Psychic tells all

Amid vendors selling hot tubs or jewelry, Adam Marks sits patiently in his psychic tent and waits for people who want to plunk down $10 for a chance to see their future.

His booth competes for attention from the next-door Navy recruiters who are blasting country music and handing out sunglasses. Marks doesn't have anything so snazzy to get people to come by. His booth has three simple tables and a couple of decks of Tarot cards. He's dressed simply, and he's soft-spoken and quick to smile.

People amble by and stare and occasionally groups of teenagers will laugh and yell out questions like, "Am I going to die soon?"

Even if they are being obnoxious, Marks resists the temptation to shout back: "Yes!"

He waits.

Most of the time it takes about an hour for one of those kids to break off from the group and sneak back for a reading.

"The ones who make fun are usually the most curious," he said. "One hundred percent of my clients start off as doubters, but 85 percent come back another time."

Marks, from Loveland, has been in the psychic business for 15 years but says that he has had the gift all of his life. Psychic power, apparently, is as hereditary as hair color. Marks is a ninth-generation psychic in a family that traces its roots back to eastern European countries like Romania and Hungary.

He suspects his 3-year-old daughter is also starting to get some psychic power. While most parents will turn on the television to get their kids to calm down, Marks usually hands her a pack of Tarot cards.

"She'll be quiet for a few hours," he said. "It looks like she has the gift, too."

Marks studied metaphysics at Duke University and set up his shop, Rocky Mountain Psychics, in Loveland. Most of his clients are repeat visitors but about three times a year he sets up a tent at local events like the Greeley Independence Stampede to have some fun, and hopefully find a few more repeat clients.

"It's a source of entertainment," he said.

The psychic business has been good to him. It supports his family and gives him a chance to interact with new people every day.

He says to just think of him as a therapist who has the advantage of being able to see your life like a television show.

"I have the ability to see things, and I give advice based on those visions," he said.

Want your own reading?

You can also contact Marks at 667-4486 or by checking out the Web site www.rockymountainpsychic.com. Readings cost anywhere from $10-$325.

Food Review

«TASTER: Gene Jaramillo of Milliken

«FOOD: Indian taco with seasonal beef

«PRICE: $6

«DESCRIBE THE TASTE: "Fresh. I like the bread best."

«HOW YOU FELT AFTER EATING IT: "It's big. I'm definitely full."

«WOULD YOU EAT IT AGAIN: "Yes, we do every year."

«ANY REDEEMING NUTRITIONAL VALUE? "I'd say yes because of the fresh lettuce and tomatoes."

«SPECIAL NOTES: The Indian taco has lots of fresh ingredients -- onions, olives, tomatoes, beans and cheese.