Sound the trumpets, roll out the flags, it’s time for the new batch of Paul’s Picks!

Maybe you’re not as excited as I am.

But you should be...there are some really great items on the list this month. Based on the stats one of the most popular parts of this blog is Paul’s Picks. There’s so much new magic that comes out these days that it’s always hard to know what to choose and who to trust. I’d like to think that I can be added to your “trust” column and as for what to chose, clearly this part of the blog is designed to help you hone in on some great items. So without further ado...

• Sick by Ponta The Smith: Holy Katz, this stuff is insane! I’ve watched this DVD numerous times and I can honestly say that it feels like I’m watching trick photography. This is some of the most visual and mind melting coin magic I’ve EVER seen. Seriously it’s like watching real magic! I won’t kid you…this is tough stuff. But even if you don’t do all the routines completely, you’ll definitely find ideas and nuances to add to your own coin work. At the very least, you’ll be inspired.
• Rune’s World: I’ve been a fan of Rune’s since first meeting him at 4F many years ago. Every time I see him work I’m thoroughly entertained and fooled badly…a combination that is rare. I’ve waited for this book for some time and I have not been disappointed. The format is different from most books in that most of the magic is laid out as complete sets, not just single tricks. The material includes both his close and stage magic and both sections are VERY different. This is a hard book to sum up in the few words you’ll find here, but if I get anything across in this paragraph I hope it’s that your money will be well spent. Truly remarkable stuff from a world class working pro…a bargain for 60 bucks!
• On The Mark: I've been using this since the end of April and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Well made, well thought out, low tech, and very direct. What's not to love? To me, On The Mark resolves all the issues I've had with similar effects (Bang On, Kolossal Killer, etc). I've toyed around with many versions of KK but never found one to suit my style. I never felt comfortable with the "off by one" ruse (although, as an aside, I really like John Archer's take on it). In short, if the effect appeals to you, I think you'll be very pleased with On The Mark.
• Always A Winner: There’s no doubt that this is a bit of “old wine in new skin” but if you like well made props and production value this is for you. The prop looks nice, is literally self working, and fun to perform. Not only a fine effect, but it also makes a great conversation piece for your home or office.
• Kymera Magic Wand: Speaking of conversation pieces, this little wonder is that and more! There’s no trick here...just an ingenious electronic device that allows you to control remote control devices with the “wave of your wand”. It’s essentially a revved up universal remote built into a magic wand! It can control virtually any remote device via infra-red...your TV, iPod sound dock, stereo system, etc. This is way cool and the perfect accessory for any magicians’ home. Not to mention it can be a magical way to control your own sound system at shows!
• The Ultimate Paddle: Paddle guys already know that Joe Porper is THE MAN when it comes to cool, well made paddles. Joe’s latest release is by far the best one he’s put out in years. Five changes and completely examinable at the end! The quality is typical Porper and as with all of Joe’s paddles it comes complete with a custom case.
• Astor's Trio: This is so clever! Trio allows you to openly predict three freely selected cards from any poker size deck. No forces, no controls, no nothing…they just slide out any three cards then tell you where they should go in the frame - your predictions are a perfect match every time. It’s clean, simple, and direct. The entire unit packs flat for easy transport and the predictions can change every time you perform the effect. A novel and ingenious method.
• Infinity Ring: Many versions of this effect have floated around for years but this is head and shoulders above the pack. The ring is beautiful and cleverly made so that it literally can be performed by the spectator themselves! As an effect it would be fine….but the presentation Tsai has built around the ring transforms this into a true showpiece. A little pricey but I think considering the quality of the prop it’s certainly reasonable.
• Reversible: A nifty little packet effect from French card man extraordinaire, David Jade. It’s quick, simple, and very visual. The transposition can happen on the table or in the spectator’s hands. It’s easy to do and uses no special counts or complicated moves. If you like the “Reset” plot, this is definitely worthy of your attention.
• Stone Frixion Fire DVD: A while back the Frixion pens were the rage in magic. Everybody bought them, everybody played with them, and then they seemed to fall out of fashion. I think that was primarily because no one had taken the time to develop a collection of solid routines...enter Jeff Stone. His Stone Frixion Fire is jam packed with routines for these commonly available pens. If you have any in your drawer…you will definitely be pulling them out after viewing this. Jeff also has a pdf download of these routines, if you can’t wait for a DVD to be delivered. You find the download version here.