The holiday season, shows, new projects, and conventions have made for a busy schedule the last few months. I’ve been working so much, that frankly the Paul’s Picks took a back seat in December. Not to mention that sometimes it takes awhile for new items to “grab” me. I’ve never really meant these to be “reviews” of the items but truly a reflection of the kind of material that I would pick. You simply can’t force those selections. Sometimes you have to let them stew.

Regardless, I’m back to start off 2012 with a strong list of personal winners and I think you’re bound to find a few that grab you too! Enjoy...

• Voodoo Doll Prediction: George Robinson the owner of Viking Magic and Collector’s Workshop does not crank out new items. So when a new one does appear, you can bet he’s worked out every detail and fine point. That’s definitely the case with his latest effect the Voodoo Doll Prediction. This is a fun effect that is SUPER simple to do, and guaranteed to get great reactions. The props are very well made and create instant interest in the routine. Lot’s of room for fun with the spectators in the effect. If you like the premise, you’ll love the method.
• Blindsight 2: I was a big fan of the original Blindsight and I still am. Blindsight 2 differs from the original in that this version was designed for the stand up performer. It’s a very strong mentalism effect in which the spectator seems to do all the work and in the end they correctly predict an impossible number of moments. There’s also a lovely climax that puts the spot light back on the performer. This really is a great routine. It may be a little bold for some but it’s well thought out and I can personally attest to how strong it plays. This new version also includes a fun moment with the Stroop Test Chart. One side note, this can still be easily used for close up performances as well.
• Outstanding: As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts I strongly contend that there is no “perfect” method for any trick - just what is perfect for a particular moment, environment, and situation. The person who is appears most “perfect” is the person who is best prepared. When it comes to Out Of This World, I’m prepared. I love the premise and have collected dozens of methods over the years. Robert Mansilla’s method will happily join my arsenal. This is an extremely clever approach to the OOTW with the added bonus of being useable as part of a parlor or stand up show. This plays at chest level and the diabolical handling relies more on subtlety than difficult sleights. I think this is a great solution and if you’re an OOTW like me I suspect you’ll be very pleased.
• Cinch: Shaun Robison is a talented magician from Utica, NY and there’s no doubt that he has some real chops. Shaun also works regularly in front of paying audiences and that means he also has an eye for real world, practical magic. Cinch is a fast, eye popping transformation that makes for a great opener. He covers every detail that you’ll need to master the basic effect, not to mention a number of alternative presentations. It leaves you with a clean bill, so you also open the door to other money effects as well. Good stuff for anyone looking into visual bill changes.
• Speakeasy: If you’ve ever had the chance to see a well executed code act then you already know how powerful it can be. Dan Harlan’s latest DVD reveals his personal two person code and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to learn – and how effective it can be. Dan has really reduced the system down to a very simple approach which allows for some truly remarkable effects. While easy to learn, it will still require practice by both parties to truly make the system move smoothly. Like any code system, I think you’ll have to “live” with this for awhile to achieve real proficiency. If you’ve ever been curious about the topic this will make a great starting off point.
• Destination Box: Jon Allen’s Card to Box has received rave reviews for years and I’m very pleased that we are now able to offer it to our customers.  It’s very well made and its clever design allows you to let the person who signed the card remove it for themselves. It’s large enough to play to a sizable audience and can easily be adapted for other effects including Bill to Box, Headline Predictions, and more. It’s been produced in solid American black walnut and finished with solid brass hinges, hasp, and staple with a legitimate working padlock. All in all a high quality prop that could easily become the feature of your show.

In just a couple days Americans everywhere will be celebrating Thanksgiving. A day filled with family, friends, and of course - food. Those are all very good things to be thankful for and it never hurts to appreciate the great things in our lives. We live in a bountiful country and it’s easy to take that for granted.

If you’re reading this, you have reason to be thankful - period.

As luck would have it, the list below is filled with REALLY great items and I know we’re all thankful for that! All kidding aside, this month’s Picks are exceptionally good so get that clicking finger warmed up...

