A Note From Ronjo

New, quality and at a bargain! PK Rings in stock

2007-10-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

We've got a quality PK Ring http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/new/pkringin stock that you can't afford to pass up!

Just $15.00 each for either a gold or chrome plated wedding band style Neodymium ring. Available in three sizes for now 9,11 & 14(more sizes to come soon).

The ring looks so innocent yet you can use to achieve some great feats.

Please note that these rings are not made of metal! They are indeed made of magnets and will shatter if they hit another metal or magnetic object if you are not careful.

Wear it all day, but be aware of it's presence so you won't accidentally hit your hand on the refrigerator.

Our new bands are thicker and therefore less likely to shatter so easily (compared to my own experience with the Wizard PK Ring).http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/MM/11-3799

The good news is that these rings are only 15 bucks. That's a real bargain when you compare them to the Wizard PK Rings we used to carry at $45.00 each.

With our new rings you won't feel so bad if something were to go wrong and you did break it by accident.

The magnet is powerful and the entire ring is a magnet (no drop out zones).

I know you will be please with these rings! I promise.

One more thing, these rings do not come with instructions of any kind. We assume you'll know what to do with them.

Bye the way 4 DVD titles for these rings will be available soon. Be on the lookout!

Take care,
Pete

Cesaral Melting Point, again!

2007-09-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
I've ranted & raved about how Cesaral Melting Point
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/demo/CESARALMELTING
is the greatest thing I've seen in years. And I still stand by that.

One of the most amazing and visual coin tricks you will ever see. The magician gives a coin and a plate glass surface to be fully examined. The glass is then held by two spectators. The magician tries to open a "magic window" in the center of the surface to enable the coin to pass thru it and in a few seconds it goes through! The coin visually passes right through the solid piece of glass! The coin can even visually penetrate into a spectator’s hand. Your hands are repeatedly shown very clean. At the end, everything can be examined again. This practical miracle is something you will always carry with you.

A bonus included in the instructional disc is "Ghost Coin" in which a coin is balanced on a table or bar and the "shadow" of your fingers causes the coin to start spinning. This and many other amazing effects are possible with Cesaral Melting Point.

Important points:

* It can be done initially on an opaque surface, and finally the second time on a plate glass or transparent plastic surface so that everybody can "see" how it works.
* Almost any surface can be used including a spectator’s glass coffee table or glass dinner table.
* Extremely clean.
* Easy, practical, and extremely clever method.
* No sleeves.
* Can be done with many other coins and objects like candy. (perfect for kids magic!)
* No special ring (jewelry) is needed.
* The technique can be used to perform other magic miracles.
* Works for impromptu, close up, and even stage magic with bigger coins or objects.

But now my friends is another DVD on the subject. You'll need to already have the original Melting Point or this new title will be useless to you. (Gimmicks are supplied with that DVD.)

Cesaral Melting Point Reloaded by Mariano Goni - DVD
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/new/DVDMGMELTINGPOINT

This DVD is fully packed with clear explanations on how to boost your magic using the CMP gimmick. Improve your work and make your effects more magical.

Fool layman and magicians alike with already existing tricks, just by applying these superb secrets.

Included are:

* Coin Through Handkerchief
* Coin Changes: In the table and in the hand
* Mystery Thumbtacks: A matrix that can be done vertically!
* Cups&Balls: New vanishes and moves
* Window Fantasy: Coin Through a window
* Card Changes: Machines Gun Aces reverse Elevator Aces2Queens
* The Card Predator: A devilish add-on gimmick
* Violent Pass: Another way to make the coin penetrate
* Ultra Matrix: Visually clean matrix
* Coin-Up: The coin goes up and then down!
* A Simple Coin Vanish
* Cesaral Coin Load: A new handling
* Loading The Gimmick: Four useful ways

Running Time Approximately 49min

If you were a layman watching these amazing effects on video, you might conclude you were viewing trick photography or CGI.

Learn these astonishing feats and your live audience will go crazy. I promise!

Take care,
Pete

New Bottle Book from Nielsen Magic

2007-09-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

This book is not a new title. It came out in 1992. Many of you probably don't even know about. If you do, it's my guess you don't think it will be helpful as all you do is put it in a bag and it's gone. Right? WRONG!

If you have ever used a Vanishing Bottle, you know how strong it is. Now imagine you
actually learned something NEW about it! That's power.

This book is jammed with ideas from everybody. And the things in this book will make the Nielsen Bottles become an absolute favorite of yours. Your real problem will be trying to figure out what you are going to add to your act (and maybe how many more bottles you are going to spend your hard earned cash on). Fear not, there are plenty of things in this book to do with only one bottle.

Look, for $15.00 this time I am going to be a bit pushy here. If you use a Nielsen Bottle, buy this book. You are missing out if you continue to ignore it.

I promise you will not be disappointed. You'll start making bottles appear, invert, change and much more.

I am not trying to squeeze $15.00 out of you. I am trying to enlighten you. The effects in this book are brilliant and not often seen. If you can pick one that suits you best, you have just added a real show piece to your act.

The New Bottle Book - Nielsen
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/General_Magic_Books/bkbttlenn
This is the companion book to the Nielsen Vanishing Bottles®. It contains over 75 tricks, routines, tips and hints to do with the bottles. It explains how to gaff the bottles and how to use them to obtain maximum effect from your audiences. Comic, dramatic and even mental effects are described and explained. Contributors include: Harry Anderson, Bobby Baxter, Bev Bergeron, Rhett Bryson, Tony Clark, Bill DeMarr, Ricki Dunn, Karrell Fox, Bruce Gold, Ernie Guderjahn, Bruce Johnson, Tom Jorgensen, Ted Lesley, Mark Miller, Al Murdy, George Murray, Norm Nielsen, Johnny Thompson, Bruce Walstad and Michael Weber.

Until next time.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Elegant Stage Magic

2007-09-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
The Dancing Cane has long been a favorite of mine.

This is a breathtaking effect that has entertained audiences for many many years.

It is fascinating to look at. The total animation of a solid object. Interacting with you through dance.

If you have the right setting to pull this one off, this could be the highlight of your show.

You'll need the proper character, costume, lighting, distance & music. That is a lot to ask for but if you have all that, you'll have a show stopper.

We carry two brands of the Dancing Canes.
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/S/M002295
For $12.00 you can't go wrong, but you can do better. This can is lightweight and balanced well. Up close, you can see the seam where it snaps together. A black plastic fitting sandwiched in between two high gloss black wood rods to form the cane. On stage this will go unnoticed.

We also have Precision Magic's Solid Aluminum Dancing Cane.
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/new/DANCINGCANEALUM

$90.00 for this one but the difference is like a Rolls Royce and a Yugo.

The Magician walks out on stage holding a beautiful high-gloss Gentleman’s walking cane. He taps it on the floor to prove it is solid. Then with the wave of his hand the the cane comes to life and magically starts to dance and fly completely around the magician. The cane appears to have a life of its own. Advantages: 1. One Piece Aluminum Construction (35 Inches long) (For long lasting durability and perfect balance) 2. New Thread System Always Ready to Go! (No more fumbling for the thread) 3. Perfectly Balanced Cane (No tipping of the cane, that can throw the cane off balance during performance) 4. A Perfect weight at 5.9 Ounces. (Allowing the cane to be performed much slower, making the trick much more magical) 5. Easy to Repair (The head of the cane has been machined to be removed to aid in repair of the string) 6. Powder Coat Paint For Long Lasting Beauty 7. Concentric Design For Better Balance (It doesn’t break in half as some other canes do as this makes the cane off balance)"

While I love the new thread system on Precision's cane, I must say that there are things I am used to doing with the Cheap-O can that you can't do in the same manor as the new style. The new thread system with innovative and defiantly a plus, prevents some basic handlings that I have been accustomed to for many years. That said, some more practice with the new model and it will not be any big deal.

The best way to practice? Turn to Mike Maxwell's Learn To Levitate DVD.
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/street_Magic/VDOLEVITATE
With a chapter on the Dancing Cane and a bunch of other things, it's a good place to start. And for $12.75 defiantly worth your while.

Defy Gravity! Learn to levitate cool stuff, including money, matches, cards, knives, canes, balls, and even YOURSELF! Learn the most amazing feat of magic possible - LEVITATION! No effect compares to having an ordinary, everyday object seemingly defy gravity. Watch your audience gasp with delight as they witness the miracle of levitation. On Learning to Levitate, you will learn the closely-guarded secrets of making objects float in mid-air - things like money, matches, cards, knives, canes, balls, and the coup de grace, YOURSELF!

Yes, it’s true! With no special gimmicks whatsoever, you can give the perfect illusion of levitating yourself right off the ground. And even more, it’s easy to do! Great street magic! DVD includes:

* The Floating Dollar Bill (with Thread Reel)
* The Floating Dollar Bill (featuring the Burr Secret)
* The Levitating Dollar Bill
* The Floating Match Swiss Movement (Paul Harris’ Animated Pocket Knife)
* The Floating Card
* The Dancing Cane
* The Floating Ball (For Stage)
* The Balducci Levitation (Floating Yourself!)

And now for the first time, the real work is tipped by David Mann in the Dancing Cane 101 DVD.
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/new/DVDDMDANCINGCANE101

This video will blow you away. There is $35.00 well spent.

Learn Over 18 Different Moves!

Contents:

1. Introduction and Performance
2. Dancing Cane History
3. Performance Set-up and how to pick the right Dancing Cane
4. Threading the Cane and Grips
5. The Palm Suspension, The Palm Spin
6. The Rising Card and Vertical Suspension
7. T Flight, Mid Flight, T Spin and Mid Flight T Bat
8. Pirouette, Two Handed Freestyle Suspension
9. Floor Stopping, From the Floor Mid Flight T Spin
10. The Swing, The Twirl
11. The Palm Suspension Transfer, Frontal Transfer, Around the Back Transfer
12. Around the Shoulders, Removing and Replacing a Hat
13. Dancing Cane Thoughts, Closing Thoughts
14. Credits

Running Time Approximately 57min

Until next time!

Thanks for reading,
Pete

The Magic Enhancer is here!

2007-09-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
I know ts been a while since I've posted.
Sorry, Halloween is here and it is taking over all my time.

I did want to mention that after many emails & phone calls back & forth, we have finally closed the deal to offer you the Magic Enhancer CD.
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/new/magicenhancer

This is Volume #1 of a series to be released.

The Magic Enhancer is a professional
compilation of studio enhanced voice and
audio tracks aimed at improving any show or
entertainment business. Each track is
designed to solve some of the most common
problems facing performers today. With
solutions for audio voice-overs, show
openers, sound effects and more, the Magic
Enhancer puts the power of professional
sound in your control!

Track Listings
1. Custom Demo
OPENERS
2. Kids Show Opener #1
3. Dramatic Opener #1
4. Dramatic Opener #1
5. Comedy Opener
CLOSERS
6. Kid Show Closer #1
7. Dramatic Closer #1
8. Dramatic Closer #2
9. Comedy Closer #1
10. Comedy Closer #2
11. Comedy Closer #3
12. Get Home Safe
13. Thank You For Coming
SEGUES
14. Intermission
15. Show Begins In 5 Mins.
16. Show Begins In 2 Mins.
WELCOMES
17. Magician Welcome
18. #1 Magician A-M
19. #1 Magician N-Z
20. Your Magician...
VOCAL DROPS
21. Come On Down
22. What Did They Win?
23. Technical Difficulties
24. Please Turn Off
25. White Cadillac
26. Lost Child
PHONE MESSAGES
27. Phone Message U.S.A.
28. Phone Message Kids
29. Phone Message U.S.A. #2
CHASERS
30. Audience Chaser #1
31. Audience Chaser #2
32. Audience Chaser #3
SOUND F/X
33. Audience Applause
34. Jeopardy Theme
35. Yaaaaawn
36. Tick-Tock Clock
37. Drum Roll
38. One-Liner Drum Hit
39. Crash
40. Cell Phone Ringers

This is the generic version and at $25.00, its great for every magician. Even top pros!

The Custom version is also available through us. Where 15 of the 40 tracks will be personalized with your name. For $65.00 (plus shipping)you will have a truly professional additional to your show. Allow about two weeks for delivery.

The custom version is a special order call us toll free 1-866-41-RONJO.

Anyway that's all for now.
Until next time.
Thanks for reading,
Pete

Magic Live was extraordinary !

2007-09-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Sorry I've been away for so long.

After coming home from Magic Live, we are working long hours here in the shop. Getting it ready for our Halloween season.

The expansion of the shop, last minute construction & displays are taking up much of our time.

And now we are getting busier with early Halloween shoppers & last minute orders, etc.

But I wanted to sneak in here and put up a fast Blog because you probably won't hear from me again until November at this point.

Magic Live was a fantastic convention. Every one who was anyone was there hanging out, having fun & performing.

I've met so many great people there and saw so many faces that I haven't seen in a while.

The night show was a five star performance. Anthony Reed & The Evasons delivered killer performances.

The close up show the night before was great too. I sat next to Teller (yes he can talk) & Apollo Robbins.

I missed all of the "talks" (Josuha Jay, Max Maven, Nathan Kranzo, Cyril & more that I am not aware of) because the dealer booths never closed. Too bad, I really would have liked to hear what some of them had to say, especially Cyril.

At night, the halls were flooded by everyone just doing random stuff. David Blaine, R. Paul Wilson, Jason England to name a few.

I had a chat with Luke Jermay. He was hanging out with some of the big names, of course. In the higerarchy of the magi I naturally avoided him (them) but he approched me & introduced himself. What a nice guy. Thanks Luke.

We sold some stuff to Amazing Johnathan, Hans Klock & Mac King (I know his real name now but I won't tell anyone).

So the convention was great and it was great to meet new & old friends again.

I'll toss in a blog now & again if I can find time but it will be hard with Halloween approching so if you don't hear from me till November, you'll know why.

Take care,
Pete

Tom Mullica - for a new generation....

2007-08-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I am very happy to tell you that two of my personal favorite videos from 20 somewhat years ago were just re-released on DVD.

I know many of you can't wait to see what's NEW but sometimes you need to see the old stuff.

And as they say, everything old is new again.

Last year the David Williamson DVDs (Sleight of Dave & Dave 2) were reissued this year Tom Mullica's (An Evening At The Tom Foolery & Steven's Magic Emporium Greater Magic Video Library - Tom Mullica) were reissued.

Collectively these four volumes will inspire and entertain you like no others can. These are the four great treasures in my magic library. These are the videos that kept me in magic all this time.

If you don't get these, you are missing out on REAL entertainment and high impact magic.

But I can tell you to buy stuff and some of you will. A lot of you will be like, umm videos from the 80's, no thanks. That's sad.

These really truly are the best I have ever seen.

I blogged about the Williamson videos before and I am really just ranting and raving about Mullica now.

Both Mullica items WILL be in stock very soon. I just found out about these and will be placing an order quickly.

Here are synopsises of both Mullica videos. One is performance only, that's right folks, performance only. You won't learn a single trick but you will learn how to be an entertainer & you will enjoy watching this over and over again.

An Evening at the Tom Foolery

Tom Mullica is the world's greatest living bar magician. With his mile-a-minute comedy, magic and slapstick he presented more than 3,000 sold-out shows during his eleven year run at the famed Tom-Foolery Magic Bar Theatre (1976-1987) in Atlanta, Georgia.

This DVD features the only existing record of Mullica's frenzy-filled act presented in the theater that was built around it. This is your only opportunity to see this comedic genius on his own turf perform his laugh-filled show full of dozens of sidesplitting gags, jokes, and routines. The show features his hysterical Apple Trick and his trademark routine, Nicotine Nincompoop, where he eats a pack of lit cigarettes with a stack of bar napkins as a chaser.

The next time you have a party just play this DVD and your guests will never laugh so hard. You just can't watch this show once. It's gets funnier every time you see it.

A Meir Yedid Magic product. Original release date: DVD: August 2007, VHS: 1984. Running time: Approximately 60 minutes. (Performance Only).
Oh my God…oh my God…good lord…I've never seen anything like it.
…David Letterman, on Late Night

Tom Mullica, master showman, is the best in his field. He is real theater.
…Red Skelton

Tom Mullica Greater Magic Video Library- DVD

"My goal as an entertainer is to be remembered... PERSONALLY, not magically! When they love YOU... you can get away with anything!"

When's the last time you had a good laugh? Been too long? Well, this will quench your desire to chuckle for a long time.

Welcome to the madcap adventures of Tom Mullica, who reigned as magic's comedy king. For years Tom held court nightly at his Tom Foolery bar in Atlanta, treating spectators to his gum chewing, cigarette swallowing chicanery.

He's recreated the act here, complete with off-the-wall witticisms, death-defying acts with matches and aerodynamic magic.

It's Tom's style that captured the grand prize in the 1984 Desert Magic Seminar's close-up contest. And it's certainly that same style that's won him a following nationwide.

Spend 90 miutes with one of magic's leading entertainers. You will learn:

-4 Cards
-Torn & Restored Card
-Cigarettes and Napkins
-Gozinta Boxes & Gum
-Bill Tear
-Egg Bag
-Card in Mouth
-A.E.R.O.B.I.C. (explanation only)

Well I am off to Las Vegas, for Magic LIVE! If you'll be there come to the Ronjo booth & say hello. I will be back Friday August 24th.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Napkin Rose: The gift you make, a treasure they'll keep.

2007-08-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Like myself, there is a very good chance you've made bar nap roses at one time or another.
Whether you have or have not is irrelevant.

A little more than a year ago, Micheal Node created these custom printed napkins designed for one thing and it's not to wipe your face.

Napkin Rose is a regular but custom printed paper napkin that you turn into a beautiful full color origami rose right in front someone. This is a cute gift that the receiver will keep forever.

It all started out with a DVD & a dozen pack of Red/Green napkins.
For just $19.99 you would learn a new skill and have enough napkins to practice with and give away. If you don't have this DVD yet and the subject intrigues you, I highly recommend it. Not familiar? Read on!

Napkin Rose by Michael Mode
This instructional DVD Comes with 12 custom printed red and green napkin rose napkins FREE!

Magician Michael Mode will teach you how to easily twist a napkin into a realistic origami rose. In addition to the basic napkin rose twist, you will also learn several cool tips and tricks developed by Michael over the years and taught on this DVD for the very first time.

Contents:

Introduction
The Napkin Rose
Making The Rose Glow
One-Ply Napkin Rose
A Rose By Any Other Name - Learn how to print your name or logo
right on the rose!
Smells Like A Rose - How to make a scented napkin rose
Tea Rose - A really great miniature version of the napkin rose!

Extras - Learn the best way to carry the roses, give the roses away,
teach the napkin rose and much more!

Bonus Magic Tricks - DVD Exclusive!

Rose And A Kiss - Bonus magic trick with a really sweet ending!
Torn and Rose-Tored - A visual way to pull the flower off the stem
and magically restore it right before you give it away.
Final Thoughts
Credits

Refill packs were eminent. After all he started a new craze. Napkin Rose Refill by Michael Mode
These red and green napkins are custom made for creating the origami napkin roses described in Michael Mode's "Napkin Rose DVD." Each pack includes 50 napkins ready to be transformed into beautiful roses. Only $9.95

Next came 50 packs of new color choices (Yellow, White, Pink & Purple). We'll be happy to special order these for you upon request. Just ask us. Not part of our regular line at this time. Each color pack, Only $9.95.

And here my friends is the best: Introducing the brand new Napkin Rose Cube! Soon to be added to our what's new section on the www.ronjo.com website. But for now, these may be picked up in our shop or ordered by phone 1-866-41-Ronjo.

What's you're favorite color? We couldn't decide either. Now you don't have to.

150 Napkin Rose Refills - 30 each of Red, Yellow, Pink, White and Purple - all in a modern carrying case that you can use over and over again. Only $25.00.

Napkin rose is the perfect giveaway item. Like Balloon Animals but with a touch of class and just for the ladies.

Great for walk around magician's, fun at parties, wedding favors, cruise ships, arts & crafts, the perfect bartender's accessory. Great for Valentine's Day or just to try get that number.

Treat yourself to this wonderful bit of business, you can't go wrong!

Thanks for reading,
Until next time,
Pete

Paul Richards' - What's Mine Is Mine

2007-08-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Paul Richards from Elmwood Magic released What's Mine Is Mine back in 1997. And then in in 2000 came the revised edition.

For just $10.00 you can own an a self working effect with comedy & mystery that is instantly repeatable and always set to go. This is a gem of an item. Not to be overlooked!

We just got in a bunch more and even though all my stuff was shipped to the Magic LIVE already, I am adding some to my regular luggage to take a long. It's that good!

See below for the manufacturer's accurate description.

WHAT'S MINE IS MINE fools that pants off of magicians and laymen alike! It's a fun, ultra easy, quickie that you can carry with you all the time! Not to mention it's a steal at this low price!

You display a small packet of cards and ask that someone touch the back of any card they would like, it is a free selection and they may change their mind as often as they choose.

The selected card is removed from the packet and placed on the table. You then explain, "I'm glad you took that card because these are all MINE!" With that the cards in your hands are all turned to reveal the word MINE in big, bold letters! "But the card you took is YOURS!" The spectator's selection is turned over to reveal the word YOURS printed on it in bright red letters! You can also add the YOUR card back to the packet and instantly repeat it thus proving that what's mine is mine and what's yours is yours!

This is a knock out effect that requires no special counts or sleight of hand. There is only one YOURS card in the packet; all of the others truly say MINE. It uses absolutely NO rough & smooth! There is NO force and the effect can instantly be repeated! Comes with special silk screened cards, wallet, and full instructions.

Thanks for reading,
Until next time.
Pete

John Kennedy's Mind Power Deck

2007-08-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

With all the construction going on here, Halloween deliveries, conventions to pack for, magic shows & company picnics to do, its amazing we still have time to bring in new magic. But we are!

We just got in John Kennedy's Mind Power Decks in stock.

Mind Power Deck

Spread a deck of cards face up on the table and ask a spectator to look at any card. No one else could possibly know the card because he never touches or names it. You concentrate, then slowly but surely "read his mind" and name the card!

You can repeat it immediately and it will become even more baffling. In fact, even if several people simultaneously look at different cards you can read each person's mind and name his card correctly every time! John Kennedy's Mind Power Deck is so eerie, so impossible, your audience will be convinced that you possess a sixth sense.

Why is it so good? John Kennedy collaborated with master magician and mentalist Tim Conover to create the ultimate mind reading deck. It can be shown as a normal deck of fifty two cards and even be handled by a spectator without them noticing anything unusual. Yet you'll be able to "read their minds" correctly every time. And there's no system to memorize because the deck does the work for you. You'll absolutely love this trick!

