Had a good scare last night and I just may need to review my belief system.
I was lying awake like the good insomniac I am when I heard a crash coming from somewhere inside the house. I went to investigate and saw that a heavy stapler had fallen to the floor from the kitchen counter, unused staples everywhere.
:o
Now, here I am thinking what could have caused the stapler to fall? I doubt it was wind, the shutters were closed and the metal stapler is quite heavy. If it was my dog, she would have to have telekinetic powers that I don't know about because she's paralysed and would never have been able to reach the counter. Another animal? Doubtful. There's just no way an animal large enough to move the stapler could get into my fortified stronghold.
I now believe my house is haunted. The poltergeist must have missed the memo and let Halloween pass before starting its haunting. Maybe the ghost of procrastination? I don't know. Perhaps we all get what we deserve. :notsure:
Hmm, scary!
I have had a couple of things fall from apparently secure places, always flat surfaces though. Usually near the fridge freezer. I put it down to vibration.
Be interesting to see if here are any other "occurrences"!
:mysterious:
Quote from: Dave on November 19, 2017, 02:39:53 PM
Usually near the fridge freezer.
:chin: Interesting...
The stapler was sort of close to the fridge, I'll put it where it was and see if the same thing happens again. :grin:
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 19, 2017, 02:44:30 PM
Quote from: Dave on November 19, 2017, 02:39:53 PM
Usually near the fridge freezer.
:chin: Interesting...
The stapler was sort of close to the fridge, I'll put it where it was and see if the same thing happens again. :grin:
Chances of getting exactly the same combination of position, (lack of) friction etc pretty damn slim. I know that the counter on thst side drops down slightly towards the free edge, assisting the demise of the small glass ramekin involved.
Quote from: Dave on November 19, 2017, 02:51:14 PM
Chances of getting exactly the same combination of position, (lack of) friction etc pretty damn slim. I know that the counter on thst side drops down slightly towards the free edge, assisting the demise of the small glass ramekin involved.
Well Dave, it's fairly obvious your Feng Shui is off. :grin:
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 19, 2017, 02:57:41 PM
Quote from: Dave on November 19, 2017, 02:51:14 PM
Chances of getting exactly the same combination of position, (lack of) friction etc pretty damn slim. I know that the counter on thst side drops down slightly towards the free edge, assisting the demise of the small glass ramekin involved.
Well Dave, it's fairly obvious your Feng Shui is off. :grin:
Feng Sh . . . Oh, "Shui", there was a speck on my glasses.
Or should I say "a speck on my spectacles"?
Actually it was probably my spirit level . . .
Hey! That is what you need!
A pair of spectrecles to spot the blighter!
:grin:
:picard facepalm:
:lol:
From what I remember, poltergeist activity is caused by the energy of a discontented adolescent. Do you have any of those around?
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 20, 2017, 12:42:04 AM
From what I remember, poltergeist activity is caused by the energy of a discontented adolescent. Do you have any of those around?
I'm afraid not. :( It seems it will remain a mystery...
But why the stapler though? :notsure: I feel like there must be a message, a sign of some sort, that I must interpret. Thoughts?
It was the force. Luke is not pleased by the googly eyes!
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 20, 2017, 01:23:03 AM
But why the stapler though? :notsure: I feel like there must be a message, a sign of some sort, that I must interpret. Thoughts?
Obviously something school or office related. Both those places made me throw things.
Quote from: No one on November 20, 2017, 03:21:00 AM
It was the force. Luke is not pleased by the googly eyes!
(they're freaking me out too) :unsure:
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 19, 2017, 02:23:24 PM
Had a good scare last night and I just may need to review my belief system.
I was lying awake like the good insomniac I am when I heard a crash coming from somewhere inside the house. I went to investigate and saw that a heavy stapler had fallen to the floor from the kitchen counter, unused staples everywhere.
:o
Now, here I am thinking what could have caused the stapler to fall? I doubt it was wind, the shutters were closed and the metal stapler is quite heavy. If it was my dog, she would have to have telekinetic powers that I don't know about because she's paralysed and would never have been able to reach the counter. Another animal? Doubtful. There's just no way an animal large enough to move the stapler could get into my fortified stronghold.
I now believe my house is haunted. The poltergeist must have missed the memo and let Halloween pass before starting its haunting. Maybe the ghost of procrastination? I don't know. Perhaps we all get what we deserve. :notsure:
Let's find out...
Are you nice to your stapler? :eyebrow:
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/TheseSelfreliantGraysquirrel-max-1mb.gif)
Do you feed your stapler?
