The effect from a relatively close proximity looks good and it's easy to do. The only downside I can see is "who cares" as the effect isn't really mind blowing and can be perceived as having some other rationale

I saw this performed in person, and it is absolutely stunning! Totally freaked my mother out.

let me start off to say that i didn't even buy this effect but rather i figured it out. actually i knew this effect before i saw it on penguin magic and actually found this effect two years after i accidentally did it (not off YouTube) in fourth grade, i was learning a effect where you produce a straw from an envelope and accidentally twisted the straw. But, whatever buy this if you want or if you haven't figured it out yet because you can do exactly what it shows in the demo and it is very visual and easy to do

Stir Crazy is a perfect impromptu effect because it uses a very familiar item, it "breaks the ice" during lunch or dinner, and livens your after-meal conversation. It's quick and extremely easy to do. Not much effort is needed into the construction and presentation of the effect. To my fellow long time magicians: you know those beginner kids in magic who put up videos on YouTube performing (and sometimes ruining) valuable effects because of lack of skill and practice? Stir Crazy is perfect for them because there's really no way anyone can ruin the effect because it's that easy. Despite how easy it is, Stir Crazy is not limited to beginners. I think Dan Hauss is a creative professional magician who releases these effects that make you ask, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Stir Crazy comes with a well produced and extremely easy to follow DVD and four straws. Stir Crazy does NOT come with gimmicks; the straws included are ordinary straws. Don't open the package thinking you can perform it right away. The straws are included to get you started in constructing the gimmicked straw, and you'll be thankful they included the straws because you will have to look for particular types of straws which can be a pain. I'm not sure why Penguin advertised this as having gimmicks included. I don't use the straws included with the DVD although I did use them to create the gimmicked straw. I use straws from In and Out as they're the perfect size in diameter, and not too short or too long.

For a great impromptu effect, I highly recommend Dan Hauss' Stir Crazy!