Made in red-backed Bicycle playing cards.

We've had these years ago and I always loved it. But they weren't printed on Bicycle Cards. They were his own custom brand created just for the effect. Even though you could disguise the original Mind Power Deck to appear as Bic Cards, they were a deterrent in sales. So we switched back to the original Koran Decks.

John later had the U.S. Playing Card Company re-create his Mind Power Deck with a couple of updates. So it is better than ever.

It took us a while to bring in this prop for you but it is finally here and we are very proud to offer this classic deck to you.

This deck along with the rest of the brand new stuff are not yet on on our website. You can come down to the shop and pick one up or call us toll free at 1-866-41-Ronjo and order by phone.

The Mind Power Deck is a brilliant effect that packs a punch. Only $39.95.

Sound too good to be true? It's not! They spread, they think, with a slow build, you reveal. You are going to love this one!

Note the photo is of the original Mind Power Deck. See the colorful card (joker). New model is a custom Bic Joker that looks just like the regular Guarantee Cards.

Other new products will be on our site soon or talked about in my next Blog.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Have you been watching the master at work?

2007-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Derren Brown on the Sci-Fi channel.

Sci-Fi's airing Episode #3 Mind Control tonight.

Remember the US series is only 6 episodes for the season.

I really hope you got the chance to see the first two shows but if you missed them, thanks to You-Tube & Scifi.com you can still watch the master at work.

Some of his demonstrations are excerpts from the UK show aired for the first time in the US, others are re-shoots of things he has done in the UK in the US with similar results, others may or may not be new ideas (if they are not new, I just didn't get to see the UK airings). He has been on for 6 years (I think) now.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, get yourself a hacked DVD player & hunt down the UK DVDs of Derren Brown and you will see things that even the most skilled and experienced performers stumped.

Alot of you guys out there think he uses stooges. And while many performers have used and do use stooges. He assures us and I really do believe Derren that he does not use stooges. It would be too simple and you can tell from the way he works and presents himself other methods are work. What those methods are are a mystery. We may have to wait until he and Andy Nyman (MindControl consultant) go to the grave before we get any tips about what has been going on.

He really is the best there is. We have a long way to go an a lot of catching up to do as entertainers in the US. Brown makes us all look like babies.

I hope Sci-Fi will continue his series and turn him into an American Icon.

Take care,
Pete

After my big dissappearing act, I'm back.

2007-08-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Where have I been? Well let me tell you it has been so crazy around here, I don't really even have time to do this. In fact I'll probably get in trouble (for wasting time) if I got caught typing away so I have to be quick.

Our Halloween season is fast approaching and costumes are literally coming in by the truck loads. In fact many truck loads one or two a day sometimes.

In between the mayhem, I was able to sneak away for a week. I really needed it! Next Monday, Dave is sneaking off for a week and Ronjo, well he split for about a month (he really needed it).

Anyway, Ronjo's back and we are all caught in a labyrinth of cardboard cartons stacked 7 feet high and strewn all over the place.

We are clearing out the opened store (which severed as warehouse space for some of the 10,000 plus items we carry. Clearing it out? Where are we putting it. Good question, not an easy answer.

We are setting up the empty store, warehouse now. Soon we blow a hole in the wall and bam, the biggest magic trick we've done so far, an all new Ronjo Magic twice the size. We will be done just in time for Halloween and for Christmas, you'll see the sickest biggest most fully stocked Brick & Mortar Magic Store you can imagine. Wow it is going to be something!

In between all this stuff, I'll be in Las Vegas for Magic Magazine's Ad Fair Magic Live. I just finished shipping out cases of new stuff, old favorites & Ronjo exclusives, so if you'll be at Magic Live!, don't forget to stop by the Ronjo booth and say hello. For this convention, almost every item I am bringing will be on sale for 20% off our already low prices. This promo will be for convention shoppers only. We'll also have a few surprises for you there too just for saying hi!

This week, lots of new stuff has been added to the What's New category.
Highlights of the 24+ items include

Bisection Unlimited by Andrew Mayne - DVD
n the blink of an eye half the magician’s body vanishes... A stage illusion small enough to fit in a briefcase - Astounding enough to be performed on world-wide television.

Now on DVD, Andrew Mayne presents his incredible one-man illusion that’s been on stage and television around the world. For the first time Andrew presents several Bisection variations for different situations, including Bisection 360 - a totally surrounded presentation of Bisection.

Basic: The original incredible one-man illusion 360: The surrounded presentation Trench coat: A spooky presentation using a long coat Bisecting a Friend: An alternate presentation using an assistant
Includes video plans that show you how to put together Bisection using simple materials in under 30 minutes.

Shot in HD - Presented in anamorphic widescreen (16:9) - Running Time Approximately 29min

Silk Worm Elastic Thread
Engineered to dependably retain its elastic properties, Power and elongation, flex life, resistant to discoloration from atmospheric contaminants.

Comes in Clear & Black - Single Strand, over 500’ Spool

Maurice Fogel - In Search Of The Sensational

When magicians caught a bullet in their teeth...
He caught six!

When magicians did spook shows...
His ghosts were nude!

When magicians did rope tricks...
He put a noose around his neck and jumped!

When magicians predicted a chosen number...
He predicted which of six rifles should be aimed at his forehead!

He was Maurice Fogel, the twentieth century’s most audacious mentalist and one of its greatest showmen. His feats of mind reading captured headlines around the world—when he wasn’t predicting them. He dared death, he read minds and he became a legend in his own time.

Here is a taste of a typical Fogel performance:

Six volunteer marksmen were invited on stage to operate six legitimate, loaded and fully functioning rifles. One man chose a rifle at random and fired at a saucer, shattering it to smithereens. The discharged rifle was set with the five still-loaded ones in a rotating rack and the rack spun until no one could know which was the empty weapon. Each marksman was assigned a random number and took a random rifle from the rack. Fogel next revealed a predicted number that had been in full view and isolated from the start. The marksmen were all told to aim at saucers over Fogel’s head—but the man assigned the predicted number was to aim directly at Fogel’s forehead. Then, on his command they all fired!

To some he was a mental wonder; to others, an enigma. For years he strode the stages of the world, reading minds and using his strange powers to defy death. Maurice Fogel: In Search of the Sensational is the chronicle of the life of a master mentalist whose like has never been seen. He baffled the world and his peers. He defied death for years on a near nightly basis. He created an extraordinary body of professional mentalism that has remained among the most coveted material in the field. This book contains that material, along with the advice, experience and stories of a lifetime of professional performance by one of the world’s most acclaimed mentalists.

Maurice Fogel: In Search of the Sensational is the story of an amazing life and the mental secrets of an amazing man— The Amazing Fogel.

Written and collected by Chris Woodward, an award-winning magician and Fogel’s son-in-law, in collaboration with mentalist and Fogel confidant Richard Mark, here at last is the definitive work on Maurice Fogel, the man and his secrets.

Pages 440 in elegant hardcover with book ribbon.

Refraction by David Penn

Whilst holding a borrowed wine glass in both hands your spectator gets to witness the impossible as the stem bends visibly before their eyes. The glass is then given to the spectator to keep as a souvenir that freezes the moment of magic perfectly.

Bonus Material:
David’s Cabaret handling presented by Rodney James Piper and a method to bend the spectator’s own key which can be used to enhance the REFRACTION effect.

Features three live performances and a two camera, studio style explanation filmed at ’The House of Illusion’ in Spain.

"This is the ultimate finale to a metal bending routine".
- Marc Oberon, European Close-Up Magician of the Year ’05

"I love performing Refraction knowing the spectator will remember that moment for the rest of their lives".
- Chris Priest, Millennium Champion of Close-Up Magic

"I love the way they look at me in compete awe when I hand them their signed glass".
- Jamie Alan, Leading European Illusionist

"I have received more repeat bookings due to this effect than any other in my repertoire. The effect is simple in plot, connects with the audience and freezes the moment of magic forever".
- David Penn, British Magical Champion & British Champion of Illusion ’02

NOT TO BE SOLD TO ANYONE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

Running Time Approximately 41min

Multum In Parvo Deluxe

This classic effect, invented by Benson Dulay, has been updated using modern plastic glasses that resemble crystal cut glass. The glasses are durable and easy to care for.

Multum In Parvo literally means Much In Little.

he magician starts out displaying five differently sized glasses, which are lined up from smallest to largest and are all shown to be empty. The smallest glass is picked up and filled with milk from a pint size milk carton. The small glass is displayed, and the magician looks at the glass and shakes his head, because he wants a bigger glass of milk. Unfortunately, there is no more milk in the milk carton. So instead, the magician pours the milk from the smallest glass into the next bigger glass in the line up. The milk fills the glass to the top!

The magician takes this glass and fills up the next biggest glass in the line up, and it also fills the glass to the top! The milk is seemingly multiplying from glass to glass. This is repeated all the way up to the largest glass. The magician has filled up the largest glass from a tiny glass of milk!

Now with the largest glass filled, he gives a big smile and then starts to fill the four empty glasses up from the largest down to the smallest. The largest glass fills up the other four glasses!

Small Glass Height Approximately 2.75" (7 cm)
Large Glass Height Approximately 6.5" (16.5 cm)

Spirit Theater by Eugene Burger

If you’ve ever wondered what kinds of things went on at spirit seances during their 19th Century heyday, this amazing performance will illuminate some of those mysteries - and leave you puzzling over how the mediums did it.

The history of seances, essays on seance performance, 6 close-up effects with spirit themes, Eugene’s own seance Hauntings, interviews with Tony Andruzzi and Max Maven, a reprint of the complete Sylvestre catalog of spirit paraphernalia from 1901, plus an annotated bibliography.

Table of Contents:
# Part One: Setting the Stage First Words
# Point of Departure
# Spirits
# Spirit Theater
# Seances for Fun and Profit

Part Two: Ghostly Visitors in the Nineteenth Century
# Mesmer, Imagination and Suggestion
# The Summer-Land "One of the Great Points of Psychic Evolution"
# Manifestations from Beyond the Grave
# A Shooting Star
# Master Mediums

Part Three: Performance
# Character and Claims The Man of Mystery: A Conversation with Tony Andruzzi
# Building a Better Performance
# A Central Principle
# Seance Presenation: A Conversation with Max Maven
# The Dark Room
# Hauntings: A Conversation with Eugene Burger
# Spirit Theater for the Close-Up Entertainer

Part Four: Wanderings in the Spirit Field
# History
# Investigation
# Manifestations
# Performance
# Last Words

Pages 192 - Hard Bound

Anyway, It may be a while since I can make a new blog, sorry but for now that's the way it has to be.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support. I hope to meet some of you at Magic Live! They tell me 900 magicians will be in attendance. That is a pretty big convention.

Take care,
Pete

Psychic Showdown - WOW!

2007-07-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

NBC seals the deal and a new reality show is now in the works.

Phenomenon is a live competition in which your hosts Criss Angel & Uri Geller, search for the next greatest mentalist.

Your hosts will give the mentalists various psychic challenges. Under test conditions the contestants will interact with celebrity guests, the studio audience and the viewers at home.

Home viewers will then cast their votes for whom they believe is the best of the best of the best.

Be on the look out for it!

This American program is based on Geller’s popular Israeli show.

Thanks for reading,

Pete

Coming to America

2007-07-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

In just 8 days... Mind Control with Derren Brown premieres on Sci-Fi.

On Thursday July 26th 10/9C make sure you are glued to your set.

I've had the privilege of seeing several of his UK shows and I am not exaggerating when I say, he is by far the best in his field.

Derren could make the biggest skeptics believers. If I didn't know any better and I really don't know any better because I have been consistently fooled & amazed by him, I would be a believer!

Make sure you tune in. This is a show you really will not want to miss, especially if you have never seen him before. I really hope this show takes off in the US because he is an exceptional performer and he will set the bar for others.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Ring Flite

2007-07-17T10:41:00.001-07:00

Hello friends,

Here's an a classic effect that I strongly believe, belongs in the hands of every close-up entertainer.

Ring Flite
Two of the most spectacular elements in magic...a vanish and an appearance. You borrow a finger ring from a spectator and place it in your closed fist. You ask the spectator to hold your fist with his/her hands. When your hand is opened, their ring has vanished!

You explain that they shouldn't worry...last time this happened, you found the ring out in your car. You reach around to your back pocket and bring out your car keys. Clipped to your key case, in the middle of all your keys, is their ring!

Ring Flight comes with a fine quality leather zippered key case and instructions.

We have been manufacturing and marking our version of Ring Flite for about 20 years now.

There are so many versions on the market, how do you know which one is best for you.

Well ours has a few things that rivals our competition.

1. "Wow, It's gone. Can I have my ring back now please?" "What do you mean it really is gone?"
Our plastic coated steel cable means someones engagement ring will never bounce along the floor of a dark catering hall, filled with 300 people. NEVER Gonna Happen!

2. Can you say "Zzzzwooshp Thoop?"
Our reel is smooth and fairly silent. With the slow down of your pocket & hand for retrieval, you might say it doesn't make a sound at all.

3. "Er-Umm, That scratch must have been there when you gave it to me."
Our spring clip is a factory made from plated & polished nickel. It is just won't scratch your volunteers prized possession, going on or off the clip.

4. "What's that big round thing, next to your keys?"
Our reel is hidden in a separate zippered pouch and never visible when the keys or ring are exposed.

5. "But I swear I didn't break it. It broke itself, really"
The Ronjo Ring Flite comes with a Lifetime Warranty. As long as we have the materials and are still in business, we will repair or replace your Ronjo Ring Flite if any part of it it ever fails you. Just send it back to us along with a check or money order for $5.00 to help cover shipping fees.
Other key design features for functionality, security & ascetics of our brand clearly make our model the choice for pros & amateurs alike. Not too mention you'll love our price. The cheapest versions of this start at about $30.00 and will last you a few times, if you are lucky. Some units cost upwards of $60 or $70 and still have flaws in construction. You may even find a version or two in the $200 range, why? Got me. I do not see value for me personally in any other model, except if you desire to go reel-less as with Gateon Bloom's Flying Ring. His style is quite unique and I like it a lot.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

That's all for now

Ate A Clock

2007-07-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

You guys have been exceptionally hungry lately for effects that have a premise based on watches , clocks and time.

We've got some great things for you, some are way out there. All good.

EM Pocket Charger
It will make all your penomenon performances soar.The EM Pocket Charger’s revolutionary design does that special something to the pen that allows you to move the pen as if it’s inhabited by spirits from another the great beyond!

Not only that, but you can move the pen with you hands much farther away! If you've been holding back from doing Penomenon, now is the time to jump on it so you can start blowing away your audiences too!

Mark Allen includes many tips and ideas, including his own personal handling for the penomenon effect.

just one of the effects possible with the EM pocket Charger

A spectator secretly chooses any hour of the day and the magician draws a clock face on a piece of paper or table napkin. He then produces six coins and places them into a stack in the center of the clock. A straw is placed on top of the coins, acting as the hand of the clock and the magician causes the straw to mysteriously spin, stopping when it points right at the spectator's chosen hour!

"Mark Allen's EM Pocket Charger is the perfect secret for Penomenon and other effects of its ilk. It removes absolutely all of the guess work, and, in fact, greatly adds to its power. Bravo, Mark!" --David Regal

Gellerism Revealed

The Geller phenomenon may have been short-lived, but it left a lasting impression. Demonstrations of using your power of concentration to effects objects physically is a real attention-getter.

The author studied the Geller demonstrations and has worked out methods of re-creating these effects using simple and logical means. Ben Harris has also included some of his own methods and ideas in this book. Step-by-step photos and text show you how to bend keys and cutlery, and how to start stopped watches. The psychology behind each trick is explored, as well as the physical means.

You will also learn more about the presentation commonly known as 'Gellerism'. The book ends with an encapsulated history of Geller's activities, and some of the myths that have grown out of the minds of believers.

Pro PK Magic Kit

Make matches stand in a spectator's hand, stop watches, move objects with your mind and much more!

The Pro PK Kit contains the thinnest and most powerful magnet available-the Micro 5 PK magnet. Thin enough to conceal on your wrist or under a coat, yet strong enough to penetrate the thickest hands and tables. You also get the PK Book with over 70 routines and tips, a manuscript of additional routines, plus 2 brass rings, 2 copper-plated steel pennies, Shim Shell Coin, Shimming supplies and a custom wrist strap.

There is no end to the strong magic that can be created with the Pro PK Kit.

Richard Osterlind - Mind Mysteries - 1

There are lots of great effects on the DVD, but we'll only tell you about this one here in the blog.

Watch Routine - One spectator thinks of a time while another turns the hands of a face-down watch. When the watch is turned over, it's found to display the first spectator's thought-of time. Perform this miracle anywhere, anytime...and with any watch! Thought Scan - Originally marketed for $250.00, Osterlind's version of the classic Q&A routine is an act in itself. If one could actually read minds, it would look like this!

The Watch Steal DVD with Chappy Brazil and Charles Bach
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/general_dvd/DVDCBWATC
The Watch Steal is one of the most astonishing illusions in close-up magic. It is a true reputation maker! "The Watch Steal Video" is the definitive guide on how to steal a watch as a Magic effect. Magicians Chappy Brazil and Charles Bach show you , step by step, how to successfully remove practically any type of watch; from the traditional Buckle type, to the Flip-Tab, and even the "impossible to remove" expandable Rolex-Type brand!

They also teach you fun routines to lead into the Watch Steal, as well as imaginative ways to return the watch that elevates it from a simple pick-pocket effect to an incredible feat of magic that will amaze and astonish everyone in your audience!

PSI Sharpie by Yves Doumergue

Picture this: you have just performed a killer routine where you had the spectator sign a trick with your Sharpie. Now, to further drop their jaws, you set the Sharpie down and use your amazing mental powers to make it start spinning freely on the table- no strings or any conceivable gaff. Your audience walks away eerily impressed and dumbfounded at your amazing ability. Are you ready to cash in on your $1,000,000 from the James Randi Educational Foundation, or have you just had the foresight to pick up one of the new PSI Sharpie illusions from Yves Doumergue? We suspect the latter

The possibilities are endless- do a "Spin the Sharpie" game to point to people or objects, predict the "hour" of an event by using laying the Sharpie on a clock patterned surface...you have probably thought of something even better while reading this ad!

There are no strings, threads, magnets, switches, and absolutely nothing attached to the performer's body at any point in time. All the "magic" is completely self-contained within the Psi-Sharpie, and it may be examined at any time!

With your hidden, wireless remote control, the power of Psi-Sharpie is completely at your command; when you push the button it moves, if you stop, it stops! This Quality device comes complete with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty!
Don't be fooled by imitations- ask for the Psi-Sharpie by name.

Psychokinetic Time by Banachek

Do you remember the stunning magic effect that Master Magic Man David Blaine used to open his "Street Magic" TV special? In effect, he borrowed a watch from a man sitting in his car and checked the correct time. He placed the watch back in the man’s hands and then asked him to think of a number to move the time. The man said "24" and after a few seconds of mental hocus-pocus, the man opened his hands and saw the watch indeed MOVE AHEAD 24 MINUTES! The reaction was incredible!

Now, you can learn the original method and forcing techniques used for this amazing effect in Banacheck’s 26- page manuscript Psychokinetic Time. After being long out of print, Banachek has re-released this monumental effect. Psychokinetic Time comes complete with nine clear photos and descriptive text that details the ultimate impromptu method for altering the time on a spectator’s watch while held in their own hand! Other effects and concepts with watches are also discussed using the secret principles. No "gadgets" or difficult handling. This is for the serious magician, mentalist or conjuring enthusiast - but can be mastered by anyone!

Timetrix

Introducing timetrix, the 21st century's very own Stull Watch!

Finally, a wrist watch based on the original Robert Stull model is available after many years of unavailability. It took the creators over two years of research to make the 21st Century Stull watch, affectionately dubbed "timetrix."

Take the watch off your wrist and give it to any spectator. Ask him to put the watch face down and select any time by pulling out the stem and turning it. The spectator stops at any desired time and remembers it. He then passes the watch to a second spectator, who then passes it to a third spectator, who then passes it to a fourth, all of whom select a time by pulling the stem out and turning it. Like magic (of course!), you correctly name the hours and minutes of each one, or even reveal a 100% accurate prediction you wrote down before the show even began! OR:

Show a sealed envelope containing a prediction and give it to a spectator to hold it for a while. Ask for a Bible, and while the spectator is looking up the Apocalypse chapter on it, give your watch to another spectator and ask him to turn the watch dial-face down, ask him to pull the spring out and turn the crown as much as he wants. Once he has done it, the spectator mentions the exact position of the watch hands, for instance: 5: 32 The other spectator looks up Chapter 5, verse 32 on the Apocalypse and he reads it. When the envelope is opened, your prediction matches that verse exactly, the same phrase is written there! OR:

timetrix is a valuable instrument to be used in mental magic when you need to use the one ahead method, such as in the case of Mental Epic routines. When using Mental Epic, instead of forcing a card, ask the spectator to use the watch to “choose” any time “at random.”

timetrix can be examined before and after the performance. timetrix includes one year warranty, leather box and more than 12 different routines specially created for this watch by RICH BLOCH, FANTASIO, MAX MAVEN, ANTHONY BLAKE, TREVOR LEWIS and more.

This is the best part -- timetrix requires no skill, it is very easy to perform and comes with several routines and carrying leather case.

SYKYS by Bazar De Magia

SYKYS is a cool innovation and actually keeps time. Yes, it’s a real watch! We worked over 3 years designing SYKYS, and the outcome is breathtaking. This is a truly diabolic magic weapon.

Let’s see:
You can predict four different pre-defined times (not a sequence). You perform the illusion while the spectator holds the watch with his own fingers. The watch can be examined before and after the performance. SYKYS is self contained, nothing else is needed to perform with it. No magnets are used. Perform 17 routines by Max Maven, Trevor Lewis, Rick Bloch, Fantasio, Tony Binarelli, Anthony Blake and others.

Since it’s a real watch you can wear it as your regular watch. The perfect impromptu-"show-me-a-trick" kind of trick.

One year warranty SYKYS is build upon a fine-quality and fashionable watch.

Moving Tanline DVD

Can you move YOUR tan-line? Do you want to do something that NO ONE has ever seen close-up before? Look no further - Bande Du Soleil. Imagine this... You take off your watch, and show everyone your embarrassing tan line. Announcing that you would like to make it move, you grab your tan-line with your other hand, and slowly move it up your arm traveling toward your shoulder! I am not kidding.

You really move your tan-line up your arm so that it’s hidden by your shirt sleeve. The spectators can feel it, see it and agree - your tan-line is less noticeable beneath your shirt. Let me repeat — The tan-line can be examined to ensure that it’s not fake. It is genuine TAN-LINE. A tan-line that you can magically move at will! Bande du Soleil is a favorite among top professional magicians.

