Michael Carbonaro stops in at Ronjo

Hello friends,

New York's own Michael Carbonaro stops into Ronjo Magic.

The Long Island Actor/Magician and long time client and friend of Ronjo stopped by for some supplies for his New Years Eve show at the CM Performing Arts Center. Click the link for all the New Years Eve info. (Food, Spirits & a great show).

Star of the American Pie Spoof Another Gay Movie (He's the guy on the box cover & poster with the pie over his privates) and A Tale of Two Pizzas along with vereran actors Vincent Pastore & Frank Vincent (a mob-comedy) based on the Monteques & Capulets from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Carbanaro can also be seen in upcoming episodes of CSI and is currently on the off Broadway production of Rainy Days & Mondays.

Good luck to you Michael and we wish you continued success. Your hard work has really paid off!

Take care,

Pete

The Best releases of 2006

Hello friends,

This year was huge for our industry. So very many new items. Lots of great one too!

I am going to rattle off a several things. Many that I have mentioned in previous Blogs.

These are what I feel were the best of the best for '06.

Maybe you'll agree with me, maybe you won't. Maybe you have missed out and are not familiar with some or all of these.

Here we go in no particular order a slew of DVDs, Books & Effects.
Rose From A Card by Lee Gyel Eun
Greed by Daniel Garcia
Cesaral Melting Point by Mariano Goñi and Cesar Alonso
Bruised by Daniel Martin
Fraud by Daniel Garcia
Gut Buster by Andrew Mayne
The Real Work On Restaurants And Bars by Jay Sankey
Ghost Vision by Andrew Mayne
Wizard PK Ring by World Magic Shop
Spike by World Magic Shop
Psychological Subtleties 2 by Banachek
Card College Light by Roberto Giobbi

So if you haven't seen them yet, check these out when you can.

Have a Happy New Year!

Take care,
Pete

Criss Angel will be at Borders in NYC tonight

Hello friends,

The Mindfreak crew is home for the holidays.

J.D. (Criss' Angel's brother) called and invited us down to Borders in Manhattan tonight.

Sadly it is a bit too far so we have to pass.

But if you would like to meet Criss Angel tonight.

Here is the info.

Criss Angel will be signing Mindfreak Season 2
Tonight Dec. 28th at 6 PM
Borders
Penn Plaza
2 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10121
(212) 244-1814

It is now 1:45 PM and J.D tells us there are already over 2000 people waiting online to see him. So if you go, prepare to wait in line.

Take care,
Pete

Hot Rod doesn't work in Hebrew

Hello friends,

We hope everyone had a fun Holiday time. I sure did. We are looking forward to New Years. Wow can it really be 2007 already? Where does the time go indeed.

Another adventure story today. We had a group come in to buy some magic as gifts for a 13 year old.

Dave & I tag teamed each other because they were so excited and wanted to see "everything."

Our clients made their selections, Hot Rod was one of them. They wanted us to teach them these effects. I explained that they shouldn't know the secrets because the effects are not for them. To let the person they were intended for do their homework and fool them.

One of them said these were gifts for someone in Israel and he only understand Hebrew. That's why they needed to be shown so they could teach him.

No problem with teaching them now but I now knew right that the Hot Rod wasn't going to be a good one for him and I tried to explain that it won't work in Hebrew and is meant to be done in English only. This statement didn't make any sense to them of course because from their point of view, they pick any color they want and the rod changes to that color so why would language have any relevance at all.

I taught them the others and picked up the Hot Rod last. I asked how do you say ONE in Hebrew? It was a two or three syllable word that I couldn't understand. I asked how would you spell it. He said A N D. I thought ot myself maybeit can work but would the receiver spell it like this or would he use Hebrew symbols? I tried with number two then, I knew for sure it was impossible. The amount of letters was at about 10 and he wasn't done spelling yet.

So I showed him another paddle effect but he seemed disappointed and passed.

For those interested, I translated the numbers 1-6 in Hebrew and this is what I came up with. I was also surprised to see they are written out right to left. I noticed this as I was cutting and pasting.

