Higgypop's Blog
Pig aids hits the UKMon 27 Apr 2009 at 22:02
This outbreak started in Mexico where, at the time of writing this around 2000 people are suspect to be infected and so far there have been 149 deaths.
We're used to hearing these things, remember SARS? They said we were all going to die from that, turns out you had an 80% chance of survival, the cure was to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and eat chicken soup. Bird flu never happened. In Thailand, Indonesia, China and a few other countries the virus did spread to human but it didn't turn in to a pandemic, not say bird flu doesn't still have the potential too.
So, when I heard about swine flu first off I thought, "same old media hype" but after following the news over the last 24 hours it's got my attention a bit. To start off with, H1N1 differs to bird flu H5N1 slightly, the main difference being that it can be passed from human to human through contact, which makes crowded areas a risk.
Secondly and more importantly, bird flu never made it to the UK (apart from one dead swan) but pig aids has, it's also affected over 100 people in the US. I'm not sure what the gestation period is for H1N1 but if it's anything like other strains of influenza then it's you could potentially be un-symptomatic and traveling from Mexico and the US to anywhere in the world ...including the UK.
So, we could now have many more infectious travelers wandering around the streets of the UK, of course most people fly in the the UK through one of London's airports and interact with the staff there. London is also the busiest and most crowded city in the UK which relies heavily on packing people in to public transport - the perfect place for infection to spread.
So being in London has added to the reasons why I am taking pig aids a little bit more seriously than previous scares. Also, I mean clearly I'm no expert, have a GCSE in basket weaving and that's about it but these strains of influenza are pretty serious with a high fatality rate. The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, conjunctivitis, and, in severe cases, breathing problems and pneumonia which could be fatal.
These are usually the symptoms but because a virus needs to mutate from it's animal strain to get a grip on a human, it means that the symptoms of the mutated virus can vary. With bird flu the mortality rate in humans, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) is 60%. The biggest factor which affects your survival rate is how strong your immune system is, so the very old and the very young are at high risk.
So it doesn't sound good but, this was headline news yesterday and it hasn't exploded over night. Of those affected in Mexico only around 10% have died (so far), the US cases have so far resulted in no deaths and the two people in the UK who were affected are doing OK in hospital. So it looks like, as the virus is spreading it is getting weaker - which is quite common for a virus.
So in the next few days, as long us the death toll doesn't rise too much then it's probably not going to become a pandemic. On the other hand I could be wrong and the potentially hundreds of infected people could be walking around and spreading the outbreak further.
If things go the other way, I think with in a week or two we could see the government banning public gathering and events and possibly suspending public transport in affected areas.
In the last hour WHO have raised their alert level to 4, the maximum is 6 and at that point we'd all be collapsing all over the place right now. In the UK, we are supposed to be one of the best prepared countries for a pandemic, we have a massive stockpile of anti-viral drugs including everyone's favourite Tamiflu. If you're old and that and you've had your regular seasonal flu jab, that won't save you - different strains, different vaccinations.
The advice people are giving is wash your hands lots, don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and quite surprisingly the UK government are also saying to avoid travel to Mexico and the US and to avoid public crowded places. My advice would be to get a little pocket-sized pot of alcohol hand sanitizer and use it when you've been outdoors and avoid public transport, there's nothing worse than being stuck in a train with coughing and sneezing people.
Also, like with others flus keep your vitamin C levels high, eat loads of oranges and drink orange juice, makes sure your immune system is strong and ready to fight the filthy pig aids germs.
A couple of things I'm not sure about, how contagious is H1N1 when it's airborne? Do the face masks you see everyone wearing in the news actually do anything? If you know, let me know by adding a comment below.
Twin WantedSat 18 Apr 2009 at 13:49
The problem was, I couldn't pull this scam off on my own, so I put an advert on Gumtree, the ad read as follows...
Hi there,
I am looking for a twin, male, aged 29 who can pass as my twin. You must be well built, blue eyes, brown hair and around 5"6'.
My plan, we pay for one person in an eat all you can restaurant and as we look identical, we will then be able to switch without staff noticing... this mean we'll both be able to eat for the price of one person.
Looking to eat in the central London area, let me know if you are interested.
Replies
genius idea!
are you looking for a danny devoto style twin, ie not a twin, or identical..?
i think this will work either way, but best go for the same gender...
