Posting a Nexus Magic Member mail for all to review.
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Saturday, May 26, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Magic Store Nexus magic receives a magical facelift
Who says online magic stores can't remodel?
Nexus Magic Store has received a massive facelift. Visitors to this globally popular magic store are quite pleased with the redesign, and so far love the ongoing reorganization too. Several new changes have taken place and I'm excited to share them with you. First off in the top left corner of the site is a Google translate tool. With Nexus having such a global reach this tool will certainly come in handy with many Countries. Opposite Google's translation tool at the top of the page is a new register feature. This allows regular customers to now register with Nexus Magic. This saves the client tons of time each time the make a purchase by already having there shipping preferences saved, and it also enables them to specials that others will not receive. With Nexus magic stores product growth it was an inevitable transition.
Visitors are now greeted with cleaner and more striking color schemes throughout the pages. The header holds many deep meanings for owner Jason Ring. The imagery holds three of his most influential Magicians from the past, and present. David Blaine sits atop the header, with a classic haunting image of Dai Vernon. Also, tucked in the corner is Houdini hanging upside down performing his famous straight jacket escape. The hidden message in the center of the header is the Eye with the infinity symbol. This is a symbolic message that Magician's provide infinite possibilities in the eyes of the beholder.
The name "Nexus" itself is defined as:
nex·us [nek-suhs]
noun, plural nex·us·es, nex·us.
1. a means of connection; tie; link.
2. a connected series or group.
3. the core or center, as of a matter or situation.
The owner wanted to express that really the magic community is a "Nexus" a connection or tie that binds us all magicians. So the name he felt was very appropriate. Nexus is a business name that Jason had already carried for many years as Nexus promotional events prior to Nexus magic store opening in early 2009.
Here is the old Nexus Magic header:
New Magic header:
I sleek clean and very magical redesign with a small left in detail hint over David Blaine's left shoulder. Nexus Left in the card pip design. Overall, I think the new look is quite nice, and the category improvements are being made as more products are being featured. Another great bonus is having the product video's located on each product page. It's nice to visit a site and not be continually re-directed or have multiple pop-ups appear.
Regardless, of where you shop for magic Nexus magic continues to be one of the worlds well ranking magic supply houses, and a delight to surf and shop.
- Ted Talon
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Hanky Panky Hank Lee - charged with Credit Card fraud
Harry P. Levy faces 20 years charged with fraud & lying to investigators
A huge story polarizes the magic industry as Hank Lee's Magic Factory owner Harry P. Levy was taken into custody for Credit Card fraud, this shortly after pleading guilty to stealing over a $561,927.00 dollars from a wealthy client who is believed to be 50 year old British born entrepreneur Richard Garriott.
R.G. an amateur of magic is also known as a pioneer in many other directions. Most known as a leading computer game developer, and programmer. Developing one of the most popular home computer game series of the 1980's. The gaming series was called "Ultima" in which he digitally inspired a whole new generation in adventure gaming. Richard is also credited for creating the term M.M.O.R.P.G. Massively Multi-player Online Role Playing Games. It should also be noted that Mr. Garriott has always been fascinated with space, and space travel, and in 2008 was the sixth civilian in history to travel to space as a tourist. A ticket costing 30 million dollars which equates to around $484,000 dollars per mile.
In 2010 Richard Garriott hosted a DVD filming at his home in Texas for the Richard Turner live lecture DVD which Hank Lee Magic Factory carries.
- An Excerpt from the DVD states: A Tribute to Richard Turner "Dueling Card Sharks" and "The Cardmen's Get Together"Join retired gaming regulator Bruce Samboy and his camcorder in this wonderful tribute memorializing Steve Forte's hosting of Paul Wilson and Richard during an impromptu afternoon of playing card mastery. Additionally, you can join in on Richard’s gathering of the most respected card mechanics and magicians in the country including Steve Forte, Jason England, and Ron Conley.
Richard Garriott and Asa Spades Turner
Be a guest at the fascinating home of space traveler and video game creator Richard Garriott as he hosts Asa Spades's fourteenth birthday party. Garriott shares and demonstrates many of his one-of-a-kind treasures.
Mr. Garriott certainly has worked very hard to earn the respect, and admiration of a generation. Inspiring gamers, other developers, programmers, and pioneering a unique way to interact, play, and shifting gaming in a new direction.
I am highly disappointed to see not only Garriott, but many other enthusiasts allegedly taken advantage of over so many years by Hank Lee's magic factory. It is a Black eye to the industry as a whole, and a disgrace to the Gentleman of magic who work very hard to bring joy to the world. It is clearly an unfortunate situation all around.
