The break of the curveball

This is actually pretty cool, especially for those of you that have actuallly seen a curveball.  Be sure to check out the animation here.

In baseball, a curveball creates a physical effect and a perceptual puzzle. The physical effect (the curve) arises because the ball’s rotation leads to a deflection in the ball’s path. The perceptual puzzle arises because the deflection is actually gradual but is often perceived as an abrupt change in direction (the break). Our illusions suggest that the perceived “break” may be caused by the transition from the central visual system to the peripheral visual system. Like a curveball, the spinning disks in the illusions appear to abruptly change direction when an observer switches from foveal to peripheral viewing.

Posted in Goofy | Comments Off on The break of the curveball

Bag of Randomness

  • I friend of mine had to work extra hours and come in on Sunday, unfortunately he was stuck in the elevator for an hour.  At least he had his lunch with him.
  • For longtime DFW viewers of the local news, it appears that Mike Synder is being given a choice of two demotions.  As much as I don’t enjoy watching the guy, I do feel for the guy.  If he accepts the retirement package, at his age, is he still marketable to sell himself to another market?  Or will any pride play in the decision to accept a 50% paycut and to be eliminated from the late night broadcast?
  • I bet he accepts the paycut – he’ll still be making a sizable six-figure salary and will still be in a top market.
  • If that station were smart, they would also look at replacing Jane McGarry.  She is painful to watch.
  • While at lunch yesterday I found out I used the same toilet as our 43 president.
  • There’s a joke in there somewhere.
  • Potato Art
  • Google Street View’s latest weapon
Posted in Goofy | 1 Comment

Church gives fresh meaning to ‘offering’ plate

The pastor of a non-denominational church in Argyle, Texas, passed around the collection plate to his congregants earlier this year — and asked them to take money from it.

Donations at the Cross Timbers Community Church had slumped because of the economic downturn. Pastor Toby Slough thought that his congregants had to be hurting, too.

His gesture, instead, was met with an unexpected response: The church had its highest offering ever.

Full Article

Posted in Spiritual | Comments Off on Church gives fresh meaning to ‘offering’ plate

Woman cuffed for not holding escalator handrail

MONTREAL — Anyone who has ridden an escalator and bothered to pay attention has seen – and likely ignored – little signs suggesting riders hold the grimy handrail.

In Montreal’s subway system, the friendly advice seems to have taken on the force of law, backed by a $100 fine.

Bela Kosoian, a 38-year-old mother of two, says when she didn’t hold the handrail Wednesday she was cuffed, dragged into a small holding cell and fined.

Full Article

Posted in Goofy | Comments Off on Woman cuffed for not holding escalator handrail