

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A Little Video Treat –  Video

Thanks to Elaine.. for this nice little entertaining video…

http://www.buick.com/surprise

 ~ The Other Corner.. ~
Take a deep breath, and hold it for a moment. Now exhale it. Where did it go? That single breath of air contains at least three nitrogen atoms that were inhaled by every person who has ever lived, including Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill, Jesus and Ghandi. The dinosaurs actually breathed some of the same atoms that you took into your body. The air that you just exhaled will circle the globe in the next twelve months, and everyone will breathe at least two or three of those atoms. That scientific fact dramatizes the connectedness between each of us. Just as we all share our chemistry with other members of the human family, so we are all interdependent..  TheEncouragingWord.org
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Here’s a link where you can download a variety of free ebooks, including Erdnase’ Expert At The Card Table… If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up HERE.. https://magicroadshow.com/

http://streetmagic.info/cbmall3.html

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LIKE us on FaceBook..  ( THANK YOU !!  to all you Kind Folks who have…)

http://www.facebook.com/magicroadshow
http://www.facebook.com/themagicnews

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Some of my Other Sites..

Las Vegas Magic Shows – updated monthly
http://lasvegasmagicshows.info/

Magic News – The #1 site in the world for ever-changing magic news. Updated daily.
http://magicnews.org/

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That does it for this issue. I hope you found something to help your magic studies along. Remember, if you have something you would like to share with the magic community, send it to:  [email protected]

“Vive Tus Sueños – Live Your Dreams “

Rick Carruth / Editor

Senior Professor – Camelard College of Conjuring of Chemmis, Egypt
“Magic’s Only Worldwide Honor Society”
http://www.camelardcollege.org/

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