Magician

How to Prank Someone

2012-01-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

This prank is perfect for the office, at home or at a party... It's ranked as the perfect prank in my book because it meets all the requirements for a quality prank:  

1. Anyone can do it 
2. It costs nothing
3. It takes seconds to set up 
4. The victim does it to themselves 
5. The victim is caught at a vulnerable moment   

The best pranks or tricks catch people when they are vulnerable... and when an illusion is created in their own mind!

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO: 
Go to a bathroom and make sure the toilet paper roll is hanging outwards... leave one or two squares dangling to pull easily...  When they pull on the toilet paper... They prank themselves! Simply attach a fake spider on the bottom of the roll and it will eventually be pulled around by someone sitting on the toilet. The illusion that the spider is running toward them is so real that you will certainly scare the **** out of them!   

So to recap.  
1. Turn Roll Facing Outwards and pull down about 4-5 squares
2. Attach Spider in the correct direction 
3. Roll the spider underneath and out of sight leaving 1-2 squares dangling! 
4. Wait for someone to scream

Enjoy! Please SHARE the heck out of this simple prank video.

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Santa Barbara Magician Entertainer

2012-01-16T18:17:00.000-08:00

If you are having a private event and want to make it extra fun, get sleight of hand magician Rich Ferguson. Here's a video highlighting the benefits of letting a skilled entertainer like "The Ice Breaker" loose at your event! From Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez and San Luis Obispo to nation wide, Rich Ferguson will be the hit of the party using wit, sleight of hand, mentalism and comedy. Although Rich works worldwide, certain Central Coast deals can be found on our show information page.

Make your party unique, exciting and memorable! It's takes a very specialized type of entertainer to be able to be dropped into any type of party, bring people together and add tons of excitement without being the center of attention. I'll help make your event a jaw dropping-success!

Get a Real Pro with Experience! From entertainment awards and best selling products to the most demanding corporate client, I have the experience, skill and confidence you're looking for.

Entertainer to the Stars - For the best entertainers on television to VIP events for celebrities, athletes and CEO's, you can trust that I'll make a positive and surprising impact that even the most skeptical guests will talk about for years.

My philosophy is simple. It's not about "magic tricks", but what I can do to make your event fun and memorable.

Anyone can do a magic trick, but YOU need someone to add true value to your event and that you can trust to make you and your event look good.

Please visit www.TheIceBreaker.com, watch endless performance clips and testimonials and see how easy it is to add me to your next event!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Holiday Gift for Men

2011-12-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

Having a hard time finding a fun holiday gift for the boys or men in your life?

Look no further! Good for anyone, but especially single guys, Tricks to Pick Up Chicks is a great holiday gift for men for under $20!

It's loaded with Bar Bets, Magic Tricks, Scams, Pranks, Lines, Body Language and more for entertaining friends or impressing "the ladies" without being a total geek!

There's something in it for everyone. It helps build social confidence in teens, helps showcase your personality at parties and helps break the ice with girls anytime, anywhere. It's been a top selling book on Amazon for a reason. Here's a simple clip showcasing the sections to the book:

Here's the breakdown of the chapters:

• Chapter 1 - “Quickies”
Tricks, ice-breakers and pick up lines that can be done to instantly get the attention of any dream-girl.

• Chapter 2 - “One Night Stands"
Full blown magic tricks, bar bets and scams to meet girls, make you stand out and make them want more.

• Chapter 3 - “Threesomes”
Gain an advantage by secretly using your “wingman” to trick, scam or set-up your target!

• Chapter 4 - Body Language
Learn how to read body language, gestures and expressions so you know exactly what she is really thinking!

• Chapter 5 - Rules of the Game
Become aware of the dating rules that separate the men from the boys. Learn the do’s and don’ts of the dating game.

This book makes a great gift and is available NOW at Amazon.com

If you want to check out the entire book first, you can view it's website at http://www.DatingTricksRevealed.com

Record Setter Book of World Records

2011-11-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

Having several World Records is something everyone should have! You do not have to be the fastest runner, solve the Rubik's Cube the fastest or roll a coin on your knuckles the fastest... If you don't happen to have that type of skill, make something else up! Record Setter accepts anything as long as it is quantifiable, beatable and you show video proof.

Here's s clip of me on FOX News demonstrating one of my records.

I had blast this week at Record Setter's Live Book Tour. My particular appearance was when they hit L.A. At each city, 10 guests demonstrated their unique talents. Some were mainstream and competitive while others were wacky and fun. Although I had a massive fumble, I broke one of my previous records by one with 62 rolls with my finger ring. Other participants included Jeff Rubin from College Humor beating level one in Mario Brothers while naming over 45 Mario games(I'm a new huge fan of his!)! Another contestant, a writer for the Colbert Report, ate the most bologna "faces" as she bit out the eyes and mouths from a stack of bologna in a minute! The most unusual had to be Joselyn Hughes, writer for Tosh.0 with her most "bitch slaps" (or "backhands" as she had to call it with kids in the audience) of random food items tossed at her in a minute. Many other "celebrity" guests demonstrated some wacky skills that night!