This effect has caught the attention of magicians all over the world from David Copperfield to Penn and Teller who filmed it for their NBC special Off The Deep End. Marco Tempest performed this on his series The Virtual Magician which aired in over 40 countries. Most recently this effect was featured by Chris Korn on the series Mondo Magic. Nathan will teach the real work that only comes from years of refinement and thousands of performances. Nathan will also share great ideas and variations from…

Homer Liwag Chris Korn John Kennedy Donny Orbit Magicians often claim there are no new effects in magic. Nathan Kranzo proves that’s a lie.

"His tan line trick is funny, startling, and completely original" - Teller

Nathan Kranzo’s Tan Line is the perfect excuse to put down that magic book, get out of the house and get some sun. Tan lines have never been so “in vogue”. A unique and fantastic effect from a brilliant thinker in magic - again. - Homer Liwag

Running Time Approximately 50min.

For more TIME related ideas and other fine products, go to our web site. www.ronjo.com

Thanks for reading,

Pete

PRISN The Off-Color Series of Mentalism by M.T. Silvercup.

2007-07-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Stop! You must be at least 18 years old to purchase PRISN The Off-Color Series of Mentalism by Francis Menotti.

What is it? Well it’s a spoof on Max Maven’s Color Series released in the late1970’s

The Color Series were in high demand and got upwards of $300.00 a copy on E-bay until Maven decided to reissue these works last year in his book PRISM

While a sizable literature devoted to mentalism was produced in the past hundred years, little has stood the test of time. Among the scant amount that has is that of MAX MAVEN . Writing under the name of Phil Goldstein, MAVEN has created one of the largest, cleverest and most influential bodies of work in the field, stretching from the latter part of the twentieth century into the twenty-first. His star rose early, with the publication of five slim collections, each packed with innovative and performance-caliber mentalism. These booklets, which have become widely known as "The Color Series," contained items such as "Desire", "The Spirit is Willing (to Write)" and "Four-sided Triangle"—items that have become modern classics in the field. MAVEN produced the Color booklets in small quantities and, despite ongoing popular request, refused to reprint them. They have become highly sought after, fetching prices in the hundreds of dollars. At last, after a quarter of a century, the entire Color Series is again available; all 53 effects, newly illustrated by Ton Onosaka, 240 pages in hardcover. Welcome to a classic reborn— Prism

In 1999 some college friends discussed what they loved & hated about the art of magic. PRISN was born.

Instead of The Violet, Yellow, Green,Red & Blue Books Of Mentalism as in the actual Color Series, you receive The Blonde, Violent, Greencard, Blueball & Redneck Books Of Mentalism.

Author Francis J. Menotti says PRISN "Will only bring you sorrow,same and generally bad feelings."

Here's what the pros are saying.
"Weird, bizarre, disturbing, vile and in several places possibly illegal... Brilliant! I love them!"
- Simon Lovell

"Quite possibly... the most fun you can have in mentalism short of telephoning Kenton Knepper when he's ironing."
- Ian Rowland

"Very amusing... You'll be hearing from my lawyers."
- Max Maven
Ad Copy:
Do you find humor in animal cruelty, eating disorders, terrorism, masturbation, menstruation, sadism, masochism, French people, hearing/speech impairment, poor dental hygiene, nipples, and missing children? If so, there is probably counseling for that. Until then, you will absolutely enjoy every filthy page of this unfortunate collection that has forever stained the questionably proud face of magic and mentalism.

This R-Rated literature lovingly mocks the hard work put forth by the audacious young Phil Goldstein (Max Maven) in his Color Series of Mentalism, 1976-1980. The creators of PRISN have painstakingly tried to be ludicrously offensive (all-in-good-fun, of course) to as many social and ethnic groups as possible.

Need anyone say more? So just put this down and step away. You don't want this. You're a fine-upstanding, politically-correct individual. Walk away...

My take:
These are full of effects, routines and complete methods that only a sadist would ever think of performing. These booklets are full of crude humor, sick ideas, risque drawings and foul language. Crazy stuff, like Card In Bulimic, Tossed-Out Hand Grenade, Gin & Bear It, Nipple Matrix, Ovary Action, Pop-Up Book Test and so very much more.

Listen, if you need a good laugh, PRISN is money well spent. There are plenty of things in here that inspire you too. Many of these are actual effects that you might want to rework in a real life situation that won't harm or offend anyone. At the very least learn more about the origins of these concepts from actual existing effects and methods.

This is hysterical masterpiece. I find every time I flip through one of the books, I can't stop laughing and find myself re-reading the same passages over and over. If you are a bit twisted like myself, you need to own these. If you get offended easily or are under 18, these are not for you! Not no way, not know how.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time,
Pete

America's Got Talent

2007-07-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

I don't usually watch shows such as America's Got Talent but I had it on in the back round while attending to other things. I was thinking to myself. don't they already have another show with singing, with America in the title, with a Brit named Simon? Boy TV really sucks.

Just as was about ready to change the channel the variety portion of the program came on. There was lots of garbage, some okay stuff & Kevin James.

Kevin James is an extraordinary talent. He is a five star entertainer and a brilliant magic inventor.

I have never had the opportunity to see his full act. Only bits of things here & there, from The World's Greatest Magic & (I think) Magic at The Magic Castle. You know he did the living cut off arm and the suitcase to Chaplin. Fun visual illusions.

Anyway I digress. His fast paced Doctor Bit visually sawing and restoring a person was phenomenal. Like Rudy Coby & Criss Angel on steroids.

I hope he and his crew win the million. I unfortunately forgot to watch to see if he moved on again last night.

Anyway if he did, cast your vote for him. He deserves it. Really! If you disagree, then vote for another magic act. Keep magic alive & kicking.

You can purchase fantastic Kevin James' effects like Bowl-A-Rama on our website www.ronjo.com. If you don't see it online, just ask. We'll get it for you.

Bowl-A-Rama
A dynamic and surprising production of a real bowling ball, straight from Kevin's professional stage show!

Effect: The magician displays a large pad of paper and sketches a picture of a bowling ball. He closes the pad, turns it sideways and a real bowling ball drops out from inside the pad!

This startling routine has been a featured effect of Kevin's stage and television shows for over 15 years in over 18 countries around the world.

The elegant simplicity and attention-getting impact of this stunning routine make it the perfect opening effect, and it's method is totally practical and self contained.

Interesting side note, well maybe not. I went to High School with the other Kevin James. You know the King Of Queens guy. His new movie, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry looks like a blast.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Metal Bending very popular these days

2007-07-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I am stunned at the sheer amount of you that have a great interest in Metal Bending.

I have seen it done live on several occasions by some unknowns and on TV or video using different techniques by The Amazing Randi, David Williamson, Guy Bavli, Banachek, Gerry M. and Morgan Steebler.

And of course by the one who started it all, Uri Gellar. But lets all remember, he claims he really does it with his mind. So his techniques are a gift and can not be taught.

Maybe I am overlooking something here but the Metal Bending thing has just never done it for me.

Does this sort of thing get a great audience response. The answer is yes. So this sort of thing is not only a fooler but entertaining. Maybe it's appeal is that it is not a card trick or coin trick.

David Williamson explains Dave's Spoon Routine on Dave 2 He does it walk around when performing restaurant magic with a comical kick. I idolize David Williamson. But I find this routine to be weak. I may just be me.

As for the other guys, I guess gives off a creepy effect. I love psychokinetic effects but not metal bending. All you guys are still proving me wrong so it has to be me.

All these routines really do look great and they actually do look real. There is just something about it that I do not like.Maybe simply put, how do I present it? Is is supposed to be a trick? Is it supposed to be real? I just can't fit it in anywhere. That may be why I have never jumped on the bandwagon.

Because I know everything you do is all in the presentation and all you guys can't be wrong.

Here's another reason why I know I'm wrong: The new kid on the block Morgan Steebler has performed his fork bend for, Tom Hanks, Paris Hilton, Tara Reid, Carson Daly, Michael Jordan, Jason Biggs, Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley, R. Kelly, Ice T, Anna Nicole Smith and hundreds of others.

We even have interesting gizmo's that you guys go crazy for. They can be used as a stand alone or fit in with one or more routines to keep one step ahead of the audience.

If you want to learn more about metal bending. Check out:

Banachek's PSI Series - Volume 4

Volume 4 - Psychokinesis
Learn how to bend cold, hard steel with the “power of your mind.” Make physical objects move, twist and curl up like a wet noodle at will. In true Banachek style, each move, gesture and psychological subtlety is covered in detail. This DVD stands alone from Banachek’s previous work by presenting new, additional details and methods on bending silverware. This also includes methods of bending coins keys, nails, and spikes plus moving objects like pens and pencils. Included is the true story behind Banachek’s participation in the Alpha Project, a four-year study that culminated with scientists validating Banachek’s “psychic” powers that propelled him into the national spotlight!

EFFECTS & EXPLANATIONS • Nail Bends
• Key Bends
• Coin Bends
• Silverware Bends
• PK Pen
• Permission & Warnings for Keys
• Displays (for maximum reactions)
• Bending Coins
• The Volunteer Feels It
• Why Quarters?
• Putting the Physical Bends in Coins
• Where to Bend & Display Coins
• Silverware & Bag Method
• Spoon Bending (new method)
• Switching Spoons
• Stage vs. Impromptu
• Whose Silverware To Use
• Angles
• Pencil PK
• PK Pen
• About PK
• Audience Perception

INTERVIEWS
• Alpha Project
• Too Much Power

Psychokinetic Silverware with Gerry and Banachek
If you really could bend metal with your mind...Psychokinetic Silverware is exactly how it would look! Watch as cold, hard steel melts like butter. Bending, twisting, breaking and seemingly moving on its own. Tines on forks twist like spaghetti and spread apart like a blooming flower. Silverware moves and bends in the spectator's hand.

Banachek's metal bending is so amazing and so realistic that he has often been accused of being and doing "the real thing." After studying Banachek's metal bending, the McDonnell Laboratory for Psychic Research proudly announced to the scientific community that they had discovered someone with genuine psychic abilities. The National Inquirer and other media heralded Banachek's psychokinetic talents.

Gerry and Banachek finally reveal all! They share the inside work, the fine pints and the psychology of metal bending. These secrets have been jealously guarded...until now! Learn some of the most powerful, stunning, realistic and practical techniques imaginable. Great addition to your "street magic" repertoire.

Make metal bend with your mind...or so it will appear.

"Wow, this tape has great information on bending silverware, from guys who do it for a living. I just became interested in learning this aspect of our art. Thank you Gerry and Banachek!" - Lance Burton

"Banachek's work with metal bending is the state of the art. This is the real work, the psychology and the little touches that make for miracles!" - Ben Harris (author: Gellerism Revealed)

"Banachek is BY FAR the best I've ever seen at bending metal! No one comes close!" - Mac King

70 minutes, DVD

Liquid Metal by Morgan Strebler
Everyone has heard stories of unique people who can bend metal through extreme concentration, but nobody seems to know for certain that it happens or if it?s possible... UNTIL THEY MEET YOU!

You’re about to learn the most VISUAL metal bending routine in the world. The routine features 2 FORKS and 6 STUNNING PHASES! Each phase builds upon the one before, and at the end the spectator is left with a KILLER SOUVENIR.

Liquid Metal Features:
Over 25 minutes of live performance footage
Complete lecture-style explanations
Special follow-along practice session
Intense OVER-THE-SHOULDER recap

Special Bonus:
Morgan’s impossible key bending routine
The Fork U Fork
The Corkscrew Tine Bend

You will learn the full routine from beginning to end with nothing held back including Morgan?s highly anticipated multiple tine bend (tipped for the first time ever)!

This is an actual full and polished routine that you can do 100% surrounded. Perform it at parties, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and on the streets.

This is the EXACT SAME routine Morgan uses when he auditions for television, movies, shows, and gigs. It’s THAT strong, and it gets INCREDIBLE REACTIONS.

Where can you see this routine in action? Morgan performs Liquid Metal every night in his act at the world famous Bellagio in Las Vegas. He also performs the routine at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in front of up to 2500 people via television monitors.

Bending Minds Volumes , 1 & 3 by Guy Bavli

Not since Uri Geller has Israel produced such a dynamic performer! Guy Bavli is Israel's hottest magician, specializing in Mentalism and Metal Bending. Guy is a full- time professional, constantly performing on television both in the United States and abroad. Guy is also a three-time winner of the Israeli Gold Cup Award for "Best Magician."

On this three-volume set of videos, Guy reveals for the first time effects that have made him the most sought-after performer in his country!

Volume One

Effects Performed and Explained:

Spoons from Card Case - Produce spoons from your card case - how do they fit?

Bending a Spoon in a Spectator's Hand - Bend metal with your mind!

Bag Bend - A complete act involving members of the audience; spoons bend and break!

Melting a Spoon in a Spectator's Hand - A spoon melts and breaks while in a spectator's hand!

Miracle with a Fork - One of the tines on a fork bends, unbends and then breaks!

Energy Hand - By simply waving your hand over a spoon, it bends!

Perfect Key Bending - A borrowed and signed key is bent using only the power of your mind!

Haunted Spoon - The ultimate haunted handkerchief!

Volume Three

Effects Performed and Explained:

Bending a Large Nail - Mind power demonstration!

Bending a Small Nail - Very devious method!

Shrinking Spoon - Visibly cause a spoon to shrink!

Spoon through Table - With the handle visible, a spoon penetrates the table top!

Stopping a Watch/Time of the Future - A borrowed watch is caused to stop working; then, under a spectator's hand, the time mysteriously moves forward several hours.

Headline Prediction - Perform a mental miracle using the day's newspaper!

The Perfect Clipboard - Guy's ultimate routine for the popular marketed clipboards. Just like real mindreading!

Dave 2 by David Williamson

Dave 2 continues where Sleight of Dave left off, with more of the award winning magic of David Williamson.

Included on this DVD are:

- Dave's Spoon Routine: a great table side opener
- Saline Solution: A vanish and reappearance of a quantity of salt
- Whirly Bird Silk Vanish: A novel vanish using a magic wand
- Ring & Rope: A staple of Dave's act for many years
- 51 Cards to Pocket: an easy, hilarious stand up card routine
- Pencil Through Quarter: Dave's handling of Michael Ammar's terrific routine
- Easy Aces: Dave's take on a classic method of a classic plot
- Floating Matrix: who needs another coin assembly? You do!
- Bonus Footage: Dave still on the loose in Portugal!

Ultimate Bending Spoon

Power to bend metal with your mind...You start with a couple of spoons. One is taken by the spectator, the other kept by you. By using only the power of your mind, the metal heats up and the spoon slowly melts, bends, droops and finally splits in two! Self working and can be used over and over again.

So get out there and bend stuff! Me I'll watch instead.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Are you a Long Island entertainer? Then we want to hear from you!

2007-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

If you are in the entertainment industry and live on the island, we want to hear from you.

the time line:
1971 Ronjo performs his 1st paid gig.
1974 Ronjo opens the store.
1996 Ronjo goes online.
2007 Ronjo gets back to basics. Well not really.

We've been growing & growing and growing and our Entertainment Agency is busting at the seams. We have lots of entertainers working for us but we need you too! Join our team and you will be paid well. We'll do all of the bookings for you. All you have to do is show up on time and do a good show. How sweet is life?

We seek- magicians (mainly kids show performers), jugglers, fire eaters, mind readers, hypnotists, comedians, DJ's, singers, dancers, bands, celebrity impersonators, costume character actors, puppeteers, ventriloquists, face painters, balloon sculptors and whatever else you can throw at us.

Send us a head shot, a list of things you do. If possible, send a VHS or DVD of yourself. And anything else relevant to you or your act.

We are not looking for the magician who bought a few tricks and had some business cards printed. Sorry. See us in about 10 years.

We're also looking for all sorts of activities to offer. If you have moon bouncers, dunk tanks, transportable carnival rides, casino nights, rodeo shows, reptile shows and such. We need your information.

This business was founded on entertainment and still growing but we need you help. You need us to get you work. We need you to offer our clients. You don't need the headaches of talking to clients for hours on end. Focus on your show. Let us focus on booking it! it's what we do!

Send all your info to
RCD Productions
c/o Ronjo Magic
1651 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

We'll review your submissions and get you on the road.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Happy 4th

2007-07-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

We'll be closed tomorrow.

Beaches, boats, barbeques, fireworks, family, friends! Big, Big, Big, Fun, Fun, Fun.

We hope everybody has a safe, happy & fun Independence Day.

See you all on Thursday!

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Johnson Expaned Coin Shell

2007-07-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

If you do close up and you do not yet have a Johnson Expanded Coin Shell, you are missing out on a wonder coin utility.

This is a precision engineered apparatus that is always ready to go and resets fast or instantly.

I exclusively use the Half Dollar Shell out of long term habit but it is also available in Quarter & English Penny styles.

The included routine is the Coins Through The Table (my favorite thing to do with this coin).
Classic Coins Through the Table Routine...Four Quarter Coins are covered with a shot glass. One at a time they pass through the table in the fairest possible manor!

But that is not the only effect you can do with it. You can do a Matrix Coin Assembly or a simpler Coins Across, appearing coin, multiplying coin & other penetrations.

J.B. Bob's book, The New Modern Coin Magic (available at www.ronjo.com) has a whole chapter devoted to what you can do with an Expanded Coin.

You can purchase a Half Dollar Shell in Heads or Tails or you'll get one in Heads (only) included with a the Hopping Half (a great coin set).

Hopping Half
A true classic piece of coin magic made by Johnson products. Done with a half dollar and an English Penny.

You clearly show the half dollar and English penny in your hand and then remove the English penny and place it in your pocket. Open your hand and the penny is back with the half. Now you remove the half dollar and place it in your pocket.

Open the hand and the half dollar is now back. Now you cleanly place the half on the table and show that your hand only contains the penny. The half is again placed in the pocket and again returns to the hand.

Finally you give the spectator a choice of either coin. You remove a coin from the hand and show it very cleanly and place it in your pocket. The hand is opened and the other coin has vanished. This is the Johnson model using the "expanded" half dollar gimmick rather than the "cut down" half. This enables you to use the gimmick in other half dollar effects.

Enjoy!
Pete

The Book Of Haunted Magick by Rick Maue

2007-06-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

The Book Of Haunted Magick by Rick Maue is finally back in stock.
In it's hay day, this was one of our most popular titles. In and out of print again and again.

Many consider this to be Rick's finest works. Rick's own feelings on this book is another story. He actually doesn't even remember writing it so he has no personal connection to it. When the title goes OOP, he doesn't really care on way or the other. Yes, you have read that correctly.

You see Rick & his family were in a terrible car accident some years ago. And Rick had lost his memory and he almost lost his daughter. Luckily Rick's daughter and memory are fine now!

Writing this book was doctor's orders. A form of rehabilitation to get him to remember the things he used to do. As a natural born creator, that's exactly what he did.

I talked to Rick a couple of days ago and he informed me that it actually never really did go out of print ever. He just decided to keep an exclusive on it for much of the time.

We were fortunate to have Rick come do a lecture for us a few years ago doing material from this book. Apart from being a really nice guy, he was maybe the most entertaining lecturer we've ever had. He was also one of the finest teachers ever to pass though our doors and we can't wait to have him back again.

This is the review I gave his lecture that's posted on his website. www.deceptionsunlimited.com

I was anticipating Rick Maue's visit to our place (Ronjo Magic) for quite some time now. I had the expectations of watching a strange man dressed in black, lighting candles and doing unusual things with tarot cards. His presentations would be a welcomed change from the typical normalcy of cards and coins.Last night finally arrived and Rick did his lecture for
us. This man was not a demon dressed in black nor did he light any candles (although he did talk about lighting some).
He used plain old cards and would you believe it, he hardly did any magic at all!Were we disappointed? In a word…NO!Apart from being a great teacher, thinker and innovator, he is a very nice person. His show was informative, exciting and fun. Rick also gave us something that no other lecturer has ever given to us before. He gave us the gift of our own minds. He taught us things we didn't know could be taught!
He showed us how to be creative.Yes, we actually learned how to invent new effects and come up with original presentations derived from old or stale props and routines. We learned why ideas come to us and how to make them useful. Now that's powerful.

But we learned so much more that. More than I can say if a few words without going on and on for hours.So the next Rick Maue does a lecture in your
area, make sure you attend. His lecture has something for everyone, even if you don't like the idea of Haunted Magick, you will learn how to adapt his ideas into your own way of thinking.
...Peter Albertson - Ronjo Magic

Now back The Book Of Haunted Magick and the positive things associated with it.
Here are what the pros are saying. (The first review by anonymous is from our website and not too far from the truth in more ways than one.)

by anonymous from unspecified

It's a great book, it's well-written, and you'll find lots of useful Mentalism stuff in it. It's also insane value for money. I'm not sure what was going on when Rick decided to let this go for 35 dollars. Maybe someone had just dropped a piano on his head or something. Probably the first magic book in history which offers too much value for money, this fine, beautiful and deeply satisfying book deserves the 'must buy' tag

Mike Gorman,
The Linking Ring
"I really enjoyed this terrific book and highly recommend it to anyone doing close-up or intimate stand-up magic."

Mike Close,
Magic Magazine
"The Book of Haunted Magick is reasonably priced and has enough variety to appeal to a wide audience. If you enjoy reading about bizarre magick this book is worth your
serious consideration."

David Goodsell,
MUM Magazine
"This is a good book! It is easy to recommend it. As one can tell from the title, the magic is of the bizarre form, but most of it is easily adapted to straight mentalism or magic. It is fun stuff and some of it is downright diabolical."

Banachek
"If you really like non gimmick, non prop, spur of the moment mentalism, one can do no better than Terasabos. It truly is a diabolically simple, yet powerful in scope, piece of mentalism. Don't pass this one by.
It is absolutely brilliant."

Gene Poinc,
Author of The Practitioner: Journeys Into Grey
"Read and learn. Reread and learn even more. A significant book."

Richard Busch,
Author of Peek Performances
"At last, a book of Bizarre Magick that is not strictly for bizarrists. Magicians and mentalists will also find many valuable items inside these pages."

Allen Zingg,
Editor of PABULAR &
Editor of VIBRATIONS,
the PEA monthly journal
"I am sure you have heard this from others… This is a terrific Book!
I'm Impressed!"

Craig Karges
"What a great book! It's a BIG book filled with wonderful routines, stories and ideas. It's written in a very easy going, friendly style and is actually fun to read. You can tell the routines have been performed and aren't some kind of pipe dream. Rick, this book should put you on the map as one of the leaders in this type of very special, powerful magic. You've got a winner in HauntedMagick!"

