Paul Romhany and TC Tahoe have put together a book that should have happened long ago! The Out To Lunch principle is a fantastic one. The routines you can do with this rather simple concept are remarkable and fortunately there is a book dedicated to the subject. As per usual I will begin with a general verdict then follow with a more in depth review.
This book is quite good if you are looking to play with the Out To Lunch principle OR if you are a professional looking to add an effect to your repertoire. Due to the preparation associated with OTL tricks it is very difficult to carry more than one or two tricks on you at a given time. If you are an amateur/hobbyist who wants to try magic with a different type of "prop" then this might be just the thing for you. You don't need personal business cards, you can always get blanks from a stationary/office supplies store. For those wanting to try new tricks this book will keep you happy and busy. For the working professional trying to diversify their repertoire, you will find something in this book to add to your line up. The book is available from Paul directly, about half way down this page.
The tricks in this book vary from fantastic to garbage. I say garbage because some tricks are the same as the one before with a slight aesthetic change. A trick where a key bends and then later on a trick where a spoon bends are the same trick in my mind. It doesn't take a creative genius to realize other visual representations of objects can be visually bent. We are also treated to a section on trick by TC Tahoe, another section on tricks by Paul Romhany, and a final section on tricks by everyone else who contributed. While I appreciate the creative talents of all people involved it would have been nice the tricks separated by subject. For example, tricks involving: time, mind reading, transpositions, etc. If tricks were separated by effect this book could be used much more effectively as a desired effect section could be flipped to and a suitable trick found. Because it is sorted by creator you are left with a hodge podge of magic to go through with no defined organization. This works in a library, not so much a magic book covering a single principle in depth.
Since this book covers so many tricks I will highlight the best and most unique tricks, in my opinion. I'd also like to point out something slightly awkward about this book. Paul Romhany wrote his section, and TC Tahoe wrote his section, but the styles of writing are so different that the book lacks continuity.
The beauty of a book with so many contributors is that the creativity flows freely! A number of tricks in this book are just spectacular, some are diabolically clever, and others are basic attempts to use the principle and seem to be in here strictly for political friendship reasons.
Here are a number of my favorite tricks and the accompanying effect as seen by the audience:
Fortune Cookie: This specific routine caught my eye because of the size of the effect. It is meant for a parlor situation. The effect is this, a spectator signs the bottom of a large postcard with a fortune cookie on it, from the folds of the cookie is a large blank fortune paper. The card is removed and set down. The spectator chooses a random fortune from a large plastic bag and the audience gives the magician 3 numbers. Those numbers are added up to determine a fortune number. The postcard signed earlier is turned over to reveal that the fortune and lucky number match. I particularly enjoy the prediction feel and the ability to play large. The graphics required to make your own postcards is included in a CD provided with the book with a number of graphics for other tricks as well.
Signature Transpo: This is a fantastic effect and the reactions will prove that when you try it. A card signed by the magician and one by the spectators switch places in their hands. Then a second card is taken and signed by another spectator. The second card is placed in the second spectator's hand. Passing a flame by the magician's signature it vanishes and is found on the second spectator's card. I don't think I need any commentary here. It's an amazing effect!
Burnt Bill to Anywhere: This is a fantastic application of the OTL principle to steal an item in plain view AND have it signed for verification at the same time. This is a brilliant application and I suggest you take a look at it. Page 39 for those who plan on buying this.
The 8 Ball: While I am not usually a fan of this type of magic, as it doesn't suit my performance style, I know many magicians whom this trick would be perfect for! You draw a circle on the back of your business card. They sign the bottom and you finish making it look like an 8 ball and write "8 ball" above the drawing. The card is removed and given a shake, a large black 8 ball falls into their cupped hands and the card is shown to have "8 ball" written but no drawing.
Look Ma No Bands: Although not really a trick this is a cool concept to use on the fly. TC Tahoe has come up with a way to use the OTL principle without and bands or clips. Pretty cool!
Secret Writing Techniques and the OTL Principle by Christopher Taylor: This is a very unique section of the book. Mr. Taylor takes us through a number of ways to produce secret writings as well as how to conceal various things throughout. A slightly bizarre feel to the effects but wonderful nonetheless. I enjoyed this article. Also an old method of producing smoke from your fingers is given at the end of the article.
Newspaper Prediction: BRILLIANT! This trick blew me away. It's a great solution for producing a headline prediction. Utilizing a balloon and the OTL principle you can predict any headline... A blown up balloon with a prediction inside is seen. Some from the audience chooses a word or headline or what have you an this is written down. The card with writing is handed to the spectator with the rest of the cards. The balloon is taken and popped. Aside from balloon bits is a piece of paper. On this is the correctly predicted word. Although these ideas have been explored in other sources, this trick by Gerard brought it together well.
R248 The Stars: Remember to Forget the Stars: In an apparent feat of mind control/manipulation you cause a spectator to forget one of a few symbols presented to them. This is a trick by Banachek and I must say it is a very clever effect to be done with the OTL principle.
The Exploding Light Bulb: Steve Hocevar performed this effect for a trade show. A light bulb is seen on a card. The bottom of the card is signed, and the card removed from the stack. It is held signature and light bulb face down. A large flash and puff of smoke is seen. The card is turned over to reveal the bulb has exploded! By combining a number of special effects with this simple application, Mr. Hocevar has come up with an effect that people are surely going to talk about! Finally something you CAN use the FISM flash for...
There are many other tricks in this book that will please any style of magician. Due to the setup required for any OTL effect, the tricks in this books will be hard to all use at once. Adding one or two to your existing repertoire will work wonders! Pun intended...
The book ends with an article by Paul Romhany with Tips on Business cards. For the magician new to having business cards these tips will be invaluable.
Although a very niche book, if you are doing close up and do not have an OTL trick in your repertoire perhaps this will change things. I'd recommend this book for the diversity of effects and the wonderful stage applications. Available from Paul Romhany for 24.95.
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