FISM 2006

Hello friends,

FISM 2006 is less than one month away.

FISM or The Fdration Internationale des Socits Magiques (International Federation of Magic Societies) started in 1948.

It now consists of 50,000 magicians from 40 countries and it comprised of 70 magical societies.

FISM aims are to have a unification of magic. To provide a focal point for communications about magic and magicians. To develop, promote, preserve, critique the art. To coordinate the activities of Member Societies. To enhance these societies authority. To encourage cooperation and services between individuals and societies. To fight against exposure. To protect performers from others copying their acts, routines or effects. And to hold the World Champions of Magic.

The World Champions of Magic is held every 3 years in Stockholm Sweden.

This year promises to be the best ever not that FISM has Paul Kirrage as producer and director for the World Champions of Magic TV program. Paul has been in the business for over 15 years and promises to promote FISM and get it the attention it respects and deserves.

Some of his many credits include working on; David Copperfield's special, Hell's Kitchen, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Miss World and Disney's Night Of Magic.

I am hopeful that FISM will air in the USA but in my estimation very unlikely.

TLA or The Licensing Agency will own the rights to the program, so there is a chance we'll be able to see a DVD.

We'll talk to you tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

Mark Strivings - Sight Unseen Case (SUC & SUCII)

Q: When will you have Mark Strivings'' Sight Unseen Case back in stock?

A: I just don't know. I wish I had some for you right now!

Hello friends,

You see I have tried many, many times to contact Mr. Strivings. He has not responded to our emails or phone messages. In fact our last contact with him was back in April 2003 and even then it would require several attempts just to get through to him.

We know he has been having some personal difficulties and do hope that he can work them out. We miss Mark as well as his products and wish him only the best.
We get regular requests for the SUC so I thought posting about this might help those who might be searching for one.

Sources on the Magic Cafe' now say that Mark has finally found a new leather worker and that some would be available soon. (All the new postings are directing people to our site www.ronjo.com only to find it says sold out.)

I am not so certain how reliable the above statement is because not only are we unable to get a hold of the SUC for you but we are unable to get any Strivings' products period. Items such as Lover's Voodoo, Mental Mix, Technicolor Miracle and maybe a dozen or so others.

I will make another effort today to contact him and I will let you know if there is any good news.
Below are portions of a reply email that we send out on a regular basis concerning our relations with Mark Strivings.

"Sometimes we would receive a mystery box, with about half of what we had ordered months prior.

The SUC is one of the most sought out products in our line. Please get on our e-newsletter to be notified of their arrival."

All that being said, business is business so let me point you in the direction of some other Peek Wallets some that work similarly.

Stealth by Peter Nardi, The Stealth Assassin by Peter Nardi & Marc Spelman, Double Agent Wallet by Evildan, Chimera Wallet by James Cheung.

For more, just type PEEK in our search box.

Thanks for reading,

Pete

Another sad goodbye

Dear friends,

Too many of our mentors are leaving us.

We have just received news of the passing of Tommy Wonder.

He died yesterday of lung cancer. He was 53 years old.

Let us not be sad but let us try to remember what they gave to us.

He was of the most creative magician's of our time. A true artist.

His Nest Of Boxes and Ring, Watch & Wallet are two of my personal favorites from him.

Thanks Tommy Wonder for leaving us with so many wonderful routines.

Your legacy will not be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Goodbye

Magic Camp starts July 10th... Register now

To Our Friends in Magic:

For the most fun this summer, come to Ronjo's Magic Camp.

At Ronjo's Magic Camp you do more than just learn magic, you develop excellent hand-eye coordination, self confidence (which increases great social skills), and most importantly you have tons of fun and meet new friends! So, bring your friends and family too, because ANYONE CAN DO MAGIC, EVEN YOU!!!!

Ronjo's Magic Camp is for ages 8 to16 and will be held from July 10th through the 14th at Ronjos' Magic Shop 1651 Route 112 Port Jefferson Station.

Each magic session will last for 2 full hours, and will be held in our private magic room with our 3 instructors. Snack and drink will be provided during each day of camp.

You may choose between the following 2 sessions (the same material is covered in both sessions):

Session 1 takes place Monday through Friday between the hours of 10A.M. and 12P.M. and
Session 2 is between the hours of 1P.M. and 3P.M.

Each of our campers receives individual attention because our seating is limited, so hurry and register now.

To reserve your place in one of these sessions for one full week of exciting magic at Ronjo's Magic Camp the fee is only $249.00. This includes a free magic kit ($65.00 value) with all of the supplies that you'll need at camp. With your newly learned magic skills you will be able to fool all of your friends and family.

So, register now at Ronjo's Magic Shop-1651 Rte 112 Port Jefferson Station for a week of fun that will make the rest of your summer (and maybe even the rest of your life) a lot more magical. Hurry and register now. The Magic is in You

I look forward to seeing you there.

Till then, Keep on Trickin' with Ronjos.

Sincerely,
David Anthony.
Ronjo's Magic Camp Director
Dave@ronjo.com

631.928.5005 Ext 14

A fun children's effect

Hello friends,

We are proud to offer to youTom Yurasits Confusing Crayons as well as all the accessories that go along with it.

Confusing Crayons was released about 10 years ago and children's clowns & magicians jumped quickly to get one in their shows.

The new adaptation of Tricky Turvy Bottles virtually eliminated the "old standard."

The crayons are colorful. The tubes & crayons are larger and lighter in weight than the bottle effect. And thick cardboard and plastic will last longer than painted metal & glass. Besides if a child dropped and broke one of the bottles, you would open a door of problems for yourself.

Finally the upside down bottle trick had no real ending. It was always upside down, over and over.

Because you have two different colored crayons rather than two identical bottles, the ending for Confusing Crayons was that you can switch the crayons with your helper and no matter what color crayon you used, they both are backwards.

Add one or more of the finales and you have a full routine.
See: The Small Surprise Ending where your red crayon shrinks when you remove the tube for the last time.
See Also: The Big Finish
after you shrink your crayon, it grows bigger than the tube it came from! The performer must end with the red crayon in their tube and the Small Surprise Ending is required.
Finally see: The Color Changing Ending
You can elect not to do the above endings or you can take back the yellow crayon from your volunteer and finish up by showing the Yellow Crayon, covering it and upon removing the cover showing the crayon has changed to another color of your choice, either Teal, Blue, Pink or Purple.

This effect plays well for anyone over the age of three and will entertain anyone even adults that may be watching from the sidelines.

Ties in well with the Coloring Book or Silly Billy's Magic Party Picture

Here it is 10 years later and this effect is still very popular. If you haven't seen this yet, check it out. Its definitely worth a look.

We'll talk to you tomorrow,

Pete

How do you pack and travel with your show?

Hello friends,

Are you one of those guys who load up 3 shopping bags full of stuff, set up a tray and cover it with a blanket?

If you are, consider taking the next step.

It is unprofessional when you arrive at a gig when you come in looking like a bag man.

You want to be classy and professional. Don't you?

Too many times, a lot of new performers bring enough equipment to do three forty minute acts.

Bring only what you will be using! Although it may be a good idea to have a couple of extra props as a back up. Just incase, they need you to fill more time or if something breaks or if you were hired to do young children and 90% of the audience is over 20. But there is no need to over pack.

