Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
I Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
Delusions
By Scott Xavier
“Experiments in a surreality!”
II Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
Copyrighted 2006 Scott Xavier. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED! Piracy is robbing our art and making it hard to make a living performing and teaching what we love. If you gained a copy of this book illegally, DZ Productions will reward any information leading to the conviction of those pirates pirating this work. Reward? Yes, REWARD! How about money? Or better yet, how about an unreleased hands off ungaffed spoon bend?
III Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
::DEDICATED TO MY NEW FAMILY THE CORPS::
ADAM, ERIC, PULLZ, TONY, WILL, DONNIE, WES, BRIAN, AND ALL OF THOSE WHO I CONSIDER FRIENDS (FAMILY!).
IN ADDITION I HAVE TO DEDICATE THIS WORK TO THOSE WHO STUCK WITH ME THROUGH THIS ARTISTIC ENDEAVOR. JILL AND AYDAN...
IV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION: VI
PLEASURE SQUARED: VII A mystery date is predicted in detail anytime anywhere!
MIND’LUSSIONAL: XIV Close up card miracle.
OVERLY HYP’ED: XVII Test conditions card delusion.
800 - THO-UGHT: XXVI Modern cell phone prediction miracle!
PSYCHO KILLER: XXX Spectator back to back drawing duplication.
WADD SPITTER: XXXIV A modern Bullet Catch using a BB/Pellet gun.
PK LIGHT BULB: XLII Using PK a light bulb lights and shatters on it’s own.
WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS: XLV Sideshow secret revealed.
QUARTER BACK SNEAK: XLVIII Third eye game of chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LI
V Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality So why another book?
The truth is, I will probably be releasing some new material on a DVD soon. Since my Hi-Def camcorder broke on me, and I am over 1000 miles away from home, I felt a book would be appropriate for release at this time. Sometimes my heart and love of both writing and this art encourages me to share my effects with the world.
On top of the need for expression, there!s also something inherently romantic about a book, even if it is an e-book. The satisfaction of printing it out and reading it on a plane trip or even cuddled up in bed just before the sandman works his magic is innumerable.
I am also rejuvenated by friends like Patrick Kuffs who keep giving to our community. He is a wonderful friend who!s legacy will live on. His recent gesture of releasing a few effects via the net, to help inspire the next generation of magi, has inspired me to attempt to do the same with this book. Imitations is the highest form of what?
So here she is, my new treatise on paranormal dexterity with a charlatan twist, I call it Delusions. It is the second major publication I have released. The first entitled Untitled, gained moderate underground success. I hope all of you enjoy this one as much as the first. And may my coffers over flow with the fruits of my research. This book has more impromptu and easy to carry miracles and is slightly more heavy on the predictions.
-Scott Xavier 2006 www.ScottXavier.com “The cure for the common card trick!”
VI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Pleasure Squared: An Anywhere Mind Reading Miracle
Once again I am brow beaten with people asking for impromptu effects on the internet. Impromptu? To what degree? To make one look superhuman it takes a lot of setup, and rightfully so.
This next effect, however, is a semi impromptu miracle that takes no special gadgets. Most mentalists have the necessary gadgets on them right now. the Effect:
The mentalist remarks about dreams and how they are the gateway to the mind and thus, can be a powerful tool for shamans, magicians, and mind readers who want to peer into one!s hidden desires. The mentalist removes a business card holder from his inside suit jacket pocket and asks a spectator to hold it until called for. The business card holder is sealed shut using 2 rubber bands preventing any tampering of its contents.
The performer now selects a random spectator from the audience and asks them to expand their imagination with the rest of the audience. The spectator selects a dream date as well as chooses a name for this date. The date brings a gift, the spectator sees the gift in her mind and
VII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality names it. A location for the date is also chosen. Movie, theater, dinner, or dancing; any location can be freely chosen. A name for that particular business is chosen as well such as Mickey!s Bowling Alley. The time that the date ends, as well as whether or not the “mystery date” gets a kiss is also determined by the spectator.
For the first time the business card holder is opened and a folded prediction removed. The prediction tells of the exciting night in specific detail that was just created by the spectator. The prediction even predicts the spectators name who invents this fantasy! A true mystery of real precognition! the Secret:
This effect uses a technique known as double writing. The basic premise is that the performer actually records the responses on a 3 X 5 index card. Folded up on the bottom of this index card is a folded in half business card.
VIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality The business card looks like this:
Upon writing the initial response of the spectator on the index card, the responses are also duplicated on the business card on the bottom. The audience never sees the business card so they are unaware of what
IX Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality is going on. In essence you are duplicating the answers just given onto the business card on the correct corresponding line! All the audience sees is that you are recording the answers, “for clear precise analysis later.”