Joker, your not going find someone identicle lol
I just had to say, that was one of the most hilarious things I've read in a long time!! (whether you intended it to be funny or not)...
Thanks for the belly laugh :)
From Russia With Lies: Part OneFri 17 Apr 2009 at 09:17
"Land of Love"
Greetings friend!!!
This letter arrived to you from Russian Internet dating agency "Land of Love". Our client miss Anna, 25 years old from Saint Petersburg, Russia. She addressed to our agency. She wants to search man from USA for friendship or love. Miss Anna is never married and have no children. You can see miss Anna at picture.
Higgypop
You can see miss Anna at picture. ???? What does that mean?
Also, if she is looking for someone from the USA, then why have you emailed me? Idiots!
Worst spammers ever!!
Anna
My name is Anna. My birthday on April, 20th 1983. And me 26 years will be fast. I live in Russia, in very beautiful city of St.-Petersburg. I very cheerful and beautiful woman. And I wish to be even happier. I live and I work in Russia as the children's teacher.
As you already understand to write to you my first letter I have addressed in agency of acquaintances. I have paid there 7 dollars, and to me have told that my letter will be sent to lonely to the man which wishes to meet the woman from Russia.
I as very much hope that you like my photos, and you would like to meet me. I am valid for a photo, and you can see me in the future.
The matter is that it is very fast, namely on March, 4th I can receive the visa to your country. Therefore I very much hope that we could have our meeting. I for the first time in the life shall visit the Europe, and I to not have friends or the friend in the Europe.
But also I have some questions for you:
1. Whether you can meet me on March, 5th?
2. What airport will be more convenient for our meeting?
Your friend from Russia Anna
Higgypop
Hi Anna,
I am always interested in meeting new people, however I'm not looking for a relationship right now.
But if you wanted someone to show you around London then I would be more than happy.
The 5th March is my birthday but I'm not celebrating it until the weekend so I am free on the day.
I can get to Heathrow Airport in about 20 minutes from where I live if you wanted a tour guide.
Sorry, I don't have a photo on me at the moment as I am in work.
Steve
Anna
How are you doing? I hope that you well today and you have good day today and excellent mood. I am very happy to receive your letter and the nobility that you really wish our meeting, and you can meet me in the airport.
As I already spoke in this letter I would like to tell not much more about me. Therefore I write to you all that I think, and all that comes to my head. And though I understand, that one our meeting cannot replace hundred letters, I nevertheless shall write to you as much as possible about me and my life.
Mine mum and the daddy live separately 10 years. Now the daddy the pensioner, also lives one in the house in a wood, the daddy is engaged in hunting and fishing. Earlier my father worked as the dental doctor.
My mum call Oksana. I live with my mum in our house. Now my mum too the pensioner, but earlier mum worked at factory, mum murder will out clothes.
Yours Anna.
Higgypop
Hello,
I mostly don't understand what you are saying, but all sounds fine to me.
Just let me know your plans as they develop, perhaps I can help you with your English while you are here too.
Steve
Anna
I am happy to receive your letter very soon.
But I do not understand, what you to not understand in my letter?
And why you do not write to me about yourself?
Higgypop
Sorry, I just found your email quite hard to read, your English isn't too good.
For example....
"Now the daddy the pensioner, also lives one in the house in a wood, the daddy is engaged in..."
The daddy? Do you mean "your Daddy" or "my Daddy" ..."the daddy" doesn't make sense.
"Now my mum too the pensioner, but earlier mum worked at factory, mum murder will out clothes."
I'm not sure what "my mum to the pensioner means", do you mean "my Mum is a pensioner" and "murder", she is a murderer?
And this, I didn't understand... "About that that now I shall fly to Belgium all my family knows and all are happy, that I can visit your country."
Sorry to be picky, I just struggled a bit and I'm now worried that language may be a barrier when we meet.
To tell you a bit about me... my name is Steve Bronce Higgins and I am twelvety-eight.
I have lived in London since October, I work in finance... not a god place to be right now. My parents both live in Oxford where I am from. My hobbies are walking, running and shoe restoration.
Steve
x
Anna
I understand that my English is not so good. My mum not the murderer, my mum makes clothes. My daddy the pensioner, and it lives now not with us. My parents have divorced 10 years ago.
