Magnetic boy

Paradox74 · 24th February 2011, 03:27 PM

http://www.aolhealth.com/2011/02/24/...1_lnk3%7C46455

This sort of stunt looks familiar...

Mister Earl · 24th February 2011, 03:34 PM

Sticky skin is my guess. Talcum powder would be the best test. Would work with magnets, not with adhesion.

Ziggurat · 24th February 2011, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Mister Earl

Sticky skin is my guess.

I'd call that an obvious conclusion, not a guess. None of the objects show ANY sign of actual attraction to the kid, it makes no difference if they're metal or not, and every time anything is placed on his chest, the surface of contact is always inclined. So all you need to keep an object on his chest is a large coefficient of friction. And that's easy to do. I guarantee you that if the kid leans forward, it all falls off.

The kid is fat, and that makes it easy to get that sloped surface on his chest, but that's the only thing "special" about him.

rjh01 · 24th February 2011, 08:39 PM

It is a party trick, nothing more. My source is the article itself. This is nothing but a fluff piece.

Brown · 25th February 2011, 05:45 AM

Originally Posted by rjh01

It is a party trick, nothing more. My source is the article itself. This is nothing but a fluff piece.

One of the first books on magic I ever read included this stunt as a "human magnet" trick. The recommended apparatus was US coins, which are metal but which are not attracted by magnets. (Trivia part one: Some Canadian coins ARE attracted by magnets.) A variation of this "human magnet" trick was demonstrated in the movie "Annie Hall," and the young boy for whom the trick was demonstrated was unimpressed. (Trivia part two: when "Annie Hall" was broadcast on commercial television in the US, the boy's remark, "What an ***hole!" was not censored.)

Even today, one of my favorite impromptu tricks is a variation on the human magnet trick. I use just a tad of misdirection and a little bit of presentation to make the trick seem baffling. But it is just a trick. With a little practice, and knowing the secret, pretty much anyone can do it.

Somewhere in one of my family photo albums is a picture of members of my family sitting around our dinner table waiting for dinner to be served. Out of boredom, some of us began to hang spoons from our faces, and someone thought this was a funny enough sight to take a picture of it. And it was funny; silly, really. But not mysterious.

Darat · 25th February 2011, 05:49 AM

The only tricks I see are the journalistic tricks, statements such as

"So far, doctors have offered no explanation for the seemingly healthy boy's apparent magnetism, which affects no other members of his family."

Really? You mean the international society of doctors that scan every TV station 24 hours a day haven't rang in? Wow must be something to it.

Emet · 25th February 2011, 09:27 PM

And an article to confirm what everyone already knew or posted:

Quote:

MAGNETIC BOY: MYSTERY OR SIMPLE PHYSICS?
(...)
The key to understanding this phenomenon lies not in magnetism nor in any sort of mystical ability but instead in the physics of friction. Skin is very elastic (that’s why they call it “plastic surgery”) and tends to conform to objects it comes in contact with. This is especially noticeable on hot days when bare skin attaches itself to leather or plastic seats. Skin can also be somewhat adhesive for the same reason.

It also has nothing to do with magnetism. Indeed, the fact that non-magnetic (non-ferrous) materials like plates stick to his skin is proof of that. What do metals, glass, and plastic have in common? All of them have very smooth surfaces.

So-called magnetic people have a few characteristics in common. First, they have very little hair on their bodies. Sometimes (as in the case of seven-year-old Bogdan) it’s because the person is an adolescent and has not reached puberty. Often the magnetic people are of Asian descent and thus not typically hirsute. This is important because any hair that comes between the skin and an object placed on the skin will reduce the friction.

Second, magnetic people seen in photographs and videos with objects on their body tend to lean back slightly, or stand more or less perpendicular to the ground. If there really was some sort of unknown or magnetic force holding the objects to the body, the person should be able to lean over. It’s also true that Bogdan is a bit chubby, and thus some of the weight of the spoons and other objects on his chest is actually resting on the upper part of his protruding stomach.

If the reason the objects are sticking to the “magnetic” person is because of magnetism instead of simple skin friction, there’s no reason they should only stick to bare skin. Magnetic attraction works even through a thin piece of paper, and if the magnetism is as strong as is claimed, the magnetic people should be able to do their trick with a shirt on.

There’s no real secret or mystery to it: Anyone who’s seen a child with a spoon on his or her nose has seen it before. So are these people faking for attention, or do they really believe they have these powers? Most likely, they really believe they have special abilities. The only reason it seems unusual is that very few people spend their free time sticking spoons, knives, and small plates on their bare chests to see if they stick.

http://news.discovery.com/human/magn...-physics-.html

Newbeak · 10th July 2011, 02:47 PM

Seems to me that conjuring should be a required subject in medical school

Ausmerican · 10th July 2011, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by Newbeak

Seems to me that conjuring should be a required subject in medical school

Why? The most likely next sentence to this....