1(ת') אחד
2 (ת') שניים, שתיים
3 (ש"ע) שלוש
4 (ת') ארבע, ארבעה
5(ש"ע) חמש, חמישה
6 (ת') שש, שישה

Tried as I might to get the Hebrew symbols to line up and put the numeric values to the left, the system wanted to put them on the right. It is frustrating to type in the mirror, so to speak.

So excuse any spelling errors in the bottom part of this post, I spell checked before I entered the Hebrew but not after just because I don't want to affect the above writing.

I am now curious if this effect can be done the intended way in other languages or if maybe this effect was re-invented or modified for different cultures.

If any one has any other info about this effect or any other effect that can't break the language barrier I would be very interested in what you have to say.

Until next time,
Thanks for reading.
Pete

Happy Holidays

Hello everyone,

We just wanted to wish everybody a joyous holiday season!

We hope you are not all working and will be able to spend quality time with loved ones.

Have a fun, safe, happy & healthy day this day and every day!

Take care,

From us all at Ronjo Magic

This Just In

Hello friends,

We just unloaded a box of new goodies.

Again?

Yes again. All daay, every day, my friends.

Yeigla Mesika's Elastics (100' feet of invisible elastic thread in a dental floss container) Same stuff as his Loops, only one continuous length. New routine supplied for a moving fork on the floor think"body loop."
Miser's Dream DVD by Chris Capehart (Multiple coin production)
Lost In Thought by Gregory Acre. (Mentalism book)
Card College Light by Roberto Giobbi (pro card magic book without the slights)
Tangled Web by Eric Mead (great general magic & mentalism book)

Anyway, when you all get done opening your socks, slippers, shirts and whatevers. Aafter the holidays, come on down and get what you really wanted.

Me, I gotta go Christmas shopping soon for my family & friends or I'll run out of time completely. Guess I better take care of it! Soon. What's wrong with me?!

Take care,
Pete

Hot new stuff

Hello Friends,

Well the deliveries don't stop. We just keep on getting product. Wow, there's a lot of it out there.
Our webmaster nay never catch up.

Here is a preview of things to come. Some already in stock, some in transit and will be here in less than a week.

Brass Shrinking Die (same trick but this one is beautiful, proud to own it)
Classic Automatic Chrome Funnel (its got a valve, no more tape!)
Atomic Water Vase (water suspension finally availalbe in metal again)
Pom Pom Stick from Italy (nice quality stage size, but not gigantic)
Rising Wand (a good quality one)
Transformation Box (An Acrylic drawer box that's actually a change box)
Card On Tie (card is selected from neck tie and found in deck, only card with different color back)
White Mouth Coils (great to follow up with a dove production)
Jay Sankey's XL (DVD & custom plastic over sized cards, several routines for growing cards)
Hat Tears (Wizard & Bonnet), there back!
Dai Vernon: A Biography by David Ben (A must read)
Deep Thought by Gregory Acre (limited edition mentalism book)
Simple Minded by Gregory Acre (another limited edition mentalism book)
Prohibition DVD Featuring The Cap Trap (maybe the best "in" bottle effect so far)
Josh Zandman's impromptu Book Test (IBT)
Josh Zandman's Christmas Carol Book Test
Dracula - Book Test
War Of The Worlds - Book Test
Harry Houdini - Book Test
The Wiz by Philip Phillips (DVD will show you how to use the Wizard PK Ring, its about time!)
Spike (A simple game of chance using a 4" Spike!)

And there's more, there's always more. Of course there's more. It doesn't stop. It never stops. It's what we do. And we can't wait, so we can get more! More stuff. Oh yeah.

Maybe not all in time for the holidays but defiantly in time for you and your gift cards (local shoppers can only use gift cards).

Until next time.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

We have expanded our Ellusionist product line again

Hello friends,

We have never experienced anything like this before. All you crave are Ellusionist DVDs.

Well give the people what they want. Well have once again added more NEW Ellusionist products to our line again.

Ellusionist wants to maintain exclusive sales for the internet for the majority of their items. So while you may buy some items online from www.ronjo.com, you have to buy the rest from us in our brick & mortar store or from "E" direct. But we would like for our local clients to be loyal to our shop so we really hope you'll shop with us.

Ellusionist will allow us to sell any item of theirs online as long as it is not a DVD with the exception of How To Do Street Magic.