I very cheerful and sports woman, I always went in for sports, and most of all I love aerobics. I am engaged in gymnastics, and dances. I when did not smoke, and I do not take alcohol, only in special cases. (the Birthday, New Year)
I as when was not married, and have no children. And now I have no what boyfriend. Therefore I am absolutely free. But I very much like to waste time with mine friends, my mum and the sister.
I very much like to go to a campaign, to go to a wood, in mountains........................ It is fine. On fresh air I can spend all the day because I love fresh air. I very much like our nature. And in the house of my mother there are two horses, I love walk on horses.
It is a pity to me, that we cannot call each other, but my mobile phone is not included. I hope that you understand it?
Yours Anna.
Higgypop
Hi Anna,
Nice reading your email. Glad to hear you like the outdoors, me too!
You also said you like to go to a campaign in the woods and mountains? What campaigns do you mean?
I am pleased that you are looking forward to meeting up, how are your plans coming together? As I said in my first email though, I'm not interested in starting a romantic relationship but your friendship is welcome.
Steve
x
Anna
hello my dear Steve!
I am very happy to receive your letter, I really hope that we can be greater friends.
I really very much like to have a rest in a wood and mountains. I to go from mountain with friends with whom I went to school.
Our company very amicable and we always have good time. And that you to do for rest.
I understand from your letter that you to search only friendship but why you do not want more serious attitudes?
Higgypop
Thanks once again for your emails, I am enjoying talking with you.
Well after the last relationship I was in I'm not sure about going in to another romantic partnership. To be honest with you, it all ended a bit badly last time. I'm still being dragged through the courts over all of that. It wasn't really my fault, I just got angry and she fell and landed in an awkward way.
I guess I am open to the possibility of romantic eggulisations but it would take me a little bit of time to get resdunded. We'll just have to see how well we get on I suppose, after all, you are very attractive.
So you like to walk in the woods? You don't take part in campaigns there?
Steve
x
Anna
Good morning my lovely Steve!
How are you today? I hope that all well and you to have good day today and good mood.
My work will come to an end yesterday, and I can study more Moscow, and in my letter I shall write to you more about this fine city.
Why you do not write to me more about the city???????? Your city is really beautiful? What is especially beautiful? When I shall arrive to you I very much would like to have walks of the pedestrian with you, I very much like to walk.
To walk on night city, to hold your hand and to look at stars.................. I really think that it very beautifully.
I very much ask you to write to me more how you understand love???? Whether you can grow fond of me???? You when loved on the present??? You had a love.
Kiss you.
Anna.
Higgypop
Good morning, I hope you are well!
The reason I tend not to write much is that I find your emails quite difficult to read and I am unsure how easily you are understanding my English. For example, your questions you have asked me to answer, I don't really understand them.
I very much ask you to write to me more how you understand love????
How I understand love? Do you mean, what does love mean to me?
Whether you can grow fond of me????
I may be able to grow fond of you, you are very beautiful in your photos and you seem very sweet.
You when loved on the present??? You had a love.
I don't know what this means - it doesn't make sense.
OK, I'll tell you more about London. I have been living here since October. My favourite places to go are the Science Museum which is really good fun and interesting. I like to walk but since I have moved here I haven't had much opportunity, I'm along way from countryside now. I do like to walk along the Thames at night though. Although there's not much chance of seeing the stars in London.
I work in Canary Wharf which is a really nice part of town, very modern and the home of several large banks. I live in Vauxhall in a big apartment block overlooking the Thames. Unfortunately I live on the wrong side of the building to get the best view.
Hope you have a good day, looking forward to seeing you... it's only a week today!!
Steve
x
Anna
Good day my lovely Steve!!!
I hope that you well feel very well this morning in this day.
I sad not much..................... But to sad only because we cannot already be together today. I really very much wish to be with you. I want that you held my hand and looking in my eyes, spoke me about our love.
I really hope that you to admire with my beauty, and I hope that you will be always happy that. I shall be near to you.
My heart is really compressed each time when I think of you. When I receive your letter.................... I think that I require you.
Each time I fly as a bee, I wish to arrive to you and this big happiness for me that you too to want it.
I very much hope that your words, and your desire sincere..................... Also that this Fairy tale, was a reality and we were in love.
Millions kisses for you and all my love.
For ever yours Anna.
P.S I ask to write you more what to feel your heart.