• Rattled: I have no idea why it took so long to add this to Paul’s Picks. For some reason, even though it seemed that EVERYONE was talking about this, I just never included it. I’m happy to finally add my voice to the chorus and say it is an excellent item. There are lots of reasons to like this - the props are clever and well made, they look very congruent with the environment, and the magic is very strong. Not a bad combination. The vanish of the coin from under the spectator’s hands is pretty remarkable but there are lots of other great ideas on the DVD as well. Highly recommended!
• Noted: I’ve had a lot of fun with this. It’s a natural for anyone who does restaurant work but it fits well in almost any strolling environment. Don’t be bothered by the video demo which for some reason adds a video effect at the moment of the change. Not sure why they choose to do that but in the real world it looks great. I’ve toyed around with a few handlings and I prefer to simply make the change happen with one hand. I just hold the unit in my palm up left hand. Then, while turning the hand palm down, I close the gimmick and gesture towards my watch saying, “This trick takes only a second.” When my hand turns back up the notepad has become a deck of cards and I’m ready to go. Obviously best suited as an opener.
• Chill: This is strong stuff! Tom Wright has created a great version of the classic Haunted Deck that takes place in the SPECTATOR’S hand. Yes it uses I.T. but the setup is very practical and can be used over and over again with no need to reset. He covers every angle and aspect of the routine in great detail. Not just the basics – hand position, audience management, angles, EVERYTHING. I think this is will be making its way into the repertoires of many working pros.
• Timeless: Please don’t buy this. Are you still here? Seriously, don’t buy this. I really would like to be the only one doing it. I love this routine! It’s bold, strong, and powerful – not mention you’re clean as a whistle when you finish. If you haven’t seen the video demo, just click here to see the effect for yourself. I’ve been using this for a while and keeping it pretty close to the vest, it plays very strong and I’m a little sad to see it go into wide release. You, however, should be happy. Very happy.
• Red Button: It’s hard to believe this is not getting more attention. YES, there is a somewhat involved set-up. But it’s a one time deal and then you’ll be all set forever. When you’re done, you’ll have a VERY cool effect that no one appears to be doing. What you see on the video demo is exactly what happens in real world performance. This is strong visual magic, with a fun and offbeat plot. Trust me when I say it’s well worth the effort.
• Dave Powell’s Knife Through Coat: I’ve always been a fan of this effect. It plays huge and yet can be carried in a close up case. It can be performed in almost any setting and any coat can be used. It’s a naturally comical effect with lots of space for personality. Dave’s approach is simple and highly practical (and as someone who has looked at a lot of Knife Through Coat routines), I think it’s easily among the best. The knife is real and can be examined...no funny removable blades to worry about. All in all, I think this is a steal for the low price.

A couple weeks ago we added an Estate Magic section to our site. If you haven’t clicked over to explore it, you are really missing out. These are all pre-owned items, most of which are very hard to find while some are just plain great deals. I have been astonished at how fast these items have been disappearing. Many sell within minutes of being made live on the site! Since these are estate pieces we typically only have one available, so if you’re interested in an item I really recommend taking action.

Here are a few personal favorites from the current list...

Quarte by Gaeten Bloom

I saw Gaeten do this at a convention in San Diego YEARS ago. I loved it then and I love it now. This is one of those tricks that when you finish performing it you almost want to show the method to the audience! It’s just such a clever prop.

Clearly Impossible Box by Magic Wagon

Magic Wagon makes some absolutely gorgeous props. I feel very comfortable in saying anyone would be more than pleased with the quality of all these items. But this particular effect really struck a cord with me. It’s about as clean and fair as you can get. It’s no longer in production (which is true of many of the Magic Wagon items on our site) so as I’ve said repeatedly click over now or be disappointed later.

See Thru Block & Flap Box Extra by Mel Babcock

I LOVE Mel’s Die Boxes and this one is my all time favorite. Mel is a craftsman of the highest order and his Die Boxes are highly collectable. This particular model is not just beautifully made but very deceptive too. A great prop and frankly our price on the site is far lower then it should be!