With the Founders Dan and Corey after the live event. (Dan is very tall!)

Want to get a cool book as a gift? Check out this link: The RecordSetter Book of World Records. It will take you to Amazon where you might find a nice discount on the book! Speaking of books, I'll plug my magic book while I'm at it: Tricks to Pick Up Chicks: Magic Tricks, Lines, Bets, Scams and Psychology

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Motivational Speaker for At Risk Youth

2011-11-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

My motivational speaking program for "at risk" youth has been years in the making. I'm so excited to have a full length program that truly connects with kids. The "Rich: Real & Radical" presentation is broken down here so you can understand the value it may have for your school, academy or "at risk" youth group. Keep in mind that I'm available nationally and the program is best suited for teens or preteens.

The motivational speaking program starts off with me demonstrating some magic effects using nothing more than common sense and observation - which is a main topic in the program. Then the kids guess truths and false about me. The results are surprising enough to keep kids engaged the rest of the program. I share openly my unique childhood struggles and difficulties making it to success. We quickly turn the direction to "us" as a group.

Opening slide as kids takes seats

A main focus on the program is Overcoming Obstacles and inspiring kids to realize that they have a gift with street smarts that will allow them to do anything they set their mind too. The program is built upon a psychological NLP timeline. This engages kids with powerful and funny slides about common sense, smarts, goals, focus, negativity, distractions, stress, attitude, complaining, excuses, being present and much more. The psychological structure hooks kids from every situation, gets them to agree with everything they hear and see... Then they get hit with truths about themselves they accept which they would normally be defensive about. The gloves are off and the truths of reality reveal themselves. Trust, rapport and common ground is established early on and kids absorb my message because it is real to them without being lectured too. I believe struggle has given us the best tools in life to adapt, be observant and be fast on our toes. Quit frankly, as a magician and mentalist who know exactly what they are going through, I've "tricked" them into seeing the truth and possibilities. They leave motivated, inspired and believed in.

...Then they learn how they are was SMARTER than "other" kids...

I stay personally connected to them throughout

Popular culture and sports are used to make points

The home-run record holders also have the most STRIKEOUTS with 1,500!

Making a strong point about holding onto stress

One of my favorite sections used famous faces that you'd be shocked struggled in school or did not go to college, were social outcasts growing up, were abused and suffered growing up or were homeless as young adults. In addition, some celebrity friends are used to show how we can not judge a book by its cover and how complaining doesn't accomplish anything.

During full length programs, we talk about "statistics" and how we are only a statistic or products of our surrounding if we chose to be. The pressure from statistics and social labels on kids who are struggling will be lifted.

Statistics are not about you but about everyone in general

Another fun and engaging section uses dozens of funny images to make points about common sense, observation, "smarts", possibilities and more. This takes the pressure off looking at ourselves for a moment until they are hooked and ready for some more "naked truths". A fun section about comparing yourself to others is a hit. Along the way, magic is used as analogies for paying attention and making decisions.

When the focus is turned back to us, they are ready for some tough love and more likely accept messages about balance, community, attitude and peer pressure. I do not focus on sex, drug, social misconduct and peer pressure. I believe it is a mistake to drill kids about pressures or problems they are well aware of. I, instead, focus on empowering them with the tools to make better and smarter common sense decisions for themselves.

In the end, they hopefully walk out "HUNGRY" for life. "Staying Hungry" is one of the main points and ties into several other sections. Many well known CEO's, celebrities and sports figured have been homeless, broke and hungry. They've overcome great odds and have stayed hungry and nothing stops them from achieving their goals - They also do not complain about their past. A shift in understanding the gift people who have struggled have is a subtle undertone to the entire program. Personally, I'd not trade "street smarts" for anything. It's an empowering message. To finalize, the gloves come completely off and I'm an open book for real questions.

Helping kids see the light of a better life starts with someone who has been there but doesn't let struggles in the past define them, but lets struggles become the fuel for greater things. Please share this with groups you know of and I'd be honored to be their motivational speaker. Visit my official website about booking an appearance.

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As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

San Luis Obispo Magician Review

2011-10-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Interested in hiring a magician for a party in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or beyond?

Be sure to do your homework to ensure they will treat your guests with professionalism, put your event before the "magic"and have the experience required to make your event memorable and fun! Letting a magician loose at your party is about personality you can count on.

Tips to ensuring you hire the right magician or entertainer for your party:

• Be sure they specialize in what you are looking for. You do not want a children's magician accepting a job much better suited sleight of hand artist or visa versa. Hire the appropriate person for the job or everyone looses out.

• Beware of entertainers that jump on any event without any care or concern about your specific needs or event details. You know right away you have an amateur or unprofessional magician on the phone if they are whiling to take your money but are not interested in learning more about your event.

• Be sure they are a true professional with a business license, insurance and appropriate accreditation.

• Check out their website and credentials to ensure they have the experience they are claiming to have. Do they have testimonials, promotional materials, interviews, awards or press to view?

• Do they have established, public prices and types of shows on their site or do they make it up depending on your feedback? Beware of services lacking an established, industry price structure or competitive public price. (Of course, prices may vary depending on what you require.)

• Have your guests or friends heard of this entertainer and can they vouch for the character or quality of service? Is this entertainer an authority in their field? You certainly get what you pay for when it comes to entertainment.

Magician Rich Ferguson takes care of all of these concerns...

Hear what some well known people from the central coast are saying about Magician Rich Ferguson, AKA "The Ice Breaker". Many more qualified reviews can be found on our official site.

Living in San Luis Obispo and being a full time entertainer and magician has it's "tricks". However, I'm blessed to live on the central coast and have such wonderful people in my life.

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Magic Tricks Revealed Scam School

2011-10-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone should know a good magic trick or two, right? Well, for most, there's no way they are going to "master" years of sleight of hand magic. The typical person is looking for a magic trick or "bar bet" that looks awesome but does not take much skill or time to set up. These two impromptu magic effects shared on an episode of Scam School are the ticket and are taken right from my best selling "dating magic" book Tricks to Pick Up Chicks available at Amazon.

The first effect explained is using an everyday toothpick! Show how two solid objects pass through each other! Even knowing the secret, it looks cool! The second magic trick revealed is a great betting trick using a playing card or business card. Cut a hole in a card and literally stretch the card large enough to fit a person through it! Enjoy messing with people's head and getting lots of free drinks!

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

In Session One on One Training

2011-09-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

In-Session One on One Training for Magic, Sales, Marketing yourself and more is available world wide simply using your webcam and Skype! If you are a magician, mentalist, business person, presenter, salesperson or anyone wanting to take your product pitch, small business or magic performance to a new level, contact me for one on one training. I'm available world-wide using the comfort and safety of our own homes or offices.

It was a wonderful platform that Ellusionist provided teachers and students and it is sad to see their "In-Session" system go. It made scheduling easy. However, there is no reason we can't connect and arrange a date on our own. It's quite simple. Using Paypal or credit card, our computers and webcams, the sky is the limit. All you have to do is take the step to contact me and set up a time we can session.

A 1.5 hour session is $150.

Please watch this Video Testimonial of one of my past Satisfied Customers from the other side of the world.

I'll be teaching you everything from magic, mentalism to even marketing yourself as an entertainer! ...And if you are not a magician, there's a good chance you're looking for techniques for sales or cool tricks or ice-breakers to help you in your job. Whatever it is, I can help you.

If you are new to magic or been studying for years, my unique blend of magic WITH mentalism will open your eyes to untapped potential! I look forward to teaching you in an intimate and safe environment during our one on one sessions…

What do you want to session about?

We can session on psychology and mentalism-mixed with magic or not. You know from my DVDs that I don't hold much back when it comes to psychological subtleties, framing, set ups or outs.

Perhaps, you want to dive into some up-close magic. I can teach you some clever sleights like this… … or unorthodoxed variations of classics to twists on common moves.

Maybe you want me to share some secrets to creating your own material… and most importantly material that's fun to do and is MEMORABLE so people want you back again and again…

You might want to have a session devoted to taking something you already know and tweaking it to make it mind-blowing. I pride myself in my ability to strategize and be resourceful with what I have in front of me. Some of my greatest effects (from the perspective of my spectators) came from boring tricks I've seen and thought "Man, if that was only tweaked and dressed up a little, that could be awesome…"

Do you want to session on the secrets of business, marketing and getting bookings! I think most would agree that I'm one of the most successful in the industry when it comes to this subject. I'd be more than happy to save you time, money and the major mistakes that entertainers (and business of all sorts for that matter) often make. If you are interested in making the jump from hobbiest to professional, we need to talk.

I've been heavily involved with products, marketing and performing full time since the late 90's and I have a great idea of what it takes to design effects for different types of clients and venues, how to get bookings and how to use what you have for high impact. From magicians and poker players to businessmen and presenters, I've consulted all around the world. I hope I can help you too.

If you are looking for these types of reactions, enjoyment as a performer and recognition as a business, lets session. I'm here in your corner and ready to attack it with you.

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

International Brotherhood of Magicians Linking Ring

2011-09-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

In the magic community, there are a few resources, magic clubs and organizations that most magicians are part of. The International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) Linking Ring is our monthly magazine for full time entertainers and hobbyists which is packed with club information, products, articles and much more.

This month, yours truly was featured in an article pertaining to a unique perspective of the magical arts. Enjoy!

Thanks to Cliff Bumgardner for taking the time to put together this story.

Here's a rough transcript of the article if viewing the pictures is problematic:

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The Power of Observation
An Interview with Rich Ferguson

Rich Ferguson is a full-time professional magician who is in constant demand by high-profile clients across the country. His magic has been featured on multiple television shows and specials, including The Ellen Degeneres Show and NBC’s Phenomenon. Inside the magic community he’s known as the very clever creator of effects such as “Serial Biller” and “Tagged,” which was named the iTricks.com Trick of the Year in 2008.

What’s the secret to Rich’s creativity? Much of it is due to his unique and unorthodox approach to magic – a style he developed as a result of his difficult, at times even tumultuous childhood.