You'll look clumsy trying to find your next effect or worse someone will see you setting up and then at the end of your show say, "Do the thing with the Duck with the hat!" What's was that duck I saw before." Now you are put on the spot. Your show is supposed to be over and you are not set up to do it. And you know it is not a closing effect. Now your off balance and nervous.

There is no reason you should have been in this position in the first place. Don't let it happen. Period.

Get yourself a nice table. The Viking Magic's Pro Table, or the Joe Lefler Pro Table are a couple of great choices. This is the one big prop in your show. The only prop on the stage since your show even started, in many cases even before your show starts. And while it really doesn't do anything, it may be the most important part of your show. It is the focal point of your entire act but not overbearing to take you out of the spotlight.

You do want them looking at you and not the big Dragon, Clown or Chinese Letters for the next 45 minutes.

A good table will last you for your entire career. It will transport your entire show. Be it a child's party, an ESP show and in some cases a close-up performance.

If you are doing a close up show, there are better choices than the big suitcase tables. Like the Magician's Choice TM Close-up Case by Ronjo. Combine that with one of our Standard Sized Performance Mats add a Tripod and you have a real classy set up.

They may be pricy but if you are a paid entertainer, this little investment will pay for itself over short periods of time.

Theses cases protect not only protect your props, they make them easy to find and easy to put away when you are done. They make it easy to travel from show to show and turn your set up time from who knows what to nil. They provide security from the curious ones in your audience both before and after your show. And they provide a focal point for your audience.

Here at Ronjo, we will not sell you a mediocre or poor quality table but please be advised that there are several $200.00-$300.00 tables on the market that will not withstand several trips to and from the car. So be careful on what you choose. You want a good quality item with good wheels and stands not one that is made of flake board and will chip and split on you after a few weekend shows.

Criss Angel merchandise

Hello friends,

So I watched Mindfreak last night. Pretty good program. I was starting to really like the larger than life illusions, its a nice change that Criss got back to basics. It looks like he had a lot of fun doing his close up. The spectators seemed to enjoy it.

Phone In Bottle, though. I already have customers asking me for this one. All I can tell them is it is not a marketed effect at this time.

Criss did an illusion similar to Gut Buster. The effect & method are similar but the "spectator" that was punched was lifted up into the air. With Gut Buster that is not possible. Unless Criss employed two different method here. He may just have a sturdier version of Gut Buster combined physics and strength. I don't know and I really shouldn't speculate.

We have had a few clients asking us for Criss Angel merchandise. We carry all seven of his DVDs but he has a lot more. Hats, jewelry, shot glasses, shirts, enough to fill a Spencer's or Hot Topic type store. These kinds of items we do not normally sell but enough people have been inquiring, we may just have to try some.

I just got off the phone with Criss Angel's brother J.D.. You've seen him on Mindfreak. He is in charge of all of Criss Angel merchandise. So you may see the Criss Angel section in our showroom in the near future. We'll see.

Anyway, we'll talk to you tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

Ronjo's Saves!

Hello fiends,

We want you to know that we go out of our way not to promote garbage here.

This will save you money and allows you to keep your faith in us.

We want you to keep coming back to us. That is one of the reasons why you won't find junk here.

While its true that many items we offer to you won't appeal to you, many of them will. Those very same items will appeal to some of our other clients and the ones they are not interested in you may be likely to favor.

In case you already didn't know when you shop online with us we want you to be comfortable with your purchases. If you buy an item from our magic site and you are not satisfied, contact us for an RAN# (Return Authorization Number) and we'll replace the item, give you a store credit or your money back. All you'll have to pay for is shipping fees.

There is always the fine print. And that is no returns on intellective property, media (DVDs, CDs, Books, etc.). And no returns on special orders or close outs. Items must say in stock at the time of purchase. For more details see our customer service page.

But that is not what I am getting at. The real story is that in general, you are not going find disappointing items at Ronjo. We always try to give you accurate and detailed descriptions, we offer a customer review link for each and every item and sometimes even provide video clips. These features should make you feel confident in us.

We also go out of our way to find select items that we deem worthwhile to offer prospective shoppers.

We see an awful lot of junk and tons of mediocre products. Just because it exists, doesn't mean that it should. There is just no need to try to sell you anything and everything. There are plenty of quality items out there!

Occasionally we may accidentally bring in a trashy item. Well we don't try to pawn them off on you. We send them back to where they came from. Just as you we would expect you to do the same.

I always tell my in store clients that there are really no bad effects, just bad presentations. That's true and its not true. Generally every effect has the proper time place and audience. Because we meticulously police our inventory, those so called bad effects are not present here.

Occasionally we run across something so bad, it defies explanation as to why it was made in the first place and why our distributors would decide this is a product they want to offer to us dealers.

Friends, the worst product I have ever encountered and I am not trying to pick on anybody, and it is just one persons opinion is a booklet entitled Caffeine Rush by Vincenzo Ravina.

In 1995's special David Baline: Street Magic, Blaine performed an effect created by Bob Fitch where a homeless man's full coffee cup was replaced by coins overflowing the cup.

In 2003 Criss Angel's Supernatural special aired where he made live Cock Roaches appear in peoples coffee's cups.

In '03, Vincenzo Ravina jumped at the chance to write a book on how to make coins or dead bugs appear in someone's coffee.

We were "guided" to offer you this hot new booklet and decided to take their advice and try some. They were mailed back within the hour.

My God, it looked like a three year old dictated to someone what to right for this book.

I could go on and on on how atrocious I think it really is. There are countless bad reviews on the Magic Cafe about all four of Ravina's booklets. Thankfully I have only seen this single booklet from Ravina and not the other ones.

It is almost worth buying one for $15.00 (Sorry, we don't sell it. You'll have to pick one up from our competition) to see what kinds of things we are protecting you from.

You may just want to waste $15.00 anyway. Give Ravina deep pockets. Because it is so bad you just need to experience for yourself just how bad is bad?

Sorry to pick on Mr. Ravina, but I take pride in finding good, solid products and love the art of magic. We are out to make a buck, but we are not out to take people's hard earned cash and hand them utterly useless nonsense in return.

The best and most honest review of Caffeine Rush was written by Brad Henderson and can be found here at www.mylovelyassistant.com. Search for Caffeine Rush if it is not the first thing you see.

Please do read Mr Henderson's post. He explains the full effect, the health risks, the false advertising, the fact that is doesn't work properly, the un-ethical release of other person's intellectual property and more.

Have a nice evening.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

Cheating At Cards

Hello friends,

The items I am going to tell you about today make for wonderful card magic.

They are intended for entertainment and magical purposes only.

There are some individuals who would use these materials for cheating at cards. We don't condone cheating, not one bit. But if you ever find yourself in a card game, you can educate yourself on what to look for if you suspect potential cheaters.

Marked Decks:
We carry several pre made marked decks as well as material to mark your own decks. These range in price as well as deceptiveness. I'll explain the types to you below.

1. The Eureka Deck has two magic secrets one would be the marked back designs, the other being what is known as a Stripper Deck. The Eureka deck, is a novice deck. The marks are easy to read by the trained eye, but are meant for locating one selected card at a time. It would be very difficult to read whole cards at a poker table. Not to mention the unique back design may be suspect. If you are aware of the rifle test, a method to find marked cards, this deck will not pass. These decks are meant for beginners in card magic and not something a professional cheat would use as a tool. This is the only marked deck that we carry that is also a Stripper Deck. The above link is to a professional Stripper Deck in Bicycle Brand and you can perform many effects that would take years of practice using a Stripper Deck without any hard work.

