I recall a incident from my college days. For some reason, a close-up sleight of hand magician was in the Student Union doing his thing. I sat down to watch; I was right in front of him not more than three feet away from his hands and the cards he was using. With one trick, I felt I figured out how he had to be doing it. A little misdirection, and some lightning quick finger work. I so wanted to catch him doing it - BUT I COULDN'T!
I teach music at a college, and we often have students that struggle with the “loss of wonder” as they learn more about how music works. Theory classes in particular are susceptible to this. But it’s just the beginning of the journey - learning why a lot of music is lazy and elementary paves the way to appreciate the true greats.
That sounds like a great trick, but I'm glad I don't know how you did it. Will you be performing magic at your book signings? Also, why haven't you scheduled any in the SF Bay Area? I can't be your only reader from here; and if I am, I'll promise to hang out with you for the whole signing.
I remember fondly when my kids were young and they could be amazed by even non-magical things like me fixing a broken toy. They'd look at me like I had super powers. Alas, that star-struck wonder fades all too quickly. I'd love to have that look of awe again, even for an instant. (Sadly, our paying for their college tuition apparently didn't do that, in spite of the cost.) Maybe I'll have to learn a few magic tricks...
I can't believe Elizabeth is soon to be off to college, and that Katie is in high school. I started reading your blog when your girls were younger than mine are now. This is not sadness I need on a Friday morning.
Terrific story, thanks! My 15 minutes of fame was being called on stage by a magician at Casino Arizona and being made an absolute fool of in front of 300 people and co-workers rolling in the aisle. And i wish to God I had a video of that because it was a GREAT trick that everybody saw the buildup but me
As much as I enjoy your sports columns, Joe, it's your stories about you and your daughters that touch me the most. Please, please don't ever lose that touch.
What Steve said. It always gets a bit dusty in here when I read one of your stories about Katie and/or Elizabeth. I've read "Katie the Prefect" at least a dozen times and it still hits me every time.
I recall a incident from my college days. For some reason, a close-up sleight of hand magician was in the Student Union doing his thing. I sat down to watch; I was right in front of him not more than three feet away from his hands and the cards he was using. With one trick, I felt I figured out how he had to be doing it. A little misdirection, and some lightning quick finger work. I so wanted to catch him doing it - BUT I COULDN'T!
I teach music at a college, and we often have students that struggle with the “loss of wonder” as they learn more about how music works. Theory classes in particular are susceptible to this. But it’s just the beginning of the journey - learning why a lot of music is lazy and elementary paves the way to appreciate the true greats.
Wonderful. There's a wistfulness in your pieces about the passage of time that's just beautiful.
This is so wonderfully written in every way. I will add that I live in NY and LaGuardia is the easy one.
This is incredible. I need to find a way to get to Scranton (unless you're also secretly planning on being in Philadelphia...).
That sounds like a great trick, but I'm glad I don't know how you did it. Will you be performing magic at your book signings? Also, why haven't you scheduled any in the SF Bay Area? I can't be your only reader from here; and if I am, I'll promise to hang out with you for the whole signing.
Yes. Bay Area. And your guest should be Kuip.
I remember fondly when my kids were young and they could be amazed by even non-magical things like me fixing a broken toy. They'd look at me like I had super powers. Alas, that star-struck wonder fades all too quickly. I'd love to have that look of awe again, even for an instant. (Sadly, our paying for their college tuition apparently didn't do that, in spite of the cost.) Maybe I'll have to learn a few magic tricks...
I can't believe Elizabeth is soon to be off to college, and that Katie is in high school. I started reading your blog when your girls were younger than mine are now. This is not sadness I need on a Friday morning.
Amazing piece Joe.
Terrific story, thanks! My 15 minutes of fame was being called on stage by a magician at Casino Arizona and being made an absolute fool of in front of 300 people and co-workers rolling in the aisle. And i wish to God I had a video of that because it was a GREAT trick that everybody saw the buildup but me
Damn it, Joe Posnanski! I'm at work, you should flag this stuff NSFW.
I'm so glad that i work from home LOL
As much as I enjoy your sports columns, Joe, it's your stories about you and your daughters that touch me the most. Please, please don't ever lose that touch.
What Steve said. It always gets a bit dusty in here when I read one of your stories about Katie and/or Elizabeth. I've read "Katie the Prefect" at least a dozen times and it still hits me every time.