Here's an interview I did earlier this week with mentalist Ross Johnson, star of FUN Inc's Simply Psychic DVD. Ross is an accomplished performer with over 20 years of experience as a psychic entertainer. In that time, he has amazed, entertained and delighted thousands of people from hundreds of the top corporations in America.
Q: How did you get interested in magic?
RJ: I met Eugene Burger at a youth conference back in 1963. His magic piqued my interest. Later, I came back to Chicago after 2 years in college. I worked for both Tom Palmer and Tony Andruzzi, then at Magic Inc. for a few years.
Q: When did you decide to switch from magic to mentalism?
RJ: When I first made the switch, the interest was piqued from the Abbott Get-Together. One of the performers was a two-person mindreading act. It really intrigued me, because the reaction of “Is it real or fake?” was very different from reactions the other magicians were getting. Since I didn’t have anybody who wanted to be my assistant, I developed a one-person act.
Q: How did you go from a full-time teaching career to a full-time performing career?
RJ: It was a gradual transition. When in college, I was a speech and education major, so I used my interests in performing. Eventually, I had to leave my joy at the magic shop and get obtain gainful employment somewhere, so I ended up in the Chicago Public Schools. Being newly married, I had to supplement my income somehow, so I did a lot of performances, for service organizations and private events. Then, I get involved in corporate work, and after almost 20 years of teaching, I decided to pursue it full-time.
Q: Do you think there is a distinction between mentalism and mental magic?
RJ: I think there is a distinction. Mental magic is usually, effect-wise, stronger or unbelievable. For example, if I asked someone to think of a number, and reveal that, as opposed to asking someone to think of a license number on a car. Mentalism is simpler and little more direct; it isn’t as contrived as mental magic.
Q: What do you think about using a disclaimer to explicitly tell your audience you don’t have real psychic powers?
RJ: I use a disclaimer if I think it’ll help create a rapport with the audience. I never make claims that I’m something I’m not. It’s usually in the guise of a humorous comment, making it clear I’m not a prophet or maintain a psychic hotline. I don’t like to step on anyone’s spiritual toes.
Q: Aside from “Simply Psychic,” what resources would you recommend to the budding mentalist?
RJ: Book-wise, there are major texts. 13 Steps to Mentalism is a good start, although the Tarbell Course is a bit more basic. Then, the Anneman Jinx series is very good. Many of the effects from that magazine have been put into a book called Practical Mental Effects, but much of the gold was removed. I recommend going back to the original pamphlets. There are a lot of newer resources that are a bit more evolved, I don’t think they cover the basics.
A few weeks ago, a Chicago-based television program, 190 North, visited the FUN Inc. factory.
The host interviewed company president Graham Putnam, toured the warehouse and "vomitorium" (the room on the second floor where we make Whoops), and generally stuck his nose in every nook and cranny he found. And why shouldn't he? To those who have never before visited a factory that cranks out magic and novelties assembly line style, a visit to 2100 N. Major Ave. can be a fascinating thing. To those of us who work here on a daily basis it can be, well, a fascinating thing, too.
If you'd like to watch the brief segment about FUN Inc. that aired on 190 North, follow this link:
(We don't yet have the capability to embed the video in the blog, so the curious will have to do a bit more work.)
When you arrive, click on the "Watch 190 N." tab. Then scroll through the videos on the right until you find the one marked "Goofy Manufacturer." All that's left to do is click, watch and enjoy.
If you're a customer and would like a personally-guided tour of the FUN factory, don't hesitate to give us a call when you're in Chicago. We'd love to see you.
New to the FUN catalog is a release from Steve "Merlin" Branham: Bending Metal Magic. Steve teaches the techniques on bending metal objects in true Uri Gellar fashion. You will learn how to bend all sorts of cutlery, keys, coins, nails, and more. Best of all: it's not a card trick!*
To go along with that, we also have the Ultimate Bending Set in stock. All the secrets fully explained behind several fantastic metal bending effects, and all of them are easy to learn by watching the detailed DVD included.
Every metal effect has detailed presentation and method explained, step-by-step.
Not only do you receive an instructional DVD, but you also receive several objects to psychically bend, including a spoon, nail, and fork.
*Not that I have anything against card tricks - but you can only take so much.
The eagerly-awaited sequel to The Royal Scam is now available to dealers from FUN Incorporated.
Duplicity, Part II of the Fractal Card Magic series is John Bannon's classic mental card transposition - reloaded.
A red-backed Ace from one packet changes places with a blue-backed Ace in another packet.
The selected Aces appear face-up in each respective packet. Then their backs prove to be different. As a final climax, all of the other cards are shown to be blank!
Everything is examinable. Perfect for mentalists, table-hoppers, and card magic enthusiasts!