Now all you have to do is palm the business card and load it into the business card holder. If palming scares you, you can load the prediction by recovering the card holder and simply slipping the prediction inside with the index card blocking the view. The rubber bands of the business card holder are wrapped around in such a way that you can load the prediction inside from the side.
MENTALISM ASIDE: Another presentational aside comes from my friend Scott Leavitt: “I Believe Oz Pearlman mentioned that he's coming out with a natural looking pen that can write in multiple colors - will be a natural for this as the colored print on the pad and business card can then be different to throw folks further off the scent!”
Could be amazing to have 2 different color inks. One for the prediction and one for the immediate recording.
See pictures on preceding pages for better understanding.
X Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
ABOVE: Index card and business card prediction gaff.
BELOW: Ungimmicked business card holder unloaded.
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ABOVE: Performer view of prediction being loaded. Note that I am not holding the business card holder because I needed to take the picture. BELOW: Close up view of prediction being loaded.
XII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Notes: I. From a recent Chuck Hickok essay, I developed a new appreciation for ordinary props. Chuck Hickok seems to believe that wallets may look hokie on stage, I on the other hand do not. Real psychics get visions all the time and would jot them down when ever they get them, such as on a business card and keep it in a nearby business card wallet . NONE OF THESE “PROPS” WILL EVER RAISE SUSPICION! They are natural in most settings. II. With several hundred shows under my belt in venues as varied as museums and colleges, I can honestly say that the majority of the audience never catches what is actually taking place. This double writing is extremely deceptive. III. I would like to thank Banachek and his wonderful series of tapes known as Radio Magic . And of course the original effect is a take on the original Confabulation effect that has seen many variations. IV. I believe the originality in this routine is the nearly impromptu nature and the fact that you do not need expensive magical props. The loading mthod as well is very original to me. V. In addition to this lust theme, you could come up with a ton of other themes that are ready to create a miracle at a moments notice. Other themes include: winning lottery numbers, mailed in headline prediction, weather predictions, shopping lists, and any time you need an instant miracle with ordinary “props”.
XIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Mind!Lussional: Simple is Beautiful
It is your concern whether or not you add card tricks to your show. The debate burns as wildly today as it did in Annemann's day. No one can argue that all mentalists are magicians at heart. It!s like the roofer is a carpenter scenario. Anyway you look at it, I am sure you!ll love to perform this one. I can not claim any originality in this routine other than maybe making it a mental effect. It!s so simple, I could not imagine anyone not having invented it any sooner! the Effect:
The mentalist being asked to perform some magical feat, borrows a deck of cards. He instructs a random and freely selected audience member to take the deck, shuffle it, and select ANY card. The card is noted and replaced. The performer mixes the cards and places one card on top of the spectators out stretched palm. The spectator remarks that it is not their card. The mentalist makes some patter about CIA cold war mind control and mental mirages and instructs the spectator that it must be their card. Upon further reassurance the card is flipped over again, and it is their very card! A demonstration of mental camouflage. the Secret:
XIV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
As most of the skilled magi have realized, this effect takes card control. I use the ingenious Le Paul fan jog that allows one to out jog a card that is freely placed ANYWHERE inside of a fanned out deck. I then shuffle off to the jogged card and throw the remainder of the cards on top of the shuffled off pile. Your card control of choice can be substituted here. The only major concern is that you get the spectators chosen card to the top of the deck.
From here you simply execute your favorite double lift. I perform a strike double. If anyone has seen David Blaine execute a strike double, it is awe inspiring. Now he!s so good, I COULDN!T EVEN SAY FOR SURE THAT HE WAS PERFORMING A DOUBLE. It looked as if he had one card the whole time! He flipped this card(s) from hand to hand and never once was there a hint of separation. Still with a simple command, a shake, the card suit and value into another card. He performed this true piece of art several times and all of us new “consultants” sat in awe and excitement. The only thing more beautiful was watching David perform Paul Harris!s “Instant Replay”. David's the man and I appreciate all he has done for my friends and me as well as our art. Thanks D. Sorry I digressed.
You show an indifferent card and the spectator of course comments it!s the wrong card, but upon placing the card onto the spectators outstretched palm you perform a single and this now face down card is
XV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality the spectators selected card. All that's left is a good mind control story and of course the reveal.
Notes:
I. Give it a try. This effect is one of my favorites. I can combine this with a “think a card” effect such as the one I described in my recent work known as Project Underground. The impact to lay people is truly unbelievable. II. No one can deny the love of card tricks in the laymen. In fact the job of mentalist is often seen as a mind wizard and a form of magician, so the more tools/effects in your arsenal, the more your legend will grow.
