Standards are Standing By...

My favorite question to ask well-known magicians is: When asked to "do a trick," by a layman, what do you do?

I've found the answers fascinating, especially when the magician answering the question is known, in the fraternity, as a "creative type" who invents his own tricks and has developed a reputation for generating (and publishing, marketing or otherwise selling) new and interesting magical ideas.

The most common answers, even from these magicians are: Ambitious Card, Triumph and Twisting the Aces.

Why is it that even these, the most prolific, creative magicians resort to old chestnuts when faced with a request of this nature?

Talk amongst yourselves.

Super...magic?

Recently I had the chance to watch "Batman Begins." I know, I'm way late to the game there, but I needed to watch it before I go see "Dark Knight." Watching the movie reminded me of the old days (OK, so not that long ago) when I read a number of superhero comic books.

So I wondered if any of my favorite heroes' powers could be duplicated by any of the magic I know now.

Here's what I've come up with.

Telekinesis: Any sort of PK or levitation. The Art of Levitation DVD and our Floating Bill package are two resources I'd look at. Also, try Dan Harlan's Financial Attraction for a unique hookup!

Invulnerability: Definitely, the Needle Through Arm. Also good if you wanted to demonstrate super healing powers. An Arm Chopper or Finger Chopper would work well, too.

Telepathy: Read minds. Freak people out. Our Simply Psychic DVD has got more than enough material to convince folks you are a genuine mind-reader! Mental Yarn would also be a very powerful tool.

X-Ray Vision: Well, we do have the X-Ray Tube. That might work. We've also got a clever card effect from The Magic Apple, called X-Ray Vision.

Super Speed: I suppose you could use a vanishing/production item - perhaps an Egg Bag, where you remove and replace the egg faster than the audience can follow? How about coloring a Coloring Book at lightspeed, then erasing the colors?

The Houdini Convention

I'm always flattered when people think of me for conventions. I don't really lecture too much, maybe 10 times a year. I do even less conventions. This coming weekend should be a lot of fun! Both John Sturk and I will be attending the Houdini Convention in Manitowoc Wisconsin. We'll both be lecturing and performing in the close up and stage show. My stage show is mostly stand up comedy magic. I will do the famous balloon swallow from Geek Magic, a rope routine, a story card trick, and mind reading stunt. Normally I'd end with a cigarette manipulation act, but I'm pretty sure the theater won't let me "light up." It's getting harder and harder to perform that act.

My close up material is very strong. It's what I enjoy most. I will perform the cardiologist deck, the exchange, my handling of skinner monte, a coin routine, and a dice routine. Personally, I think my close up material is magician friendly. Also, it will be a nice little teaser for my Sunday lecture. I've been to many lectures. Yes, I like to buy new products, but I really enjoy those performers who teach routines with everyday objects. Therefore, I will try not to make my lecture a dealer demo. Although, I do have lecture notes and 5 dvds to sell. I've gotten better at lectures.

For those interested in the Houdini convention, you may want to click HERE. It will be a lot of fun. Personally, I can't wait to see my co-worker John. I think he's going to be a big hit!

Upcoming Projects

We're in the final editing stages of a new FUN Inc. DVD project. The goal of the project was to provide an inexpensive resource on some essential skills that all close-up magicians should have. We tapped everyone's favorite kid with glasses, Tomas Medina, to star.

We also have two card-related items in the works, but not with poker-sized Bikes! One is a jumbo card effect, the other is a strolling magic prediction effect using flags from several countries.

I can't give too many specifics on release dates, but I'm sure you'll see all of these things before the end of the year.

In the meantime, I'm working on getting dealers equipped for their last conventions of 2008. We've got what magicians want!

He Likes Us! He Really Likes Us!

The latest issue of Genii, which features Steve Cohen on the cover, contains two flattering reviews of Fun Inc. products by David Regal.

The first is about Troy Hooser's Shellraiser, of which Mr. Regal writes: "The magic Mr. Hooser teaches is good stuff, so to received the props as well as proper instruction at this low price is an offer that, for many, should not be refused." For those of you who are unaware, each copy of the Shellraiser DVD includes an Expanded Shell, and the suggested retail price is only $25.00.

Regal's second review is of Boris Wild's popular follow-up to his hit trick, Very Wild. This one's called WPT. For a mere $15.00, you receive a thorough instructional DVD in French and English, along with the special cards to perform the effect. Regal writes: "This is one of those tricks that a hobbyist could perform, but would look great in the repertoire of any working pro." Regal also calls the trick a "great deal."

Thanks, David. We couldn't agree with you more!

Magic for the terrible 'tweens

An article on ChicagoTribune.com recently tackled the issue of what activities to encourage boys aged 8-13. Too old for kids' stuff, and too young for high school stuff. So what exactly can you do to help entertain them?