Higgypop
Oh my gosh, your emails really are becoming increasingly difficult to read. Please could you answer a few of my questions....
1) Can you speak English or are you using a translator?
2) Do you think we will be able to talk OK when we meet?
3) Have you arranged somewhere to stay in London and how long are you staying?
4) Do you know what time your flight gets in to the city yet? Looking online it seems flights from Moscow land at 8, 8:50 and 9:30am.
I cannot talk more about the feeling from my heart, we have only been emailing for a few days. I am looking forward to meeting you and I think you are hot but I can't say I love you and couldn't describe our meeting as a fairytale as you have.
Meeting will be fun and exciting and if you are as beautiful in real life as you seem to be in your photos, and, as I have previously said, if your poor understanding of the English language doesn't stand in our way then our friendship could well develop in to something more serious.
Steve
x
Anna
Good morning my lovely Steve!
I each time am happy to receive your letter. But me sadly nobility that that my English language is not absolutely well clear for you. But I try to write each time all more clear for you.
1. I am really independent I can speak in English, and I do not use the translator.
2. I think that we can understand each other when we shall meet.
3. I for the present do not know where I shall remain in London.
4. On Monday I shall go to the airport and to reserve the ticket for me. I shall inform you details on Monday. Ок?
I as understand, that your heart still is not yet in love, and you to not feel yet what to feel my heart. But I very much hope that all will soon vary, and my letters will like your heart.
I kiss you also wait for your letter.
Yours Anna.
Higgypop
Hi,
I thanks, yeas well I am happy moods.
Let me give you a few pointers on your English if you don't mind...
You wrote:
"I each time am happy to receive your letter. But me sadly nobility that that my English language is not absolutely well clear for you"
This should be written:
"You make me happy each time I receive your email, but it saddens me that you find that my English language isn't absolutely clear"
I hope that helps and that I don't sound contraflabbed or dismeaning.
WOW, you're not booking your flight until Monday? Are you going to be able to book it at such short notice? Do you know what part of London you'll be staying in. I live in South-North London so just wondered if you would be near me.
I probably won't get a chance to email you again today as my company respect Rosbeck Friday when we cut ourselves off from email and internet communication and speaking to each other only through verbal methods (and of course chalk board).
Most of London practices Rosbeck Friday as it is one of the seven-twenty large capital business district in the upper Earth region. Lord Geoffrey Rosbeck first introduced the Internet-free day back in 1936, it increases productivity, creativity and of course productivity.
So, happy Rosbeck Friday to you, look forward to seeing you soon.
Steve
x
Anna
Good day my love............. My dream Steve!!!
I hope that this day passes well for you and you have good day and very good mood.
Today there was very sated day for me. I could see many beautiful places in Moscow because I was on excursion on Moscow, and heard about this city much.
I very much hope that we shall have greater love, and we can visit Moscow together and see this beautiful city, and I hope that we can see city in which I live.
Today when, I saw their beautiful persons, persons of enamoured people I was happy. It is happy because I dreamed about ours with you a meeting and I hope that as also we shall have our passionate kisses, and we shall be happy in the future.
I wish to do you happy because I think that you very good the man and you have deserved it.
Now I wish to learn you as the man more, and to tell about my character.
Yours Anna.
Higgypop
Moscow sounds almost as beautiful and amazing as you. I think they most interesting place I've visited is Rosham. It's a small farm near Brocknill but it's massive! I love it there, they have cows, they have pigs, they have sheep, they have turkeys, they have ducks, they have hens, they have horses, they have cows, they have children and they have budgies and they have queggs.
I know queggs aren't animals but they had a whole barn full of them, I took about 74.6 home with me, we were eating roast quegg for the next month, it was so funny that milk came out of my nose.
I was chatting to a friend about you at scholk today, I was telling him how excited I am that a hot Russia girl (you) is coming to visit me via the gift of airplane through the sky. We ended up having an argument, he says that you have cars in Russia but last time I was there I didn't see a single car any where. I bet him 5 daktar that there weren't cars. So, are there cars? I am right aren't I?
My days has been quite good so far, Rosbeck Friday is always a fun day. As I said earlier, we've been communicating in 1940s style all day today, I have chalk all over me and my pylons are pointy.
You want to know more about me as a man, my character? OK, well being bisexual I am very open minded, I am very spiritual, I believe in ghosts, rats and UFO (Unidentified Fried Omelets). I have seven hairs and strong beliefs in the occult.
