Kreskin at The River Run Centre, photo courtesy of Collen Clack
Yesterday afternoon, I sat in the River Run Centre’s Main Stage theatre and witnessed The Amazing Kreskin in action. Yes, he found his cheque. Yes, he knew a volunteer had cut 19 cards from the top deck during a trick. And yes, he convinced more than a dozen people they were freezing cold despite sitting under blazing stage lights. Impressive to say the least.
I’ve seen mentalists before and found them entertaining, but I nearly fell out of my seat when Kreskin nailed my brother-in-law’s license plate and wedding anniversary — pinpointing the month, day and year. The 75-year-old mentalist then sent shivers down my spine when he asked my brother-in-law, “What’s Le Manzinaie?” Like you’d pull that word out of thin air.
It’s a the name of the Tuscan villa where our family stayed during a once-in-a-lifetime European trip. They had sent everyone in the family an email just the other day, and the villa was on all our minds.
How’d Kreskin do it? I don’t want to know.
Shortbread Hearts currently featured on BetterBaking.com
So, doing away with random number generators, Dine-o-matic and personal bias, I’m going to ask you to tune into my wavelength to win a prize.
Here’s the deal: I’ve gone to my copy of a The New Best of Better Baking.com by Marcy Goldman and selected a recipe. Leave a comment guessing the page number (the book has 324 pages). The TWO people closest to either page number (without going over) will get a free subscription to Marcy’s membership-based, online magazine BetterBaking.com. These subscriptions are courtesy of Marcy Goldman, one of Canada’s best and most practical pastry chefs.
I’ll announce the winners on December 24th. Then, in the new year, I’ll bake the recipe I selected, post the results and pass on the baking tips Marcy shared with me in a recent interview. Sound good?
Okay then. Ready, set, THINK!
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Oooh, this is fun. Okay, can I please pick 277. Thanks.
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Yes, you can! Consider yourself entered.
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Oh oh! If a subscription includes her Majestic and Moist Honey Cake recipe, I’m in! It’s our favorite everyday cake.
Hmmmmm…. I’m going for page 24, to coincide with the date for the draw.
And Charmian, can you use your Kreskin-like mental powers to guess what we were doing yesterday? Something to do with raisins, seeds and rosemary. They are SOOO good! I couldn’t keep the surprise until our Christmas eve wine and cheese around the tree.
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Amy, my keen mental powers tell me you were baking Rosemary, Raisin & Pecan crisps. Am I right? What do I win?
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Amy Proulx Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 12:24 PM
@Charmian Christie, I’d say you win my admiration for posting such a yummy recipe.
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I’m in too Charmian!! I guess page 109. But let me tell you, I have minimal psychic powers. I can’t even take a hint.
Dan
Casual Kitchen
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Oh Dan, I’m tempted to award you a subscription just for making me laugh.
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Lol! What a hilarious segway. I am going with 72!!
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Consider yourself entered and glad you liked my tenuous link between Kreskin and cooking.
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How about 35.
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 1:27 PM
I’ll let you know on the 24th….
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Oh how cool! I love this kind of stuff and would really love to see Kreskin live some time.
As for my guess, I’m going with page 15.
*I have been known for some psychic flashes but, sadly, only as pertains to impending disasters. I don’t know if my capabilities extend to cookies!
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 21st, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Where were you when I was setting the microwave aflame?
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I’ll choose page 27 because there were 27 family members at my in-laws’ Christmas celebration yesterday. I saw Kreskin in Kitchener a few years ago, and he was somewhat spooky with accurate observations about people in the audience!
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Wow, I’m tempted to give you a subscription based on sheer volume. Great reason for selecting page 27.
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I say … 208.
No reason, so I am going to say that it is my psychic powers.
Happy Holidays,
Kathryn
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:46 AM
“Locked in!” as Kreskin would say.
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Page 197. No reason!
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:47 AM
I’ve got you down for 197. No reason is reason enough.
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Well I have a Passion For Baking~
I love Marcy Goldman.. when I first started getting interested in recipes online..her site was so helpful..and so was she..she answered every e-mail..herself~
I’ll guess page 270.. Winging it~
Great idea..
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Thanks for the feedback on Marcy’s site. Great to hear.
And you’re down for 270.
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I’ll pick page 60 if it’s not taken.
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Hi Helen. Number 60 is yours.
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47. Please and thank you!
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Great number. It’s our family’s lucky number. Hope it’s lucky for you, too.
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I was going to take 47, but that is what I get for not getting to my e-mail until the late hours.
Please put me down for the psychically chosen 17 of yesterday. It is my lucky number.
If you think you were blown away with Kreskin imagine how I felt!!
Love,
Robin
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 AM
When I saw Jill took 47 I knew you’d slap your head. You’re down for 17 — the number Kreskin honed in on…
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I love her recipes as well! My favourite bread is made from her Montreal bagels recipe which I started doing when I didn’t have enough time to make bagels.
After some internal reflection, I’m picking page 185.
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Thanks for the suggestion of her Montreal Bagels. Good to know it works as bread.
And page 185 is yours.
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I have know mentalist abilities, I’m going the Price is Right route. I pick 112.
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Works for me. You’re down for 112. And remember to neuter or spay your pets.
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I can SMELL those shortbread cookies! Oh, YUM! My guess is going to towards the back of the book, just because: page 234.
I love your blog, Christie. You make me more adventurous and a better cook!
Thanks,
Turner
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Turner, that’s the nicest comment I’ve ever received. And my commenters are a great bunch of folks. Thanks so much.
And you’re locked into 234.
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I can’t believe he’s still working – that’s just incredible.
Fun contest!
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Charmian Christie Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I know! When we saw he was coming we just HAD to go. Figure he’ll slow down soon as he’s 75. But he still does about 200 shows a year. And he’s sharp as a tack.
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I’m hoping that page 254 is bang on :0)
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