Original Money Machine by Tony Lackner

I have always had a fondness for Money Makers. In my opinion this model is the most deceptive and by far the most magical. It’s so slim and so fair looking! Don’t confuse this with one of the new remakes. This is far nicer and more solidly constructed.

Head Chopper by Horace Marshall

Head Choppers are a great way of transforming a small one man show into one that appears much larger. This particular prop is well built and breaks down for easy transport. It can by worked with any spectator from the audience and plays to a VERY large crowd. Many of these types of props look gaudy and dated, but this has a VERY nice classic finish and the inlays add a real flair. A great choice for anyone looking to expand their show or collection!

These are just a FEW of the pieces that caught my eye from the current crop of Estate items, so click over now and see them all. We will be adding new items for the next few weeks so check back often!

After a busy month of conventions and travel I’ve finally had some time to check out a few of the latest arrivals. Some months I have a hard time just finding a few items to recommend - not so this month! Lots of great magic has arrived and I had a hard time keeping the list down to just these few. I think every one of these is usable, magical, and pretty darn clever too. I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed with a single one from the group.

So starting reading and I think you’ll be clicking that “Add to Cart” button soon after...

• The Magic Square: I’ve always been a big fan of this plot and have toyed with many approaches and presentations. I really think Luis has hit upon a great approach for anyone doing stage or stand up shows. The method is bold but it eliminates ALL math, memory work, and frankly any chance for error. This would NOT be a good method for a close up worker but I could easily see this becoming THE method of choice for any stage act.
• Sharp Impressions: The blister trick has never been big on my list of favorites, although I do enjoy the transformation aspect of Tim Trono’s Branded. The reason Sharp Impressions appears on my current list of picks is the SECOND trick in the routine. I can not tell you how much mileage I’ve been getting from the transformation of the word Sharpie into the name of the selected card. I know it sounds simple BUT the reactions are killer! I think the font choice is what makes it seem so strong...the design seems to make spectator see the transformation occur. Personally, I’m just using it for that effect...but if the blister effect appeals to you then this is a no brainer. Over all I think it’s worth every penny just for the marker!
• Look Sharp: Yes, that right - two Sharpie tricks in one month! Another simple idea that generates very strong response for very little effort. I think any magician who uses a Sharpie to sign a card would find this effect a perfect addition to their act. It can be used in a number of ways and features three routines on the DVD. Of course, I think most performers will find their own path on this one. I personally have been playing with combining it with Sharp Impressions! A one two Sharpie punch! Great stuff...
• Enchanted Ring Improved: The Enchanted Ring has been a popular plot in magic since Anverdi since created it decades ago. There have been some great ones and some painfully poor ones. Dave Powell’s new approach falls in the “great” category. Dave has redesigned the gimmick and made it virtually fool proof. The props can be examined before and after the effect and the actual penetration works smooth as silk. If you’re a fan of the plot, you will be very happy with this purchase. If it’s new to you, you’ll be even more amazed! Not to mention, this is a VERY well made piece of apparatus, high quality parts and finely crafted. Great for the performer or collector.
• Ultimate Wild Card: I’ve long been a fan of the Wild Card routine. I would easily categorize it as one of the most stunning and visual pieces of card magic you can perform. Properly executed it’s a complete mind blower for any lay audience. Vallarino’s routine is BEAUTIFULLY choreographed, sort of like a ballet of playing cards. The changes look astonishing and the audience is convinced that they see every back and front throughout the routine. While not self-working, I certainly would not call this advanced. I think the average card magician will be well versed in every move used. Even if you’re not typically a card worker, you’ll still be fine – Vallarino covers every move and technique on the DVD, no stone is left unturned.
• Desire Test: The Hungarian magician and creator Astor has developed some devilishly clever magic. His Mental Epic is one of the best I’ve ever seen. I’m also a big fan of his Astor Mental, Astor's Trio, and Visible Card Frame. Now I can add his Desire test to my list! This is a simple and effective prediction effect that uses no force or complex moves. The use of “desires” adds a level of interest and opens up many presentational possibilities. It also includes a bonus handling from Jeff McBride. You will have to provide you own white board marker but those are easily obtained in any office supply store.
• Any Signed Card to Any Spectator’s Wallet: I love to be surprised. I must admit that when I first saw all the hype for this it all sounded a little too good to be true. I was certain that I would be disappointed. But as I said, I love to be surprised. This is VERY clever and highly practical. It not only allows for its namesake card to wallet approach, but also allows you to control a card under impossible conditions. Jeff Kaylor covers every detail on the DVD and even offers a number of great ideas and insights, including great approach with an idea from Wesley James. I can easily see this becoming a secret tool for frying layman and magicians alike within countless card routines. I don’t want to tip too much but there is a minor clothing requirement. You will need a button down shirt, but that’s the ONLY requirement. If you’ve been on the fence about this, I would say take the plunge. I think you’ll be surprised too!