When I was 8 I was trapped in a basement for 7 years, I think this is what lead to my claustrophobia and agoraphobia which I suffer from now. I was kept for 7 years by a manbearpig (basically it's someone who is half man, half bear and half pig - you are probably familiar with bears coming from Russia, I read that you have the biggest population of Yogi Bears in the world).
Since then I haven't been able to look a bear in the eyes, I don't trust them anymore. I think it was this experience which led to my, let's say, changeable moods. Luckily I haven't hurt anyone in some time so you should be fine.
I find it exciting in my pants the way that the more we talk to each other, the stronger my feelings become. This may sound silly as I realise that we have never met and that we've only been emailing for a week... but in time, I think I could really fall for you in the style of love.
Take care my sweet ambush,
Steve
x
Anna
Good morning for you my lovely Steve!
I understand that my English not so well, and you to laugh over me.................... It is amusing. But I when to not ignore your questions, and I certainly wish to answer all questions which you have for me but I cannot understand all that you write to me.
I walked today really much and had fine day. Today very warm and to walk pleasantly but every minute I thought of you and our meeting.
I think that our meeting can really do us very happy.
I kiss you also wait for your letter.
Yours Anna.
Higgypop
Sorry I didn't mean to laugh at you, let me explain... if you spent the day walking you would say "I spent the day walking". A "pedestrian" is a person who walks at the side of a road. When you combine words, the phrase "walks of the pedestrian" is actually quite rude, it's a euphemism for a quite dirty sexual act.
So to say you have been doing "walks of the pedestrian" would mean that you spent the day with two men... and well, let's leave it at that.
Only two days now until you book your flight, you must be very excited! I can't wait until Thursday! I've never met a Russian human before.
Steve
x
Anna
Good morning my lovely Steve!
I understand that you think of me much and that you want ours I shall meet. I as very much wish to be with you and I dream of you every minute. And how you have lead yesterday? What did you do yesterday?
I walked yesterday because Moscow really very beautiful city, and it is very pleasant to me to see Moscow really much.
As I already wrote, tomorrow I shall go to travel agency and I shall reserve my ticket. Therefore tomorrow in the morning I shall inform you time and date of flight.
I kiss you my love.
Forever yours Anna.
Higgypop
Good morning to you too my lovely beef cake!
I hope you are OK and have had a good day, mine has been fine. I've been attacking swans at John Craven Park, which is a big park in London - it's a great place to walk if you are mentally retarded.
I can't believe that you are booking your flight tomorrow, the week has gone by so quickly!!! I've very excited and looking forward to Thursday!!
Can I ask you, when we meet... I realise that I don't know you too well but when we meet will it be OK to touch you? May be even offer you the free gift of a hug? I have never hugged a lady before.
Let me know if you need any help with sorting out a hotel, of course I will be able to help you with luggage at the airport and provide you with a lift to your hotel to drop your things off, unless of course you would rather come straight back to my apartment for a look around ...or whatever.
Kisses to you too bradley,
Steve
xxx
Anna
Good morning my lovely Steve!
I hope that this week-end was fine for you and you had good time and excellent mood. I am very happy to receive your letter, and to realize that up to our meeting to remain all of less time and already very soon I can embrace you, and certainly kiss.
Today I shall go to travel agency and to reserve the ticket for me. As soon as I shall know more information on my ticket, and all to a detail I shall write to you the letter.
I really have very complex nights now because every minute I think only of you. I close eyes and I represent our meeting. In our meeting all will be beautifully and perfectly.
Now I should go.
Forever yours Anna.
P.S Please send me yours foto .............. I want see you.
Higgypop
Word up Anna my main man!
The weekend passed fine for me and my mood is supreme. I am also hella glad that out meeting to remain all of less time, in just 5.8 days I will be able to embrace your face open and may be even plant kisses on your eyes.
Great, I hope all goes well at the travel advisory board and that they are able to sort out your tickets, tickets, tickets!
I am looking forward with both my actual eyes to hearing how you got on, cough.
I hope your head is full of beauty today as you start to pack your dogs and owl parts in to your luxurious leather suitcase.
My nights are also very complex as I think of you more than seven times an hour.