Here is a list of current Ellsuionist DVD we have to offer you for in store purchases only.
Army of 52, Box Monster, Crash 1, Crash 2 - Ambitious Card, Fraud, Glass, Indecent, Infusion, Kaos, Kard Klub (DVD & booklet), King Rising, Mindbender, Ninja #1, Ninja#2, Revolution, Stigmata.

Below are items you may purchase both online and in our showroom. Please note that some of these items may not be on our website yet because we haven't added them yet. But you can always call us and we can add it to your order.
Black Tiger Deck, Black & Red Tiger Deck, Black Tiger Gaff Deck, Ghost Deck, Ghost Gaff Deck, Bicycle Masters Deck, Glass accessory Pack, Box Monster refills and the Scorpion Pro UV Package.

We will continue to add new items from "E" as well as other vendors as we see items that we like.

We will not be stocking Daniel Garcia's Warning. We had them on order but decided to cancel the order. Even though "E" tells us it is safe. We have heard stories from our clients who have gotten sick from trying it and we just don't want a lawsuit on our hands. I'm not telling you not to buy it nor am I not telling you not to do it, but here at Ronjo, we think it is best to avoid this one.

Until next time!
Thanks for reading,
Pete
The following items

How not to make a mistake

Hello my friends from Ronjo.com,

The story you are about to hear is true and the names are real. My friend Austin (also a magician) was video taping us in our store about 26 years ago. Along with Austin were myself, Frank and Bryan. We were all goofing around and performing. Naturally our egos and friendship all match. We were trying to impress a camera and a few spectators. Video taping was a novelty because it was still brand new. Everyone did a great job and now the pressure was on me to do flourishes and show off moves.

I chose a prop, Hot Rod. I was so busy watching the little camera I did not notice which side was facing up on the Hot Rod. So when I looked down to my surprise all the colors were the same. Now what everyone was staring at me silence for 1 second because I knew that I only had one second and after that time a mistake would be apparent. So what did I do? I pulled a Ronjo move on every one and performed the hot rod as usually. Yes I went straight forward by explaining the following: Ladies and gentleman I am holding a black little rod with all diamonds you will notice that the diamonds are on BOTH sides and they are in deed the same color white on both sides. Now the fun begins when I ask some one from the audience to pick a number from one through six?. A number was selected and I made the real live magic happen. I turned all of the white diamonds into different colors and the number they selected was in fact in that exact spot. Yes the number was 3 and when I counted to 3 and landed on the white diamond the audience went crazy.

I just performed the trick backwards and never once revealed a mistake or gave away the trick. These are some of the tips we teach in our magic camp and magic school at Ronjo Magic. Confidence pays off. It would be a mistake to admit that you made a mistake. Remember the audience does not know what you are doing so you are allowed to change instantly to flow over that moment of change.

Until the next time,
Ron Diamond

It's no longer available, so act fast!

Hello friends,

Sadly, one of our best selling accessories has been discontinued.

We only have two left of John Swomley's Gim-Crack Microphone Holder. So if you were thinking of getting one of these do it now. It's a great product and it is only $10.00.

John says they take too long to make and he just doesn't want to do it anymore.

We are already talking to Doug Malloy and will be stocking his FREEDOM Mic Holder from now on. These will retail at $25.00 each and will be avaialble for purchase as soon as we are out of stock on the Gim-Crack.

Take care,
Pete

You have to be ready for everything!

Hello friends,
You have to be ready for everything when performing. If it can happen, it eventually will. And friends, when it does happen, will you be ready to handle it?

Sometimes when you are performing, something will not go as you had expected. In the shop here, we are usually safe from odd behavior from volunteers. This is because they are in our home and shopping for themselves.

But in the real world, audience management is very important. In our shop, we as sales people, can get a bit lax.

Yesterday Eric a boy of about 16 came into the store with his father. Eric used to shop here as a youngster. We haven't seen him in about a decade. He said he was interested in starting up again. He is your typical "safe" customer or so I thought. He grew up to be the "lets make the magician screw up” type. And while I remained one step ahead of him the whole time, he reminded me that if it can happen, it eventually will.

I was in the midst of a pet of mine Dean Dill's Blizzard
and I have a whole patter that I go into, before I could finish explaining what he was supposed to do, he ignored my instructions and his card was selected in less than half a second. I didn't have a chance to make my “move” yet.

