Well, we recorded the video yesterday. In general it went very well, although it required a couple of takes in some spots. I was so busy yesterday that by the time we started at 5:00 I'd had only two granola bars to eat and some water to drink all day!

Everyone enjoyed the dice routine: thanks again, Pete!

I'll probably be editing the tape next week and will have the finished version in a couple of weeks; maybe I'll get ambitious and post it on Youtube.

When I first thought about filing at the Castle I contacted Rich Cowley (You'll find him here, but rarely.) to get permission and make the arrangements. Rich and I have been friends for many years, and he was quite helpful in arranging everything. Or so I thought.

When I arrived yesterday Rich was there waiting for my videographer and me. He helped us set up the Parlour of Prestidigitation, grabbing table, chairs, even water for me! He had numerous suggestions about technical aspects of the taping, and he even stood watch outside to ensure that no other guests would interrupt us while my show was being taped. When we finished, he offered to do a show for my guests - my audience - while the videographer and I packed up everything and hauled it out. As I said, I thought that Rich was helpful in arranging everything, but that was nothing compared to his helpfulness and professionalism when we arrived. Rich is definitely a class act, and not merely when he has a deck of cards in his hand.

I get some good reactions with the Bob Sheet's "It's the rules" routine for walk around type performing. I pretty much copied his handling, but I've embellished the patter to fit what I want to portray with the routine. I also like his handling. Very clean with no major twisting (e.g., sacks) unlike some of the dice handling I've seen. I am not in your performing league, but I think this is a solid suggestion and worth looking into if you are not familiar with it.
Rolly

Go Hank Lee, new effect, called Dice Matrix.

Mystery of The Traveling Marbles....

Paul Gertner has a really nice routine with dice. You can find it in his book and on his Steel & Silver DVD set.

Five words: Bob Sheets' "It's the Rules"

I love to use dice to force a number. In fact, I haven't done that in nearly 48 hours!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander