The "mind-blowing stuff" thread

[DarthWaiter]

edit: ehhh thats a different topic for another day

[mac]

Fill 3 gallon to top, pour into 5 gallon Fill 3 gallon again and pour as much as you can into 5 gallon until it's fill. There is now 1 gallon in the 3 gallon jug. Empty 5 gallon and pour the 1 gallon from 3 into 5. Now fill 3 again and pour into 5. There you go, 4 gallons in a 5 gallon jug. IS YOUR MIND BLOWN?

That makes perfect sense but have you ever followed how they do it in the movie. They like skip a step and go backwards and then just shout "Four gallons!" even though it's impossible the way they do it.

Uhh, that's four lines. I believe that the correct presentation of that riddle is to connect all the dots with only four lines, while not lifting the pen off the paper.

That's why I don't do any riddles anymore. The person telling it always gets it wrong. And then you come up with some crazy method to get it to work and they go, "nope."

[fistfulofmetal]

That makes perfect sense but have you ever followed how they do it in the movie. They like skip a step and go backwards and then just shout "Four gallons!" even though it's impossible the way they do it.

It's not impossible.

Because John McClane did it.

[Link Man]

The thing that gets me about this universe is the idea that, even if at the most conservative estimates, there exists even 1 civilization out there that has reached a level on par with us. As a person who always had an intense fascination with history, the implications of such a civilization is enough to literally blow my mind. The two world wars we fought. Would it be so amazing if there were ten or twenty or thirty other worlds out there that fought there own world wars, maybe even those who fought to the mutual destruction of their entire race? We look to our skies, worried about they day they darken and our brief light goes out. But if there are other civilizations, imagine how many billions upon billions of people have done the same! Every song ever written. Every movie ever made. If we are to believe a civilization exists which have reached our level or beyond, imagine the endless treasure trove of art we are missing out on! The alien Leonardo DaVinci! The alien Salvidor Dali! The alien Beatles! Their Bob Dylan, or Janis Joplin! The alien Daniel Day Lewis! Who knows what unique variations of rhythm they have formed, what instruments they have created to the pleasure of their ears? What of the cultures? The countries? The history and enigmas and religions and injustices! THEIR illegal drug epidemics! THEIR borders! THEIR derogatory terms and unique takes on the profound and philosophical; their traditions and forms of worship so numerous that even their variance bends in on itself and comes full circle. Think even further. Even closer. Every person that ever lived, true, on our planet wonders. But do they wonder back? Their economic crisis, their videogames, their stargazing. Yes, it is conceivable to imagine that if their is a culture as advanced or more as us that there is AN ENTIRE VIDEOGAME INDUSTRY OUT THERE WE HAVE NO ACCESS TO. Think of that! We sit in eager anticipation of Metal Gear Solid 4 or Super Smash Bros. Brawl. What is their videogame icons? What do they consider unique gameplay? To even consider this, as just a single person who loves history, is so mindblowing that it actually frustrates me. I want the elixir of life so that I may one day have the chance to visit these other civilizations, however remote.

Or what if their artists craft smells as our musicians craft music? What if they have a completely different form of perception of the universe? It's a tough concept to wrap one's mind around.

Speaking of tough concepts, here's one that has always haunted me: I can't imagine not existing, and yet I also cannot imagine living forever. If I view death as a long sleep, I usually end up thinking that I'd have to wake up at some point. It just really worries me whenever I think on it. It could be the curse of consciousness, something that all people face at some time or another.

[Keyser Soze]

I am not sure if this is a WTF moment for others, but I was a fan of both shows and never knew Murdox from the A-team and Reg Barclay from Star Trek are played by the same actor,

[Teknoman]

And yet most people (close-minded) will only feel fear if ever they realise what you realise now. Or they will feel destroyed, their minds blown in a way it will lead them to deep depression extremely fast. Humans are so not ready to know what's out there. Just image all their conceptions and super ego + religion, their self-image and their lies all falling in ONE SHOT.

Umm question:

How can it one-shot religion? Those of us who believe in a God believe he's all powerful right? So why would it be a surprise that in the BIG ASS expanse that the universe is, he only created living things on our planet?

