Tattoo

Just a message to say that Nathans book 'Tattoo' is now out - it really is fantastic - no hype.

get it from here:

http://imentalism.com/index.php/please/tattoo

Here is the ad copy from Imentalism - along with the list of contributors. Go for it!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


One of our fellow members on the Café, Nathan 'Pain' Sparks, is in need of our help. His wife, Alyssa Sparks, has been battling breast cancer for the past 3 years and actually winning the fight! Well, just recently, it was discovered that this terrible disease has returned.

If you have been in this situation yourself, or know of someone who has, you know the financial strain this puts on a family. The specialists and the ongoing onslaught of tests are mandatory for the treatment of cancer and they do not come cheap.

So what can you do? Donations to Nathan and his family are a great start and can help ease the burden of the tough road that Nathan has found himself on. Nathan is working on an e-book that will be going on sale soon with the intention of raising some much needed funds for his situation.


Information about Nathan's upcoming Ebook 'Tattoo' can be found by emailing him directly at: dream_big@frontiernet.net


Here is a list of the contributors:

Tony Eye Tom Baxter Kenton Knepper
Thom Bleasdale Dr. Bill Cushman Iain Dunford
Greg Arce Rob Domenech Christopher Carter
Brad Gordon Paul Brook Josh Zandman
Andrew Gerard Jeff Richards Dynamike
Drew McAdam Jeff Travilla Dave Koenig
Joshua Quinn Don Theo III Sean Waters
Dale Hildebrandt Andy Stephenson Jerome Finley
Phill Smith Bob Cassidy Ray Noble
Jim Callahan/Mick Ayres Chris Gould/Alexandre
Alain Nu/John Riggs

---

and here is Don Theo 3's informative review off the green place!

---

So. By now you have probably read the list of names who contributed to Tattoo. But what exactly is the book made up of?

Well, it's near impossible to describe and still give it justice. It's a monster of a book. Here's my humble attempt at a synopsis of the contents:

First off, it's an anti-cancer rap by Dynamike!

Next, a triple attack foreword by Jeff Richards, Brad Gordon, and some guy named Don Theo III. These words set the mood nicely for the journey the reader is about to take, shedding insight into the behind the scenes battle responsible for bringing the book to fruition.

Then, a touching thank you note from Nathan. It's nice to see our maestro step up to the mike, and I have no doubt after finishing your first reading, this will be the first thing you go back to re-read.

Now let's talk about some killer effects. Here they are in the order they will be found in the book:

Wev'e Got Your Number by Alain Nu and John Riggs

Everyone in the audience is asked to think of a random FOUR DIGIT number which somehow corresponds to them or their life. The CEO or guest of honor randomly eliminates everyone in the audience to arrive at one person. That person reveals the number they have been thinking of. It matches a prediction made before the show even started.

Terms of Concealment: A Small Rant by Joshua Quinn

The first of several excellent essays in Tattoo. In this one, Joshua takes on certain aspects of our communication with the audience, and the feelings they walk away with. Powerful stuff. As mentioned in the subtitle, it is a "small rant." Joshua gives us a jolt reminding us to take a good look at the actual experience of the audience members.

Ink by Thomas Baxter

Here we step into the twilight zone for the first of many times in Tattoo. This reminded me of stories I heard about Uri Geller. Instead of duplicating a drawing, you are going to make the drawing teleport. At this point, things go crazy and the teleporting becomes tangible and shocking.

Leprechaunian Tales by Tony Iacoviello

Some beautiful storytelling by Tony Eye that carries with it a multitude of uses. Beyond that, it's also just a great read.

Identity by Thom Bleasdale

A close-up piece with a "personality test" type motif, which is bound to draw your participants in. I'm wrestling with my own fingers to not type more about this one, but I will say the ending is a very strong kick in the pants.

Heart 2 Heart by Bill Cushman

Fans of Dr. Bill will be familiar with this intimate piece of theatre. Those who don't know about it will be in for a treat. The performer has a participant think of a crush they once had. They also re-create a memory in their mind. The performer reads the participant's mind and then actually names the crush they were thinking of.

The Hateful Page by Iain Dunford

A "book test" that transcends the genre. People bring books they hate along to the show. One is chosen, pages are randomly ripped out of the book in a fit of rage by an audience member, the mentalist can tell them a word or sentence they are thinking of from the page. Includes very entertaining staging and performance.