What's in it The Book Of Haunted Magick? Good Question. Here is your answer.
All the material represents a marriage of quality thinking and sound, practical experience. With over 185 pages, The Book Of Haunted Magick contains a total of fifty items, including mentalism, routines, utility moves and essays. Many of the items can be used for intimate close-up performances or for larger stage shows.Regardless of what type of audience that you perform for, you will find material in The Book Of Haunted Magick that you can add to your working repertoire right away

One highlight of the book is Terasabos. Everyone who buys this book loves Terasabos. Basically, spec hides small object under 1 of 5 cups, and you turn around and 'divine' which one. Okay, now think of the cleverest, most deceptive, most brain-meltingly ingenious way of achieving this effect, then double it, and you might get close to Terasabos. If you love mentalism at all, then you need to read Rick's Terasabos routine (and the whole item is beautifully explained, by the way, with typical Maue clarity and instructional elegance). Just to spoil you rotten, later in the book Rick offers another version of the Terasabos effect, which is also very good. And then... later on... a third variation! And that's pretty good too!

What else do you get?

Intersection, an utterly cute prediction idea that must have, oh, a few gazillion uses for anyone who likes predicting unpredictable audience choices.
Predetermined, a neatly spooky idea in which a thought of selection vanishes as a prelude to... a surprise twist!
Tocapadmo, a smart utility move which is fun to play with, and a very practical way to make writing appear out of nowhere. The Inside-Out Book Test, which is pretty well what the title implies.
Spectrum, a very attractive routine based on a sequence of colours.
Voodoo, a frighteningly strong effect about thoughts, choices and blood (good combo!).
Unbreakable Bond, a beautiful plot which I loved as soon as I read it, and immediately wished no-one knew about it but me.
Truth Of The Relic - The performer is able to determine who possesses a specific item, without the use of gimmicks, peeks, or sleight-of-hand

Plus more good stuff you'll discover for yourself when you buy it.

The Book Of Haunted Magick by Rick Maue Get your copy today!

We also carry: The Final Picture by Rick Maue and Psychological Subtleties 2 by Banachek with contributions from Rick Maue

Thanks for reading!
Pete

Dreamweaver - The Enchantment

2007-06-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

From The Enchantment comes a routine that rivals some of the greatest close-up routines in all of magic.

That's a strong statement. We here at Ronjo Magic, didn't write that to try to sell you something. In fact we didn't write it at all. It's an ad copy direct from the manufacturer. I decided to place that in a bold headline because quite frankly I believe it to be true. And I believe the manufacturer believes it too.

I needed an effect that could be worked without a table. I needed something other than cards or coins. I needed a full visual routine that could draw a small group of people. Something that could be performed surrounded. Something that could be repeated. I needed it to be instantly reset. I wanted an effect I would be able alter, elongate or change on a whim if desired without compromising the entertainment value. Dreamweaver fills all those criteria. For only $15.00 all it gives back to you is priceless.

Dreamweaver has been out for a few years now. I've always admired it from afar but the 9 phase routine and 22 page book always steered me away. That is until those needs I mentioned above could no longer be avoided.

Well for one. It is not difficult to master. Secondly, many of the pages are history of Pin tricks, photos and alternate handlings. It in actuality is an easy read masterfully taught and the photos take you along efficiently.

If you do close-up and are looking for something to satisfy some or all of the same needs I had, look no further than Dreamweaver. You will not be disappointed!

Here is The Enchantment's full ad.
From The Enchantment comes a routine that rivals some of the greatest close-up routines in all of magic. Dreamweaver is a linking and unlinking integration of 3 separate principles of deception executed with the greatest of ease. Utilizing objects as simple and ordinary as safety pins, your audience will experience one of the most visual, straightforward, and convincing joining of two objects in magic. This is not a trick--this is a professional 9-phase routine that builds in each sequence, produces a greater audience response through each phase, and ends with a complete examination of each pin! Spectators may examine all they want, they will never find a thing.

What's more, you'll also learn additional and alternative sequences to correlate with the original routine to further demonstrate your abilities. Your audience will witness magic in its purest just inches from their awing eyes. The pins link and unlink in slow motion, in mid-air, even within the spectator's very own hand! But here's the best part, with Dreamweaver you'll ALWAYS be ready to perform. Whenever someone requests that you "do a trick," you'll have a multi-phase professional routine awaiting in your wallet. If you are looking for real world magic that you can carry with you at all times, enter the Dreamweaver.

Very easy to perform
Pins can be fully examined
Perfect for walk-around
Easily fits in any wallet
Extremely fair, visual & magical
An anytime, anywhere worker

Includes the necessary safety pins and gaff, and a 22-page book with digital photograph demonstrations.

Dreamweaver is such a reliable routine. It's easy, it fools everyone, and it always leaves an impression. Definitely something you can count on!

Thanks for reading!

Pete

Ghost Vision by Andrew Mayne

2007-06-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
I've said it many a times: Andrew Mayne is one of the creative thinkers in magic today. He comes up with wild ideas and turns a fine product for a bargain price.

Ghost Vision and the Ghost Vision Reload pack #1 are must haves. I can only assume we'll be seeing Reload Pack #2 in the near future & maybe even number 3 and 4 or more?
Ghost Vision is a spine-tingling effect that allows you to use a borrowed portable electronics device to create a digital seance that can be saved as photo or movie. It’s easy to perform and works with most camera phones.

Using an unprepared borrowed camera phone the magician reveals spectral images of ghosts and premonitions from beyond.

Your spectators watch the display as a dark silhouette crosses the room in real time. A thought of word, image or card appears in a photograph of a spectator’s hand. A haunted face appears in the shadows.

24 minute wide screen DVD including an extra bonus effect: The Haunted Keys
Comes with everything needed to perform (cell phone not included).

Running Time: Approximately 24min

The Haunted Keys is a great impromptu psychokinetic effect using a borrowed key ring. You are going to enjoy this special bonus!

Reload Pack #1 comes with the 5 original Ghost Vision images. Plus these FIVE New Spooky ones. Pentagram, Bleeding Hand print, Smoke Monster, Ghoul & my favorite of the lot, Footprints. You'll need the DVD if you don't already have it. This set does not include instructional material.

The only bad thing I can say about this effect is that if you are performing magic or show effects to your friends, while baffling and eerie, this may appear as a "trick." If this is the only effect you ever did or if you are a psychic performer and do seances & readings, etc.; this will knock out even the hardest skeptic. It really could changes the way one perceives the world around them. So be careful, in the wrong hands you may even cause a panic!

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Federal Escape by Ronjo

2007-06-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
If you are searching for that one BIG trick to enhance your show, we've got it!

Federal Escape by Ronjo is the ultimate mail bag escape and the perfect big effect for many types of performers. It really does pack flat and really does play big. You can use it in a house party. You can use it in an auditorium. it weights about 4 lbs and folds up really small.

Federal Escape: A very different kind of escape...A 7' tall canvas mail bag, 2 padlocks and a solid steel bar are all examined. The spectators are given the keys. You enter the bag and the bar is woven through 16 brass grommets at the top of the bag. The padlocks are locked at both ends. A curtain is draped over you. Seconds later, you escape!

Great as a stand alone or use it with your Sub-Trunk. Ours is the highest quality escape bag illusion made today. Use our chain shackles as an additional escape with this effect (sold separately).

Federal Escape comes with 7' canvas bag, 2 padlocks, solid steel bar and instructions.

Over the years, there have been several variations on bag escapes. For many reasons, ours without a doubt is the finest on the market.

Lets look at the facts.
1. Our bag, steel bar & locks are all made in the USA.
Some bags especially the ones from India have that tell-tale musty smell that will never go away.
2. Our bag is supplied with quality Master Locks that are keyed alike. Some other bags, do not come with locks, while some of them come with cheap locks that not only won't lock unless you hold the locked closed but use the key to make it lock, compounded by the fact that the locks are not keyed alike and either key will fit in the each keyhole. Do you have any idea how complicated that can be when you are in a confined space that gets very warm rapidly and you can't control your volunteers actions?
3. Speaking of getting warm inside, our light weight but heavy duty fabric is the most comfortable bag. It is big and roomy, not as hot as other bags and allows some light in. Some other bags are pitch black or close to it. Not to mention, it doesn't smell. Did I mention our bag doesn't smell?
4. Our bar is solid steel. Not chrome plated. The chromed bars look friendly not menacing but that is not the real problem with the chrome bar. The real problem you see is the cheap plating and the wear and tear. Use the chrome bar just a few times and you will notice that the chrome will flake off in and around the area that makes the effect work. This is more than unfortunate because now the gaff is exposed.
5. The gimmick in our bar is "hidden in plain site" yet 100% Innocent and unless you know how, can not be maneuvered by accident. Some other bars, the gimmick is exposed and suspicious. With the chrome one, ascetically an exact copy of ours looks fine until you actually use it.
6. Our grommets are big & menacing looking. Some others are just puny looking. Ours are strong and will not bend, rust or tarnish. Some others will do some or all. Also our grommets are smooth. We've seen some that have sharp edges putting you and/or your spectators in possible danger.
7. We're priced right $99.99. You'll find bags ranging from $69.99 to $150.00. You do the math on that. You are either getting ripped off buying an inferior product and still paying close or way over paying for an inferior product.

Also check out The Art Of Escape, Volume 6: The Mail Bag Escape
Here is a presentation of several variations of the Mail Bag Escape, as well as a brief history of the escape and marketed versions of the effect. Different presentation ideas are covered.

Included are the basic plans for building your own escape cabinet, cabana hoop cabinet, stock escape, steam cabinet escape box and PVC torture anchor. Additional material includes The Refrigerator Escape, Slave Collar, and Zanadu Death Device, and much more.

Until next time,
Thanks for reading.

Pete

2007 World Series of Poker

2007-06-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
Some non magic related news. A group of about 30 of us played in the same weekly poker tournament for a couple of years. Sadly much of our group has disbanded. The great news is that two of my fellow players have made three cashes so far in the three and only three 2007 WSOP events they have entered and one of those players got a gold bracelet.

Look for event #28 on ESPN. Due to the incredible poker action, this particular event will be extended to 90 minutes instead of the usual half hour segments. Ending the war on hand number 148, Shankar Pillai takes down first place, gets his first Gold Bracelet and a cool $527,829 in cash. Congrats to our own Shankar Pillai for entering one event on a whim and making poker history. Fun news: after Phil Hellmuth busted out, Phil Ivy became Shankar's cheering section, telling him he is one of the best players he's ever seen & by far the best player remaining in that game. Ivy said Pillai would win and he was right. Shankar has 253 POY points so far. Good luck in the Main Event. You'll need it. There's going to be an unimaginable amount of players this year.

Also deserving honorable mention, our own Josh Olechnowski! Event #24, out in 17th place in but still in the money. He cashes for $6,514 out lasting the WPT's host Mike Sexton. Josh cashs once more in event #37. He placed 36 for $6541.00 (not sure of the name players in this event yet. Check www.pokernews.com if you are interested). He has 133 POY points so far. Josh will play a few more events this season. So far he's two for two. That's astonishing! More power to ya buddy.

Some of the rest of us, myself included will give it a go playing in a few events next season. We have to. So watch out boys. You're not that wonderfull (yes you are, you took your shot and made it); I've beaten, we've beaten you before. But you have also beaten us before.

Well this wouldn't be a magic blog, without some magic in here somewhere. So here are some great products we have related to poker, (some loosly) for magicians, cheats & gamblers. Just paste the names of the products into our search box at www.ronjo.com for pics and more information. Or type in Gamble or Poker in your search for other fine items!

Poker Chip Polka
A series of amazing color changes and transpositions...Two poker chips are shown, one black and one white. One chip is held in each hand. The chips transpose from hand to hand. Just when the spectators think they have it figured out, the chips suddenly change into bright colors on all sides.

Easy to do. No skill required.

Poker Chip Polka comes with 2 poker chips, gimmicks, complete instructions with easy routine.

CD Poker from Vernet Magic

The performer explains that he has a new computer program that allows him to win every time in poker without even using a computer. The performer then shows a CD that has ten face cards printed on one side, and card backs on the other. The performer hands a spectator five paper clips and the CD explaining that the spectator will pick out the performer's hand by clipping any five facedown cards and the remaining cards will be the spectator's hand. The performer then asks the spectator to turn the CD face up showing the five clipped cards to be the winning hand!!

Matrix Poker - Wakeling & Steinmeyer

From the minds of Jim Steinmeyer and Alan Wakeling comes a very strange game.
The rules are very simple. So simple, that they're printed on a coin purse, which the magician displays. Along with the purse, the magician lays out 16 cards on the table. Each card has a monetary value printed on it.

A spectator - completely freely, without any undue influence from the magician - selects four of the number cards. The values on the cards are added, to arrive at a value. Surprisingly, despite the completely free selection, the magician has predicted the total exactly! The very same amount the spectator selected is found inside the coin purse.

But, there's more. When the number cards are flipped over, four playing cards are on the reverse. The magician predicted these cards, too! Their values were permanently printed on the coin purse all along!

The trick requires no sleight of hand. It works every time, all the time.

Matrix Poker comes complete with specially printed cards (from the US Playing Card Company), custom-manufactured coin purse, illustrated, detailed instructions and specially printed bills.

Place Your Bet
A red 25 cent poker chip magically turns into a green 50 cent chip. The spectators try to guess the secret, but to their surprise, the chip becomes a real Half Dollar!

Comes complete with gimmicked half dollar, instructions and routine.

The Official Poker Chip Tricks DVD vol. 1 by Rich Ferguson

Multiple Business and Entertainment Award winner Rich Ferguson is known around the world for his originality and unique approach to cards and poker chips.

This DVD is packed with 20 of the hottest stunts and tricks you have seen on television or at a poker game - all explained in detail by Rich!

Also included are two effects by Rich that have never been revealed to the public - until NOW!

Stunts Included:

Chip Shuffling
Pull Over
Butterfly
Chip Production
Hidden Chip Bet
Front to Back Flip
Twirl
Twirl Reversed
Anti-Gravity
Thumb Flip
Knuckle Roll
Knuckle Roll Return
Chip Rolling
Chip Spread
Sweep
Bounce Stack and more!

Color Monte

The magician displays three cards-one with a blue spot and two which have red spots. He explains that the cards are used to play a game of chance, the object being to keep track of the card with the blue spot. If you find the blue card you win a dollar, but if you're wrong then you owe a dollar. he and the spectators will

He goes on to relate how he was once taken by the game and shows how quickly he lost three dollars. Every time he thought he had the blue card it ended up being the red!
Frustrated, he accused the man of not even having a blue card in his hands, but when it was shown on the bottom he lost another dollar! Trying to catch the hustler again, he stated that if the card was on the bottom it couldn't possibly be on top, but was wrong again and lost another dollar! In a last ditch effort he guessed that it couldn't be the center card, but once again lost another dollar! His running total was now up to six dollars.

Continuing, the performer tells how he told the hustler that he thought more than three cards were being used, but was once again proven wrong and he lost another dollar! Being the gambler he is, he tried one more time, double or nothing. The hustler clearly showed one card with a red spot, a second card with a blue spot and stated all the magician had to do was guess the color of the third card. Red, right? Wrong again-the card isn't red or blue, but a surprise card no one will expect!

Comes complete with the three necessary cards printed on Bicycle stock and detailed instructions.

Gambler's Wildest Dream by Reed McClintock

A trick from the pocket of Reed McClintock!

Using simple notion to create great commotions, Reed McClintock has created Gambler's Wildest Dream to do just that!

It is generally understood by the mass population that gamblers cheat. This routine, even though labeled as an expose revealing gambling's biggest secrets, will take your audience down the garden path only to have them find out they have just walked into a tsunami.

Effect

Seven cards are pulled out of a wallet. Six are seen to be the same and one indifferent. Three cards are set down on the table while four are seen in your hand. A palming of a card reveals that no card was really palmed, but four cards have now appeared on the table. Six of the cards are now shown to have changed into the indifferent card.

A surprise ending so startling it will leave them speechless.

Catapulting your magic to the next level! Internationally acclaimed magician Reed McClintock will not only have you believing in the power of magic, but in the power of magical performance as well. Whether you are young or old, Reed's latest innovations are a must have for your repertoire. Reed McClintock's audience acclaim can be yours. This product contains everything necessary to go out and perform WHAT LOOKS LIKE REAL MAGIC.

Heads Or Tails by Gary Kosnitzky

From the book's introduction:

"Imagine being able to toss a spinning coin high up in the air and possess the uncanny ability to predict whether it will land on heads or tails side up. Are you able to foretell the future? What if you can toss a coin in the air and make it land face up on any side the spectator wishes. You may even let the spectator catch the coin themselves. Do you have super human powers? My aim in authoring this treatise is to explain and teach you how to do just that. I call this method of tossing a coin so that you have complete control over its outcome, the Controlled Coin Toss.

The act of tossing or also known as flipping a coin to make a determination has been around for well over a thousand years. The ancient Romans played a game called "navia aut caput" (ship or head). Most likely it was named this because ancient Roman coins usually had a ship on one side and the profile of the head of an Emperor on the other side. I would not be surprised if there was a Toga-clad gambler back then who was employing the Controlled Coin Toss to cheat at this game. The origins of this method to control the outcome of a coin toss are shrouded in obscurity by the mists of time. Only a small number of Mathematicians, Gamblers, and Magicians have any knowledge of this technique. Fewer yet can actually do it well. It is really not very difficult to do once you develop the knack. Like anything worthwhile mastering it will require some practice."
- Gary Kosnitzky

Done well, the Controlled Coin Toss is simply mind boggling! While the gambling possibilities are obvious, the magic routine possibilities are virtually endless! Learn how to perform and perfect this awesome trick today!

Weapons of a Card Shark by Jeff Wessmiller

Learn how to take a clean fully shuffled deck, and deal yourself the winning hand. No marks, No trick decks. Deck is handed to you completely random. No joke!

Ever wonder how cheats really do their thing? Think it's about marked cards or gimmicks? Think again. This video is the first of it's kind to truly expose underground cheating techniques in action today. Several of the moves on this video have NEVER been seen before anywhere! Not to mention this video is full of brand new material invented by Jeff Wessmiller himself.

Includes live game footage of the cheat in action

THE MOVES:

over 90 minutes all on one DVD!

False Shuffles: Blind Overhand Shuffle, Controlling Top Card, Controlling Bottom Card, Blind Over-Under Shuffle, Over-Under Combo, Top Card Riffle Control, Top Stock Short Shuffle, Push-Through Shuffle, Zarrow Shuffle, Spider Shuffle.

False Cuts: Scrape Cut, False Strip,Slip Cut, Jigsaw Cut, Up-the-ladder.

Stacking: Lay Stack, Overhand Stack, J.W. Stack,Riffle Stacking, Cold Stacking, Double Duke.

Hopping the Deck: Cellar Keep, Classic Pass Tap Pass, Thumb-lick Pass, Wess Pass, Table Pass 1, Table Pass 2.

Glimpses: Bubble Peek,Heel Glimpse, Gamblers Glimpse, Shiner Glimpse.

False Dealing: Bottom Deal, Stud Bottom Deal,Flop Bottom Deal, Cigar Bottom Deal, Second Deal, Push Off Second Deal.

Mucking: Chopping Cards Out, Top Palm Chopping, Gamblers Palm Chopping, Clip Palm Chopping, Two Handed Muck, One Handed Muck, Peel Muck, Palm In, Palm Out Muck.

Deck Switches: Cold Deck Switch, Sting Cold Deck Switch, Bold and Cold Deck Switch.

Stampede Second - Martin Lewis

Magic with a gambling theme. This routine incorporates two separate effects. In the first you claim to find the spectators card form a "marked" deck by wearing special virtual light specs. Oddly everyone but you can see the marked card plainly. When you remove the glasses it's too late - the mark has disappeared. You then demonstrate a second deal to find another card, but not any old second deal, and impossible one... from under a postage stamp.

A professional routine - 5 minutes of entertaining close up magic that's simple to do and has a remarkable, visual climax.

Trick includes holographic glasses, specially prepared cards, envelope and complete instructions.

Ultimate Marked Deck

the Ultimate is the marked deck you have been dreaming of!

Manufactured in "Rider Back 808-R" Bicycle Cards by the United States Playing Cards Company.

This is the marked deck you have been waiting for!

- Identify any card without seeing its face.
- Read the identifiers of the cards directly without having to mark the card yourself.
- Yes, No codes, No symbol to interpret, No marking system to learn. - Use genuine "Rider Back 808-R" Bicycle Cards without having to mark the cards yourself
- Hand out the deck without fear of detection.
- Instant location and direct reading of the marks.

All the qualities of the ideal marked deck at long last brought together in the Ultimate Marked Deck.

In Red or Blue!

What others are saying:

"The Utimate should change every magician's life. Don't buy ONE buy TEN"
- Chris KENNER

"...Cleverly hidden and readable in the blink of an eye ..."
- Gaetan BLOOM

"Among marked cards, the Ultimate deck is by far the best available. Reading the marks is instantaneous, and the marking system is devilishly clever. It is without doubt the absolute weapon in its category."
- Jean Jeacques SANVERT

"Magic tricks as well as marked deck cards come and go everyday. There are those for amateurs and those for professionals. However, the real professional need marked cards that can be read quickly under all circumstances. The professional that needs effective and reliable will find the ULTIMATE ideal for close-up and stage "
- Bernard BILIS

"...the best quality product and a useful marked deck..."
- Roberto GIOBBI

"The ultimate marked deck is the best marked deck presently available to magicians. It strikes the perfect balance between being easy to read and being difficult to detect." - Darwin ORTIZUntil next time,

Thanks for reading!
Pete

Jumping Jack Cash - Money Morphosis

2007-06-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Here is a great effect that you may not be aware of.

Originally released as Flash Currency Transformation, we later changed the name to get away from any assumptions that fire or Flash Bills were used. Ronjo Magic & Costumes Inc, owns all manufacturing rights to this effect.

This effect has been copied and renamed by the competition. Treasury Transpo is available elsewhere for $27.00 but you can own the original for less. That's right the original Jumping Jack Cash is only $16.99 and the copy is $10.00 more! Does that mean our version is made of a lesser quality? No what it means that another dealer is taking advantage of the uneducated.

Jumping Jack Cash is a powerful close-up effect thats uses audiance participation and a borrowed bill. The change is fast as lighting and everything is examinable in the end.

Effect: A dollar bill is shown trapped between two plastic sheets. The plastic pieces have been fastened with rubber bands and a padlock has been locked through a corner of the sheets and the bill. A spectator is asked to initial the bill through a hole in the top piece of plastic. Then the magician borrows another dollar bill and signs it.

