Month: December 2005

The Best Diary Trick!

I have perfomed Bob Cassidy’s Chronologue for years and really like it. This is my version using one deck of cards and one diary – both of which are placed in front of the audience before you commence the effect.

I use these 1864 Poker cards in the patter and they add some interest to the effect as you talk about the ancient connection between cards and the calendar.

What I really like about my version is that it has zero reset, a different card can be chosen (almost) everytime and there is only one diary, only one deck, no force, no memory work, one simple calcuation, and everything is on view to begin with.

My method is based on combining ideas of Bob Cassidy, Ted Annemann, and Eddie Joseph.

This is my new favorite opening effect and because it allows for a large number of cards to be chosen freely and requires no reset it is perfect for strolling magic situations where people talk about effects amongst each other!

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Even Better Second Time Around!

George Robinson continues to surprise me. When I received my first original CW version of Creation back in 2002 I thought it was an amazing effect and a collector’s dream: very clever mechanism, small, no reset, and absolutely stunning impact on the audience. This new version is all of that and more. George has gone to the trouble to plate the cage in 24K gold so now none of the solder marks can be seen and the cage now really looks stunning.

If you look at the Viking site you can clearly see the difference – my photos are not so clear 🙁

I have found over the last couple of years that I have re-bought a number of effects and in many cases have been happier with the newer version. When it comes to Collector’s Workshop, every single piece that George has rebuilt has been better than the original. This jewel of the whole CW line is more incredible than ever. I know George has limited supplies so I suggest you stampede over to his site to get this beautiful Creation. If you ever want to see the look of utter disbelief on a spectator this is certainly one way to achieve it.

Most highly recommended – get it now!

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Finest Quality Magic Wallet

If you have read my reviews over the years you’ll notice I have an affection towards magic wallets. What can I say I am just intrigued by all the styles. However, what has become clear to me is that there isn’t any one wallet that will do all things you need. I have given up saying "This is my new favorite wallet", because invariably it changes with my next wallet. What I have decided is that if you like wallets there are a number of very fine wallets on the market that each do something unique. There are also many bad wallets on the market.

My current favorite is still the Horwitz Wallet. However, when it comes to craftsmanship and quality it is hard to beat the beautiful work of Jerry O’Connell. I use his No-Palm Wallet in conjunction with Doc Dixon’s incredible Carpe Cajones. Now for this effect, the O’Connell wallet is just perfect. No other wallet I own does the job better, and certainly no wallet is made better. I will be buying quite a few more of Jerry’s wallets over the next few weeks as they are clearly in a class of their own. Jerry is also a great guy and he has a very fast turn around, so if you are looking for a particular wallet I suggest you contact him Jerry’s leather craftsmanship is beautiful and highly recommended!

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