Oh, it gets better. He's also a computer geek and used to write a column for PC Computing magazine. Quite a guy.
But he's absolutely right about Teller. He's an amazingly talented fellow. As much as I like Penn Jillette, Teller is a better entertainer.
Teller, without question is one of the greatest magicians of all time. Especially at the Cups & Balls. In their act, Teller will perform the Cups & Balls and then after it is complete, Penn will have Teller do it again, but this time Penn will tell the audience exactly what Teller is doing, how, and why he is doing it, and when it is all over you are more confused than you were just watching him do the effect.
Being a member of the fraternity I have access to information that is not available to "the public". And let me tell you, Teller is a genius. So genius that it is hard to comprehend. His thought process and methodology behind creating and refining effects is mind boggling.
Plus, they hate magic and magicians and build it into their acts. They are a must see for fans of magic and non fans alike.
I wish they would go on a lecture tour. I am attending a lecture tomorrow with Rick Maue, and later in the month with Eugene Burger at a friends house! Thats going to be the ultimate lecture. Eugene Burger in my friends living room!