The spectator is given the padlocked bill to hold. A handkerchief is placed over the bill and the spectator's hand. The magician places the borrowed bill under the handkerchief and instantly brings it back out again. When the spectator checks the signature, he's amazed to see that this is the bill that was locked up in the plastic! When the bill in the plastic is unlocked by the spectator, it is discovered to be the borrowed bill!

Jumping Jack Cash comes with 2 plastic sheets, 2 wide rubber bands, mini padlock, 2 keys and instructions.

Pro tip for owners of Jumping Jack Cash:
If you find the initial set up is taking you too long due to toleracnes in the white border of the bill, you can easily frame the edges of the acrylic sheets with pinstripe tape or mask the inside near the edges with tape and paint a frame around the edge with nail polish, acrylic paint or a permanent marker.

Until next time,
Thanks for reading!
Pete

Ellusionist's- New Loops DVDs & more

2007-06-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Now in stock, a complete restock of these fine Ellusionist DVDs, Products & Card Decks. The vast majority of these items are available for IN STORE purchases only. No online sales, with the exception of How To Do Street Magic, Scorpion, Black Tiger Decks, Black Tiger Gaff Deck & Black Tiger Deck with Red Pips. Soon to be added to our website, Slam, Ghost Deck, Ghost Gaff Deck.

The well received Loops DVDs are going like Hot Cakes. I may have to reorder these before day’s end.

Come and get it!

Ellusionist Guerilla Guide to Using Loops

INCLUDED

Daniel Garcia's LIFE trick, strongly considered by David Blaine and Paul Harris for the Drowned Alive Special.

Daniel Garcia's HAIR, a moving psychic/mentalism effect using LOOPS as the catalyst.

Justin Miller's shattering CLOCK BLANK OUT trick.

Nathan Kranzo's version of the HAUNTED PACK... this one will stun you.

In all, 16 killer Loop tricks performed and taught by 3 Master Loop Artists, plus untold advice, interviews, stories and intricate loop subleties.

Kranzo - Vol-1 [30 MIN]
Haunted Pack
Spirit Forces
Possessed Band
Outflow
-----------------------
Working Magicians Advice
Reduce Loop Breakage - Techniques
Make Lighting Work for You

Garcia - Vol-2 [60 MIN]
Life
Outkast Revelation
Hair
Scud
Ring Sting
Static
------------------------------
Inside Info Interview
The Beauty of Loops
First Loops Performance
Creating Belief in Your Spectator
Manipulate Lighting
On Loop Glare
Apparel
On Getting Over Nerves

Miller - Vol-3 [30 MIN]
Trapped
Blank Out
Fork Test
Shadow Reveal
Hinge Reveal
Poltergeist
[Various advice from Justin is scattered throughout the video]

We of course stock Yigal Mesika's Loops

Move a fork with the power of your mind
A deck of cards literally SPITS out the spectators selection
Invisible in almost ALL light conditions

From talented Israeli magician Yigal Mesika comes one of the most powerful utility gimmicks ever invented. These invisible thread loops are strong enough to move silverware or a pair of sunglasses fearlessly, stretch to ten inches without breaking and make an incredible array of stunning effects not only possible, but very practical. The loops can be worn all day long without fear of snagging or breaking and you will always be ready to perform a miracle.

You get instructions to perform two incredible effects, the loops themselves and tips on how to extend the lives of your loops. You'll find yourself carrying these everywhere you go ready to perform at a moments notice. Loops allow you to do the impossible right before the unbelieving eyes of your spectators.

The materials given to you that allow you to do things that are unimaginable. They are the most ingenious (yet inexpensive) magic prop of this century. They are awesome and I recommend any close up (or even stage) performer. Pick up some along with Animated Miracles to enhance the use of your Loops.

SLAM - Tornado Coin Merge by Travis McPherson (soon to be added to the website)

A twisted coin merge that gets a shocking reaction...

Borrow two coins and SLAM them together in a twisted cross of metal.
The coins are fused together -- literally -- visibly. Hand the coins out for
examination. The secret will not be found. It's physically unbreakable.

Also in stock:

Fraud, How to Do Street Magic, Crash 1 Cards, Crash 2 Ambitious Card,Ninja 1 Stealth Cards,
Ninja 2 Weapons, Kaos Card Through Window, King Rising Levitation, Revolution Coin Vanish, Army Of 52, Kard Klub, Indecent, Mindbender, Shapeshifter, Silver Dream, Sigmata, Glass & glass pack, Scorpion Full Kit, Master's Edition Bicycle Cards, Black Tiger, Black & Red Tigers, Tiger Gaffs, Ghost Decks & Ghost Gaff Decks.

All available at

Ronjo Magic
1651 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
631-928-5353

Take Care,
Pete

We'll see you at Magic Live! in Vegas.

2007-06-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I'll be off to Las Vegas for Stan Allen's MAGIC Live! August 18th - 22nd at the Orleans Hotel.

Ronjo.com will have a booth set up so if you are going please stop by and say hello.

The convention is sold out but there might be opportunities for you to attend. They do anticipate some cancellations and a standby by list is being made. Go to www.magicmagazine.com
for all the details.

I'll be packing up and bringing some great products and we'll have some very special pricing for many of those items for the duration of the convention.

I really do hope to meet you in person!

Until net time.

Thanks for reading.
Pete

Signature Edition Sketchpad Card Rise by Martin Lewis

2007-06-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Some years back Martin Lewis released Cardiographic. You've seen David Copperfield do this one a TV. Over the years many pros such as Johnny Thompson, Micheal Weber, Whit Haydn have added this to their act.

I have always loved this great effect. Before it was available to the public, Zanadu tried to create a similar prop. One where you drew the card, then the deck then a card came out of the pack. A real Jumbo Bic, that you took out and showed. It was at the very least, mediocre. The frame was only about 12" x 9" and mechanically weak. But that was all that was available at the time, so if that was what you wanted, you had to settle on it.

Martin Lewis has revamped the original Cardiographic. and his new version is now available to you.

Here it is the Signature Edition Sketchpad Card Rise.

Presenting Martin's classic effect in which a card rises from a drawing and is then handed out as a souvenir. This brand new signature version is designed and made by Martin's Magikraft Studios. It's better, faster, and far mores durable than any other version ever. It includes DVD instruction on care, handling, and performance. Insights gained by 30 years of performing experience.

Contents:

It features a hard wearing laminated cover and an extra heavyweight backboard.

The oversize spiral makes the action fast and easy and the new plastic gimmick will never warp.

A redesigned template makes drawing the picture faster.

Plus lots more improvements that come from those many years of real world performance

My thoughts:
Don't miss your chance to own a time tested classic that's built better, faster, stronger. Here are some of the improvements that I've noticed. While some of them may not seem to be that big of a deal, I assure you in a live performance all these factors add up. And you want them to add up to success and not failure.

The covers won't tear or bend. The backing is thicker so it is easier to draw on. The spiral is larger so you can tear off the sheet fast without ripping the page. The cover is more deceptive because of it's coloring. The gaff at the back is smaller and now blends in with the cardboard. The "rising card" fits better and won't hang up anymore. The template is better so you can draw faster. Even if you already own Cardiographic you'll want this new improved model.

Until next time.

Thanks for reading!
Pete

Mental Eyes by Jay Leslie

2007-06-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

There are a lot of effects out there. Sometimes we see one we really like a lot but because of the sheer amount of them, how can you be sure to get your hands on the elite ones?

We've been stocking Jay Leslie's Mental Eyes for a number of years now. It has always been an under the radar. No one here demo's it, It doesn't have a name like the Invisible Deck or Color Monte. So it gets lost. Oh sure we sell one or two by those who stumble upon it every now and again.

Take a closer look. This may be one of the most powerful effects you will ever come across!

Here is the effect as described by Jay Leslie's House Of Enchantment.

A regular pack of Bicycle cards are handed to a volunteer who is asked to shuffle them. The performer turns his back. He may even wear a real blindfold. A single card is removed, face down, by the volunteer. The magicians back is still turned, he may even be out of the room. The volunteer is asked to cover the card so the magician can not see it in any way. The magicians back is still turned. The magician has the volunteer place the 51 remaining cards back in the box. The magicians back is still turned. The volunteer is asked to secretly look at his selection. He is asked to return his selection back into the deck. The deck, if you remember is in the box and yes, the magicians back is still turned. The volunteer is asked to place his face down card ANYWHERE in the pack. He is asked to close the flap. Once the cards are sealed in the box, and only then, does the magician turn to face the audience. He also removes the blindfold, if he was wearing one. The magician does not know the name of the card at this point. The magician recaps "You shuffled the deck, removed a single card then replaced it & closed the flap of the box. I have never touched the cards. Is there any way I could know the name of the card you selected?'

Without blinking, the magician names the selected card. Many times the audience drops their jaws because it seems impossible.
We supply instructions and the Mental Eyes gimmick. You supply a regular pack of Bicycle cards.

* No sleight of hand
* No forcing
* No mentalism phycho-babble. Mental Eyes is straight forward
* A borrowed deck can be used
* The cards are not marked in any way
* Can be repeated
* No rough and smooth, double backer or double facers are used
* You can borrow a box of Bicycle cards to perform Mental Eyes
* Mental Eyes is a reputation maker

Nothing is added or taken away from the deck the volunteer places his card into. The cards are never bent. The volunteer is free to place his card on top, bottom or anywhere in between. The magician does not remove and replace the card. The magician does not know the location of the card. He never touches the selected card. Remember, the magicians back is turned throughout the entire selection and return process. Only after the flap is closed and the cards are sealed in the box does the magician know the card. Mental Eyes is a real stunner. It's one of those tricks you can perform under test conditions.

Does this sound too good to be true? The answer is yes, it does sound too good to be true. But the fact is this is a simple self working effect that anyone can learn in no time. Simple and effective. I can't believe it took me three years to discover its potential.

Pick up Mental Eyes today, you are going to love it.

Until next time.

Thanks,
Pete

Doug Malloy's Gravity Box

2007-06-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Just wanted to tell you a little about the Gravity Box by Malloy Modern Magic.

The effect as advertised:
Sitting on your table is an attractive wooden chest that measures about 7 3/4" square. Not only does this box hold your props, which is clearly seen to be unremarkable, save for it's gorgeous quality! Invite a spectator up to help you with an experiment in mind control/hypnosis. Hand the box to the spectator for them to hold as you explain how easily susceptible some people are to hypnosis. Placing the box on the floor, you open the top and place a white silk inside. Now, you begin to hypnotize the spectator, explaining that the silk actually weighs a ton! Literally!

The spectators are now instructed to try to lift the box. They can't! The spectator strains and sweats but is unable to budge the box! How is this possible? After all, you aren't standing on any false floors or using any superconductor magnets or even using a stooge! It must either be hypnosis or... magic! The box is opened the silk is removed and guess what -- the chest is now lifted easily!

This version of the Light & Heavy Chest is new and improved, made of polished black walnut and manufactured by master craftsman Doug Malloy! It's furniture quality is only enhanced by gleaming brass hardware, a beautifully finished interior, and a heavy duty gimmick that would require the Incredible Hulk to lift the box! The box can be shown freely, at all angles, before being set down. The simple act of either reaching in for an object or pulling out an object sets the gimmick in a second; it's always ready!

No electricity, wires, magnets or magnetic concepts of any kind, electronics, and nothing is attached to you at all! There are no trays, false floors, or heavy tables used. The gravity Box is entirely self-contained and features a brand new and ingenious principle!

Its simplicity in operation is incredibly effective, and you will marvel at the method itself once you lay eyes upon it! Not only is it a gorgeous piece of art, it will rapidly become the highlight of your shows whether you perform serious mind-control or stand-up comedy or even children's shows!

My comments:

This is a beautiful apparatus. Very well constructed. It's made better than my furniture.

Working it is a cinch. It really couldn't be any easier. Really!

And it can be repeated several times during your show in in succession of itself.

They just know they won't able to lift yet at anytime, you can pick it up move it, set it down and once again ask them to lift it with the same hysterical results.

When presented properly (audience management) no one, not even King Kong could lift this little chest off the ground.

At $395.00, the Gravity Box is not cheap but the quality and entertainment value is worth every cent. And look at it this way, you won't be hearing, "I know that one."

Like many effects (especially the really good ones) the proper settings are in order to perform it are necessary. Once you know you have the correct venue to present this to your audience, this could very well be the highlight of your act. What is the correct venue? A place where you can put the box on a flat non porous surface. And that's all. This is not unreasonable.

What if you don't have a flat non porous surface? Simple anyone will be able to pick up the box. There is no light & heavy effect that can be presented.

If you regularly find yourself performing at catering halls I would say this is a must have. But for a weekend performer this may not be a wise investment unless you are looking for the perfect special occasion effect, then go ahead and treat yourself.

I can compare your performance results of the Gravity Box closely with Steve Spangler's Bounce No Bounce. The ball bounces (of course) but when they try it lands on the ground with a thud. Repeat as often as you wish, they just know what will happen but they still can't believe it.

Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
Pete

Criss Angel Cement Bock Escape

2007-06-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

As of 8:05 AM today, Criss Angel is in Times Square in a 4' x 4' glass square with steel bars slowly filled with cement and hoisted 40 feet in the air.

You can go down and see him right now at 46th St between Broadway & 8thAve. If you can't make it down, you can see the live web cast and up to the minute updates of the progress at his website. www.crissangel.com. You can even text message him inside the cube!

In less than 24 hours, he'll make his escape or die when the whole thing comes crashing down to the ground tomorrow morning.

Banachek, Johnny Thompson & J.D. are there hanging with the crowd.

This event is being filmed for Mindfreak Season 4 and is the kick off to Mindfreak season 3, that starts tomorrow at 10:00 PM on A&E.

Good luck Criss!

Thanks for reading.
Pete

Pocket Expert At The Card Table by Erdnase

2007-05-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

This is nothing new. In fact it has been published in one form of another continuously since 1902. But this new version is worth a definite mention.

S.W. Ednase's Pocket Expert At The Card Table
So small, you can stick it in your back pocket. Less than 1/2 inch thick but a full 206 pages.
Printed on micro thin "bible paper" with gold gilt edges.

Its about 3 inches wide by 4 inches tall with a soft leather like binding, very sturdy. And will withstand being sat on & opened and closed over & over again.

It even has an attached ribbon book mark.

This is the perfect "gift" for any magician.

I really do hope to see that other titles will be put in the same format as this one.

One thing though, the text as you can imagine is very small so it will take a bit of getting used to. But it is so cute, yo uwon't mind. I promise.

Even if you already own this title, you will cherish this mini classic and take it with you wherever you may roam.

Never read it? You are missing out!

The Classic Treatise On Card Manipulation

This book has been considered indispensable to attaining the highest level of card mastery. In it, S.W. Erdnase, a supreme master of card manipulation, teaches card enthusiasts how to perform the dazzling tricks and sleights-many of them how own creations-that made him famous.

The first section of the book deals with card table artifice, or, to put it more bluntly, cheating at cards. Step by step, Mr. Erdnase demonstrates his own systems of false shuffling, false riffling and cutting, dealing from the bottom and such slick moves as palming cards, "skinning the hand," even three-card monte.

The second section covers legerdemain: the art of forcing a card, one- and two-hand transformations, the devious "slide" and more. Card handlers will love Erdnase's selection of dazzling card tricks, including The Acrobatic Jacks, The Exclusive Coterie, The Divining Rod, The Invisible Flight, a Mind Reading Tick and many others.

Also check out the "full size" paper back by Dover Publications here:

Until next time,
Thanks for reading.
Pete

Happy Memorial Day

2007-05-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

We just wanted to say hello and hope that all of you have a nice holiday weekend.

I am sure many of you pros will be out performing and some of you will be at your regular jobs as if it is just another Monday. But a good chunk of you will be at home or on a weekend getaway.

Our shop will be opened tomorrow as usual 11AM - 5 PM. And we will be closed on Sunday (as usual).

Today we got word that we will be closed on Monday. It will be nice to have the day off. I am looking forward to a little R& R.

UPS is closed all weekend, so if you have orders that have already shipped, you should not be expecting any deliveries until Tuesday at the earliest.

Here is a great new effect I just learned today. I think you will have fun with it.
Odd Ball by Marc Oberon
A selection of small white balls and one single black ball are shown to the audience They are dropped singly into an opaque bag, which is then shaken by a spectator to ensure they are well mixed.

One by one a group of spectators each take a ball from the bag, keeping it concealed at all times in their hand.

Despite the thorough mixing and random distribution of the balls, you can instantly tell who holds the black ball.

Until next time,
Take care.
Pete

Who is Charles Reynolds?

2007-05-24T14:38:00.001-07:00

Hello friends,

Who is Charles Reyonlds? He is a real asset to the magic community. That's who he is.

Magic consultant for these Broadway productions.
Big 1996
Into The Woods 1989
Sleight Of Hand 1987
Doug Henning & His World Of Magic 1985
Merlin with Doug Henning (Oh how bad did I wish I was at this show) 1983
The Stitch In Time 1981
Blackstone (I was at this show) way back in 1980.
check him out at the Internet Broadway data base http://www.ibdb.com/person.asp?ID=70551

Contributor to the following works:
Apocalypse #3 by Harry Lorrayne
Ted Lesley's Cabaret Mindreading
Maximum Entertainment by Ken Weber

And creator of these wonderful commercial products
Force Of Thought : You saw Criss Angel and David Blaine use this fabulous effect and probably didn't even know it. This is fast, direct and baffling. Charles Reynolds' Force of Thought is a groundbreaking mental card force! No need for short cards or any sleights! Shown to only a few top professionals who added it to their acts.

Two spectators (or the same spectator) remember and concentrate on two cards as you riffle a deck before their eyes. You reveal the two cards in any way you wish. It’s as simple as that.

Keep in mind that the spectator sees every card in the deck at an even pace with no giveaway pauses. He actually believes he has seen all 52 cards in the deck, and has had a completely free choice of any of them. From this point on, the effect you produce is limited only by your imagination.

Comes complete with a high quality special deck of cards (Bicycle backs) and full instructions with several presentational ideas.

Force Of Thought is a simple but very effective way to force a card and I give it my highest recommendation! I have been demoing it for years and it always deliverers a punch or two.

Casbah Deck: A deck of cards is freely displayed. All cards appear to be different and free from any gimmickry. Yet with what appears to be a completely free choice, it will force a card in the most innocent manner. This has baffled many leading magicians.

Includes detailed instructions for several outstanding effects routines as only Charles Reynolds can, among them a sensational card stab that is definitely among the most clean cut methods. Supplied in Bicycle back with full instructions.

Casbah Deck is brand spanking new and very deceiving. Designed originally to be used in your hands, where no table is required. The way the spectator picks there card seems as free a choice as can be. Several ideas are supplied with this virtually self-working deck. I do believe you are going to enjoy it.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time,

Pete

D'Lite White

2007-05-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Do you all remember the Atomic Light Bulb? The real (but modified) glass bulb that light up only for you? This is a fun prop. I got my first one of these in a novelty shop at Fisherman's Wharf in San Fransisco about 30 years ago. Man I am getting old.

We still sell them. There are here on our Halloween web site, an assecory for an Uncle Fester costume.

Anyway, I always liked this prop, but there were always things that bugged me about it, not bright enough was the biggie and had to be that exact bulb.

Many years ago while I was working here at Ronjo, we had some left over stock of Ammedeo Vacca's (Houdini's advance man, performer, magic inventor & Ronjo's teacher) Magic Light Bulb trick. Vacca's version used an unusual but store bought mini flash light that was painted in a flesh color and attached to a pull (see Universal Pull by Vernet).

When Rocco first produced D'lite, the instructions & video show using D'lite to illuminate Ice Cubes & crystals. Neat but did anyone ever use D'lites for anything other than throwing & catching balls of light that magically appeared from thin air?

No too long ago, they put out a new color, D'lite white. In our experience D'lite White is the least popular seller but it is also the ones that make the most sense. You can still catch & grab balls of light. Making a crystal or ice cube glow in white seems in a weird sort of way, at least to me, more believable. And they are perfect for use to illuminate any light bulb. So get out there and start the whole D'lite craze all over again!

Thanks for reading.

Talk to you soon.
Pete

where have we been?

2007-05-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

Anyways, it has been absolutly loony around here. We are getting prepared for Halloween 2007 and the cartons come in faster than we can unload them off the truck.

One truck comes in and dumps 90 + cartons and before we can open and count 3 or 4 of them another truck pulls up with 50 more.

So we are all done ordering for Halloween (well almost) and a good chuck of it is already here. We still expect deliveries now through late October but hopefully very soon, we'll be able to dig our way out of this cardboard maze we've built all around us and get everything counted and put away.

SO WE CAN GET BACK TO WHAT WE LOVE, the MAGIC!!!

We still of course are getting magic deliveries daily but not by the truck load.

After a long wait, we finally recieved Richard Sanders' Interlace. These can be ordered by phone 1-866-41-Ronjo or come down to the shop and pick one up. They will soon be added to our website.

For those not familer with this great effect here is the effect as described by Sanders himself.

Borrow any ring, from any spectator, wave a lighter under it and it's gone! The spectator looks down at your shoe and now, hanging from the loop of your shoelace is their borrowed ring!

The ring is untied and slowly pulled off of the lace and given back to the spectator...no switches!

No duplicate rings

No switches

No pulls or reels

No Reset - Immediately Repeatable

Angle Proof

Brand new principle in magic

10 amazing handling included

Use sneakers or Dress shoes

Devastating reactions every time!

You never bend down or go anywhere near your shoe at any point during the effect. The same borrowed ring in your hand is the same borrowed ring that ends up hanging from the loop of your shoelace seconds later!

What To Expect:

You will learn how to cause any borrowed ring to vanish and appear tied to your own shoelace! You receive all the props, plus a full length DVD featuring all the moves, tips, handlings and subtleties. Get ready to blow away your audience with Interlace The miracle ring on shoelace.

Comes complete with props, DVD and 24 page, photo-illustrated booklet

Some time ago Richard Sanders & Patrick Reymond released On Foot. On Foot is still available and at only $17.00 a real bargain.

The Miracle Ring on Shoelace. The magician borrows a spectator's finger ring and places it under a handkerchief. The ring can be seen and felt by the spectator until the very last second, when the handkerchief falls open and the ring has completely vanished! Moments later, the magician points to his shoe and the spectator's ring is seen hanging from one of the loops in his laces! The loop is untied and the spectator himself slides the ring off the lace!

Comes complete with fully-illustrated 12-page booklet, special gimmick and laces.

Similar effects, different methods. On Foot can be done impromtu if you have the required gimmicks on you. For Interlace, you'll need to prepare a pair of pants in order to perform it.