2. 3-D Playing Cards
This is a deck that you have to train your eyes to see the marks. Once you learn how to view and to alter your depth perception, you will see clear as day in 3-D the Rank & Suit in two places covering 2/3 of the card. The image will appear only when viewing them when the cars backs are vertical to your face. These stereogram cards are the same as the big posters and the calendars that were all over the malls in the mid 1990's. The size makes them harder to see, but for magic (one selection at a time) is what they are intended for. In a cheating scenario, these cards could come in handy from time to time if you get a glimpse of one or two cards now and again. These are exceptionally deceptive and no one will accidentally find any marks. These card have been examined by casino personal and magicians who could not find the identifying marks and they were told they were marked before hand. Because of the nature of the hidden stereo image, each back design is not identical. However, this will go unnoticed by everyone and the visible differences do look random, like a print error if someone is really looking hard. Give the deck a rifle test will reveal these differences but will not give any insight to marking patterns.

3. The Boris Wild Marked Deck vs. The Ultimate Marked Deck
Both the Boris Deck & The Ultimate Marked Deck have been printed by the United States Playing Card Company. The Boris Wild Marked Deck came out first. Originally a book of magic routines (now out of print) supplied with transfer material to mark your own decks. This deck has the markings right in front of your face and Hidden In Plain Sight. This deck is meant for the professional card magician. If used for cheating purposes, you could easily read an entire table of whole cards at any time, however the marks are visible to the naked eye, so you can't overuse the technique or you will cause concern. The power to be used maybe once or twice in a night when the time is right. The same viewing and using principles goes for the Ultimate Marked Deck. Both decks are printed blatantly. In fact so blatant that anyone who was looking for it would find it.

I prefer the Ultimate Marked Deck over the Boris Deck. The Boris Deck you need to view the marks in different areas of the back design. The area of location, lets you know the suit, but your eyes are moving up & down to spot it. With the Ultimate Marked Deck, each card is marked in the same place, but you are aware of the rank & suit instantly. With Boris, you will always know the rank after you locate the position and to know the suit you have to remember that position. Marked in a similar fashion, see also Ted Lesley's Marked Jumbo Deck w/book.

I was unaware of the riffle test when I first saw a hand marked version similar to these many years ago. I could not see the mark, no matter how hard I looked. I was stunned when I finally noticed the card value after quite a while. These will not pass the riffle.

4. Luminous Shade Marking Kit
Now were are getting into the good stuff. This is professional stuff. No one will see the marks you apply. No matter how hard they look unless they view the back of the card with red contact lenses or a red filter (secretly hidden on the inside of your sunglasses). Next time you are playing poker with a red deck and you've got guys around you winning who are wearing sunglasses, consider what they might have behind the shades! 100% deceptive.

5. Juice Marked Decks
We carry two formulas of juice. For $25.00 you can get the Juice Card Marking Kit. This set up is for red decks only and while you get several times more of the formula than the professional version, you will waste more cards marking them as the "juice" will often ruin card stock or appear too dark. Once learned however it works pretty good. This stuff here is the real deal, the Juice Marking Fluid Kit. More than four times the cost and for less formula but this stuff works on red or blue cards and you get enough to mark 25 decks of cards and it won't destroy cards when applying it. Imagine having a spectator select any card from a deck they shuffled and while you are standing 15 feet away from them, reveal the card. And then repeat it with another card! Juice is a marking liquid that can only be seen by a trained eye. It s easiest to see the marks from far away. It is very hard to see them up close. Another way to see the marks is as cards are being dealt, just as they are coming to a stop, a flash may be seen just for a split second, enough for you to identify the cards. Juice does not need a special lens to see. Professional card cheats make their decks light or dark depending on the type of room they are playing in. Often bringing light meters into the room before hand to determine how to apply the juice so they have optimum viewing conditions and make the risk of someone else spotting the marks very minimal. When you are a master at seeing juice, the amount you put on the and the length of time the juice is on te card before you wipe it away will become less and less, making these marks so hard to see, that accidental discovery is impossible. On the odd chance anyone sees something, it will be so fleeting and it will appear as if the lighting reflected off the back of the card in a certain way and it will not been seen again (because the card has stopped moving or their eyes moved away and then back). 95% deceptive.

6. Daub
This stuff is really dangerous. Cards marked with Daub are generally marked while the cards are in play! And the marks wear out overtime or you can "unmark" them when you get a hold of them again. All the evidence will be completely gone. Daub Professional Marking System comes with marking material for red and blue decks. The colored Daub is inside two small metal cups, smaller than a penny and easily hidden in your pocket. Touch the correct color Daub with your finger and run your finger over a specific area of a card. EX: Center line for an Ace. 99% deceptive as long as you keep it to a minimum.

7. Face Marked Deck
Here is a make shift marked deck you can make at home. The type of marking used here uses your sense of touch and not your sense of sight. Take a razor blade and gently slice marks in the hair lines of the Kings, Queens & Jacks. As you are dealing you will feel if any cards have these slices in the hair patterns. While you won't know the rank or suit, you'll know who got dealt a court card. 99% deceptive.

Here's a few other things we offer for your consideration.
Marked For Life by Kirk Charles
Expert At The Card Table by S.W. Erdanase
Billion Dollar Bunko by Simon Lovell
Unreal Work by Jason England & R. Paul Wilson
Weapons Of A Card Shark by Jeff Wessmiller

That's enough for today.
Thanks for reading!
Until tomorrow,

Pete

Big Bucks No Whammies

Hello Friends,

Today I'll be talking to you about high ticket items that are the cream of the crop.

There are a few killer effects we carry and they notoriety.

Bazar De Magia's Celebri-Tie
This is a stunning stage prop. Not for close up. Entertainment at it's finest.

Just In Case & Key created by Joe Porper & Pete Biro
These props replace the ever popular and always available Al Koran's Ring Flite & Gaeton Bloom's Flying Ring. This is the best improvement of the ring flight effect ever. Includes Michael Close's 5 star routine Ring Fright.
The supplied Key for the transposition is one of the most inventive gimmicks I have ever come across (and the key case is pretty darn fantastic as well). You'll love it.

Mother Of All Book Tests created by Ted Karmilovitch & The Thirteen
This may be the most effective book test on the market. It is simple and straight forward. It punishes the audiences brain for them having seen you. Is it real or is it M.O.A.B.?

Gravity Box from Doug Malloy
Great for children or adults in small or large venues. Can be played for comedy or serious. Simple to operate. Impossible to analyze. The only stipulation is that a smooth flat surface is required. Gravity Box will keep them talking about you.

Prince Anton's Racquet created by Anton Corradin
Prince Anton's Racquet is a marvelous device. It is deceptive and non threatening like it's little brother the Card Sword. The gimmick that makes the card appear is built into this custom made Tennis Racquet is diabolical. In my opinion superior to a Card Sword. And it's done with a signed card that is easily removed!