XVI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality OVERLY HYP!ED: The slayer of magi
Ah, the effect that has never been fully explained. My life's obsession. The effect that is credited to Kreskin and is an amazing test conditions feat. Now the original version I created was good, but this one slays them all. It!s about time I released it as it is one of those effects that is truly magical in a mental sort of way. the Effect:
The performer borrows a deck of cards from an audience member. The deck of cards is freely shuffled by a random spectator. The deck is cut and shuffled as freely and as many times as the spectator would like. Another cut is made by the spectator, and this time rather then completing the cut it is marked. A sealed envelope is noted on the table. When the envelopes contents are removed by the spectator, the prediction matches the card just cut to. the Secret:
The deck is freely shuffled and cut as many times as the spectator would like. The dirty work comes after the deck has been freely cut into 2 piles for the final prediction.
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STEP ONE: Note the bottom card of the top pile.
XVIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
STEP TWO: Under subterfuge the left hand then pushes the single bottom card of the former top pile back about a quarter of an inch.
STEP THREE: The right thumb forms a break between the bottom card and the rest of the deck. This break CAN NOT be detected from the spectators view. XIX Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
STEP FOUR: Under the guise of “marking the cut”, simply drop the bottom card back onto the bottom cut to pile.
The deck is now “marked” or displayed in such a way so that you know which pile has been “cut” to.
What you have just now done is “loaded” the peeked card that was XX Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality on the bottom of the top pile onto what is supposed to be the bottom “freely” cut to pile. Now the card that is supposed to be the “freely” unknown cut to card is in all actuality the card that was just peeked and loaded. Now for the prediction process. the Prediction Process:
There are several ways in which to make a prediction. You could perform any one of the following:
I. Have a blank index card placed inside of an envelope. The envelope has been gaffed so that there is a piece of carbon paper inside. The carbon paper is then sort that comes in rental receipt books which you can obtain from your local drug store and is glued inside the envelope. Now using a finger nail or a piece of plastic fork glued to a thumb nail, simply write the value of the card on the outside of the envelope where the carbon paper is oriented on the inside. Now all you have to do is simply open the prediction and slightly pull it out so that the spectator fully removes the prediction. You retain the envelope, but the memory created is that the spectator removed the prediction alone. Which is the same scenario as never having touched the prediction at all. II. You could also have a simple bar napkin or business card placed writing side face down under some object. You gesture after
XXI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality performing all the dirty work to the prediction, You pick it up and nail write the prediction onto the card. III. There!s also the mind reading approach. The spectator looks at the card cut to, and then using body language, esp, voodoo wizardry, or what ever you discern his card.
Alternative Endings:
Since I have been typing this manuscript I have realized that there are 2 alternative endings that would play EXTREMELY well for this effect. They are the following: I. You could as in the book Body Magic by John Fischer scratch the initials of the selected card into your forearm. banachek has a nice ploy on this theme inside his wonderful DVD series PSI series. Please check these two references for more details. Please support Banachek and his work, without wonderful innovators such as he, the art would crumble into sponge banana magic. See Picture Below... II. Now there!s another wild method that I created a few years back for creating revelation to hand. My former mentor Chris Ivanovich use to love to do the name revelation with ashes trick. The problem was that it used costly and not impromptu ash pens. one day while working a bar named Marlins just outside of Chicago, I was summoned by one of the tables to perform this illusion that they had seen Chris perform
XXII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality a few weeks earlier. What was I to do? Being winter time in Chicago, I noticed I had chap stick and tried it out. It worked! The sleeve ended up smearing the writing so since then I have been writing instead on the top back of my hand. All you have to do is ask them to look as your back is turned at their freely cut to card. While your back is turned palm out of you suit jacket or pants pocket the tube of chap stick and write on your hand. It works and takes some audience management, but is well worth it! Try it, you!ll love it.
ABOVE: Picture of scratched numbers in forearm.
XXIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
ABOVE: The ashes to hand ending.