Have fun.

We'll talk to you soon.

Pete

Some of our friends.

2007-03-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

We really like it when we get to know a little bit about you. It’s very easy when you visit us face to face in our show room. It’s not so easy in cyber space. But every now and again, it does happen. And when it happens, we feel fortunate.

Our two new internet friends are Jim & Gabe. I just want to say hello to them.

Jim Spinnato has been shopping with us since we started our website. He is a comedy magician/mentalist and hypnotist from Connecticut. http://www.jimspinnato.com/

While I haven’t seen Jim perform, I hear through the grapevine that his act is very good.

Jim was recently at Foxwoods playing poker and he started chatting with one of the players at the table. Jim told this guy what he did for a living and it didn’t take long for Ronjo to come up. It turns out the other guy is one of our local clients (I do wish I knew who he was). Of course Jim sent me an email about his visit to the casino.

There is another connection here. I find myself at the tables at Foxwoods on a regular basis. One day soon Jim & I will be competing against each other (if we haven't already) at the table. This really shouldn’t be a surprise, doesn’t everyone play cards on the side? So I say to Jim, You had better protect your chips. I want them in my stack! Or maybe I should let you keep some of them so you can continue to shop on our site?

Another one of our new friends is Gabe Abelson. Gabe is a subscriber to our e-newsletter http://www.ronjo.com/magic/subscribe.html. Gabe was one of the few to really get involved in our last promotion. He has taken the time to write about 3 dozen reviews for mentalism products that he is passionate about. Gabe takes mentalism very seriously but his true love
is writing. He loves to write reviews, and, in fact, used to be a movie reviewer. Not familiar with Gabe’s work? Yes you are! Movie reviews are only a small part of Gabe's impressive writing resume. Check out IMDb http://imdb.com/name/nm0008589/

Gabe Abelson is a four time Emmy-nominated writer for "The Late Show with David Letterman." Gabe has also served as staff writer for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher", and "The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn", in addition to having served as Producer of "The New Tom Green Show". Gabe has also written for numerous award shows, and produced pilots for MTV.

Gabe it was nice talking with you. And thanks for all the reviews. Now if we could just get a few of our other friends to do the same. Because we get so few reviews, I tend to think that many of the ones on other websites, magic or otherwise are bogus?! I wonder.

Jim & Gabe, thanks for allowing me to tell the rest of the world a little bit about you guys!

Until next time,

Pete

Create your own card effects and replace worn card from packet tricks

2007-03-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

We have some nice card gaffs you may be in need of. Use these unusal gaffs to invent new tricks. If you have learned an effect in a book or on aDVD that requires a custom made card, there is a very good chance you can have the card you need without going through the trouble of card splitting & gluing. Use these cards to replace old gaffs from existing tricks you alreay own.

Take a look below, we have a nice assortment for you!

Special Combination Deck - Bicycle Only $12.50
This special combination deck is a full deck of 52 cards on Bicycle poker size stock. It contains many of the popular special cards used in many magic routines. If you need a replacement or you are creating the next miracle with cards you are sure find the gimmick you need in this deck.

Each deck contains the following special printed cards

5 double blank
6 double face
10 blank face red backs
10 blank face blue backs
5 double back red & blue
5 double back blue
5 double back red cards.

21st century fako deck poker with book Only $35.00
NOW IMPROVED! 50 FAKO BICYCLE-BACK POKER SIZE GIMMICKED CARDS.

Your receive the Fako Booklet with 36 tricks using these special cards, PLUS some never before seen gimmicked cards (see sample scan). Double face, double back; blue/red backs, blank face/back, mis-pipped cards, box face and more. A total of 50 unusual gimmicked cards that can be used to create your own masterful card routines.

Booklet gives you 36 great effects using some of the fake cards (you supply an ordinary deck). A great value for the card worker and trick creator. Also included as a bonus: Sidewalk Shuffle and The Princess Card Trick

The Clowns and Jesters Deck of Cards from CAJ magic Only $19.95

The Clowns and Jesters deck (CAJ deck) comes complete with the gaff deck, and the companion instructional booklet containing several CAJ deck routines.

The CAJ deck is designed to be added to any normal deck of cards. They are red backed bicycle cards, which are commonly available.

Each routine is explained in common language, and leaves out any confusing magic jargon so both the advanced and beginning magician can perform these great effects!

Routines Included:

Reverse Printed Flush Deck
Infinite Zeros
Impossible Bet
Beverly Hills Queen
Cute Kings
3 Card Monte
And Many More...

Black Tiger Gaff Deck Only $30.00
This deck must be used in conjution with either of the following decks Black Tiger , Black Tiger Deck - Red Pips
It's the ultimate resource for Black Tiger Deck owners — the pinnacle of innovative routines for using the Black Deck. The Black Tiger Gaff Deck features an entire deck of specially designed cards custom-made for use in routines and effects. Each card was designed with a specific use in mind, but the possibilities are undeniably endless.

The Bicycle® Black Tiger Deck has become the choice for many magicians who want to make sure that people stand up and take notice of the magic they perform. For 4 months the Ellusionist team has worked on creating cards that could ENHANCE the usefulness of your Black Tiger Deck —they have created much more.

The Black Tiger Gaff Deck contains 56 unique cards that have the same high quality look and feel as the original deck, including the new UV500 finish that makes the deck feel so good in your hands. The Gaff cards are made from the same stock and finish as the original deck so that these cards will fit seamlessly in with your regular Black Deck.

Here is a small list of just some of the cards available:

Double-Faces
Double-Backs
Different color backs
Artistic concept cards
Blank Faces and Blank Backs
and much much more...

The possibilities are absolutely endless — each of the 56 cards possesses an eerie feeling that will immediately activate your creativity.

While some of the cards were intended for specific uses in magic effects (such as A Dream of Aces by Gary Ouellet), others are just objects to inspire innovation.

There are also artistic cards that have been designed for effects that are only limited by your imagination. For instance, during the Vietnam War, the USPCC (United States Playing Card Company) sent decks of cards to the soldiers that ONLY had the Ace of Spades in it, because the residents of Vietnam considered this card superstitious. Now, you can tell the story, and actually SHOW your spectators why it's called the Death Card.

Using the two Gaffed Jokers that we've supplied you can now set a card aside and have your spectator select a card, and then show that the card that you set aside is indeed a prediction. A quick sleight and all of a sudden you can show that your Joker's prediction is now face up, showing that the two selections match. This is just ONE of the uses of these cards!

Using our incredible voodoo card, you can create an aura of incredible wonder. Start with Burned (from Street Magic) to set the mood, and then show them your Voodoo Card. Get them to select a card and then sprinkle some needles on the card. After a wave or two, the needles have vanished, and now appear to have penetrated the Voodoo Doll, and upon closer inspection, their selected card is tattoed to the chest of the doll!

There are so many possibilities with these cards that we would need a lifetime to describe them all.

Interested in creating your own magic? Have a look at Jay Sankey's Create Your Own Magic! Mr. Sankey will share with you some of his secrets for coming up with original material.

Whether you perform close-up, stage, mentalism or children's magic, on this innovative DVD Jay teaches you how to bring more of your SELF in your magic while discussing 28 key creative principles behind unlocking your own unique "magic imagination." As an added bonus, Jay has also included four outstanding new routines!

How do you create so much original magic? That's the one question Jay has asked more than any other. And now Jay gives the definitive answer. Recognized around the world as one of the most creative magicians alive today, Jay is uniquely qualified to show you how to create your own magic.

Thanks for reading!
Pete

SYKYS - Holy Moly!

2007-03-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Wow SYKYS by Bazar De Magia is by far the greatest "Watch Prediction" effect there is.

Of the oh so many watch tricks we've seen, SYKYS leaves them all in the dust.

SYKYS is a cool innovation and actually keeps time. Yes, it is a real watch! We worked over 3 years designing SYKYS, and the outcome is breathtaking. This is a truly diabolic magic weapon.

You can predict four different pre-defined times (not a sequence). You perform the illusion while the spectator holds the watch with his own fingers. The watch can be examined before and after the performance. SYKYS is self contained, nothing else is needed to perform with it. No magnets are used. Perform 17 routines by Max Maven, Trevor Lewis, Rick Bloch, Fantasio, Tony Binarelli, Anthony Blake and others.

Since its a real watch you can wear it as your regular watch. The perfect impromptu-"show-me-a-trick" kind of trick.

One year warranty SYKYS is build upon a fine-quality and fashionable watch.

Yes at $295.00 it is a little on the expensive side, but if you look at the price of a real "nice" watch 'um, excuse me time piece, this is a freakin' bargain.

After all a normal watch ONLY tells time.
SYKYS - STOPS - TIME !

You've got to see the demo video . It will knock you flat!

Just imagine taking it off of your wrist and doing this to a group of your friends. Think about how badly their heads will spinning when you are done. Think about if were really possible to do this, it would look exactly the same. SYKYS provides you with the ultimate power.

Take care,
Pete

Why you need a quality close up mat.

2007-03-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

For those of you that have never used a close-up before, I know you feel there is no need for one. And for the many of you who do use one, I know you think that all mats or even a carpet sample are created equal. I'd like to share my wisdom with you.

Even if you don't do anything that warrants the use of a mat in the traditional sense, the presence of a mat on your table serves alternative purposes. It becomes a focal point, a mini stage if you will. Rather than the whole table, this is your personal space.

Believe it or not it also subconsciously, deters " The Grabbers." These are the folks who want to grab the props right out of your hands before during or after your perform an effect. When a prop is on your mat, they know not to touch. Move it past the edges and it becomes fair game for "The Grabbers." Perfect if you want them to examine something and they may even think you didn't offer it to them! If they are thinking of anything other than figuring out what ever it is that you just did.

Why else do you need a mat? They make it easy to pick up cards (ex: the method in which you must pick up the gimmicks for Michael Skinner's Ultimate 3 Card Monte. To silently drop a palmed coin or to load a coin into an Okito Box without talking. To dislodge effortlessly a Chop Cup load. To hide a prediction or duplicate card or coin under the mat for a later reveal. Even to just do a simple card spread. Try this stuff on a wooden table and you know it can't be done.

The importance of a quality mat. Our mat surface is a soft nylon. The very same surface used on many casino quality poker tables. The surface will not wear out like many other mats on the market and they won't get the colored flocking material on your hands and under your nails like some other brands. The thick rubber backing grips what ever surface you are working on. Some cheap mats either do not have a rubber back or the texture of it causes slippage. We offer a far wider range of colors, sizes and shapes than any other maker and can make custom sizes for you. Our mats are hand washable and guaranteed for life never to separate.

In no particular order, here is a short list of some of the pros that use our mats. I bet you have heard of most of them. Darwin Ortiz, Steve Wyrick, James Swain, Doc Eason, Criss Angel, , David Roth, Eric DeCamps, Lennart Green, Bob Fitch, Johnny Thompson, Dan Fleshman, Stephane Bourgoin, Simon Lovell, Terry Lunceford, Bill Malone and Steve Dacri.It's no wonder why we call them the Magician's Choice TM Performance Mat.

So now you know. Get one today! Just click the link below to see all the styles.
http://www.ronjo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=R&Category_Code=mts

Until next time.
Thanks for reading,
Pete

All over the world...

2007-03-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

We don't mind tooting our own horn once in a blue moon.

Back in late 1999, Ronjo showed me an unusual device. It was telescopic rod (closed about the size of a pen) with a hinged, pivoting mirror on it. He was trying to create a new type of card revelation with it. He had the perfect prop and a killer concept, but the idea was incomplete and it needed quite a bit of rethinking.

After playing around with it for a while, I came up with some funny things to do with it.

We put our heads together and a new trick was born. PEEK A BOO!

Peek-A-Boo by Ronjo
Have them rolling in the aisles! A spectator selects a card and is asked to stare at it while you attempt to "read their mind". In the meantime, you take out your Y2K magic wand (actually a telescoping silver wand with a mirror on it). Tell them to concentrate while you try to get good reception. You extend the wand, turning it into an "antenna". Now you place it behind their head and draw them in close for a better transmission. For the first time everyone but your spectator can see the attached mirror.

You try to get a clear view of the card. Everyone is laughing hysterically except for your spectator. Your spectator will be curious as to why they are laughing. Your volunteer will try to turn around and see what you are doing but you will always be one step ahead of them. After the laughter subsides, you show that the back of the mirror has a label printed with the chosen card! This is a very funny bit that is a sure fire hit!

Peekaboo Includes 10 assorted card stickers with a hysterical routine.

Over the next few years, we quietly sold them here and there in our showroom and a handful by mail order. It is not the prime in store "demo" item because the routine plays best for a larger group and it is a time consuming effect. Getting a group together for a five minute demo between phone calls, deliveries and other customers all for an $8.00 trick, just doesn't happen too often.

Anyway, those who have purchased this effect get a lot of mileage out of it. I used this at a High School Prom I was working at and this effect was well received by the entire student body. And I loved doing it!

This little prop really does get a lot of mileage if you are into comedy.

Anyway 6 months ago, one of our distributors picked up our little gem of an item. It has since become a staple in the magic industry and can now be found in almost every magic shop and magic website on the net.

Would you believe I found one online dealer in Australia selling our product for $35.00 in Australian funds? That's about $27.00 in US$! More than 3 times our price. Wow.

yesterday I found 3 blogs from magicians about Pee A Boo. Two were from Japan and the other one from Australia.

For $8.00, you have a full 5 minute (or less) sucker routine that uses audience participation. It plays well to any size audience, from 2 people to a full theater. It can even be done one on one but you will loose some of the comedy and the sucker effect will not be the same. Its great for restaurant magic, kid's shows or adults. And it fits in your pocket. What could be better?
So if you didn't get your yet. What are you waiting for? The entire hysterical script even comes with it.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

Kate & Edith is back and better than ever

2007-03-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

Some years back Kerry Pollock released a jumbo card effect called Kate And Edith.
For $30.00 you got four custom printed 3" x 6" plastic cards and a routine.

For the few who actually took the time to learn the included elaborate patter were rewarded with 5 minutes of non stop laughter, a thunderous applause and the magician gets a prized adult routine to cherish for ever.

For the many who did purchase the original version, I believe that the adult story line proved to be too difficult to remember in accordance with the handling of the cards and many folk thought that the routine itself would not been worth learning as the target audience for the effect would be far & few in between to warrant the work involved.

JUST MY OPINION!

Well friends Doc Eason has revamped the effect for the very reasons I listed above. The new plastic cards will last a lifetime are even bigger this time, 5" x 7". The cards have the character names printed right on them, so you can't confuse, Kate the Queen of Clubs with Edith the Queen of Spades and Stanley is printed on the King of Hearts just for cosmetic reasons.

No printed instruction either. Now you can remember what to say, what to do and how to do it, they way you want to present it with the supplied DVD is a comprehensive tutorial.

See below for all the details with live performances, teach-ins, PDF files & I-pod audio files.

It features rhymed patter, which will have the audience rolling on the floor. The routine has been thoroughly audience tested in comedy and magic clubs all over the United States.

During the routine the King of Hearts is removed from between the Queen of Spades and the Queen of Clubs three times. Each time he manages to reappear. Finally, he* vanishes* in a cloud of laughter!

You receive most complete tutorial possible. Scripts from Dan Garrett, Doug Slater, RJ Owens and Doc Eason are included in pdf form so that, once you have chosen the version you want to use, you can download and print it.
Doc talks about several different methods to memorize the script.

In addition, they have included an audio file of DocÂs script which you can download to your iPod to learn it that way.

They have also included four live performances: one from Kerry, one from RJ Owens and two from Doc. These views give you a chance to see how the routine plays in front of real audiences.

The DVD covers the handling, care and feeding of the props, and cautionary notes about when not to do this routine, as well as additional tips from Bill Palmer, Bob Escher and a clever reworking of the script by Doug Slater and Paul Landry. Comes with four Jumbo Cards, including the special gimmick. The cards are made of sturdy plastic, so they should last a lifetime.

So even if you have the original version, you simply must get the new one. For under $50.00 you will get to use and learn an entertaining piece comedy of magic that you and your mature audience will fully enjoy.

This really is a show piece, get one. You will be glad you did.

Thanks for reading.
untill next time,

Pete

Local NY shoppers: Showroom Media Special Offer!

2007-03-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

This blog is for our Ronjo Magic walk in, Brick & Mortar clients only. We are have a special offer just for you!

Mix & Match any two media items from our selection of thousands of Books, DVDs, CDs, Magazines, Manuscripts, Pamphlets and you'll recieve the thrid of equal or lesser value from our wide range of our previously selected material absolutly free. Some restrictions apply.

This offer is valid for a limted time. Supplies are limited. Purchases of Ellusionist DVDs do not apply to this promotion. Items purchased must be in stock to qualify for the free offer. Special orders do not qualify. Your free item must one of the specially selected items tagged with our Promo LTD sticker. Special promo is valid only for our walk in clients.

We have just added a whole wall unit filled with books & DVDs. Our selection has more than tripled! So come on down to Ronjo and see all the great stuff we have to offer you.

Here is a near complete list of the items we have currently avalable to you that qualify for the free offer. Please keep in mind the title you choose must have our promo sticker. We may have some copies of the same titles without the promo sticker. Only titles with our sticker are eligable for the free offer.

Remember this list is what is eligable to get for free. You are not limited to buying only from this list. You can choose any two of the thousands of titles we have for your initinal purchase (except for Ellusionist).

So come on down to our shop anytime Monday-Friday from 11 AM-7 PM & on Saturday from 11 Am-5 PM.

Ronjo Magic
1651 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
631-928-5353

For detailed descriptions of each title, go right to our website www.ronjo.com and type the name of the item in the search box. You may see the item listed as Sold Out online. This does not mean we do not have it in our showroom.

DVDs (Series means there are more than one volume & sold sepeartly)

Best EVER, The Series - Harry Lorrayne
Cabaret Magic - Ted Lesley
Cardician, The - Ed Marlo
Commercial Classics Series - Johnny Thompson
Expert Card Magic Set - Sal Piacente
Flip's Truly Magical Rope Magic - Flip Hallema
Genius At Work Series - Jeff Sheridan
Houdini's Strange Tales (CD)
Himber Rings - Karrel Fox, Ted Lesley, Billy McComb, Pete Biro, Jonathan Pendragon
Hobson Live - Jeff Hobson
Instant Magic Costume Changes (book & DVD set) - Monica Monrose
Knock 'Em Dead - R. Paul Wilson
Legend - Ed Marlo
Loophole Gimmick by Nigel Harrison
Magic and Manipulation of Geoffrey Buckingham, The
Magic Ingredient & Kidology, The - Samuel Patrick Smith
Magic On Stage Series - Jeff Mcbride
Magical Classics - Harry Lorrayne
Mobile Mentalism (cassette only) - Mark Strivings
Multiplying Balls - Tim Wright
On The Loose Series - Bill Malone
Premise, Power & Participation Series - David Regal
Rubber Band Magic Series - Dan Harlan
Scams And Fantasies Series - Darrwin Ortiz
Smoke & Mirrors - John Bannon
Something More Than Illusion - Henry Evans
Standing Ovation - Larry Becker
Steel And Silver Series - Paul Gertner
Suspended Dimension - Sylvester The Jester
Tupper The Clown (VHS)
Visions of Wonder Series - Tommy Wonder
World Class Manipulation - Jeff Mcbride

Pamphlets & Manurscripts
7 by Michael Huot written by Gregory Acer
A Real Live Kard Sessions by Peter Kane
Card Warp by Roy Walton
Chinatown Quarter
Exit 51 - Ben Harris
Goswick's Laws of Gravity by Tom Goswick
Methodical by Arron Smith
More Miracles In Mentalism by Robert Nelson
One For the Money - Bill Goldman
Pocket Finger Chopper by Andrew Mayne
Pocket Sawing In Half by Andrew Mayne
Street Cups and Balls by Gazzo (bookelt only)
Street Magic by Whit Haydn
Super Swindle by Paul Harris
Supershells - Gary Ouellet
Twenty Effects for Psychic Entertainers
Ultimate Invisible Brainwave by Mark Strivings
Very Modern Mind Reader by Richard Osterlind

Books

101 Easy to Do Magic Tricks – Bill Tarr
Anneman’s Card Magic by Theodore Annemann
A Book of Magic for Young Magicians The Secrets of Alkazar – Kronzek
Abbott’s Encyclopedia of Rope Tricks for Magicians
Art of Astonishment 1 - Paul Harris
Art of Astonishment 2 - Paul Harris
Art of Astonishment 3 - Paul Harris
Big Book of Magic Tricks by Karl Fulves
Capricornian Tales by Christian Chelman
Card Finesse 2 by Jon Racherbaumer
Card Fixes by Jon Racherbaumer
Card Magic of Edward Marlo
Card to Wallet The Book by Jerry Mentzer
Concertos for Pasteboard
Diversions by Rand Woodbury
Drugs, Strangers, and Other Dangers
Encyclopedia of Dove Magic - Marion Chavez
Houdini on Magic edited by Walter Gibson & Young
Ibidem vol 1 by P. Howard Lyons
Instant Magic Costume Changes (book & DVD set) - Monica Monrose
Korem without Limits - Danny Korem
Mad Mojo by Andrew Mayne
MAGIC - A Picture History by Milbourne Christopher
Magic & Methods - Ross Bertram
Magic, Magnetism & Electricity – Feidhoffer
Mathematics Magic And Mystery, Marvin Gardner
Milbourne Christopher's Favorite Routines
Modus Operandi by Jack Carpenter
More Card Manipulations by Jean Hugard
More Self-Working Card Tricks by Karl Fulves
New Magician's Manual by Walter Gibson
On seeing Past Lives – Tom Jorgenson
Professional Magic for Amateurs by Walter Gibson
Self - Working Handkerchief Magic by Karl Fulves
Self - Working Rope Magic by Karl Fulves
Self Working Close-up Card Magic – Fulves
Self Working Paper Magic – Fulves
Self Working Table Magic - Fulves
Semi Automatic Card tricks v.2 – Beam
The Art of Magic by T. Nelson Downs
The Cervon File by Bruce Cervon
The Compleat Invocation volume 3 by Masklyn Ye Mage
The Secrets of Houdini by J.C. Cannell
Theatrical Pickpocketing - Jim Ravel
Tricks of the Imagination - Robert E. Neale

Below are slightly damaged books from our flood. These can also be selected as your freebie.
Further Weird and Psychic Effects - C.V. Musson
Expert at the Card Table - S.W. Erdanese
Constructive Mentalism - Mark Strivings
Coral Fang - Luke Jermay
Complete Course in Stage Hypnotism - Mickey Hades
Classic Illusions - Paul Osborne
Deadly Mentalism - Ben Royat
Drugs and Other Strangers - Ron Connelly
Diapason - Patrick G. Redford
Expert Card Technique - Jean Hugard & F. Braue
Notes on Fast and Loose - Whit Haydn & Chef Anton
Fraud by Terry Nosek
Duo-Tech - Jon Jensen
Haunted Illusions - Paul Osbourne
Dai Vernon Biography - David Ben
My Canes & Candles-Fantasio
Before the Curtain Rises - Mark Strivings
Aura Reading for Fun and Profit - Richard Webster

We also have about 10 assorted book titles on the occult, witchcraft, tarot & palmisty. I am not listing these hear as most of you have interest in other fields. But if you are interested, great! Just come on down!

