Happy One Month Anniversary

Yes, it's our one month anniversary, and I'm pleased as punch. Sure, we all think "it can't be that hard to do a blog," but none of us really know until we start one. Post every day? Yes, 'cause that's what it takes.

So, in the spirit of our success, I'm going to lay down some new items just in:

Zanadu Color-Changing Rope: The original is back. Zanadu's original color-changing rope has been improved to change even faster than before! The instructions include a few different handlings that I think are all very visual.

Nails Through Balloon: Yes, Royal Magic has its own Balloon Penetration, but what this offering from Ickle Pickle provides is an aluminum tube and several nails, all of which are fully examinable. If your balloon is transparent enough, you can look inside to see the nails penetrating through the balloon. We had a lot of fun playing with this when it came in to the FUN compound.

Street Magic by Paul Zenon: This little softcover book is surprisingly powerful. I was very impressed, since it goes beyond magic with everyday objects and describes routines using gimmicks that every magician has. There's some three card monte work, a write-up of the magic square, and a chink-a-chink routine using bottle caps. I'd definitely recommend this book to any beginning to intermediate magician.

At this very moment, we're going through a very large shipment we received with lots of new items, along with items we've had out of stock for a long time. Stay tuned here and on www.funinc.com for new item updates.

FUN Inc and iTricks.com

For those of you who are addicted to the online magic community (the blogs, the forums) you probably are already a regular reader/listener to iTricks.com and their bevy of podcasts.

I'm excited to say that Tomas, Gabe, and I will be guests on next week's episode of Magic Week in Review for iTricks.com. As a longtime listener, first-time guest, I'm looking forward to it. We'll have a link to the podcast once the show is up.

So, visit iTricks.com, subscribe to their feeds and listen to their podcasts.

Keep up the great work, guys!

FUN Prediction Magic!

Tomas Medina's Super Bowl Predictions:

Author’s Note: I realize I am posting this after the Super Bowl was played, but I actually wrote it several days before the game and just didn’t have a chance to post it until now.

Yes, the Patriots have run off eighteen consecutive wins. Yes, they look unbeatable. Most of the sports media does not give New York a chance and have already crowned this year’s Patriots “The Greatest Team Ever.” Don't jump the gun. Don't be so sure.

While they lack the star power of the Pats, they are starting to come together as a team, and it seems that as the season continues the Giants continue to grow stronger.

I am going for the underdogs. I think the New York Giants are going to win this game.
How's that for a magical prediction? Some straight-up Kreskin stuff!

I recently performed this little prediction for some friends. Of course, I sealed my billet in an envelope and performed a thumb tip bill switch as I unfolded the prediction. It was an impromptu effect which wound up getting a surprisingly good reaction. People really did think I predicted the game!

Prediction effects are impressive. Probably one of the best prediction tricks we carry is Edwardo Kozuch's Newspaper Prediction. Ever see this trick?

I saw a local magician once perform this and totally fried everyone's brains. No, it's not a "demo-friendly" effect. However it's a well thought out product. Try one! The secret is diabolical. No one will ever guess the method. Oh, and if you're looking for a stellar walk around prediction effect, Diamond Jim's Sentimental Postcards may be what you're looking for! A novel premise and easy handling, make this trick a winner.

In my next post, I'll mention more forgotten goodies from the FUN Factory warehouse!

On the Horizon

After a semi-spirited post about books vs. videos, I'm here to loudly and proudly announce several upcoming DVD projects from FUN Inc.

Currently in production (and available in the next several weeks) is another excellent card effect from the fertile brain of David Solomon. Called Thoughts Across, the trick is a mind-numbing thought-of cards across effect that requires no forcing or pumping for information. Two spectators each think of one card among ten. These cards then vanish completely and reappear in another packet that has been in full view from the outset of the performance!

Another imminent project from FUN Inc. -- this one not in the card arena -- features master technician/chopmaster Troy Hooser. The DVD, which will cover a wide array of tricks and techniques with an Expanded Shell, will not only be reasonably priced, but include a special bonus item worth more than the DVD itself. This will be a first in the magic industry, and will set this product far apart from others on the value scale. You heard it here first.

Also in the works are the second and third installments of John Bannon's Fractal Card Magic series. Stay tuned for details on these exciting releases. The Royal Scam is already garnering high praise online. Look for reviews in all of the major magazines in the next month or two.

The Pros and Cons of Magic Clubs

I can wholly attribute my rapid rise in the world of magic to a small group of people in my home state of Michigan: IBM Ring 54, Doug Dean Ring: The Magicians' Guild of Lansing.

Because of the camaraderie of my fellow Ring members, I was motivated to continue on in magic, pushing me to learn and practice, and later to compete, all the while creating some meaningful, lasting friendships.

But I also know that not everyone can claim as life-changing an experience as I can. In fact, some people downright hate magic clubs, often with good reason. Things can become more about the politics of running a magic club, and less about the magic.

All too often, I hear clubs who lament the lack of participation by most members, the drop in attendance, and fewer new, young members to perpetuate the club's existence. To attract new, young members, clubs need to offer them a reason to come. Meetings should be organized to create interaction among older, more experienced members and the new members who are eager to learn.

Avoiding the problem doesn't solve it. For members to join a club, then never make any attempt at fixing it while complaining the while accomplishes nothing in the long run.

If you see your club heading down a path you don’t think it should, you should make it known in a diplomatic way. Get involved, step up. Run for an officer position. Bylaws and parliamentary procedure are only tools used at meetings to make them run orderly. The original purpose of the meeting, to learn and perform, must always remain forefront.

The Where and When of Magic

When is it appropriate to perform magic?

Many new magicians are eager to display their skill and abilities at every possible opportunity. The seasoned professional can rely on their experience to tell them when it may be appropriate to bust out the cards or do a quick TT vanish.

My rule of thumb goes something like this: I rarely leave the house without a deck of cards or a TT in my pocket, but I rarely make use of them. Since many of my friends know that I am a magician, I'm often called upon for a quick trick when meeting new people in a group setting. Aside from that, I don't want to be the "annoying magic geek" who pushes performances onto unwilling spectators.

When I venture out alone, to the DMV or some other place where I know I'll be waiting, I sometimes bring out my cards just to keep myself entertained. Practice is essential to good magic, and it's not impossible to practice while watching the news, or while waiting in line. Sooner or later, someone else will start watching me, then strike up a conversation "What are you doing there?" A golden opportunity to perform for a stranger.

If I am end up going to a magic event, I make a point of not bringing any magic items with me. It is extremely rude to perform when someone else has been hired to. I have had an experience where I was performing at a bar, invited a magician friend to come watch me perform, and turned around to see him doing a cigarette vanish while I was still on the clock. I was pretty angry! I invited him to watch me perform, not for him to take over my show. The same can be said of theater-going. It is not at all appropriate to pull out some D'Lites and perform for the folks sitting around you while waiting for the curtain to go up on the illusion show.

Always leaving the audience wanting more. So remember: just because you CAN do magic anytime, anywhere, it doesn't mean you should.

Introducing The Royal Scam

Yes, it's finally here: John Bannon's The Royal Scam, first in the Fractal Card Magic trilogy.

Dealers, be sure to ask us about the special discount for Bannon's "Smoke and Mirrors" book.

Remember folks, this is a FUN Inc. exclusive: your local dealer will only be able to get it from us. If they don't have it, tell them to call FUN!