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It's been a while since I've picked up some books and I'm getting anxious that I'm missing out. I'm thinking of Mr. Jennings Takes it Easy and Eugene Burger's Final Secrets. Any other books that I should think about getting... new or old... to expand my library?

So, I've been daydreaming a bit today and came up with an interesting question: If you were teaching a college level, semester-long, class in magic, what books would you use? It has to be books in print or available legally in PDF format. The total cost can't be more than $150. So what would...

What is the one thing you can do to move your magic to the next level? For me, it is taking several routines and finishing the process of making them performance pieces. One of them requires building two props and memorizing the presentation, one requires buying an ordinary item so that I can...

Marc DeSouza will be doing an online lecture sponsored by the Society of American Magicians on Thursday night at 7:00 pm EST. It will be free to all magicians worldwide, whether you are a member or not. The lecture starts at 7:00 pm. You will have to answer a question to gain admittance, but...

What in the Dickens am I talking about? Exactly. Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol which is subtitled Being a Ghost Story of Christmas. I was reading the description for an effect last night which involved a reference to "spirits" and it got me thinking... wouldn't a visit by Dickens three...

10. See, all of the cards are different. 9. The deck is completely shuffled. 8. That was a completely free selection. 7. Do you want to change your mind? 6. That is fair, isn't it? 5. This card represents you. 4. Let's recap what happened.... 3. It is a completely ordinary...

I know there has been a lot of folks that have been looking for this book and it has been out of print for a while... but... IT'S BACK. Expect to see it at your favorite magic dealer within the next couple of days.

I've often mentioned that you could do a full show using Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic. I've done a bunch of methods and effects from those books including the Coin Through Pant Leg, the Bigger Card Trick, Bill to Lemon, Three Way Test, Tic-Tac-Toe Prediction and Chapstick Caper. So...

So in another thread, dealing with volunteers came up. I think this is an important enough concept that it should have its own thread. The flow issue can be addressed by having an strong introduction. As the last set of volunteers sits down, you begin your presentation for the next...

I'm looking at a variety controls to bring a selected and returned card to the top of the deck to expand my knowledge and repertoire. I typically just catch a break while folding the spread, talk a bit and then do a riffle shuffle. I've played with using a short key card and then a riffle...

So what are your New Year's resolutions for 2016? Mine are related to putting the finishing touches on routines and effects I've been working on: 1. Master the performance pieces that I've been working on for the Linking Rings, Cups & Balls, Miser's Dream, Accomodating Tea Pot and Needle...

In another thread, we were talking about the availability of blank decks and gaffs like double-backers, so my question is what do you use those cards for? Blank Cards Caleb Wiles - Holy Blank (comes with the deck) Bannon's Duplicity Craig Petty's Blank (comes with cards to do all effects...

Boondock Mental is a DVD that different people are going to like for different reasons. I liked four of the routines for different reasons. Devils’ Peak has a wonderful method, Easy Canasta will be an amazing effect with the right patter, Voodoo Bill is a great visual effect and There is No...

We always want the best of everything and magic is no different. Well, maybe it is. Let me explain. In magic, there isn't a "best" method or "best" effect. In terms of method, every method has advantages and disadvantages. Some methods may be angle proof, but require set-up in advance...

I was fortunate to get an pre-release Artifice deck. These cards are beautiful – elegant and sophisticated. I love the backs with their silver on blue & black color scheme. The use of the different colors provides a simplicity based on the contrast of the silver against the blue & black with...

I received an advance copy of Eric Jones’ Metal and wanted to share my thoughts. Metal teaches the fundamentals of coin magic and does it very well. Eric is a great teacher and a great technician. He not only teaches you the mechanics of the sleights, but also teaches you how to get into and...

In a famous quote, David Devant said "The Magic Circle seems to think the mechanics of a trick are the secret of its success. In my view it is only the artistry of the performer that can make it magic." Rich Ferguson proves that premise is true with mental magic. This is Mentalism is a two...