Thanks for reading.

Until Next time,
Pete

Shipping information and massive shipping discounts for our international clients

2007-03-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I wanted to explain in detail how we here at Ronjo Magic work harder to try to save our international clients some money with expensive shipping fees.

Our automated system shows various shipping options and prices.
These options are Fed Ex International (various options), USPS Air Mail Parcel Post Insured, and USPS EMS Mail.

In many cases, when you order these options are the only options available.

And while many of you choose USPS Air Mail Parcel Post because it is the cheapest service, what you don't realize is that the major draw back is that there is no tracking available and from our experience, this service is the most likely to be held in customs for extended periods of time and no further information is available to us. We have to wait either 30, 45 or 60 days depending on your country before we can start the paperwork for a claim for a loss and on top of that, we will need you to submit to us via snail mail a signed and dated statement for the loss.
My advice to you is to avoid Air Mail unless yo do not mind waiting .

EMS mail does have tracking and is usually fast. The only draw back is that the tracking number is not in real time. In many cases you can try to track your package and get no current information. 99 times out of 100, your package will be in your hands before the online tracking us updated by the US Post Office.

While Fed Ex is pricey, but they have instant tracking and they have their own customs house, so packages clear fast (in most cases) and they have door to door service.

So now you know the services we offer you, I'll tell you about Global Priority Mail. This is a great inexpensive service with tracking. There are many reasons we can not offer this great option to you at checkout, but if we are able to send this package to you with this method, we will and in the end this service will save you money!

Global Priority Mail is not available in all countries.
We are limited to send a package that is a maximum of four pounds.
We are limited to send this package in 1 of 4 pre approved USPS packages. (each package has different rates, but all less than any other shipping method).
If indeed we can send your package out via Global Priority Mail, we will ship it and capture the lesser amount to your credit card. Typically the entire cost will be between $5.00-$15.00. We purchase insurance separately through our postage provider, about $1.00-$4.00.

For example, if you lived in the UK and ordered one $35.00 DVD, EMS Mail insured would be about $22.00 and Air Mail insured would be about $19.35. We would would verify if we can use Global Priority Mail severs to your address and make sure it could fit in on of the pre approved USPS packages without going over the 4 lb maximum. In this case, we are able to. The costs are $10.50, $9.50 & $5.25. We would put it in the smallest possible Global Package. In this case the cost is $5.25 plus $1.60 insurance for a grand total of $6.85 in shipping. For faster service with tracking. We just saved you $15.15! And we are glad to do it. We want you to keep coming back to us.

We send all international packages out marked as gifts, so this may help you with other import fess, duties, taxes, etc. As we do not charge or collect any additional fees, we can not be sure how much if any your government may or may not charge you. Your best bet would be to ask your local customs agents if you have any questions on other potential fess.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time,

Pete

Table Hoppers, stop loading up your pockets!

2007-03-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

If you are a walk around performer whose been and carring your props in your pockets, there is better way.

Ronjo Magic is happy to offer you these quality "carry alongs" to fill up and put on your person.

All of these items will organize you prized close-up items. You'll quickly find exactly what you need without rumaging through your pockets. Your pockets won't be buldging at the seams and items won't get mixed together. Use one or more of these and your act will go smoothly. Try and you'll see.

Packet Trick Wallet (Tri-fold) by Jerry O'Connell $30.00
Holds six mixed packet tricks in individual pockets. This hip pocket wallet is designed to hold packet tricks, and coin tricks. Every window and pocket takes poker size cards, it’s a must have product because of its versatility and price.

You could hold a complete act in this beautiful hip pocket wallet. An ideal wallet for always having an effect on you ready to perform.

Made from genuine leather.

Dimensions Approximately 3 1/2" x 4 1/4" (9cm x 10.75cm)

Pro Carrier by Joshua Jay $25.00
This high-quality, black leather case lets you carry your cards, coins, rubber bands, business cards and other gimmicks in style. The Pro Carrier has received rave reviews and is in use by some of the industry's top professionals. It contains two compartments large enough for a deck of cards or packet tricks, a zippered section that will fit silver dollars and two clear pockets for your business cards.

Fitting comfortably inside a trouser pocket, the Pro Carrier is the perfect way to keep your props organized and protected.

Coin Wallet $12.99
Leather like wallet to hold all of your gimick and non-gimicked magic coins! Never again will you mix those coins in you pocket.

Has 11 diffrent pockets that can hold all your trick coins and bang rings!

folds in half and sticks closed with velcro.

Assassin's Pouch - Sankey Magic $20.00
Manufactured from heavy-duty, water-proof nylon canvas the Assassin's Pouch is built to last. Black in color, the pouch goes with every clothing style from casual to formal, while always adding a quite touch of class and professionalism.

Wear it on your belt OR clipped to the belt loop of your pants with the black aluminum carabineer clip OR even just keep the pouch in your case so all your favorite magic and mentalist props are perfectly organized for the next impromptu performance.

With a total of five custom-designed pockets, you'll be amazed by just how much stuff you can carry in the Assassin's Pouch. At the same time, you'll be freeing up your pants and jacket pockets for even more stuff!

The two front pockets feature reinforced Velcro catches for fast, easy access to your props. There's also a slim outer pocket specifically designed for a magic marker. The pouch even has a unique thumb tip holder, making for the world's fastest thumb tip load-on. It only takes a second and there's mo more fumbling around in your pockets!

The thumb tip pocket is also designed to carry a standard sized invisible thread reel, complete with a reinforced eyelet secretly positioned at the back of the pouch!

The Assassin's Pouch even includes one of the cleanest coin vanishes in all of magic. Just drop a magnet in the bottom of the pouch and (thanks to the out-of-sight shelf at the base of the pouch) you're all set to make any steel shim coin vanish without a trace. A complete vanish that's also completely angle-proof!

The Assassin's Pouch. Don't leave home without it!

Note: Marker, magnet, shim coin and thread reel not included.

So load up and get out there, make some money and put smiles on their faces!

Until next time.

Thnaks for reading,

Pete

The Great Flood

2007-03-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

On Valentine's Day, we got a nasty ice storm around here. When it all melted much of the water found its way in though the side of our building through an old electrical conduit pipe. It flooded part of the Ronjo Magic warhouse, which in turn damaged some merchandise.

We thought we found all the damaged products which thankfully was only a few hundred dollars worth of things. Silks (bleeding colors), Card Tricks (badly warped) and some other minor props.

A couple of days ago however, we found that the leak spread over to the next isle and doused a few dozen books. Some very expensive, so not so much. But it still stings.

Several titles were brand new titles (titles by Patrick G. Redford), others were items we recently got in that we have been out of stock for some time ( from Mark Strivings, Paul Osborne, Terry Nosek).

A good chunk of these titles are "hard to come by", we have to place larger minimum orders, we have to pre pay and or the distributors are hard to reach. Some titles we import from other countries.

We have already placed reorders for some of these, for some others we have to wait on.

If we decide to go to our insurance for this, it should cover these losses. If not, we may have a special sale on all of these books. Many of them did not get completely soaked. The covers only or the first front and or back few pages may be warped a bit. But a good many of them are readable without too much damage, we just can't sell them as new.

We'll let you know soon if we decide to have a sale on salvageable items.

Thanks for reading.
Pete

Magic in The Movies

2007-02-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

We are accustomed to seeing magicians portrayed on TV as either goof balls who can't do anything right, evil criminals or beings with actual supernatural ability.

So when the film The Illusionist was released in theaters, I wanted to see it. There was one strike against it before it even came out, I hate period movies and that is what this was. On the other hand, a film about magicians. So I just had to go.

Was the last real movie about magicians really Houdini with Tony Curtis? Of course there was also Magicians with Alin Arkin but that was an indy film and a goofy comedy.

I know many of you absolutely loved The Illusionist. I thought it was fair at best, a boring & predictable love story with a frame up.

I turned my attention to The Prestige released just after. However when Michael Cain says in the trailer, "Its not a trick, it's real." I was immediately turned off and had no intention of seeing it at all.

Then they released Smokin' Aces (more magic) and I wanted to see that, until I heard the horrible reviews, so I'll wait for DVD on that one.

The Prestige just came out on DVD and I didn't even want to rent it. It's a period movie about a magician who does real magic. Ugh.

Clients in our shop stared talking about it and the exposure of Vanishing Bird Cage as well as a couple of other things exposed (Bullet Catch. & Cung Ling Soo's Fish Bowl Production. I was now intrigued and David from our shop, loaned me his copy and I took it home.

By the way the "exposure" a mixture of Hollywood stuff with some more credible things but harmless.

I loved every second on The Prestige. It is unlike any other movie I have ever seen. It is brilliant and weird. Not since Donnie Darko have I seen a movie so unusual.

Spoilers if you haven't seen it. "You're the lucky one today." I hated the fact that the birds had to die but that is a very important clue to the real underlying story.

Have a closer look at the Vanishing Bird Cage used by Harry Blackstone & Billy McComb . Be smart and use a Norm Nielsen Latex Canary for stage use, and if spectators are touching the sides, use and empty cage just as Blackstone did in each show. Don't believe what you see in the movies!

Thanks for reading.

Pete

The absolute best tripod stand & table top!

2007-02-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

For many years we here at Ronjo have been offering you our high quality Magician's Choice Performance Tripod with precision flange as well as several other stands & table tops in various price ranges & qualities like the Black Art Table Top & Stand or Bazar De Magia's Magician's Table with Tripod. We are proud to offer you these and the other similar items and each fits different needs as well as budgets.

But there is a new kid on the block and his name is insTand. This is the Rolls Royce of Tripod & Table Tops. Neither pictures or descriptions can do it justice. One must see this up-close to fully appreciate it's style, quality, size, portability & mechanics.

For you magicians, we supply the tray top to you in a custom size of 12" x 18" and not the familiar 11" x 13" top. The top is same style & quality of the original insTand top only bigger.

If you are local to our showroom, come on down and see for your self. If you like many of our clients do not have the luxury to visit us, please take my word for it! We know how much you wil love how small it gets, how fast it sets up & how sturdy it is. If it is not everything and more than you had expected, contact us to return it for a full refund (less S&H). We know it will exceed your expectations. It certainly has exceeded mine.

This insTand lets you stand or sit at will. High-tech materials provide a stable platform free from wobbling or vibration. The non-skid 12" x 18" tray-top connects instantly and securely to the fully adjustable tripod. Black anodized aircraft-quality aluminum and composites.

Model CR3 adjusts from 19" to 41" high.
non-skid 12" x 18" tray-top
Sets up in seconds
Durable construction - designed for years of daily use.
Folds really small - like a small umbrella. Folds to 2" x 18 1/2"
Ultra-light tripod weighs just 26 oz.
Anodized aircraft-quality aluminum tripod
Easily and quickly adjusted for maximum comfort.
Includes tripod, jumbo 12" x 18" tray, and carry bag.

INCLUDES - sturdy tripod with handy leatherette carry bag and 12 x 18 jumbo tray

Add a Sidekick Combo to your Instand and get extra performance space. No blots or screws. Glide the arm over the pole and pull the lever to attach. The vise like grip keeps it in place, fast & easy.

The clever sideKick tray holder lets you attach an additional tray to your instand tripod. This combo package includes both the CSK tray-holder and a CT1 11" x 13" tray.

The sideKick-combo

* can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
* can be rotated to the most convenient position.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

"I got blisters on my fingers."

2007-02-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

"I got blisters on my fingers."

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr screamed these words out at the end of the 18th take of recording of Helter Skelter. These words now imortalised for eternity.

We have heard that the origins of a blister on your fingers date back to the 1940's.

There are several blisters on your fingers magic effects on the market.

I believe the first to the market was Mark Strivings' Blistering.
This is an eerie effect that is simple to perform. Very powerful, if not the most powerful "blister" effect to date. Read on.
Blistering, one of Mark strivings' most closely-guarded secrets can now be yours! We've seen him devastate people with this routine because it's one of the strangest and most powerful close-up mentalism/bizarre demonstrations of physical magick that you can possibly do!

It's also a classic effect.

Performer draws an outline of his hand on any piece of paper and invites a spectator to hold a lighter over any one of the fingertips in the picture. He then holds his hand directly over the picture and suddenly winces and jumps back in pain!

Upon examining his hand, there is now a massive blister on the very finger that the spectator heated up mere moments ago! Unbelievably, the performer is then able to make the blister vanish with only the power of his mind!

This is unbelievable magick that can be done anywhere at anytime! Perform it surrounded, close-up, or in parlor situations; it's always ready and very easy to do. Completely safe, this one's a killer!

Only $15.00

Ickle Pickle later released Finger Blister
You draw the outline of your left hand on a sheet of paper. A spectator takes a lit match (or cigarette) and freely selects to burn any fingertip. Once he's done so, and you've made proper facial expressions and groans of pain, YOU then show him that the fingertip on your actual left hand that corresponds with the fingertip he burned has a large blister.

(Special Order $5.00)

Matthew Johnson's Voodoo Trick
Yet another, however I feel the card makes it go from believable to hokey.

The futuristic looking card (included) is used as a 21st century voodoo doll. The spectator selects one of the fingers on the card and then touches it, a huge blister appears on the corresponding finger of the magician!

Do the trick over and over again with a blister appearing on s different finger every time. The logical patter and preselection means you no longer have to use fire or cigarettes. Don't worry about drawing your hand on the paper! Everything is self contained. The blister work happens right in front of them yet is absolutely invisible! (Special Order $15.00)

As we are more than satisfied with the mechanics of Marks Strivings version, we decided to stick with his and his only for the single realistic Blister.

David Blaine offers an impromptu version in his book Mysterious Stranger

Other modernized Blister effects were also released.

Brent Walske's Pyro Perception Only $21.00
You walk up to a group of people with a deck of cards and a burning confidence in your ability to utterly amaze them with powers they have never imagined possible.

Anyone removes a card from the deck and conceals it. A lighter is ignited as you thrust your thumb and forefinger into the fire. Reality melts into rising tension as you slowly withdraw your finger tips from the flame. Turning that hand toward the onlookers, they are stunned to see two distinct blisters. Even more shocking is the fact that they are in the shape of the chosen card!

There is more to the effect because of a selected card and the mark of the rank & value appear on two fingers. Again this is powerful magic and can be repeated with a different card. And I do like it. But sometimes, less is more this is why I like the Striving's take on it better.

Next came Blistered by Precision Magic. We do not carry this version because it is a direct knock off from Pyro Perception. The only difference is that the gimmick rather than being placed in your pocket is your key chain. Interestingly enough one could actually put a chain through the center of Pyro Perception and put it in their key chain.
The thought process of Pyro Perception in your pocket is wild. You will never to fumble to get there correct Pip & Rank blisters after a bit of simple memory work.

The latest is Jason Palter's Third Degree Burn

You approach a group of people, and ask someone to think of a card, and then name it aloud. It can be any card they wish. There is no force. The subject is asked to truly visualize the card in their head-to burn this into their mind, you give them a lighter (or just borrow theirs). After igniting the lighter, they are asked to visualize their card in the dancing flame. You briefly thrust your fingers into the flame, wincing with pain. For the jaw-dropping climax, you slowly turn your fingers around, to reveal the skin on your thumb and finger is now blistered in the shape of their freely-chosen card! You've just given'em the third degree!

Some key points to remember:

No deck of cards required.

No forcing; works with any card named.

Can be carried with you at all times, fits in your pocket, and is always ready to go.

No reset (again, it is ALWAYS ready to go)!

HarmlessÂbut it does look dangerous!

Comes complete and ready to go with the professional custom gimmick (made to last a lifetime), instructional DVD, detailed manuscript, full routine, and bonus effects (including ideas that DO NOT require the use of fire!). (Special Order $55.00)

We have decided not to stock it in our line onlybecausee I feel that it is not necessary to have. The lack of an actual card selectionturnedd me off to the effect. I feel it takes away from whatPyroo Perception laid thegroundworkk on. Pyro Perception is repeatable with several outcomes and for the spectator, they feel that any card would have the same outcome.

We are certain that other version are still to come. But so far in myopinionn. Blistering & Pyro Perception are the two best to date. And I like the simplicity &believabilityy of the Strivings one more than the more trickystylings of Pyro.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time,
Pete

One of my all time favorites was just re-released!

2007-02-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I am very excited to tell you that one of my all time favorite effects, Dominique Duviver's Printing is back on the market.

I just found out, ordered more and had our webmaster get them online.

They are not in stock yet but we should have these in house on or about 2/27/07.

This has been released several times over the years, each with something a bit different about it. (different handling, alternate handling, VHS tapes, Atlantis brand cards, Bicycle Cards, negative image back design, reverse image design, Black fabric instead of a green back print and maybe some others that I am not aware of). Anyway, all of those variations are long gone now.

Printing, is based on the classic, Wild Card but to state that it is far superior is an gross understatement. On a side note, Wild Card was so good that many versions other than the ones that I am talking about have come over the years and to this day, still continue to emerge. By the was if you ever get a chance to see Peter Samuelson perform Wild Card, do it. He is the best at it and his routine is brilliant.

Early on Daryl released Printing for Dominique Duviver and it included a simplified handling created by Daryl as well as Dominique's original handling. There was some falling out between them and Daryl went on to release his own take on it with an effect called Presto Printo. Presto Printo is still available and very popular in and of itself. While the effect is essentially the same, Darly's handling is completely different and from the spectator's point of view, visually impossible. All blank cards and one selected card. Touch the selected cards to the blanks and in turn each black becomes the image of the selection. Not like Wild Card because the cards reverse image themselves, get smudge marks on them, print back designs on top of face designs. All taking the image from the one selection.

I still have my original printing of Printing and it is well worn after many years of usage. I am glad I can get a chance to replace it now.

The new release of Printing is on Bicycle Card Stock not the more usual custom made Atlantis cards.

So check back next week to get your hands on this wonderful trick!

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Special orders, our pleasure!

2007-02-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

We carry 10,000 + items and add new items to our line each week.
But there are so very many items on the market that it is physically impossible to carry them all.

And as we have said before, so many of the products that are not in our line are just not up to par, so we do not carry them for a reason.

Mixed in there are many good ones that we just do not have the capacity (at this time) to "find" them and stock them.

We have loads of clients that love to shop at Ronjo (we hope you do too) and they frequently ask us for items we are unaware of or have not gotten to yet.

Folks if there are things that you desire that are not part of our regular product line and if we are your dealer of choice (we want to be your dealer of choice), let us know what you are after.

Chances are that in about 1-5 business days we can get what you need at a competitive price.

In many cases we can let you know within minutes, if the item is available for immediate delivery.

We often will order more than just one, and it will be next in line to be added to our website.

Here are a few recent items clients told us to get for them that we in turn are happy to offer to you.

Nosferatu Nail by Mephysto Magick Studio
A great piece of bizarre Magick with an interesting story line and necessary props.
Nosferatu had a stake thrust through his heart and his coffin burned. You have a nail from his coffin. The curse remains as smoke arises from the nail, you can even smell the burning flesh! Just $20.00

Packet Trick Wallet (Tri-fold) by Jerry O'Connell
A real leather wallet with six pockets for cards & coins. A must have. A steal at $30.00

Spun by Morgan Strebler
Been around for a while but until now was only available direct from the manufacturer. One of our clients pointed out that it has finally hit the streets. A levitating, spinning, bending coin. Only $19.95

Once again, if you don't see it here, just ask us. If it is an item that we are familiar with we'll give you our honest opinion about it before we order it for you! We want you to keep coming back to us. We don't want to take your money, sell you something that sucks and never hear from you again. But also keep in mind, with the sheer amount of things on the market these days, there are a good number of them that we have not seen yet or have never even heard about. Also keep in mind everyone's opionion is different and the same things I like, you may not and vice- versa.

Until next time. Thanks for reading!

Pete

Mindfreak Store @ Ronjo

2007-02-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

We are pleased to announce that Criss Angel - Mindfreak merchandise is available in our showroom and our website.

So come on down to the shop! All is on display.

Criss Angel's complete DVD collection, music CDs , shirts, hats, poster, cups, jewelry & more are all available here.

The majority of the goods have been put up on our website. However many of the pics have not yet been added.

Click this link to go the page one of the Criss Angel store.

The most popular non-magic trick sellers are.

Angel Logo Heavy Cable Chain - Swarovski Crystal Necklace
Yup, this is a replica of the one you see him wear much of the time. Only $35.00

Angel Logo baseball Cap Just $19.00

Criss Angel Hoodie Comfort and style Only $45.00

I can't tell you how hard this stuff is to get a hold of. The wait was excruciating for us. It's our Christmas order and here it is almost the end of Feb. So anyway, act now as so much Angel's merchandise is continuously on back order. I am still waiting on Criss Angel Playing Card Decks since October and some other things that have never arrived at all since last year. Grab it while its here. Because if you miss out, it could be several months before more come in.

We'll' talk to you again, real soon.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

5 Tanks

2007-02-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

While I was away, some changes have been going on on the Ronjo website.

One of the new things I noticed was that the review icons had changed from stars to tanks!

I was like wow, does this mean the item is a tank, like it tanked. Or does it mean like a tank as in kills.

My webmaster corrected me and said these are fists and thumbs up not turrets on a tank.

As they are tiny & grey so I was confused.

These "tanks" will soon have a color change on them.

Please keep reviewing the products you get or have seen. It only helps our other clients decide on a purchase and reviews by other help you decide on what is right for you.

So don't tank on us. Give some reviews in your spare time.

Here are some wild things for you to consider:
Saw by Sean Feilds - Some will love, others may become ill. This is a sick & twisted effect. Check out the video!
Change Cap - Well made, good idea! Nice booklet. Includes a great routine for a spit ball, "bullet catch" by Andrew Mayne
3" Jumbo Chrome Plated Half Dollar - bright & shiny with knurled edges
Plus after a long absence, Mark Strivings books & props are back in stock. (Mark has discontinued two of his popular products but we do have limited stock. Both Lover's Voodoo & Technicolor Miracle so act soon!