This came up in that space topic before, but its really silly for people to believe that if we discovered life on another planet, or it discovered us, we would be all "OMG RELIGION IS SHATTERED!" No where in any religious document for any religion (that I know of) does it say that this planet is the only planet in existence with life on it, or even come close to saying that.

Hell doesnt the Vatican have some super astronomy division? If anything, it should boost their faith dont you think? At least thats how it would be for me.

[Garcia]

To even consider this, as just a single person who loves history, is so mindblowing that it actually frustrates me. I want the elixir of life so that I may one day have the chance to visit these other civilizations, however remote.

And yet to imagine that such an antropocentric view of alien civilizations is but one of an infinite ammount of possibilites for intelligent life to actually develop.

The easiest way for us human beings is to measure the unknown with a mirror since it is impossible to grasp something we cannot simply visualize.

Imagine if intelligent life actually sprouted beneath the surface or underwater for example. The possibilities are just beyond anything we can ever imagine, and that is the most exciting thing about our universe.

Not only utopic civilizations living for mutual good and prosperity but also as civilizations worst than ours, destroying themselves as soon as they begin to discover the thirst for power.

I wish all of us were able to realize that this life is nothing but a fucking joke and we have to learn to live in harmony since our existence is completely irrelevant as soon as you zoom out out planet and grasp an image of the true reality. The universe.

[MaximumCarnage]

Yea I never understood how they did it in the movie.
I always pay close attention at that part, but before I know it, hes like "FOUR GALLONS!"

[DarthWaiter]

stuff

I think you should create a The Universe thread...it irks me as to why no one even mentions the awesome series that History Channel does as well...but I'd love to go into some writing about the universe and religion in the same thread

[Link Man]

This is an old picture, but still a good one. This is a JPG picture. Nothing is moving.

Found my new Desktop.

[DarthWaiter]

I wish all of us were able to realize that this life is nothing but a fucking joke and we have to learn to live in harmony since our existence is completely irrelevant as soon as you zoom out out planet and grasp an image of the true reality. The universe.

Yes but you could look at it another way. Why not live our lives at theives, rapists, murderers, etc? In the grand scheme of things, it wouldn't matter.

[FiRez]

The thing that gets me about this universe is the idea that, even if at the most conservative estimates, there exists even 1 civilization out there that has reached a level on par with us. As a person who always had an intense fascination with history, the implications of such a civilization is enough to literally blow my mind. The two world wars we fought. Would it be so amazing if there were ten or twenty or thirty other worlds out there that fought there own world wars, maybe even those who fought to the mutual destruction of their entire race? We look to our skies, worried about they day they darken and our brief light goes out. But if there are other civilizations, imagine how many billions upon billions of people have done the same! Every song ever written. Every movie ever made. If we are to believe a civilization exists which have reached our level or beyond, imagine the endless treasure trove of art we are missing out on! The alien Leonardo DaVinci! The alien Salvidor Dali! The alien Beatles! Their Bob Dylan, or Janis Joplin! The alien Daniel Day Lewis! Who knows what unique variations of rhythm they have formed, what instruments they have created to the pleasure of their ears? What of the cultures? The countries? The history and enigmas and religions and injustices! THEIR illegal drug epidemics! THEIR borders! THEIR derogatory terms and unique takes on the profound and philosophical; their traditions and forms of worship so numerous that even their variance bends in on itself and comes full circle. Think even further. Even closer. Every person that ever lived, true, on our planet wonders. But do they wonder back? Their economic crisis, their videogames, their stargazing. Yes, it is conceivable to imagine that if their is a culture as advanced or more as us that there is AN ENTIRE VIDEOGAME INDUSTRY OUT THERE WE HAVE NO ACCESS TO. Think of that! We sit in eager anticipation of Metal Gear Solid 4 or Super Smash Bros. Brawl. What is their videogame icons? What do they consider unique gameplay? To even consider this, as just a single person who loves history, is so mindblowing that it actually frustrates me. I want the elixir of life so that I may one day have the chance to visit these other civilizations, however remote.

they have undeniable proof that there is no god, that why the goverment keep it as a secret

[Teknoman]

I think you should create a The Universe thread...it irks me as to why no one even mentions the awesome series that History Channel does as well...but I'd love to go into some writing about the universe and religion in the same thread

There is, well there was. That space topic with all the galactic proportion images had some good discussions going on, but now its been buried in the off-topic depths.


