PS (DVD)

In all the excitement of the upcoming "Built to Last" release, I've neglected to mention that the Pinky Swear project will also be released on DVD.

I have no problem asking $15 for this wonderfully produced package: another great release from TRCKY.com  Pinky Swear is 45 Min of detailed descriptions on the Pinky Count, Pass and several routines that imploy the devious combination.

Both will be available Oct 1

In between ho-blog posts, I'm hard at work preparing connmagic.com (shopping cart, site upgrade, etc etc etc) Nuff blabbering... back to work

Are you ready?

Release date Oct 1

TRICS

In Charlotte NC
(@ TrICCC con)
Lecture tomorrow ,
DVD Debut

It's late, must rest
End gloat

Diamond Mine

"Diamond Mine" is my version of Elmsley's classic "Diamond Cut Diamond"

*In Tricks of My Trade - The Magic of Doug Conn
Paul Cummins describes two versions of this thing. Because the Royal Flush leaves room for lots of patter variants (and/or seques from other effects) I prefer this 5 card handling.
 
Alas: My 2nd is shit (specially from this angle / with bordered backs) but It looks okay in real life (when the eye is naturally misdirected to the face up dealt cards.)

While my deal needs work, I must say, the Truffle shuffle is coming along nicely and the MP sidesteal is serving justice as usual. Ditto dat for Carney's Versa switch (heck; 3 outta 4 aint bad)

Regardless... I Just wanted to document the effect (why? good question... I'm not sure what drives me to put these craptactular videos online.)

Here's it is: Diamond Mine

http://youtu.be/P0qeRbWagdw

SideNote: Yes, the selection is any of the named (flush) cards

A Higher Power: P & T

Spoiler: aside from the appearance of Penn & Teller, these videos have nothing to do with magic. As with most things I post here, I do so for self reference (and in hopes that like minded people will find something of interest.) My/Our/Their topics today will be: Guns, God, Drunks and Happiness. Enjoy.

Happiness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4p1AzV-hRc
Life explained in 30 seconds.

2nd Amendment 
http://youtu.be/1GNu7ldL1LM
I'm not a fan of guns (but that's my problem.)

Okay... maybe just one magic trick.
This one seems to fit this blog-ramble:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF2iX2VG6e4
12 Stepping
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU2YliYttnQ
GOD grant me the serenity... Many people are required / forced to attend this religious based organization (which has an VERY high failure rate... sigh.) 

on a sidenote... speaking of drunks and P&T:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9hNw4rSZv8
drunk guy movie review (of "Penn and Teller get killed) not particularly good and/or funny review, but it was a nice reminder about this dark comedy that is worth a look.

and last, but not least
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PaHcZUHI00

Ya know... 
It really is truly amazing what these two have accomplished in their career.
from 'humble' busking - beginnings to international superstars (movies, TV, Broadway, Vegas... etc etc etc.) IMO: They're the penultimate variety entertainers (and along the way, take the time to share some 'truth') Bravo Penn and Teller.

P. P.

If you like card magic
I highly recommend a visit to Peter Pellikaan's You Tube Channel 

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAtfusatfus

his output is strong, creative and plentiful...
(over 340 videos at the time of this post)

Subscribe and you'll be treated to a never ending barage of Dali-esque style card effects... heh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ock6se2mmw&feature=share&list=UL3ock6se2mmw

He wants to show you something...

Go watch it.

Thanks Peter.

Magic Hat

Yes... You should be jealous
(not only is it mine: it was free ;)

EXTREME Record!

I always knew magic and wrestling were simpatico

Mr Wrestling #3 attempts to prove my theory and in the interim, his world record attempt sets a new low for awesomeness:

http://recordsetter.com/world-record/do-west-coast-chaos-flourish/13789/?#contentsection

Note to self, whenever I'm feeling low...
just remember...
I'm not this guy:

Secrets #14 and #15

I just cut out secrets #14 and #15
they still exist

just not here.

OK... just one tip

 Here it is:

14 of diamonds. Keep one in your (performance) deck.

It's an invaluable routine
and can also be used a fun / funny impromptu moment.
When someone picks it, just have fun with it.

I like to use the revelation in a multiple selection routine

 It also looks good as a quickie... A: 1 -ta- 2 two card transformation
For example: introduce the 14 (I like to do this with a flourish cut)
and then the 14 changes to an 8d and a 6d

This change as a followup to the 'double up' effect


overall
14 is better than 3 1/2
3 1/2  is confusing to people and they're more likely to break up the moment

repeat: try *forcing and adding this to your multiple selection routine.

ok... there... that's basically #14

magicalsleight

Today's suggest linkage is:

http://www.magicalsleight.com/

Great stuff, taught with cutting edge style.

If you see something you think you'll like, you're probably right, you will.

Tip: Sign up for their newsletter & get some great freebies.

Magicians!

Thank you iTricks(yes .com)
TU for providing me an hour 1/2 departure from reality. The news that the (English) movie "Magicians" is on Netflix was a welcome addition to my daily routine (I squeezed it in between my 4 minute XCM session and 3 hour balloon modeling practice)
The movie is horrible... But in a way magicians around the globe should welcome and maybe even enjoy the badness.
It's a darkish comedy that never fully commits to the dark side (though I did LOL throughout and was constantly looking for cameos: Bravo Pat Page: RIP.) I can't imagine a normal person will enjoy this flick, but the magician in me loved it.

Search Netflix for:
"magicians"

Here's some more stuffs:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magicians_(film)

Evil Cherry

Have I mentioned Cherry Villain yet?

I wonder: where did that name came from?
&
Just how did Jason Alford beat the sasquatch in Leg Wrestling? (#rigged)

that and other questions are what's on my mind...
sheesh, it's not easy being me.

Become a Villain
Watch Tyler's Videos
Become a Better Magician

http://evil.cherryvillain.com/

Tyler has also been contributing some excellent essays over at iTricks.com
Here's one of many, all worth reading:
http://itricks.com/news/2012/05/the-biggest-reason-for-mediocre-magic-tyler-wilson/

rated X(CM)

Wow, just when I thought I was completely done & done with "XCM"
here comes Predator Deck who had me interested for the better part of this 4+ minute clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5qjPKl2qq4&feature=share&list=ULo5qjPKl2qq4
(This is "From the Mother-ship" (in case you've already seen it))

Very original (and I'm sure insanely difficult.)

Alas, these videos show that (much like 'regular' juggling) skill alone is not enough to entertain the brain for more than a minute or two.

I'm not sure of his goals in publishing these youtube videos, but IMO: his skills would be better served in doses of 1 or 2 (max) minute clips. Get a point of view, an interesting location or lighting.. He comes closer with
His newest clip "Heavenly Physics"  is full of interesting 'Cardistry'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0inBrhI0ss&feature=share&list=ULc0inBrhI0ss

XCM = LESS IS MORE

Not that you asked, but:
Yes, I do think there is room for "XCM" & "Magic" to co-exist..
FISM card champion Daryl convinced me of this many moons ago, as I was learning his Hot Shot Cut from For Your Entertainment Pleasure" (yes, I had the pleasure of learning that move from the written word.) The book opens with a lovely essay titled: "In Praise Of The Lowly Flourish."  I think Daryl hits the bullseye with his thoughts of combining the two arts (& now years later, makes groceries by selling slum magic to the masses... but that's a topic for another day.)