Update: 3-5-07 - The TANKS are gone now. Changed back to stars. Rather than altar the post, because I found it ammusing and other content is listed, I just added this notation here.

Until next time.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

Hello Again!

2007-02-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I'm back and it is nice to be back too. Really!
So I am busy trying to catch up on what I have missed these past two weeks, and It is a lot.

New stuff is all over the place. Boxes are piled up everywhere down here. They tried to run a tight ship while I was gone, but could not keep up with it all.

So now I have to sort the new stuff from existing stuff and tell my Webmaster, so that these can be put on our site.

Ann did a nice job covering for me, handling orders and emails, while Dave & Ron handled the showroom.

But the warehouse, is a real mess. Besides all of the product, we have loads of trash. There are piles of empty cardboard cartons stacked to the ceiling.

Plus we are recovering from a small flood, from the remnants of the mega ice storm we had here on Valentine's Day. All the ice melted and the water found it's way through the side of the building and onto some merchandise. Ouch!

So I am almost caught up with my regular work and almost ready to dive into this mess.

I wanted to make a quick note to say that in a past Blog way back I made about the History of the Vanishing Bandana Plus I said was made by FAB Magic company. Not the case. We had been getting the Original (not the plus) from one of our distributors but all too often, it was sold out over there. So I found another supplier that offered the Plus version. I was under the impression that the new model was also made by FAB. Our site was updated and all was fine. This new supplier also had problems delivering to us, so before I went away, I ordered them direct. Well I got back today and noticed they were the old style. And called FAB on this.

So here is the real deal, the Plus version is a knock off of FAB's made in India for more money. The box for the plus style which is something that I did notice but didn't think much of, is cheap cardboard box, just waiting to be torn. The kind made from I guess recycled paper. If you saw what I am trying to explain, you might know what I am getting at. (Paper & plastic made in some parts of the world, just isn't the same). The Devil Hank, while visually appealing, is stiff and hard to clean. And according to FAB, hard to operate. The big question, that I do not have an answer to is what exactly is on that Indian CD?! The make the banana reappear part in the box, is not really a big deal and certainly not part of the original routine. So my webmaster is busy getting the Original Vanishing Bandana back on our site. We've got a bunch in stock but had to remove it for a little it till we can update. We here at Ronjo, want to carry the originals only. Thanks to FAB for setting us straight on this.

One more quickie that I thought you might find interesting. My folks were in Vegas recently. I arranged for them to go to the Mindfreak office and meet up with JD for a possible tapping of a segment for Season 3. As it turns out, JD had to be back here in New York at that time, so their paths did not cross. Here is the kicker, while they were in Vegas, they stopped at the Criss Angel store and bought me a souvenir, a Criss Angel T-shirt. They did not realize, even after I told them more than once, that we know Criss and JD was his brother. They did not make the connection for Criss Angel and Mindfreak, even though they have seen the show before too. We all had a laugh once I told them that not only do we sell the Criss Angel shirts, that we get them fro JD, the same person they were supposed to meet with. Anyway Mom & Dad, thanks for the shirt. You could have got it here, employee discounts :)

Keep on the look out for the new 4 door die box that we just got. Very interesting!

You will also see a few new things on our site.
It will be more clear to you on when an item you order will ship. And if you click availability on that item more details are explained to you.

Our rewards Points program is now very easy to understand. Every item listed shows you exactly how much cash back you are entitled to and athere is a direct link on each item how to get your points and how to use them.

Take care,
Pete

A temporary goodbye

2007-02-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,
Well it's time for me to get a little R& R. I'll be away for the next week and a half. And when I get back I probably will not be able to make a new blog until I catch up. So there won't be anymore a while. Sorry.
I will miss you guys while I am off, but I really need to take a break, so.
In my absence Ron, Dave & Andrea will be covering for me so we'll still get your orders out to you and you will still have a good time coming into the showroom.

Just arrived today
Five different style refill packs for Bruised. Each pack comes with 8 BRUISED sheets including your favorite bruises as well as additional bruises not found with the DVD release. Also, just for fun, each refill comes with a trading card with even more ideas of how you can used BRUISED, collect all 15!
Large Card - now with a full size queen of hearts
Plain Bruises - 3 different sizes
Small Cards - new jack of spades
letters & Numbers - every letter and number possible and all four pips
Coins & ESP - a new esp symbol

Change Cap
Not only is it the most innocent looking and un-suspecting change bag ever, it's also something that can be used by close up performers as well
.It looks just like an ordinary baseball cap, and you can wear it just like a baseball cap (one size fits most), but it can be used for endless change bag effects for stage workers, mentalists, kids performers and street performers.
PLEASE NOTE: the Change Cap works differently than most change bags, the gimmick is not mechanical it is a manual change that happens when you "close" the hat.

Imagine throwing two safety pins in the cap, shaking it around and, just like that, they are linked. If someone asks for change for a dollar, just take off your hat, throw the dollar in and, before you know it , coins are rattling around.

Perfect for restoring a torn card or forcing any number or object.

A natural way for a mentalist to collect slips of paper with personal information! And the list goes on and on.

Our webmaster will try to get these on the site so you can pick order one fast. These are all ready for in store pick up.

See you next time,
Pete

Books by Patrick G. Redford

2007-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

We have got four hot new books that you should know about from Patrick G. Redforfd.

Some very big names in are giving Patrick's books some mighty fine reviews; Banachek, James Biss, Rick Maue, Patrick Kuffs, Gregory Wilson, Paolo Cavalli and many more.

Even better news for you, is that you won't find this fabulous material all over the place. They are available only through Patrick G. Redford himself, Ronjo Magic, Alakazam in the UK and one other dealer in the USA. And that's all. So everyone and their mother won't be doing this material.

For a full synonpsis, click all of the titles (links)!

Mendacity
Imagine being able to describe a photograph you have never seen, or identifying the owners of five different drawings, all while the drawings remain behind your back. These are among the six routines and two essays that Redford reveals here for the first time.

Consecution
"Eidolon", the first effect contained within these pages, has been described as a thing of "surpassing beauty beauty beauty."Eidolon takes the notion of a simple hallucination of a playing card and brings it into a reality. This reality, by the way, occurs in hands of a spectator with his or her own deck of cards untouched by the performer. Eidolon is one of five miracles of "slight of mind " that is presented in Consecution.

Diapson
Imagine being able to temporarily shut off the brain of your audience, describe a photograph youÂve never seen, or control the tune a stranger is whistling without saying a word. Diapason is a full 54 pages of effects and essays for any level of performer. The book is divided into three sections: The Magician, Psychological Illusion, and Odds & Ends.

Prevaricator - The Ultimate Ring Of Truth
Finally this unique approach and method to the classic LiarÂs Paradox (Ring of Truth) is explained in full detail by Patrick G. Redford. After circulating underground, prevaricator finally makes its debut. Hailed by many to be the ultimate version of the classic liars paradox with a catch, thereÂs no logic puzzle! No Logic Puzzles Used, No Stooges, No Secret Cueing, No Set-ups, No Dual Reality, Stands Up to Repeat Performances, Impossible To Backtrack, The Outcome May Be Predicted, May Use Any Object, May be Performed Impromptu, Can be Performed Close-Up, Can be Performed On Stage, ONLY ONE QUESTION ASKED - "DO YOU HAVE THE OBJECT", No Extra Props Needed.

We just know you are going to love what this guy has to offer.

Thanks for reading.
Pete

The era of the single trick DVD

2007-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

Some of you love the single trick DVDs, some of you "can't believe there is only one effect."
This is a relatively new idea but not really.

When I was kid, I went to the record store once a week to buy one or two of the latest singles of whatever top 40 songs were the in thing on the dial at the time. Some of you may be old enough to remember the 45 RPM records with the big hole in the middle? Later the Cassette Single & CD Single. Now you just go online and download your favorite songs. Anyway in any of these formats new or old, you could buy just the one song you liked or the whole album.

So long story short, singles were always there. They are just not available (usually) on another DVD as well.

But if you think the magic single trick DVD is new, think again. They have always been around though not on DVD but rather in a booklet.

An example of a great pamphlet of a single trick is Andrew Mayne's Facelifter. This is one booklet I believe, if he were just releasing it now for the very first time it would definitely be a single trick DVD.

The real reason you are seeing more and more of these is because DVDs are easy and inexpensive to produce.

The very first DVD single trick released I can think of is Aaron Fisher's Bicycle Thief. It comes in a DVD snap case and the special props inside the case.

In fact many of the packaged magic effects in the recent past, are now supplied with DVD'S instead of printed instructions. Two from recent memory are Entrapment Gold II from Alakazam and No Tear Newspaper by Tony Stevens. One day we had them with printed instructions and the next time we got them, they had DVDs instead. Some of the reason is they didn't have VHS tapes in the past instead of typed instructions were size of packaging, price, weight and NTSC or PAL format.

DVDs are easier and more cost effective to make. They don't take up much more room than printed instruction are all region free and play in any format. And of course are more appealing to our clients.

Daryl was one of the first to recognize this. He released 3 DVD volumes called Fooler Doolers. Soon after, he renamed some of his magic line and called it Fooler Doolers. All of the Fooler Doolers tricks that came with printed instructions were revamped, repackaged and now include a companion DVD for the specific effect.

Andrew Mayne was among the first to produce the Single magic DVD without props that needed to be included. Ghost Bills, Hyper Cards, Infusion.

Then came Sean Fields with The Linkage & Northbound and Nigel Harrison with The Loophole Gimmick & Hybrid.

Just about everybody's doing it these days. Both with and with out props from Jay Sankey to Criss Angel.

And let's not forget to mention the biggest name in single DVDs, Ellusionist. About one half of their current DVD library consists of these new fangled single effect DVDs.

Usually all of these DVDs have some special insight or bonus effect, interviews. You know interesting stuff, so you do get a bit more than just the one simple solution to the effect.

Like it or not, you better get used to more and more releases each month. The single trick DVD is here to stay, at least until the next type of media comes out.

What's next, magic on Blue Ray Disc or HDDVD? Maybe.

Until next time.

Thanks for reading,
Pete

Coin in bottle, glass or can. So many variations?!

2007-01-26T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

There is a frenzy of people who want to do a visible penetration of a coin or other object into a bottle, glass or can.

And these days, there are several ways to do it.

When I first started out in magic, there was only one way to do Coin In The Bottle. You could do it with a quarter or a half-dollar. You can use virtually any bottle (and it can be borrowed) made from glass or plastic and a seemingly borrowed coin or at least the coin could be examined before and or after. The coin visibly penetrates the side or bottom on the bottle, can be clearly seen inside. And at anytime you can make the coin come out of the bottle and hand everything out for examination. Not to mention that this special coin can be used to do many other things (if you are in the know) Coins Across, Coins Through Glass, vanishing Coins, Coins Through The Table, Ring Through Coin, Bite Out Coin, Butter Coin, & More... If you take all that away and only do Coin In The Bottle you still have a classic in magic that has stood the test of time. At under $10.00, this is money very well spent.

Years later Daryl release The Cap In Bottle where a beer cap penetrates into a glass beer bottle. Both items could be borrowed. It was in my opinion a great new idea but with an overkill of a gimmick/method. But it did lay the ground work two popular newer variations.

Soon after Ickle Pickle put out Purified Water, in which the plastic cap is removed from a bottle of Dasani and penetrates the bottom of the bottle. But he laid the ground work for a couple of the most recent variations. We tested a couple of these but this effect could only be done with the performers empty bottle and the bottle could not withstand examination, so it didn't make the cut.

Then there was Kevin Parker's Passing Through. You had to make the gimmick yourself, fairly easy to do. But we felt with so many other similar effects out there, what's really the point to keeping these in stock? We can still special order these for anyone interested. Only $25.00, just give us a call 631-928-1506. This version was based on the Coin in The Lighter Effect, which later was reissued in another style Coin in Tic-Tacs. The original Coin In The Lighter was a better (more believeable), than the re-release in the transparent Bic Look a like lighters. The times changed and lighter designs have changed, this cause the appearance of the coin to suffer a bit. I never much cared for the Coin in Tic Tac version because in reality, a coin could be in the Tic Tac box, visual or not. In the lighter, it is logically not feasible...

Next came Mike Powers Visual Impossible Penetration. This one passed us by. I am not sure if it is still on the market, or what the method was.

The Enchantment created The Abyss and the idea behind it is not too far different than Ickel Pickles & Daryls version. But this style, could allow for a variety of items, not only the cap or a coin to visibly penetrate into the bottom of the bottle. The cool part is that you give them the bottle with the object inside and it does not come out. And everything is 100% examinable. The down side prior set up time. This is really a special occasion effect and can not be performed on the spot.

Criss Angel performed it on Mindfreak and later released his DVD Master Minds Vol. One - Coin In Soda Can. Where he and Wayne Houchin explain in full detail, how to take any quarter, and make it penetrate into an unopened borrowed, beer or soda can. This version, is 100% impromptu, can be mastered quickly, and looks great. In the end you pop opened the can, dump the contents and inside rattling around is the coin. Give them the can with the coin in it or cut opened the can and give them back there coin. Did I mention, the coin could be signed? Only one coin & only one can is used. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Yes & no. If you feel paying $30.00 for a video to learn one very simple trick is too pricey, you may feel a bit ripped off. On the other hand, if you can appreciate the fact that someone came up with a way to do a mindblowing anytime, anywhere effect, do it on a nationwide show and decide to share it with you, then you'll know it was a bargain. Not to mention that this is the only version, where the container starts off sealed makes for some very powerful magic.

Next came Ellusionists DVD release of Geir Bratlie's Infusion. A quick one trick DVD explaining the visible visual penetration of a coin into glass. A borrowed coin visually penetrates the side of a glass instantly. Only one coin & one glass is used. This is avaialbe in our retail store but not on our website. Visually it is a astonishing. It can be done anywhere at anytime. I personally feel this effect is not worth your money. I think you will be disappointed when you learn how to do it. However, the move is a good one and one you will use when you are put on the spot to "do something" and there is not much for you to do on such short notice. It will fool people and does look very nice. This I feel would be better described in a book or on another DVD with other things on it. I like many of the "single DVDs" becasue the effects are usually extraordinary. This one, I feel is lacking something to be put out as a stand alone. Just my opinion. The move really does look very nice.

Now let's talk about the latest "In" effect Prohibition DVD. May be the best looking visilble penetration. Requires some minor set up. Can be perfromed to look impromtu. Use any bottle (as long as you know what kind of bottle you will be using before hand.) Again based upon the ideas mentioned before but the detail explained and the visual aid helps you create a small miracle. Its all in the handling and I feel this is by far the best of the "new" types out there Even if you have or had other styles or elect to use other styles, you will get some extra knowledge to make your old routines look even better. Use this in conjunction with Wizard PK Ring or Nicholas Night's Enigma (sorry, we can't carry them all but we can special order it for you $45.00) and you have a spectacular handling.

And finally Criss Angel performed and effect where a borrowed cell phone penetrated into a glass bottle. It was removed from the bottle by shattering it. This effect was created for the show and is not a marketed item. But and there is always a but you can now do an impromptu variation of this using a borrowed cell phone and a borrowed, plastic bottle. You can also present this with one or more coins penertating the side of the bottle, unscrewing it to show it can't fit through the top even if the cap were off. Replace the cap, shake the coins inisde one comes out, push it thorught the side again, visually. In the end you slice the bottle in half to remove the phone or other object/s. Here it is, Behold The Scarabaeus. You could also do this with the Abyss if you wanted to, even let the spectator cut the bottle opened but I think it is more powerful to let them go home with the object trapped inside. With Behold, you have cut open the bottle, you can't leave anything inside.

We'll I'm pooped, so its time to say see you later.

Thanks for reading!
until next time
Pete

Mark Strivings is back!

2007-01-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

We are very happy to announce that Mark Strivings is making a come back.

Mark is a nice guy and a great thinker and he really does want to share his thoughts with anyone seriously interested but for personal reasons, he has been away from the scene for a while.

Yesterday we gave him a monster order for everything we have carried from him in the past.

His stuff is always in demand and very scarce, so I highly recommend that you click the "notify me when available" icon for the item/s that interest you. My guess is we'll have a complete sellout soon after our order comes in. And while we will of course continue to place reorders, we want you to get his stuff when you can because his items are hard for us to obtain.

Please note that his Sight Unseen Case SUC will NOT be one of the products coming in this shipment. Mark tells us that the earliest we can expect those would be summer. (But you can still get the Stealth Assasin & EvilDan's PJ Wallet).

Search for Mark Strivings on our site to see a complete list of products that we have carried to date from him and all due in about one week from today.

Anneman For The 90's, Before The Curtain Rises, Blistering, Constructive Mentalism, Lover's Voodoo, Magic For Young-Un's, Mental Mix, Open & Shut, Pseudo Psi, Strange Thoughts, Technicolor Miracle, The Unseen Edition, Warm Fuzzies Up Close

Still in stock from Strivings, The Ultimate Invisible Brainwave booklet. A $10.00 devastator! See complete description below.

Everyone who has seen the Ultimate Invisible Brainwave in action was completely fooled. It truly is ultimate!

There are two invisible decks of cards on the table, one red backed and the other blue. The spectator picks up either one, removes it from the invisible box and shuffles. They now thumb through the invisible cards and freely select anyone they wish, changing their minds as often as they like, finally naming it aloud for the benefit of others who can't see the selection. This invisible card is placed aside. The spectator now opens the other invisible deck of cards. The single card is now reversed and placed into the other deck, the deck is reboxed and tossed to the performer.

An Actual deck is now opened and spread to reveal a full deck in thoroughly mixed condition. In spreading the cards, a single blue backed card is found reversed in the face up spread. This is tabled No others are seen. The deck is then respread face down to reveal all red backs. A single blue backed card reversed in a red backed deck. The unknown blue backed card is turned over and revealed to be the very card they freely selected!

No sleight of hand, Virtually self working, Any card can be named, Both sides of the deck are freely shown, Quick reset, Can play close-up or stage.

Complete directions on how to make this miracle for yourself.

Included in this 20 page booklet is the complete construction, handling and routine ideas for a devastating card miracle. This can be used on stage or close-up, even walk-around!

Once our relationship with Mark kicks in again, we will be adding some new releases to out line very soon.

Thanks for reading!

Pete

About a couple of our clients

2007-01-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I am writing today about two of our clients in the hopes that they will read this.

Michael and Christopher are two friends that are hooked on magic. I can see the passion for the hobby in their eyes and in their enthusiasm.

I find it very frustrating that I am unable to share my wisdom & enthusiasm for the craft in the ways that I would like to. In the ways that I am able to with some of our other clients. You see, both Michael & Christopher are deaf.

They come in a couple of times a week and all I can do is smile and wave to them. Sure we write notes to communicate but these are short notes and not real conversations. Both of them can read lips a bit. So they sort of know what I am saying at least some of the time. But I know nothing about signing and do wish I could understand them when they are in.

Because of their disability, I am restricted in what I can show them because I can't direct them to do some of the things needed for certain effects. So I resort mostly to visual magic.

These two guys have a very keen eye, and they catch everything. Even if it is not actually something they can see, even with a camera. They know what is going on. I see them pointing and laughing and they make very special sounds when they are excited. And they mime me when I am done, pointing, recreating the real methods as to what I have done. Fooling them is very, very hard to do.

I wrote them a little note yesterday on how perceptive they are. They really do catch just about everything. Because they are deaf, their eyes work at least twice as hard as ours do maybe even more. Their observational skills are astonishing to me. They agreed with me, "Yes we see everything."

Yesterday I was performing Problema. The same way I always do and have done for many years. When done, I ditched the gimmick. No one could see me do this, yet they knew exactly what happened. I think if I did not ditch the gimmick, but rather leave it in the lid, it may have fooled them. Dumping the dice from the box (the big action) and ditching the gimmick from the lid (little action) was of no consequence. They saw both no hiding it. If I changed my timing or the handling especially for them, maybe it would have worked.

I'd be willing to bet the farm that if they played poker, they can pick off tells from players without starteling accuracy in an instant.

So anyway, I just wanted to say special hello to Michael & Christopher on this blog and say thank you to both of you for putting up with my lousy hand writing.

And I have to think about somehow to fool you badly. I am getting tiered of you guys catching me all of the time.

Thanks for reading!

Take care.

Pete

Free: Live Entertainment Every Tuesday!

2007-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

What's there to do on Long Island?

Well for starters how about a FREE live show every Tuesday at 8:00 PM - 11 ish
at the Cool Beanz Coffee House in near by ST. James.

Join your host and our friend, Emcee/magician Andrew Bilello for open mic night.

Anything can happen. Magic, music, poetry, juggling, stand-up comedy and more.

You never know what or who you might see there. It's different every week.

If you like you can even get up there and do your own thing what ever it may be.

Andy tells us it is mostly a college crowd but some high school students as well as older working folk taking a break and hanging out can been found there too.

He has been there having fun and honing his craft for a few months now and is starting to get a nice following.

So get up there and show off your own talents or just grab a cup of coffee (tea for me) and enjoy local talent do their thing.

The place:
Cool Beanz - A Coffee House
556 North Country Rd
St. James NY 11780
Call them at 631-862-4111

See you there!

Andrew has been coming to Ronjo Magic for a while making selections of magic material that are perfect for a full out theater event. We only recently found out that he has been performing live each week for the public. We are excited for him and are excited to see him for ourselves.

Thanks for reading.

Pete

Magic Switchboard - Wellington Enterprises

2007-01-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,

I just wanted to mention that my favorite effect of all time is back in stock.

The Magic Switchboard by Wellington Enterprises.

It will only take you five minutes to master the effect. It is made exceptionally well. It will fool everyone who sees it. And the effect in itself is very entertaining.

Listen, I know that dropping four bills on a single effect is just out of the question for many of you and even for you pros dealing with an outlet to plug something in during your show would be an unusual practice but I feel actually adds to its charm and innocence.

It is a simple and innocent looking device that might resemble a hardware store display from the 1930's.

And I gotta tell you, the looks on their faces when you show this contraption off will leave everyone who sees it scratching their heads everything they flick a switch for the rest of their lives.

The smarter you are; teacher, electrician, computer programmer the bigger blow it will deliver.

Harry Anderson performed this effect on the Tonight Show circa 1988 and it went over really well.

If you can get the scratch together, this in my opinion would be the greatest addition that you could add to your magic collection.

If you are a local client, come down and ask me to demonstrate it to you. Even if you can't afford it, no matter. I really want to share this with all of you and give you the same joyous experience that I had when I first saw this device many many years ago.

Take care,
Pete

Michael Carbonaro stops in at Ronjo

2006-12-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

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 GoÃ±i 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

2006-12-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-12-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-12-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

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