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FIRST QUARTER ‘00 This
newsletter is being published in exchange for your business. It
is available from the shop, or our web site.
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Unique Magic-Gram
**Special Billy Bishop
issue**
Highlights
Tricks |
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BITE THE B LLET
Another great trick from the
creative minds at Unique Magic. A bullet is passed around, then the
bullet, and casing are signed. Bullet is pointed toward magician’s
mouth; a lighter is lit behind the bullet. There is a loud bang, the
empty casing is dropped, and seen in the magician’s teeth is a
bullet. Bullet spit out and examined, it is the signed bullet. Sorry
Kids, ADULTS ONLY $25.00 |
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Inferno
WOW this is the greatest way to
produce a flame from your fingers, or any object held in your hand.
After, you can show your hands completely empty. Any book is a fire
book, any wallet is now a fire wallet, and deck of cards is now a
flaming deck, and the list goes on. I think this is the greatest
innovation in fire magic in years. SORRY KIDS, ADULTS
$60.00
There is also Inferno the
movie, - a video instruction guide for the Inferno with extra
accessories. $30.00 |
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CANDLE THROUGH
ARM
A tube and candle are shown. Tube
is placed over your arm. Candle is lit, and inserted through the
tube apparently through your arm. The candle is removed, the tube is
removed, and your arm is fine. This is a classic in magic.
$32.50 |
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APPEARING CAGE
You have seen magician’s use
these, but wasn’t sure where to get them, I can get them for you.
Magician shows a stack of silks, or other cloths, reaches into them,
and produces a huge birdcage with a LIVE bird in it. Great action on
this economical version. Only $210.00. |
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ABC BLOCK
Each block is taken off the pole,
and placed into an empty box, then each is removed from the box, and
replaced onto the pole. The blocks are then covered. When the cover
is removed, one of the blocks has vanished to only be found back in
the box. Great size for parties. Only $42.50
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DRACULA’S CASTLE
A block representing Dracula is
placed into a castle tube and impaled by a spike. The magician is
somehow able to remove the block leaving the spike in place. Stage
size $90.00
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I have been custom
building props for magicians for years, so I decided to build
some props for the shop so everyone will know where all these
great items are coming from. You have bought them from others,
and at a greatly inflated price, now come to the source direct.
If there is anything you have in mind that I can build for you,
come on in. |
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WOOD MULTIPLYING COIN
TRAY
Magician shows some coins on the
tray, and dumps them into the spectators’ hand. Spectator is to
count the coins back onto the tray. Coins are again dumped into
spectators’ hand, and counted back onto tray. This time there are
more coins. Half-dollar size is $35.00; Eisenhower dollar size is
$40.00 |
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WOOD MAGIC COIN
STAND
Magician shows some coins on the
ledge of the stand. One by one the coins are removed from the stand
and caused to vanish. Half-dollar size is $40.00; Eisenhower dollar
size is $45.00 |
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SHANG-HI DOVE
PRODUCTION
Magician shows a box on stands,
and opens the front frame door to show it is empty. The door is
covered with paper, and shut. Magician then proceeds to draw on the
paper (doves, silks, balls, etc.) and upon busting through the
paper, those items are produced. $600.00 |
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WOOD DRAWER BOX
Magician shows box to be empty
then re-opens it to show it is full. $80.00 | |
These items advertised in
Magic Magazine
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Micro brew / pygmy
pop
3 great separate routines *a
borrowed rolled up bill has liquid poured into it, but a tiny bottle
emerges *coin is covered with a bottle and a bag. Bag is crushed to
reveal bottle has shrunk *coin is covered with a bottle and a bag.
Moving the bag & bottle, coin has reduced in size. Bag &
bottle replaced, bag is crushed to reveal bottle has shrunk. (21 or
older for beer) Miller high life- Miller genuine- Corona- Beck's-
Pepsi- 7-up a Unique Magic exclusive $25.00
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Past magician's posters screen
saver
Posters of past magician's to use
as your screen saver for I.B.M.16 bit some can be printed. Unique
magic exclusive $25.00
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Videos
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HAMPTON RIDGE MASTERED IN
MINUTES VIDEO SERIES
Tricks with cards Tricks with
sponge balls Tricks with thumb tips Tricks with scotch & soda or
dime & penny Tricks with money Tricks with everyday objects Each
$12.95 Any 3-$35.00 All six $66.00
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Hello from Joseph
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Where have all the great
men gone?
Bring sad news to this
newsletter, one of Chicago lands greatest has passed away, Billy
Bishop. He left us approximately 2:00 am on Dec. 27th.
