Plant a seemingly random word in your spectators minds… Then reveal exactly how you did it! This is INFAMOUS!

Infamous is a book test like no other.
Where other book tests end, you’re only just getting started!
Infamous is a routine with a kicker climax that brings things full circle.

What is the difference between the Standard and Deluxe packages?
Both packages contain the DVD and special cards that allow you to perform the core routine as seen in the trailer. With the Standard package you will need to supply your own book (almost any book will work), and you will need to create your own gimmick (instruction is included on the DVD to guide you through this). The Deluxe package contains a book and a gimmick. After assembly you will be ready to go in about 5 minutes. The book contained in the Deluxe package has been specially prepared to allow you to perform a number of bonus effects that will not be possible without it.

I am terrible at arts and crafts. Will I have trouble assembling the gimmicks?
I doubt it! It is extremely simple and uses standard items you are likely to have lying around the house.

How examinable is the Deluxe package’s book?
The book is extremely examinable. It contains over 300 pages of text from the real book and it has been specially modified so that you could read it cover to cover and not discover the secret. It contains a well-known principle in a new way to tie in with the Infamous premise.

Will there be an option so that purchasers of the Standard package can later upgrade to the Deluxe package?
While there is no immediate option for this, something might be made available in the future. However, the best deal will be to buy the Deluxe package at the outset.

Is this suitable for walk-around?
This was developed with the walk-around performer in mind. The book contained in the Deluxe package is the ideal size to be carried in a jacket pocket. While the effect will play out the same each time, the word selected by the participant can be varied each time.

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We’ve received the following word from Rick Lax of Wizard Wars.

Do you create and perform magic? Do you want to showcase your skills
on a new TV series? Now’s your chance.

SyFy’s WIZARD WARS (produced by A. Smith and Co. ["Hell's Kitchen,"
"America Ninja Warrior"]), is looking for dynamic performers who can
go head-to-head against magicians like Gregory Wilson, Justin Flom,
Shimshi and Angela Funovitz. $10,000 up for grabs each episode.

Wizard Wars is all about creating and performing original magic
routines. The show respects magic and magicians–I can promise you that
much. (Rick Lax here, by the way.) We’re not like other reality
competition shows; we’re looking to elevate the art and the artists.
If you get cast, you’ll be working alongside people like me and Johnny
Thompson. You’ll be performing before superstar judges like Penn &
Teller.

If you think you have what it takes to beat the Wizards, contact Doug
or Michele (mjaber@asmithco.com, drelkin51@gmail.com) at A. Smith and
Co. Phone: 818-432-2900.

Do it right now…because most the slots are already filled.

Get your war on!

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The video above is from last weekend’s PAX East 2014. It features Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford doing a little magic he stole from Penn and Teller. If you don’t know Gearbox, they are the good folks behind the Borderlands and Brothers-In-Arms video game series. Before Randy became a big deal game developer and software company CEO, he was a magician.

Speaking of magic and technology, Deutsche Welle has a new article on the relationship between magic and technology with quotes from Kieron Kirkland and the iPad magician Simon Pierro. It also talks about a device using the ideomotor response to “read minds” which is being developed with the help of magician Stuart Nolan.

Congratulations to magician Michael Kent who has just been named the 2014 Readers’ Choice Entertainer of the Year by Campus Activities Magazine and Magician of the Year by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities.

Magic in the Philadelphia area has again been rocked with accusations that a magician has had inappropriate contact with a child. Philly.com reported yesterday that Joseph Grasso, owner of Grasso’s Magic Theater and father of magician Michael Grasso, has been charged with molesting a 13 year old girl who had been living in his home.

In better local news, the Orlando Weekly just ran a feature on three locals reviving magic in the region. Featured in the piece are Drew Thomas, Kardenni and Nick Paul.

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This 1937 British Pathé newsreel features Erikson (whom we believe to be Eric Charles Ferguson) performing sleight of hand with balls. If this is indeed Ferguson, he was only about 20 years old when this was filmed. He learned his magic from performer Jack Barnett, whose daughter also had a successful career in magic. Erikson continued to perform at least until the 1950s, but iTricks is not sure where is career took him after about 1957.

History, Youtube | No Comments »

We have restrained ourselves from posting anything about last weekend’s Academy of Magical Arts Awards because they have yet to be officially posted on the AMA (Magic Castle) website or Facebook page. However, since The Korea Times is reporting that Yu Ho-Jin won Magician of the Year and and the KoreAm Journal has posted the video above celebrating his win on their YouTube page, we are going to go ahead share it as well. For those unfamiliar with Yu Ho-Jin, this is not his first magic accolade. He has won several honors including the 2012 FISM Grand Prix in Stage Magic.

We offer our congratulations to Yu Ho-Jin and remind everyone that he will appearing at this summer’s IBM/SAM National Convention in St. Louis. We will pass along the other AMA honorees once we have an official source to quote.

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“I have never seen a mentalist to compare with him.” –Dai Vernon

A master showman, prolific creator, and inspiring teacher is coming to Penguin for an experience you’ll never forget.

Watch the lecture preview:
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/4190

What will he teach?

Max Maven has performed around the world, with hundreds of television credits and over two thousand tricks, essays and articles in print. He’ll bring that knowledge and experience to Penguin Live, for a teaching session yu won’t soon forget.

As you would expect, the emphasis will be on mentalism, but with ideas that can be applied to every type of magic. You’ll learn commercial, practical effects that will fool you first, and delight your audiences later. Be prepared for offbeat plots and intriguing methods, with a special emphasis on aspects of psychology and audience management.

The lecture will include material that Max has never taught before, including a cunning book test, intimate mindreading using business cards, baffling hands-off card work, and a curious use of the Internet.

Your host for this event will be the canny and insightful Michael Weber, who will discuss details with Max that address your questions, in real time.

SUPPORT LIVE MAGIC. RESERVE BEFORE SUNDAY AND SAVE.
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/4190

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An Honest Liar, the new film about The Amazing Randi which is being described as an “investigate documentary” will have its world premiere this Friday at the internationally famous Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Tyler Measom and Justin Weinstein (the writer of the acclaimed Being Elmo) the film features interviews with Alice Cooper, Penn and Teller, Bill Nye and more.

James Randi, Movies | 1 Comment »