The Psychology of Magic

Very interesting article from a few years ago describing a visit by Simon Singh to The Magic Circle. Although only really revealing what we already know, that magicians use misdirection to achieve some of their effects, it contains some interesting asides. They include the fact that the Magic Circle library includes whole books devoted to one trick - such as 50 ways to make a card inserted into the pack 'magically' rise to the top.

[From The Guardian]

Making Habits, Breaking Habits

In his new book, Jeremy Dean--psychologist and author of PsyBlog--looks at how habits work, why they are so hard to change, and how to break bad old cycles and develop new healthy, creative, happy habits.

→ "Making Habits, Breaking Habits", is available now on Amazon.

Reviews
The Bookseller, “Editor’s Pick,” 10/12/12 “Sensible and very readable…By far the most useful of this month’s New You offerings.”

Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/13 “Making changes does take longer than we may expect—no 30-day, 30-pounds-lighter quick fix—but by following the guidelines laid out by Dean, readers have a decent chance at establishing fulfilling, new patterns.”

Publishers Weekly, 12/10/12 “An accessible and informative guide for readers to take control of their lives.”

→ You can dip into the first chapter, or check it out on Amazon.com.