Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Wild in The Streets By Bon Jovi

Ah . . . the old diary trick. Those in "the know" are aware of the fact that the best diary effects (i.e., pocket diary has playing cards written on every day of the year; performer predicts the card on the spectator's birthday) are ones that don't use a deck of cards, but what about one that doesn't even use a diary. That is what Chris Congreave is offering.

Props

Typically with any diary effect, you end up having to carry around two diaries. In this case, everything you need for the diary effect will fit in your wallet. To have everything you need to pull off this effect, you'll need to carry in your wallet 7 things . . . 5 of which are playing cards. For strolling or performing a paid gig, I see this as no problem at all. It's not uncommon for us magi to have special and/or loaded up wallets for our paying gigs.

What about casual performances? For me, it's a little crowded to carry 5 playing cards. However, if they were mini playing cards (and they can be), then it might be more doable for casual settings.

Problems?

For some strange reason, the booklet and the little wallet calendar cards you get come in a huge over-sized envelope. I'm not sure what that's about. Not a complaint . . . just weird. However, I do have a complaint about the props. On the props, there are images of the various phases of the moon that are just (apparently) part of the decoration of the calendar card. However they are used as a key for you the performer.

The card shown in the preview trailer looks great. It's white and the moon phases are easy to see. However, the cards I got are gray, yet the moon phases are black on a white dot. It's very confusing to look at and makes it very difficult to get the "key information" as quickly as needs to happen in the heat of performance.

Performance

The basic performance given is pretty much standard with all diary effects. The performer briefly discusses the similarities of a deck of cards and a calendar - there are quite a few. Then has the spectator tell us her birthday. You then show her a pocket calendar card that has every day of the year with a playing card next to it. You then prove that you predicted what card would be next to her birthday.

There are a few additional ideas given in the pamphlet that comes with the diary cards. There are some alternate handling ideas, alternate revelations and alternate scripts. Each one with its pros and cons. I'll let you decide if you like the basic effect. I mean if you're not interested in a birthday calendar card trick, then this is pointless for you. However, if you like the effect, I think you'll find this method a pretty decent alternative that will free up a whole bunch of pocket space.

Final Thoughts

The calendar cards, will likely last forever. They're made out of thick flexible plastic and are about the size of a credit card, so they fit in your wallet perfectly. For freed up pocket space, a classic effect, and well built (other than the aforementioned color problem) props, $25 bucks is a reasonable price to pay.

Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of gem.