Fear of Number Two by Greg Arce

The author's name alone let's you know you are in for something special. This is, for lack of better terminology, a smash and stab style routine but with the ingenuity and flair that only Greg is capable of.

Familiar by Rob Domenech

This is a very pretty demonstration of an inexplicable coincidence. Beautiful card mentalism that basically requires no sleight of hand and any shuffled deck in use.

Calling Card by Jeff Richards

This routine is good enough to make you single guys consider getting married. Jeff takes the "wizard" premise and injects it with presentational steroids, combining methods which I doubt have been used before with this type of effect. This is one of the most talked about routines in his program, and he gets great reactions from it. Not hard to figure out why after reading the scripting and structure he has put together.

Jeff was very generous in sharing a routine that is obviously very valuable to him. And he spares nothing. I love how he goes into the psychology of every detail in the script. It's obvious this one has been worked over and honed to where it is today.

Bold Matchbook by Brad Gordon

I LOVE Brad Gordon. He steps way outside the box and turns a classic into a freak-out session with this one. A VERY unique contribution. As a bonus, in true Scarnecky style he laces the description with thoughts and quotes so provocative that reading the description is an effect in and of itself.

An Exercise in Creativity by Bob Cassidy

As always, Cassidy reveals more in-between the lines, as the title suggests, than even the effect itself. In this exercise, you will memorize a deck of playing cards. (No, not that routine, this is something totally different.)

A Kiss on the Hand by Christopher Carter

You have to love a project that garners contributions from real world workers that are usually too busy to write up and release their effects. This one is a powerhorse routine that could easily be the most memorable thing you do in an evening on the stage. Hypnotism, women, kisses, telepathy, all very professionally structured. Mr. Carter does all the heavy lifting for you. But you will need to be a true showman to do this piece the justice it deserves.

A Flawless Suit by Andrew Gerard

Andrew presents an opportunity to play James Bond with a few female admirers. What seems like a harmless game slowly gravitates to the impossible, complete with tips on style.

Andrew Gerard's Invisible Deck Routine by guess who

The title gives you more than enough info on what this is. I think you could do this routine for people who actually know what an ID is and they wouldn't even suspect it.

HTP 2009 by Sean Waters

Fans of Sean's marvelous book Ponderings are in for a real treat, as he shares updates to what was already a killer routine. Those of you who have not read Waters' books are in for something very special, and this is a great introduction.

Sean uses a classic psychological test to engage the audience, then out of nowhere knocks them for six with untraceable drawing duplication. Sorry Sean, I know there is so much more to it than that, but I don't want to give away any surprises.

Sean is also very generous in covering all the little nuances needed and even tips a close up handling for HTP.

Intimately in Passing by Meraux Dantes

Here we get to take a break from all of the mindblowing mentalism and enjoy some very inspirational thoughts from a very inspirational performer, Meraux Dantes. This essay is one of the stars of the book. It really exemplifies the spirit of Tattoo and will give you the power of true magic to infuse in each and every routine you do.

String Theory by Phill Smith

Back outside the box we go. Some spooky PK work here, with a great premise built around it. Phill is known for his effective scripting, and you can expect no less with String Theory. Another great example of pulling out an old forgotten chestnut and (pardon me Phill, this is a southern USA expression) he really put the lipstick on the pig with this one.

While on the subject of Mr. Smith, he has done a superb job with the design of Tattoo. It's difficult to give an ebook an element of "soul" but not too difficult for Phil Smith, apparently. Very professional, very colorful, and thankfully very easy on the eyes.

The Tao of Tony by Joshua Quinn

I read this one over and over. This is an essay about the lessons Joshua learned while working for Tony Clifton in his band. Yes, that Tony Clifton. This entry is very entertaining, very enlightening, and just an all around big bucket of fun.

The Channel by Kenton Knepper

Classic Kentonism from his book Weerd Enough.

Tommy's Marvellous Wristwatch Duplicity by Thom Bleasdale

A shocking moment of synchronicity built on watch routines from Maven and Osterlind. A common motif in Thom's work is that he really knows how to sculpt a routine to make the audience the superstars. This is a great example of just that.

X by Andrew Gerard

Andrew pleads with the reader, several times during the description, to please not share this with anybody. I don't blame him. This one has been keeping me up at night with the possibilities.