“I was born in Salinas, California to a family involved with heavy drug trafficking,” Rich says. “My dad went to jail when I was one year old and is still serving multiple life sentences in Texas. My mom was killed when I was about five years old. My grandparents were then given custody of me, and my daily observations were drug abuse, physical abuse, and police raids – among many other things a child should not have to see.”

Rich’s troublesome surroundings as forced him to develop keen observational skills – skills that would later define his entire approach to magic. He now says, “I was a kid that that was wired from day one to be on his toes and keep a step ahead of people. Adding to that, I didn’t know how to read, so my skills for survival had to be highly enhanced. Observation was all I had to get by on. I learned to live off my wits and common sense.”

When he was eleven years old, Rich was removed from his family and put into child protective services. He was adopted a short time later, allowing him to begin his life anew. And though many things changed dramatically, he never left behind one gift given to him by his past: “I always seemed to be the person who could answer common sense problems. I was always the guy who could remember details such as where someone else left their keys. I never thought I was special, I just felt like others lacked the concentration to remember what they saw or experienced. It was–and still is–a little frustrating to have the distraction of knowing details that really should be someone else's responsibility. It took me until college to really understand that most people don't see everything and don't take on the brain-taxing responsibility to analyze everything around them and calculate the repercussions.”

As a young man, Rich began using his observational skills to create experiments in human behavior. He would do things such as attempt to take an object from someone just to see if he could get away with it, or move something to see if anyone would notice. Rich didn’t realize it at the time, but he was actually dabbling in some of the foundational techniques of magic – something that would not become clear to him for several more years.

These experiments led to Rich creating little tricks and pieces simply for his own interest and amusement. But it wasn’t until Rich was asked to perform at a friend’s party that it became evident he could use what he had created as a vehicle for entertainment. “I realized that night I had discovered something very special,” he says. “This way of connecting with people was amazing, and within a year I quit my job and became a full-time entertainer.”

It still took several years of being a professional performer for Rich to associate his style of entertainment with magic. Having never even read a magic book or watched a video, Rich nervously joined The Magic Castle, where he first saw how magicians were using skills very much like his own to create magical experiences for their audience. That was all it took; he had been bitten by the magic bug.

Rich then started studying more traditional magic concepts, always looking for ways to make them his own using observational techniques and knowledge of humor behavior. He says this has become not only his approach to magic, but the very essence of the experience he tries to share with his audience. “It not only carries my show from a method or approach standpoint, but it helps me reveal techniques about human behavior that keep sophisticated crowds interested in me. The premise and execution of even the most gimmicky effect I do is altered by some form of human behavior when I'm done with it. Without a keen sense of observation, my act would be reduced to simple tricks and I would likely not be an entertainer at all.

“In addition to the magic, human behavior also helps in the relationships and business of what I do. It's no secret that I'm having a great time performing at parties all over the globe. My client relationships are wonderful and my business is doing very well. I believe that besides hard work, there is certainly a tie to reading folks and adjusting accordingly.”

As difficult as it was, Rich credits his childhood as the backbone for who he is and all that he has accomplished. “I've come to realize that the survival instincts I developed very early on give me an advantage in life and business. When you master something from trial and error and survival, you really understand it. As far as where I'd be in my non-magical life, if I had a ‘normal’ childhood, I imagine I'd be a different person. What would you be like today if you were raised the way I was? You just don't know. I do know that most kids do not make it out of the world I came from, and I just have to be grateful to have what I now have.”

But even with Rich’s great success, he has never forgotten his roots, or the importance of giving back. His work as a spokesperson for Dream for Kids led to him be the subject of the Telly Award-winning documentary, Rags to Riches. He also works with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Adoption Council, and Social Services. He says he loves the opportunity to influence children’s lives in a positive way and teach them that anything is possible.

Rich believes that all magicians can use behavioral techniques to take their magic to the next level. “For those who want to try to take magic beyond the steps of the tricks and be more flexible and improvisational,” he says, “the sky is the limit. But for those who avoid it, they are missing out on a deep psychological connection with their spectators.”

Like the documentary bearing his name, Rich’s life is a true rags-to-riches story that is nothing short of inspirational. His is a lesson in using every skill you have at your disposal, and reveals what can be accomplished when we as magicians stop worrying about our tricks and instead focus on the people we are trying to entertain. So please, put this magazine down, and take the time to simply look around your world. You may find it is a far more magical place than you ever thought possible.

For more information on Rich, go to: www.RichFerguson.com
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Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

The Kinetic King Americas Got Talent

2011-08-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

If you've watched America's Got Talent, you've certainly seen some amazing, dangerous, wacky, strange and horrible acts! I'm not sure where I'd put the inventive and unique Kinetic King. AGT talent is putting him in the Variety Act category.

The Kinetic King on NBC's AGT

Tim Fort AKA Kinetic King and Rich Ferguson

To the untrained eye, kinetic gadgets are gnarly chain-reaction devices that collapse and explode in, like, really cool ways. When you look closer, not only can these gadgets collapse and explode in many ways, but they can play music tunes and have animation in them. I'm not sure how that art can ever be a full evening show, but it's pretty darn cool and Tim Fort seems like a heck of a guy as well. Check The Kinetic King's website with a tagline of "Tim-Space Disontinuum".

