Here is something that will stretch your imagination

Another fun trick but from a while ago. I hope you enjoy what magic I can do with just two rubber bands and a webcam. From your pal magician tommEE pickles

How to learn magic, Amazing Magic Tricks Apprentice Level

Oh the wonders you will find in the public library. Today I found Amazing Magic Tricks Apprentice Level by Norm Barnhart. It is part of a set of four books by the same author. I would have started with the  Amazing Magic Tricks Beginner Level, but that was not available.

This book and the other appear to be very short. The Apprentice Level book only has 32 pages with 10 tricks. The book is loaded with photgraphs and explanations about the tricks. 

In the first couple of pages, Norm relays the main rules of magic, such as secrets and practicing. He does add another note about Magician's Assistants. He does go through the common rules with some explanation. He also talks about creating a case for your magic props and also making a magic wand. 

I actually liked a bunch of the tricks here. There are tricks very appropriate for the younger kids but also can apply to adults just as well. At least two of the tricks employ the use of an assistant which helps kids as they start magic. There is also tricks with making up folders or bags to accomplish many things. Two tricks I liked were a a popped balloon is blown back up and another where a puzzle is magically solved.

There is a small glossary in the back and some site you can go to find out more. I was a little skeptical about the online content but I actually thought it was very age appropriate. It showed more magic tricks and referenced more magic books. This is a great book that I found in my local library and I have included a link in case you cannot find it in yours.

How To Learn to be a magician. Magic Step By Step by Tom Russell

Here is another wonderful book to find in the library. I found it in the children's library in a whole section of books on magic. This book also is great for adults. It is called Magic Step by Step and it's authored by Tom Russell. It is 80 pages but don't let the small size fool you. It gets into the magic right at page 9 and goes through trick by trick from there.

Starting with Disappearing Acts, it shows making a thimble disappearing in a method that is used by accomplished magicians. It also shows great table vanishes like a salt shaker as well as sugar cube and coin magic.

In the Cards and Coins section. It first shows a trick my using the one way design principal with a deck of cards. With the trick Spelling Bee, it shows how to setup a deck of cards to spell to certain cards of a suit. There are also mathematical tricks along with a couple of stunts.

The next section is titled Ropes and Rings. I have a soft spot for Rope and Ring magic and I am happy aspiring magicians can learn some moves that I perform in my act. One effect is the one handed knot. Doing this move can be used as a stunt, a bet or just a flourish. The book describes how to cut and restore a rope, a genuine classic. There are a couple ring tricks using a large ring (2-5 inches) such as Ring Flip and Locking Ring. The section concludes with a rubber band and finger ring penetration.

There also is a section on Mental Magic. In this section it is all about reading minds or predictions. It is hard to describe the tricks without giving anything away but they are quality pieces and will depend on the performer how they would be delivered. I personally do not do much mentalism because I am a comedy performer and it doesn't fit my character but there are good tricks here.

Last there is Outrageous Others. This part continues with moves like the french drop, two paper clips joining from a dollar bill, broken toothpick, the egg drop soup stunt and others. There is one piece called Find the Rattle which is a very good trick that was also seen on Penn and Teller Fool Us tv show.

I found this book in the New Orleans Children's Resource Center in the Non Fiction 793.8
If you cannot find this book in your library, I have included the link below for purchase

The Best Portable Amplifier I Have Used

I have used a lot of amplifiers. Large ones, small ones, wall-powered and battery. I am going to share a secret device in my inventory. It is a portable amplifier that is powered by a lithium battery and is loud enough for hundreds of spectators. It is the Hisonic HS120B Lithium Battery Rechargeable & Portable PA (Public Address) System with Built-in VHF Wireless Microphone, Car Cigarette Lighter Cable, Carrying Bag ,1 Hand Held +1 Body Pack.

I have used this on Bourbon Street in New Orleans without any issues. The bars around can hear my voice inside clear without any distortion. This amplifier does get people asking about it all the time. My friend, a juggler also bought and uses one himself. One of our favorites is the included car charger. What a time saver. I have seen similar products for $300-$350. This is, at the time of writing, only $99. Do yourself a favor and look at the Hisonic Portable PA and welcome a great weapon to your competition.