Blog entries from franklin

How to lift a bottle just by using a paper straw

John Franklin — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:03:46 +0100

This is not a fool-proof puzzle. You have to put your faith in an untested paper straw. I recommend that you only do this trick over a soft surface so that there is no damage if it doesn't work.

Show your friends an empty bottle and a paper straw. Stand the bottle on the table and then ask if anyone can lift the bottle from the table without touching it with anything except the straw. And it is against your rules (well, this is your puzzle!) to tie the poor defenseless straw round Read More...

Mind Reading With a Card

John Franklin — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:52:40 +0100

The Performance

Our intrepid magician goes forth onto the unforgiving streets.

A passing female is asked to take part in a simple experiment...

"I'll riffle the cards before your eyes - watch - think of one card."

The cards are duly riffled - faces towards the helper.

"Have you a card in mind ?"

"Yes"

Our Magician concentrates intensely.

"You could have chosen any one of 52 cards ......"

"You are thinkiRead More...

Telephone Riddle - Mental Calculation

John Franklin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:23:42 +0100

This is rock bottom for simplicity and that is what I work for always. There is no name code and you are always ready with the simplest mental calculation. In my case, the following table is pasted on the wall just over the telephone at home. Weeks go by at a time without working it and then suddenly a call is put in with no warning at all and still I can sit pretty.

Monday AH 4C 7D 10S.

Fishbowl Production Revealed

John Franklin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:08:58 +0100

For a number of years this fishbowl Production was used as the opening effect in my stage shows. It is quick and very astonishing because a very large howl is used and the production is made on an undraped table so far down stage that it is almost against the footlights. The trick is completely mystifying to the lay audience and to magicians as well. Although I believe that it is wrong to design shows to fool other magicians, it is rather satisfying to find a trick which they don't catch and Read More...

David Blaine Thought Card Revealed

John Franklin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The Effect:

David approaches a passer-by and asks that they hold a pack of cards and to merely think of any card that is in the pack.

"Are you thinking of one ?" - "Not the Ace of Spades ! " - "Think of another ."

"OK - got one ? - Yes ? - OK, I want you to visualise your card turning around, can you do that ?"

"What's the name of your card ?"

The spectators announces his 'Thought card' - "The 5 of Diamonds".

David takes the pack fRead More...

Palm Penetration Free Tutorial

John Franklin — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:00:00 +0100

The Effect:

You ask the spectator to hold out his or her hand palm up. You in turn place your hand on top of theirs, palm down. With your other free hand, you place a quarter or other coin on top of your hand and explain to the spectator that with one quick slap of the coin, you will make it pass through your hand and into theirs!

The Materials:

Materials needed: 2 identical coins, a small piece of transparent adhesive tape or magician's wax, ( for advancedRead More...