This 190-page, hardbound collection is stuffed with magic, mentalism, theory, concepts, springboards, and flagrant pipedreams published or otherwise circulated by John Hostler between 2016 and 2023. A few highlights… Transmission Complete: Leveraging a potent combination of principles and strategies, the savvy performer executes a near-perfect “think-a-card” miracle. The visualized pasteboard is never removed, touched, or even seen by your volunteer. Aunt Emma’s Diary: An 80 IBU update of the classic datebook effect. An old diary and envelope with yet-unknown contents are gently dropped to the table. A volunteer FREELY names a random playing card and a personally meaningful date. The performer relates a story concerning his great Aunt Emma, and her mysterious death on another very meaningful date. What follows is a remarkable series of coincidences demonstrating an eerie connection between the volunteer and Emma. No forces… and no physical cards. Ultramarine Packet Switch: A small packet of cards is fanned (facing the audience) and dropped to the table. The switch occurs en route. Better seen than described. Kinetogenic Heart: Breaking from his steady stream of astonishment, the performer offers respite in a demonstration of Japanese origami. A volunteer is invited to initial a heart drawn on a handy dollar bill to “capture some of her spirit in the finished figure.” This bill is slammed to the table, whereupon it unexpectedly takes on the shape of a collared short-sleeve shirt. The shirt is unfolded to reveal the previously initialed heart. Top Twenty: Yet another strange series of coincidences involving playing cards and 1960’s garage rock. Shades of Max Maven and Paul Harris… and a special treat for anagramaniacs. From the author’s introduction… “So… why the tangential focus on beer and hops? As any connoisseur of fine beverages will tell you, the primary role of the hop is both arguable and (historically speaking) quite broad. In various branches of mysticism, hops have been linked to creativity and pleasant dreams… In the brewing arts, hops are used to balance the sweetness of malt, for antibacterial effects, and to prevent spoilage. Certain varieties are leveraged primarily for bittering, while others enhance aroma. But regardless of its intended purpose, one thing is virtually inarguable: the hop is an acquired taste."