Also im still waiting on why people think it would one-shot religion.

[TAJ]

A different perspective on the vastness of the universe... Mind blowing and depressing at the same time.

That's just a really low-budget version of this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGyq7d62oPQ

[pxleyes]

Old but good. Wear headphones and possibly close your eyes.

omg. I just felt like I went on a complete drug trip without actually doing anything...well almost anything.

[DarthWaiter]

There is, well there was. That space topic with all the galactic proportion images had some good discussions going on, but now its been buried in the off-topic depths. Also im still waiting on why people think it would one-shot religion.

because so far all aspects of religious beliefs on Earth have been wrong

[Mifune]

Okay, this one blew my mind as a kid.

A gardener needs your help landscaping some mansion in Beverly Hills. It will be really hard work, probably the most exhausting physical labor of your life. The job lasts one month. And he agrees to pay you a penny on the first day of work, and will double that amount each following day. In other words, a penny on day one, two pennies on day two, you're up to four cents on day three, and so on.

Do you take the job?

Do the math. You might be surprised.

[Garcia]

Yes but you could look at it another way. Why not live our lives at theives, rapists, murderers, etc? In the grand scheme of things, it wouldn't matter.

That's where philosophy and ethics show up (for us) but what if other civilizations just skipped that step or actually never reached that point, not because they couldn't but because they didn't want to.

I also vote for a thread (or revival) dedicated exclusively to this discussions.

[DarthWaiter]

Okay, this one blew my mind as a kid. A gardener needs your help landscaping some mansion in Beverly Hills. It will be really hard work, probably the most exhausting physical labor of your life. The job lasts one month. And he agrees to pay you a penny on the first day of work, and will double that amount each following day. In other words, a penny on day one, two pennies on day two, you're up to four cents on day three, and so on. Do you take the job? Do the math. You might be surprised.

Yes, you come out being insanely rich:

$1000000000000000000000000000000.00

[pxleyes]

That's just a really low-budget version of this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGyq7d62oPQ

I'm sorry, but this is the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41gWUkVQ-9U

[Teknoman]

because so far all aspects of religious beliefs on Earth have been wrong

How so? Serious question though. You dont have to go into extreme detail, i'm just curious about it.

[DarthWaiter]

That's where philosophy and ethics show up (for us) but what if other civilizations just skipped that step or actually never reached that point, not because they couldn't but because they didn't want to. I also vote for a thread (or revival) dedicated exclusively to this discussions.

How are we to decide what is right and wrong? Just because what we feel is doing right is not only the right thing? But what exactly is right and wrong? They are only different viewpoints and opinions that are embedded into our brains from either how we grew up, raised, saw, or was brainwashed.

[Mifune]

Yes, you come out being insanely rich: $1000000000000000000000000000000.00

To this day, I can't wrap my brain around how the amount gets that high in just 30 days.

[DarthWaiter]

How so? Seriously question though. You dont have to go into extreme detail, i'm just curious about it.

Because if The Flood truly happened, there would be no Aztec or any South American civilization from when our ancient Neanderthal cousins that crossed of the Bering Strate thousands of years ago.

edit: we really need another thread for this. I apologize OP for me and other going off topic on this. I wouldn't like it if I were him. And besides this topic has enough awesomeness in it to not include religion/philosophy/universe, etc

[Madrin]

This is an awesome thread. I already knew a lot of the big mindblowers from reading past GAF threads, except for "WTF" which I discovered on my own while looking at a calendar one day.

