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…
TO THE WIVES AND SWEETHEARTS OF MAGI Every time my husband and I saw a two-person mindreading act we'd hurry home, locate all the transmission systems in our library, decide finally upon one we must learn and then begin the torture due a wife, to the tune of Lohengrin, says, "I do", to the magically conscious man beside her. We must have tried them all, good and bad, and after mastering a particularly good-written code during the month we'd then forget it before we had a chance to show off our prowess. Counting, breathing, and other silent ideas made the…
This is a mental coin effect based on a mathematical system. On the table are three small coin envelopes labeled respectively: Office Boy, Janitor, President. Also there are five different coins: a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and half dollar. Three spectators are asked to participate and each is given a small typewritten sheet or card called a "Salary Schedule". While the performer's back is turned, one of the three men picks up the three employee envelopes, mixes them well, selects any one for himself, and passes the other two on to a second man. This person mixes the two remaining…
The performer introduces a pocket dictionary. The spectator looks through it -- has a free choice of any one of the many printed words. The word is written by him on a card and it is inserted momentarily in the dictionary. After a moment of concentration, the spectator pockets the card and hands the dictionary to the performer who immediately opens it and reads aloud the word chosen together with its definition. If this were a dealer's item, I might emphasize the following points: Absolutely no force -- no carbons -- no mirrors -- no loose page inserts - comes…