Visual Perception

Lines on TV Screens and Computer Monitors in Video Recordings

I don't know why TVs and computer monitors have scrolling lines when captured on video. But, since you're here, let's take a look at some visuals that trick our eyes. Much like we learn to read by the whole word approach (and phonics), our brains complete words for us. How many times have you glanced at a group of words and thought you saw a word that wasn't there? I know I've done it. For instance, if you glance at the following three or four letters (per, comp, or reg), you might complete the whole word differently:

• per--perspective, perspacacious, personality, etc.
• comp--computer, composition, companion, etc.
• reg--regulation, register, regal

Additionally, the words "your" and "you're" or "their, there, they're" often come out incorrectly in quick e-mail typing because we don't recognize the sounds as different in speech. Using them doesn't mean a person's illiterate or even careless with the English language. It's just a minor mistake. Harping on them makes you pretentious and uncool regardless of the esoteric books you read at the coffee shop so others can see you.

Let's Get Visual

What's going on in the following images? Clicking on the images brings you to a blog about the optical illusions in these images. Below each image is a link to their original source as far as I know.

Are these spiral staircases?

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4558/illusions4hd.jpg

Which way are the gears turning?

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5285/illusions12xc.gif

Don't get too dizzy!

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/7836/illusions94fk.gif

Why isn't it still?

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8597/illusions73ew.gif

Don't be scared, it's just a monster! (click to see the page)