Uncover Discover with Tim Mannix

Whew....August has been busy. I lectured on kid's magic at the PCAM, attended Magic LIVE in Las Vegas and took a trip home to see mom, so I've been out of pocket. That's why it's taken so long from my last posting. My basic goal is to feature at least 3 effects with each new blog entry that I consider to be worthy of a worker's attention. Also, if there is a particular effect for kids that I really like, I'll recommend it. And my "Book of Note" will call attention to any book I consider worth adding to your magic library. Now, let's get to some Trick Talk. David Regal's Clarity Box Another beautiful effect from David Regal's fertile mind. There are however a number of great effects that have come down the pike that are worth talking about -- namely David Regal's Clarity Box, which was a huge hit at Magic LIVE. Also, I like to tell you briefly about FORCE 4 by Wayne Rogers and the Giant Snaky Wand. I...

Wayne Dobson is awesome. I like his magic and I really like his thinking about magic. He works smart -- and I'm all always for that. Two of his newest effects are prime examples of working smart. They are completely self-working, utilize regular bicycle cards and require absolutely no memory work and what's best, they reset instantly. However, don't let the term "self-working" influence you  negatively ,  because  the impact on spectators is that it stymies them! Even the most accomplished pros speak regularly of working SMART, rather than working HARD. Both of Wayne's effects meet this precept. Plus,  at their core,  they're   completely entertaining. Although both Guesstimation and Second Chance by Wayne Dobson can be presented as straightforward card effects, I believe they play far better as acts of mentalism. But, that's just my opinion.  Here's the basic effect of Second Chance : Without you even touching the deck a...

Just when you thought the Trick Talk blog was dead we found a new host, Tim Mannix. That's me. Before I tell you about myself, I'd like to thank Cris Johnson who wrote the Trick Talk blog for 3+ years and did a phenomenal job. Thanks Cris! Now continuing. In the event you don't know me, let me tell you a bit about myself .  I've known Paul Gross (Mister Hocus Pocus himself) for years, but I never thought I'd come to work for him. He'd been after me since we first met, offering me a job shortly after our initial meeting one Saturday at the Magic Castle swap meet in Hollywood. I dismissed his offer immediately thinking it was just talk. And besides, "Leaving Los Angles -- unthinkable, NEVER!"   But, as I found out, it wasn't just talk. Because for four-and-a-half years Paul relentlessly asked me the question,  "When are you going to come work at Hocus Pocus?" , every time I saw him. It seemed he was serious about this offer....