Mentalist helps kick off semester at Harper

Mentalist Christopher Carter and his ability to read peoples' minds will be the focal point of Welcome Week activities at Harper College. The kick off for the spring 2010 semester will begin at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the Student Center Lounge, Building A, Algonquin and Roselle Roads, Palatine.

As a youngster at a family Poker game Carter noticed that people revealed their cards by facial and other expressions. Later in high school, he became interested in hypnosis and magic, in addition to mind reading.

"I'm not a hypnotist exactly, but I do use a lot of hypnotic techniques in my show," says Carter, who will "get audience members in the Harper show to see something that doesn't exist." Having students hold fluorescent bulbs with the bulbs lighting at his command is another popular trick.

Other Welcome Week activities include: information tables with Harper staff from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 19 and 20, in Buildings L, J, and Avanté; and from 5:30-6:45 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 19 and 20, in Buildings L and Avanté.

There will be a PACE bus table with information on how students can take public transportation to campus and route maps; a Harper Hawks pep rally, free hot chocolate, and live remote broadcast by the student-run radio station WHCM 88.3 FM, all at noon Thursday, Jan. 21, in the Student Center Lounge, Building A. Students can also signup for emergency text alerts. All of the Welcome Week events are free. For more information, call the Harper College Student Activities office at (847) 925-6242 or visit harpercollege.edu.