Math, Magic and Testing

I was out walking, catching up on podcasts when I came across this episode from BBC’s More Or Less. Its focus is math and statistics issues that come up in the news and (unsurprisingly) a lot of that has been about statistics surrounding COVID 19.

I was surprised when the episode contained a magic trick!

The trick in question is a math/mindreading trick which is quite old. It’s not uncommon to find it in children’s math sets. It’s most commonly known as the “Age Cards”. The way it works is that the magician has six cards with a bunch of random numbers printed on them, usually from one to sixty-four. You think of a number and look at the cards one by one and say “Yes” or “No” depending on whether or not you see your number. And that information is enough to determine what number you’re thinking of.

What’s really cool is that this concept is being applied to the technique of “Pool Testing” which is a method of grouping together multiple virus tests so you only have to run the test once but can still sort out who (probably) has the virus.

I was at convention some years ago with the legendary British magician Paul Daniels (who probably performed more magic on TV than any other person in history). He said that it was performing the “Age Cards” for someone randomly on a train led to his first TV show.

Derren Brown: TedX Vancouver

What’s he doing here?

Derren Brown is one of the world’s most well-known mindreaders. For years he was a star in his native England with multiple specials and touring shows. More recently, some of the programs became available in North America on Netflix. Soon he’ll be heading to Broadway to perform his new one-man show.

Apparently, he stopped off in Vancouver, Canada with white tie and tails to show off some good old fashioned mind reading:

Paul Wildbaum: 1957-2020

Sad to report the passing of Paul Wildbaum, the Toronto clown, mime, magician, and generally unpigeonholeable person. We first worked together in 2012 when I was producing a magic night at the Toronto Centre for the Arts headlined by American magician Eugene Burger.

Doctor-Professor Faux Pas and the Human Glockenspiel, Toronto Centre for the Arts, September 2012

Later, when I went on to host the weekly show Magic Tonight (2013-16) he was a regular guest:

Paul’s material was unique. Much of it was accomplished entirely silently, conveying so much without saying a word. I’m happy to have been able to work with him so often and grateful for the enthusiasm, creativity and joy he brought to our shows. He will be deeply missed.

The Newest Trick in the MacBook

Last night, I got to participate in a live streamed show put on by the Toronto Magic Company. Since the two hosts of the show happen to be in my 10-person social circle, I was able to sneak over and appear in the show live:

The show is based on their live open-mic magic show, “The Newest Trick in the Book” which was held weekly in Toronto for several years. It offers people a chance to see virtual performances from various magicians ranging from enthusiastic hobbyists to full time professionals. This episode included performances from Denis Kim, Jacque Swan, David Sutherland, Gordon Precious, Wonderphil (Phil Pivnick) and Ryan Brown.

You can watch the full stream above for free!

Every Martini Ever (Almost)

When you host over two hundred performances of a show called Magic & Martini, everyone starts to send you drink recipes! Here, a YouTube channel, “The Educated Barfly” does a retrospective of the different recipes for the martini going back to the earliest recorded ones from the 1880s.

I agree with what he says that probably no other cocktail has a higher level awareness in popular culture, not just because ordering it was one of James Bond’s catchphrases — shaken not stirred (which everyone will almost invariably tell you is not the way to order your martini) — but the huge number of other old films that featured it.

So if you’re looking for a project while spending lots of time social distancing at home, trying five different versions of the martini to compare and contrast might be a fun passtime!

Free Giveaway: Socially Distanced Magic

For the past several years, the highlight of just about each and every week has always been performing magic in front of a live audience and that’s been taken away. As we work to find creative ways to get together, particularly online, I’ve been getting used to performing for people virtually.

The last few months have been difficult for everyone and some people are feeling the stress from distancing more sharply than others. So with that in mind to give people a chance to connect with friends and family they can’t meet in person, get distracted and have fun, we’re doing a free giveaway. Every week from now until the end of October we’re giving away a free virtual magic show.

The Prize

A forty-five minute interactive magic show on Zoom for up to six households. This is a new format, close-up on camera with brand new material, totally different from the live shows I’ve done in the past.

One name will be selected at random at the end of each week on Sunday night from all of the entries received. (Meaning you do not need to enter again every week and the earlier you enter, the more chances you have to win.)

---

Enter the contest:

The Fascinating Fine Print:

Limit of one entry per household. Scheduling subject to availability. Not recommended for children younger than twelve. Viewers who are not wearing pants need to be seated at a desk or table. You’ve spent too much time reading the fine print. Nobody reads the fine print. What’s wrong with you? Stop now before someone notices.

---

For more information about a virtual magic performance for friends, family and workgroups, please feel free to contact us.