Step-by-step DVD instructions and a photo-illustrated e-book illuminate the workings of Duplicity. All necessary cards, specially printed by the U.S. Playing Card Co. are supplied.
"Twisted Sisters is one of the best-selling card tricks of all time. I like this more."
Fun Inc. is thrilled to announce the release, next Tuesday, of part two in John Bannon's Fractal Card Magic series, Duplicity. It's the same powerful effect as his classic Twisted Sisters, but at the finish, you're 100% squeaky clean. Everything can be examined.
A long time ago, I made a solemn pledge to use my magic powers for good, and not evil. Last night, I made good on that promise by helping a friend propose to his longtime girlfriend. The plan was for me to be doing a street performance at Buckingham Fountain (recognizable from the "Married with Children" TV show's intro), they would wander over, and I'd do a coin trick.
Then, I'd hand him the coin, he'd do a Bobo Switch, and produce the ring. It went well, although his finger palm needs some work.
She said yes.
Here's a quick photo I snapped with my camera phone.
Assisting with a marriage proposal is probably the most unusual request I've had for magic. Please share your stories of magic in unusual places in the comments.
I have always been a fan of awful puns and sight gags. I think most magicians have been. We just received a great sight gag from Meir Yedid. It's called the B.S. Board.
Basically, the magician pulls out a sheet of paper and reads aloud "Being an entertainer is a unique opportunity which lets me bring joy into your lives…" Once finished reading the sentiment, the magi then folds the B.S. Board and says, "And I mean that sincerely," the spectators will slowly begin to notice what the first letter of every line now spells ( it says bulls--- ), which will cause hysterical laughter. Yes, it's PG-13 humor, but when done for the right crowd, will KILL!
Oh, and FUN Incorporated also manufactures the SNARF silk. The magician produces a 24" square silk handkerchief at the conclusion of a trick. On it, in big, bold letters, are printed the words "Thank You." Or are they? No matter which way the magician turns the silk, the Thank You message never reads quite right. Great situation comedy with the laughs built right in. Packs super flat and plays mega big.
I'm also a big fan of Mike Mode's NUN ( none ) trick. A coin is taken out of the magician's hand as he asks, "What's one minus one?" "None!" the spectator answers. The magician's hand is opened and a nun is discovered there in. Yes, it's a horrendous pun. However, it's totally worth it!
In an effort to get us caught up making demo videos for the FUN Inc. library of DVDs, I've been hard at work distilling the best scenes and making brief demos for them.
Wow. It's been a very busy week for us, not only with the release of Shellraiser, but with the addition of several new items to the catalog. Lollapalooza: Includes 3 routines with contributions from Jon Armstrong, and inspirations from Darwin Ortiz and R. Paul Wilson. You will learn a 10-Card Poker Deal that is the fairest one of 'em all! A Spectator-Cuts-The-Cards where the spectator ends up with an impossible hand of cards. An incredible Poker Demonstration involving a spectator choosing any 10 cards in an attempt to beat the dealer!
No forcing, or sleight-of-hand required.
Rising Business Card:An elegant way to present your card ! Your business card rises from a beautiful silver and black business card case. No magnets, threads, or wires - easy to do!
Smoke Signals: You have a spectator freely pick a card and return it to the deck. Place the cards back into the card case As you explain a very old way to reveal the chosen card, “by smoke signal.”
As you say this, a steady smoke signal begins to come right out of the card case held in one hand. Your other hand reaches into the smoke and produces the chosen card.
B.S. Board: Since the original release of the B.S. Board thousands of magicians and entertainers have used it on stage, up close and during casual encounters. This new B.S. Board has been redesigned and manufactured using special plastic. It folds to 4½"x7" (11.43x17.78cm) and can fit in your shirt or jacket pocket.
It is ideal for close-up, walk around, bars, comedy clubs, emcee work and between friends. Don't underestimate the great reactions this memorable gag gets.
Yesterday, John wrote about a Genii review calling recent releases of Fun Inc/Royal Magic some of the best deals in magic.
On Monday, Fun released Troy Hooser's Shellraiser DVD. Each copy of the DVD includes an Expanded HalfShell. To me, this is THE best deal in magic. Period.
Here's why: most Expanded shells cost $25-$35, and for a professional, custom-made Lassen shell, you'll pay even more.
The Hooser DVD, along with an Expanded HalfShell retail for a measly $25. And if you don't want the DVD, you can pick up the HalfShell separately for as little as $9 or $10! Ask your favorite dealer and he'll help you out.
Magic with an Expanded Shell is incredibly visual, and relatively easy to do. Now, it's affordable, too.
This month's Genii features the eminent David Regal on the cover. We catch him now in the midst of his success on national television as a coach on Celebracadabra, and on the cusp of the release of his new book, "Approaching Magic."
Regal has also been the longtime trick reviewer for Genii, and had this to say: "Perhaps the best deals in card magic today are coming from Royal Magic and their inexpensive DVD plus Gaffs packages. The gaffs look great, plus the DVD of instructions by the creator often includes bonus effects. For 15 bucks!? Are you serious?!"
Are we serious, Mr. Regal? As serious as one can be while working in a magic/novelty factory. When you've got fake vomit and wind-up Talking Teeth stocked to the rafters, there's a certain amount of ridiculousness that comes with the territory.
But when it comes to magic, we take our responsibility to do well by the art of magic very seriously. That's why, when we put out a product like David Solomon's Thoughts Across, we work hard to make it the best that it can be.
Speaking of Thoughts Across, as Mr. Regal points out, "Very little handling ability is required as the gaffs and routine's construction do the work...anyone who goes through it once will realize its potential."
What more incentive could you need? Pick one up today.
So last week Mr. Hal Sparks performed my Booger Restoration trick from Geek Magic. I wrote an email to Hal and he responded! He wrote back, saying."I credited you when we were taping but I don't know if they aired that part. Did they? I dig your DVD, brother. Nice work." My trick didn't air, but was available only on the VH1 website as a deleted scene. Still, I'm flattered he chose to watch my DVD.
Then, Lisa Ann Walter performed another trick from Geek Magic on this week's episode - the balloon swallow! The trick isn't original with me, but still... you can learn it off the DVD. She did a great job!
Celebracadabra has been fun to watch, and especially fun to see which tricks the coaches pick. Many of them can be purchased at any magic shop. For example:
As we reach this milestone 100th post today, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on what a journey it's been. Thanks to the miracle of Google Analytics, since we started the blog, we've had:
3,961 visits 6,478 pageviews Visitors from 46 states (what the matter with you, Wyoming, North Dakota, Delaware, and Vermont?) Vistors from 58 countries, including Brazil, India, Russia, and Japan 110 referring websites (top among them, iTricks, Magic Cafe, and Blogger.com) 3 pairs of cramped typing hands (being me, Tomas, and Gabe) At least 90 panicked days of "What are we going to blog about today?"
Thanks to all who have joined us, and help us out by spreading the word! Subscribe via your favorite feed, tell your friends about us.
I'm very excited for our newest release: Shellraiser featuring Troy Hooser. Troy's magic is absolutely amazing, and to take lessons from him on using an expanded shell is a far greater value than the cost of the DVD.
Check out the demo vid, and place your orders on Monday!
Even though I only spent a brief amount of time at the Collectors convention last week, I did get the opportunity to catch up with my friend (and fellow Michigander) Michael Mode.
Michael performs magic and conducts seminars for companies around the world. As a magician, he amazes and entertains. As a speaker, he teaches creative problem-solving techniques and enlightens audiences with life's possibilities.
Michael's creative contributions are performed on stage and television around the world by the top names in magic. In 1999, Michael went on a three-week tour of China where his creations were performed live before ten thousand people and broadcast to an audience of 200 million viewers. Despite his demanding schedule, he still finds time to share several of his products with the magic community. Most of you are probably familiar with the Napkin Rose that Michael introduced to us through his Napkin Rose DVD. The initial response was so strong, that Michael began producing the napkins in various colors, so magicians could tailor performances to their spectators' preferences. His Napkin Rose Cube has been a very useful tool for the strolling magician.
But Michael is not a one-trick pony: his Nun None! trick has been the delight of many a conjuror - technically simple and full of entertainment.
For the stage magician, Michael released his Bowling Pin Production. Imagine being able to walk on stage, then produce a genuine bowling pin for your jacket sleeve! Recently, the pressure overwhelmed me - I purchased a Bowling Pin Production, and now I highly recommend it for the stage and parlor entertainer.
With this past weekend's success of Marvel's awesome IRON MAN movie, my co-worker John Sturk and I discussed what it would be like to have REAL superpowers! For example, John wanted telekinesis. Gabe wanted the power of time travel (probably so he could purchase old magic props to sell on eBay). I have always been a fan of super strength. For example, if I were as strong as the HULK, I'd start my own moving company. I'd be rolling in dough!
John told me that there is a superhero who is a professional magician by day and crime fighter by night! Has anyone ever heard of DC's Zatanna? She was a successful stage illusionist before she discovered her true magical powers. She assisted the Justice League of America on a number of cases before being elected to full membership. Zatanna is a homo magi, a human born with the affinity to manipulate magic. Her unique genetic structure allows her to use the magic she was born with as well as learned magic. She has been called the most powerful member of the Justice League! She does stage, close-up, parlor, and kid shows (sorry, no balloons).