[gifv]https://i.imgur.com/QMMENez.gifv[/gifv]
Quote"...Unused staples everywhere."
Could you have overfed your stapler? :eyebrow:
Have you been taunting it? :eyebrow:
(https://media.giphy.com/media/127Jm5ZGei7kas/giphy.gif)
Could it be angry? :eyebrow:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforgifs.com%2Fgallery%2Fd%2F258340-2%2FAlien-stapler.gif&hash=fae26ea5f5e12087ac7584b9e8df34e3ee71def8)
Are you emotional around it? :eyebrow:
(https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2016-08/5/15/asset/buzzfeed-prod-web10/anigif_sub-buzz-27076-1470426096-9.gif?downsize=715:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=auto)
I...guess I treat my stapler as any erm, normal person would. :shifty:
I think. :notsure:
Quote from: Magdalena on November 20, 2017, 06:38:35 AM
[gifv]https://i.imgur.com/QMMENez.gifv[/gifv]
:lol:
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 20, 2017, 08:12:35 PM
I...guess I treat my stapler as any erm, normal person would. :shifty:
I think. :notsure:
Quote from: Magdalena on November 20, 2017, 06:38:35 AM
[gifv]https://i.imgur.com/QMMENez.gifv[/gifv]
:lol:
That's it...
The solution is simple.
I know why the stapler fell to the floor.
There is no ghost in your house.
You just need to instal one of these:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foddstuffmagazine.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F06%2FGoogly-Eyes-Earthquake-Detection-Kit.jpg&hash=b87dce3a1bc98b998c5600595fff68e54be26c95)
^Brilliant! :grin:
^^^
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FWX57kNQ.gif&hash=04baf7a71474c9bfdcdc553c87a109052047f5cf)
Possible explanations:
1. Vibration from fridge or other appliance;
2. Low level seismic activity;
3. Surface was slightly slanted and maybe dusty or oily;
4. You are simply mistaken about where it was placed and it fell from an unstable position;
5. Intruder;
6. ????????
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on November 21, 2017, 02:20:48 AM
Possible explanations:
1. Vibration from fridge or other appliance;
2. Low level seismic activity;
3. Surface was slightly slanted and maybe dusty or oily;
4. You are simply mistaken about where it was placed and it fell from an unstable position;
5. Intruder;
6. ????????
1) Could be.
2) I think this is rather unlikely. I have stuff that are way more precariously placed than a heavy stapler. Maybe I'm getting the physics of it wrong but I would think that round objects would be more easily moved by this type of occurrence.
3) Could be. Wait, are you suggesting my house isn't clean? :snooty:
4) Could be.
5) Hopefully unlikely.
6) Or...ghosts. :grin:
Actually, second thoughts, the possibility of an object "bouncing" across a surface is going to be a function of its bouncability as well as the energy in the vibration.. Looking at my stapler it has a plastic base to prevent slipping. If this also absorbs surface origininated vibration the posdibility of travel is reduced.
At work we had a very large vibrating table to test equipment. A quick way to check its calibration was to place a coin on it, wind up the amplitude at 50 cycles and listen for "chattering". That indicated that the coin was being "launched" by a fraction over one gravity acceleration. If left alone the coin would eventually fall off the table.
But it took that 1g+ acceleration to achieve travel. That is quite noticeable at low frequency, at higher frequencies less amplitude is needed but a "resonance" effect comes into play. There is a loose component in the external part of the balanced flue of my gas heater. Aluminium plate probably weighing 50 grams or more. If a prop driven aircraft flies over, even quite high, the engine noise, despite only being a tiny amplitude and minute fraction of a Watt, will rattle that plate.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 21, 2017, 12:09:29 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on November 21, 2017, 02:20:48 AM
Possible explanations:
1. Vibration from fridge or other appliance;
2. Low level seismic activity;
3. Surface was slightly slanted and maybe dusty or oily;
4. You are simply mistaken about where it was placed and it fell from an unstable position;
5. Intruder;
6. ????????
1) Could be.
2) I think this is rather unlikely. I have stuff that are way more precariously placed than a heavy stapler. Maybe I'm getting the physics of it wrong but I would think that round objects would be more easily moved by this type of occurrence.
3) Could be. Wait, are you suggesting my house isn't clean? :snooty:
4) Could be.
5) Hopefully unlikely.
6) Or...ghosts. :grin:
Yeah, it's pretty clear that it was a ghost. The other options are possible at best, but ghosts are probable. The matter is settled.
