"Am I the only one who is beginning to think that the amount of work
necessary to make this "work" may suggest that the physical principle it
is designed to demonstrate is not that robust or important?"
Ha-ha, good point! It sounds like a bit of a kludge, doesn't it - like
many demos it turns into a magic trick (i.e. achieved by deception)
rather than, well, a demo. I have noticed that there is an increasing
tendency for young people to assume that demos aren't real, that they
are just like the special effects tricks seen on the telly. The amazing
demos get less of a response, simply because they see amazing things on
screen every day.
Personally, I think it should be possible without all this mucking about
with pins and shock-absorbing bases -
http://richardwiseman.wordpress.com/2009/01/10/new-stunning-stunt/#comment-199
- does this make sense? It's a bit of a ramble, I'm afraid, but I think
it's mostly valid.
I would like to think that it could even be done with broom resting on
two volunteers' hands. Well, maybe two stooges' hands at least.
Share and Enjoy,
Ian
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