Jinx Navigator Podcast — Episode 10: Issue #10 Issue #10 of The Jinx opens with Annemann on his soapbox about impromptu magic — and Jay gets on one of his own — before delivering a signed card on a ribbon, a startling deck production, a masterclass in cigarette vanish presentation, and a one-person picture-duplication effect that Annemann vouches for with characteristic honesty. A strong issue from start to finish. Effects Covered [0:52] Editorial — Theodore Annemann Annemann makes the case that working professionals who can't perform on the spot are failing at showmanship, pointing to Harry Blackstone and John Mulholland as performers who…
Jinx Navigator Podcast: Jay Jennings reviews issue number three of The Jinx, a roughly 90-year-old newsletter for magicians and mentalists, to see which ideas still hold up and how they might be tweaked for modern use. Aside from the editorial, Jay covers four items from the issue: Les Gilbert’s “A Card in Transit,” where a spectator-initialed card vanishes from the deck and appears in the performer’s pocket using sleight of hand and a gimmick card; Annemann’s “A Real Psychic Card Test,” a simple thought-transmission drawing match using chalkboards (or business cards) and misdirection through distance/time; Annemann’s “Dead or Alive,” a…
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…