How cool is that?!?! A magician that can do REAL magic! Could you imagine doing Scotch and Soda with no bang rings! How about the coin in the bottle...without breaking a rubber band! Also, you're pockets wouldn't bulge when doing cups and balls. Talk about packing flat and playing big!
As I was viewing the online extras for Celebracadabra (I get to call it research...for work), I came upon Hal Sparks, dressed as a wizard, performing for a group of school children. Imagine my surprise when he mentioned a trick he saw a "Chicago magician" do called the Booger Restoration.
Well, wonder no more! That Chicago magician is FUN's very own Tomas Medina, and you can find the Booger Restoration on Tomas' Geek Magic DVD. If it's good enough for Hal and his coach, Rocco, it's good enough for you!
Given the Magic Collectors' Association convention in Chicago right now, I've been thinking about what makes a magic something collectable. Is it antiquity? Rarity? Comprehensiveness? Awesomeness?
Looking through my own personal library, I wonder if anything there would be coveted by collectors, or if there's something we have in stock in the FUN Inc. warehouse that could become a collectable in a few years time. Here's a few things you might want to snag - while you still can.
Revolutionary Card Technique: First it was in print, then out of print. It's in print now, but who knows for how long? This tome is the ultimate bible for any aspiring cardician. Bill Malone lists it as a must-have for his proverbial "desert island".
Harbin X2: It is widely agreed that Robert Harbin was one of magic's most inventive geniuses. He is the inventor of the Zig Zag and other illusions that rank among the most performed stage effects of the twentieth century. However, this was merely the tip of Harbin's creative iceberg. In fact, he invented so many illusions, escapes and tricks of all types, they could not be fit into one book. Hence, this handsome two-volume set, including cloth slipcase.
Dotto & Blotto: Like the Topsy Turvy Bottle trick, but better! The magician shows two pictures of magicians and places them in an envelope. One envelope is handed to a spectator and the other is handled by the magician. The magician then mixes up the position of his magician and asks the spectator to follow his lead. No matter how often the envelopes are turned upside down and right side up and how closely the spectator follows the magician's moves, the magician's magician is facing a different direction that the spectator's.
Once these are gone, they're gone for good! Invented by Roy Baker, and first marketed by Edwin's Magic Arts of the United Kingdom.
Edwin's Magical Arts: Edwin the Magician is at it again with another fine book of magic tricks that you can build and create yourself, plus his own personal history in pictures and stories. As always, the book is filled with illustrations and instructions teaching you how to make many wonderful magic props. Out of print. We've got the largest supply of these on the planet! When they're gone - they're gone.
Since Gabe is working hard putting on the Magic Collectors' convention this week, I'll step in to cover his Thursday slot.
Last night Tomas and I manned the FUN Inc. table at the magic flea market. Lots of magicians were on hand hunting for the best deals. Sadly, I was so busy selling I never got the chance to browse myself.
Then I remembered that FUN has a Double Discount page for our members - bargains galore! Here are a few of the hot items:
Edward Kozuch's Newspaper Prediction: Five envelopes, each one containing a different sheet of newspaper, are displayed. A spectator selects one of the envelopes and the sheet inside. The magician tears the selected sheet into dozens of tiny squares.
Then the magician asks the spectator to choose one of the pieces at random (there's no force!), and to read the news item he has randomly arrived at in a loud, clear voice. At the same time, the magician reveals a prediction he wrote before the show. It is the same as the wording in the randomly selected piece of newsprint! Come a Little Closer: Contributions to this tome include legends like Alex Elmsley and Roy Walton. This book includes all the effects that were first described in the small 1953 publication called "Come A Little Closer" plus 19 never-before published items!
Fantasio - My Canes and Candles: Who among us hasn't had at least a fleeting encounter with one of Fantasio's creations? The best in the world use Fantasio canes and candles, now Fantasio himself shares his effects, routines, and personal tips.
Fun Incorporated is America's largest manufacturer of magic tricks and novelties.
In business for over 70 years, Fun Inc. continues to produce venerable classic novelties like Talking Teeth and Whoops, the finest fake vomit on the market today, the Royal Magic line of tricks, and is a wholesaler distributer of thousands of other items.
As the newest member of the Fun Inc. team, I'll be hosting this blog, along with my colleagues Gabe Fajuri and Tomas Medina, writing about the newest products and latest happenings at the factory.
Here's an interview I did earlier this week with mentalist Ross Johnson, star of FUN Inc's Simply Psychic DVD. Ross is an accomplished performer with over 20 years of experience as a psychic entertainer. In that time, he has amazed, entertained and delighted thousands of people from hundreds of the top corporations in America.
