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Robb Inner circle 1291 Posts |
So, I was at this place called "The Omega Institute" in the Catskills mountains for a sort of meditation retreat this weekend. It was really lovely. At lunch today I was sitting with a few new friends and talking about what we each do for a living. I said that I'm a mentalist or a "mind reader". Several people were intrigued and asked what that means, but then one guy started explaining for me as his company had hired a mentalist as entertainment recently for some company function or another...
He said, "It was amazing! This guy could really read your mind and tell the future and... he hit like 100%, it was amazing..." And someone asked, "Well, like what did he do?" And the guy answered, "Well, he had us think of a two-digit number and...", at which point I blurted out, "Wait! Stop! Do you remember the number you thought of?" "Yeah..." "Ok... don't say it... look at me... just think of that number over and over... good... I see... Was it... 37?" He almost jumped up out of his seat and said, "Yeah, yeah it was! What the heck?" He continued... "Then he had us think of two shapes..." And I stoped him again... "Just two shapes? I usually do three... But... think of those shapes right now... Can you take my hand... Relax... Are you thinking of a triangle inside a circle?" And the guy flipped!!! His reaction of course cascaded around the table. And then I asked if anyone wanted to try a fresh experiment with me and I went on to do 6-8 minutes of mentalism. Simple stuff but got great reactions, lots of laughs and a really fun time. So, what is this called? "Vulture Mentalism"? Feeding on the psychological remnants of another guy's show? ;-) Of course, this was an incredibly rare opportunity but it was so fun to take advantage of it! |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
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On Oct 23, 2016, Robb wrote: In the industry this is a type of what's referred to as Intercept Marketing/Business. Good job. |
Robb Inner circle 1291 Posts |
Ha, ha! Yeah, nice.
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magicowner Regular user Los Angeles 114 Posts |
Wow---you were at the right place at the right time!!! Thanks for sharing.
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Joshua Quinn Inner circle with an outer triangle 2054 Posts |
One of my most enjoyable moments was sort of the opposite of that. I was having drinks at a restaurant with a group of people who didn't know I did mentalism, and there was a guy there doing walkaround. He came to our group and went into his metal bending routine – nothing spectacular, straight out of the Banachek and Osterlind videos, but he was competent. The people in my group were suitably impressed, and I played along. Then at some point I said, "That's cool, but you're using your own silverware." I grabbed a fork off the table and said, "If you can do that with this one, I'll be impressed." And I gave him a big wink as I held the fork so that only he could see the twist I had put into it while everyone was paying attention to him. His eyes got big for a moment, but he jumped right in and made the most of it, and left our group having attained god-like status.
A few minutes later he caught up with me alone and basically said, "Thank you, but what the...??" I explained that yes, I did this stuff too, but never had for the people I was with, so it seemed like the best way to have some fun and take advantage of the situation.
Every problem contains the seeds of its own solution. Unfortunately every problem also contains the seeds of an infinite number of non-solutions, so that first part really isn't super helpful.
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sjdavison Inner circle Surrey, UK 1379 Posts |
Great story Joshua, and so nice to see compared with the oneupmanship that happens so often!
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Al Straker Grammar Host Australia 1129 Posts |
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On Oct 23, 2016, Joshua Quinn wrote: When the true spirit of magic reaches the heights that Joshua has demonstrated here, we can all celebrate the world being a better place.
Al Straker
Resident Mystery Entertainer at Multiple Venues Music & Mentalism Specialty Act 'Completely Mental' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyGhApqnG7I (Old clip, show has changed quite a bit since then!) Jazz & Contemporary Musician/Composer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnN3JNmeKns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU_zfOvpneA |
Race Blakhart Special user Selma,CA 624 Posts |
Best thread of the day!
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Martin Pulman Inner circle London 3399 Posts |
Isn't it wonderful when the Mentalism gods favour us! Great stories Robb and Joshua.
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
I think it was in George Anderson's It Must be Mindreading that I first read about what to do in a Q&A if you see the message "I'm with it and for it." It means there's someone in the audience who is willing to stooge for you. He implies that this is standard practice among mentalists, helping each other to make a more amazing show.
I really enjoyed the stories and appreciate folks sharing them. -Patrick |
IMAGINACIAN Special user In Your Thots 558 Posts |
One a 'mind blowing' story and another a 'heart warming' story. Both are high impact emotions and I enjoyed them both. Two totally different takes but one result of amazement for the specs.
Thanks a lot for sharing Robb n Joshua
There is no better freedom than choice and no better choice than freedom.
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Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
How did you like Omega?
I've been contemplating taking some workshops there for a few years. |
Robb Inner circle 1291 Posts |
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On Oct 24, 2016, Tony Iacoviello wrote: Omega is a bit of a mixed bag... One on hand, the workshop was great and I'm sure many of the programs are. The grounds are also beautiful and The Sanctuary is one of the nicest places I've ever had the pleasure of meditating in. The problem is the accommodations are not so great and outrageously expensive. Even a tiny room with shared bath and shower is $200 a night and when I say tiny I mean TINY, just barely big enough for the bed and room to change. I heard grumblings that the beds were not too comfortable nor the pillows and things were a little on the dirty side. I didn't stay on campus, I have a friend that lives in nearby Saugerties so I stayed with them. I guess I'd say if you have a place other than Omega to stay at in the area (mid-Hudson Valley) I'd go that route... You'll still be paying a "commuter fee" though which is for three meals a day... Oh yeah, the food! Well, I loved the food but it's very simple vegetarian fare. Very basic and healthy but that is right up my alley. They also have the Omega Café where you can get desserts and coffee and other dishes and a lot of interesting pre-bottled drinks. I should mention that I think meditation is extremely beneficial for mentalists. A calm, clear mind does wonders for mind reading abilities. ;-) |
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