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!