Notes: • As Banachek once said: “There!s only 2 ways of reading someone!s mind. You either get the information after the fact or tell the spectator what to think!” In this miracle we get the information after the fact and then load that information onto the position we want. • Master Jedi Paul harris offered this stage version. Simply have a prediction with no card written in at all. From stage it looks just as if you have a full prediction, but in actuality it is a long script with no prediction at all. While reading this script, you simply ad-lib the cards suit and value. The script could go something like: “Since the first magician laid an egg, magis have predicted future events. i am no different. last night I foresaw a beautiful young lady assisting me on
XXIV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality stage. the card she cuts to is (You now bluff the name of the card. You pretend like the name of the card is actually written on the paper. IT ISN!T! The only person who see!s this prediction is you. You bluff, so wear your poker face!)...” This could be made even funnier of it wasn!t a woman on stage at all, but a large man instead. This effect was heavily inspired by Chan Canasta and his bluff book test. • You could also set up an index of cards on your cell phone as in the next 800-Tho-ught effect that follows and have a modern miracle in your pocket.
Many thanks go out to: • Paul Harris • The Amazing Kreskin • Banachek
XXV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality 800 - Tho-ught: Mentalism Moderne
There exist some effects and moments in innovation that we will be remembered for. the inventor of the swami gimmick slipped away to time. The Cerebro unit has made my friend James Ezekiel Cheung incredibly famous. I now offer to the community my contribution. A device that every one carry!s and is as wide spread in our world as a cellphone. In fact it is a cell phone and it will make you a super star psychic. the Effect:
The psychic entertainer presents a challenge of his powers during an impromptu setting. He offers up his cell phone as a sort of challenge prediction. It is sealed inside of a ziploc baggy and given to a spectator to keep it hands off and for safe keeping. A game of guess the numbers ensues. 3 spectators are selected for their ability to guess the three numbers that are sealed inside of an envelope. To further randomize the selection process, a game of musical chairs is played. One by one the spectators are eliminated. Only one challenger emerges victorious! The smug mentalist makes note of the prediction, the cell phone.
The cell phone is removed from its ziploc baggy housing and the memo recording is played. The recording is that of the entertainer and this
XXVI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality recording describes in great detail who wins the challenge. It goes on to describe in detail what that individual is wearing and even chronicles events and past dealings in this persons life! A Modern miracle of technology! the Secret:
The secret to this presentation is quite a few subterfuges crafted together to create a larger illusion. The prediction is prerecorded using the recording or memo function that is common on modern cell phones. You actually have three predictions on the phone. Each one describes in detail the clothing and a cold reading about the basic spectator, three spectators in total. I would recommend trying Gail Sheehy!s Passages for great statistical advice to seed the ending of the predictions. This does take 5 minutes of pre show, but I!ve done this many times for guests at a dinner table. I simply record the predictions when I leave to visit the restroom. Using sound or an audio prediction allows for another sensory level to be added to your mentalism. Not only do we add depth to mentalism by adding visuals, but by adding sound as well.
Now, simply have the phone held by an audience member so there is no way you can tamper with it through out the spectator selection process and the rest of the effect.
XXVII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
Now you will need a picture window envelope like the one pictured above. Corinda has allot of information on how to construct one. This window allows you to write in the numbers of the three spectators who appear inside your cell phone memo predictions. You have now eliminated your audience except for the three spectators who appear on the cell phone.
ABOVE: The cell phone I use for the prediction effect. You can actually see the 3 recordings I was using saved on screen.
XXVIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality You have the three spectators, with whom you have made predictions about in your phone, participate in a game of musical chairs. No matter who is the winner, you have the correct prediction inside the phone. Simply have the phone returned to you, find the corresponding prediction and press play. this works extremely well with mics and large audiences. It!s a case of a small routine packing a HUGE wallop!
Notes: I. In addition to the basic routine above, the cell phone can be used as a Swiss Army Knife of mentalism. You can record an endless amount of predictions including words for a books test, the prediction for a game of tic-Tac-Toe (as mentioned inside Syzygy), a weather prediction using a clear force bag, and even a poker deal such as the one I mentioned inside of my previous work entitled project: Underground. The possibilities are limitless! II. The secret of this effect is the ability to make it look natural and use ordinary props. It is a completely random selection of spectators or so it seems. The ability to use a windowed envelope makes the effect look nearly impossible. III. By using the phone as a card index, you can bring a new level of miracle to the Overly Hyped effect mentioned above!
