Kreskin releases predictions for 2009
December 28, 2008
The Amazing Kreskin has released his predictions for the upcoming year, which begins this Thursday. Among them, as reported in the Ithaca Times:
- If Obama doesn’t win a second term, it is not going to be because of who is running against him. There will be a growing effort to have Hillary Clinton run for president again in 2012.
- The economy is going to stink like the Detroit Lions. Specifically: If the (government) increases bailouts to more and more areas of the economy, then the recession will last longer, up to 4 1/2 years.
- Hollywood will slowly disappear. The entertainment capital is more of a legend than a reality. Hollywood will move to India and the state of Connecticut. Connecticut will have one of the greatest financial boosts in decades; give it 2 to 2 1/2 years (to happen).
- UFO sightings and talking to the dead will increase. This bothers Kreskin, who doesn’t believe in spirit communications, but does believe in UFOs. There will be more and more sightings of UFOs and more and more cases of people who believe they talked to the dead, he said.
- Clowns will gain new status. The clown will have new degrees of prestige and importance. They are important in therapy. They communicate in a nonverbal way. They will have an important role in ways to come.
Kreskin nailed this year’s Super Bowl and presidential election winners, according to his Web site.
Rich Ferguson named one of ‘Top 20 Under 40′
December 11, 2008
Congratulations to Tagged creator Rich Ferguson, who this week was named one of the “Top 20 Under 40″ by the San Luis Obispo Tribune for 2009. Ferguson was chosen from a pool of 80 nominations — the 20 winners were selected “for their strong commitment to their profession and community service.”
Congratulations, Rich!
‘Tagged’ pre-release reviews posted
December 2, 2008
While you’re waiting for the release of Tagged, check out this video of creator Rich Ferguson in action:
Something Rich said in his podcast interview with us is demonstrated by the above video: “I felt like teaching someone how to write on someone for no reason is stupid.” Tagged is PACKED with more than two hours of instruction on how to get the most out of this mentalist effect. As you can tell from the amount of writing he’s done in the Q&A thread, he is very passionate about this effect and crammed this DVD with several of his creations.
Some Ellusionist Forums moderators received advanced copies: You can read their reviews here and here. Also, if you’re looking for more to do, Rich’s Web site has some interactive tricks you can try.
Remember, if you’re one of the first 50 to order Tagged on DVD, you’ll receive a copy of Daniel Garcia’s Warning and a card from a Black Tiger deck signed by Ferguson. It goes on sale at 4 p.m. today (Dec. 3).
On a different note, those of you may not know Rich Ferguson’s story (mentioned in the podcast). Rich is a member of the board of directors for the D.R.E.A.M For Kids Foundation and is a spokesperson and “Big” for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In the below documentary, he tells the story of his upbringing in detail, and why those charities are so important to him:
‘Mentalist’ a hit, but creator wonders for how long
November 30, 2008
In anticipation of Tagged by Rich Ferguson, it’s good to see mentalism succeeding in primetime.
Bruno Heller knows his show, “The Mentalist,” is a hit. The show has beaten down tough competition from ABC and Fox — we’re talking “Dancing With the Stars” and J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi drama “Fringe” — and even expanded its audience. However, Heller sees rough waters ahead, according to this interesting report from the New York Times:
But positioned as it is among the 10 top-rated shows, there is a danger that “The Mentalist” may have nowhere to go but down, particularly as the January premiere of the eighth season of “American Idol” looms. As a powerhouse lead-in to “Fringe,” “Idol” threatens to give the night back to Fox. All of that might be why Mr. Heller doesn’t enjoy fussing over the ratings. “I get vertigo if I look at the numbers,” he said. “I know what other shows are around, but I don’t really watch TV because it makes me too nervous. Yes, we’ve got the No. 1 new show now, but you’re not really successful until you’ve done it for a lot longer than we’ve been doing it.”
