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eSamuels Inner circle 3085 Posts |
In another 'puzzle effect' thread (Mona Lisa 2), there were quite a few questions about how my puzzle effect "Thought-Slicing" compares to other previously released puzzle effects.
Here is the original thread: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=218 So, rather than hijack that thread, I thought it best to start a new one. Thought-Slicing actually began as an alternative handling to the Mona Lisa puzzle, as I wanted to get away from the included 'mental-magic' presentation. In fact, the idea for the routine began when I had a curious occurence while performing the Mona Lisa (this is explained in detail, in the Thought-Slicing manual) that led me down a completely different path. I set out to create an Intuition-themed routine, specifically borrowing from some of the ideas in Malcolm Gladwell's "Blink," in which he explains the neuropsychology of "Thin-Slicing." To be clear, my presentation is deeply rooted in legitimate psychology (my performance narrative tends to be psychological), but this can also be presented in a fun, simple manner. So, I started from scratch, trying to find a puzzle that fit the specific needs of the routine, both physically and thematically. The result is a large (3' X 2') oval Spider-Man puzzle. As iconic an image as Spider-Man is throughout the world, the theme of "Spider-Senses" also fit my theme of Intuition, perfectly! The goal was to build a routine that felt completely 'organic.' In other words, no unusual apparatus or illogical procedures. I also set out to create a routine where the spectator and the audience, successfully experience the phenomenon of "Thin-Slicing" under my guidance. The routine contains two separate phases: PHASE #1 After explaining the basic premise of 'thin-slicing,' the spectator uses his intuition to successfully identify the image on an unseen, completed puzzle. As further evidence, members of the audience often experience similar success using their own intuition. This phase uses legitimate psychological technique that is consistent with the thin-slicing narrative. In other words - you are actually demonstrating what you claim to be; this is not pseudo-psychology! PHASE #2 When the completed puzzle image is revealed (on one side of the large oval puzzle is your own custom logo and when the time comes, you turn the oval to reveal the completed puzzle), the Spider-Man image is seen to be missing a single piece (another feature of the puzzle that is great for any size venue - the puzzle pieces are quite large and can be easily seen from any distance). For the second phase, you dump the bag of puzzle pieces from a second, duplicate, Spider-Man puzzle, on the table, and go through a very simple procedure (in full disclosure, there are two possible paths to this phase, neither of which involves any kind of complex work), which results in the spectator freely selecting the missing puzzle piece, while you clearly demonstrate that not all pieces are the same. So, that's essentially the routine description. I use this as a regular part of one of my keynote presentations as well as in my entertainment stage set. I've been asked about producing a video demo, but since this is a very limited release (and video editing is not among my skills - in fact it confounds me!), I've not produced a demo (despite having quite a few presentations on film). Now, as was requested in the other thread, I'll do my best to honestly compare Thought-Slicing to the two other puzzle effects mentioned: 1. Mona Lisa: There is no more iconic image on the planet than Mona Lisa. That said, the routine itself is, as mentioned, mental-magic. If that works for you, great! This comes with the framed puzzle (unfortunately, the frame is a little fragile and the included case is only helpful for local transportation)....you also get the required special 'device,' and two sets of what you need to perform this (the premise being that this allows for a different missing piece to be used for repeat shows with the same audience). ***You CAN perform my Thought-Slicing handling using this puzzle, with modifications that I provide to owners of my routine, which will allow you to use either puzzle, depending on the audience, etc. 2. Curt Frye's Mentalist's Puzzle Set: If Curt still has any of these left, this is a real bargain! While the puzzle image is not iconic, the handling, using a Lee Earle premise, is very clever (as is much of Lee's work). You cannot use my Thought-Slicing handling for this, but it is a solid routine. http://www.techsoc.com/puzzlesets.htm 3. Thought-Slicing -You get a 3' X 2' oval puzzle, mounted and framed (try finding material to frame an oval sometime!). - On the opposite side of the puzzle you get your own colour vinyl logo, so that your name/brand is on stage during your entire show. If you don't have a logo (or one that you're happy with), I have graphic artists available who will do one at a special price. You can then use the logo for anything else you like (business cards, web site, signage, etc.) - An easel is included as well as all of the required secondary puzzle pieces, box, etc. - A large heavy-duty nylon carrying case in which everything (and probably most of your show) will fit. - The full handling instructions, including the complete scripting with lots of detail. Please note that Thought-Slicing is a limited-edition. When my stock runs out, there will be no more of these produced or available. Here is a web link to Thought-Slicing: http://www.mentalismtools.com/ Password: THEODORE (all upper case letters) Feel free to post, PM, or email if you have any other questions. Cheers, Eric |
lucavolpe Inner circle Italy - London 3349 Posts |
I had the chance to see ts on skype and the quality of the props is beautiful.
The routine is very well thought and plays very big!
Luca Volpe
"The Italian Mentalist" https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/lucavolpe http://www.lucavolpe.com |
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