According to this expert: magic!

Magic. Consider a magic book or kit for boys who aren't the best at sports. Hart said boys in this age group want to awe their friends and illusions can do the trick. "It isn't magic in the kid sense but sleight of hand, Hart said. "It can raise the self-esteem of someone who isn't great at sports."

Read the full article here: A cure for bored boys.

FUN hits the social networks!

Please take a moment to examine the new buttons on the left for Facebook and MySpace.

We set up the Facebook page (become a fan!) yesterday, and I was surprised to find we already had fans like Stan Laurel and Mindy McConnell. What's even more surprising is to find that Stan has been dead for 40 years and Mindy is fictional.

Also be sure to friend Hocus J. Pocus, FUN's spokes-elf, on MySpace. In those two spaces we'll also be posting images and videos of upcoming projects. Stay tuned!

David Goring's Exchange

Several years ago, the FUN staff gave me a prototype sample of The Exchange. We purchased the rights from Mr. Goring but didn't know how to correctly market the item. The Exchange came with no instructions. Gabe Fajuri gave me the sample and said,"what can you do with this thing." I fiddled with The Exchange for several weeks and developed many uses for the item. I then demonstrated many of the tricks to the FUN staff. The rest is history.

The Exchange has been a surprise success for us at FUN Incorporated.

Personally, I thought this item was so useful that it HAD to come with an instructional DVD. The DVD featured almost 20 variations of the gaff. The DVD even gave instructions on how to manufacture/fit your own Exchange deck. The DVD gave the deck a lot of value. The other day I went on youtube and stumbled on many performances of Mr. Goring's trick. Apparently, the trick has a following. Almost all the comments were positive. One magician even said,"finally, a not crappy card magician on youtube!" Flattering, but it wasn't just me.

It was the deck itself. Yes, I toss in flourishes...but that's because I can. The deck can be handled like an ordinary pack. No one would ever guess it's gaffed up the wa-zu. Make sure to check out my stellar demo! Although I've never spoken with Mr. Goring, I understand he's pleased with the final product. I'm very flattered the FUN staff kept me in mind for this project.

Preparing for Houdini

Tomas and I are less than two weeks away from our appearance at the Houdini Club of Wisconsin's convention in Manitowoc. Tomas is a veteran of conventions; he's lectured and performed at several. This is my first time as a scheduled convention attraction, so I'm starting to get pretty nervous. All these magicians paid money, booked hotel rooms, and they get stuck with... me?

I plan on channeling that nervous energy back into my performances. I'll be in the close-up and stage shows, plus a lecture. The two lectures I've done around Chicago were well-received, so I hope I don't mess too much with what appears to be a winning formula.

My dear friend Mike Powers was lecturing in town this past weekend. Mike is now a retired professor of physics and mathematics, author of 3 books on magic, and an awesome guitar player. I caught the lecture, then had dinner with him and his wife, Maria Schwieter, who is a Chavez graduate and award-winning magician herself. A great time was had by all, so I thought I'd promote one of his products in the blog today.

---

Mike Powers' Diminishing Returns is one of the hottest card tricks ever created!

Now, it's back with a vengeance! On Bicycle Stock!

Here's what happens: Show the deck, faces and backs. A spectator names any card in the deck. Yes, any card. Remove the named card and set it aside, face up.

Spread the deck. The entire deck has shrunk to half size! The selected card is now the biggest card in the deck!
In a blink, the entire deck grows back to normal size, but the selected card shrinks to mini size! This looks wild!

Finally, the selected card visibly grows back to normal size! Wow!!

Diminishing Returns comes complete with a fully gaffed Bicycle deck (56 gaffed cards) and a typeset and illustrated manuscript. And, it's easy to do!! If you can spread the deck on the table, you can do this routine!

Plus, you get a free bonus, The Defective Deck!

Diminishing Returns



The Defective Deck - FREE Bonus with Diminishing Returns

FUN isn't just about magic...

The other day I was on the phone with a customer. I mentioned to him that we carried a complete line of jugging supplies. Apparently he wasn't aware that we were more than just magic supplies. We try to keep a nice variety of pseudo-magic related products. Our line of juggling supplies range from scarves, balls, clubs, instructional DVDs, Diablo's, and even knives. In fact, our juggling knives are excellent. This three knive set features wooden handles and a carrying case.

Also, FUN carries supplies for balloon artists. We carry a fine assortment of qualatex balloons, pumps, and instructional DVDs. Our Balloon Magic Made Easy series has helped plenty of balloonists start their career. All you need are the first three volumes and you're set! This series is a must have!