“The Mentalist” is the story of Patrick Jayne (played by Simon Baker), a former TV psychic who admitted to being a fraud — turns out he’s just more observant than most. Now, he helps cops, led by investigator Teresa Lisbon (played by Robin Tunney), crack cases and bust criminals. The show is a new take on the model established by “NCIS,” according to the report. But what makes the show really work, Tunney says, are the eccentricities of its creator packaged in a familiar pill that’s easy for people to swallow. His views that TV psychics, such as John Edward, are shams are interesting:
“The show is not directed at him particularly,” Mr. Heller said. “You name the TV psychic — they’re con men. I can say that with complete confidence because John Edward is not going to sue anyone for libel on that score. The reason I know that is because the techniques he uses are those carnival psychics and soothsayers have been using for hundreds of years.”
Blogger presents guidelines about how to present mentalism, magic
November 29, 2008
Pardon the bad joke, but mentalism has been on my mind lately — especially after watching the BBC special above.
Specifically, I’ve been fascinated by the different ways mentalists present their art. Some, such as Mike Super and Nate Staniforth, are ultracasual about it, and quick to claim that they don’t have real powers. Mentalists such as Uri Geller, Jim Callahan and The Amazing Kreskin are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Rich Ferguson, the creator of Tagged, gave his two cents during this podcast interview.
So where do YOU draw the line? Whether you know the answer to that question or not, you’ll find some interesting reading in this post on the Ye Olde Magick Blogge. B.D. Erland, the man behind the blog, offered a couple of interesting axioms: Every magical effect has an implied claim to power, and it is inherent in the performance of a strong magic effect for spectators to seek a power-based explanation, whether or not you claim it.
But even mentalists have to be careful about the powers they claim, despite playing in the realm of the more plausible magic. After all, it’s going to be difficult to support the claim that you’re a mind-reader if you have to ask for a spectator’s name before each routine. Again, though, these things can be played with. Performers have been known to secretly get that sort of information before the effect starts, and even trying to downplay the revelation of the name as not really being an effect. Also, you can state that perhaps some things are easier to read than others — for instance, emotions and imagery — and in fact this can open fun doors presentationally, by using emotions and imagery as the motifs necessary to bring about an effect to a successful conclusion.
The post is long, but worth the read.
Rich Ferguson: The Ellusionist Interview
November 26, 2008
Rich Ferguson is not your typical magician. He couldn’t tell you the name of his favorite double lift — or many other tricks, for that matter. But then again, he was practicing magic before he knew he was practicing magic. The unique mind behind Tagged spoke with us about his rough upbringing and how it helped his powers of observation increase to Sherlock Holmes levels.
He also discussed how the main part of Tagged — getting a word written on someone’s skin — is really a small part of the upcoming DVD. He talked about how he presents mentalism, where he mixes it with magic and what poker players find fascinating about his shows. He even gives a little dish on his next effect to be sold through Ellusionist: Serial Biller.
Click the “play” button below for the interview:
Here’s some details about the release of Tagged, which occurs at 4 p.m. EST Wednesday, Dec. 3. The price will be $29.95, and the first 50 buyers will receive a rare copy of Daniel Garcia’s Warning. The below video is referenced in the podcast, and it is a good demonstration of Tagged:
Double Tagged release: Two great effects, two incredible magicians, one day of release!
November 25, 2008
Target the third day of the twelfth month to take in two terrific, tremendous tricks.
Part sleight of hand, part mentalism, Rich Ferguson’s “Tagged” is a brilliant system of marking a spectator. Think Stained Skin or Tattoo Joe — only on THEIR arm. Check it out:
Ferguson has spent years developing, field-testing and perfecting this system. It is so brilliant that Ferguson was able to tag Ellusionist founder Brad Christian within seconds. Once you learn, you’ll be able to tag anyone with anything easily.
Also released on Dec. 3: A brilliant effect from Richard Sanders, the creator of Extreme Burn (used by David Blaine in his recent special, “Dive of Death”). Just watch:
Tagged by Richard Sanders is an incredible card reveal. A chosen card is lost into the deck, then miraculously ends up linked on a chain around your neck. The best part: You can hand this impossible necklace out as a souvenir. When your spectators inspect it, they will find the chain threaded through the card. No slits. It’s like an ambitious card on steroids.
As always, keep watching this blog. We’ll have more about the effects, the guys behind them and the deal with two effects of the same name. You can ask questions of Ferguson in this thread on the Ellusionist Forums.
