Questioning Assumptions or... proof that math teachers are evil

Magic teaches us to be constantly be looking at the world around us with a critical eye and to always be giving a second thought to things which appear, on the surface, to be completely obvious. Rushing through a problem trying to get to the solution as quickly as possible carries the risk of missing something important; something you believed to be true without realizing it. (And because you weren't consciously aware of believing it, you never gave yourself the opportunity to question it!)

For some, this exercise will be a delightful exercise in testing and challenging assumptions. For others, it will simply be the long-awaited proof that all math and science teachers are inherently pure evil. 

Photos from Magic & Martini in Oakville

Last night was a terrific kick off to a long weekend (with more performances and a family feast ahead!)

Thank you to everyone who attended last night's Magic & Martini at O'Finn's in Oakville, taking time out their Thanksgiving Holiday. Here are some photos from the event courtesy of Tyler Sol Williams. 

Our next performance in Oakville is on Friday, November 10. We also have several upcoming dates in Toronto. Readers can use the code olive for a discounted price on tickets when purchasing online. 

Win a Date with Mahdi Gilbert

Or so the contest says. 

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Toronto magician Mahdi Gilbert just to chat. We were at the Madison Avenue Pub, outdoors on a beautiful day, a place which has a richer magic history than many people will ever know.

Flattering still clearly chosen by Mahdi

You may have come across video of Mahdi online as he has been the feature of several articles and was also featured on Penn & Teller Fool Us on the CW Network two years ago. What makes Mahdi special — and possibly unique — is that he performs sleight of hand, despite not having any hands. (And if you could have seen a guy with no hands set up the tripod and camera to record this discussion, you would have been mightily impressed as well!)

Of course the most exciting part is Mahdi is offering to take one lucky viewer to see my show — Magic & Martini — in Toronto. He's calling it a date, but I'm not sure what your obligations would be. You'll have to watch the video to find out how to win. 

The Mathematics of Juggling

Because even a subject as dynamic and physical as juggling can be made more fun by making it nerdy (and British!) Thanks to the gang at Numberphile in the UK for sharing. 

The Newest Trick In The Book

Tonight's Magic & Martini in Toronto is SOLD OUT! We look forward to seeing everyone tonight at SpiritHouse.

However, next Tuesday, October 3, I'll be participating in another special event downtown: The Newest Trick In The Book, hosted by the Toronto Magic Company. I will be appearing alongside four other Toronto magicians premiering brand new magic... which may be wonderful or a complete disaster... this is like reality tv, but not on tv.

The event takes place at See-Scape, located on Dundas, immediately east of Keele. Th show starts this Tuesday at 8:30 PM. This is a PWYC event, so please feel free to join us. 

 

James "The Amazing" Randi

The Canadian magician and escape artist James Randi has become best known for his work as a paranormal investigator. It's a crusade of sorts to fight for people's right not to be cheated out of their money by people claiming abilities they don't have.

Magicians are practitioners of deception, but there's an ethics to deception and we often walk a very fine line trying to squeeze every last piece of wonder and amazement out of the world while recognizing that in order for society to flourish, people need to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible. 

This short interview was filmed by Seth Andrews, who produces The Thinking Atheist podcast, at the 2017 American Atheists convention in Charlottesville. (Hundreds of atheists gathered together to watch an eclipse... what could be wrong with that?)