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caigy Inner circle England 1199 Posts |
Does anyone have any opinions about 'Clearly Predictable' by Harrison Carroll?
You display a prediction that is left in full view during the entire routine, you could even mail it in if you wanted! You then display nine individual chips numbered one through nine. Three chips are given to each of three spectators. The spectator mixes them freely, and then hands you any number to be hung openly on a plexi-glass square. This is repeated with each number and each spectator. All of the choices and mixing is completely free and as open as could be. The numbers on the square are now openly added to form a four digit total. For the first time a spectator opens the prediction and both numbers are a perfect match! Based on a classic of mentalism and produced with permission, Clearly Predictable is the result of years of real world performing. Here are just a few important points to remember: The predication can be different every show. Most add-a-number routines rely on the spectator or assistant to communicate confirmation to the audience. But in Clearly Predictable all steps can be seen and easily followed by all. The handling is completely open and fair. The move is easy, undetectable, and far superior to the original. Great effect for corporate work. Although it's a mental effect, it can easily fit into any stand-up routine. This has been made to be as lightweight as possible and breaks down for easy transport. Considering that shipping charges are ever increasing, this is an important feature for any working pro! http://www.elmwoodmagic.com Paul Mc.
Exclusive Worldwide Producer and Supplier of the Grismer Lock.
Top Class, Individually Crafted Performance Pieces, For The Discerning Psychological Entertainer www.psychicmentality.com |
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D J Hawkins Veteran user Reading, UK 351 Posts |
I agree this is a very nice looking prop. However the same effect can be achieved using just a pen and pad. It was published by David Berglas in one of the very first issues of Pabular magazine (it may also be in the Berglas book).
Unfortunately as soon as I saw the apparatus I knew the method - and think that spectators may be able to detect it too. By using a pad - (or even better a white board) all evidence of the method is erased as you proceed, making for a much stronger effect IMO. |
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JSBLOOM Inner circle 2024 Posts |
IMHO,
Unless each spectator gets to pick their own numbers to begin with, why not do the standard 1665 prediction using ace through 9 in playing cards or they pick one packet of the 3 cards and you show if they picked the other 3, they would not have arrived at the same total. |
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zgecko Elite user 442 Posts |
The Berglas version is indeed in his book--entitled, "Add Infinitum."
Tom |
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evolve629 Inner circle A stack of 3838 Posts |
For a corporate gig, then bringing dry erase marker, easel, custom made numerical chips, custom made dry erase board, custom made plexi-glass number board, custom made chip holder and plastic accessory box might justify the haul, IMHO.
One hundred percent of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky
My favorite part is putting the gaffs in the spectators hands...it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside! - Bob Kohler |
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CSMTREE Veteran user El Paso, Texas 318 Posts |
This is the same effect Predict Perfect. Also, Richard Osterlind has a version with a woman's ring and a combination lock (very classy). Using regular cards as mentioned earlier with either of these routines is a much superior and realistic method. Just my opinion.
Bill
"Freedom is the best Magic of all"
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PaulGreen Inner circle 1133 Posts |
I received my CLEARLY PREDICTABLE directly from Harrison Carroll. I have to tell you that I am puzzled by the comments posted above. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I think in this case, you might want to look at Harrison Carroll's offering from a different point-of-view.
This particular incarnation of this trick is available exclusively (http://www.elmwoodmagic.com/full/Magic-Tricks-Magic-Books-Magic-DVDs-15745-Clearly-Predictable-Harrison-Carroll__6477.htm) from Elmwood Magic. That is its first plus—Paul Richards is one of the best dealers around. He is a very good performer and the material he offers through his website carry that stamp of approval from a performing pro. Harrison Carroll is one of the most experienced trade show performers around. He is known by those that attend the 4F convention. Aside from those credentials, he is a virtual unknown within our community. That is too bad as he has much to offer. CLEARLY PREDICTABLE has been designed by a working pro! The props ooze class and professionalism. Harrison designed the prop to be lightweight and easily packed. It is up to date and certainly makes the working of the routine easy. Harrison has added much to this routine by using clear pastic for the prop as it allows a more complete view of the particular equipment. Not only that, but the routine itself lends itself to any stand-up show as well as to trade show and motivational presentations. Yes, the secret of the trick may be known, but as a working performer, it is my opinion that you must look beyond the secret. Look at the total package. If someone was to use this prop, it would indicate that the performer is a professional. This is very important. It is the image of the performer that the audience is buying into along with the Magic that is being done. Consider this: The cups and balls is certainly well-known. The routine can be done with plastic cups that cost only a few dollars. Most (not all) performers use more expensive cups ranging in cost from $100 to well over $1,000! The routine may be the same, but you better believe that the expensive props are going to be remembered along with the performer. As a working pro, I have spent large sums just to make the prop look the part. Bottom line here is that the props offered by Harrison Carroll are top-notch. Are the props worth the $125 price tag? For a working pro, the answer is unquestionably, “Yes!” If you want the image, you choose to spend the money. This may be an example where the purchaser is not just interested in the secret. It is a clever and well thought out routine that is certainly of value. In a performance venue, the props lend themselves to a most professional appearance—Not bad for $125! Enjoy the search. Respectfully submitted, Paul Green PS Fulkl disclosure: Harrison Carroll and Paul Richards are my friends. I receive no financial benefits from this posting. |
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Moxahalla Special user Los Angeles 751 Posts |
Isn't this just a classy-looking "Predicta-Total" (BobMason/Abbott's) prop which I bought in the 1970's?
Same method? |
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Paul Richards Regular user 141 Posts |
Thanks Paul for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Perhaps I can add some clarifictaion....