XXIX Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Psycho Killer: Multi-Draw
This effects borrows heavily from the work of the world famous mentalist Christopher Carter. The effect it borrows most from is Geo Psycho. Chris had placed this on the Magic Cafe web site as well as inside of several magic magazines. this new version is a little more unbelievable as when i perform it, I use Banachek's stage drawing duplication effect from his DVD Psi Series. This one effect is worth the price of Banachek!s video series. Here!s my variant of a back to back spectator synchronized drawing duplication. the Effect:
Two audience members are asked to participate in an experiment in synchronicity. One is selected as a sender and one is selected to be the receiver. The sender focuses on any random image that can be easily drawn. The receiver is told about the ability of psychics to both remote draw as well as automatic write. This receiver is blindfolded and handed a pen and pad of paper. The receiver is told to freely allow his hand to flow across the paper and to just concentrate on nothingness allowing his subconscious to take over. The sender now begins drawing on a second pad of paper and focuses intently on the details of the object in an attempt to transmit the image to the sender. Once the sender is done drawing, the
XXX Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality receiver is instructed to stop and remove his blindfold. The two drawing are shown. Though the receivers drawing looks scribbled and chaotic, a clear shape is within this clutter. IT MATCHES the object the sender was trying to transmit! A Psychic Synchronicity experiment has been shown to be successful. the Secret:
You are going to need some unique tools for this routine. I use a Super Sharpie, but you could use pencil or pen writer by adapting the presentation. the next odd thing you will need is a dry sharpie that no longer writes. Allow it to dry out for several days and you will have a usably dry sharpie. Next you will need a scribbled drawing on a sheet about 6-7 sheets below a blank sheet. Only scribble loosely on the top half of the page as you will need to nail write below it. In addition you will need a business card, another sharpie that does write, a blindfold or heavy scarf to use as a blindfold, and another pad of paper.
Your first step is to select two spectators and have the join you on stage. Ask the audience if there's another spectator who is creative or a writer. Have this audience member write down a simple object that can be simply drawn. Have it folded in classic peek or center tear fashion. I would recommend using Sean Fields North of the border to accomplish the deed. Hand the folded slip of paper to the “sender”. Have the sender focus
XXXI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality on this drawing. Retrieve the paper and under the justification of destroying the paper, you use the center tear of your choice to peek the information.
You now have the “receiver” blindfolded. You display the notepad to the audience to ensure that they do not believe that there is anything suspicious about it. In actuality, your pinky finger holds a break several pages below on the location in which the scribbled image appears. After showing this to the audience simply flip to the lower pages under the guise of you placing this notepad into the blindfolded spectators hand. Before you actually place this into the spectators hand, you actually use your nail writer of choice to scribble the image that you peeked earlier onto the bottom of the sheet of paper. The picture below is actually that of a house.
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Retrieve the dry marker from your pocket and hand it to the receiver to begin “automatic writing”. Since the marker does not write, you do not have to worry about the “receiver” messing with the image on the paper. The notepad is actually held at a 45 degree angle to the audience so they can not see what is on this paper, YET! Have spectator one or the “sender” begin drawing as well. When the sender finished his master piece, the receiver is instructed to stop as well. The two drawings are compared and are shown to match.
Crediting Aside: As was recently brought to my attention, Derren Brown and Morley Budden have done work with this tyoe of sender/receiver effect. Thank you to P.K. for his crediting expertise!
XXXIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Wadd Spitter: Pellet Gun Catch
There exist effects that aren!t quite mentalism, but can be finagled to fit the bill. For me it is my bb/pellet gun catch which is a unique routine which is a variation on the bullet catch theme. I found a desire to simplify the routine that has tantalized magicians for ages, and in my opinion has been perfected by Penn and Teller in their nightly Las Vegas showcase. This routine was originally developed by “Banachek”. Everyone has an idea of how it is accomplished, but only Banachek, Penn, and Teller know the secret!
The bullet catch wouldn!t work for every venue, so I needed something a little more practical. There have been rumors of pellet catches over the past year or two on the internet. Many of them require gimmicked pistols or laborious prep time. I would like to present to you, my variation of a pellet catch called “Wadd-Spitter”! It utilizes props easily gotten from Wal-Mart or ebay and can be a most amazing display of agility and precise mental calculation. Other then sounding like an adult flick, it also has every element of a grandiose finale. Danger, suspense, and a laser sighted pistol.
THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU ATTEMPT TO PERFORM THIS EFFECT!
XXXIV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
PROCEED IF YOU DARE. I TAKE NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR INJURIES CAUSED BY THIS ROUTINE! I DON!T EVEN RECOMMEND YOU PERFORM IT! the Effect:
The mentalist introduces a .177 caliber BB/Pellet Gun which can be sighted with a laser scope. “Sighted and accurate to a distance of 100 yards. The total velocity of this pistol is well in excess of several hundred feet per second!” Using a spectator from the audience, a pellet is selected from an unopened box of .177 caliber pellets. This pellet is marked with any sort of marking: initial(s), geometric object(s), or a simple drawing.
The mentalist never touches the pellet!
The SPECTATOR loads the gun...
