Note From Editor:

This month we have a beautiful peace of warm, smooth and powerful magic from my good friend Brad “Scarnecky” Gordon. Take the time to really study what this effect is all about. At first glance it seems to be a simple pick a card trick. It’s so much more than that. Re-read it several times until you “get it.”

– Jeff Stone

The post Commit and Reveal appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Introduction

I’ve always been a huge fan of magic tricks with matchbooks, and ever since I read “Match-ic Wand” found in Joshua Jays super smooth book “Magic The Complete Course” I’ve been pondering and experimenting with the idea of causing matches to vanish from a matchbook then reappear in magical places. This is simply a combination of Joshua’s effect (originally called “Matches All Gone” by Joel Givens) and the classic pen behind the ear ploy.

The post Chappy Matches appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Note from the editor

It’s fitting that Brad decided to contribute this effect this month. My father’s birthday was this month. He would have been 65. He has the honor of giving me my first moment of astonishment. And it was essentially done with the very trick that Brad’s about to make reference to (the quarter from ear). Though my father’s was a bit different . . . it was pants tag from mouth. Back in the day, kids pants had a rubber-like tag above the back pocket. Mine came off.

My dad used mine to do a few coin vanish moves. Then he magically pulled it out of my mouth. Even today, it still seems like real magic. I have a vivid memory of being able to feel it in my mouth. What a wonderful childhood memory. So thank you Brad for delivering an homage to the classic trick in the month of birth of the man who first showed it to me.

The post Uncle Quarter Master appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

The Challenge

I thought ya’ll might be interested in a challenge I gave myself. I’m putting together a new close up show (non-strolling). The challenge was to do create a complete act with absolutely no playing cards. Obviously, if you know me, I’m not anti-card tricks. I LOVE card tricks. And that’s why I decided to try to do a show without them. I wanted to push myself and challenge myself.

I put together several effects that I felt worked for my style and my requirements. Then I tested out a few of them the other day in a casual setting (Scarnecky and I hanging out at Chili’s). The effects went over well, but as I performed them, I realized that they are all essentially the same effect, namely predictions.

So I went home that night and scrapped about 4 or 5 effects from the set that I really wanted to keep. I cut them, however, because I want the show to be more magic and less “predictions.” Again, I have nothing against predictions, but one cannot do an entire show of predictions now can one. Plus, it’s been a long time since I’ve done “magic” (rather than mentalism).

Anyway, I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Meanwhile, enjoy the August 2012 issue!

The post The Challenge – No Card Tricks appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Condolences to the Tom Loveridge Family

I’m truly saddened to announce the death of a friend and fellow magi, Tom Loveridge. Tom, a member of the IBM Ring #193 here in Salt Lake City, Utah passed away on Monday (2/6/12) on the day after his 58th birthday. He died during a routine surgery. He was just one of those downright nice guys and will be sorely missed by many. We offer our sincerest condolences to those left behind. You can read his obituary in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Scarnecky is Back!

You may remember about a year ago, Stone Cold Magic stopped carrying one of it’s best e-books, Room 538 by Brad “Scarnecky” Gordon . . .

When we dropped the product, I got some polite “hate” mail asking to bring it back. Many people expressed their disappointment that I was no longer carrying it and that it would be a while before Brad made it available again.

We retired it because at the time, Brad was planning on selling it on his site. However, over time, the focus of his site has changed, so even though I thought Room 538 would be gone forever, Brad has generously offered to let us bring it back to the Stone Cold Magic Family of products!

Because of the demand for it and because of the change in Brad’s focus on his site, we are welcoming back this smooth, serenely styled scroll with a 40% discount.

Get Room 538 Now for only $15 bucks!

This offer ends on Friday (2/17/12) at 11:58 PM PST

As always, however, don’t take my word for it.