After, the news, and talking with many store owners they have seen a steep drop in sales. Clearly, not only has this news affected those involved directly, but has also affected the industry's revenue as a whole. The future of Hank Lee is uncertain, what I do know is that it doesn't look good. Levy, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Actual Court Documents can be Viewed here: Hank Lee Court Papers
UPDATE: Hank Lee released a statement:
A Special Message From Hank Lee:
Greetings from me, Hank Lee.
I suspect that by now you have read the reports of the government’s charges against me. I have agreed to plead guilty to these charges. Although the charges allege misuse of a customer’s credit card, I am writing to assure you that Hank Lee’s Magic Factory has since adopted procedures to insure the safety and privacy of our customers’ information.
I was wrong in every way, and now I will face the consequences. I could not possibly be more sorry for my behavior.
My actions have deeply impacted my family. And, I know that they have impacted you, our customers and friends. While we have tried to build a base of trust over the last 37 years, it has been seriously damaged, and must now be rebuilt.
If there is a brighter side, Hank Lee’s Magic Factory is not just about me. It is about our long time employees who are here every day and could not be more honest, forthright and knowledgeable. These people can be trusted, 100%. They have been with Hank Lee’s for more than 20 years each and have impeccable records, both in life and in the workplace.
In the past day, I have received many emails and notes. Most are from people hoping that the present situation resolves itself quickly and wishing me the best in this difficult time. Some are from people who do not exactly wish me well. This is to be expected. I appreciate all correspondence.
This is what I can tell you right now. Hank Lee’s Magic Factory is not in danger of closing. We will continue to accept your orders, process them and ship them as always. I hope that you will continue to place orders with the Magic Factory, and allow me to rebuild your trust in us.
Hank
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Four Told by Devin Knight & Jason Ring - Reviews are Strong
What real mind reading looks like.
Devin Knight's original Four Told was a runaway hit. This new, and improved version is even better and has a streamlined method that requires NO secret adding of numbers. It does away with the pad and uses just a few index cards, which are handed to the participants as predictions. It does away with old fashion ESP symbols and takes the effect into the 21st Century by incorporating icons found on all of our electronic devices! Two different presentations for both stage and close-up are included in this new release.
One is a completely baffling impromptu mentalism effect using smart device Icons. Finally, you can take your routine to the streets utilizing the power of your smart phone. Imagine walking up to a group of total strangers and pulling out your phone to perform a mentalism effect using common icons everyone is familiar with. Additionally, these icons will un-lock so much potential for performers to inject their own personal style, humor, and personality in this edition of Four Told.
The Reviews are coming in:
When Four Told first came out I think I called it "what real mind reading looks like"
Four Told has now undergone a major facelift, both in looks and method.
THIS IS NOT AN APP! It is a souped-up version of Four Told that also gives you the possibility of being ready to perform any time you have your phone with you.
What do you get.
Four Told Smart Device Edition; Comes as 16 pages of text and a large picture showing a phone's home screen.
This makes it possible to perform on stage for a whole audience if you wish.
As mine was a review copy I didn't receive the printed picture, but having had the original Four Told picture I would assume the new one will be to the same high standard and should last a lifetime if cared for.
Included in the text is a QR code which you can scan (QR readers for smart phones are easy, and free, to get from your usual app source)
This gives you access to a copy of the picture card that can be stored on your phone, enabling you to perform this at the drop of a hat.
What's New:
Looks wise it's a whole new animal. Jason Ring gets the credit for this I believe.
Gone are the ESP symbols. In their place are modern icons that anyone who hasn't been living in a cave for the last 10 years will be familiar with seeing on their phone or computer
They are disarming and beyond suspicion. Just show them and no explanation is needed.
Method wise Four Told has been streamlined. Making it simpler to keep track of what's going on.
I never had any problem with the original version, and indeed it can be performed the original way using the new icons if preferred, but the new method is a little cleaner.
In fact there are two new methods. You can choose which one you prefer, or even better, use a different method on subsequent performances so that anyone who happened to be present at both wouldn't see an identical presentation.
Should you buy this?
For people who didn't get the original Four Told, it's a no-brainer. Get it, Perform It, Blow people away.
For those who do have the original the question will naturally be, is it worth buying this version?
I don't know the price this going out at, and I can only say what I would do.
As it is not only updated graphics but also streamlined operation I would buy it even though I had the original.
I could be wrong here but I think it's only available in a limited quantity from either Nexus magic store or direct from Devin Knight.
I'm pretty sure release day is Friday.
Maybe Jason or Devin could chime in here to either correct me or confirm details.
Regards
Steve Line
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