Magic has always been a fascinating subject, captivating the minds of people for centuries. The idea of being able to perform extraordinary feats and defy the laws of nature is incredibly exhilarating. While magic shows and performances have become a popular form of entertainment, there is often a misconception that magic can only be accomplished with a grand display or with expensive props. However, this notion couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, magic can be done with nothing more than everyday objects and a little bit of creativity. It is not the size or grandeur of the trick that matters, but rather the skill and technique behind it.
America's favorite mascot
A tradition was born in the early 1920s when OSU (then Oklahoma A&M College) began searching for a new mascot. The true roots of Pistol Pete go back more than a century ago. Pistol Pete is more than a character, he is a legend.
The character of OSU’s mascot, Pistol Pete, originated from an actual person named Frank B. Eaton. Eaton’s life began in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut. Eaton and his family moved to Kansas shortly after the Civil War.
Eaton's life would take a dramatic turn at the age of eight when he witnessed the murder of his father by six vigilantes. From that moment on, Eaton was determined to even the score. He practiced his marksmanship until the age of 15, when he set out to search for his father’s killers. It took Eaton more than five years to track down and kill the men who had taken his father away, forever changing the course of his life.
The title of “cowboy” came naturally to Eaton as indicated in the roles in which he served throughout his life. Frank B. Eaton was given the nickname of “Pistol Pete” after beating out many cavalry competitors in a marksmanship contest at Ft. Gibson. He served as a U.S. Deputy Marshall under “hanging judge” Isaac Parker. Later in his life Eaton owned a blacksmith shop which served the surrounding communities.
In the 1920s, Eaton was involved in the Armistice Day Parade and OSU’s Homecoming Parade. This well-known and admired cowboy died in 1958. That same year Charlie Lester appeared as OSU’s first Pistol Pete mascot. Where Frank B. Eaton served as a strong symbol of the Old West then, “Pistol Pete” serves as a symbol of the cowboy spirit now and forever.
OU Mascots
The Sooner Schooner is a conestoga (covered wagon) reminiscent of the mode of travel used by pioneers who settled Oklahoma Territory around the time of the 1889 Land Run.
Powered by matching white ponies named Boomer and Sooner, the Schooner races across Owen Field in a triumphant victory ride after every OU score.
The Schooner was introduced in the fall of 1964 and become the official mascot of the Oklahoma Sooners in 1980.
The Ruf/Neks, OU's all-male spirit squad, maintain and drive the Schooner. Mick Cottom, a freshman Ruf/Nek member from Liberty Mounds, Okla., has the distinction of being the first person to pilot the Schooner across Owen Field in 1964.
The sight of the Sooner Schooner rolling across the field is one that Oklahoma fans (and most opponents) will always cherish as one of the best traditions in college athletics.
It is not the size or grandeur of the trick that matters, but rather the skill and technique behind it. So, even the simplest of objects can be used to create magical moments that leave people in awe. One popular example of magic with small change is the classic disappearing coin trick.
Boomer & Sooner
Boomer and Sooner are the costumed mascots that represent the University and the OU Athletics Department. The characters are an extension of the Sooner Schooner and its horses to be enjoyed by fans -- especially children -- at all OU athletics contests.
The mascots were introduced at the Big Red Rally on campus on August 26, 2005. A number of groups participated in the process of researching and devising the new mascots over a period of nearly three years.
The OU Athletics Department and student leaders recognized the need for a mascot to provide representation at all OU athletics contests as well as attend charity events and visit children's hospitals.
With that in mind, student congress passed a resolution in favor of the development and implementation of a unified mascot. The Mascot Committee was formed and began work on what would become Boomer and Sooner.
With just a coin and a bit of sleight of hand, a magician can make the coin vanish right before your eyes. It's a simple yet impressive trick that can be performed anywhere, anytime, with just a little bit of practice. Another example is the famous "pick a card, any card" trick. All you need for this trick is a deck of cards and a willing participant. By using various techniques, such as misdirecting the audience's attention or secretly controlling the chosen card, a magician can create the illusion of mind-reading and leave spectators baffled. In addition to these tricks, there are countless other magical feats that can be accomplished with small change. From making a dollar bill float in mid-air to predicting the outcome of a coin toss, the possibilities are endless. The key lies in mastering the art of illusion and perfecting the necessary techniques to create a seamless performance. Magic, ultimately, is about captivating an audience and creating a sense of wonder and awe. It is not about the size or cost of the props used, but rather the skill and creativity of the magician. So, next time you find yourself with some spare change, remember that even the smallest of objects can hold the power to create magical moments..
Reviews for "Magic in the Mundane: How Small Changes Can Create Extraordinary Results"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I was really disappointed with "Will do magic cor small change". The storyline was all over the place and it was hard to keep track of what was happening. The characters felt underdeveloped and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, I found it to be a confusing and frustrating read.
2. Michael - 3/5 stars
I had high expectations for "Will do magic cor small change", but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. The writing style was too verbose and it felt like the author was trying too hard to be clever. The plot dragged on and there were too many unnecessary tangents. While the concept was interesting, the execution fell flat for me.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars
I couldn't get into "Will do magic cor small change" at all. The pacing was slow and the story lacked excitement. The characters were forgettable and the dialogue felt forced. I struggled to stay engaged and found myself skimming through portions of the book. Overall, it just wasn't my cup of tea.