Check out what people are saying about Scarnecky’s Super Smooth Room 538:

I envision exciting, excellent effects when employing Envisage by Brad Gordon. ‘Reveal Your Design’ is a particularly promising piece with pasteboards for psychic precognition and readings. Get this!
– Dale A. Hildebrandt

After reading through Toddler Pack, I was really exciting about your thinking behind it. I have 2 girls, a 3 year old and a 9 month old that would create a background perfect for this. Very clever thinking and such a charming, disarming premise to present this cool effect.
– Bosco L

This is great material. I really like the psychological side of what you are doing.
-Jason P

In this day and age, it’s near impossible to come up with a new idea using playing cards. Enter Brad Gordon!
– Don Theo III

Hey Mr. Scarnecky I realy love your material.
– Riley B

There is lots of (ready to drive) material here. You also have 2 or 3 things I can’t remember seeing anywhere else. Unique, a word so corrupted in our public-school culture, certainly applies (in its original dictionary meaning) to these effects. Direct and commercial.
– Kevin K “Magic Doc”

I just wanted to write and thank you for this most excellent book, I love the wallet reading idea and used it last night as it works beautifully with a routine I use with tarot cards. I love monk and found bold matches very clever too, thank you.
– Dean D

I bought Envisage for the Wallet Readings, which I think is an excellent idea! But the Toddler Pack and Reveal Your Design are also great pieces. I rarely find ONE idea in a manuscript that I will use, in Envisage I found THREE!
– Ben Salinas

Luck of Astonishment (windfall): Being an avid Paul Harris fan (I have a framed picture of him under my pillow) I really enjoyed this creative add-on from Brad. Those familiar with PH’s effect “Shape of Astonishment” will really want to try this Scarnecky variation on an audience, and that I did. I must admit, I had never tried the original PH effect, but when done with a “twist of Scarnecky” there was a delightful TANG to the effect which left a bitter-sweet taste in my wife’s mouth. Not sure about others thoughts, but there is an almost spiritual mystery about foil and imprinting objects within it.
– Kambiz

The Butterflower: Very artistic. Zen-like simplicity and beauty
– Sean Waters

Remember gang. . . this welcome back price ends next week.

Order it Now.

This offer expires on Friday (2/17/12) at 11:59 PM PST

Win Free Magic Without Buying Stuff

In an effort to further encourage participation in the Magazine, we’re implementing a brand new contest/drawing. We’ll try it out for the month of February and see how it goes. The February winner gets a Karl Fulves three pack of books:

• Self-Working Mental Magic
• Self-Working Coin Magic: 92 Foolproof Tricks
• Self-Working Handkerchief Magic

The game is simple: post comments on the articles for this month (or any past month). For every substantive post that you make, you’re name will be entered into a drawing. At the end of the month (on 3/1/12), a drawing for the three pack of books will be held. The more comments you make (must be posted before 2/29/12 11:59 PM PST), the more chances you have to win.

The post must be meaningful and contribute to the discussion. Simple statements of agreement or disagreement will not suffice. That’s it. Good luck to all. By the way, I own my own personal copy of each of these Fulves books, and they’re excellent, particularly the Mental Magic one . . . there is a ton of stuff that you’ll use.

Good luck folks! Enjoy The February 2012 Issue of Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

The post Monthly Prizes, Return of Scarnecky and The Loss of a Friend appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Larry Hass Reviews Stone Frixion Fire

At this point, you’re probably aware (since I announced it in a separate email) that Larry Hass, Ph.D. gave a glowing review of my Frixion book. You can view that review by clicking on the video icon. In honor of his glowing review I’m offering a 33% discount on the e-book that expires this Wednesday (9/14/11). Check it out here: Stone Frixion Fire

The post Glowing Review by Dean of McBride School of Magic and Mystery appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Brad’s Question

Why do people keep secrets?

Jeff’s Response

Many reasons for keeping secrets are selfish ones. Others are not. We often keep secrets to protect ourselves or others. Sometimes that protection of self is really protection of ego . . . Look what I can do that you can’t do.

Other times, we are trying to protect the audience from losing their childlike ability to experience astonishment. I approach the latter reasoning . . . I haven’t quite arrived. My ego is still a player, but generally, I strive to protect my audience (see: You Don’t Wanna Know)

Brad’s Question

What does the secret mean to you?

Jeff’s Response

It means that mystery is still alive; audiences are protected and my ego is inflated. : The secret gives me power. I have the power to make you (the audience) say “wow” both literally and metaphorically. I have the power to make you question what you know. I have the power to make you life, smile, even cry.

The “secret” (pardon the pun) is to balance that power. As Uncle Ben would say, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” The power we have must be kept in check. We must keep the secret and therefore the power. Keeping the power means we don’t share it, thus we have a bit of a paradox: our art is about sharing (when done properly). It’s about sharing a moment of astonishment and wonder. Yet, paradoxically or maybe even ironically, this means that we must “not share” as well.

As we “not share” the power (aka the secret), we are sharing the power . . . the power to feel a wonderful feeling. Deep baby . . .

Brad’s Question

Why do people decide to share their secrets?

Jeff’s Response

Oddly enough, people share secrets for the same reasons they keep them . . . selfish and non-selfish reasons. Often the secret is shared in an attempt to protect the secret giver. It’s a common phenomenon to discover that many magicians where very shy and even social recluses when they were younger.

I’m no exception. When I knew the secret, it boosted my confidence (and often, thus my ego). However when I shared the secret, it also boosted my confidence. I did it so people would like me. I’ve known several people over the years who bullied me or picked on me frequently. However if I could change the subject to magic, an outside observer would assume that we were best friends talking about a subject (magic) that we both loved.

It was these people that I brought into the club and shared secrets with. It was in hopes that I would gain their friendship and thus be “cooler” in their eyes. I was trying to boost my confidence. This is very true with non-magic secrets too. Often a secret is shared with a loved one to strengthen the bond between the two.

These are all selfish, or at least self-serving reasons. However, we also share secrets to protect others. Here’s a really dark yet very real example: I have a couple of in-laws who are pedophiles. Some have done prison time, and others are still in prison. That’s a dark secret that must be shared with my children to protect them. Details aren’t important, but my children must understand how serious it is that they stay away from these people. A simple, “because I said so” isn’t enough. They need the secret information to protect them.

Brad’s Question

What’s the point of sharing secrets anonymously?

Jeff’s Response

This is a great question. I’ve often pondered a similar question relating to my “other job” as a programmer. Why do people write viruses that wipe out other people’s computers? The virus writer is never there to get the satisfaction of seeing that his work “paid off.” I don’t understand it.

Sure that’s a negative example, but the concept is true. However, in this world of virtual-ness and online living, there may be some relief in sharing a secret with someone who doesn’t know you. If the secret is a dark or a burden, it often “must” be shared to keep sane the secret holder. It can be very therapeutic to share a burden with another, even in anonymity.

Often anonymous relationships (internet) are centered in fantasy not reality. In that fantasy world it might be seductive to share a secret that’s less dark in a mere attempt to build up how “powerful” you are in the fantasy world of your anonymous cyber-friend.

I performed a trick for my local IBM magic club that floored all of the magicians in the room. The secret is one that would only work on a group of magicians, and is one that I will take to my grave. However, there is a slight burden with knowing that the magicians will never know how truly clever I was, because the secret is so clever. Yet on the other hand, I love the ego boost of knowing that they are totally baffled by the effect, and I don’t want to ruin it.

So I’m keeping the secret to protect them and to my ego. Yet I’m wanting to share the secret to boost my ego, thus an anonymous friend might be just what the doctor ordered to give me the best of both worlds.

Brad’s Question

What is the true power of the secret and why?

Jeff’s Response

Power is the power of the secret. Generally speaking, power is control. Thus the secret-keeper’s true power is control . . . control over those he performs for . . . control over those whom the secret is about . . . control over those influenced by the person a secret may be about.

Brad’s Question

What do you think of this idea? The success of a secret does not depend upon it being kept, it depends upon it being observed.

Jeff’s Response

I think that it’s a bit paradoxical. A secret by its very definition is something that others do not know. Thus if it is observed, it is no longer a secret. However, by that strict rule, any given secret can only be known by one person and one person only.
Yet we know, in reality, that secrets are often shared amongst more than one person. For example, just about every magician knows that the secret to a card changing from red to black is a double lift or “insert secret move here.”