Wellington Enterprises Magic Switchboard created by Bill Schmeelk's
The Magic Switchboard may be the greatest invention in all of magic. It appeals to everyone from the youngest of children to adults and even the most educated rocket scientists, computer programmers, electricians. It does defy explanation. You'll need a standard 110 outlet. If you are interested in this made to order contact me at Pete@ronjo.com and enter your email in the "Notify Me When Available" icon in the link above.

Fabric Manipulations Pseudo Psychometry Bag Set by Lynetta Welsh
If you are a working pro then the high ticket won't scare you off. The bags are very well made and the effect is nothing short of a miracle. Lynetta hand makes beautiful items and this is no exception. However I personally do not think these bags warrant the hefty price tag. I guess I just don't see the value of the merchandise in this instance. But when you break it down, you are paying less than $40.00 per bag and that is far less than one single product she does make. Because your her $88.00 Egg Bag is worth it every which way. So I guess what I am saying it is worth it. It just seems pricey.

While I feel the above products are fabulous effects and devices, well worth every penny, Of course, this is just my own opinion. Not everything above will appeal to everyone. And that's a good thing. The products have to compliment you and reflect you as a performer or they will fail and you will fail.

Until tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

It doesn't have to be expensive to be good

Hello friends,

Believe it or not there are many people out there who think that "cheap tricks" are cheap tricks that are meant for a kid's wallet and they avoid them at all costs.

An effects value should not be measured by the price tag it should be measured on the effect, and how you will use it as well as the value.

Pricey tricks are usually intended for the professional. The sometimes hefty price comes from research and development, materials used and often are made in limited number. If you are a working pro, then the price tag won't affect your buying decisions to much. And you already know that some effects are good, bad or ugly regardless of the cost of the product.

I've seen plenty of high ticket items that stink.

Many inexpensive tricks are meant for the novice or child. That doesn't make them bad, it just means they are not for you.

But there are a great number of more obscure tricks with a value price tag that have value to a working magician. If you are not familiar, these are defiantly worth a look.

Goshman's Color Changing Ball To Jumbo Square Magic By Gosh
For only $3.99, you get a gold mines worth of laughter and mystery. The description may not read well, but I assure you this effect gets one of the strongest reactions from an audience in a party atmosphere.

Repeat Blooming Blossom by Sadik & Co.
For a mere $7.50 you'll be performing a fast paced appearing, vanishing, color changing "look don't see" routine that the kids will go wild over.

Crystal Cleaver by Tenyo
I know many of you think I must be crazy right now. Many of us know this was bought for a limited time several years ago by Milton-Bradley and marketed as one in a series of the Magic Works line of kid's toys. This was over 10 years ago. Your newer audience will not be aware of it and there is a good chance you won't run into anyone that had one. Okay so you are thinking I am still crazy. How can I suggest to you a plastic prop? Think of it as a mini illusion and not a cheap toy. The effect and method are diabolical. This blows people away. I am not saying do a whole show of "toys" but maybe incorporate the ring that comes with it to an entire borrowed ring routine. So you are saying it is plastic and unprofessional. We live in the plastic age. Your computer, keyboard, monitor and printer are plastic. The interior of your cars, plastic. TV, cell phone almost everything is made out of plastic. Why should it matter that a tool you use is also made from the same material? Of course we offer you thousands of choices so it doesn't matter to us if this doesn't appeal to the near 100% of you who are reading this. My stance is this is a great piece of close-up magic.

Pavel's Circulation by Fantastic Magic Company or FMC
This is not just another packet trick. In fact the cards are of colored shapes making these ideal for young children as well as an adult. The simplicity of the method and lack of what you may think (a whole bunch of extra cards) makes this very appealing to the performer. In the end both side of the cards can be examined. $5.00 well spent.

What's On Tap by unknown
This is a great pocket trick and the ultimate bar trick. Laminated cards will last for a long time, especially in a bar situation. If you are a bartender, this is a must, your spectator can order their drink just by thinking of it! Totally self working can be repeated. 100 free choices. How can you go wrong?


As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. And open your eyes to the other possibilities.

We'll talk to you again on Monday about some expensive items worth the money and others that may not be.

Happy father's day?!?!

Thanks for reading.

Pete

Defenders

Hello friends,

Eric James' Ultimate Card Through WindowDVD is getting too much of a bad rap.

A couple of our local customers were disappointed and there are too many negative posts on the Cafe. There are positive posts on the Cafe and they reflect my general feelings.

I am sorry many of you feel "ripped off." In order to avoid any more potential bad feelings, I feel the need to step in. I will defend this DVD because I like the video and the effect.

I also think Mr. James' creativity for devising new methods and at affordable prices is innovative and intelligent thinking.

Before we go any further consider this. Do you as a magic enthusiast, actually believe that one could pass one solid object through another solid object? Or do you view magic as it should be viewed as your audiance would veiw it? As an illusion, as entertainment. Perception is everything.

Let's go over what people are saying badly about this DVD (but in actuality what they are saying about an effect that has been around for many years).

The video is too expensive.
Really? It is only $10.00 more than your average magic DVD and many magic DVDs cost even more than this one. For 30 methods can you honestly say this is expensive? Let's look at it another way, maybe the DVD is priced a bit higher to keep it out of the hands of the merely curious. Take a look at the $100.00 Criss Angel DVD. A lot of the same complaints about Ultimate Card Through Window besides pricing can be compared to Mr. Angel's DVD. Read on.

I'll never do this.
If you never intended to do this in the first place, why would you invest on the video?
The description clearly states "You've seen the world's greatest magicians perform this effect on TV countless times. You've tried your best to get to that level, or even surpass what you've seen." This DVD is clearly not intended for the amateur. No, you are probably not going to do this in your average house party but with over 30 methods explained you will find a way to perform this wonderful effect for the type of environmental conditions you are in at the time.

It is so obvious.
Friends, sometimes the simple solution is the best solution. Don't ignore what the spectator gets out of this experience. The demo video shows how the audience perceives this effect. It is shown to you as it would be seen on television. (As it has appeared on television). Sometimes, stooges, angles & lighting matter. Remember this is not SIGNED CARD THROUGH WINDOW.

The complex methods are too much work to set up.
We'll yeah. You can't just say, "If something is hard, don't do it."
Nothing worthwhile comes easy. No where is it mentioned that this is an Impromptu effect. These method are best in your own home or if the homeowner were in on it or at least notified that you have to do a few things outside to prepare for the show. You can always fool the majority of the guests. There are other methods and devices for Card Through Window that costs $100's of dollars. Set up is inevitable for all these versions.

What it all comes down to is, this is best suited for television or at least a working pro that understands the concepts of taking advantage of their environment and not for a guy who wants to fool his friends with a card trick. But I'll say it again, there is information on here for the hobbyist too.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

Is magic real? It is to some!

Hello to all our friends,

Quick note: I missed Mindfreak last night, not by choice. I was set to watch it and we lost power. Oh well.

The real subject for today.

Is magic real? To some the answer is yes. There are a lot of people who truly believe in Mind reading, talking to the dead, astral projection, tarot card fortunes and so on.

These are the people who will believe practically anything, even if you try to educate them. They still believe it. They just know YOU can't do it.

Q:Where is the proof?
A: They don't need it or want it. They have faith and nothing will take that away from them.

Unfortunately these people are the ones who spend a fortune on 900 #s. See: The Telephone Psychic: Secrets of the 900# psychic lines. The same people look in tabloids to get the good or bad news about their lives. See: Richard Webster's The Mail Order Psychic & Ron Cain's Secret Guide To Fortune Telling With Playing Cards.

