[very cautiously]
Does anyone know how the Crazy Man’s Handcuffs trick is done? I found this site that explains what to do, but it isn’t entirely clear. Specifically, after you’ve got the two bands set up one behind the other, it says “Stretch the rubber bands back towards your wrist.” I’ve seen it done quickly and it looks really cool, but I’m not following the concept.
Can anyone clarify how to perform this trick?
*Please explain it in your own words. Do not reproduce any copywrited material.
Five four three two…
Actually, I was told it would be OK
If that quote is where you think you were told its ok, you’re mistaken. Re-read the last sentence of that quote. The straightdope staff still hasn’t come to a decision on whether or not its ok yet but most of us are hoping questions like yours will be allowed to be answered.
All the discussion I have read on the subject in the Pit and in the thread in ATMB seems to indicate that a description of the trick in one’s own words is not a copyright violation and is not illegal.
For what it’s worth, I read that quote exactly the same as jayrot has. Anything other than a verbatim quote should be OK.
For the sake of forum integrity, let’s not highjack this factual thread. There are plenty of other threads regarding the Magicgate Scandal.
Unfortunately, I’m not holding out much hope for Ianzin coming to answer my question even though he seems to be a resource on the subject.
Any other magicians out there?
Magician checking in here.
I do the Crazy Man’s Handcuffs.
Jayrot, I am presuming you are either a Magician or a magic enthusiast. So, to keep the secret of this effect, I can offer you two options.
First, look up “Elastrix - The Encyclopedia of Rubber Band Magic”. The effect is listed there.
Second, you can e-mail me at the address listed in my profile. I would be glad to discuss the effect with you.
Jayrot, I’ve e-mailed you regarding this.
Bolding mine.
This is my understanding as well.
your humble TubaDiva
Administrator
Doing this trick is a simple matter of On the Job Training, AKA, “OJT”
Get two rubber bands about 2" long in their relaxed state and follow the directions on the site linked VERY CAREFULLY The crux of the manipulation is in using the middle finger correctly.
PS I am not a magician nor an amateur but it presented no problem.
Try it over and over carefully following the directions. You should be able to do it on the second or third attempt.
It’s easy to do, but it’s hard to do well.
Also, it helps if your elastics are well-matched. Ie, use elastics of the same type.
Hmmm. I beg to differ.
It’s hard to do, and impossible to do well. Or maybe I’m just a klutz.
Practice, practice, & more practice makes perfect , unless you have arthritis.
Old Chinese Proverb:
What one fool can do,
Another can.
Could we ask Trigonal Planar to reiterate his description of the trick?
Hmm, unfortunately I don’t have access to any elastics right now and I can’t describe it without doing the motions.
Damn! The magic mafia has gotten to Trigonal Planar, too.