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Avery and the Calico Hearts AGT

2011-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Although they are now off the show, many people fell in love with Avery and the Calico Hearts.

Avery, Brooklyn, Seth, Rich, Kassidy striking poses

One of the funniest thing to happen while hanging out with folks from America's Got Talent is from a particular after-party in Beverly Hills. Here, on the west coast, NBC's AGT show is filmed at 6pm and we watch it live/delayed. So by the time filming is over, we can all gather around and watch the acts on TV as seen by others on the west coast. 9pm came fast and I sat to watch the acts. One of the early acts this particular night was the three girls making up Avery and the Calico Hearts. As I watched their act ending, they entered the room late and stood in front of me. Now, normally this would not be a big deal, but the timing was so perfect that it caused a slight mental lapse! I was not at a studio or stage but at a private home so it makes it more magical when someone walks off stage and walks next to you. From having lots of friends on TV, being on TV and doing magic, it's an interesting perspective sometimes. I had a small taste of the confusion I give to people everyday so I guess it's all fair!

It was a real treat to meet them and wish them well. I don't think this will be the last we'll see of them! With four magicians walking around that night, I'm sure the girls will never forget this after-party!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Mini Judges Americas Got Talent

2011-08-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

If you caught America's Got Talent on August 16th, 2011, you might have been glued to the screen when three little kids that looked like the judges appeared during an illusion! Seth Grabel just finished his Wild Card performance where a Delorean appeared on stage - then the doors opened and three cute little "mini-me judges" crawled out. They stood there posing as Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel - the judges from America's Got Talent. When the host, Nick Cannon, of AGT asked the little girl her name, she simply replied, "Hello Darling..." in a perfect Sharon tone. It was perfect TV in the making.

Now, I happen to be friends and was involved with a couple contestants this year and I can tell you that the comment from little four year old was pure awesomeness and not rehearsed as much of reality TV is these days. Two of the kids happen to be the children of an amazing creative consultant, Bart Rockett. This is what Bart has posted about the kids. "Mini Howie is played by Kadan Rockett - 5 who has a full head of hair and went through nearly 4 hours of makeup. His sister Brooklyn Rockett - 4 plays Mini Sharon & Charlie Hartman -5 plays Mini Piers. All are child actors represented by Sha'Lin Talent in Burbank, CA. You can see what Kadan & Brooklyn Rockett really look like by searching their names on youtube and seeing their videos! It's funny."

Here's a fun shot of the after party with some of the gang.

It was a fast paced trip, but fun to be involved. I'm sad to see both my guys out of the running now.

Want to bring some mind blowing entertainment to your next private event or corporate function? I'd love to see what I can do for you! Please visit my official site for more details.

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Dating Magic Tricks on Kindle Amazon

2011-08-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

That's right! Trick to Pick Up Chicks is now available on Kindle at Amazon! If you've just come across this blog, Tricks to Pick Up Chicks is a combination of Magic Tricks, Bar Bets, Psychology and so much more. It's the perfect book for anyone looking for fun tools, tips and tricks to break the ice and have fun meeting people. It's not a seduction book to get women to sleep with you! Rather, we teach you to open doors and get women or everyday people attracted to you. What you do once doors are open and people are eating out of your hand is up to you. The dating game has never been so fun and easy!

Here's the fun content of this unique magic and "dating" book:

• Chapter 1 - “Quickies”
Tricks, ice-breakers and pick up lines that can be done to instantly get the attention of any dream-girl.

• Chapter 2 - “One Night Stands"
Full blown magic tricks, bar bets and scams to meet girls, make you stand out and make them want more.

• Chapter 3 - “Threesomes”
Gain an advantage by secretly using your “wingman” to trick, scam or set-up your target!

• Chapter 4 - Body Language
Learn how to read body language, gestures and expressions so you know exactly what she is really thinking!

• Chapter 5 - Rules of the Game
Become aware of the dating rules that separate the men from the boys. Learn the do’s and don’ts of the dating game.

Tricks to Pick Up Chicks is available at Amazon as a Book or in Kindle Edition.

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Corporate Magician Trade Show Pitchman

2011-07-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Most large companies are involved with Trade Shows and Corporate Events at some point. For many, Trade Shows are an ongoing part of business. Sadly, we have all seen boring booths with sales people who are so eager to push their info that nobody stops to listen! Attendees quickly snatch whatever free junk they are giving away and run! Well, luckily for smart businesses, there is a solution to making a strong impact and being remembered. It's magic!

Really. I mean magic as in magician Rich Ferguson! Let's face it, the main goal of a trade show is to:

• Get Leads and Crowds - One of the biggest advantages of using a corporate magician for a variety of trade show booths is gaining a crowd! Crowds do so much for a company. Sales teams can easily gather more leads. Crowds make you look like you have something worth sticking around for. Crowds cause more crowds.

• Be Remembered - Using a product or company message within a magic effect becomes much more memorable than if presented by a company sales person. Everyone is intrigued by magic and learning about your product in an entertaining way does not feel like a sales pitch.

