Today I’m busy tackling last minute details for yet another convention.  Although this one is Magic Live - and as anyone who has attended in the past will tell you - it’s hardly “just” another convention.  Stan Allen and his team work hard to create an event unique in the world of magic. Sure there’s great talent, a host of incredible dealers, killer shows, and amazing lectures. But there’s something that makes the whole shebang much greater than the sum of its parts. It’s one of the few conventions that still seems to generate real excitement and a sense of mystery. If you’ve never been, it’s well worth making the trip to Vegas.  If you WILL be there this year, swing by our booth! We will be releasing two new items and running some awesome promotions. A fun time is definitely in store for all and I really hope to see you there!

Of course, I didn’t want to neglect my monthly duties so I thought it best to tackle this month’s Picks before I left. So enough with the small talk, let’s get to the goods...

• Hover: Angelo Carbone is well known in the world of magic for his clever and ingenious creations. So it should come as no surprise to see his latest release appearing on Paul’s Picks. This is a very cool idea and can be applied to ANY deck of cards. That’s right ANY deck, even a borrowed one! This can easily be added to any card set and the skill required to pull it off is close to zero. The only concern is that you can not allow the spectator to see UNDER the balancing deck. However you need to keep in mind that this is meant to be a “quickie” so that really should not be an issue.
• Humbug: Another winner from Angelo Carbone! I must admit that I was not convinced this would work when I first pulled it out. Then I tried it out on some friends - and MAN did it get good reaction! The method is diabolical and easy…all that’s required is a bit of nerve and some time mastering the presentation. Angles can be a bit of an issue but surprisingly MUCH less than you would believe by just looking at the gimmick.  A great closer for any card guys out there.
• Avant-Cards: Speaking of card guys...Tom Gagnon’s long awaited book has finally arrived.  Tom’s been the illustrator for a number best selling magic books - The Vernon Chronicles, The Classic Magic of Larry Jennings, and The Commercial Magic of J.C. Wagner...just to name of few. He’s a bit of an underground legend in close up and with very good reason. His magic is very clean, direct, and ridiculously deceptive. I’ve seen him work a number of times in the past and it never ceases to amaze me how badly I get smoked by him. His approach is so disarming and his techniques so well hidden, I can assure you - you’d be fooled too. If you like card magic, BUY this book – you will not be disappointed.
• Ultra Gum: Just like the ad copy says, this is an amazing piece of WOW from the fertile minds of Spidey, Deven Ye and Richard Sanders. If you’re the kind of magician that runs in terror from having to prepare a gimmick, then this will not be for you. But if you’re willing to make a little effort for that special show or audience - you will be well rewarded. This is a very strong piece of magic. It has a very organic feel to it, it does not seem prepared and that makes the final effect seem so outrageously impossible that I can’t see following it with anything else! You can use any bill; denomination and country are unimportant…or if you prefer it can be a playing card. The gum required is available in virtually any store and items used to assemble the gimmick are all very common. I suspect you have it all in your house right now.  The DVD is LOADED with ideas, information, and approaches. If the effect appeals to you and you’re willing to do the necessary preparation, you’ll have one killer effect on your hands!
• Cannibal: I’ve always had a strange fascination with the Cannibal plot. It was applied to cards in the 50’s by Lin Searles and a number of notable card men have tackled it since. Curtis Cam has a very nice version in his book Deceptions in Paradise and who can forget Michael Weber’s Cani-Bill, “non-card” take on the plot! Kevin Reylek has come up with a novel twist on the premise and I think it makes for a fun an entertaining routine. The appearance of the “bite” in the signed card comes as quite a surprise - but the real kicker is finding the missing corner INSIDE the Cannibal Card! In learning this effect, you’ll also be getting some VERY valuable information on how to create a special kind of gaffed card. I don’t want to tip too much but suffice it to say you’ll learn a technique which can be used to make many kinds of gaffs.
• Curtain Call: If you have ever asked me for a book recommendation, there is a good chance that Barrie Richardson’s name has come up. There’s no doubt that I’m a fan of his work. Theatre of the Mind and Act 2 are among my favorite books in magic – I regularly revisit them and never fail to find some nugget of gold I overlooked before.  Richardson clearly lets a plot stew until he finally serves up what is the result of years of thoughtful attention. You could build a career on the material in those two books alone. His latest book delivers more of what has made me a long time fan of his work. Powerful material, meaningful presentations, and well tested technique. It should be noted that some of this material has been released previously as individual items or as part of his DVD set, but frankly it’s nice to have it all between two covers. If you already own his other books this is a worthy addition to your collection.  If you DON’T own them, I suggest you pick them up as well...and I’ll envy you for the journey your about to take.