Taking a balloon and safety glass from his pocket, the mentalist places the safety glasses on the spectator who now becomes the marksman. The balloon is inflated. The laser sight is activated and aimed at the mentalists teeth. The balloon is elevated in front of the mentalist to ensure that! everything is above suspicion On the count of 3 the pellet gun
XXXV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality is fired! The balloon explodes! After a bit of pellet catching theatrics, the MARKED pellet is spit out into the spectators hands! Never once does the mentalist touch his mouth! the Secret:
I hate giving this one away! It!s just that good. NO PELLET IS EVER FIRED AT THE PERFORMER. It sounds and seems that way because a cocked pistol can still sound as if it is firing a real pellet even if it is not. The fact that the human eye can not detect or see a pellet being fired also facilitates the illusion.
The real secret of this effect lies in the fact that the pellet is rolled in between two 6 inch squared pieces of wood to make it narrow enough to fall through the barrel! You will have to do this to EVERY pellet in the pellet container. Be gentle when you unwrap the cardboard container so that after you modify EVERY pellet you can re-glue the package to reseal it again. If you have access to a shrink wrap machine, You can shrink wrap the wad cutter packages rather then re-glue the originals. The deception lies in the fact that many have never seen a wad cutter package.
-BIG HUGE FAT NOTE: Not So Public Service Announcement Drop each modified pellet into the loading chamber and ensure they fall through the barrel before ever attempting to perform this effect!-
XXXVI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
ABOVE: Wadcutter .177 caliber pellet ungaffed (left) - Rolled gaffed pellet (right)
The 1010C Marksman pistol is an ideal device for this effect. It has a tip up loading chamber which angles the barrel downward. This allows the pellet to drop right through the loading chamber into your waiting hand underneath. All this device needs is a gaudy laser sight. Everything for this effect can be bought for around $60 from Wal-Mart. This is a unique stage illusion which is a must for serious (and brave) mentalists.
The Marksman 1010C XXXVII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
The exploding of the balloon is accomplished with the aid of finger palmed needle tip. Alternatively you can glue a piece of metal pin to you thumb and this will eliminate the need for palming. A friend and colleague of mine whom I shared this routine with actually found a ring at Hot Topic that has a point on it which causes the balloon to explode perfectly.
Stealing the pellet occurs while the gun is loaded. You facilitate this operation by displaying how to tip up the barrel for loading, holding it straight so that it can be properly loaded by the spectator, and you offer to cock the pistol as the spring bolt action on this model pistol can be difficult to “cock” into firing position. The pellet slides down the tipped up loading chamber, down the barrel, and slips directly into your left hand which is holding the barrel tip. From here the pellet is finger palmed and loaded as you point to your teeth as a reference as to where to shoot. The pellet is less then a half an inch and is invisibly loaded. A friend in the UK actually uses double stick tape on the balloon to hold the pellet and then loads it as he raises the balloon to his heads height.
Notes: I. The first time I performed this live was for Northern Arizona University . It was a show stopper! II. Get into the habit of performing a safety check before and after each
XXXVIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality use of the pistol. Make sure nothing is obstructing the barrel ad that it works properly. Lubrication is also a necessity! ; ) III. Always get permission to use a pellet gun in any of your performing venues. IV. Timing is precise make sure the balloon pops at the proper second when the crack of the gun firing can be heard. V. IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STOP THE PERFORMANCE AT THAT SECOND! VI. Acting as if a you just caught a pellet between your teeth is integral to the success of this routine. Take a note from history and watch some old Annemann video clips. VII. Exact scripting should be left up to you and your skill in which you are displaying. VIII. Always have the marksman keep the safety on while the gun is loaded and being handled. IX. This is a monumental effect. Keep your props in a case that demands respect. A nice chrome plated pistol case will do nicely. X. If anything can go wrong, it will. Check and recheck every detail. SAFETY IS KEY!
Credits: I would like to thank the following
• Penn and Teller- for elevating the bullet catch into a performance piece of sheer beauty.
XXXIX Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality • Banachek- for creating the original modern bullet catch. • The internet for inspiring the idea of this effect. • All those magicians who died in attempting such foolish stunts. • As the mysterious P.K. states Bob Cassidy and Derek Lever should be thanked as well for their Dart Gun Bullet Catch as well as Scott Alexander should be noted for his Velocity effect...
XL Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality PK Light Bulb: And then Scott said let there be light...
