{"id":15928,"date":"2024-01-29T16:47:38","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T16:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/?p=15928"},"modified":"2024-01-29T16:47:38","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T16:47:38","slug":"checkpoint-showtime-a-mentalists-encounter-with-the-guards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog\/checkpoint-showtime-a-mentalists-encounter-with-the-guards\/","title":{"rendered":"Checkpoint Showtime: A Mentalist&#8217;s Encounter with the Guards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-vnqb42-58b16ffc527483b0353de0b0941916eb\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-58b16ffc527483b0353de0b0941916eb{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-58b16ffc527483b0353de0b0941916eb .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-58b16ffc527483b0353de0b0941916eb .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-vnqb42-58b16ffc527483b0353de0b0941916eb av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first  av-linked-heading'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Checkpoint Showtime: A Mentalist\u2019s Encounter with the Guards<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-k2xdybux-01b59701de5a017f8826ff3a07149b25\">\n.avia-image-container.av-k2xdybux-01b59701de5a017f8826ff3a07149b25 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-k2xdybux-01b59701de5a017f8826ff3a07149b25 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-k2xdybux-01b59701de5a017f8826ff3a07149b25 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-15930 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-15930 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01.jpg\" alt='Mentalist stopped at Garda checkpoint' title='mentalist-stopped-at-garda-checkpoint'  height=\"1024\" width=\"1024\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/01-705x705.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-39j46m-3ce6d6c64e5e0dbdf10dd15e565d65f3'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>In the world of mentalism, ordinary situations often transform into extraordinary tales. This story unfolded after a wedding performance, proving that magic extends beyond the stage.<\/p>\n<p>The evening was filled with laughter and craic at an &#8216;unnamed venue&#8217;. However, as I was leaving, I encountered an unexpected twist \u2013 a Garda checkpoint just outside.<\/p>\n<p>As I pulled up, the guard, all focused and direct, asked if I&#8217;d been drinking. &#8220;Nope, I was performing at the wedding,&#8221; I responded. &#8220;What do you do?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;I&#8217;m a mindreader,&#8221; I replied.<\/p>\n<p>He looked at me sceptically. &#8220;No, seriously, have you had a drink?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Absolutely not, I&#8217;m a mentalist and mindreader. I just came from that wedding,&#8221; I clarified.<\/p>\n<p>His patience thinning, he pressed further, &#8220;Just tell me if you had a drink.&#8221; I reassured him, &#8220;No, Garda, I stay sober when I&#8217;m working. It&#8217;s crucial for my act. But if you&#8217;re curious, I&#8217;d be happy to give you and your colleagues a quick demonstration.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15931\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02.jpg\" alt=\"Mentalist reads the mind of a Garda\" width=\"435\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/02-705x705.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>He couldn&#8217;t resist. He called over the other guards and prepared the breathalyser, announcing, &#8220;This man claims he&#8217;s a mindreader. Let&#8217;s see what he&#8217;s got.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>I launched into a swift mind-reading act, accurately guessing that his first crush was named &#8216;Siobhan&#8217;. The guards lost it \u2013 errupting into laughter and jumping around. The spectacle must&#8217;ve baffled the drivers waiting behind us.<\/p>\n<p>Then came the breathalyser test. I passed with flying colours. The guard, struggling to stay composed, affirmed, &#8220;You passed.&#8221; I replied with a playful smirk,, &#8220;Well, that&#8217;s what you think!&#8221; Their laughter redoubled.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15932\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03.jpg\" alt=\"Mentalist passes breathalyzer test \" width=\"443\" height=\"443\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/03-705x705.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With a friendly nod, the guard waved me off, &#8220;Go on, get outta here.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>As I drove away, I reflected on mentalism&#8217;s unique ability to transform and lighten even the most routine situations. It&#8217;s not just about mind-reading; it&#8217;s about changing the energy of the moment, infusing wonder and joy into people&#8217;s lives, even during a routine Garda stop.<\/p>\n<p>That night, what could have been a simple checkpoint turned into a platform for a memorable and spontaneous exhibition of mentalism, creating a memory that will linger with me.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15933\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04.jpg\" alt=\"04\" width=\"446\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/04-705x705.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>#MindGames #MentalistAdventures #CheckpointComedy<\/p>\n<p><strong>Photo Credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Salvador Dall-e<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce\">\n.flex_column.av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce av_one_full  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div column-top-margin'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-kahznbg1-317b7f0418c4a61bf6a4aa1bd985a044'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763\">\n.av_font_icon.av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763 .av-icon-char{\nfont-size:30px;\nline-height:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<span  class='av_font_icon av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763 avia_animate_when_visible av-icon-style- avia-icon-pos-left av-no-color avia-icon-animate'><a href='http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog'  class='av-icon-char' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue830' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Back to blog.<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the world of mentalism, ordinary situations often transform into extraordinary tales. This story unfolded after a wedding performance, proving that magic extends beyond the stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15941,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Checkpoint Showtime: A Mentalist&#039;s Encounter with the Guards","_seopress_titles_desc":"In the world of mentalism, ordinary situations often transform into extraordinary tales. This story unfolded after a wedding performance, proving that magic extends beyond the stage.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9,8,14,10,16,15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15928"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15928"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15928\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15942,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15928\/revisions\/15942"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}