Time for some quick thinking on my part
1. If it was his card, tricks over and he found it! The other's are blank. Okay tricks over, weak by comparison but complete.
2. If it wasn’t it, explain he rushed and must take his time believe it is possible. And then it will happen, and make my move.

Option two happened and I thought I was in control again. Eric would have no part of it. He wanted to see the face of the card he picked. I pushed the card back on the mat so he couldn't turn it over after checking for “it” and saying to try it again. When I thought he gave up he reached again. I again held the card on the mat and then slid it way off to the side. I again told him, that wasn't his card. I tried to continue and all looked well. I was ready to make my move. Again he grabs it but this time he turns it over. Its blank as it is supposed to be but the reveal should happen later on.

Time to think. Only one option here. "I told you that wasn't it. Why don't you believe me? May we continue now?" Eric wants to know why the card is blank and not one of the supposed remaining 3 Jacks that I told him. Simple Eric, "I lied to you." "May we proceed now?" His curiosity seems to go away, but I must focus and keep on my toes. Finally I get to make my move, he pays attention and does as he is told.

The big reveal and I blow him away. His father says "Does he earn your respect now?" Eric answers "Yes."

So all is well again and I start on Daniel Martin's Bruised only this time I use the father as I am wise to Eric's tendencies.

I have the bruise in place under my cuff on my left wrist. I have to get a fresh deck of cards because the others are all blank. I execute a perfect classic force. I ask the father to take the deck from me and shuffle his card back into the pack. I say. "I'll turn away, so not only do I not know what the card is, there is no way I can know where your card is." I have him tightly grab my wrist as I look through the deck face up. Explaining I will find the card by his body language and pressure changes on my wrist. As I look through the pack, I have a very strong feeling the card is not in there. I take a second look just to be sure. Yup like father like son, the card was not replaced into the pack. I think to myself, what part of "Shuffle your card back into the deck do you not understand?" Anyway, I say "I sense the card is not here. I am not picking up any vibes." big reveal "But you did squeeze so tight, I have a bruise."

Let’s face it, some people do not want to be entertained. They just want to pull one over on you or feel smarter than you. Be ready for this so that when it happens, you will know how to handle yourself.

Here is the funny part. Both Eric and his dad, actually warmed up and bought lots of fun things. And I know we'll be seeing them again.

Like I said before, in the shop, they are here for a reason. In the real world you will encounter every personality. We just don't see this type of spectator in our showroom too often and I am glad I quickly controlled what I could and didn't let my guard down while maintaining an entertaining persona.

But I have seen all kinds of crazy things over the years. Here is a quicky I will never forget. I was casually entertaining my friends at our New Years party some years ago. My housemate wanted me to do more. So I took out my case and I went for it. In the middle of a cups & balls routine, Matt a friend of a friend, picked up the only load ball I revealed, a rubber Jet ball that just appeared under the cup, put it in his mouth and bit it in half. He wanted to make sure it was a real ball and not a springy ball as he puts it. He bit it at the mold seam and split it in two. It made for great comedy. No need to show how the other two cups also have balls under them. Matt made a new ending for me and I put the other two cups alreay loaded away before anyone could see. His ending was better than mine.

Anything can happen.

If you have any interesting stories to share with us, please respond to this post. Help us all to avoid any mishaps.

Take care,
Pete

Enigma DVD magazine

Hello friends,

If you check my post from a few days ago, you'll see complete write ups of the content for Enigma the DVD magazine, for magicians.

Folks they are now in and I have had the pleasure to view one issue so far.

I can't wait to watch the next volume.

watching them is like watching a discovery channel documentary series. Something like Shark Week. Episode after episode of related topics but each one very different, informative & exciting.

Enigma is a winner. Get one. You won't be disappointed.

Take care,
Pete

IBM Annual Dinner Dance & Magic Show

Hello friends,

We are passing along some fun information to you.

IBM Ring #244, the Frank Garcia Ring presents the 29th Annual Dinner Dance & Magic Show.

January 27, 2007 from 7:00 PM - Midnight.

Featuring the Comedy and Magic of Chris Capehart, the illusions of Joe Holiday & Sharon and close-up magic performed at your table!

