MagicSafire.com's blog

Honda's one-wheel cycle

2009-10-25T00:06:15Z

Office chair races just took on a whole new dimension.

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Science of Magic

2009-10-06T05:08:56Z

Ask a Scientist presents The Science of Magic tomorrow at Axis Cafe in San Francisco.
From their site:

Tuesday, October 6th, 7:00 pm
Topic: The Science of Magic
From ancient conjurers, to quick-handed con artists, to big ticket Las Vegas illusionists, magicians throughout the ages have been expertly manipulating human attention and perception to dazzle and delight us (or scare us, or steal our watches). Of course you know that the phenomena of cognitive and sensory illusions are responsible for the "magic" of a magic trick, but you've got to admit it still kind of freaks you out when some some guy in a top hat defies the laws of nature right in front of your eyes. Tonight Luigi Anzivino will explain how magicians use our brains as their accomplices in effecting the impossible — and what scientists can learn about the brain by studying the methods and techniques of magic.
Speaker: Luigi Anzivino, Neuroscientist, Magician, and Learning Studio Coordinator at Exploratorium
Location: Axis Cafe, 1201 8th Street (btw. 16th & Irwin) San Francisco

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Oooh

2009-10-03T02:31:55Z

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Food, Inc.

2009-08-26T19:07:29Z

Written by Safire

"Food, Inc." Official Trailer pt 2 (What the food industry doesn't want you to know)

I just saw Food, Inc. last night after reading that it received an impressive 97% on Rottentomatoes. Food, Inc. lifts the veil behind America's food industry, revealing scenes the industry wishes to keep hidden. I went into the film expecting gory scenes of animal abuse, but was more shocked by the statistics (one in three children born after 2000 will have Type-2 diabetes), than by the images. It is the most informative movie of the year, with real things you can do now to change the system. For instance, supporting local farmers' markets, buying organic food, limiting soda consumption, and eating less meat. It's showing in only one theater in San Francisco, so I would see it before it leaves. Everyone needs to see this film.

If you enjoy this film, I would recommend reading Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals.
[Cue Reading Rainbow theme song]

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High-Speed Robot Hand

2009-08-26T04:59:21Z

Posted by Safire

High-Speed Robot Hand

"Skillful Manipulation Based on High-Speed Sensory Motor Fusion"

I found the dynamic regrasping of a cell phone at it's edge at 2:38 to be the most impressive segment of this video, as it shows a skill not easily achieved by a human.

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Fur Heaven

2009-08-24T18:52:30Z

Posted by Safire

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I've died and gone to fur heaven. Discount Fabrics is offering 20% off all faux fur for August. Their selection of faux fur would make Hugh Hefner jealous.

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NASA Ames Research Center

2009-07-29T01:30:47Z

Pict by Safire

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United Breaks Guitars

2009-07-10T07:21:41Z

Written by Safire

United Breaks Guitars

Just read this hilarious SFGate Article about why one shouldn't piss off a musician. The video tells the whole story. May Mr. Carroll's Taylor guitar RIP.

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Problem Solving Flowsheet

2009-06-26T22:27:22Z

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Penn & Teller on Time Warp

2009-06-17T07:55:24Z

Penn & Teller will be guests on Discovery Channel's Time Warp tonight (June 17, 2009) at 8pm. Time Warp will showcase some of their signature routines in slow motion, "revealing the complexities of each bit".

If you can't wait till tonight, here are some videos of Penn & Teller eating fire in slow motion and juggling broken glass. Do not try this at home.

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