42! The ultimate answer to life the universe and Mentalism?

[eostresh]

Okay so I was a sci-fi geek and when asked to think of a number between 1 and 100 I would probably say 42. I was watching two different demo vids for the Super Sharpie and in both two different spectators said 42. Now I figured the significance of 42 was mostly appreciated by a certain generation of Sci-Fi buffs from generation X but come to think of it the Hitch-hiker's Guide was probably a 10-15 year old book when I read it. So my question is, has it's popularity continued and if so does it show up in "think of a number" effects more often than chance? If it does has anyone here been able to capitalize on it or, conversely, has it hindered any one's performance?

just curious....

 

[Craig Browning]

I'd say that you're not noticing how the performer manipulates folks into giving a certain answer -- psychological force. There are ways of guiding people to most any sum you have in mind, provided you have a knack at words & body language so as to get there.

While there may be other demographics involved, the control in this instance, is what is commonly referred to as a "Ranged Force"; a way of directing the spectator to a desired sum. I'll not go into depth simply because there's tons of material available now days on this subject starting with the famed "Psychological Subtleties" books by Banachek. And do understand that magicians are frequently the easiest people on the planet, to fool when using the very techniques they think they know.

 

[eostresh]

Good points. I doubt he was doing a number force since he was demo-ing essentially a boon writer but it is always possible that he is a fan of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and he thought it would be funny to have a friend say "42" as his own in joke....I'd do something like that Oh well....Still need to figure out how to use my towell for mind reading....works for everything else!

 

[alex2011]

Nice Conversation.