Quote from: Dave on November 21, 2017, 12:37:20 PM
Actually, second thoughts, the possibility of an object "bouncing" across a surface is going to be a function of its bouncability as well as the energy in the vibration.. Looking at my stapler it has a plastic base to prevent slipping. If this also absorbs surface origininated vibration the posdibility of travel is reduced.
At work we had a very large vibrating table to test equipment. A quick way to check its calibration was to place a coin on it, wind up the amplitude at 50 cycles and listen for "chattering". That indicated that the coin was being "launched" by a fraction over one gravity acceleration. If left alone the coin would eventually fall off the table.
But it took that 1g+ acceleration to achieve travel. That is quite noticeable at low frequency, at higher frequencies less amplitude is needed but a "resonance" effect comes into play. There is a loose component in the external part of the balanced flue of my gas heater. Aluminium plate probably weighing 50 grams or more. If a prop driven aircraft flies over, even quite high, the engine noise, despite only being a tiny amplitude and minute fraction of a Watt, will rattle that plate.
I think the resonance effect depends on the material too, does it not? Maybe a certain frequency would get the stapler moving without having any effect on the surrounding objects. The stapler also has a plastic base, but the surface it was on is a (clean) smooth granite counter. I don't know, just guessing.
Quote from: No one on November 20, 2017, 03:21:00 AM
It was the force. Luke is not pleased by the googly eyes!
Blasphemy. He has lovely googly eyes.
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on November 21, 2017, 02:08:48 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 21, 2017, 12:09:29 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on November 21, 2017, 02:20:48 AM
Possible explanations:
1. Vibration from fridge or other appliance;
2. Low level seismic activity;
3. Surface was slightly slanted and maybe dusty or oily;
4. You are simply mistaken about where it was placed and it fell from an unstable position;
5. Intruder;
6. ????????
1) Could be.
2) I think this is rather unlikely. I have stuff that are way more precariously placed than a heavy stapler. Maybe I'm getting the physics of it wrong but I would think that round objects would be more easily moved by this type of occurrence.
3) Could be. Wait, are you suggesting my house isn't clean? :snooty:
4) Could be.
5) Hopefully unlikely.
6) Or...ghosts. :grin:
Yeah, it's pretty clear that it was a ghost. The other options are possible at best, but ghosts are probable. The matter is settled.
It's what I knew all along! My beliefs have been validated.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on November 21, 2017, 11:00:26 PM
Quote from: Dave on November 21, 2017, 12:37:20 PM
Actually, second thoughts, the possibility of an object "bouncing" across a surface is going to be a function of its bouncability as well as the energy in the vibration.. Looking at my stapler it has a plastic base to prevent slipping. If this also absorbs surface origininated vibration the posdibility of travel is reduced.
At work we had a very large vibrating table to test equipment. A quick way to check its calibration was to place a coin on it, wind up the amplitude at 50 cycles and listen for "chattering". That indicated that the coin was being "launched" by a fraction over one gravity acceleration. If left alone the coin would eventually fall off the table.
But it took that 1g+ acceleration to achieve travel. That is quite noticeable at low frequency, at higher frequencies less amplitude is needed but a "resonance" effect comes into play. There is a loose component in the external part of the balanced flue of my gas heater. Aluminium plate probably weighing 50 grams or more. If a prop driven aircraft flies over, even quite high, the engine noise, despite only being a tiny amplitude and minute fraction of a Watt, will rattle that plate.
I think the resonance effect depends on the material too, does it not? Maybe a certain frequency would get the stapler moving without having any effect on the surrounding objects. The stapler also has a plastic base, but the surface it was on is a (clean) smooth granite counter. I don't know, just guessing.
Without having to research to refresh my memory: material certainly counts, but I have the feeling it is complex. Stiff membranes (as in string instruments) resonate well and csn oroduce harmonics thst add to the effect, but even flabby structures (like the human gut) have their (much lower) resonsnces.
The shape and mass of the structure count as well, of course. Normally takes more energy to resonate a hesvy mass, like granote, but I will be cagey there. Our vibration table was fixed on a metre cube of concrete to reduce vibration into the building, very low resonant frequency.
Ghost is easiest opt-out explanation here!
Quote from: Dave on November 22, 2017, 06:46:22 AM
...
Ghost is easiest opt-out explanation here!
NO! No, no.
I refuse to believe this.
I rather believe that
xSilverPhinx's paralyzed dog has telekinetic powers that she doesn't know about.
That...
Or there is a wormhole on her (clean) smooth granite counter.
But it's not a ghost. :snooty:
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 07:22:19 AM
Quote from: Dave on November 22, 2017, 06:46:22 AM
...
Ghost is easiest opt-out explanation here!
