Currently I'm trying to learn doing some simple card tricks and try to read a lot to find out some more techniques. When I do a trick and it doesn't totally goes as planned (which sadly does happen...) I don't blow the secret, the card just doesn't show up and I get to blame somebody else for ruining my trick :-P I do get to practise some people skills and how to perform. This works for me, when I get more comfortable in front of people I'll go doing more mentalist like tricks, what I really want to do, but don't think I should yet

What do you think Harry,
can people learn to be funny?

Don't know, JaSn. In my opinion, usually not. At least, I've personally seen an example of it.

Harry,

As the resident card guru (and a living legend, I might add) what are the first of the basics every aspiring cardician should learn?

You can do miracles with a good card control (include "force"), a good double lift or turnover and a good palm.

Thank you kind sir. I am a stage performer (37 years in one capacity or another), but I am trying to learn more close-up in order to make myself more marketable to do table-hopping, trade shows, etc. Your advice is much appreciated.