Imagine this for instance: You mail a deck of cards to someone. They think of one of the cards. They mail the deck back. You call them up, or however you want to finish, and tell them the card they thought of. You could even mail them a bona fide, wrapped in plastic, brand new deck.

Just one of the many applications for this concept. Brilliant.

Getting Into Shape by Paul Brook

The spectator chooses a shape and even a particular spot IN that shape. You show him/her that you predicted it all along. Super clean. Comes complete with several performance ideas, hints and subtleties.

A Quiet Corner by Dale Hildebrandt

Subtitled "Various Tips, Techniques, Pieces and Parts." Prepare yourself before diving into this entry. This is a walk on the wild side, led by the delicious madness that is Dale Hildebrandt. Dale goes really deep with this, and it's obvious he really put forth a lot of time and effort. Since first reading his work, I have always wanted to attend a lecture by Dale just for the pure experience. This is about as close as it gets without having him right there in front of you. I would imagine it is very difficult to communicate the techniques Dale teaches. He seems to have a real talent for molding intangible premises into visceral musings.

McFly by Don Theo III

An emotional journey through time. It uses playing cards. Built on an effect by Mick Ayres. The Mick part was great. As for the rest of it, I've read better.

Powerball by Dave Koenig

The now infamous routine took Nathan quite a little bit of effort to transcribe from Dave's youtube instructions. Great thinking by Dave, and the write up of the routine is very complete, with pictures, diagrams, music and fireworks.

(OK, but there are pictures.)

Complete with examples from Iowa's Powerball!

Hype-notism by Jack Galloway and Mick Ayres

These guys make a perfect tag team. In this routine, a hypnotised guest is brought on stage along with another. The hypnotised guest proceeds to read the other guest's mind.

Super sneaky methodology and, more importantly, some very valuable tips on creating atmosphere, staging, and pace.

Back to Back by Ray Noble

A drawing duplication that is very clean due to the use of a method that is normally used for other purposes. Another member of the outside-of-the-box club.

Mental Journey by Jerome Finley

Holy Moly. As if you didn't have enough to work with by now, here comes Jerome with 30 pages of Pure Finley Action. This is a very detailed treatise on his pendulum work. This really is a book within a book. It's an overwhelming amount of extremely powerful information. Don't really have the words to put around this one, but now at least you know essentially what it is.

Name Strip by Drew McAdam

A charming and romantic display of fun and telepathy centering around a first love. Drew even gets dolled up in silver glitter for this one. What a trooper! More great thinking from a great guy. Simple in method, hard hitting in performance.

The B*tch Peek by Jeff Travilla

A slick utility move for you to add to your arsenal.

Simple Opener by Andy Stephenson

It's always great to find something that works well as an opener. Let's face it, a lot of what we do requires us to build a premise, to draw our audience in. Often we find ourselves mulling over what a good opener would be. There are several criteria it must meet. Andy's routine works very well to fill those requirements. Using several clever methods, the structure is well oiled and put together.

ZDT by Josh Zandman

A heavy duty routine from the Z-man. A souped up mix of Numerology, Psychometry and 4th Dimensional Telepathy!

Needled by Professor B. Ardcomb

I am fully aware that some of you out there will be buying Tattoo just for this routine. This is the long awaited description of Ardcomb's "corkscrew technique." While the actual technique itself was published some time ago, this is the first time the close-up handling has seen print.

Black Saturday by Christopher J. Gould and Alexandre

I don't even know how to describe Black Saturday. This particular contribution is an all-out acid trip. A good one, not a bad one. It is steeped in conspiracy, secret societies, photography enhancement technologies, mind control and I think I saw a pink elephant or two as well when reading it. Pure psychedelic madness.

Well, that's it. Again, I barely scratched the surface. I know I was a little vague with most of the descriptions but I don't want to spoil the element of surprise for the reader.

The final product is very impressive, to say the least.

Thanks Chris!

I don't know if Luke has the iMentalism page active yet...

Peeps can PayPal $60 USD to sparxian@frontiernet.net

It's not automated so bear with me...but I am on my email ALL THE TIME so it probably won't be 24 hours wait time...

thanks,

Nathan

This is a fantastic book - full of real gems - what I really cannot understand is why the Magic Cafe is so quiet about it? With the list of names involved it MUST be selling well. So why no reviews?
I say this here because it would be nice for Nathan if someone bumped it up on the forum. Go here gang and make a post!