In poker, they say "It is a shame to let a sucker keep their money."

I do not think these people are suckers, some of them are misinformed, brainwashed, whatever you want to call it and some people do take advantage of their weaknesses.

It is a sad fact that too many people are not open to the seeing the truth.

We carry a slew of books, DVDs, Audio CDs & props that you can use as a tool to confirm any believer's curiosity or addictions.

With these tools, you have massive power. Try to keep moral issues in check.

If you taught these same people and they learned this material, they simply would say something like this, "Well that's one way to do it but you are not psychic, this other guy is!"

So is it wrong to present yourself as a person with supernatural ability? I used to think YES. It is wrong, way wrong. However my outlook has changed a bit. As magicians we lie. Period. We are in a character role. If your character is one who does cold readings, then that is your character.

Although I still think it is wrong to take advantage of someone and scam them for money.

But I wouldn't go out of my way to prove I was real, or not real. I would present myself and let the people choose to believe whatever they want to believe.

Because the non-believers (it should go without saying that I am a non believer) nothing I seen so far would make me believe.

Below is a recent post I made on the Magic Cafe about my younger days. Fooling with regular magic, not mentalism. I was doing fun, happy, amazing stuff. I intended to be but was not an entertainer to them, I was perceived as an evil voodoo witch doctor. Read on. It will blow you away.

Hi Guys, Pete from www.ronjo.com here. An earlier post said something to similar to, "Anyone over the age of 10, knows it is a trick." We'll here is a story for you. Many years ago, I started work in an electronics firm. I was the new guy, so I used magic to break the ice. While I had fun fooling with people and getting to know some of them. Simple stuff like Sponge Balls, Hot Rot, Vanishing Silk. A large number of people there were immigrants from Haiti. Some of the people I had just met rounded up an audience for me, Haitians included. I was as unaware as my co-workers were of what was about to happen. I did Razor Blades, then a floating dollar bill. My friends let me tell you I was the devil to them. These people were terrified of me. Running for their lives, screaming. After several attempts to calm these people down, I broke down and exposed a couple of simple things. I had to. Even after, it took weeks to get some of them to warm up to me. And many of them avoided me at all costs even though their friends passed along the good new that I was not the Voodoo priest they thought I was. I was told by one Haitian that many of them moved to the U.S. to get away from magic. So yes there are people who do believe in magic. And these people do not like it one bit.

To read the whole topic, to to the Magic Cafe. The topic is called Magic and the Supernatural, in the Food For Thought forum. You may have to create a login to read it. Click here.

What is the moral? Maybe just be careful on what you do and who you do it to.

We'll talk to you tomorrow.
Thanks for reading!
Pete

Wednesday is Mindfreak Day

Hello friends,

Tonight on A&E, Criss Angel Mindfreak, two NEW episodes back to back. Don't forget!
Check you local listings.

Last week I forgot to watch, today I am on top of it.

Maybe I'll chat about the shows tomorrow.

So long,

Pete

Who would win in a fight? Elohim Ring vs. Wizard PK Ring

Hello friends,

Who would win in a fight? Elohim Ring vs. Wizard PK Ring

Wizard PK Ring Pros:
1. You do not have to adjust the position of the magnet to do different effects
2. A DVD is coming out for this product soon
3. World Magic will replace it if you break it for a nominal fee plus shipping
4. Nothing to adjust
5. Powerful enough to hold a coin through a glass table.
6. Choice of gold or silver

Wizard PK Ring Cons:
1. Made in three generic sizes, S, M, and L
2. Only two effects (coin & watch) described
3. It is a wedding band. Take off your real band? Or if you are single take yourself off the market.
4. It is not a metal ring. It is all magnet and delicate. This ring can split in two. If it is loose and falls off, or if you attract something in just the right way, say goodbye.
5. Their replacement info does not say what that nominal fee is and they are in the U.K. so you have to deal with expensive return shipping fees and money conversions.
6. Makes more of a talking sound.

Elohim Ring Pros:
1. The ring is a real silver ring that you would be proud to wear.
2. It can be worn on either hand and your choice of fingers.
3. The small magnet built into the ring makes the magnetic field precisely where you need it.
4. Because of the positioning of the small magnet in the ring, talking sounds are kept to a minimum.
5. Supplied with excellent instructions for basic handling plus eight fine effects.
6. Choice of five actual ring sizes 9,10, 10.5,11 & 12

Elohim Ring Cons:
The only con I can see is actually one of the pros.

The small magnet built into the ring makes the magnetic field precisely where you need it.

Let me explain. You need to position the magnet side either on top of your hand of on the inside of your palm depending on which application you decide to use it for. The odd shape of the bumps (magnet and non magnet) bumps are similar but not identical so if you had to rotate the ring in the same performance, it may look unusual to someone watching like a hawk.

Both rings are very good. I personally believe the Elohim Ring is a better ring and a better value for your money. Sadly Elohim is available in limited quantities. As U.S. distributors independently decided to sell off their remaining stock and never to import more. And only to offer the Wizard PK Ring. Will you still be able to buy Elohim in France? I doubt it; they made a run of every size, lost the North American market share and now have fierce competition at a lower price point.

Advice? Get ‘em while you can.

We’ll talk to you tomorrow. Thanks for reading!

Pete

Switch from a hobbyist to a professional.

Hello friends,

There are so many hobbyists that buy a few tricks and think they are ready to do shows for a living.

They have been involved in magic for less than a month. Make their friends and family Ohh and Ahh. Print business cards. Take out an ad in the local paper. And are ready for business.

The only problem with this is that they are not ready yet! They think they are but they are not.
It takes a lot of hard work and dedication before you can become a pro.

They don't realize that while their friends & family may have been fooled that they probably have no basis of comparison as to what a real entertainer can do or maybe they were just being nice.

Let's say our magic man wants to do children's birthday parties.

Selecting appropriate effects are important. Nothing over their heads, . Nothing questionable such as use of fire or knives, nothing scary or violent or with sex.

Mastering these effects is vital. You have to know them inside and out backwards and forwards. You have to be able to do these blindfolded and flawlessly. You have to be able to anticipate anything and everything that might go wrong, so you can cover your errors and reverse them before anyone knows anything went wrong. In poker you need OUTS. The same holds true fro magic. Know your outs.

Just knowing an effect is not enough.

You have to learn to manipulate your audience as well as your props. Children are an exceptionally tough audience. How will you deal with them when they come up behind your table and grab a prop? Will you yell at them or will you get them involved in the act? Notice I didn't say your act. You have to be able to turn a bad situation around and in your favor.

You also have to entertain your audience. You have to be able to interact with them. They have like you. They have to like to hear what you are saying to them. Get rid of the props and they still have to like you. If you are able to entertain an audiance without relying on your tools, you are ready.

It really does take years of dedication to turn a hobby into a paying craft.

Those who go out and try it on their own too soon are doing themselves and magic a disservice. In three years, the ones who just started and are still at it they will get it. They will start to see how bad they were and know how good they are now getting and then the will realize how much more work they need to put into it to become a professional.

Start small. Volunteer at hospitals. Gain experience. Figure out what works where and why it works.

