30. Science Friction
class: tweener | impressiveness: 4/5 | factors: table trick, fun to teach | requires: salt shaker, straw with paper wrapper | watch full episode
Make everyone believe you can move an object with your freakin’ mind.
The Effect: A straw is placed on a salt shaker, and moved with your mind.
The Method: No, you don’t blow on it, and neither does anyone else.
You use static electricity and a diabolically clever way to charge the straw: simply pinch down tightly on the straw wrapper as you slide it off of the straw… there’s no need to rub the straw on anything.
This mere action will (1) flatten the straw so it balances easier on the salt shaker, and (2) sufficiently charge the straw (as seen in the video) to spin as you move your hands around it.
As you play with this effect, remember that everyone’s going to think you’re blowing on it, so make sure to cancel out that possibility by having them hold a hand in front of your mouth. To get an effect from a farther distance, try holding your fists on opposite sides on opposite ends of the straw (upper right and lower left corners, for example). This way you’ll double the amount of force twisting the straw, and get a farther range.
Watch Demonstration (External link)
For an even more remote movement, charge a second straw just like you did the first, and point it at the first straw. The straws are repulsive to each other, and on a dry day you’ll get movement from a shockingly far distance. Plus, it will feel like you’re casting some kind of fast food spell.
Watch Demonstration (External)
Remember when performing this: less is more. If you just move the straw once or twice, you’ll have a miracle. Any more than that, and they’ll know exactly what you’re up to.
…Unless you feel like teaching them, in which case get everyone at the table doing it. That’s fun, too.
I want to give a huge thanks to magician Mike Powers for allowing us to teach his subtleties for this trick on Scam School. It’s been one of my favorite impromptu effects for years, and I’m glad we got to share it.