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=344661&forum=15&64

Chris,

It isn't selling NEARLY as well as Dr. Bill's benefit eBook...I think it's probably due to timing...people are broke from Xmas...but yes if anyone here wants to help a brother out and bump my thread that would be helpful...also if you wanna go here:

http://www.filesavr.com/tattoosample

You can download a 31 page sample of the book...it'll give you a pretty good taste!

Nathan

PS That sample wasn't directed to Chris...just anyone who wants to see what the book is ALL about! I won't give away actual numbers but I am only about 25% of my goal in sales...after a week that sounds pretty good, but the doctor bills are starting to show up and we are scared shitless...Thanks.

a review will be posted by me in a couple of weeks, it will be better timing by then for further cash in the buyers pocket, and I havent finished reading the darn huge mother of an ebook yet!!!!

Hold tight Nathan.....its bumpy out there but smooth waters are on teh horizon

Kam

Cool man...be fair....I don't want any dishonesty in the review...if there are things you don't like, say so!

Nathan

I feel really bad as I can't help out due to losing my job myself

Don't feel bad sir...it's cool....friendship is worth something as well.

Nathan

I have an aversion to e-books and prefer the printed matter, but I am very tempted to get hold of this.

I really wish you the best with this Nathan and shall be purchasing it in the near future. (Ever thought of selling it as a printed book on Lulu?)

I hope your wife enjoys a speedy recovery. This must be a very hard time for you, sir.

Hope 2010 turns out to be a better year for you and yours.

Freddie,

The price through LULU is 115$...it is NOT a done deal yet, but if I do sell it that will more than likely be the price...

Nathan

PS Thanks BTW...Yes currently in life there are a LOT of peaks & valleys...

I have published the book privately on LULU...still waiting on some corrections from Phill Smith before I finalize it...

I really want to get a hard copy, as it is a work of real worth (I am not just saying that because I have something in it!)
However, I need a new drawbridge and some hot oil for the gathering bailiffs first.

I do notice that there are a few more threads on the cafe - so perhaps both Alex and myself can be a little less paranoid about why such a good product is not getting hyped out of orbit. If anyone here is getting their hands on a copy, it would be really useful to Nathan is a full detailed review was posted......
am I right N?

You are correct Chris...I think a few reviews, good bad or otherwise from people who are NOT in the book will help a lot of people to be convinced to push that Paypal button...I truly think it's a great book! I honestly had very little to do with it! I edited all of the items & sent them to Phill Smith. He did an amazing job making it look...AMAZING!

One really neat thing...I had a wishlist of who I wanted in the book...Only one of those people NEVER responded (remaining nameless)...and one other got back to me too late to finish something up...otherwise EVERY person I wanted made it into the book...and a few offered without being asked, and I put them in there too!

One note: The person who never got back to me did know about our situation and discussed it with others...so I am sure this person was send thoughts & prayers (or whatever) our way...I can appreciate that!

Anyhow...

Grab the sample here now : http://www.filesavr.com/tattoosample-r

The old one died after 80+ downloads...

Thanks,

Nathan

So, who is up to writing a detailed review?

This is a community, let's act like one.
If you are up for a review, but don't have the book - can I reiterate, it will be the best ebook you have bought for the cash. I'll give you the money back if you don't agree! It is a very impressive piece of work - I have seen total bullshit being hyped to the hilt on the cafe - and just cannot understand why people are not raving on the forums regarding such a quality piece of work!

Get to it you bastards!

Nathan - I just want to say how utterly sickened I am by the thread that has started up on the Cafe.......
I would post my thoughts there, but I do not think it would help you.
And just what is Entity doing?
Jesus, that place stinks.......
I am so glad that I am out of there....

Thank you Chris...that means a lot...I have always stood by your side, & I appreciate you doing the same for me...

And Alex has been a champ in all of this...

Both of you guys...mates forever!

Nathan

Tattoo is now available in a physical format.

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/tattoo/8138718

Nathan

This really is a fantastic piece of work ('specially the last routine - WOW! ).
76 quid seems like a lot of dosh - but I can put hand on heart and say that it is actually worth it.

Although Lulu will be taking most of the cash - I hope that this gets a bit more cash for you and your wife Nathan - I also hope that the pricks who were at work when it first went out have all been silenced.....







....for good!