The Uncanny Valley

Virtual pop stars? 

I kid you not. These girls don't actually exist. The holographic singer's voice is even synthesized.That's right, that is actually a computer singing, not a human being. And she's had sold out concerts right here in the USA. Just a little too freaky for me.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2011/07/01/lah.japan.cg.video.star.cnn?hpt=hp_c2

And this leads us to . . . 

The Uncanny Valley

This is a psychological fear of something that looks human but isn't. We humans tend to feel uncomfortable or even fearful when a man made object gets a little too human looking, but isn't quite the real thing. Example: ultra realistic robots, CGI, or even dolls. (Think wax museum.) Something seems just a tiny bit off to us when we look at them and this triggers fear. Scientists have tried to study this phenomenon for years. Watch the video below to see some great examples of this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNdAIPoh8a4 

Think of all the people who are terrified of dolls--or clowns. That's the Uncanny Valley. Freaky, huh?

Do You Remember Your First Roller Coaster Ride? You Probably looked Something Like This Kid.

I remember the very first time I rode on a real true roller coaster. One of those ones that actually flipped upside down. TWICE. I was terrified! But then there was that fantastic rush, right at the end when I realized that I'd made it through and I was still in one piece. Not only had I enjoyed the experience--I wanted to do it again. Right that minute! I think their is a life lesson in there somewhere. Find it if you will.

Or just watch this video of one child's first ride and laugh your head off as you remember back to that long ago time, when life was frightening and new and filled with wonders you'd never experienced before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8-eZeqcK4E

And You Think You've Had a Bad Day?

Talk about having a bad day, the dog in this video has gotten himself caught by the leg, while hanging upside down. I can not even imagine how he managed to get himself in this position, unless he was attempting to climb the fence. However, a kind police officer has been called onto the scene--and he is in for a BIG surprise at the end of this video. Make sure you watch till the very end.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSywiwgC4Dk

That is one grateful dog.  Can you blame him? Good humans are hard to come by.

Red Tide

 

Red Tide.

A strange phenomenon where tons of phytoplankton suddenly begins to grow like crazy on the surface of the ocean. It makes the ocean look a nasty blood red color and can be mildly toxic to swimmers. Not to mention the smell. It literally stinks. However, even the worst events that life dishes out, can sometimes have their bright side. Literally in this case. Check out the link below and see red tide--at night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQX3yK8aw3Y

When phytoplankton gets stirred up, it begins to glow which makes the waves look AMAZING at night. So next time life gives you nasty, stinky, phytoplankton, take out your surfboard and get ready to enjoy yourself.