High Spots book
I have to say I am proud to own this book.
Even though it's basically a stapled bound 'pamphlet' almost, it's very nicely produced & written. I usually don't get excited while sitting down with a book that says, "Now perform an Elmsley Count". I got excited while reading & learning the effects in here, not just once, but several times. The effects aren't 'sleight heavy', but many are 'sleight dependent'.
Typically, these kinds of effects are crap. The ones in High Spots are fun. I usually don't learn or perform these kind of effects, but these are cool & different. The effects are basic enough as well so that at the end of it all, the layperson doesn't just look at you & ask "What happened?"
In many magic products these days, the reader is actually punished for paying attention. They are punished by bad writing, weak jokes that interrupt the flow for no reason, or a terrible effect that is obviously untested. At the end you just say, "I read the last ten pages for that?" High Spots rewards you with the sense that you've learned a worthwhile effect, & it rewards you with extra tips & credits.
ReSwindled is the best effect in the book, hands down. There is something here for everyone though. A mental effect, a stand up effect, several 'gambling' routines, an effect that can be done for kids, a sleight-less card effect, routines where one effect happens, routines where tons of magic happens, & everything in between. It's a card magician's dream!!
If you like high quality card magic, or just high quality magic in general, this is the book to get.
Cardfolio and Pro Carrier combo accessory
I've been using the Pro Carrier since I bought it from Josh last year. It's a little beat up, so I decided to get a new one along with the new Cardfolio. I'm going to break down each one individually be cause they are very different products.
Pro Carrier: This is PERFECT for Summer Gigs. I don't have to put a bunch of stuff in pockets by just clipping this to my belt. I'm currently loading up my older one to just keep in my car for emergencies. It's so practical & easy to use. The best part is that is doesn't call attention to itself. Its look exactly like what it is. It also helps keep everything 'at your fingertips' so you don't have to dig through your pockets for your coins, or your favorite packet trick.
Cardfolio: This is great. I've thrown it in my book bag, or kept it in my jacket pocket while in a movie or on the train, & its perfect writing down & trying out that next great idea. It's also perfect in some situations where I can't bring my whole notebook. There are only two small negatives for me with this product, while many probably won't have a problem with them. First, unlike the Pro Carrier, which just fits in a jeans pocket, the Cardfolio is way to big to fit in a pair of jeans or shorts. So it's not extremely practical in summer time, going to the beach & such, unless you are bringing a bag or back pack of sorts. The other downside, it doesn't come with any extra pads of paper. For the price, two, or even one extra pad would have been nice.
That said I do still use it as a part of my everyday routine. Both are great tools, & I will continue to use them for many years to come!!!