So the question is . . . where do you draw the line? Is a secret still a secret if it’s shared with one friend? Two friends? Ten Friends? Where does it end? If there is an unlimited number of people with whom a secret can be shared and still remain a secret, then observing a secret does not change the status of a secret to a non-secret.

The question then is about what can be gained from observing a secret. Is the question about the method of sharing a secret (i.e. observing vs. telling) or is the question about a secret being successful if other people see it/know about it.
I would posit that the observation of a secret may very well increase its value as a secret. For example, let’s say I have a secret that I know there is a million dollars buried in a public park here in Murray, Utah. If I brought you (my close friend Brad) into my confidence and let you observe this secret by uncovering the money to show you the money, after seeing it, you would realize how important it is to keep this a secret. If you didn’t keep it a secret, you would realize that everyone would want a piece, and the treasure would quickly disappear.

However, even that theory falls apart . . . if I shared this secret with thousands of people, and each one, therefore, became acutely aware of how important the secret was, that wouldn’t change the fact that thousands of people know the secret, so it’s all a bit paradoxical.

Brad’s Question

What do you think about these so-called secret societies who run the planet with their secrets handshakes and such?

Jeff’s Response

I want in. : If they exist, it certainly supports my theory that secrets equal power and power equals control. The moment you run into a person in public who offers the secret handshake, there is an instant brotherhood or bond between you and that person. Yet the bond is not the content of the secrets they both share, but rather the existence of the secrets that they share.

The secrets could be as benign as the secret to growing large squash in the summertime or as grand as the fact (?) that 90% of the world’s leaders are actually an invading Alien race that wants to turn us into X-File-Style Hybrids. The secret is irrelevant. It’s the fact that it exists and my handshaking buddy and I share it.

Brad’s Question

Do you think that secrets in general are used more for good than not?

Jeff’s Response

I don’t know . . . it’s a secret. That’s a half-joke, and a half-truth. If secrets are power and control, and that control and power is being exercised over us in a good way or bad way, we wouldn’t know . . . because it’s a secret. If bad is defined as “secrets for selfish reasons” as we’ve discussed earlier, then I would vote “yes” that most secrets are used for bad.

Even well-meaning magicians . . . use secrets (i.e. magic secrets) for bad. They go around shoving in people’s faces how clever they are or how amazing they are or the fact that they know more than the audience.

Go on YouTube and watch magicians perform and you’ll quickly see that magicians are often arrogant and use magic for ill. Even a simple card trick can be presented this way. Forgive my mentioning names, but I remember watching Bruce Cervon perform a version of Card Warp. At the end where the inside out card is torn in half, he basically threw the torn pieces to the table and said something along the lines “try and figure that one out wise guy.” Then I saw Michael Ammar perform it and his final line after the tear was, “and I can’t even figure that out myself.”

Cervon used the secret for bad; Ammar used it for good.

Brad’s Question

What do you think of Pandora’s box?

Jeff’s Response

The Sankey Effect – I love it!

Mythological Greek Artifact – It’s another paradox, at least when looking at it from the secrets angle. This would be one secret that if observed, you would know how bad it is and how valuable it would be to keep the box a secret. However, the catch is that the moment you see it, observe it, etc, you’ve opened it, and of course, you can’t un-open Pandora’s Box. Once it’s opened, that’s it.

So the secret must be kept and hidden so that it will never be opened, yet opening it would beautifully demonstrate how important it is to NOT open it. Thus we have a fun little paradox.

Brad’s Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed your answers Jeff. You’ve really got my mind pondering this very interesting subject. In conclusion I have one more question for ya:

Do you think that the internet and access to information or “secrets” changes any of these neat paradoxical concepts at all?

Jeff’s Final Thoughts

I’ll leave Brad’s last question for you to answer. Feel free to share with the rest of the class. Stay tuned . . . next month, Jeff will reveal the biggest secret of all . . . Not Even Scarnecky knows this one!

No go study the classics and go discover your true magical self!

