Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel - OH REALLY?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of "Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel," questioning the authenticity of the claims that the squirrel actually water skis. Participants explore the physics behind the situation and express skepticism about the portrayal of the squirrel's actions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that the squirrel appears to be riding in a boat designed to look like water skis, rather than actually skiing.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that the squirrel can ski barefoot, implying a level of disbelief in the original claim.
  • A participant shares a tangential experience regarding the "Oregon Vortex," expressing skepticism about its scientific claims and drawing a parallel to the Twiggy phenomenon.
  • Another participant mentions a similar tourist trap, suggesting that such attractions often rely on perceptual tricks.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about a chipmunk supposedly driving the boat, adding a humorous element to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the authenticity of Twiggy's water skiing abilities, with some skeptical of the claims and others finding humor in the situation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the actual nature of the squirrel's actions.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various perceptions and interpretations of visual phenomena, indicating a reliance on subjective experience and interpretation rather than objective analysis.

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Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel - OH REALLY?

Ok, you've probably seen this, the squirrel which, supposedly, water skis. But to me, it looks like the damn thing is simply riding in a boat (made to look like a pair of water skis) which is being pulled by another boat. I find it annoying that everyone claims the squirrel actually water skis. Am I missing something here or are people actually fooled by this? Because from what I can tell, the squirrel isn't doing anything remotely resembling water skiing, at least as far as the physics of the situation is concerned.


http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/Yr2006/march6/twiggy.jpg


Here's one of the vids of this thing:

 
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user299792458 said:
Ok, you've probably seen this, the squirrel which, supposedly, water skis. But to me, it looks like the damn thing is simply riding in a boat (made to look like a pair of water skis) which is being pulled by another boat. I find it annoying that everyone claims the squirrel actually water skis. Am I missing something here or are people actually fooled by this? Because from what I can tell, the squirrel isn't doing anything remotely resembling water skiing, at least as far as the physics of the situation is concerned.

Obviously you haven't seen him ski barefoot.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Obviously you haven't seen him ski barefoot.
:biggrin:

I'm just saying, I'm not very impressed with this cheap trick. There are many impressive tricks various animals can do, but I don't think this is one of them.
 
I was once shocked to see the "Oregon Vortex" [a house on a slope] advertised in an official state brochure as a "genuine mystery of science" where the ~"laws of physics are suspended".

That was years ago, but here is the "scientific information" from the website.

The Oregon Vortex is a spherical field of force, half above the ground and half below the ground. The word "vortex" simply means a whirpool of force, like a whirling mass of water, especially one in which a force of suction operates, such as a whirlpool or a whirling mass of air, especially one in the form of a visible column or spiral, such as a tornado.

A vortex, essentially a whirlpool of force, is the basic form of our universe. From our galaxy, whose vortex form we see as the countless suns of the Milky Way, throughout the gravitational vortex of our solar system, down to the vortex of an atom, the vortex form recurs throughout our world structure. The Phenomena that gives The Oregon Vortex its name are evident throughout the entire area. Nowhere in the circle do you normally stand erect. Inevitably the visitor assumes a posture that inclines toward magnetic north. The corona of The Vortex, as well as the minor vortices, discovered during the continuous study of The Vortex, are among the unique phenomena to be observed here.
http://www.oregonvortex.com/science.htm

blah blah blah

Okay, I expect the website to promote this nonsense, but for it to be touted as such in a brochure put out by the State is going too far.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
I was once shocked to see the "Oregon Vortex" [a house on a slope] advertised in an official state brochure as a "genuine mystery of science" where the ~"laws of physics are suspended".

That was years ago, but here is the "scientific information" from the website.


http://www.oregonvortex.com/science.htm

blah blah blah

Okay, I expect the website to promote this nonsense, but for it to be touted as such in a brochure put out by the State is going too far.

Thats a pretty common tourist trap. Saw one in humboldt county once. I don't know how the local citizens could tell the difference between it and everything else there though, given that it was humboldt county. Perceptually its a bit of a trip to be in though. Tricks of the mind are interesting.
 
Is that a chipmunk driving the boat? :confused:
 
Looks pretty kick @ss anyway.
 
Danger said:
Is that a chipmunk driving the boat? :confused:


Yes! I was wearing my chipmunk outfit that day! But I had on my red sweater, too, so I'm surprised you could tell it was me. :biggrin:
 

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