Folks, you gotta do hard time. What I am trying to say is, see you in ten to twelve. Give our art the respect that it deserves and it your journey will be endless joy as you strive to get their.

Never stop learning.

I learned something wonderful the other day. A client of ours shared a secret with me and I will share it with you. Do not ever make the audience feel bad or stupid. This is something I've always known but gave no consideration to their feelings when they can't follow your directions for the Confusing Crayons routine and their crayon is upside down. Stop and reverse it on them he said. You are the one who can't seem to get it right . Your child helper does it perfectly, but you are unable to. This is a fantastic idea.

For some of the best information on entertaining children read David Kaye's (AKA Silly Billy) Seriously Silly.

We'll talk again tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

Joshua Jay moves to NYC

Hello friends,

We welcome Joshua Jay to New York.

Joshua Jay just moved here from Ohio.

We hope he'll like it in the Big Apple and that he doesn't get too home sick.

I had the pleasure of speaking to him the other day. He seems like a nice man.

We are planning to have him do a lecture here at Ronjo Magic sometime this summer. As of yet, we do not have the date worked out. His schedule and our schedule are a bit hectic.

What we can tell you is that when we do get the details worked out, Ronjo Magic will be his only New York appearance for the summer season.

Joshua Jay has performed in over 30 countries! But has never done anything, yet in New York.

He specializes in sleight of hand close-up using ordinary props.

He has won several major magic awards, appeared on television in the US and Japan, authored two best selling magic books and writes a column for Magic Magazine.

We will email details when we get them. To be notified of this and other exciting goings on at Ronjo, sign up on are email list here. We do not sell or trade email with anyone. We do not bombard you with emails either.

If you are not familiar with his work, put your seat belts on!

Take a look at what the some of the stars are saying about him.

"This kid is going places."
- Lance Burton, International Star of Magic

"He is the future of magic, and he scares me because he is so good!"
- Lennart Green, International Champion of Magic

"Joshua Jay is one of America's finest young magicians."
- Richard Kaufman, Acclaimed Author and Publisher

"Josh Jay is a bright new rising star in the world of magic."
- Simon Lovell, Comedian and Magician

"Joshua Jay is the most accomplished young artist to come along in many years. He is star quality."
- Roger Klause, Performer and Lecturer

We'll talk to you tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

Card To Wallet and other Rants

Hello friends,

I thought this blogging thing would be fun & easy.

It can be fun to do but it is not as easy as I thought it would be.

It is hard to find things to talk to you about each day but once I get rolling it is hard to stop me.

There is a comment area below each post. Hopefully some of you will respond to my Blogs and this will keep us going.

I can respond to you and you may spark a new topic for me.

I missed the Mindfreak show on Wednesday. I forgot all about it and fell right back into watching the WPT, at 5 to 11, I remembered that the new Celebrity Poker Showdown was on, then it hit me, Criss Angel was on and over.

I won't forget this Wednesday.

I've got to get a TIVO! I do have a VCR, it has not been hooked up in quite a long time. I do have a DVD recorder, but I am having trouble with it. Lots of Disc errors.

Anyway, I am ranting and raving about this, that, anything and everything and nothing at all meaningful so I might as well tell stop chattering and tell you about something that may actually help some of you.

Today's topic: Mesika's Wallet

This great quality soft leather wallet can be used as your everyday wallet.

Yigal has supplied extraordinary instructions for this Signed Card To Wallet effect. Included are instructions for the Mercury Card Fold in which the wallet is in full view on the table at all times and the card is later found folded in the zippered coin pouch. A palming method where the card vanishes from the deck and reappears in the zippered compartment in the wallet that has been in your pocket the entire time. Because of the unique design of this wallet other variations are also described such as loading signed coins, folded bills & wedding bands.

I personally do only the folded card to wallet method at this time.

Here at Ronjo, we carry a wide array of Card To Wallet, wallets. Mesika's Wallet is my wallet of choice. Though your needs may be different.

This wallet is a two fold black leather wallet, with a snap strap to keep it closed. A standard bill holder split at the rear, behind it is a zippered pouch (where the card appears). The right side has three credit card slots and a pouch. The left side has 3 credit card slots and a pouch. The left side panel flips up displaying a window area for photo ID and under it are 3 more credit card slots.

interestingly enough the gimmick on the wallet is a great outside pouch that can be used for personal needs in addition to making the non fold version of Card To Wallet easier to do.

See also Jerry Mentzer's Card To Wallet THE BOOK.

This book is loaded with routines, handlings, descriptions and details for virtually every style of Card To Wallet at the time it was written. Please note Mesika's Wallet was created after this book was Published.

Search our site for other Wallets that we have to offer you if the effect appeals to you but the wallet style does not.

Have a great weekend. I'll be back on Monday with more writing for you.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

I just love it when the pros come to us.

Hello friends,

We've serviced a lot of well known talent here over the past 32 years.

We've met and talked to almost everybody.

Even after all this time, I just can't help to get "warm fuzzies" when they contact us.

Today we got a call from Peter Samelson.

Circa 1982 I remember seeing Samelson for the first time on the Robert Klein Show.

I remember vividly three things he performed. Wild Card, Snow Storm In China & Ring Flite.

His patter for both Wild Card & Snow Storm will stick in my mind for the rest of my life. Originality and entertainment is what it is all about. I do not remember much about his presentation for Ring Flite, but this was a long time ago and 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

I would mention what he did that was so wonderful but I want to protect his treasures from potential thieves who are not familiar with his work. His material is that good.

I had seen Snow Storm before on TV at at nearly every magic convention and I always loved it.
Before I started working here, I tried several times to have Ronjo order it for me. Sadly he did not know where to get it from.

In 1995, a young man named Larry Maples came into our shop. He had just moved to Long Island. He & I became fast friends. It was just by sheer luck that he manufactured the Snow Storm effect that I had been wanting to use for many many years.

Years later I saw Samelson saw perform at Monday Night Magic. Well sort of, I unfortunately can not remember a thing he did as I was helping friends Larry Maples & Raven, that were performing that night backstage so my mind was elsewhere.

Here is the crazy part, while Snow Storm is still my favorite stage effect, to this day I have never used a gimmick, not even for practice. How about that?! The truth is I do not perform stage magic, so I really can't use this great effect.

We'll post again tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

Have you checked the children?

Hello friends,

Sorry I could not post yesturday, the the blogger website was down everytime I tried to log on. So here is yesturday's post today.

This is the first generation of true multi-tasking.

Children and Teens are in the day and age of doing everything all at once.

Text messaging from their cell phones as they are playing video games on their computers, while listening to their I-Pod as they are doing homework.

They think differently and faster than we do.

They communicate faster than we do even when they speak. Short hand without the writing or short tongued.

And they learn quicker than we ever thought possible.

Remember the film Lawnmower Man ?

Many consider their daily habits to be detrimental as real communication will be lost when they get older and join the work force.

They don’t have a few real close friends and many acquaintances anymore but rather they have 100s if not 1000s of e-friends.

We are forced to sit back and see this new way of living, be it good or bad.

Of course this isn’t everyone on earth but it is an alarmingly large number of young people.

While I can’t say how this will affect our future, I’ll can tell you how it relates to the majority of new magician wanna bees over the age of 12.

I see it nearly everyday in our store. The internet breed. The ones who have no interest in seeing an effect demonstrated. These newbie’s bring in a list of what they want. And they want it now.