As you can see from the ad, Harrison's effect has already been endorsed by a number of well known working pros. He has added several elements that I believe make this routine stronger than previous offerings. Here's a short break down to the major differences: - The stand which ultimately displays the board becomes surface on which you openly do the math. This tremoundous idea not only helps streamline the addition process, it also adds clarity to the addition. Now EVERYONE is very involved in the process! They see the numbers work out, not just mentally, but physically on the white board. - Harrison's addition of the clear number board adds IMMEASURABLY to the effect. In all previous versions, the audience has no real sense of where the numbers are being placed on the board as the action is hidden from view. Since Harrison's board is clear there is no question where the number disks are going. They can even choose the slot and see that it is placed exactly where they requested....or they can change their mind and see the number disk moved to the new location. - In regards to "Predicta-Total", the essential mechanics are similar but the combined elements blend to make Harrison's approach more effective. Again, since previous versions use solid number boards - the turning of the board towards the audience becomes a much more anticipated moment and thus has more heat on it. Since Harrison's board is clear, the display is simply a moment in which the audience is confirming what they are ALREADY CERTAIN to be true. For those of you familiar with the method, you'll find that this subtle difference significantly drops the heat on the actions. If we can be of any other assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. Best, Paul Richards |
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caigy Inner circle England 1199 Posts |
Thank you for your input fella's.
I had no idea of the original concept until I watched the Predicta-Total clip, which is where I spotted the 'move'. Having said that, I still don't know how the various outcomes are arrived at. I agree that because the props are transparent and of such as superb quality, it does take this effect to another level. Worth the investment??... Probably so !. Paul Mc.
Exclusive Worldwide Producer and Supplier of the Grismer Lock.
Top Class, Individually Crafted Performance Pieces, For The Discerning Psychological Entertainer www.psychicmentality.com |
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Gianni Special user WILMINGTON, DE 993 Posts |
No one has gotten to the core issue here for me. In Predicta-Total the board used is square. I don't want to go into details here, but my question deals with the picture of the prop on the Elmwood site. In that picture, the board does not look square and it has what appear to be plastic "ledges" running along the top and the bottom.
If anyone understands where I am heading with this perhaps I can get an explanation, even if in a PM. If this effect can be done with a rectangular board with ledges that would be a huge improvement. Gianni |
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zgecko Elite user 442 Posts |
Gianni,
Thank you for raising your issue. I was wondering the same thing myself. (I purchased "Predicta-Total" directly from Bob Mason over 30 years ago!) Tom |
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Paul Richards Regular user 141 Posts |
The board used in Clearly Predictable has two distinct parts.
The clear (square) board that the disks are placed on and the white (rectangular) dry erase board - which becomes the resting place for the clear board. The white board holds the clear number board and allows you to do the addition RIGHT on the white board. In previous versions there was no such holder. This meant the audience was forced to do all the math mentally or trust the word of spectator who was doing it on some slip of paper or calculator. This really makes the entire process seem very open and much easier to follow. Best, Paul Richards |
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Carrie Sue Veteran user Auburn, MI 332 Posts |
Gene Anderson performed this effect at our Ring meeting last night, and I thought it was terrific. It didn't have the dead spots that many mentalism routines suffer from, and I can see how it would work for large audiences as well as our small one.
Gene also demonstrated his skills at "cardboard carpentry" by showing us the packing materials he created for transporting this effect. "I don't have time to break the whole thing down between shows," he said. Carrie |
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Gianni Special user WILMINGTON, DE 993 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-10-29 11:21, Paul Richards wrote: Paul: Thank you for your answer. You have answered my question completely, and the answer is very interesting. Gianni |
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zgecko Elite user 442 Posts |
Paul,
You have my sincere thanks as well! Tom |
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caigy Inner circle England 1199 Posts |
Carrie and the two Pauls,
thanks for the info. It does seem like an old principle with a modern day slant still has the ability to baffle and entertain. I think I will have to bite the bullet and go for this one. All the best, Paul Mc.
Exclusive Worldwide Producer and Supplier of the Grismer Lock.
Top Class, Individually Crafted Performance Pieces, For The Discerning Psychological Entertainer www.psychicmentality.com |
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Paul Richards Regular user 141 Posts |
For those interested in getting more insight on this item, check out the January issue of Genii for an excellent review from Danny Orleans.
Best, Paul Richards |
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TrickyRicky Inner circle TrickyRicky 1653 Posts |
Anyone who bought the original Bob Mason's (Predicta-Total) some years ago will remember that it came with a small box to hold the 9 chips. You apparently shake the box to mix the chips before handing them out. The box is sized so that the chips remains in the same order. The mixing looks very convincing.
For whatever reason. Abbotts left the box out of the remake version. TrickyRicky |
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Hayre Regular user Arkansas 194 Posts |
I use Predict A Total every show... but don't have this item (yet). But, the ad makes it all pretty 'clear'.
I like the idea of the clear board - it is logical to turn it around to see the values, so there is justification and cover for the move. With my PAT, the move has to be done without as much justification because you still have to turn over each disc individually anyway, after the move. The other difference I see is the matrix layout approach..... in the PAT methodology, a given spectator puts their discs in different spots in Row 1, row 2, and row 3. Thus, no spectator numbers controls a given number or row (or colun for that matter). In this new incarnation, it appears that S1 has 3 discs for Row 1, S2 has 3 for for Row 2, and S3 has 3 for Row 3. Granted, each spectator can mix theirs, but doesn't they each control a row or number ? A logical mind can see a row becoming a column. Under the old PAT layout, the row to column method possibility doesn't explain things away in a spectator's mind. If I bought this (and I will), I will continue to use the PAT matrix subtleties, as they seem stronger to me. But the clear board makes the move much more justified....also, it may serve to cut out some dead time since you would not have to turn over each disc. |
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