I was disappointed with this download. From the blurb I had expected some discussion of
presentations featuring classic Spirit Slates. There was none. In fact we didn't see a single
example of a spirit slate.
What Bob is showing us is a way of performing spirit writing
using playing card sized pieces of black plastic which he pretends are silica which he tells
us(incorrectly)are what slates were made from. Slates were made from slate which is a rock, not from
silica which is a chemical.
Nevertheless the magic that Bob teaches us is excellent and the
presentation entertaining. He also on the way discusses a book test and a handling for a switch
wallet. This is all very useful information. So if you were looking for some good easy to do mental
magic with a very entertaining presentation then you will find the download very good value. Just so
long as you were not particularly expecting magic with Slates.
Actually, I used the word "silicate," not "silica." The former is a mineral that composes a large part of the earth's crust. It works well as a substitute for slate. In the classic spirit slates, the flap is often referred to by Annemann and others as a "silicate flap."
As I noted in the download, the size is not limited to playing card size at all. I've made and still use much larger ones on occasion.
Many of the early mediums used unframed pieces of slate or silicate and some used both framed and unframed slates. The only function of the frame, as far as most magic uses are concerned, is to allow the use of a flap, which I don't use in my work. Nor did most of the early mediums.
Addendum to my previous:
In Annemann's Practical Mental Effects, for example, he introduces the slate effect, "The Answer" with the following:
"Every once in a while a principle makes its appearance which may be used in many different ways. The following effect combines Dr. Daley's silicate flap routine ..."
Sorry I said silica, not silicate. And while most rocks and minerals may be silicates I don't think that includes Slate? I thought you said, in passing, that slate was made from silicate - and I, in passing, corrected you. But that was not the cause of my disappointment and I am sure you realise that. From the advertising I had got the idea that you were discussing slate magic. If you had been then this would surely have considered school slates with frames, and flaps, and all the locking, and sealing and so forth, such opportunity for showmanship. After studying the history of spirtualism etc for some 60 years I am aware that not all mediums used flaps. But I don't remember any of them using playing card sized slates - and certainly not made from DVD covers! I appreciate that doubtless I was hoping for something you never intended in the first place. And what you did, you did well - and I said so. I gave you four stars, was quite generous in my praise, so I don't think I was unfair.
Good luck. Chris.
Add a comment
Disappointed but .....
Report this review
