There is a dearth of good, practical, stand - up magic available. Michael Close offers seven novel, completely worked out stand - up routines from the Workers Series. Included are: The Big Surprise - The perfect way to open and close your show. A funny and seamless handling of the classic Card in Box effect. The assisting spectator discovers that the Big Surprise Canister really does contain a big surprise.; A Visit from Rocco - A charming presentation for a great Larry West trick. Using giant bills, the magician gives Rocco and the audience a lesson in arithmetic.; Rocco Returns - Rocco's back, with a lesson in Find the Lady. This routine for Ton Onosaka's Luck Lady provides valuable information concerning the motivated handling of props.; Ring Fright - Michael synthesizes ideas from Gaetan Bloom and Terri Rogers to produce a remarkable two object transposition. And because no pulls are used, no harm can come to the spectator's finger ring.; Take A Letter - A weird effect using common stationery items. Never have so many magical principles been used in the cause of such a strange routine.; Butte Ox? Two Butte Ox. - Michael's handling for the classic Johnny Paul Cheek to Cheek effect. Hilarious and a lesson in intelligent, motivated card handling. And the Unbelievably Useful Comedy Prop comes into its own. This routine is a mainstay of Michael's stand - up act.; Bonus routine. Michael performs (but does not explain) Stupid Travelers. Never has masterful card technique and maniacal behavior been combined in such a silly way. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll phone the authorities.