Admission is $60.00 per person

Includes hot buffet cocktail hour and full-service dinner featuring prime rib or chicken marsala plus a five hour open bar!

Location:

Memorare Club
2183 Jackson Ave.
Seaford NY

For tickets and information call Kevin Rhodehouse 516-826-6803.

Please do not contact Ronjo about this event. We are only passing along the information to you.

We may see you there. Come say hello!

Take care,
Pete

Ellusionist is #1

Hello friends,

Man you guys are eating up all our stock.

For the past two weeks your guys have been wiping us out of Ellusionist items. Thank you!

You do know we sell other things here too? Just kidding. But we do.

One client was asking us for two Ellusionist products as today's delivery was being dropped off by UPS.

What timing ehh?

Anyway I have placed another new order today for more items. Some that we have sold out of and I have increased their line as well. So while many of them are new to us as it is, even more new items are coming.

So be on the look out for Kard Klub, King Rising, Warning and more.

Take care,
Pete

Reviews of the New Tenyo

Hello friends,


When I was younger, I could not wait for the new Tenyo to come out. I loved their creativity.

I turned into a fiend trying to collect all their items. Two of each in fact. One to open and one to leave sealed. I found many very hard to find items. And my collection was growing all the time. Over time, I got discouraged because I couldn't get them all (fast enough) and then found out that many were released on in Japan. My collection days were over. Items got sold off, given away or tossed. A mistake as I look back now and I am sure with the internet, it would be easier to find many of the missing items but I don't want to try and start it all over again.

But I still look forward to seeing the new line each season and the new line is here now.

I have had the chance to take a good look at all of this years products.

Here is my honest opinion of each of them.

New Koornwinder Kar
The car is toysih looking as I think it should be. (The other cars in the past didn't look like toys. But they didn't look tricky either). The new car works differently. Easier to set & reset and is examinable. It comes with mini cards of destinations to drive to. The mini cards fit in the little box along with the toy car. A nice touch but nothing a pro would use. Thankfully the card handlings are included for the original & bonus handlings. All in all a real good release.

Credit Card Surprise
Obviously, most Tenyo items were never meant to be in the hands of a working pro yet many of them are too expensive to be a just a kids toy. These items and Credit Card Surprise is no different. I feel many of them were meant more or less to show a very cool looking illusion that anyone, magicians especially find fascinating. I was messing with this in the shop but had the frame facing the wrong way, exposing the gimmick to my spectators. They politely said "Well its not really that good because you can see it." I was stumped looking at it from the audience's perspective (fooling myself) until I realized what they were talking about. This gizmo is a very cool looking illusion. If you enjoy their old ideas, this simple to operate prop is going to put a big fat smile on your face.

4-Dimentional Trunk
Best one of this year. We have always stocked Have A Ball (made of leather and gold plated hardware) and the Tenyo one is the same effect really but while Tenyo's is made of plastic, the case itself for Tenyo's was made for this purpose and has a locking mechanism to keep the ball hidden and the trunk looking empty until needed. Its a toss up, Have A Ball is a better quality but the case was modified and does not lock. Tenyo's, the case is made for the effect and has nice special features.

Mystic Blackboard
This is a sort of like the Out To Lunch principle but the actual methods or effect really can't be compared. Tenyo's thinking is so advanced. Even knowing Out To Lunch and me saying they are similar, if you saw this live, you would be fooled, no doubt. If you have ever used any of the Out To Lunch type effects, Out To Dinner, Stock Holder, then you will really appreciate the engineering that went into creating this one. I think a pro could get away with using this even though the frame is plastic.

President's Cabinet
This is the toy in the series. The illusion does look cool, very cool actually. Mechanically it is self working. The frame appears to be innocent and the bill is borrowed. It kind of reminds me of the Rubber Lady Illusion. Its a nice fast easy pocket trick.

Only one more year to see the new 2008 Tenyo stuff.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Enigma The DVD Magazine! / 2007 Tenyo Line

Hello friends,

As I was perusing the latest issue of Magic Magazine, searching for the latest & greatest new releases one particular ad really caught my eye.

It was for Enigma The DVD Magazine. Wow, I said to myself this is great idea. I immediately ordered several copies of the first two issues.