FUN Incorporated is also H.Fishlove, which means we are the creators of the jumbo comb, jumbo sunglasses, jumbo toothbrush, rotary spaghetti fork, Hypo-Phony, fake vomit, Talking Teeth, Phony Faucet, and the WORLD FAMOUS TRICKY DOGS. Beside our own novelty line, we also distribute many other wonderful practical jokes from around the world. Can't find an item on our site? Please contact us for further information. Ask for TOMAS, I will try my best to help.

Back from Colon

I'm back from my trip to Colon, Michigan, and boy are my arms tired. The rest of me is, too. 4 non-stop days of magic, plus my additional responsibilities as a spotlight operator for all four of our big evening shows would turn anyone into a walking zombie when they got back to work on Monday. But, I'm glad to be back, and I'll have some photos in the near future.

My friends at www.streetofcards.tv were filming and webcasting from various locales around Colon, so check their website as they upload the footage in the coming weeks.


This was my first year on the Abbott's stage crew, filling in for one of the spotlight operators who just couldn't make it this year. All the stage crew members are performing magicians, giving us special insight into the needs of the performers.

The experience gave me a perspective on what goes on behind the scenes of a magic show, and a better idea of what the stage crew needs from a performer in order to put on a good show. I will definitely keep the experience in mind as I put together stage routines. They are the guys that really make the person on stage look good.

Stay tuned right here for more updates. I'll get the pictures up as soon as I can!

A must have gag for magicians!

Most shops thrive on selling "classic" magic items. Ball Vases, Coloring books, Stripper Decks, Sponge balls, Scotch & Soda, Invisible decks..... These items have been around for years and STILL sell. Once a customer becomes a "magician", they tend to have different buying habits.

The World's Heaviest Deck is a prime example. A layperson wouldn't spend $20-$25 on this item, but magician's wouldn't mind at all! This deck of cards isn't a deck at all, it's made of solid metal! Sure it looks like a pack of cards, but it weighs almost a pound. It's fun to watch people's reactions to this silly gag. Personally, I think it's worth every penny. Magicians will buy this for sure!

Another great magician gag is the counterfeit detector. Actually, I've found that magic shop owners really enjoy this item. They keep the counterfeit detector around the register and wait for customers to ask,"what is this?"

The workings are pretty darn easy. Just drop a borrowed bill into the top of the Counterfeit Detector. Then watch it visibly shred! Your victim will gasp as their greenback is cut to ribbons in plain sight. Sound effects emanating from the detector add to the effect. Of course, the borrowed cash is unharmed, and can be reclaimed from the back of this novelty bank easily.

Oh, and here's an extra "Tomas tip". Go to the hobby store and purchase a giant bag of shredded money. Yes, you can buy bags of shredded money for craft projects. Take the shredded money and place it into the back of the counterfeit detector. People really think its their money that has been shredded! The Counterfeit Detector has been a fairly good seller for us at FUN. I suspect that the World's Heaviest Deck will be too!

Cardiologist Deck: The 5th Year Anniversary!

5 years ago, Fun Incorporated released a gaffed deck by a relatively unknown, zany young man. The deck was an instant hit - the magic boards were abound with discussion of the DVD, and the zaniness of the teacher.

Today, Tomas Medina's Cardiologist Deck remains one of our best sellers. So to celebrate the 5th anniversary of its release, Fun is offering a special deal during the month of August for our customers. Ask about it when ordering, or email us at info@funinc.com.

Here's some of the comments we've read:

"Absolutely superb deck in my opinion. Great instructional DVD. Highly recommended, but the ads do it no justice."

"I think it's worth getting just for the instructional DVD. This young guy, Tomas Medina, turns geekiness into an art form. He is very funny, has a wonderfully disarming style, and is a dexterous card man. "

"One of the best teachers I've seen on DVD."

By far, the most common question we receive is "Isn't this just a Mene-Tekel Deck?" The answer is an emphatic "no!" The mene-tekel deck is similar, in that it uses the same principle, but the application is quite different. Tomas' creation is a tried-and-true worker for any close-up performer. And as you may have gathered, the DVD is fun to watch, as well.

Keeping Magic Fresh

There are a lot of you, I'm sure, who have been in magic longer than I have. Even in my short time as a part-time pro performer, and now a full-time magic salesman, I have gone through phases where I was tired of magic, and needed to take a break.

I've read on other online forums about magic fatigue. You get to the point where "I just can't watch any more f'ing card tricks," or "no more magic DVDs, I'd rather watch The Office." The best advice sometimes is just put your svengali deck down, and don't pick it up for a week.

My first experience of magic fatigue occurred during my first Abbott's Get-Together in 2005. After four days of non-stop magic, I just couldn't take in anymore magic. All my cards, coins, and my chop cup went into a drawer and didn't emerge for another week.

The good news: when I picked them up again, I jumped right back into my old habits, executing passes and flourishes as fluid as ever.

So the next time you find yourself coming down with magic fatigue, just take a little break, let your brain cool down, and come back to it later.