A magic square is a mathematical puzzle that consists of a square grid filled with numbers in such a way that each row, column, and diagonal add up to the same sum. These fascinating puzzles have a rich history dating back thousands of years and continue to intrigue and challenge mathematicians and puzzle enthusiasts alike. One specific variation of the magic square is known as the "magic square light of justice." This term refers to a magic square that is designed to convey a message or symbolize a concept related to justice. The idea behind this variation is to embed the principles of justice into the structure and arrangement of the magic square, creating a symbolic representation of justice itself. The magic square light of justice typically has a higher level of complexity compared to traditional magic squares.
Houston's Magic Island
Kathy and I were into our second week of our stage performance at Houston's Magic Island with our comedy show and two-person mind reading act. It was on Friday afternoon, September 12, 2008 that I received a call from the Magic Island saying that they would be closed that evening due to Hurricane Ike that was expected have landfall in Houston that night. They would notify me the next day if they would reopen for guests on Saturday night.
I knew that the dressing room already leaked so I went down to pick up our costumes. While I was there I thought I should go ahead and pack up my props and take them home. I live less that three miles from the Island so it is an easy chore to pick up and drop off props.
I awoke early the next morning around 2:00 when the sound and the fury of Hurricane Ike as it came through. It rocked our three story townhouse like we were back out to sea on one of our cruise ships. It tossed buckets of water against our windows sounding like waves against our portals. After things calmed down later that morning, we breathed a sigh of relief and gave a prayer of thanks that our neighborhood was spared except for the power outage that lasted about three weeks and affected hundreds of thousands of local residents. But there were certain parts of Houston that still had electricity including the Magic Island.
Later that Saturday afternoon, Kathy and I were watching the news on a battery powered portable television set. To our shock and surprise, the Houston Fire Department's (HFD) Hook and Ladder team were responding to a fire at the Magic Island. Apparently there was standing water on the flat roof that leaked into the neon lights on the outside of the building. The HFD arrived in time to save the Island from significant damage, but the high pressure hoses did more damage than the hurricane.
Empty and Abandonded places in Houston: The magic Island from a Flikr account. Click on the graphic above to see the current state of the Magic Island as of 2017.
Insurance agents fanned out across the region and told people to clean up the damage as best they could because if left unattended, more mold and mildew damage could occur. Well, the Magic Island was long overdue for basic repairs (remember the leak in the dressing room I mentioned?) so all of the carpeting was removed. When the insurance adjuster arrived, I understand that they said they would pay for that portion that was damaged but not all of the carpeting throughout. Unfortunately their insurance would not pay for enough to bring the Magic Island back up to its former glory so it has sat vacant for all these years. I understand that some have looked into reviving the once fabulous landmark, but you can imagine how much repair would be needed now, nearly five years after Hurricane Ike. So, I believe that the property is worth far more than the building and it's now a "tear down". Hopefully someday someone will rebuild it. It is proven that such an entertainment facility can make it in Houston.
But the delightful thing is that before its demise, I had a chance to sit down with the Entertainment Director, Scott Hollingsworth to talk about the history of the Magic Island. And perhaps more importantly, I video taped the interview following his guided tour through the Island. Enjoy this one hour "never to be seen again" piece of history from the Magic Island:
Magic Island (Houston, Texas)
Originally opened in 1984, Magic Island was an upscale Egyptian-themed dinner theater that featured magic and comic performances; after Hurricane Ike in 2008, it suffered water and fire damage and hasn't reopened since. Plans are underway to renovate and reopen the facility.
abandoned / shut downunder construction
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 29°43'48"N 95°24'49"W
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Magical Houston club conjures up improbable comeback
It's one of Houston's most well-known landmarks, left abandoned for years. But now, Magic Island will cast a new spell.
Known for its giant pharaoh's head rising just above the Southwest Freeway, Magic Island has sat vacant since a 2008 fire caused by Hurricane Ike.
"Magic Island has been asleep for about 10 years," explains architect Russell King. "It was pretty much destroyed in the hurricane. So it sat here and it's in pretty bad shape. But everybody realizes if we're going to do it, let's do it right, and it's going to be brought back bigger and better than ever."
The legendary private dinner theater club will be reimagined. King says the new-look Magic Island will focus on first-class entertainment and dining at its finest: "The motif is still the magic of ancient Egypt but not quite as circusy as it was," he said. "[It will be] a much more sophisticated type of design."
Some of the changes expected for the entertainment venue include a large outdoor terrace, as well as Las-Vegas-style magic shows in an indoor theater that seats up to 150 people.
"It's a new Magic Island. But it's the same Magic Island. We're keeping a lot of the old stuff so you can recognize it when you walk in, but it's not quite the same," says business manager Sue Smith.
Owners say they are aiming to re-open by November 15, but have already begun taking party reservations.
For more on this story, including video, visit our content partner ABC13.
The magic square light of justice typically has a higher level of complexity compared to traditional magic squares. This complexity is intentional as it represents the intricacies and nuances of justice. The numbers within the square are carefully chosen and positioned to reflect the concept of fairness, equality, and balance.
Furthermore, each row, column, and diagonal in the magic square light of justice represents a facet or aspect of justice. The sum of these rows, columns, and diagonals symbolizes the harmony and equilibrium that justice seeks to uphold. This harmony is achieved when all elements align and contribute to the greater goal of justice. While the magic square light of justice does not have a universal set of numbers or arrangement, there are patterns and principles that often guide its construction. These patterns may include the use of prime numbers, sequential numbers, or specific numerical ratios. The arrangement of the numbers is usually symmetrical, adding to the aesthetic appeal and symbolism of the magic square. The use of the magic square light of justice extends beyond its mathematical and puzzle-solving aspects. It can serve as a powerful visual representation of the importance of justice in society. By contemplating and exploring the structure and arrangement of the magic square, individuals can deepen their understanding of justice and its underlying principles. In conclusion, the magic square light of justice is a captivating variation of the traditional magic square, offering a symbolic representation of justice. Through careful arrangement and selection of numbers, this variation captures the essence of justice and its pursuit of fairness, equality, and balance. By studying and analyzing these magical puzzles, individuals can gain insights into the complexities and importance of justice in society..
Reviews for "The Art of Balance: Using the Magic Square Light to Bring about Fairness"
1. Jane - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "Magic Square Light of Justice" based on all the positive reviews, but I was really disappointed with the book. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, and the plot was predictable and lacked any real excitement or surprises. The writing style also felt repetitive and lacked the descriptive details that would immerse the reader into the story. Overall, I found "Magic Square Light of Justice" to be a lackluster and forgettable read.
2. Alex - 1/5 - "Magic Square Light of Justice" was one of the most disappointing books I've ever read. The concept had a lot of potential, but the execution fell completely flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The dialogue was also very stilted and unrealistic, making it hard to connect with the characters. It felt like a chore to finish this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Mark - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Magic Square Light of Justice" as a fan of fantasy novels, but I found it to be a letdown. The world-building was lacking, and I never felt fully immersed in the magical world the author tried to create. The book also suffered from pacing issues, with long stretches of tedious dialogue and little action. The characters were also quite forgettable, and I struggled to care about their fates. Overall, "Magic Square Light of Justice" didn't live up to its potential and left me underwhelmed.
4. Sarah - 2/5 - I had to force myself to finish "Magic Square Light of Justice". The writing style was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The characters were poorly developed, and their motivations felt unclear. The plot was also convoluted and lacked coherence, leading to a frustrating reading experience. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted fantasy read.