• Impress Other Companies - Posturing is often the goal of large companies and having a magician on your side is essential. It's about attraction. If your booth looks like people are interested, those key business partners and companies you are hoping to impress behind the scenes will notice that attendees seem to like what you are about... and will tend to like it too!

• Look Like you Have Something Exciting to Offer - Similar to impressing other companies, just looking like you have something unique or exciting causes people to stick around. This is why crowds start to form to begin with. Magic has a way of bringing people together and making the experience fun.

• Get Company Messages and Product Information to Attendees - Of course, the magicians job at a trade show is to pitch something. The creative thinking behind making magic effects is directly related to pitching a product. A skilled magician or mentalist has the know-how to build effects around your specific message or product and be your specialized product pitchman.

• Creative Consulting - It's been proven time and time again that magicians are the best at strategizing, psychology and creative thinking. As seen on numerous TV specials, magicians are used as examples for sales, psychology and as masters of opening people's eyes to fresh ideas. Sometimes, using Rich for creative consulting is just as important as a pitch itself.

• After Parties are a Blast - "Personally, my favorite part of corporate work is my ability to blow the minds of VIPs at after parties or CEO parties. It takes a special set of skills to impact the elite in society. I've been flown around the world just to be let loose at these parties with no connection to the trade show floor whatsoever! It's highly engaging, memorable and fun."

These are just some of the benefits of using a creative magician as a pitchman for your company trade show or corporate event. Sure, supermodels, sports-cars and freebies are awesome eye candy and attention getting, but they do not pitch your message and are forgotten moments later in the crazy buzz of the trade show floor!

Of course, there are some small exceptions;) Who wouldn't check out a new radio from JVC installed in this car? Now that you are done looking at Arianny or this sports car, take a peek at our corporate magic video:

Contact Rich by visiting www.TheIceBreaker.com today! If you know someone who might benefit from this unique and beneficial idea, please forward this on.

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Easy Dollar Magic Trick You Can Do

2011-07-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Taken directly from my dating magic book, here's a very simple money magic trick you can do anytime, anywhere. Here, watch this dollar bill trick taught on an episode of Scam School:

Or follow these instructions: "Magic Tricks with Money" taken off page 66 from Tricks to Pick Up Chicks:

Impossible Penetration

Effect: You show a dollar and borrow a business card or piece of paper. The dollar is folded in half and the card is placed folded on the outside. A pen or pencil clearly is shoved through the dollar and paper. However, when the pencil is removed, there is no apparent damage at all even though the paper has a hole in it.

Secret: There is a special slit in the dollar but how it is folded makes it look like the pencil legitimately travels through the center.

Performance: At home, get a dollar and put it on a cutting board. With a razor blade, carefully cut around the innermost half of the circular seal on the left side of the face of a dollar. On the inside of the black seal containing a large letter, cut the half that is closet toward the left end. When the bill is folded in half, a pencil can pass into the slit and along the back of the bill. However, from the front of the bill, it will look like the pencil is pacing right down the center of the bill. Now that you have your bill gimmicked, there is another set up to do when you do this trick with someone. Find your dream-girl and show her your bill. The position of the opening is perfect to hide with your finger. Fold the bill in half. Also, fold down about an inch or so of the non gimmicked side of the dollar. Crease this part. Take a piece of paper and fold over the entire bill from under the part you have folded down and the back up high enough to cover the slit you made at home. Once you have this figured out, you can create quite an illusion. Stick a sharpened pencil into the slit from the inside of your folded bill. The pencil will come out the back of the slit and be driven behind the bill as you press the pencil through the paper! Right before you you push the pencil all the way though, you are able to show both sides. Hold your thumb and fingers on each side to press the sides closed to hide the secret. Let them see how fair this all looks otherwise. You can even let your lucky lady push it through and break the paper. It will look 100% real from all sides! Pull the pencil out and show that the bill is still fine by holding toward the ends of each side of the bill. Nobody would ever suspect a hole toward the edge and will only be looking at the center.

Tip: If you use a business card for this, fold the business card with 1/3 of a distance instead of in half. Put the smaller part on the front side toward the spectator and the long side on the back to cover beyond the hole the pencil will travel through. This is so you can show both sides and hide the hole in back right before you puncture all the way through.

Get a copy of Tricks to Pick Up Chicks for yourself or a gift today! Available at Amazon.com

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Scam School Rev3 Magic Moments

2011-07-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

One of the my favorite shows, called Scam School, called upon my services as a creative consultant. Brian Brushwood, the host of the show, was a blast to work with and I was honored to be a magician guest on several segments. Brian is awesome! Check him out: http://shwood.squarespace.com/

Too much magic fun with host Brian Brushwood

As it turned out, we filmed my episodes in San Francisco - which is near the company "Revision 3" that runs Scam School along with numerous other highly popular shows. A lot of the Rev3 group showed up to watch and help with production. What a great group of creative folks! I even got to do a bunch of magic for the CEO of Rev3. I had a blast as usual. I had announced that I'd be in the area filming and several good friends even showed up to enjoy some magic. I was especially surprised to be able to hang out with my best friend from high school days, Ernie! That was a great treat to make this fast paced trip complete.