Originally Posted by Darat

"So far, doctors have offered no explanation for the seemingly healthy boy's apparent magnetism, which affects no other members of his family."

..would likely be: because we havent bloody asked one because when he stated the obvious truth it would ruin the mystique of our story. Just as Darat implied.

Jekyll's Guest · 10th July 2011, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by Darat

The only tricks I see are the journalistic tricks, statements such as

"So far, doctors have offered no explanation for the seemingly healthy boy's apparent magnetism, which affects no other members of his family."

Really? You mean the international society of doctors that scan every TV station 24 hours a day haven't rang in? Wow must be something to it.

BatPhone.jpg
"Yeah, turn's out the fat kid's just sticky."

Ryokan · 10th July 2011, 09:43 PM

This isn't the first 'magnetic boy' to be pushed into the media. Strangely enough, the last ones I can remember were chubby as well.

Modified · 10th July 2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Ryokan

This isn't the first 'magnetic boy' to be pushed into the media. Strangely enough, the last ones I can remember were chubby as well.

Of course. The various candy and syrup residues commonly found on the skin of chubby boys is what makes the whole thing work.

Antiquehunter · 11th July 2011, 07:09 AM

Clearly not only do metal objects stick to this slightly sweaty, sticky boy. A few meals have stuck to his ribs as well.

TraneWreck · 11th July 2011, 09:49 AM

The man, himself:

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the JREF. The JREF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

24th February 2011, 03:27 PM	#1
Paradox74 Guest Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: United States Posts: 264	Magnetic boy http://www.aolhealth.com/2011/02/24/...1_lnk3%7C46455 This sort of stunt looks familiar...

24th February 2011, 03:44 PM	#3
Ziggurat Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 26,206	Originally Posted by Mister Earl Sticky skin is my guess. I'd call that an obvious conclusion, not a guess. None of the objects show ANY sign of actual attraction to the kid, it makes no difference if they're metal or not, and every time anything is placed on his chest, the surface of contact is always inclined. So all you need to keep an object on his chest is a large coefficient of friction. And that's easy to do. I guarantee you that if the kid leans forward, it all falls off. The kid is fat, and that makes it easy to get that sloped surface on his chest, but that's the only thing "special" about him.
	__________________ "As long as it is admitted that the law may be diverted from its true purpose -- that it may violate property instead of protecting it -- then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder. Political questions will always be prejudicial, dominant, and all-absorbing. There will be fighting at the door of the Legislative Palace, and the struggle within will be no less furious." - Bastiat, The Law

25th February 2011, 05:45 AM	#5
Brown Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Twin Cities, Canada Posts: 12,167	Originally Posted by rjh01 It is a party trick, nothing more. My source is the article itself. This is nothing but a fluff piece. One of the first books on magic I ever read included this stunt as a "human magnet" trick. The recommended apparatus was US coins, which are metal but which are not attracted by magnets. (Trivia part one: Some Canadian coins ARE attracted by magnets.) A variation of this "human magnet" trick was demonstrated in the movie "Annie Hall," and the young boy for whom the trick was demonstrated was unimpressed. (Trivia part two: when "Annie Hall" was broadcast on commercial television in the US, the boy's remark, "What an ***hole!" was not censored.) Even today, one of my favorite impromptu tricks is a variation on the human magnet trick. I use just a tad of misdirection and a little bit of presentation to make the trick seem baffling. But it is just a trick. With a little practice, and knowing the secret, pretty much anyone can do it. Somewhere in one of my family photo albums is a picture of members of my family sitting around our dinner table waiting for dinner to be served. Out of boredom, some of us began to hang spoons from our faces, and someone thought this was a funny enough sight to take a picture of it. And it was funny; silly, really. But not mysterious.
	__________________ Klaatu: I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it. Mr. Harley: I'm afraid my people haven't. I am very sorry. I wish it were otherwise. -- The Day The Earth Stood Still, screenplay by Edmund H. North "Don't you get me wrong. I only want to know." -- Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, lyrics by Tim Rice

25th February 2011, 05:49 AM	#6
Darat Lackey Administrator / JREF Forum Liaison Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South East, UK Posts: 64,795	The only tricks I see are the journalistic tricks, statements such as "So far, doctors have offered no explanation for the seemingly healthy boy's apparent magnetism, which affects no other members of his family." Really? You mean the international society of doctors that scan every TV station 24 hours a day haven't rang in? Wow must be something to it.
	__________________ If it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart? - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 1918-2008

