Karate Coin by Royal Magic

Price: $8.95

Available From: Your Favorite Dealer

This is a hard item to review because there’s not much to review. But I dug it out of my magic box, played with it for a while, and remembered how much fun I used to have with this.

As a stand alone trick, it’s not really the greatest. It’s a piece of flash that’s over and done with in a couple seconds. I can see this being used well at the end of a coin routine, like a kicker ending. Instead of producing a jumbo coin, poke your finger through one of them.

The gimmick is well made, and isn’t going to break. Ever. Unless you’re Superman. My only complaint is that my finger is too big, and for it to fit securely I’ve really got to jam it on there. If you’ve got big fingers, it’s something to think about but not really something to stop you from getting this. You’ll just have to be more aware of it.

I don’t think this is for everyone, but if you’re looking for a kicker ending for your existing coin routine that’s a little different, check this out.

Andster

GI Bill by John T. Sheets

Price: $12.95

Available From: Your Favorite Dealer

This is another one of the tricks I found buried in my basement. I’ve gotta admit, after reading through the instructions again, I know why I buried it. It’s one page of typewritten, semi-coherent ways to switch a torn corner or vanish a bill. That’s it. Oh, and you get the little army guy.

I don’t know what I expected when I bought this many years ago, but it wasn’t this. I didn’t like it then, I don’t like it now, and I’ve got no use for it. Pass on this one.

Andster

The Mexican Revolution by Magic Lab

Price: $12.95

Available From: Your Favorite Dealer

The Mexican Revolution is actually made up of two separate effects based on the same principle: The Mexican Revolution by Fenik and Jaywalk by Gordon Bean. Of the two effects, and this is just my opinion and has no basis with experience, I find The Mexican Revolution more fun to perform for myself, and Jaywalk to be more suited for public performance.

Both effects use a gimmicked card, just in different aspects. I must say, it’s one of the more interesting gimmicks I’ve ever seen. It’s fun to look at and play with and is just plain nifty. Although I like the effect of the Mexican Revolution, I feel like it’s a little too “fiddly” for me to feel comfortable with in front of a live audience. With the proper practice, I’m sure it won’t be a problem. Comparatively, Jaywalk is cleaner and much less “fiddly”, however I feel the display of the cards lacks as compared to The Mexican Revolution. I know this probably won’t make any sense to anyone who doesn’t already own this, but I’m trying to not give away too much.

I think these two effects are worth a look, if you’re willing to work with them. Jaywalk could be considered ready to go out of the package, but Mexican Revolution is going to take some work before you take it in front of an audience. Neither effect has a sleight much more difficult than a false count, relying on the aforementioned nifty gimmick to accomplish most of the dirty work. I like what the gimmmick is and how it works, but that alone can’t be your basis for buying the trick. If you like the product descriptions (which are rather straightforward and accurate) and are willing to invest some time, give it a shot.

Andster

Temptation by Gordon Bean

Price: $12.95

Available From: Your favorite dealer

I’ve been digging through all the old magic I’ve put into my basement and attic, trying to see if I can rediscover some “hidden gems.” I’ve got a ton of crap that hasn’t seen the light of day in a long time, and I ended up coming across a few tricks I really loved but forgot I even had.

One of those tricks is Temptation, by Gordon Bean. It’s a walkaround version of 3 Card Monte with three distinct, visual phases that ends with all three cards being fully examinable. It’s virtually sleight-free, cleverly utilizing a gimmicked card. There are some angle issues, especially if you’re performing for people who are seated. However, I don’t think it’s anything that would cause any serious problems, especially if you keep that in mind during your practice sessions.

This trick is not at all hard to perform, and I think it gets good reactions. If you’re looking for a walkaround version of 3 Card Monte that doesn’t require a table, I think Temptation is a good bet. It comes highly recommended.

Andster

No Pete, I’m not gone again. Just working behind the scenes.

In the past month, I’ve designed and ordered some new business cards. They came a couple days ago, and I’m really happy with how they turned out. Having new cards takes away my last excuse for not performing though, so now I’ve got no reason to be out working except for my own lack of ambition.

I’ve also started designing (on paper) another website for myself, and am waiting for work schedules to match up so I can meet up with a friend of mine to get it put online.

I’ve also been working on a few different acts/routines/whatever you want to call them. It’s been hard trying to do all of this work while balancing my day job and my personal life, but I’ve been doing my best to make time. I’m hoping there’s actually going to be something to show from my efforts soon.

I’ve also been looking for a different job. I really want to get out of what I’m doing now, and the job I’m interviewing for sounds perfect for my situation. Steady hours, during the day, and only about 20 hours a week. My plan is to be able to do my magic at nights and on the weekends, and kinda ease my way into the world of full-time pro. We’ll see how well that works.

Andster