He had a great Christmas with his children and grand children,
when everyone left on Sunday night, Bill went to sleep, and never
woke up. Ann is doing fine, as Bill has not been doing well for
the past year, so she knew it was just a matter of time. I had
the pleasure of meeting Bill back about 1975 when he worked for
Marshal Brodien in the magic shop at Old Chicago (an indoor
amusement center in Bolingbrook). I was young then, and wanted to
learn more magic stuff. I remember he was very kind and open
toward me, and suggested things that would fit into the routines
I was building. I didn’t have to spend much money for him to
help me out. I visited whenever I was able to get to the area,
and Billy would always be glad to see me. Later I found out he
was that way with everyone, warm and pleasant like a broken in
pair of shoes. I couldn’t afford much then, but Billy always
would share his little tips with me, He even gave me some small
things he didn’t use anymore. I would work behind the
counter for Bill, just to help out. I wasn’t one of those
real employees, but Bill trusted me. I went into the service, and
when I returned, Old Chicago was no longer operating. I wondered
what had happened to Billy, Then one day I was paging through a
phone book, and found a magic shop close by. I went in for a
visit, and low and behold, It was Billy’s place. We chatted
for a while, I picked up some items I needed, and I went on my
way. I became one of those "magic shop rats" for a bit,
then one day Billy asked if I could watch shop for him. I jumped
at the chance. After that, Billy and I became very close. I took
over managing his shop in Oak Park for him when he opened a shop
in Riverside. We had some great times together, not only in the
shop atmosphere, but also personally. In 1987 I purchased the Oak
Park shop from Billy, but we always remained friends. We would
call each other for items a customer might want, and send them to
each other’s shops. Billy had a stroke in ’95, and
abruptly moved to Salt Lake City where he had family. I went and
visited Bill and Ann in Jan. of ’96. It saddened me to see
Billy so skinny, and without the dexterity I knew he once had.
His mind wasn’t even functioning properly; he called me
several different names. I went home feeling confused, and sad.
The Billy I knew was no longer. Ann always sent out cards through
the year, and told me it was time for me to come back for a
visit, but I just couldn’t get away. I have always been
terrible about calling people, and Bill and Ann were no
exception. I never called, or wrote; I stayed in contact through
John "Doc" Morrisey and Bill’s son Glenn. I was
devastated when I had heard Billy passed away because I
didn’t stay in contact. That is something I wish I could
take back. Time moves on though, and you must not put off things
you really should do. I will not make the same mistake again
toward someone I care about. I will keep in touch with Ann. I am
so glad I had the pleasure to know one of (as I consider) the
greats in magic. Billy, you are sorely missed!
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 watch
for
On
television
MAY
Hans Klok: illusions of the New Millennium
Channel: Fox
Family
When: January 20 at 10:00
PM
Magic's Greatest
Illusions
Episode: Don't try this at
Home
Channel: TLC
When: January 21 at 8:00 PM and
11:00 PM -- January 23 at 4:00 PM
Synopsis: Learn why the "Bullet
Catch" is considered to be the deadliest illusion ever performed.
Discover the way in which a magician managed to thwart a rebellion.
Witness the dexterous deception of sleight of hand entertainers as
they make cards and coins disappear. Go behind the scenes to see how
today's magic designers bring death defying illusions alive on
stage! Featuring: Lance Burton, Penn and Teller, Sigfried and Roy,
Robert Gallup.
Episode: Nothing up My
Sleeve
Channel: TLC
When: January 21 at 9:00 PM and
Midnight
Synopsis: Explore the origin and
rich history of classic illusion. The Cups and Balls, The shadowbox,
and levitation. Examine the seven principles of magic and witness
illusions that defy explanation. We'll meet today's hottest young
magicians as they take to the stage and push magic into the next
millennium!
Featuring: Doug Henning, Mark
Wilson, Harry Blackstone, and Lance Burton
Episode: Now You See
It
Channel: TLC
When: January 21 at 10:00 PM and
1:00 AM
Synopsis: Explore the mysterious
world of big time stage illusions. Watch Robert Gallup attempt an
escape after being shackled and thrown from an airplane. Lance
Burton reveals which magician inspired him to create an illusion in
which he makes a heard of elephants disappear. See how today's
magicians are using modern technology to change the face of this
ancient art. Featuring: Franz Harary, Doug Henning, Penn and Teller,
Lance Burton
A documentary entitled, "Houdini"
will be airing on US television on PBS. The first airing is slated
for
January 24,
2000
Rumor has it that Fox will be
airing #5 in its Exposure series, Secrets of
the Street Magician, this Sunday
night, the 23rd of January
Eternally
Yours
Channel:
A&E
When: January 26 at 4:00
AM
Synopsis: Loretta Young, married
to magician David Niven, wishes he would pay as much attention to
her as his tricks in this charming, romantic drama.
