Want a great sleight-of-hand trick that you can improvise and play to younger kids? I went to the local craft store (Michael's here) and in the fake fruit section I found and bought for less than $2 a pair of small yellow bananas. About 4" or so, a bit curved but you can do all the cigar moves and not isolate the kids with cigars. The best is multiple reproduction i.e. Chanin now Carney.
Lots of fun easy and great reaction from the kids.

I am working on a new book. All new effects that cost only $2 and plays large. (check out ring box in card section).

Marty

This is great, but Dan Garrett beat you to the punch on this one -- 20 years ago.

I forget what he calls it, but it's still on the market.

Dan is a good friend and a great guy.
Are you sure it isn't sponge made with him as I don't recall seeing it from him?

These are hard, but if Dan did offer it I yield to him and encourage anyone to try it as I have had great response.

Especially with all the renewed interest in cigar moves.

Marty

There was a small harmonica sold YEARS ago, called a 'bananica'. Also Plantains=green bananans might be funny too. May as well go for Q-tips, and a comb while digging for stuff. Don't for get the lipsitck that got in there somehow too.

Dan's were made of sponge. It made them much easier to handle than cigars, of course.

Thanks for the clarification...
my point here is that these props can be easily and cheaply obtained anywhere...the trick with a little bit of practice is so much fun to do ...my fellow magicians should give it a try.. even if they don't perform much for children..

marty

Michaels, Hobby Lobby and other craft stores (in the USA) are great spots for magic props.

Dan G. also put out some pickle sponge products.(if my nearly normal memory is working)

I remember the effect being put out with small hot-dogs when I was starting out in the 70's.

The idea was taking one out of the hand putting it in your pocket and still having one in the hand.

Thanks for the reminder.

I am looking for new (old) stuff to put back for repeat 2004 venue shows.

Happy HOYC.

On a nearly normal note, I have a banana that was left on the top of my fridge way too long. It is about 4 to 5 inches black and very hard. It would be great to have another, but this was created accidently prior to getting married to my nearly normal wife Annie. (I don't think she would like a rotting banana in the house)

I use it more of a sight gag these days.

Harris

Try using golf pencils as a sub for cigars. That's what one of my magician friends suggested to me when I mentioned I wanna take some of Bill Tarr's teachings in NYSINYD for a test drive.

:)

Speaking of Banana's, does anyone know of a source for zipper banana's? I know it was popular years ago, but havn't found any in my recent searches.

Any help would be great.

MM

There is a Zipper Banana listed at:
http://www.clownantics.com/sillystuff.shtml

Thanks again Harry! You help'd me save allot of time not re-working an effect.

MM

Sponge bananas are great with the Vanishing Coke Bottle (Nielsen) using a paper bag. I've used this combination for years with children and it leaves them wondering. cheers.