Comments on: Magic Tricks http://longgame.org/2010/07/magic-tricks/ Musings, questions, joking, learning, and fun Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:52:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Matt Warrenhttp://longgame.org/2010/07/magic-tricks/comment-page-1/#comment-249 Matt Warren Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:50:39 +0000 http://longgame.org/?p=9945#comment-249 I think I've been clear that (1) this post is not about AA and that (2) it is the justice system's leaning on the organization that is my issue. If anyone finds that AA has been valuable in fixing their life, I have zero problem with that. I think I've been clear that (1) this post is not about AA and that (2) it is the justice system's leaning on the organization that is my issue. If anyone finds that AA has been valuable in fixing their life, I have zero problem with that.

]]> By: Sarahhttp://longgame.org/2010/07/magic-tricks/comment-page-1/#comment-248 Sarah Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:35:21 +0000 http://longgame.org/?p=9945#comment-248 Skeptical with over 2 million recovered people. Religious aspects (alcohol WAS my higher power, not anymore). Please don't be skeptical AA because of the Justice System, my skepticism is in the entire justice process.<br>If the justice system finds AA the only answer, that is sad, AA never makes that claim. I know for friends it has been their introduction to life without addiction, but they have gone on to other methods.<br><br>Penn and Teller, even with the knowledge of the 'tricks', magic is still fascination. Maybe that IS the magic. We all know its not real, or is it? Skeptical with over 2 million recovered people. Religious aspects (alcohol WAS my higher power, not anymore). Please don't be skeptical AA because of the Justice System, my skepticism is in the entire justice process.
If the justice system finds AA the only answer, that is sad, AA never makes that claim. I know for friends it has been their introduction to life without addiction, but they have gone on to other methods.

Penn and Teller, even with the knowledge of the 'tricks', magic is still fascination. Maybe that IS the magic. We all know its not real, or is it?

]]> By: Matt Warrenhttp://longgame.org/2010/07/magic-tricks/comment-page-1/#comment-194 Matt Warren Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:22:41 +0000 http://longgame.org/?p=9945#comment-194 I am well aware of their show. While I certainly don't agree with all of their conclusions, I appreciate the spirit of inquiry. Even before their show, I was skeptical of AA, not because of its approach, but because the justice system seems to find AA the only other solution outside of imprisonment. As an atheist, I have deep reservations about an organization that is steeped in religious language.<br><br>At any rate, this post wasn't focused on the entirety of their work, but the appreciation for magic that I still have - long after my cynical phase. But thank you for caring enough to write. I am well aware of their show. While I certainly don't agree with all of their conclusions, I appreciate the spirit of inquiry. Even before their show, I was skeptical of AA, not because of its approach, but because the justice system seems to find AA the only other solution outside of imprisonment. As an atheist, I have deep reservations about an organization that is steeped in religious language.

At any rate, this post wasn't focused on the entirety of their work, but the appreciation for magic that I still have – long after my cynical phase. But thank you for caring enough to write.

]]> By: Martinhttp://longgame.org/2010/07/magic-tricks/comment-page-1/#comment-193 Martin Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:13:48 +0000 http://longgame.org/?p=9945#comment-193 In considering the virtues of Penn & Teller you may wish to cast your eye over their video on their 'Bullshit Show' of Alcoholics Anonymous and it's Twelve Step programme. It is highly unlikely you will see a rebuttal from AA members (including myself) - it is simply not the way we live - but you may consider the following thought. AA currently has 2 million worldwide members recovering from addiction to alcohol. How many people with similar problems watched this video and as a consequence did not seek out the help which is there? In considering the virtues of Penn & Teller you may wish to cast your eye over their video on their 'Bullshit Show' of Alcoholics Anonymous and it's Twelve Step programme. It is highly unlikely you will see a rebuttal from AA members (including myself) – it is simply not the way we live – but you may consider the following thought. AA currently has 2 million worldwide members recovering from addiction to alcohol. How many people with similar problems watched this video and as a consequence did not seek out the help which is there?

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