(1939)
Hidden Secrets of
Magic
Channel: Fox
Family
When: January 27 at 10:00
PM
Starring: Omar Pasha, Lance
Burton, Mark Kalin, Jinger Kalin, Robert Urich Synopsis: A special
that tells the story and secrets of some of the magical feats that
has gained legendary status worldwide. Hosted by Robert
Urich.
The Greatest Magician:
Houdini
Channel: TLC
When: January 29 at 5:00
PM
Synopsis: From straight jackets
to handcuffs, Harry Houdini used them all to capture the imagination
of the public. Today’s top magicians look behind the scenes and
recreate some of the most famous feats of this master
illusionist.
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by Keith Haase
THE BOX
In Jon Racherbaumer's book
"Arcade Dreams" there's a six page spread on an effect called Color
Vision. It's premise was simple and the prop easy to obtain. I took
it to a family party along with cards and coins. I never got to the
'real stuff', the cards and coins.
For nearly two hours I
entertained with the color box. I was pushed into the bedroom,
bathroom and kitchen by each relative eager to learn the secret. I
refused to give in, even under threats from my daughters. I couldn't
believe this. A trick from a kids magic set, a novelty item at best,
caused such pandemonium.
To quote Racherbaumer: "...is
simple enough for children while simultaneously baffling intelligent
adults, you have a prized puzzler." And that's just what this is, a
prize. It consists of a cube of which six sides are a different
color. The cube, and it's box with a lid, is given to someone with
the instructions to place the cube in the box and memorize the color
showing. They return the box to you, covered of course, and you
place it behind your back and through magic or whatever you
determine the color.
How simple and yet how puzzling.
The box, lid and cover can be examined at any time. No mirrors, no
weights, no nothing but your ability to determine the color. Marlo
had a four phase routine. The last phase the cube was placed under a
hat. I didn't need the two middle ones and revamped the last one
when I needed it.
In essense, when the cube is
placed behind your back you replace the lid in a different position
so when bring the cube out from behind your back you see the color.
Then a simple drop of the box while holding the lid to show that you
guessed the right color makes you clean.
All this leads to the interesting
premise that magic doesn't need to be difficult. That some of the
old theories and sometimes what we view as magicians as child's play
can be very magical. Racherbaumer's book has more of the same. A
gold mine of clever magic by Marlo.
If you have comments or
suggestions reach me at buddkeith@aol.com |
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Where are we?
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Used items
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SUPER X
SUSPENSION
Suspensions are when a person
sits upon something that is supported (a board, etc.) the items
supporting the board are removed, yet the person remains floating.
Walk away style board platform to cover gimmick hula hoop included,
will support 175 lb. box design support boards included needs minor
work only $650.00 |
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ARROWS THROUGH
GIRL
sommers made box examined, girl
placed into box and secured in at legs and neck with stocks. Door
closed, and one by one, seven arrows are shown solid and thrust
through the box seemingly leaving no room for the girl. Arrows are
removed, yet girl emerges unharmed. Girls’ face and feet are always
visible. Can be modified to be collapsible. Only
$400.00
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FLYING CARPET
SUSPENSION
Built approximately 1930's walk
away style will support 175 lb. needs minor work
$350.00
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COLONEL SEYMOUR SIGNATURE SERIES
JUMBO CARD RABBIT ATTABOY
A jumbo deck of cards is
shuffled, and a card freely selected, shown around, and returned to
the deck. The deck is placed into the lower cardholder, and when
magician snaps his fingers, there is a card in the upper cardholder.
Magician asks spectator to name his card; the card in the upper
cardholder proves to be the selected card. GREAT COLLECTORS ITEM
$300.00
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DOG HOUSE OR MINI DOLL
HOUSE
A doll or stuffed animal is
shown, and placed into the house. When the top of the house is
opened, either a small girl, or small real animal emerges. $250.00
(the wood and hardware would cost this much)
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Welcome to the '90's way
of buying magic, with our online interactive catalog. Unique
magic catalog co.'s paper catalog is available with a 2-stamp
s.a.s.e. Or order from our web site -http://members.aol.com/umagi
We are becoming the #1
source for everyone's magic needs, if you do not know why, check
us out. We can order just about anything, if we don’t have
it in stock already, we can also custom build wood items for you.
Magic club meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 here at
the shop it’s free to come and join in the fun (bring your
own chair).
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Watch for other special
events to be announced
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See you soon as always,
magically Joseph
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one of our many halloween
parties. 1st photo is Billy of course. 2nd
photo is from left to right- me-Jeff Cohen-Kathy Hasbrook-Ann
Bishop
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A Day in the Village 1988. Billy
performed for Unique Magic at the festival Top photo is Billy
performing in front of "doc" Morrisey’s wagon, below is Billy and
"Marshmallow" relaxing.
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Billy threw me a party in 1988
for one year of operation as Unique Magic from left to right are
Andrew Markert-Billy-my ex Annette-me-Ann Bishop
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