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The Forum [is where Ancient Roman skeptics hang out.] Other \"Fringe\" Science Topics Mystery Spots

Mystery Spots

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9:43 am
May 27, 2009

Mary

Pondering what you're pondering

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posts 147

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I have a question, and this place seems like a good place to ask. *insert flattery* (since there are so many really smart people here)

You know those 'Mystery Spots' where water runs 'uphill' and all the inside rooms are lopsided? Back from the long-ago days of yesterday, when we took vacations in station wagon that had no air-conditioning, and stayed in motels that advertised "free COLOR TV"? (and it was so disappointing that nothing actually came in…)

How did those 'spots' work? I know it had to do with angles and illusions, but could someone explain it to me in "dummies" terms? With links for visual aid? This has been driving me crazy for 40 years! *suddenly thinks this might be what's wrong with me….*

"Quando omni flunkus moritati" ("When all else fails, play dead") – Possum Lodge motto. Jason and Grant should adopt it as their own.

10:30 am
May 27, 2009

Hannah

Texas

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posts 361

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Mary said:

You know those 'Mystery Spots' where water runs 'uphill' and all the inside rooms are lopsided? Back from the long-ago days of yesterday, when we took vacations in station wagon that had no air-conditioning, and stayed in motels that advertised "free COLOR TV"? (and it was so disappointing that nothing actually came in…)

I think I was sitting in the back seat of that station wagon! Actually I had not thought of those places in years and a fun subject to bring up.

"Mystery Spots are a product of the Great Depression, a time when entertainment was just about the only industry still growing in America."

In light of our current economic status, I wonder if they will make a come-back?

Mystery Spots Explained

http://www.sandlotscience.com/MysterySpots/Mystery_Spots_1.htm

For years, UCSC psychology professor Bruce Bridgeman has taken college students to the Mystery Spot, a popular local tourist attraction, to demonstrate how the human brain works.

http://currents.ucsc.edu/05-06/10-03/mystery.asp

11:20 am
May 27, 2009

Mary

Pondering what you're pondering

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posts 147

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Great links, Hannah! Thank you! :) :) The explanations were easy enough for even me to follow.

I see that there are quite a few still around. And I loved this line – "We think of our perceptions as being pretty much accurate, but they seldom are," said Bridgeman.

This could apply to so many things. Grant and Jason should take note.

"Quando omni flunkus moritati" ("When all else fails, play dead") – Possum Lodge motto. Jason and Grant should adopt it as their own.

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Mystery Spots