Ensconced Fundament Asunder Maximus: Patrick G. Redford's

Patrick G. Redford's

Ensconced Fundament Asunder Maximus

Contents

Three For All Three Person Chair Test

Quartet Four Person Test

Open Quartet An Open Prediction Chair Test

Three For All Basic Effect: Three people mix themselves and sit in one of three chairs. Each reach under their seat to find a card that has predicted correctly where each person would sit. Verity: Ensconced Fundament may be used with just three chairs and three people and have the outcome appear on the chairs themselves. Using the alternate method presented in Asunder, the mix is forced into one of two possible orientations. One of these outs may be positioned under the chairs while the other may be placed on the back of the chairs. What's of more interest is that one may force just ONE outcome. Here's how: Set-up three chairs in a line on the stage. On the underside of each chair attach a large colored piece of paper. You'll want to use tape that allows for the card to be easily detached by the subject once seated. Under the first, attach a green card. Under the second seat, attach a red card. Under the last seat, attach a blue card. You'll also need three duplicate colored cards to place on the seat of each chair – these don't need to be attached to the chairs as the subjects will be mixing them up. Ask three members of the audience up to the stage and to choose any color and stand in front of the appropriate chair. At this point, point out that the three subjects are standing in alphabetical order. Next ask each person to remember where they're standing and each mix themselves so they're standing somewhere new. Doing so will force either the Red-BlueGreen or the Green-Red-Blue order. It's the latter of the two we're interested in. If the three subjects don't mix themselves in this order ask each to mix themselves one more time in the same way and have each person have a seat. Every once in a while, the three subjects will accidentally return to their original starting order, this is okay! If this happens, a joke may be made about out of how easy it is to control folks actions and that the three have managed to arrange themselves back into alphabetical order. The mixing process may be repeated to complete the effect.

Quartet First Published in my Mindvention Lecture Notes Transpose (2007) Basic Effect: Four people correctly rearrange themselves in an order projected mentally by the performer. Suspension of Reality: Four subjects from the audience are invited up to the platform and are each given a colored envelope. Each envelope has a large Roman numeral on it and they each line up in numerical order I, II, III, IV across the platform. The performer explains: "There are many different forms of non-verbal communication, techniques that range from simple body posture, stepping into someone's own personal space, to subtle inflection in someone's voice. That last one has always been a bit strange to me because it's still called non-verbal communication despite that the voice is directly involved. It's said that if one is able to make oneself aware of all of the non-verbal cues, a person may actually able to tune into someone's thought process. You four folks have the ability to do exactly that, you just don't know it yet." The performer hands out a large envelope to an audience member to hold onto and comments, "I've been projecting a new order to you four folks that I want you to rearrange yourselves in. In a moment I'd like two of you to step forward and switch places with each other, the other two of you I'd also like to switch with each other and then all of you will line yourselves up again." The performer turns his back and adds, "...Begin now." The four people rearrange themselves freely in the new order. The performer turns back smiling, and congratulates the four on their success. A large envelope that was handed out before the effect began is opened and a large folded piece of paper is removed. "You folks have done exceptionally well. Now honestly there's no way you folks could have consciously known what order to arrange yourselves in, and there's really no way I could have known ahead of time what random arrangement you folks were going to choose. I must say that the four of you received my thoughts perfectly." The paper is opened and it seen to match the chosen arrangement perfectly. "Lets take this a step further. Each of you are currently holding an envelope, one of them belongs to me. One of you is about to surrender your envelope to me. You'll know who you are.”

Verity: This effect, which is practically self working, relies on Norman Houghton's "Kismet Envelope" (a three way multiple out envelope made popular by Ted Lesley), an Ambigram, and a mathematical principle that dates back to Martin Gardner and Karl Fulves that I've expanded upon. The main mathematical ingredient originally involved three objects in which I've adapted and expanded here to work here with four. As far as I've been able to discover, this is the first time this principle has been used working with four objects. I've improved upon the mathematics of the three object principle and published my work with it under the title Ensconced Fundament (2003) that encompassed my handling of a very direct classic style Chair Test involving three people in four chairs. Three people would arrange themselves in any order and sit down in any of the four chairs. The empty chair was turned around and on its back the word "MINE" is found while on the back of the other chairs the word "YOURS" is found. Working with it even further I recently published an improvement under the title "Ensconced Fundament Asunder" which eliminated any need for any kind of reliance on the mathematical principle as well as took advantage of a few other subtleties that really allow anyone to sit anywhere without any procedure what-soever. It's not my place to go into the workings of the routine here, but I consider it to be the best version of its type. After E.F.A., I developed a four person, a five-person version, and a six-person version. As soon as you up the number of people only one bit of procedure is needed. Fortunately, this procedure still does not feel like a forced set of actions. There are three ways that one may perform this effect. Performing as it's presented in the description above forces one of three outcomes. These three outcomes may be covered by two pieces of paper with printing on one side only. One may also force one of two outcomes that may be covered by one single sheet of paper; we'll get to that later. I'll explain these two procedures first and after I will explain how a three-way envelope may be used to cover four possible outcomes with a modified but less "procedural" handling.

The Math: It's possible to arrange four objects into twenty-four different arrangements if each object is mixed freely. If the four objects aren't allowed to return to their original locations, this number of arrangements shrinks dramatically down to nine possible orientations (4! *3! *2! / 2 = 9). This number may be cut further down to three, if those nine outcomes are thought of as even and odd rotations. It's okay if you don't understand why this works, all you need to understand is that it does. Those nine outcomes are as follows: Odd 4-1-2-3 3-1-4-2 4-3-1-2 2-4-1-3 2-3-4-1 4-1-3-2

Even 2-1-4-3 3-4-1-2 4-3-2-1

You'll notice that there are more odd orientations than there are even. This even list contains three outcomes, look at it closely. Here, you may notice that the first two outcomes are Ambigrams (technically a Symbiograms) of each other; In other words they'll reverse into one another. This means the "even" outcomes may be covered by two pieces of paper; depending whether one is held right side up or upside-down. The Ambigram The Ambigram is created out of four roman numerals I, II, III, & IV. The first three, naturally Ambigram as they're symmetrical symbols, the last roman numeral that represents the number four (IV) also will ambigram with a slight almost undetectable modification. In figure 1 below, you'll notice that the "IV" is actually made up of two straight lines with third line running diagonally in-between them. This allows the symbol to be turned 180 degrees and still read correctly as "IV".

Figure 1. Prepare by writing out the prediction on a piece of paper (figure 1.) and fold it in half, and in half again. Folding the paper into quarters will allow you to subtly position the paper into the proper orientation without obviously turning it right side up or up-side-down. I prefer to pencil mark each paper twice with two different marks: one for the right-side-up orientation and the second with the up-side-down orientation. It is out of the scope of these lecture notes to explain the complete inner workings of this principle; I'll save that and the additional features this principle hides for another time (look out for upcoming works Square & Polyhedra for additional details). The Final Envelope If you want to be able to take advantage any of the three different switching procedures, you'll need a three-way envelope to house "five" outcomes otherwise a simple two-way envelope will work just fine.

Personally I prefer to use Norman Houghton "Kismet" envelope. It's simple to make, reusable, and may be made in a large size. You'll need two manila style "coin" envelopes or two large priority mail envelopes work just as well (if not better). With a pair of scissors, you'll want to trim about 1/8th of an inch off the left and right side of the envelope. Next, cut off the flap followed by another 1/4th of an inch off the top. What's left is the back and front of the envelope hinged together. Cut the front of the envelope a bit shorter than the back, leaving you with an uneven "V", and insert this into the second envelope. You have no successfully built a three-way envelope. To open the top compartment, hold the envelope by its edges between the thumb, second, third, and fourth fingers. Use your index finger to lightly press down on the center of the envelope, just before the rest of your fingers squeeze the sides to open. This curves the insert upwards, allowing you to tilt the envelope over letting gravity help whatever is inside that compartment fall out. This also keeps whatever is inside the other two compartments snugly hidden from sight. To open the bottom compartment, hold the envelope as before, but use the left fingers to gently press up on the bottom of the envelope before the fingers squeeze to open. The center compartment opens with a simple squeeze without the assistance of first forefinger or left hand. If any of these fail, it's a simple matter to use the left fingers to dip inside the envelope making the physical adjustment before the proper bit of paper is tipped out from within. The Set-Up Inside the back compartment insert your Ambigram out, inside the middle compartment place the reverse orientation, and finally in the back most compartments place the additional Ambigram taken from the odd list: “2-4-1-3 / 3-2-4-2” The Switch Procedure (1) Turn your back and ask that two of the subjects switch places with each other. Once that is done, ask the other two who haven't moved yet to also swap places with each other. This automatically will place the four folks either into your Ambigram, or into the reverse of the starting position; thus making only three orientations possible. These three options include: 2-1-4-3 3-4-1-2 4-3-2-1

Alternate Less Procedural Handling (2) Using this method to mix the four subjects feels even more "free". Each person is asked to note where they are standing currently and trade places with someone else. 55% of the time this will force the four people into one of our three even rotation, or one of the two odd rotations that are covered and listed above. The other 45% of the time, they'll be forced into one of the other odd rotations. If you find that the four folks have placed themselves into one of the other odd rotations, you simply ask the four folks to perform one final task. You may do this by honestly stating, "You four are very close to arranging yourselves into the order I was trying to project, but you're not quite there. Two of you are in the wrong place and need to switch places with the other. In a moment I'd like both number II and number IV to switch places, or number I and III to switch with each other. I'm not going to tell you which switch is the correct; you folks have to pick that up yourselves. Ready, switch now." In reality simply switching any two people will force the order into the even rotation as long as those people observe the unspoken rule that no one is allowed to return to their original starting position. In order to keep the procedure looking random and not too procedural, simply pick out two folks that may switch with each other providing they won’t return to their original starting position. Once you found one set, find the other. Offer these two options to your group of four and let them decide how they'll proceed.