The items on their list are not the things we would normally suggest to a beginner. But these people are in a mindset to skip the early learning stages of magic. They don’t even know that effects like Nickels to Dimes, Ball & Vase and Color Changing Silks even exist and while we offer to show them to our friends, many of them are in a different mindset. This is not what they are interested in.

This Army of young performers is looking for the hardest things to learn and they want to learn them now. The truth is, while we would normally recommend starting slowly, more than 75% of them learn and master these knuckle busting moves in record time. It is astonishing.

They don’t want books. They want minimal props if any at all.

All they really want are DVDs and instant gratification for some of the toughest manipulations possible. This really shouldn’t be instant learning. The method, YES, the performance, NO. I still believe should be in many cases a slow learning process to get everything down to perfection is how it should be done. Yet I am continually surprised on how quickly they get it, all of it and keep coming back for more!

Have a look at what the youngsters are doing. It really is impressive. I bet a lot of them are more technically advanced than you are.

De'vo's Cobra Collection
De'vo's Cradle To Grave
De'vo's Xtreme Beginnerz
Capaso Casino's C4: CapCuts
3 volumes of Jeff McBride's The Art of Card Manipulation
3 volumes of Jeff McBride's World Class Manipulation
Eric Evans Secret Art of Coin Manipulation (With Jumbo Coins)

But a real problem still exists. All they absorb from the video is a Monkey See Monkey Do learning process. They do not learn how to entertain and interact with an audience let alone real people on top of that, and plenty of them can’t do a single card trick. All they want to learn are flourishes and not magic. My question is why?

Even still, give them credit for doing these amazing feats.

There is an exception as there always has been, some of these young masters are learning more, much more. It is a very impressive to see a 16 year old flawlessly master material by Shoot Ogawa Apollo Robbins. See Cultural Xchange & Cultural Xchange 2.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

More Favorites

Hello friends,

Yesterday I told you all about my favorite effects to demonstrate to our friends in the Ronjo showroom.

Now I'll tell you about ten more favorites. The ones that can not be demonstrated for various reasons. I'll also tell you why we can't demonstrate them for you.

Dancing Cane by Unknown
I occasionally mess with this in the showroom but with people and shelves all around and random music playing, if any at all; makes this a weak looking piece. This requires the proper distance to be effective. Specific lighting conditions, the perfect choice of music and well rehearsed choreography would make this a professional effect. To be done on stage under optimum conditions or at the very least least a block party type event with music and perhaps a back drop.

Ultimate Snowstorm by Larry Maples & Raven
It is not practical to get a clear bowl of water and tissue paper for in store use. Gimmicks are one time use only (12 in a box), and will leave a mess behind in a store with shelves and counters. This paper mess is easily vacuumed or swept on a stage. Primarily used on stage or for outdoor venues.

Raven by Chuck Leach
Set-up required to fit the size of your hand and a wearing the gimmick in your jacket is best suited for most performances.

Federal Escape by Ronjo
I only set this up in our showroom when we have a large crowd watching and we have somebody else working in the shop that can answer the phone and help other clients.

Vendetta Wallet by EvilDan
The wallet is so versatile that so many things are possible. While it is a prop, it is not supposed to be perceived as a prop. Only a select few who visit us in the showroom are privy enough for us to explain it too. It is out of the price range of most perspective buyers. We are happy to explain it everyone when we are asked about it But not the method of course.

Torch To Rose by Unkown
We are not in the habit of igniting fires in the store, no matter how small. Although I occasionally will show this one off to those I believe are responsible enough and have a real need to use this in their act.

Airborne 7-Up Can by Doug Malloy
Requires filling the can before performance and the proper viewing distance.

Celebri-Tie by Bazar De Magia
Requires wearing a prop. It is difficult to work throughout the day and keeping this on. Plus I rarely wear a jacket & tie in our shop as I am often working in our warehouse.

Automatic Razor Blades by Dave Powell
Some of the materials are not supplied. Thread, use the size & color of your choice, SOME razor blades (due to legal reasons) and I would have to put blades in my mouth and therefore would not be able to sell the prop to a prospective client.

Rose From A Card by Lee Eun Gyel
The performance conditions do not permit it. We are generally stuck behind the counter. The height and distance of the counter make it awkward for our spectator to help out. And this effect requires the proper conditions in order to pull it off. On top of that, it is rare for a female to come in that is willing to help and of proper age and can understand that we are performing an effect and not trying to pick her up.

That is enough for today.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

What's your favorite trick?

What's your favorite trick?

This is a question I get asked by new visitors to our store almost every single day.

They want me to show them my single favorite effect because they trust my judgment and they want to get the best trick in the world on their first visit to Ronjo's.

I try to explain to them that it is an almost impossible question to answer.

There are so many factors to consider that they just don't know about as a new comer.

Of course being involved in magic for so long, I do have many effects that I would favor over others but some of those effects are not for the newbie’s for so many reasons.

Some of those reasons are as follows.
1. The difficulty level is too high for a novice. You don't jump right into an Okito Box routine when you have never heard of the French Drop before. You have to learn to crawl before you can walk.
2. An effect may not be appropriate for their audience.
A. They want to fool their young children and should consider colorful visual effects. Something like the Coloring Book and not a packet trick like Color Monte.
B. They want to mess with co-works minds. Here a pocket trick such as the Invisible Deck is an appropriate choice and a set of Linking Rings would be very poor choice.
3. We wouldn't want a child new to magic trying to handle a Thumb Tip. This person's hands are too small. Their motor skills have not developed yet and they do not understand the effects using a tip as perceived by the audience. Here something like a basic set of Cups & Balls would be a good choice.
4. We wouldn't want to show a new comer a Hot Rod, because they may be disappointed by the fact that you are unable to repeat the effect to the same audience. They may be discouraged by this if they are too new to magic will not appreciate the impact that this trick actually has. We may instead suggest another paddle effect like the No. 2 Pencil By Mark Jenest.
5. A great effect such as Yigal Mesika's Spider Pen is not for the novice. The device is delicate and beginners are more prone to damage the item before they understand what it can do. They will feel ripped off that they wasted 50 bucks. Or even worse. They can and do understand the mechanics. Get it down smoothly and quickly and come back a week later for another great trick but are disappointed that they can' find anything they like. Their expectations are set too high and have very little to look forward to.

I could go on and on and on. There is no simple answer to their question.

I actually do have my favorites but just because they are my favorites, doesn't mean our friends would agree. What is right for some may not be right for others.

Don't believe me? Here is an example. A-Vase-ing. This trick comes in almost every magic set I have ever seen, yet no one over about 8 years old does it. I think you should! I love this trick. I created a wonderful routine and supply my patter and handling with the instructions. I took me many years to "like" this trick but once I learned it inside out and made it my own, it became one of my favorites for so many reasons.
1. It uses audience participation.
2. It has a comical story line and fills time.
3. It is magical.
4. It packs small and plays big. (Well big enough for most house parties).

In a nut shell my favorites to demonstrate in the store will vary according to who my clientele is at the time.

It should also go without saying that the effects I may share with friends or if I were to perform a show this list would change.

Now if someone put a gun to my head and said name you top thirty favorites effects using props that I actually show my clients in the store and that are currently on the market and not ones that I do not do perform and have only seen here is my list in no particular order and for no particular audience.

