Saturday 2 February 2008

The System


He's done it again! This guy is dangerously good. Who saw it who saw it???!!!! Would like to point out that i figured out how in about 5 minutes(i felt quite proud). I also considered it to be a very fitting analogy for the multiple worlds theory, looking at things from a much broader perspective helps us question out own belief systems.

9 comments:

SM Kovalinsky said...

HURLYBURLY: Please tell me what this is about; you've roused my curiosity. Who is he, and what did you get that you are so proud of???

Hurlyburly said...

Google it! Derren Brown is a magician type fellow that fuses magic, showmanship, misdirection and blah blah blah! He's like David Blane, except 10,0000 times better. He created a system where somebody would win all 6 bets on horse racing in a row, the way he did this was kinda obvious yet thrilling to watch.

Hurlyburly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karl Le Marcs said...

"The System" is of course a relatively well known Mathematical Probability Model and is also often used in nefarious email scams but Derren is a master at presentation and adapting things to his own unique style.
I'm not being gushingly sycophantic just because I know Derren (we were at Bristol University together) but if you are a fan then you REALLY need to go see one of his live shows.

Hurlyburly said...

My friend Chris Cox has a very similar career currently taking off. (indeed so similar i believe they fell out over certain similarities but that's not for me to comment) I've seen Derren live twice and followed him from his rise several years ago. I enjoyed both of his books particularly his most recent that was much more broad covering a lot more than just simple card tricks and related theory. His special "Messiah" was outstanding.

Anthony tells me he was quite interested in his book, this wouldn't surprise me, he's a clever man ;0)

Karl Le Marcs said...

HurlyBurly, I know very well about the, er, discussions (shall we say) between Derren and Chris. Likewise, as you'd expect, I side with Derren whilst maintaining there is plenty room around for more artists in this area of work (indeed my own work on Suggestion - under a different name of course, but enough said about that!!).
I gave a copy of ITLAD to Derren last summer and he really enjoyed it - some of the science lost him along the way but he followed the central premise.
And yes, he's a very clever man, even fools me 5% of the time
*smirk*

Hurlyburly said...

We may have to take a side bar to email when i get back from the gym. It's hard for me to comment for obvious reasons, but would love to give you my FULL opinion!! I do believe it will be quite similar to yours!

Anthony Peake said...

Karl,

I recall that last Summer you mentioned that you intended to give Derren a copy of the book. I am really glad he enjoyed it. I am a great admirer of his work and I thought his last book was excellent. Indeed I loaned a copy by one of the more religious members of the Manchester Scientific & Medical Network group. When I read the contents of the book I was delighted with Derren's take on organised religion and fascinated that his arguments were considered reasonable by my religious friend.

It would be great if Derren was willing to make a comment about ITLAD that could be used to help the book's publicity. What do you think ......

Karl Le Marcs said...

Tony,

I'll see what I can do.