NO! No, no.
I refuse to believe this.
I rather believe that xSilverPhinx's paralyzed dog has telekinetic powers that she doesn't know about.
That...
Or there is a wormhole on her (clean) smooth granite counter.
But it's not a ghost. :snooty:
So it's a ghost vs. a telekinetic dog vs. a countertop with wormhole technology? I honestly don't know where to go from here.
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 22, 2017, 10:34:48 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 07:22:19 AM
Quote from: Dave on November 22, 2017, 06:46:22 AM
...
Ghost is easiest opt-out explanation here!
NO! No, no.
I refuse to believe this.
I rather believe that xSilverPhinx's paralyzed dog has telekinetic powers that she doesn't know about.
That...
Or there is a wormhole on her (clean) smooth granite counter.
But it's not a ghost. :snooty:
So it's a ghost vs. a telekinetic dog vs. a countertop with wormhole technology? I honestly don't know where to go from here.
Sentient, but possibly suicidal, stapler?
Quote from: Dave on November 22, 2017, 10:39:12 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 22, 2017, 10:34:48 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 07:22:19 AM
Quote from: Dave on November 22, 2017, 06:46:22 AM
...
Ghost is easiest opt-out explanation here!
NO! No, no.
I refuse to believe this.
I rather believe that xSilverPhinx's paralyzed dog has telekinetic powers that she doesn't know about.
That...
Or there is a wormhole on her (clean) smooth granite counter.
But it's not a ghost. :snooty:
So it's a ghost vs. a telekinetic dog vs. a countertop with wormhole technology? I honestly don't know where to go from here.
Sentient, but possibly suicidal, stapler?
OR...or...there could be a pack rat in the house! Maybe it tried to take the stapler but it was too heavy. :eyebrow:
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
OR...or...there could be a pack rat in the house! Maybe it tried to take the stapler but it was too heavy. :eyebrow:
But what would a rat have to staple? :thinking:
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 23, 2017, 12:36:03 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
OR...or...there could be a pack rat in the house! Maybe it tried to take the stapler but it was too heavy. :eyebrow:
But what would a rat have to staple? :thinking:
Nothing. They just like to take 'shiny' things to their nest.
--That's what I've heard. :shifty:
Or...
Maybe the rat just bumped into the stapler...and knocked it down. :shrug:
Quote from: Magdalena on November 23, 2017, 12:40:50 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 23, 2017, 12:36:03 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
OR...or...there could be a pack rat in the house! Maybe it tried to take the stapler but it was too heavy. :eyebrow:
But what would a rat have to staple? :thinking:
Nothing. They just like to take 'shinny' things to their nest.
--That's what I've heard. :shifty:
Like land-dwelling magpies then?
QuoteOr...
Maybe the rat just bumped into the stapler...and knocked it down. :shrug:
OK, that makes sense. I was wondering if maybe the rat had written a research paper on humans, using xSPx as his subject.
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 23, 2017, 12:44:12 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 23, 2017, 12:40:50 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 23, 2017, 12:36:03 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
OR...or...there could be a pack rat in the house! Maybe it tried to take the stapler but it was too heavy. :eyebrow:
But what would a rat have to staple? :thinking:
Nothing. They just like to take 'shinny' things to their nest.
--That's what I've heard. :shifty:
Like land-dwelling magpies then?
QuoteOr...
Maybe the rat just bumped into the stapler...and knocked it down. :shrug:
OK, that makes sense. I was wondering if maybe the rat had written a research paper on humans, using xSPx as his subject.
:lol:
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 23, 2017, 12:36:03 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
OR...or...there could be a pack rat in the house! Maybe it tried to take the stapler but it was too heavy. :eyebrow:
But what would a rat have to staple? :thinking:
A cats paws to the floor?
Quote from: Tank on November 23, 2017, 07:12:23 AM
Quote from: BooksCatsEtc on November 23, 2017, 12:36:03 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on November 22, 2017, 02:01:36 PM
OR...or...there could be a pack rat in the house! Maybe it tried to take the stapler but it was too heavy. :eyebrow:
But what would a rat have to staple? :thinking:
A cats paws to the floor?
:faints:
So the options are ghosts or cat-stapling giant rats? Better hope it's a ghost.
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on November 24, 2017, 04:15:39 AM
So the options are ghosts or cat-stapling giant rats? Better hope it's a ghost.
Just a regular size rat, not a giant one...or
xSilverPhinx's paralyzed dog that has telekinetic powers that she doesn't know about.
Or there is a wormhole on her (clean) smooth granite counter. :shifty:
But it's not a ghost.