I have highlighted links for just a few of these.

1. Michael Skinner's Ultimate 3 Card Monte
2. Peek A Boo
3. Scotch & Soda
4. Vanishing Silk (Thumb Tip)
5. Appearing Cane
6. Invisible Zone
7. Matchless Matchboxes
8. Color Changing Ball To Jumbo Square
9. Cesaral Melting Point
10. Silver Copper Brass Transposition
11. Okito Box
12. Healed & Sealed
13. Hot Rod
14. Crystal Cleaver
15. Gozinta Boxes & Sponge Balls
16. Spider Pen
17. A-Vase-ing
18. Number Two Pencil
19. Confusing Crayons
20. Appearing Flower
21. Donuts - Production
22. Blizzard
23. Matrix Poker
24. Impossible Penetration
25. Crystal Bubble
26. Gold Rush
27. Psychic Crayons
28. Stiff Rope
29. Nail Writer
30. What's Mine Is Mine

Not all of the above effects will appeall to everybody and they certainly are not appropriate for every type of performance or age group.

But in answer to your question, What is your favorite trick?

These are my top 30 favorite in store demos.
So come on down to Ronjo Magic if you are local or search for these and the many other fantasic effects on our site.

We talk to you tomorrow.

Pete

Entertainment on Long Island

Hello to our local clients,

Ronjo is Long Island's premier place to get your party started right.

We have been entertaining Long Islanders for over 35 years.

Whatever kind of event you are having, the professionals from Ronjo Entertainment will
give your guests memories that will last a lifetime.

We offer you practically every type of entertainment for any age or size group.

From your child's birthday party, to your wedding, block parties and corporate functions.

Psychics, Hypnotists, Jugglers, Ventriloquists, Puppet Shows, Costume Character Visits, Balloon Artists, Face Painting, Fire Eaters, Comedians, Clowns, DJs, Karaoke, Belly Dancers, Strippers, Singing Telegrams, Carnival Games, Spin Art, Caricature Artists, Pony Rides, Petting Zoos, Reptile Shows, Moon Bouncers, Inflatable Slide and Dunk Tanks.

Our latest edition for fun are Foam Parties. We just got in the big machine this week and set it up in the parking lot. One word, WOW! In seconds the parking lot was filled with foam several feet high. It was really crazy. Let us fill up your backyard or basement with a big pool of foam! As you wade in and chill out and play Marco Polo through the thick foam barrier.

We also have fun foods like Hot Dog, Popcorn, Snow Cone and Cotton Candy all on their own cool looking Carts.

We even do balloon decorations. Full arches, columns and centerpieces.

And last but not least, our roots: Magicians! Children's magicians, Close-up mingle magic, street magic, comedy magicians even illsuionists and mind readers.

Whatever your are looking, whenever your need it, let the party planning staff at Ronjo make your party a fantastic event!

Contact Ron@ronjo.com or call 631-928-5353.

Take care,

Team Ronjo

After all these years I still love magic

Hey there friends of Ronjo,

In 1969, I was only 3 years old.

There are three things I remember at age three.

The first was Christmas 1969. We lived in an apartment in Copiague Long Island. All I remember about it is a staircases going up leading to the kitchen and my Mom gave home made Christmas cookies to the paperboy.

Near that apartment was a park Peppermint Park. My parents tell me I lived in it every chance I had. I recall my parents taking me to this park many times even after we moved to Centereach at age 3. A far trip at about 45 minutes away. The reason they kept taking me back was this park had a giant top hat which I loved and begged to go to. No other park we could find had this hat. It had a ladder going up to the brim and a descending ladder going inside of it and a small tunnel at the base to get in and out of it. I remember loving this hat! But I do not remember it at age 3. I know have spent many hours in this hat. Probably from age 2-9.

Another early memory was a man walking on the moon. I doubt I learned his name at the time but I do remember my mom & I were watching TV and she was explaining to me what we were watching. I remember the fuzzines of the TV broadcast. That was real magic a man walking on another "planet."

My other early memory was when I received my first magic set on my birthday in August. I remember the box it came in, a thick white cardboard box was with a white gloss paper cover of a character of a boy in a top hat & cape glued to the top of the box (and under where the top went over the bottom. We had to tear through the seam of the lid & the base to open it). The box was about 12" x 9" x 3"

It was a cheap set made with cardboard cut outs and it had a wood wand.

I do remember there was not much else in the set. Maybe 4 tricks and a wand.

I vividly remember one effect it came with, 3 cardboard rings. One yellow, one red & one green. Each had Chinese symbols on them. The effect was to guess which color ring they gave by feeling it behind your back. I used this effect for several years. The method was very clever it used a center circle also covered in Chinese symbols. I remember that the symbols on the disc were "stupid" as the disc was part of the method and never seen by the audience. "They decorated the hidden item, I thought why?"

I do not remember anything magical previous to this but I know this was not my first encounter with magic. I remember being unsatisfied with the magic wand that came with the set because it was all black with dripping paint marks on it and had no white tips. "No white tips. How lame." All these years later, I wish I had saved that stick of wood.

I sadly can not recall anything else about it. If anyone knows the name of the set I am talking about, or has a picture of it or anyone actually has one and want to sell it, Please contact me at Pete@ronjo.com.

Growing up, I'd be wide awake in the early morning, 5 or 6 Am wow, Mark Wilson's Magic Circus. I'd be riveted to the tube with Bozo, Dick Cavet & Bob McAllister Wonderama, HBOs Hocus Pocus It's Magic & Mumbo Jumbo It's Magic, Henning's & Copperfield's early specials and saw Harry Blackstone on Broadway.

I remember summer trips to Hershey Park PA. All I cared about was going to the Renolyds Alumimun Theater in the park to see the Mark Wilson Produced magic show. Every year I had hoped to see Wilson himself perform but it was always some other team of magician's & assistants. (If anyone out there know who these performers were in the 1970's please let me know). I would be interested if they would be names I would recognize now. My guess is yes.

At 5 years old, I met RONJO. That was 1971. He was a demo guy in a mall Kiosk. I'd go there every Saturday and buy a new trick from this great magician. Though I did not know Ronjo at the time.

In 1974, Ronjo opened his first store and I was a customer for life.

Sometime in the 1970s, Sid & Mary Kroft had a TV show called Lidsville. It had a magic theme and a top hat. A boy saw a magic show, sneaked backstage and saw the magician's hat (Charles Nelson Riley's hat). The hat grew and the child got sucked in to this hat and transported into in a magical place called Lidsville, where everyone was a living breathing giant hat of various types. And Riley played an evil magician in this other dimension. This took me back my days of living inside the giant top hat in Peppermint Park.

From about 1979-1984, I drifted away from magic but it still held a special place in my memories. I sort of thought it was childish and didn't bother much with it anymore.

Then I discovered Tom Mullica & David Williamson, there brand of humor and off beat magic is just what I need to see. It brought me right back into it and I've never looked back.

If you are too young to know who they are and you like comedy, take my word for it get a hold of their videos.

So thank you Tom & David, if it weren't for you, I'm sure I'd be somewhere else and probably not very satisfied.

I apprenticed here at Ronjo around 1986 and began working here full time in 1989 through present.

I still love magic. I am still learning more. And it is wonderful.

Until tomorrow my friends.

So long,

Pete