I've always wondered why this happens...

[Wallace]

When there is red writing on a blue background, (or vice versa), why does it look like it is flashing if you catch sight of it out of the corner of your eye?

[Wallace]

Maybe it's just me

[snafu]

No, it's not just you - but I don't know why it happens either lol

[Wallace]

Glad it is not just me! Somebody here must know the answer...surely on mumsnet there is always someone who knows?

[snafu]

omg, maybe this is going to be The Question That Has No Answer (On Mumsnet At Least)

[RTMTMML]

(quick hijack)

Snafu, did you get the stuff I sent you? I found envelope in DH's bag and ended up posting it myself.

(hijack over)

[Wallace]

Gosh, if it is "The Question That Has No Answer (On Mumsnet At Least)" I feel very privileged.

However as soon as they see this it will become a challenge, and be solved in two minutes

[SoupDragon]

• The human eye can only ever effectively focus on Green (and also Yellow).

- Red and Blue are seen as blobs and often the brain compensates.
- This is made worse by the condition of your eyes.
- There is a marked variation between the colours and the eye simply cannot
focus on them all.
- The wavelength of red (700nm) is almost double that of blue (400nm).
- if the object is close the eye often notices a fake 3D effect (some web
sites use this effect on a black background).
- because of the focussing it thinks that the objects are at different
locations.

[Wallace]

I've just had an idea....

[RTMTMML]

did you google that soupy or are you, as we all know, just incredibly clever?

[snafu]

Yes - got it this morning! Thank you. Oh, and you've just reminded me I need to forward you something from abel&cole. They are having trouble locating your account - maybe because you get the delivery through school? Anyway I'll the email on to you and if you want the freebies you can give them your address directly - probably easier that way!

Sorry for hijack Wallace!

[RTMTMML]

what's your idea Wallace?

[snafu]

Gaaaaah soupy!

[Dior]

Message withdrawn

[Wallace]

Bu**er you! Only one minute! I was just about to post it as a new thread with the title "The Question That Has No Answer (On Mumsnet At Least)" to get a bit more of a response

[Wallace]

I think she must have googled it?

[RTMTMML]

why not do it anyway Wallace and make a question up?

[SoupDragon]

Google obviously!

I think, basically, blue and red are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

[SoupDragon]

The 7inch of "Wham Rap" was red writing on a blue background and I remember that jumping on the cover

[Wallace]

Oooh that is tempting! But I must go to bed. I must go to bed. I must go to bed. Dh is away and I am spending far too much time on the computer, and not getting enough sleep. Early start tomorrow.

I'll be gracious and let someone else have the thread title, and check back in the morning to see what happened

[Wallace]

Evidence that I must go to bed if I managed to type it three times!

Right. I'm gone.

[snafu]

Yes, I used to have a Noddy annual that had jumpy-out red writing on a blue background. Not quite as cool as Wham Rap, but then I am not a dragon.

[Cadbury]

Is there nothing you don't know about Soupy? You truly are the oracle

[SoupDragon]

I just hate unanswered questions!! I can't see a question on MN without feeling the need to Google it.

[RTMTMML]

soupy? How longs a piece of string? ROFL

[RTMTMML]

long's

can't believe my apostrophes keep vanishing