The Mesika light bulb shattering gimmick is beautiful in it!s execution. Anyone who has used it in their sets will realize that the lighting of such a bulb would only make it perfect. During a theater run of mine, I geeked out with a few magician friends of mine and this is what we have created. It works and I can!t recommend it highly enough. the Effect:
The performer remarks about how real magic is in those moments that create awe inside of us. Sometimes they!re moments of pure beauty and mystery. The performer introduces a light bulb. Focusing his mind on the ungimmicked light bulb, it begins to flicker and starts to brighten. dropping the light bulb inside of a plastic bag to isolate it from trickery, the performer instructs the audience to focus on the bulb and to actually try causing the bulb to stay lit longer and to make the bulb light up even brighter! The energy in the audience grows, and then snap the power of the audience causes the bulb to shatter. A matter of too much energy? the Secret:
The secret to lighting the light bulb is accomplished with a LED light.
XLI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality These LED lights claim to be a brighter and crisper light. You can purchase them from Wal-Mart and they come in all different colors. You can add some flare to seances by using a red beam. These LED!s are approximately 2 1/2 inches in length, 1 1/2 inches in width, and less then a half an inch in height. They are ideal for palming. In fact if you are worried about flashing the LED, you can use a Band Aid or two to color it a flesh tone. You will also need a metal ball bearing approximately a half an inch in diameter. You can obtain these from many industrial parts distributors and mechanics. I found mine lying around my shop at home.
Have the lights dimmed on stage or where you are performing. You display the light bulb, the LED is finger palmed between your middle and ring finger on your right hand. Simply “load” the LED behind the light bulb. Depress the button gently causing the illusion that the light bulb is flickering. In fact from the audiences view, the illusion of the bulb flickering is quite exceptional.
Now to ditch it is easy. The low light helps hide the LED as you push the LED with your left thumb, and the LED falls into your right palm. With a little practice you can get it to fall in classic palm position rather easily. Now the right hand palming the light enters your suit jacket pocket and ditches the LED under the guise of obtaining the plastic bag. Grasp the baggy and finger palm the ball bearing.
XLII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Drop the light bulb into the plastic bag. Now slip the ball bearing just under the zip seal of the bag. You can hold it there with ease with your right hand from the outside of the bag and no one will be able to see what's between your fingers since it is so small. Use your left hand to seal the bag. Now all you have to do is practice dropping the ball bearing at an opportune time onto the light bulb. You may wish to shake the bag a bit while doing this as it causes a big movement covers little movement optical illusion. The best part of this that the bag holds all the shards of glass for easy clean up. The bits and pieces of the bulb provide excellent cover for the metal ball bearing that just looks like another piece of destroyed bulb.
If you have the Mesika gimmick, you could use this for the second part of the effect. The ball bearing and bag however work great and costs just a mere fraction of what the Mesika gimmick is. However, the Mesika gimmick is well crafted and I HIGHLY recommend it.
A while back there was a marketed item known as a finger phaser that allowed magicians to produce a LED light. All it is is a LED light. You can buy one of these from your favorite magic shop or I can recommend midwestmagic.net, ask for Tim. The down fall is that they are more expensive then LED!s from Wal-Mart.
I would like to thank Mark Nocereno and Tim Felix for their ideas and input on this routine. Tim Felix is the owner of Midwest Magic in
XLIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Franklin Park Illinois. Support your local magic shops as they can help create MAGICAL effects!
MYSTERY CREDITING HISTORIAN PK STATES: Marvin Kaye "The handbook of mantal magic" describes a simillar idea, but differebt in that fact that he is using some silk and a magnet. The light from behind idea was sold from El Duc long time ago... It was a small flashlight on a elastic pull... You just have to light the flashlight behind an light bulb and it look like itt is light! But, the idea of using the led is unique.
As always, I am just trying to be thorough in my crediting and respecting of other magicians.
XLIV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Walking on Broken Glass: Walkin on, walkin on, broken glaaaaasss
Originally a sideshow and fakir stunt, the prevalence of sideshow effects crawling into mentalism has inspired me to add this effect here. Walking on broken glass is EXTREMELY dangerous and there is a chance you will get cut even after years of practice. I can not take responsibility for your actions. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK! These methods were developed after traveling with 3 different sideshows. they are effective, still I have cut myself on accident due to no discernible reason. the Effect:
The mentalist talks about pain and blood control and then demonstrates this skill by dancing on a pile of broken glass. The mentalist displays his feet and their unscathed! the Secret:
There are 2 different methods for performing this. The first is to use specially prepared glass. Using a belt sander or other filing tool you can actually smooth the edges of the glass. If the pieces are small enough and thick enough such as those of the old glass Coca Cola bottles this is the safest method. If the pieces are made about 2-3 inches in size, the
XLV Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality chances of them breaking is extremely low. The weight of you standing on this glass is evenly distributed and prevents the glass from breaking and making sharp edges. The glass preparation is a long process but it is well worth it when you realize the safety of using this glass over ungimmicked glass. You may wish to have a sharp piece or two toward the outer rim of the glass pile and use it as a convincer for showing that it is sharp by cutting a piece of paper. You could also break a bottle LIVE as another convincer and spread the glass out towards the outer edge where you do not stand.