Fall is in the air and kids are back in school. Perhaps it’s time for you to consider a bit of “continuing education”. Lots of great items have hit the shelves recently. Why not stretch your mind and magic skills by picking up something new? Here are a few great choices to get you started...

• Compressed Deck: It goes without saying that this is one of my new picks. I wrote about it already in my last blog post, so I don’t think there’s much more to say. I am very pleased with this new Elmwood Magic product and I think you will be too.
• On The Mark, Hip Pocket Edition: We sold this item when it was originally released with the full size wallet. It was in Paul’s Picks then and it makes another appearance now. Back then the ONLY issue anyone ever mentioned is that they wished it was available in a smaller wallet. Well, wish granted! This has become a part of my real world work and I personally love the new design. Another winner from Mark Elsdon!
• Wormhole: This reminds me a great deal of an old Bob Solari item called Bookmark Miracle. While similar in method to Bob’s effect, Ali Nouira and the folks at Big Blind Media have really refined the approach and have included some GREAT bonus ideas and effects. The effect is simple and requires virtually no moves at all. I also enjoyed the bonus routines using the blank card and the joker, so don’t pass up those ideas on the DVD. All in all a very nice product for those looking for signed card magic with a minimum of skill.
• All Will Be Consumed: Christopher Wiehl has created a very clever gimmick for doing a signed coin to sealed bottle. This works with almost any plastic bottle as long as the item actually can fit through the mouth. It can be used with a ring, coin, even a Sharpie! The included gimmick will work with a Gatorade bottle but you can easily make another to fit other kinds of plastic bottles. Lot’s of good information on the DVD and some excellent tips and presentations as well. Don’t miss Chris’ idea for how to handle a repeat performance for the same audience…I thought it was GREAT!
• The Regal Ring Chain: David Regal is one clever little man. I love his stuff not just for how commercial and practical it is but also for how diabolical his methods are. The Regal Ring Chain is a worker and I can see it easily making its way into the repertoires of most working professionals. All it will require is the ability to vanish a ring – you can make that moment as simple or as complex as you like – other than that the skills used are just about zero. This makes a nice change of pace from ring flight type effects and can be used at any point in your performance.
• Note: I must admit I was skeptical when I first popped this disk in, it sounded a little too good to be true. But I’ve been very impressed by the other items from Matt Sconce, so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did. This is VERY strong stuff and I could see this be used to really fry someone. The “gimmick” is very low tech and simple to use. You can make just about anything appear on the spectator - a shape, a card, a word, initials - the field is wide open. The DVD covers all aspects and approaches, no stone is unturned. If the effect appeals to you, I think you’ll be very pleased with the method and the product.
• Photosynthesis: I went back and forth on this one. I really love the way it looks and the method. But I’m still not 100% sold on doing this effect one on one. I think it’s best used in a formal show, it could even be used for a small stand up performance. One on one, I think there would be too much heat on the photo which might be an issue. However, I think that could easily be dealt with when staging it for a formal show. I think this looks so weird and the effect seems so impossible that it’s well worth working on...very cool stuff!