Tell all the truth, but tell it slant -- Success in circuit lies
And although this art is so wonderful, still it is held in no honor . . . The reasons are various, it seems to me; first, the art is concerned with useless matters; second, it is practiced by men of low degree.
G. Cardano on card tricks, De Subilitate, 1554
Ride The 'Wave.
This year, I worked the fabulous Blackpool convention for the first time. I thought I'd put together a packet trick of my re-mix and re-work of Stephen Tucker's "Omega" concept. One thing led to another and the result was Mega 'Wave, a 75 page booklet detailing seven "fractal" card tricks.
The title trick slices and dices the "Omega" concept and spits out an easy and practical, fully-examinable four-card Brainwave-type effect. A big hit at Blackpool.
In any event, Mega 'Wave is available now, only here.
2010
Looks like a busy year. I will be attending the following Conventions:
February 19-21 Blackpool, England
March 19-20 Abbott's Close-Up, Colon, Michigan
April 22-24 Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolics ("FFFF"), Batavia N.Y.
August 18-23 31 Faces North (Stewart James Get-Together), Toronto, ON, Canada
The Movie Is A Hit.
Exciting news: Bullets After Dark, my DVD project with the stylish auteur of magic videos, Big Blind Media, has exceeded all expectations and has been warmly received world-wide.
Loosely based upon Dear Mr. Fantasy, the DVD contains material from that book that has not been in the video space before, some variations, and some material drawn from my new lecture booklet, Six. Impossible. Things.
Six. Impossible. Things. is not only my new lecture booklet, but it's more-or-less a companion volume to the DVD. All of the new material in B*A*D is in this booklet. Available only here, by itself or in a special offer available in connection with the release of the DVD. Go ahead and treat both sides of your brain.
Dear Mr. Fantasy continues to be commercial and artistic success. The reviews (and comments I have received) have been uniformly positive. I am grateful for the interest in and support for the book. My thanks to everyone.
It's Back.
Due to overwhelming demand (and in view of the arbitrage on e-bay), a second printing in hardcover is available now (there were really no economies in a paperback reprint). The first printing sold out some time ago; this second printing should be around for a while.
Fractal Card Magic
My current project is a series of packet tricks called Fractal Card Magic. For some time now, I have been working on packet tricks that end clean--all of the cards are examinable. In cooperation with Fun, Inc., three of these tricks are in the works. The format for each trick will be a DVD video with the necessary cards in a plastic "card trick wallet." For those who still prefer written instructions, we will include a lavishly illustrated e-book on each DVD as well.
The reception to my examinable packet trick series has been very gratifying. The cards have been printed by U.S. Playing Card Company (and look great) and video of the first three DVDs is in the can. The Royal Scam is still selling like crazy.
The second trick in the Fractal Card Magic Series, Duplicity, launched in June (2008). This mental card transposition (think "Twisted Sisters") that ends clean and examinable, has been very well well-received.
The third (and last) trick in the DVD series, Spin Doctor is available now (November 2008). Why twist when you can spin? The Doctor is in.
