Magic 01
Class Notes
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” – Arthur C. Clark
Some modern day examples include Harry Potter’s magic display in the news paper and Berg’s concept video for what would eventually be realized in Apple’s iPad.
FMRI to recreate sight
Ricky Jay, the speed of the card swap in the wine glass. Clearly a practice makes perfect situation.
Steve Jobs technology presentations, a similar sense of preparation in presentation.
Why Magic?
– Traditions of knowledge
Marco Tempest
explain performance and taught trick here
type up notes from class here
Reading Notes
—————— From Class Website ——————
Smoke and Mirrors: Stage Illusion as Storytelling Tool
Guest: Marco Tempest
Design Exercise: We learn a trick.
Read or Listen for Next Week:
- Interview with the authors of Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals About Our Everyday Deceptions
- Long Now Lecture by Daniel Kahneman
- Principles, Techniques, and Ethics of Stage Magic and Their Application to Human Interface Design
- A MAN, A BALL, A HOOP, A BENCH (AND AN ALLEGED THREAD)… TELLER!
- Ricky Jay profile in the New Yorker
View for Next Week:
Assignment Due for Next Week:
- Pick a classic sleight of hand illusion ( 1, 2, 3, 4). Learn and practice it. Be ready to perform it next week.
- Post a short video of yourself practicing your illusion to the class website. Be sure to use the “Assignment” tag.
- Become aware and count how many times you hear the word “magic” used in your environment. Note in what context it is used.
Reference Reading:
For Fun: