Phantom Objects

For those stricken with Charles Bonnet Syndrome, the world is occasionally adorned with vivid yet unreal images. Some see surfaces covered in non-existent patterns such as brickwork or tiles, while others see phantom objects in astonishing detail, including people, animals, buildings, or whatever else their minds may conjure. These images linger for as little as several seconds or for as much as several hours, appearing and vanishing abruptly. They may consist of commonplace items such as bottles or hats, or brain-bending nonsense such as dancing children with giant flowers for heads.

I came upon this article, and looked it up on wikipedia for a little more background on the perpetual acid trip. I've provided it alongside the Damn Interesting article for additional surrealism. I wonder what sort of storytellers these patients must be.

Original link here

Wiki link here

Pause for Beauty

What impresses us, nowadays?
Mass reproduction and accessibility has altered the way we perceive the extraordinary. If we can download that gut wrenching solo instantly, if we can buy that t shirt with the Botticelli angels on it, how do we approach the real thing - played live, seen two feet away? Is the nature of our appreciation altered by context? Are we too rushed to care?

The Washington Post ran an experiment.

They got violin virtuoso Joshua Bell to stand in a Washington terminal, busker-style. He played a series of technically difficult, incredibly moving works on one of the finest instruments in the world.
Typically he commands $100 for an adequate seat in the finest venues on the planet.
This day, he played for free to whoever cared to pause their day, and just listen.

The results provide a fascinating glimpse into what happens when we hurry through the day, disregarding the rare, the fantastic and the surprising.

Read it here.