Brian at work doing intro's for the segments

With CEO of Rev3, Jim Louderback

Don't Scam the scammers!

Now, for those who have no idea what Scam School or Rev3 is, take a quick peek at what you are missing! Scam School with Brian Brushwood is your headquarters for learning magic, bar bets, scams and much more. In fact, to quote the host, "Scam School - the only show dedicated to social engineering at the bar and on the streets..."

Other Revision 3 shows include AvTalk, App Judgement, The Ben Heck Show, bytejacker, Dan3.0, Death Battle, Destructiod, digg dialogg, diggnation, Epic Meal Time, Film Riot, Film State, Foundation, Geek Beat TV, Hak5, HD Nation, lifehacker, Penn Point, Scientific Tuesdays, Soldier Knows Best, TechnoBuffalo, Tekzilla, Tom's Top 5, The Totally Rad Show, Unboxing Porn, The Young Turks - That should be enough to keep you busy for a while!

If you are interesting in learning a ton of Magic Tricks, Bar Bets and Scams, check out my #1 Book on Amazon - Tricks to Pick Up Chicks. Don't be fooled by the title, it's a play on words my fellow geeks. Yes, indeed, it teaches awesome "pick up" magic, but it's not a seduction book. It reveals some awesome tricks, lines, bets and scams to have fun with the ladies or friends alike! Available now at Amazon.com.

Available at Amazon.com or DatingTricksRevealed.com

If you want to have me "crash" a party near you, booking information can be found at my official site, www.TheIceBreaker.com!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Tour

2011-06-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour is an awesome good time! Imagine 14 bands, signer-songwriters between acts, 3 stages, tons of great food, fun booths and demonstrations by Harley Davidson. Luckily for me, I was backstage enjoying playing pool, doing magic and entertainment for artists and staff, eating home-made country food and chilling with folks like Willie. Thanks to the Pozo Saloon for being so hospitable and detailed for all those fine VIP's. The night ended with an after-party on the Saloon deck with more signer-songwriters in an intimate show.

Here's just a partial list of the amazing talent being brought to you by this country tour: Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Drake White, Adam Hood, Austin Lucas, Brent Cobb, Caitlyn Smith, Dani Flowers, Erin Enderlin just to name a "few".

For more information on the Pozo Saloon and concerts in that area, check out the Pozo Saloon website!
For more information on Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour, check out the official website!

For more information of having "The Ice Breaker" at an exclusive party or corporate event, go to my official website!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Learn New Poker Chip Tricks

2011-06-22T22:47:00.000-07:00

Chip Tricks are very popular these days and I'm stoked to have been called the grandfather of the movement by producing a series of Poker DVDs nearly 10 years ago, writing for various gaming magazines and being showcased on televised poker tournaments.

Recently, I was seen on television all over Europe and have received numerous inquiries as to what a trick was called. Instead of just sharing the name, today I'm teaching this new Chip Trick I call the "Rock-N-Roll"! Enjoy learning this fairly tricky Chip Trick ... and good luck!

Remember to "share" and "like" the heck out of this freebie tutorial so I can justify bringing you more! I appreciate it! Lastly, you can always go to my official site at www.TheIceBreaker.com for all sorts of magic and fun!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Rams Sam Bradford Air Time

2011-06-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ram's Sam Bradford Air Time? I'm not talking about air time from NFL football player Sam Bradford's amazing throwing arm. Nope. I'm talking about a private Learjet trip with the man himself.

Sam Bradford and The Ice Breaker June 2011.

I was brought in to do a custom mind reading act for a corporation. Corporate travel sent a private Learjet again to pick me up in my hometown of San Luis Obispo, California. When leaving the event the next afternoon in Arkansas, my assigned assistant asked said Sam Bradford would like to hitch a ride to Oklahoma City on my way back to California. Sam was brought into the event as a guests celebrity speaker while I was brought in as a corporate entertainer. We did not really get much chance to see each other at this large event, so having this intimate opportunity was awesome.

We both arrived to the jet center by different drivers and were ready to take off within seconds. From take off from Arkansas to landing at the jet center in Oklahoma City was a blazing 30 minutes. I got to chat with Sam about off season responsibilities, upcoming work and speaking programs and to dazzle him with some magic! He's a hell of a humble guy who really lives and breathes football. In fact, he has never seen a magician before! Imagine your first time seeing magic going 600mph sitting across from a mentalist and sleight of hand artist. His head had to hurt! All in all, I'm a new fan of Sam's. He's very likable, generous and humble. I can't tell that he's going to do more speaking programs in the future and I wish him the very best.

Since it's not too likely you and a bunch of friends will be sitting across from me in a private Learjet anytime soon, you can bring me to your next exclusive party or corporate event! I'll take real good care of your guests... or completely freak them out. Whichever comes first.

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

San Luis Obispo is a Magical Place...

2011-06-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

San Luis Obispo is a magical place indeed. With all the exposure "we've" been getting on Dateline, Oprah, Sunset Magazine and much more, it's amazing "SLO" still retains the best kept secret feel to it. As an award winning entertainer that travels the globe, people ask me all the time why I do not live in LA or Las Vegas. This video should explain it. Why would I live anywhere else in the world if I can afford to live here so comfortably!?

This video breaks down some of my favorite places along the central coast... from hiking Bishop's Peak, watching the elephant seals near Hearst Castle, cliff/trail jumping at Big Falls, bike riding along Montana de Oro, ongoing concerts, Thursday's famous Farmer's Market, shopping, food, beaches, various hikes, our landmark restaurant Madonna Inn, wineries, the Mission, surfing, ... and great people and even better weather! It's one of the best places in the world to live, visit or get married.

By the way, this video was created by Cana Video Productions right here in San Luis Obispo as a collaboration with tourism and our wonderful hotels.

If you are interested in learning about real estate or properties in the San Luis Obispo area, Traci Ferguson specializes in homes in San Luis Obispo.

Just like magic, I'll see you next time. If you want some magic at your next corporate or private party, reach out to us anytime.

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Arizona Fire Flyby

2011-06-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Fire is one of the biggest fires of our time with hundreds of thousands of acres already burned. On June 2, 2011, I happen to be coming back from a Sam's Club corporate event on a private Learjet when I flew directly over it. Putting the damage and loss aside, the overhead view from near space was breathtaking. With my iPhone, you can clearly see the curvature of the earth from this altitude and loss of light. Just amazing in person.

For miles, you can see massive smoke plumes that look like thunderheads. According to our onboard computer, it showed we we just passing over Baldy Peak Arizona when I took these shots. This was not a fisheye lens or later photo. It really puts things in perspective how fragile we are. I wish the very best for folks in the affected areas. This is a monster fire storm indeed!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Joplin Missouri Tornado Survivor

2011-05-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

The biggest tornado to hit the US in decades destroyed much of Joplin Missouri. That's not new news, but for me, I received a very surprising email this morning from my local radio DJ Adam Montiel in San Luis Obispo, California. Adam, from our local Q104.5 FM called up the Joplin Globe out in Joplin Missouri and it turns out that my friend I know through the magic community answered. Joe Hadsall, a magician and editor, spoke with Adam for 20 minutes about the devastation, survival story and aftermath. Hear all about it from the man himself in this amazing interview. Through it all, Joe has kept his sense of humor and is lucky to have his family with him:

Exclusive Jolpin Tornado Interview

Joe asks that if you want to help, to please send cash donations to the Red Cross.

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

2011-05-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

What's Star Wars and Magic have in common?

Much of my magic act is a play on words, while another part is about playing with mind control. It can be compared to being a modern day Jedi, I suppose. Gestures, body language, sleight of hand, clever strategy, influence, observing intense details around ones-self and other techniques are similar to a Jedi in training and I love it!

Tomorrow is May 4th, 2011 and Star Wars fans are likely going to notice the fun play on words "May the 4th be with you" obviously coined from the phrase "May the force be with you." I wish you all a magical and mysterious week.

Here's some of the random "JEDI" tricks I've done over the years. Enjoy!

If you are interested in learning magic for dating or for entertaining everyday people, check out my store!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Reading Women Body Language

2011-04-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Reading Body Language, Non-Verbal Communication, Gestures, Tells and Expressions are essentially the same thing. I've done workshops for poker players and I've spoken for elite business groups about body language in sales, but the most curious are guys wondering about how to read women!

One of my books, Tricks to Pick Up Chicks, has a chapter devoted to understanding a woman's body language specific to dating. Here's a quick trailer which includes a tip or two about shifts in behavior.

Have fun guys!

Lastly, if you are interested in the book, it's loaded with Magic Tricks, Pick Up Lines, Bar Bets and more. Get your copy or one as a gift at Amazon.com and please share this idea with friends!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN

Mothers Day Gag Gift

2011-04-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is a time to honor your mom, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun in addition to some flowers or hugs! If you are looking for a funny Mother's Day gag gift, What I Know About Being a Mom will certainly get some great laughs... it's BLANK! Once she opens it, she'll get the joke eluding to the fact that she knows NOTHING about being a mom. (There are faint lines inside so this can even be used as a hilarious journal or notebook.) However, the joke does not stop there. The back cover of all of our blank gag books are loaded with clever quotes and testimonials like:

"You'll feel like you're losing your mind!" - Anita Jobb
"As a mother, I should have seen this coming!" - Crystal Ball

We have a a whole series of gag books for all occasions if you want to visit www.BlankGagBooks.com. In fact, What Women Know About Men could make a hilarious gag gift for moms as well! Some of the funny quotes are:

"It gets right to the naked truth." - Mona Lott
"It will leave you wanting more!" - Ivanna Hump

Learn about these books and other popular titles by watching our short video:

You can buy these books right now directly on Amazon for under $9!
Buy What I Know About Being a Mom
Buy What Woman Know About Men

See all our books at www.BlankGagBooks.com.

Please SHARE this hilarious idea with friends using the buttons below! Have fun and Happy Mother's Day shopping to all!

Thanks for sharing the magic!

E-mail Rich!
Official Website
Local: 805-234-7469
National: 877-RICH-FUN