READER COMMENTS

Hot Rod

This is one of the first items that I ever bought, back in '77. It never ceases to amaze people when I perform it. It's proof that the simplest things tend to be the most baffling at times, when done properly and with a little showmanship.

Without going into too many details, I'll tell you how I handle the Hot Rod. I use two identical hot rods. I start off just showing one, as a multi-colored rod on both sides, while the other is sitting under a napkin or handkerchief. I force the color, and before I do any sleights, I just stick it under the napkin for a few seconds and bring it back out with the single color. Then I stick it back under and bring it back out showing the multi-colors. It's obvious to the spectators that I'm supposedly switching the device while under the napkin. So, I pretend that they caught me and I show the stick under the napkin, supposedly as a single colored rod, and the one in my hand as a supposedly multi-colored rod. Now, I place one rod back under the napkin, secretly turning it over as I cover it. Now I do the switch without sticking the rod under the napkin, and I remove the napkin to show that, indeed, they switched places. I can do this a couple of times, then I move into a more visual phase. I get rid of the napkin, and hold one in each hand. Now, with a little magic, they switch places right before their eyes! I can do this a few times, and then I say something that allows me to finish the routine cleanly, allowing the spectators to put their grubby paws on the rods. I tell them that now, this side of the multi-colored stick is going to jump over to this side of the single-colored stick, and this side of the single-colored stick is going to jump over to this side of the multi-colored stick. Confused?!! Good. A little "hocus-pocus", and "tada"!!! You can now hand out the rods and the spectators are left speechless, with crooked smiles on their faces! Oooops! Well, I tried to keep it as short as I could. I really did leave out a bunch. Oh well. If you read it, you read it. If you don't, you don't. If you do, I hope you try it once and see the effect it has on the lay person. - James "Scout"

 

Hot Rod

At the end of my routine, I say "you've seen me make both sides multi-colored and you've seen me make both sides a single color, now watch as I combine the two." I show the multi-color side and say that I will give the rod a twisting motion and imitate that motion. Then, I tell them that the side with all red gems is fused there. With proper acting, I've had many people try to twist the rod thinking that it's some kind of trap switch or mechanical device. - Can Tang--Tucson, AZ

M&M Magic Review © 1996