The Bug Bit

Technically I am on holiday, but that does not mean the stopping of my exploration of magic (as in tricks, illusions, and effects) which is my passion. Recently I have been bitten by the bug of a magic subcategory known as mentalism. My budding interest in mental magic which is why I got involved with the InventMentalism.com project.

Test

So, I am going to give you an update on what is going on with the Invent Mentalism project on this day of four calling birds (originally crows). We did a test market for the eBook which for the most part was positive. But alas, not everybody loved it, though many did. For example, those who did find it useful (the audience that matters anyway) were folks from one of the largest magic organizations that is still operating today.

It is the 4th Day of Christmas

Oh, and not to get away from mentalism, but did you know that the phrase “Four Calling Birds” in relation to its origin in 1909 being derived from a much older traditional folk melody, was not originally “four calling birds?” It was “four colly birds.” And here is the kicker, it was not until recently in the 1950s and 1960s that “calling” instead of “colly” got to be more popular! Pretty much sealed by the 1970’s around when I first became aware of the tune.

Zooming to the End

In closing, for those who are interested, we still have plans to release “Invent Mentalism” but maybe in a slightly different form. Our aim all along was to come up with a manuscript that the magic and mentalism community would find to be relevant. These days many of us live on Zoom as a way of dealing with the limitations put on social interaction per COVID. So most likely the new format of InventMentalism.com will take its cues from that. Hope you have a great remaining of the upcoming 8 days of Christmas!