Enigma is a Bi-Monthly video magazine by magicians, for magicians. They are professionally produced by real studio executives.

The father & son team Charles & Chris of Sancrest Entertainment have primarily done commercials, documentaries and local (Florida Television) but they tapped into the world of magic and my friends, the magic world will never be the same.

Each issue contains: Interviews, Convention Recaps, Museum Tours, Lectures, Magic School & Magic Shop Tours and Ronjo Magic is now on their list, next time they are in New York.

Here is what you will find on Number One:
A profile of Dan Stapleton, a recap of the battle of magicians convention, one on one with George Schindler, learn card effects with Ed Ellis, a lecture by Steve Hart, mentalism tips from Brandon Thomas, a preview of Vince Carmen's Sarasota show, A roundtable discussion on the state of magic today, and a trip to not one but two magic dealers (I am leaving out the names here because it is a conflict of interest).

Number Two:
A profile of Bev Bergeron, a recap of the S.A.M. Convention, One on One with Ali Bongo, the healing of magic with Kevin Spencer, learn card effects with Ed Ellis, Norm Neilsen's poster collection, mentalism tips from Brandon Thomas, a round table discussion on women in magic and and a trip to two magic dealers (I am leaving out the names here because it is a conflict of interest).

Our delivery arrived yesterday but they were unfortunately damaged in transit so we are held up a few days for replacements.

I tried over and over to get just one disc to play to see what was coming. After several tries, I was able to see menu screens and a few seconds here & there of some bits before the disc froze.

I must say the production quality is professional and the content appears to be exciting. I will give you a better review once the replacments arrive.

Just a few more days and we will have them to offer you in our showroom.

They sell for just $25.00 each.

Enigma will be added to our website shortly and as new volumes arrive, new listing will be added.

This is an informative, refreshing take on magic. You will defiantly be happy with your purchase and you will be anxiously awaiting each issue for sure.

What's better than seeing magic from all angles from all around the world without leaving your house!

They are packaged in DVD snap cases with color inserts. No plastic wrap, so please don't feel like you are getting a used copy. These DVDs are DVDRs, so they will not play on older machines or Sony Playstation 2 (not sure about the new PS3 though). I hope Sony made some updated for compatibility.

Also, we just recieved a small supply, a test supply if you will of each of the 5 new Tenyo items. We always like to get just a few to have. If any prove to be reall winners, and all five this season look very promising. I have tried each one already. I think these will appeal to different types of magicians. So will be sure to reorder these very soon. Tomorrow I will give you more detials about this seasons Tenyo Line but I did want to make mention of it to you now.

Until next time.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

Santa's Coming

Hello Friends,

In case you were unaware, you can create a wish list on our site.

Just add the things that that peak your interest and save them under your account login and view them anytime you desire.

It's a nice feature, especially if you are a bit absent minded. You won't have to go hunting or worse yet forget what you were looking at in the first place.

If friends and family ask you want for the holidays, you can easily access your list or even email to them.

We hope you boys and girls get you want this year. It's just no fun to open a pack of socks (even though you know you need them badly) when you thought you would get a Ghostly Pocket Hank or when you got a real wallet and were hoping for a Evil Dan's PJ Wallet .

We are really busy here packing boxes, ordering new stuff, helping in house clients, every day 7 days until Christmas. We are here for you.

That leaves little time to do my shopping.

Maybe everybody in my family will get magic tricks from Ronjo this year, when they really wanted socks and a wallet.

Until next time,
Thanks for reading!
Pete

Candice Night comes surprises us

Hello Friends,

Candice Night comes in for a quickie.

We got an email from our friend Candy two days ago about the release of her bands new CD Winter Carols.

I told her I would run out and buy a copy so we wouldn't have to listen to the same Holiday CD that has been running in our store and driving me insane for over a decade.

She surprised me with a copy the next day. Thanks Candice! It is a wonderful refreshing new sound!

For more about Blackmore's Night (Ritche Blackmore of Deep Purple & Rainbow), Ritchie's fascination with magic and of course lead singer Candice, see my past blog: A Visit From Candice Night dated Oct 13th 2006 Friday, October 13, 2006.

Until next time,

Pete