The post Secrets appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Introduction
By Jeff Stone

I’ve known Brad for about 15 years now . . . maybe longer. In all that time, I’ve learned one thing . . . Brad looks great in a French Beret. Ok . . . I guess I’ve learned a few things. One such thing being this: Brad is one of the cleverest guys I know. He’s always thinking. I’ve seen some of his magic journal entries. They’re nothing short of brilliant. We’ve worked together for a long time, and I just love jammin’ and “sessioning” with him. So whenever he offers to donate a trick for the Free Trick of The Month, I jump at the chance. So far, I’ve not been disappointed.

I just finished reading this effect of Scar’s and it’s very clever. I think you’ll enjoy it. Also note that Brad has opted not to include a full presentation for this effect since he is currently working on several. However this effect, as you’ll see, has plenty of room for a real presentation that will really connect with your spectator(s).

Everyone . . . give it up for Brad “Scarnecky” Gordon . . .

I really enjoy the Chicago Opener plot. Here is one of my takes

Props

• A double back Red/Blue gimmick card
• A Red deck of cards
• A blue 5 of Spades (or whatever card

Set Up

• The Red/Blue gimmick card is in an envelope.
• The Blue 5 of Spades has  a spectator’s name written on it
• The Blue 5 of Spades is on the bottom of the red deck.
• The Red 5 of Spades is on top of the red deck.

Effect and Presentation

A red deck of cards is removed from the box and placed upon the table. A blue card is removed from an envelope and placed on the table (this is actually the red/blue gimmick card).

This is a blue card which will simply represent the color blue.

The pack is spread across the table or mat (careful not to expose the blue card on the bottom)

Please pick the blue card from this pack.

Your spectator chooses any card. Now square the deck. The chosen card is revealed and shown to everyone, in this example we will say the Queen of Diamonds.

Now please place your card back in the pack

Take the deck and slip cut the top card (top half of the pack going to the table while the top card is slipped to the top of the bottom half, now in the left hand) and have your spectator place her chosen card (Queen of Diamonds) on top of the tabled portion of the pack. Now place the cards in your left hand on top of the tabled portion.

This action places the pre-signed (blue) 5 of spades on top of your spectators chosen Queen of Diamonds, and keeps the (red) 5 of spades on the top of the pack.

Leave the chosen card protruding from the deck somewhat and show the Queen of Diamonds being pushing into the deck very clearly and smoothly.

Remember when I asked you to pick the blue card? Let’s take a look at the blue card. I don’t even want to touch it.

As these words are being said take the top card of the pack and use it to lift the blue card off the table a bit: I don’t even want to touch it

Not execute a Mexican Turnover/ switch which will reveal the 5 of spades on the table. Place the red card (which is actually the red/blue gimmick, now in your right hand) back on top of the deck.

The Five of Spades? Not quite the same as your card, the Queen of Diamonds right? Well I did ask you at the beginning to please pick the blue card.

Spread the deck to show there is a blue card in the middle of the pack. Cut the blue card to the top. “Please turn that Five of Spades over.” As soon as she turns the tabled five over revealing the red back, execute a double lift to show the blue card is her Queen of Diamonds.

You did pick the blue card after all

Double lift the Queen again and slowly place the blue back card in the middle of the red deck. Take the red backed (tabled) five of spades and motion to your spectator (act like you are going to give her the card but don’t).

Please take this and keep it as a souvenir to remember this experience.

Take the five back and remove a sharpie pen from your pocket or bag. What is your name again. Write her name across the bottom of the five of spades and now give her the card. Keep that with you at all times. But before you go, please take that card and wave it over the pack. Perfect, thank you.

The deck is spread again to show one blue card in the middle of the deck. Slowly remove the blue card and turn it over, thus revealing a Five of Spades with her name written precisely as written on her card. Give both cards to her and be on your magical way.

After Thoughts

You are left dirty with the red/blue gimmick in the center of the pack. In my opinion the clearly spread face down red deck will diminish suspicion but if you’d like: turn the deck over and spread it face up. You already know where the gimmick card is as you placed it in the middle yourself. Simply short spread the pack as you get closer to the middle and continue the spread. This gives you a nice face up spread without revealing the blue sided gimmick.

Experiment with different words to write on the card. It could be his/her favorite color or flower. Or simply sign it and date it as you would a normal souvenir for your spectator.

