Hey there! Do you want to see a magic trick? Well, prepare to be amazed because I've got something incredible in store for you! Magic has always captivated us, and it's no wonder why. The art of magic tricks is full of mystery, wonder, and excitement, and it can truly leave us in awe. Magic tricks have been around for centuries, and they have evolved over time to become even more mind-blowing and unbelievable. From classic card tricks to mind-reading illusions, there is a wide range of magic tricks to explore and enjoy. The best part is that you don't need to be a professional magician to appreciate the art of magic. One of the most fascinating aspects of magic tricks is the element of surprise.

NBA legend Alonzo Mourning says becoming a meme is 'hilarious to sit back and watch'

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• NBA legend Alonzo Mourning has become one of the most ubiquitous memes on the internet thanks to a clip of him from 2006 that has gone viral.
• During Miami's season opener in 2006, Mourning and the reigning champion Heat trailed the Chicago Bulls by 30 points in the fourth quarter of the game.
• The camera caught Mourning shaking his head in dismay and then slowly nodding, seemingly coming to terms with his team's situation.
• The video has become a popular reaction gif on social media.
• In discussing the GuardianLife-sponsored HORSE shootout with a CUNY basketball player with a disability he participated in last week, Mourning reminisced about his mindset at that moment from 2006 that has since gone viral.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

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Alonzo Mourning is undoubtedly an NBA legend. But among young people and internet savvy folks, he may be more famous for his starring role in a popular meme.

Mourning and the reigning champion Miami Heat were trailing the Chicago Bulls by 30 points in the fourth quarter of their 2006-2007 season opener when the cameras caught the eventual Hall of Famer in a somewhat compromised state. His jaw clenched, Mourning shook his head in dismay and frustration before slowly nodding, seemingly coming to terms with his team's unfortunate start to the year.

The internet has co-opted the clip into a meme used to express reluctant acceptance of something frustrating or confusing.

—#RingerNBA (@ringernba) February 8, 2019

And even though he isn't personally on social media, Mourning has taken notice.

Alonzo Mourning plays in a GuardianLife-sponsored HORSE shootout with a CUNY basketball player with a disability. GuardianLife

"I have gotten asked about that gif a lot," Mourning told Business Insider. "It is very funny. It's hilarious to sit back and watch."

Last week, Mourning participated in a GuardianLife-sponsored HORSE shootout with a CUNY basketball player with a disability. In discussing his past health struggles — he had a kidney replacement at the prime of his career — and how "disability is not inability," Mourning reminisced about his mindset at that moment from 2006 that has since gone viral.

"I'd like to think I was actually talking to myself," Mourning said. "It was actually kind of comical to see myself."

During the game in question, with his team trailing by 30, Mourning scored just one point and pulled in a meager two rebounds in 15 minutes on the floor.

"Did you see the score?" Mourning asked. "If you look at the score of the game, you can see why I had that facial expression. I'm somebody that hates to lose. I don't like to lose in anything. Anything."

Given his overwhelming talent and competitive drive, it's no wonder he enjoyed such an illustrious playing career. For those unfamiliar with Mourning's achievements, the 6-foot-10 big man earned seven NBA All-Star appearances and an NBA championship in his 16-year career. He was twice named the NBA's defensive player of the year and, in those years, led the entire league in blocked shots. The Miami Heat, with whom he spent 11 years and won the 2006 NBA Finals, retired his No. 33 jersey in 2009.

Today, Mourning spends his time as Vice President of Player Programs and Development for the Heat. He also does considerable charity work with both financially unprivileged and disabled communities.

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Emotionally GIF-ted

Last Friday was a CreativeMornings morning - a monthly breakfast lecture series for the creative community. I am always so excited when I manage to land a ticket. In fact, it’s a bit like a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory winning ticket moment. The tickets release at 11am the same week and in most cases by 11:01am they are gone.

One of the most fascinating aspects of magic tricks is the element of surprise. Magicians are experts at misdirection, using various techniques to divert our attention and make us question what we believe to be possible. Whether it's making objects disappear and reappear or levitating in mid-air, magicians have a unique talent for manipulating reality and creating optical illusions that leave us questioning our own senses.

My success came in the form of a golden ticket to hear Alex Chung, the Founder of GIPHY speak about this month’s theme - WONDER.

My experience with gif usage is basic - a quick text or email here and there. In fact I think it was my accountant that first sent me a gif in an email. It made me laugh first of all, then I realized that not only is he a brilliant accountant but he has a sense of humor too! Double-win. In any case, after hearing Alex I’m adding more gifs to my life! They’re expressive and just bring smiles - and well, we could use a few more smiles in the world.

For those of you that don’t know, GIPHY is the world’s largest source for gifs and animated stickers. I was mostly curious to hear Alex speak because of the topic of WONDER. A favorite word here at Birch Cove, and I wondered what Alex was going to say about it. Was he going to talk about how he just wanted to create and instill wonder in everyones life through funny graphics? Was it about having fun and playing at work and how you create that? I secretly hoped it was going to be about having volumes of fun and how he had used that notion to found a startup that, now in its 6th year is doing rather well, 50 million users and 7 billion gifs - that definitely deserves celebrating. Jumping up and down in a paddling pool like a raccoon in pure delight is probably the level of excitement I would feel at achieving such dizzy heights.

Beyond the entertainment value, magic tricks can also teach us valuable lessons. They remind us that things are not always as they seem and encourage us to think outside the box. Magic tricks can spark our curiosity and inspire us to explore new possibilities and perspectives. They encourage us to challenge the status quo and dare to imagine a world where anything is possible. So, are you ready to witness a jaw-dropping magic trick? Brace yourself, because what you're about to see will defy logic and make your head spin. Get ready to be amazed by the power of illusion and the artistry of a skilled magician. Sit back and relax as you prepare to be transported into a world of wonder and enchantment. Remember, magic tricks are meant to be enjoyed and appreciated. So, suspend your disbelief and let the magic unfold before your eyes. Prepare to have your mind blown and your sense of reality challenged. Get ready for a truly unforgettable experience. Are you excited? I certainly hope so because the magic is about to begin! Enjoy the show, [Your Name].

Reviews for "The psychology of wonder: How magic tricks tap into our sense of awe and amazement"

1. Emily - 2 stars

"Want to see a magic trick" was a disappointing read for me. The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The twist at the end was predictable and underwhelming. I was hoping for more suspense and excitement, but it fell flat. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for a gripping and well-executed thriller.

2. Mark - 1 star

I couldn't wait for "Want to see a magic trick" to end. The writing was dull and there was no real tension or suspense throughout the book. The characters were clichéd and had no depth, making it difficult to relate or care about their fates. The plot was predictable, and the twist at the end felt forced and contrived. I found myself skim-reading the last few chapters just to finish it. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.

3. Sarah - 2 stars

"Want to see a magic trick" had an interesting premise but failed to deliver. The pacing was slow, and it felt like the story never really went anywhere. The main character was unlikable and lacked development, making it hard to invest in her journey. The magic elements of the book were poorly explained and lacked believability. By the end, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend this book to those looking for a well-crafted paranormal mystery.

4. Alex - 1 star

I found "Want to see a magic trick" to be a complete waste of time. The writing was amateurish, filled with clichés and clunky dialogue. The plot was nonsensical and lacked coherence. The characters were uninteresting and their actions felt forced and unrealistic. I struggled to finish this book, hoping it would redeem itself, but it never did. Do yourself a favor and choose a different book to read.

Magicians and their secrets: A behind-the-scenes look at the world of magic