In this episode of the Jinx Navigator Podcast, Jay takes listeners through the significant highlights of the first issue of The Jinx, a historic magic newsletter by Theodore Annemann. He discusses the first magic effect, 'Hallucination' by Eddie Clever, the 'Supreme East Indian Needle feat' by Ted Annemann, 'Two Papers and a Spectator' by Ted Annemann, and 'The Mystery of the Blackboard' by Paul Rosini. Jay provides insights on the relevance and adaptability of these tricks for modern performers, and offers resources for those interested in learning more. Tune in to discover the timeless art of magic from the 1930s…
(Editor's note: This is the first time that we have featured an improvement on a previous Jinx trick. Heretofore any variations and improvements have been part of a page devoted to such. But, as we noted with Half and Half's original appearance, few would take advantage of the ingenious Stewart James idea. Now Voz Lyons has what we think is a set-up in the words and general working. I hope that the stunt won't go begging this time as much as it did the first.) In Jinx #134 there appeared a Stewart James' miracle of close-up effectiveness. Here is my…
(Note by Annemann: I thought that I exhausted the 14-15 deck stack principle long ago but Mr. Vosburgh has a decidedly new angle for its use in a book test. Besides this "break-down" of chances to a three-word possibility there is included a revelation via slates which, for the first time to our knowledge allows of the word being foretold (?) by the performer without the use of a definite force.) Remove two aces from a deck and arrange the remaining 50 cards by values so that each adjoining pair, when added together, total either 14 or 15. (7-8-6-9-5-10-4-J-3-Q-2-K-A-K-2-Q-3-J-4-10-5-9-6-8-7-7-7, etc.)…
From out of the past I have taken a slate writing principle, long off the market, and utilized it in this problem. Bruce Hurling's method for getting rid of a "flap" while standing before an audience in view of all may be used for countless effects. It should not be forgotten. To his watchers the performer shows a slate blank on both sides and identifies these sides by writing initials on each - initials as called out to him. The slate is stood in full view of everyone for the time being. Next are shown three current newspapers having blatant…
In Jinx #131 there appeared an effect by Sid Lorraine aptly entitled 40,000 Words. As a pocket dictionary test it might well have been marketed for a price. While that which follows is another effect of the same order I have found it a quite perfect follow-up, or repeat, to the one mentioned. No extra book then is needed, and the immediate repetition of the word test with someone else will upset no little any wise magi trying to check up on your actions. A ten-cent store pocket dictionary is given a person for a free selection of a single…
Because I'm a firm believer in using simple looking items in magic - not the fancy painted gadgets sold by dealers, I figured out a sort of billet switch that looks innocent. (I hate the change bag) After making several boxes, a cigar box with double lid, a turn-over device, and so on, this fool-proof and very plain looking idea was evolved and built. It has proven its worth in several ways. I use a Schrafft's Candy Box, 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 and in the top, at center, is cut a small slot to take the folded billets. Immediately…
A very cute musical thought transmission effect was contained in the book Sh-h-h. It's a Secret! I've played with it off and on since its appearance and it has been satisfactory because one man can use a strange pianist practically impromptu. During this time I have added a few details which, to my way of thinking, simplify things a bit and possibly add to the effect. I save time on the presentation by using lists of songs prepared in advance, and this is made possible due to the fact that The Billboard (theatrical trade weekly), Variety (same), and other similar…
This unusual effect was created for those who entertain in the home or at social events. We shall call the performer the "host" and the spectators the "guests" as we describe our set-up and routine, all of which is very important to the situation. THE SET-UP = Procure a goblet of somewhat the shape as that pictured on the next page, the original "Fairy Goblet of Eden Hall." It should be either of cut-glass or trimmed around its edge with the metallic substance used in such cases. Next secure a square of tapestry of good quality and design. The exact…
Having finished the ultra-somber proceedings that prove the Fairy Goblet of value as a concentrative object, the performer-host, in full light, concludes with a version of "The Quick and the Dead". All sitters present are given slips of paper on which to record the name of some living friend, particularly personal. That is, all but one sitter. He or she, as the case may be, might well be one who was not a good subject in the previous tests. And this person is asked to write the name of some close friend or relative not now living -- someone in…
Plot : Somewhere, every thought that you will ever possess is waiting to be brought into the world. I ask you to think of something - a word will do - in a manner that requires some conscious effort on your part. That gives me time to project my astral body to the waiting place for your unborn thoughts. Your conscious effort removes a thought and brings it into being on our earth. As I am on the spot, by psychic vision I see that thought removed, and can tell, upon coming out of my trance, what is on your…