There’s Mentalism and Then There’s Mentalism

Mentalism leaves an impact when done properly. I always tell my grandkids I can read their minds and they used to believe me. I could always predict when they were going to have a fight. I could see it coming before they did. When I’d tell them I see a fight in the near future they would go out of their way to be nice to each other. Somehow I think they caught on to it.

This may not seem connected, however, being so close to Christmas and Chanukah we get a lot of calls for people buying presents for other people as gifts. They know nothing about magic but have magician friends or family and they know that this is what they would like best. I got a call from someone who wanted to get a gift for an adult relative, and we discussed various items. The other morning someone came in who I didn’t recognize but when he started to talk I thought it was that particular fellow. I said, “Oh, I know who you are.” and he said, “You do?” and I said “Yes” and he said “I can’t believe it. You have a wonderful memory.” which I don’t. At that moment he said he came  to buy something for his son. Not the person I thought it was. For some reason I said, “Your son is 12.” He said, “How could you possibly know that?” I had no idea. He said, “You have no idea how impressed I am that you remembered all that.” It was the first time he was in the shop so I had him fill out the form with his name, etc. I still had no idea who he was. But Phil recognized the name. It was someone we once met some time ago, not connected to magic. I just happened to say his son was 12. How did I know that?  Why did I say it? Maybe I am a mindreader after all.

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah!

The Tree, The Menorah and Tradition

Its that time of year again. We even got a big snow fall to remind us. Until that happens we know Christmas is coming but somehow the rush comes on when that snow falls. It happens this year that Christmas and Chanukah come out on the same day. Christmas is always on the 25th of December but since we Jews are on a Lunar calendar it comes out on different days. Seems we always have to complicate things.

Anyhow, we both have our traditions. Christians have a tree with lights and we have a Menorah with lights. Both can be simple or elaborate. Its the feeling  and history that count. Christians have a traditions of giving gifts to each other. Perhaps that has to do with the 3 wise men bringing gifts. Its our tradition to give children Chanukah Gelt, (money) and I’m not sure where that came from. When my grandchildren were little I used to get them a little gift for each day of Chanukah as I didn’t think they would appreciate money as much as a present. Last year, the girl was 8 and the boy 10, and I went to visit them the first night of Chanukah. I said, “No more presents, you have enough stuff, I got you each a card.” and I gave them each a card.”That’s okay Bubbie. A card is fine.”  They tried to console me. The 8 year old opened hers first and started to read it and a $20.00 bill dropped to the floor. “”Hey, look what fell out of my card.”  The 10 year old opened his card and found the same thing. They were both thrilled. Tradition!

But if you’re into giving gifts, we’ll make your life easy. We have all sorts of stuff for adults and children as well as gift cards. Do come and visit, call or email us. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Chanukah.