25th February 2011, 09:27 PM	#7
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395	And an article to confirm what everyone already knew or posted: Quote: MAGNETIC BOY: MYSTERY OR SIMPLE PHYSICS? (...) The key to understanding this phenomenon lies not in magnetism nor in any sort of mystical ability but instead in the physics of friction. Skin is very elastic (that’s why they call it “plastic surgery”) and tends to conform to objects it comes in contact with. This is especially noticeable on hot days when bare skin attaches itself to leather or plastic seats. Skin can also be somewhat adhesive for the same reason. It also has nothing to do with magnetism. Indeed, the fact that non-magnetic (non-ferrous) materials like plates stick to his skin is proof of that. What do metals, glass, and plastic have in common? All of them have very smooth surfaces. So-called magnetic people have a few characteristics in common. First, they have very little hair on their bodies. Sometimes (as in the case of seven-year-old Bogdan) it’s because the person is an adolescent and has not reached puberty. Often the magnetic people are of Asian descent and thus not typically hirsute. This is important because any hair that comes between the skin and an object placed on the skin will reduce the friction. Second, magnetic people seen in photographs and videos with objects on their body tend to lean back slightly, or stand more or less perpendicular to the ground. If there really was some sort of unknown or magnetic force holding the objects to the body, the person should be able to lean over. It’s also true that Bogdan is a bit chubby, and thus some of the weight of the spoons and other objects on his chest is actually resting on the upper part of his protruding stomach. If the reason the objects are sticking to the “magnetic” person is because of magnetism instead of simple skin friction, there’s no reason they should only stick to bare skin. Magnetic attraction works even through a thin piece of paper, and if the magnetism is as strong as is claimed, the magnetic people should be able to do their trick with a shirt on. There’s no real secret or mystery to it: Anyone who’s seen a child with a spoon on his or her nose has seen it before. So are these people faking for attention, or do they really believe they have these powers? Most likely, they really believe they have special abilities. The only reason it seems unusual is that very few people spend their free time sticking spoons, knives, and small plates on their bare chests to see if they stick. http://news.discovery.com/human/magn...-physics-.html
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,395

24th February 2011, 03:34 PM	#2
Mister Earl Master Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,138	Sticky skin is my guess. Talcum powder would be the best test. Would work with magnets, not with adhesion.

24th February 2011, 08:39 PM	#4
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,197	It is a party trick, nothing more. My source is the article itself. This is nothing but a fluff piece.

10th July 2011, 02:47 PM	#8
Newbeak Scholar Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 90	Seems to me that conjuring should be a required subject in medical school
Newbeak Scholar Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 90	__________________ Wannabe skeptic

10th July 2011, 07:02 PM	#9
Ausmerican Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,381	Originally Posted by Newbeak Seems to me that conjuring should be a required subject in medical school Why? The most likely next sentence to this.... Originally Posted by Darat "So far, doctors have offered no explanation for the seemingly healthy boy's apparent magnetism, which affects no other members of his family." ..would likely be: because we havent bloody asked one because when he stated the obvious truth it would ruin the mystique of our story. Just as Darat implied.
Ausmerican Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,381	__________________ Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing. Henry David Thoreau

10th July 2011, 09:11 PM	#10
Jekyll's Guest Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,948	Originally Posted by Darat The only tricks I see are the journalistic tricks, statements such as "So far, doctors have offered no explanation for the seemingly healthy boy's apparent magnetism, which affects no other members of his family." Really? You mean the international society of doctors that scan every TV station 24 hours a day haven't rang in? Wow must be something to it. BatPhone.jpg "Yeah, turn's out the fat kid's just sticky."

10th July 2011, 09:43 PM	#11
Ryokan Insert something funny here Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Norway Posts: 8,198	This isn't the first 'magnetic boy' to be pushed into the media. Strangely enough, the last ones I can remember were chubby as well.

10th July 2011, 10:27 PM	#12
Modified Illuminator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SW Florida Posts: 4,062	Originally Posted by Ryokan This isn't the first 'magnetic boy' to be pushed into the media. Strangely enough, the last ones I can remember were chubby as well. Of course. The various candy and syrup residues commonly found on the skin of chubby boys is what makes the whole thing work.

11th July 2011, 07:09 AM	#13
Antiquehunter Degenerate Gambler Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: El Quisco, Chile; Sometimes, Kabul, Afghanistan; currently, Port Moresby, PNG Posts: 4,478	Clearly not only do metal objects stick to this slightly sweaty, sticky boy. A few meals have stuck to his ribs as well.
	__________________ "If ignorance is bliss, why aren't there more happy people in the world?" -Stephen Fry, 2006