The fungus magic sack, also known as Geastrum saccatum, is a fascinating species of fungi that belongs to the earthstars group. These fungi are known for their unique appearance and interesting life cycle. One of the most remarkable features of the fungus magic sack is its shape. When young, it resembles a small rounded ball, but as it matures, it begins to develop a distinct sack-like structure. The fruiting body of the fungus is attached to the ground by a stalk, and the sack is closed, protecting the spores within. As the fungus matures, it undergoes a process called dehiscence, where the sack splits open to expose the spore-containing inner layer.
This is an impressive yet easy card trick for beginners. It involves creating a special “trick” card using plastic and super glue. Kids will be able to make the card look like it has levitated off their palm into the air. Because a live audience will want to touch the card, this is a trick that is best performed over video call for cousins or grandparents, but with practice and confidence, kids can even fool a live audience.
Using some basic tape, a twig or safety pin and some books for misdirection, kids will amaze their audience as they make a coin appear out of thin air. What I loved about the Homecoming show we did online was how the virtual medium allows it to be interactive so not only are you watching something amazing but you at home are choosing the outcome of what can happen, said Pesce.
As the fungus matures, it undergoes a process called dehiscence, where the sack splits open to expose the spore-containing inner layer. This exposes the spores to the outside environment, allowing them to be dispersed by wind or other means. The opening of the sack is often accompanied by the ejection of a cloud of spores, which adds to the enchanting nature of this fungus.
Magic Show Brings Suspended Disbelief and Theatrics to Zoom
As Homecoming celebrations proceed, professional Magician Tom Pesce enchants the FIU community with a virtual magic show where his various fun magic tricks were presented. Photo courtesy of Tom Pesce website.
Posted By: Cristina Gonzalez October 8, 2020
Valenti Govantes/ Staff Writer
Typically, magic and illusions are best enjoyed as live theatre. Nevertheless, magician Tom Pesce made full creative use of the Zoom platform in order to translate his production into a virtual format.
Placing the audience into the show as if they were the magicians, the interactive magic show presented by the FIU I-75 campus took place on Oct. 6th as part of the commencement of Homecoming festivities.
Appearing in a video parodying Back to the Future, Pesce began his virtual show by telling the audience he wants to put them in control as he attempted to start a new time travel business.
30 participants of the FIU community were visible through the virtual meeting, most of the webcam views showed small children in attendance.
“Magic is appealing to all ages because it allows us to suspend belief–as adults, this is difficult for us to do. It is easy for kids to believe in the impossible but as we get older, that belief in magic is taught out of us,” said Pesce.
Pesce expressed the idea that witnessing magic tricks allows a person to feel as if they were a child again.
“However, when we see something that is unexplainable and stirs emotions inside us, it brings back the feeling of wonder and awe that we all experience as children,” he said.
Pesce began his first trick by revealing tape is wrapped around his mouth and communicating through cards as he had an audience member select what kind of playing card they wanted.
The tape was then removed and he took out a small bag in his mouth containing the card they wanted.
Pesce introduced himself and acknowledged the challenges of 2020 and how we should embrace them, as he punched holes into a playing card and then caused them to mysteriously move around.
The next trick began by choosing another member of the audience and bringing out photos of his own family.
Questions were asked to them concerning where they wanted playing cards to be placed right next to each of the five photos.
The playing cards were revealed to have the exact same images contained in each of the photos. Pesce tied this magic trick to the moments that happen in time that are important to everyone.
The third trick involved asking the audience to pick a number from 1 to 100. He showed his phone which had different lists such as a bucket list, grocery list, and celebrity list from 1 to 100.
Bono wearing cheap sunglasses climbing Mt. Everest. A fun magic trick by Tom Pesce that uses digital mediums to their fullest entertainment potential. Photo Credit: @tompescemagic on Instagram.
Members of the audience read the fourth option of each list which were climbing Mt. Everest, cheap sunglasses, and Bono. The culmination of this was the reveal of a photo on his Instagram account of Bono wearing cheap sunglasses on Mt. Everest.
His last magic act connected to the video from the beginning when he said he wanted to send a video to the television series Shark Tank to pitch his Delorean Time Machine to them.
After playing a mixture of both disparaging and encouraging video messages from Shark Tank judges, Pesce remained determined to parlay his time traveling into a viable business and turned to his audience for help.
The audience was asked to think of a date that he can go to, a place he can go to, and money he can have when he’s there.
Another video was played when he travels to the future and returns with a hoverboard. Each of the selected audience members reveal they wanted him to go to the year 3040, in Jamaica, with $10,000 dollars.
In response, Pesce revealed his box contained a meal from the future and a journal with a story addressed to FIU of his visit to Jamaica in 3040 with $10,000 dollars.
Pesce’ virtual magic show demonstrated the capabilities of the Zoom format for not just communication but for compelling, interactive forms of entertainment.
“What I loved about the Homecoming show we did online was how the virtual medium allows it to be interactive so not only are you watching something amazing but you at home are choosing the outcome of what can happen,” said Pesce.
You can follow the magician through his Instagram, @tompescemagic or website. For more information regarding Homecoming events, visit here.
Magic tricks for kids can be lots of fun and are a great way for parents and caregivers to keep the family entertained. As well as bringing joy, learning magic tricks can help with kids’ development, too. Performing tricks at a young age can help children—especially those who tend to be a little shy—to build confidence and develop their social skills.
The spores of the fungus magic sack are microscopic and have the potential to form new colonies if they land in a favorable environment. They can be carried by wind, water, or even by animals that come into contact with the fruiting body. Once the spores find a suitable spot, they germinate and grow into new organisms. This fungus is commonly found in woodlands and forests, where it grows on the forest floor or decaying wood. It prefers moist and shady environments, making it an elusive and somewhat rare sighting. Fungus magic sacks are typically seen during the summer and autumn months when the conditions are ideal for their growth and reproduction. Overall, the fungus magic sack is a captivating organism with its unique shape and fascinating life cycle. It serves as a reminder of the diversity and beauty of the natural world around us..
Reviews for "The Cultural Significance of Fungus Magic Sacks"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Fungus Magic Sack". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were lacking depth. The writing style was also dull and lacked any sort of excitement. Overall, the book failed to capture my interest and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mike - 1/5 stars - "Fungus Magic Sack" was a complete waste of time. The title itself should have been a red flag, but I decided to give it a chance anyway. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a poorly written and unoriginal piece of work. The plot was predictable and the dialogue felt forced. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and found myself struggling to finish the book. I would not recommend it.
3. Laura - 2/5 stars - I found "Fungus Magic Sack" to be quite underwhelming. The concept had potential, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story dragged on without any real sense of direction. The characters felt one-dimensional, and I couldn't bring myself to care about their fates. Ultimately, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wished I had invested my time in a more engaging read.