Enjoy

Scarnecky

The post Scarnecky Opener appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Hey all you Scarnecky fans out there, very soon (the next day or so), there will be a special offer and Brad’s new E-Book, Room 538, will be involved. If you’re not a Scarnecky fan, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU THINKING! Brad’s stuff is so smooth and so clever. Stay tuned for the upcoming special.

A Few Minor Upgrades

As we constantly strive to improve things ’round these parts, you’ll see a few changes pop up here and there. One of the latest and funnest additions is video. You’ll find on some of the reviews in this Month’s Gems and Rubble you’ll be able to view a video clip of the Trailer. Additionally, the Free Trick of The Month this month has a video link. Just another way to say thank you to the fans out there.

Enjoy the changes!

The post New Videos appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.

Yep. You read correctly. You want a free copy of my latest DVD, Stone Frixion Fire? It’s yours. Of course there’s a catch, but it’s easy. All you have to do is post a review of the DVD.

1. Order the DVD from Stone Cold Magic.
2. Post a review on the Review Page.
3. I’ll reimburse you the entire cost of the DVD.

In fact, I’ll extend that offer to anyone of the following products:

• Stone Cold Magic DVD
• Stone Cold Magic E-Book
• Gemstones DVD
• Stone Frixion Fire E-Book
• Stone Frixion Fire DVD
• Underground Jam Download 4 Pack (You must review all four effects)

That’s it. The “fine print” is simple:

1. The product(s) must be ordered from Stone Cold Magic.
2. The product(s) must be purchased on or after May 31, 2010
3. You must post the Review by 11:59 PM MST on June 30, 2010
4. Does not apply to Brad Gordon’s New E-Book, Room 538.
5. That’s it!

If you buy all of the products above and you review them all by June 30, 2010, then you will be reimbursed for every single product. I will extend this offer to as many people who choose to participate. There are no restrictions to the number of participants. There’s no reason not to do this folks. Especially when you combine it with the following offer.

$10 Off any purchase over $29!

Use the coupon code below before June 5th (this Saturday) and receive $10.00 off on any order over $29. Now is a great time to get a couple of DVDs or a couple of e-books, especially considering that if you review them you’ll get your money back anyway. Coupon code for $10 off:  JuneTen$OFF

Brand New From Brad “Scarnecky” Gordon!

Brad’s latest e-book, ROOM 538, is a must have for any serious student of the mind and/or human behavior as it relates to magic and mentalism. As you read the presentations found in this book, the thought of serenity and peace will constantly enter your mind. These presentations are magical in and of themselves. This is a perfect insight into the mind of Brad Gordon. You’ll find some old classics from his past works, Troika, Envisage, and Clever 8 along with some amazing new effects and presentational ideas. You don’t want to miss this e-book gang. 94 pages of pure genius! ROOM 538 – ORDER IT NOW! Don’t forget to use the coupon above.

Will Jeff Ever Actually Release the Tarot Book?

Yes! I promise. Recently my basement got flooded by the City Sewer System. Luckily it was the city’s fault, so they’re paying for everything. However, it’s turned our life upside down. My kids are all living in the upstairs family room while the basement is out of commission, so needless to say, the Tarot book took a small hiatus. But we’re not far . . . hang in there.

Stone Cold Genii?

Nothing’s set in stone yet, but David Acer has asked for permission to publish an effect from Stone Frixion Fire in an upcoming issue of Genii Magazine. The who, what, when, where, why and how has yet to be determined. I’ll keep you posted.

Stone Frixion Fire Secret Site

Remember that if you order Stone Frixion Fire you get access to a secret website with extra bonus content. Recently I’ve added some new material to the site . . . contributions by:

• Mike Skutt
• Brad Gordon
• Dan Paulus

If you own the DVD and haven’t gone to the site yet, what are you waiting for? It’s free! If you don’t own the DVD, get it! It gives you access to the site. That’s a lot of news folks . . . Enjoy the rest of this issue . . . see y’all in a month.

The post Free Magic DVDs and E-Books appeared first on Stone Cold Magic Magazine.