If you guys like illusions, here are a few that I thought were neat:

A collection of holophonic audio including the virtual barbershop. Fun to try out but the two first ones easily create the best effect.
http://onemansblog.com/2007/05/13/ge...ory-illusions/

Keep playing the video. It's supposed to sound like the tones are getting higher when they're not.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ugriWSmRxcM

The Shepard tone. Scroll down the page and play the audio file. The tone sounds like it keeps descending, but it doesn't. Skip around on the audio and you can hear it go up and down at different points.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepard_tone

Want to see the world bubble and boil?
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/mot_adaptSpiral/index.html

[Link Man]

It blew my mind, at least.

[Fuzzery]

That makes perfect sense but have you ever followed how they do it in the movie. They like skip a step and go backwards and then just shout "Four gallons!" even though it's impossible the way they do it.

Easiest way is to
Fill the 5. Dump into 3. Empty the 3. Dump the remaining 2 into the 3 container. Fill 5. Pour the 5 into the 3.
6 steps.

[Tieno]

It blew my mind, at least.

Looks like Bush is winning.

[superbank]

universe

It will be interesting when we finally meet another species. Mostly because what we expect could be totally different from what we get.

What if they have 50 arms and 50 fingers on each hand? Their music will be total shit by our comprehension. What if their favorite pastime is watching plants grow (over the span of hundreds of years)? Aliens could be completely "illogical" and confusing as opposed to humans with different skin. Our minds = blown.

[Teknoman]

Not really super mindblowing, but it kinda made me scratch my head as to why John Deere would manufacture a Metal Gear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1h3vcLybfA

Whats the practical purpose for that?

[AtticusFinch]

An arrow between the E and the X in the Fedex logo.

The fed-ex logo reminded me of the Big 10 logo. The Big 10 conference actually has 11 universities in it. There is an 11 (two ones on each side of the T) in the logo.

[DarthWaiter]

Not really super mindblowing, but it kinda made me scratch my head as to why John Deere would manufacture a Metal Gear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1h3vcLybfA Whats the practical purpose for that?

that's pretty scary looking..reminds me of No Face from Spirited Away

[Teknoman]

that's pretty scary looking..reminds me of No Face from Spirited Away

Nevermind, I think I see now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2V8...eature=related

Heh I thought it was just a tractor, but apparently its really built for lumber purposes and most likely other similar jobs.

Btw is it just me or is that the same guy as the agency voice from Crackdown?

[TAJ]

I'm sorry, but this is the original. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41gWUkVQ-9U

I know that one well, (and I know a lot of versions since it) but it completely falls apart once you leave Earth.

[vdo]

The word 'Hello' was invented by Thomas Edison. Unfortunately that's false and there isn't any interesting story behind the word.

Even if the word wasn't invented by Edison (maybe it was just that he suggested its use for phones), when I was checking it out on Google, I ran across this:

Edison proposed that the word 'hello' be used to begin a conversation on the telephone. (Alexander Graham Bell, the telephone's inventor, had suggested 'Ahoy, Ahoy.')

http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/i.../Edison_IQ.htm

Then I remembered a Simpsons episode where Mr. Burns would answer the phone with 'Ahoy, Ahoy!'. I always thought it was funny but just thought it was something they randomly gave him to say. When I saw the above reference - as soon as I read the phrase, it clicked to me that the writers must have based it on that and it just made me burst out laughing

[devilscallmedad]

[ItAintEasyBeinCheesy]

you sunk my battleship

[Amir0x]

It will be interesting when we finally meet another species. Mostly because what we expect could be totally different from what we get. What if they have 50 arms and 50 fingers on each hand? Their music will be total shit by our comprehension. What if their favorite pastime is watching plants grow (over the span of hundreds of years)? Aliens could be completely "illogical" and confusing as opposed to humans with different skin. Our minds = blown.

That's what makes it so fucking amazing! I can only attempt to visualize it based on what I know in this tiny existence, but to begin to extract from that now the near infinite possibilities of how intelligent life can form is well... it's even more mind blowing than the already mind blowing concept of an entire civilization with its own unique history being out there... so damn!

