The incredible neuroanatomist Dr. James Papez asked in 1937 "Is emotion a magic product, or is it a physiologic process which depends on an anatomic mechanism?"

Are we a ghost in a machine or are we controlled by our limbic system?

Either way, those emotions can get out of hand or when they do, mania is the result. The DSM-IV Criteria for Mania tells us there are two types: hypo and hyper.

We humbly suggest that on the 26th of February, a new mania will be introduced to the world of neuroanatomy - Maynia.

Andrew Mayne will release his greatly anticipated and appropriately titled Andrew Mayne's Mania. The DVD includes five incredible effects taught by this incredible magician so that even us lesser practitioners can perform them.

Mr. Mayne has details about the effects on his website but here is a taste:

POP FIST lets you bring the excitement of pyrotechnics in to the close-up magician's hands. You begin with a bang from bare hands.

(Ironically, Pop Fist was our old stage name when we worked in what later became the World Wrestling Alliance. When the shows were broadcast over the Tijuana station, the commentators translated the name to Papa Coca).

DRAWN FROM THE LIGHT sounds very cool and we can't wait to see it performed and taught. You, the magician, draws a picture of on a sketch pad.

It is a real sketch pad, and you really draw on it. And then, check this out, you wave your hand and the picture becomes illuminated and can be pulled from the pad into the 3-D world in which we now live.

These two effects would be enough for us. It sounds like a great start to any close-up show. But there is more.

DEATH FINGER STAB sounds fun to perform -- but do it at the end of the routine. A spectator picks a card and uses a method to help identify it should it be found later.

(Cards do not have dental records so most magicians use a pen to help in later identification efforts).

The magician springs the cards high into the air, and then slices through the cascade of tumbling pasteboards to produce the card previously selected and identified.

If that ended the trick, nothing more, that would be quite an effect. But even better, you have not only have the card; you have impaled it with your rigid, steady finger. We are looking forward to learning this effect. We will use the "dental records" joke plus we'll have the spectator sign our finger as well. You can use these two bits of by-play if you happen to purchase Mr. Mayne's DVD.

Is there anything more exciting than finger amputation with improbable cleaving device? Nope. That makes FINGER SAW the type of trick we could really use. Mr. Mayne teaches you (and us) how to use playing cards to slice through your finger for an efficient and presumably bloodless amputation. Mr. Mayne suggests, "Got a couple Jokers left in the pack? Use them to perform a gruesome close-up illusion that recreates the classic sawing a lady in half." We're thinking it might fit in perfectly with having our finger signed "for later identification should something happen."

STAB'D ends the DVD with an effect we will likely watch but practice often before we take it on the road.

This is Mr. Mayne's impromptu version "of the effect that has Andrew's impromptu version of the infamous mentalism effect that's scarred many performers." (Excellent ad copy, Mr. Mayne).

He uses (and if you purchase the DVD you will also use)a sharpened pencil. The pencil is mixed up in one of three envelopes and a spectator makes a truly random choice. (Mr. Mayne notes that this is freely chosen -- not a "magician's choice." We also note that the way we perform the "magician's choice," it usually ends up being an unpredictable, selection).

The magician takes the envelope and bravely slam it into your chest. You survive without injury. Next, "[y]ou slam the spectator's hand into the second and they're unscathed. You then rip open the last envelope to reveal the deadly pencil."

Mr. Mayne suggests this effect packs a tremendous impact because it does not use "odd props," can be performed on an impromptu basis, and by using a sharpened pencil "has an extra gritty feel." We have seen videos on You Tube of impaled tricks gone horribly wrong.

To us, then, this is a much safer alternative than using screw drivers, broken bottles, or huge spike.

We have tickled our files for February 26th to make our order.

Visit Mr. Mayne's incredible website.

You'll see a short demo from the video plus you can read the very latest in magic news or download his podcasts.  You can also check out the demo video on You Tube here.

Please don't leave us for his site. We may not be as flashy or current but we are needy and will stalk you -- but that's a different mania all together.

- Provided by InsideMagic