On 2012-05-20 22:20, Mick Ayres wrote:
The Gift is Richard Osterlind's adaptation of an effect that I believe was first published in 1941 by Paul Curry under the title Padding. The premise was mentioned again in Ted Annemann's '202 Methods of Forcing'. Mike Skinner published the basic principle in his book 'Classic Sampler' under the title Birthday Mentalism.

On 2012-05-20 23:14, bremen79 wrote:
I just want to add that Martin Gardner describes in his book "Mathematics Magic and Mystery" a handling of this trick by Al Baker, in a 1923 manuscript, and he says that this is the earliest date he found a published explanation of the principle. More references are in the Gardner's book.

On 2012-05-16 19:58, chmara wrote:
OK, after two weeks with the scrolls -- I have a problem. The writing is clear, the effects are great and adaptable to various styles and generally easy to craft and set up.

My problem is this -- there is way too much usable stuff here -- and as a person with ADD, even though I would like to use it all -- this with the Safwan Papers would be almost a full show.

Bryn not only gives means and methods here -- but went to the trouble of adding additional routine ideas and various endings....which addles my choice mechanisms even further.

The heads/tails variation he adds is a principle not used enough to create true miracles in other routines -- but this particular small miracle can create a mindset in the audience to allow them to wonder if you are truly psychic.

And, reading about then creating one of Bryn's envelopes can tell you how easily you can work the miracles with common tools if your expensive props are ever lost by an airline. (Not that has ever happened.) Allowing the subject to handle the envelope after the business -- is a small audience kicker that drips authenticity onto the effect. While the method is not new -- the ideas of how (particularly in a pinch) to create this opens some large doors for very little cost of admission.

One of the best things I find with Bryn's work is its intimacy - which can also play to moderate sized audiences. I do think,however, audiences of 1,000 - 2.000 or a stadium might not enjoy the subtle proofs of ESP and psychic ability Logar presents. So forget the large venues with these -- but go for the better paying, more intimate 1 per centers who will pay more for your show because it IS personal...and a part of you, using very common props, if you can call office supplies and a quarter of a dollar, 'props."

Now, to narrow my choices -- Bryn will have to write less if he wants to solve my problem. But for normal, or better, performers this has choices and material that works.

On 2012-05-16 19:58, chmara wrote:
OK, after two weeks with the scrolls -- I have a problem. The writing is clear, the effects are great and adaptable to various styles and generally easy to craft and set up.

My problem is this -- there is way too much usable stuff here -- and as a person with ADD, even though I would like to use it all -- this with the Safwan Papers would be almost a full show.

Bryn not only gives means and methods here -- but went to the trouble of adding additional routine ideas and various endings....which addles my choice mechanisms even further.

The heads/tails variation he adds is a principle not used enough to create true miracles in other routines -- but this particular small miracle can create a mindset in the audience to allow them to wonder if you are truly psychic.

And, reading about then creating one of Bryn's envelopes can tell you how easily you can work the miracles with common tools if your expensive props are ever lost by an airline. (Not that has ever happened.) Allowing the subject to handle the envelope after the business -- is a small audience kicker that drips authenticity onto the effect. While the method is not new -- the ideas of how (particularly in a pinch) to create this opens some large doors for very little cost of admission.

One of the best things I find with Bryn's work is its intimacy - which can also play to moderate sized audiences. I do think,however, audiences of 1,000 - 2.000 or a stadium might not enjoy the subtle proofs of ESP and psychic ability Logar presents. So forget the large venues with these -- but go for the better paying, more intimate 1 per centers who will pay more for your show because it IS personal...and a part of you, using very common props, if you can call office supplies and a quarter of a dollar, 'props."

Now, to narrow my choices -- Bryn will have to write less if he wants to solve my problem. But for normal, or better, performers this has choices and material that works.

On 2012-05-24 06:20, docsteve wrote:
Well I've just finished reading this twice through and I'm really sick of Bryn Reynolds.
Not only is every piece useful, adaptable and real-world tested, but they have previously sold for more than the price of the ebook.
On top of that, he's updated some of the originals as well as adding thoughts & tips from other workers, in a display of open-mindedness and modesty that is rare in many mentalists (sorry guys - but it's true!)
But the worst things is that Bryn's an effing war hero.
And he's all modest and self-deprecating about that too (as most true heroes are - and I've been privileged enough to meet a few in the day-job).
In "Safwan" I was just glad there was some good stuff; Logar just makes you feel inadequate. If I didn't know better I'd think Bryn was some kind of US propaganda stunt by the government...

The only caveat is check the contents for those of you who may have bought all of Bryn's previous ideas and gimmicks; but for those of us who started at "Safwan..." then this is essential reading (and making ;-) )

So Bravo, sir; and every success to you and your adorable family.

S

On 2012-06-11 21:42, Ola wrote:
Received this 30 seconds ago...
I've been looking for a practical multiple out method for Max Maven's imaginary ten pin bowling routine from Prism....
The Notebook came along... I would've paid $45 for page 4 & 5 only.
May I hear a "Hallelujah" brothers and sisters....

On 2012-06-15 10:01, bevbevvybev wrote:
Sounds good.