[Milhouse31]

How about this one: January February March April May June July August September October November December

The original Roman calendar started with March

Martius (31 days) Aprilis (29 days) Maius (31 days) Iunius (29 days) Quintilis (31 days) Sextilis (29 days) September (29 days) October (31 days) November (29 days) December (29 days) Ianuarius (29 days) Februarius (28 days) The later months are named based on their position in the original calendar — September comes from septem meaning seven, October from octo meaning eight, November from novem meaning nine, December from decem meaning ten. These names have been retained even though September, October, November, and December are, respectively, the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth months of the modern calendar. Quintilis and Sextilis were later renamed July and August in honor of Julius Caesar and Augustus.

[marvelharvey]

Even if the word wasn't invented by Edison (maybe it was just that he suggested its use for phones), when I was checking it out on Google, I ran across this: http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/i.../Edison_IQ.htm Then I remembered a Simpsons episode where Mr. Burns would answer the phone with 'Ahoy, Ahoy!'. I always thought it was funny but just thought it was something they randomly gave him to say. When I saw the above reference - as soon as I read the phrase, it clicked to me that the writers must have based it on that and it just made me burst out laughing

I learnt that from a British TV series called QI. There's a full explanation, here, where even Mr Burns get a mention!

[Shaneus]

The thing that gets me about this universe is the idea that, even if at the most conservative estimates, there exists even 1 civilization out there that has reached a level on par with us. As a person who always had an intense fascination with history, the implications of such a civilization is enough to literally blow my mind. The two world wars we fought. Would it be so amazing if there were ten or twenty or thirty other worlds out there that fought there own world wars, maybe even those who fought to the mutual destruction of their entire race? We look to our skies, worried about they day they darken and our brief light goes out. But if there are other civilizations, imagine how many billions upon billions of people have done the same! Every song ever written. Every movie ever made. If we are to believe a civilization exists which have reached our level or beyond, imagine the endless treasure trove of art we are missing out on! The alien Leonardo DaVinci! The alien Salvidor Dali! The alien Beatles! Their Bob Dylan, or Janis Joplin! The alien Daniel Day Lewis! Who knows what unique variations of rhythm they have formed, what instruments they have created to the pleasure of their ears? What of the cultures? The countries? The history and enigmas and religions and injustices! THEIR illegal drug epidemics! THEIR borders! THEIR derogatory terms and unique takes on the profound and philosophical; their traditions and forms of worship so numerous that even their variance bends in on itself and comes full circle. Think even further. Even closer. Every person that ever lived, true, on our planet wonders. But do they wonder back? Their economic crisis, their videogames, their stargazing. Yes, it is conceivable to imagine that if their is a culture as advanced or more as us that there is AN ENTIRE VIDEOGAME INDUSTRY OUT THERE WE HAVE NO ACCESS TO. Think of that! We sit in eager anticipation of Metal Gear Solid 4 or Super Smash Bros. Brawl. What is their videogame icons? What do they consider unique gameplay? To even consider this, as just a single person who loves history, is so mindblowing that it actually frustrates me. I want the elixir of life so that I may one day have the chance to visit these other civilizations, however remote.

I have to try acid. Apparently these (amongst other things) are the kind of revelations you are able to have. Correct me if I'm wrong, Ami!

[Amir0x]

I have to try acid. Apparently these (amongst other things) are the kind of revelations you are able to have. Correct me if I'm wrong, Ami!

Hehe, it is true that on strong hallucinogenics like shrooms, acid, DMT, salvia, etc you can have profound life-altering spiritual and philosophical revelations. Depends on the dosage, the mind set, the mood, etc.

[psycho_snake]

Okay, so the bushes in Mario are just re-colored clouds. In this thread, post stuff that is mind-blowing but NOT related to videogames. Who is that next to Picard? Mind blown! It's T-Bag from Prison Break!

That is quite mind blowing

[psycho_snake]

I love the spinning lady illusion. Thats brilliant.