Do not miss the Double Tagged release.
Amazing Kreskin to unveil presidential prediction
November 5, 2008
Photo courtesy AmazingKreskin.com
It didn’t take long for CNN and other networks to call the U.S. presidential election. Shortly after Ohio and Virginia were colored blue, about 10 p.m. CST, the 24 TV news networks displayed large, “Obama wins” graphics that sent throngs in Chicago’s Grant Park into a frenzy.
Not bad, to have the election called three hours after polls closed in most of the Heartland. But don’t get too cocky, media types. The Amazing Kreskin called it 11 months ago. We’ll find out today whether he was right:
“I am staking my reputation on this prediction, and I’m completely confident that I’ve picked the winner. There is no doubt in my mind.”
The above quote is from a press release making the rounds. Kreskin made his prediction last December — back when there were more than a dozen candidates — and sealed it in a lockbox under the purview of Rabbi David Rosenn (pictured above, left). The box has been on public display at a trendy New York City bar; an NYC radio talk show host has held on to a backup. The lockbox will be opened at 1 p.m. EST today in the bar, and we’ll find out if he called it. The prediction will also have other important predictions relevant to the state of the world, according to the release.
As part of the prediction, Kreskin challenged anyone with enough cash to bet him that he was right. Strangely enough, no one accepted. But we didn’t need Ohio or Virginia to call THAT.
UPDATE: He did it.
Magic loses two respected names: Nick Trost, Ted Lesley
October 26, 2008
It’s sad that there are not more news reports about the recent passing of two great magicians, Nick Trost and Ted Lasley. The news of their deaths has circulated through magic-news sites, magic blogs and the Ellusionist and Genii forums.
Trost is regarded as a genius with cards. His effects, particularly his packet tricks, drew favor for their creativity and ease of handling. His books, including “The Card Magic of Nick Trost,” are considered some of the finest works in the trade, and rise to the level of Erdnase, Hugard and Braue in several magicians’ estimation. He is also credited for many of the innovations behind modern card magic. He succumbed to a brain tumor on Oct. 23.
Lesley is well-eulogized by Tim Quinlan of the Inside Magic blog, who calls Lesley “an innovator in so many aspects of our magicial arts.” Quinlan said Lesley was responsible for many of the basic effects in mentalism, but his method of marking cards is enough to entitle him to magicians’ eternal gratitude. He passed away Saturday in an extended-care home in Berlin.
The entire Ellusionist staff expresses its condolences to the families and loved ones of these two incredible magicians. The world won’t be as magical without them.
Bennett turns an eye to paranormal in two new TV shows
October 22, 2008
Magicians have long had a fascination with the truly paranormal. Houdini spent a considerable part of his career studying psychic claims. Criss Angel offered a bristling challenge and a confrontational gauntlet on NBC’s Phenomenon to anyone who claimed to really read minds. James Randi has his famous challenge. Penn & Teller have their popular show calling out liars.
Add Canadian Jeremy Bennett to the list of magicians searching for real magic. In addition to releasing his new Web site, Bennett is currently working on two TV shows aimed at studying the paranormal:
Supernatural Investigator: Bennett is filming all over the world for this show, airing on Vision TV. In the show, he performs magic and mentalism, then shows the difference between his magic and what other people claim is real magic. “I attend and take part in their rituals and often find myself in some pretty controversial activities,” Bennett told Ellusionist’s Jonathan Bagwell. “For example, in Chicago last month we filmed a full blown possession ritual. I had to take part in this ritual. The guy that was ’supposedly’ possessed was foaming at the mouth, screaming in different languages and rolling around in the ground.”
Occam’s Razor: Named for the rule of thumb that suggests the simplest explanation is usually correct, Bennett travels around the world — again — and investigates supernatural phenomena in depth. Subjects include UFOs, crop circles, telekinesis, ghosts, possessions and other subjects. Each show will include interviews with the people who claim it can be done/really exists, and with field experts who weigh in with real-world, non-magical possibilities. “The message behind the show is this: If I can replicate it using magic, which is just illusion, then don’t always believe what you see,” Bennett said.
Below is the trailer for his new Web site:
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