The Bio-Vlog

“At my table we have top casino game protection expert Steve Forte, along with mentalist Max Maven.  Max, there are elements of magic and mentalism that are unseen. How does that relate to Richard?” “First, Jon, I think a very general statement that can be…

I realize that technique alone will not make it. I definitely got that message from the Castle judge whom compared me to Robinson Crusoe. So part of the mix must include appropriate dress and showmanship. Since I have wanted to emulate Maverick since I was…

I’m with Bernelle Hansen sitting in the back row of the Lamb’s Players Theater, depressed about my five failures in a row.  Steve works his way to the back and takes a seat next to us. He heard about my contest and audition failures and…

Next, I follow after Armando on the Gong Show, who has received first place…for the fourth time, mind you. I performed my multiplying eggs from mouth. But, unlike the first place winner Armando, I am only awarded a second place prize, walking away with a…

I’m scheduled to do my audition to become a member of the Magic Castle, which should give me more quality time with the Professor. I start my audition with some fancy fans, springing the cards from one hand to the other. Then I perform a…

Each time another magician comes to hang out, Marlo asks me to demonstrate my card act. He asks so many times, I’m beginning to believe he really enjoys my presentation. Marlo confides, “I’m very impressed with your two-card push-off second deal! It is exceptionally deceptive,…

Due to my gradually worsening eyesight I am obsessed with chasing after every first-hand exhibition of card-hustling I can experience. The top card man from the east is Ed Marlo. (Marlo was born on October 10, 1913, and was christened Edward Malkowski, a befitting name…

I’m continually goaded and chided by Giorgio and Larry Jennings. Their blunt, denunciating words are often hard for me to take but, little do they know that their verbal abuse serves to spur me onward. Compared to receiving a painful punch from Murphy, their verbal…

My brain keeps replaying what Vernon said. “I don’t care how fine the brief is. When you deal like that, I know you’re up to something. It’s unnatural looking!”  It was only one line, but it came from The Master himself. So, I begin to…

I have the Godfather mobster, Giorgio burning my hands. I want to turn and run when Wagner says, “Richard, show Professor some of your seconds.” Though scared and intimidated, I press on by demonstrating my two card push-off second deal.  Again Giorgio blurts out, “Won’t…