[Baiano19]

While we are here, I might as well ask this question that I just can not figure out. Its probably something really obvious but: In Die Hard 3, there was this part where Bruce Willis and Sam. Jackson had to pore EXACTLY 4 gallons of water into a 5 Gallon jug using a 5 gallon jug and a 3 gallon jug. How do you figure it out. So far I ve come up with, fill the entire 5 gallon jug, use that to fill the 3 gallon jug. There is now 2 gallons left in the 5 gallon jub...

Play Prof. Layton for DS and there are plenty of puzzles like that...

To this day, I can't wrap my brain around how the amount gets that high in just 30 days.

Deceiving, but exponential numbers get very big, very fast.

[Souldriver]

Double post but this one is cool: Can you see the "real" meaning of this logo? Remember that Carrefour starts with a C... Answer: http://www.irmaosbrain.com/wp-conten...carrefour4.gif

Wow, I see that logo everyday, and I've wondered so many times why they use such a weird logo. NOW FINALLY I SEE THE "C"

[DarkJediKnight]

From the astronomy threads:

/ thread

Seriously. Unless you know a shitload of astronomy. This is truly mindblowing.

[Kritz]

The tune of the song "Land Down Under" by Men At Work is from the Australian nursery rhyme, "Kookaburra (sits on the old gum tree)".

I'd link the Kookaburra song, but the damn thing's still under copyright protection.

[allegate]

well obviously it's four lines if you're looking at it but when you do it it's one continuous line. also, yeah I think I presented it incorrectly. also, to consider how vast the Universe it you'd have to accept that there are no edges. But if there are no edges, how can you measure how big it is? So to measure it you have to accept that there are edges. But if there are edges, what's outside of those edges? *mind boggled* also, I'm depressed now. damn you and your video! *shakes fist*

thinking about it again, that's how it was presented to me - the whole "one continuous line" thing - so that's where I got it from. It works both ways, really.



the new Baskin Robbins logo has the 31 flavors thing built in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observable_universe
Interesting link. I actually didn't know that the Universe, as big as it is, is only as big right now as what we can see i.e. light from said stars has to have reached us for us to see it. Anything past that time frame we can't see yet. I hadn't thought about it before but it makes sense.

[Forceatowulf]

This doesn't work for everybody, but it worked for me and it blew my mind. Go here - http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.html Focus only on the white team and count how many times they pass the ball. After you're done with that, watch the video a second time and don't focus on anything; just watch the video. DO NOT HIGHLIGHT UNLESS YOU'VE WATCHED THE VID TWICE: A man in a gorilla suit passes by and waves. I absolutely didn't notice it at all when I watched the first time. Some people might notice the first time, though.

Holy shit... that totally got me. I was so hell bent on counting the ball passes that I guess I blocked everything out.

Okay, this just blew my fucking mind. [imghttp://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa30/deaf_saipan/illusion.jpg[/img]

Holy Christ!

Another thing... a lot of you may have seen this picture passed around. [imghttp://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb234/vurdlak8/2007b.gif[/img] People usually tell you to focus on it going whichever way you want it to go, and the spinning lady will spin in a different direction. Sort of a "control it with your mind" thing. THIS IS A SCAM. The gif changes directions itself; you never change it yourself. It's a deceitful mindfuck that I'm ashamed so many people have fallen for. I AM WRONG

Umm.. maybe I'm weak willed or something because this just isn't working with me. At all.

This is an old picture, but still a good one. This is a JPG picture. Nothing is moving. [imghttp://www.roflmachine.com/fun/mindfuck2.jpg[/img]

wtf?! The human mind is very easily deceived. O_o

Prepare yourselves for the revelation [IMGhttp://i26.tinypic.com/24odhxv.jpg[/IMG]

How did I miss this all these years?

http://www.johnsadowski.com/big_spanish_castle.php

wtf? This thread is really awesome. I never took the time to find stuff like this. It's a blast.

The McGurk Effect only worked for me after watching this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fke7GWcT5ko&NR=1 And seeing the park where they cover up his mouth right after showing it.

This thread continues to deliver. This stuff is crazy.

Old but good. Wear headphones and possibly close your eyes.

Ok... now THAT was fucking AWESOME! Seriously.

This is the thread of 08 so far without a doubt. Thanks for entertaining me.