The other method is to use unprepared glass. This is method I use when I!m in a crunch. The method for walking on it is to make sure that the curvature of the glass is pointing down towards the ground. When you!re standing or walking on the glass there's a chance it may break. If it does, the breakage is never pointing upwards, it cracks downwards. always distribute your weight evenly and use common sense. DO NOT walk on this glass hap hazardly. Shift weight cautiously and you will be able to stand on even the occasional piece of glass that is sticking up.
Notes: • Remember no matter what method you use, never use small pieces of glass. • Clean and sift through your glass regularly. • Be careful.
XLVI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality • A leap of faith several feet into the air landing on glass is a great presentation, but is also dangerous! I would only recommend this to the most skilled “glass walker” and then only on prepared glass!
XLVII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality Quarter Back Sneak: Psychic Game of Chance
The game heads or tails has tantilized society since the first coin rolled off the first mint. Back 10 years ago when I was in high school, we would find ways to gamble during lunch. We would pitch pennies as well as play head or tails. I am not sure exactly who invented this method but it was an underground secret at De La Salle. I now use it in conjunction with my blindfold routine. It!s a rather interesting effect and one I!ve used in bars to make a lot of money. the Effect:
A wise guy in the audience grabs the mentalists attention. To handle this heckler, the mentalist proposes a demonstration of psychic ability. A game of chance, skill, and subterfuge. Head or tails. At stake is the hecklers silence. The heckler flips a coin 5 times and makes his best guess at what the outcome will be each time. His number of times correct is recorded. Now!s the mentalists turn. Five out of five times the mentalist is correct. the Secret:
You can actually feel the difference between heads and tails! once
XLVIII Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality you flip the coin and catch it, you run your thumb against the bottom of the coin. If you feel the large smooth plateau of George Washington!s forehead, you know it!s heads. If it has a rougher more textured surface it is tails. This works best with older quarters circa 70!2 & 80!s however I have done it successfully with the new state quarters. the position for feeling heads and tails is the same as the one you catch with. This is unnatural to hold the coin on your hand with this position. So praxes the move well. This way you will only need a fraction of a second to tell the sides apart. This effect is well worth every ounce of praxes you put into it! this is also a greta prelude into a coin bending routine. I can not recommend Banachek!s PSI series of DVD!s for his quarter bend. You could always shuttle pass this coin into a hand that has a pre bent coin. Simply hide the bend until you ditch the duplicate coin and are ready to reveal the bend.
Just off the Presses: It appears that I have laterally invented this along with Martin Gardner in one of his street scam books. Since the presentation is different and the general mental magic feeling is unique, I have decided to leave this in. As you can tell, presentations are what makes the real magic. Belief and showmanship are key!
XLIX Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
ABOVE: Picture of finger placement/position for catching the quarter. This position is also the one used for feeling with thumb to determine the quarters orientation.
ABOVE: The outcome of the quarter is opposite of what you felt. If your thumb feels heads, then as you place it on your hand, you will notice that it is tails that will be face up. L Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality About the Author:
Scott Xavier “the artist formerly known as Dr. Zodiac”
Where to begin? It all started during the blizzard of 79!. Since then, I!ve had many careers and jobs. I have been an evidence technician for the Illinois State Crime Laboratory. Now Im a mentalist. I am diabetic with frequent bouts of Ketoacidosis. These day I work every venue I can. I now enjoy some success in the college market as well as am receiving many high end private parties including a lot of Bar Mitzvahs. I have written several instructional mentalism books and am starting to shoot a new DVD series.
LI Delusions: Experiments in a Surreality
I have just finished a tour with my third sideshow. I am currently trying to rebook some college shows. As I have taken far too much time off of the clerical booking part of our work to tour and haven!t been able to book shows, I need to play catch up. I just got back from NYC and working with David Blaine and James Cheung on the new special due out May 23rd 2006. So watch it, I may appear on film. I know a few of my ideas will at the very least. Recently in North Carolina, I have done a few shows for the United States Marine Corp. The marines are some great guys and love our craft. Now I!m working on getting some video together for my first TV show. The show will be shot all in Hi-Def. I can!t get more into it, as the magic's in the details and the secrets. The future is mine...
Well that!s me in a nut shell! (Help I!m in a nutshell!)
Check out my web site at: ScottXavier.com
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