This is a 2 minute teaser of an interview conducted with magician, sceptic and author James Randi (randi.org) on 20th April 2008 exclusively for The Skeptic Magazine (UK). The video features Randi discussing and demonstrating a magic trick from one of Martin Gardner’s books, which somehow fooled scientists on initial observation.
The full 52 minute interview will be released to coincide with the circulation of the relaunch issue of The Skeptic, in late July or early August 2009.
Enjoy.
Ah James Randi – what I would give for an hours conversation with him! He’s brilliant. A real credit to the magic world.
And nice to see him without Del & Rodney for a change too.
You’re kidding!
Like it! Wish i hadnt watched it however, the mystery of how these things are done is what gives it the appeal, Wheres the fun if you know how its done!
Haha, love the surprise ending! But I can hardly believe scientists would fall for a trick I remember learning from a kid’s magic video when I was 11 or so… I wonder if that honestly happened, or if it’s just a fun anecdote Randi made up to illustrate his point.
Love this stuff. I’m attending the National Pawnbrokers Convention in Las Vegas right now
and was able for the first time see in person some “illussions” simaliar to what Derren has performed
on some of the TV shows broadcast here in the Usa.
I mentioned to the guy that I had been “following” Derren Brown (just online and this blog, not In person) and that I was/am intrigued with the way that Derren is able to read facial ticks, body language etc. Finally being able to see a act in person and getting to be able to be picked to be in one of the examples makes interested in finding out if Derren ever has plans on coming to the USA for a show like he does on your side of the “pond”?
fair enough him exposing the trick to the scientist fella – but, did he have to show off and reveal it to everyone else? i know its only a little effect – but even so…shame on captain birdseye senior!
Oh cmon. My grandad used to pull this trick. Compared to what real magicians can pull off at even a beginner level this an easy trick. Having studied som of derrens tricks it’s taken me 2 years to get them off and even them I still dint get them as finessed. I like this sort of pop magic that everyone can do it a lot of fun and means I have tricks to teach kids when they pester me as to how something is done and get anoyed when I don’t.
OH MY GOD!!
That matchbox totally just stood up on his hand! HOW DID HE DO THAT???!!!
<3 James Randi. ;o)
Hahaa Brilliant, …i thought that man was posessed by the devil or sumthin
i dunno, i think if you respect magic – then thats it…doesnt matter if its the 21 card trick or OOTW…keep all secrets exactly that…magician guards an empty (match)box afterall….
Do you need old loose skin to do this trick??? I can’t get it to work with any of my matchboxes.
Anyone else get it to work?
Chris
Ehehehehe …..