Forcing the (first) Ambigram (3) It's possible to force the Ambigram every time by simply applying one extra move. Once folks "mix" themselves the first time (via technique 1), check to see if they've correctly arranged themselves into one of the two possible orientations covered by the Ambigram. If they haven't, ask them to repeat the mixing procedure one last time. Because you're open about this move being the LAST thing they'll do it doesn't seem suspect.

An Envelope Surrendered The last part of this routine makes use of a modified Hen Fetsch locking double envelope that I first read about In Phil Goldstein's Notions booklet (see: "Coupon Caper, Notions 1978)". The main difference in my modification is that the envelope truly "locks" and may be opened normally by both the subjects and the performer. To construct you'll need two envelopes of each color you're working with and a re-stickable glue stick. It helps if the envelopes are of a thicker paper stock. Cut the address side of one envelope off and discard the rest. Trim this down so it fits snuggly as a divider inside the second envelope of the same color. The top edge of this insert should lineup perfectly with the fold of the envelope's flap. On the top inside edge that comes in contact with the inside address side of the envelope, apply a line of re-stickable glue that goes from the top across about a half an inch deep. Insert an index card that says "MINE" inside the locking compartment with the writing facing the outside of the envelope. If any writing shows through the paper it will be camouflage by the Roman numeral and not be seen when the subject goes inside the envelope. Take a second index card and write "YOURS" on it and fold this in half and Insert it into the envelope as normal. Closing the envelope and running your pinched finger and thumb across the top will lock and seal the secret compartment. To access the locked contents, open the envelope with the address side toward the audience. Pinch the inside divider with your thumb inside the envelope and the four fingers outside and drag the divider up slightly. The flap of the envelope will hide this action. You’ll now have easy access to the previously locked compartment. The "YOURS" card is folded in half so that once it is removed the envelope feels a significant tactile change. This makes the envelope seem emptier than it actually is.

Open Quartet Basic Effect: Four chairs, each with a different picture on it, are positioned in a line on stage. On the seat of each chair is a colored piece of paper. Four subjects are invited up on stage to stand in front of any one of the four chairs of their choosing. Each subject picks up and holds one of the colored cards. Next they're told that both the position of each colored card and the image on each chair is a subliminal prediction. Two of the subjects are asked to switch places with each other, and the other two are also asked to switch places. After the four have mixed themselves and stand in front of a new chair, the performer reveals the subliminal prediction that's been in full view to match the exact order that the four have arrange themselves in. Verity: I've always loved the idea of having a prediction out in the open during a chair test. Quartet may be performed just this way as the Ambigram outcome may be used out in the open. The Set-Up: You'll need four images of the following items to place on the chairs left to right: 1. Giraffe (Orange) 2. Blue Bird (Red) 3. Rabbit (Blue) 4. Orange (Green) On the back of each image, have the word listed above in parenthesis printed on the back of each in that color. Position the following colors in alphabetical order left to right on the chair seats: Blue Green Orange Red. “In a moment I'm going to ask the four of you to choose one of those four colors for yourself. Before you do, take a look at the four colors, the four pictures, and the four chairs. Each are positioned in such a way to subliminally influence every decision you're about to make.” Invite four subjects to the stage and have each select one of the four colors and stand in front of the chair it came from. Turn your back to the four subjects and face the audience as you deliver the next line. “You're going to mix yourselves into a new order. I don't want you each to make a decision on impulse. Don't spend too much time making each decision, just do it. I'd like two of you to switch places with each other. Do it now. Now the other two of you who haven't moved yet, I'd like you to change places with each other.” Turn to face the four subjects. Depending what the four subjects have done you'll proceed in one of three ways. 1. Green-Blue-Red- Orange “Before I had each of you mix yourselves about I had you stare at the images on each chair. I also told each of you I started you in alphabetical order. Each one of those images represents a letter in the alphabet that corresponds to the color each of you is now holding. Green Giraffe, Blue Bird, Red Rabbit, Orange...well that's self explanatory! Congratulations.” 2. Orange-Red-Blue-Green “Before I had each of you mix yourselves about I had you stare at the images on each chair. I also told each of you I started you in alphabetical order. Each one of those images represents a letter in the alphabet that corresponds to the color each of you is now holding. However, if I had you folks match the order forward, its almost too obvious for your conscious mind to pick up on. That's why I had the images arranged in reverse order. Green Giraffe, Blue Bird, Red Rabbit, Orange...well that's self explanatory. But to proof that this isn't just a linguistic coincidence, Turn around the image on your chair! “ 3. Red-Orange-Green Blue If this outcome occurs, simply ask the four subjects switch themselves again using the same procedure. Do ask that they simply “don't repeat what you've just done, but really make things random and switch differently.” This will prevent the subjects from arranging themselves back into their starting order.