I am in work right now at this very second moment so I don't have a photogiraffe that I can send but let me describe my self to you via words of typing. I am 9 foot 4 foot 6, I have four cream coloured eye and six hairs which are made of brown. My beard is not on my face and I have roughly two face-adjoined ears which I hear with.
What do you think? Like the sound of me? Think you will like me?
I will send on a photo later this evening when the fire ball weighs low in the sky.
Take care, see you in three days.
I am throwing love at you,
Steve
x
Higgypop
Hi beautiful!
Finally home from work, I got home early in the end due to an exploding colleague. I might end up having tomorrow off too, they're going to be cleaning the mess up for days. Well, that's the pressure of banking at the moment I suppose.
Anyway, here's a photo of me. I hope you like what you see.
Steve
x
The story continues....
no commentsAfraid of the Ouija?Sat 14 Mar 2009 at 03:29
I no longer believe that the dead walk the Earth, that people can read thoughts or predict the future... but I now know that people believe in these things so strongly that for them these experiences are totally real.
The thing I wanted to talk about specifically today was Ouija Boards, I was considering buying one as I wanted to see one working, the principles behind how it works are very interesting so I thought it might be fun.
When I mentioned to people that I had picked one up off of eBay people made negative comments like "don't use it in your flat", "they are evil" and various other tales.
Let me start off by asking you six questions, answer honestly in your head...
1. Do you believe in ESP (extra sensory perception)?
2. Do you believe in ghosts?
3. Do you believe that tarot card reads can predict your future?
4. Do you believe that the dead walk the Earth?
5. Do you believe that clairvoyants can talk to the dead?
6. Do you believe that you can talk to spirits with a ouija board?
I'm almost certain that the majority of you won't believe in ESP, ghosts, tarot cards and clairvoyance but when you came to the final question, I think there is a good chance you answered "yes" or at least really considered your answer as you have some apprehension about ouija boards.
Just a quick search in Google brings up a Yahoo Answers thread where someone has asked "have you ever used a ouija board?" there are around thirty replies talking about how dangerous they are, there is not one reply saying "they're not real'.
Yet, in Yahoo Answers the question "do you believe in ghosts?" gets about 50/50 yes and no.
That attitude amazes me, it's 2009 and we live in an intelligent (mostly) rational word yet people are still scared of ouija boards despite the that there is much more evidence that explains scientifically how they work then there is evidence to support the belief that the dead interact with the board's user.
What is a ouija board and how do you use it?
A ouija board is actually a brand name, it's a toy created by Parker Brothers who also make such family favourites as Monopoly and Cluedo. Their ouija board is a variation of a Victorian party trick which was originally performed without a board, instead attendees at a séance would move a whole table.
Eventually the act of "table tipping" evolved (presumably because the results are easier to achieve) in to the ouija boards or talking boards that we know today. Participants sit around the board which is decorated with the alphabet, the numbers 0-9 and the words "yes" and "no".
Participants place they're fingers light on the plancette and they proceed to ask any spirits which may be present questions. Participants then find that the plancette moves around the board, spelling out words and answering questions.
And this works, it really does. When you see Yvette Fielding and her ghost busting team performing séances on Most Haunted, their glass (plancette) moves around the board and they would swear to you that they are not moving it ...and they're not.
So how do ouija boards work?
OK, that all sounds a bit contradictory. I'm telling you that ouija boards aren't real and then I'm telling you that the plancette moves around the board with no help from the participants. Well, when says they are not moving the plancette, I mean they are not aware of the fact they are moving it.
Ouija boards work through a subconscious behavior called ideomotor motion. Try this out for your self now, the best way to describe how this works is for you to experience it.
Grab yourself a pendulum, may be a neckless with a heavy pendent or some kind of weight on a piece of string - the string should be about 6-12 inches. Now, hold top of the pendulum between your thumb and index finger and look at the weight at the end. Imagine the weight swinging from left to right, start to see it swing and as it does, imagine that movement getting faster and faster.
You will find that the pendulum does swing, seemingly beyond your control. You can change the direction by concentrating on it. Make it move back and forth rather than left and right.
To take this a step further, make a left to right movement mean "yes" and a back and forth motion mean "no"... ask yourself questions, you will find that you can answer them with the pendulum.
This is ideomotor suggestion, it's the same principle that dowsers use and of course the same principle that makes a plancette skate across a ouija board.
For the ouija board to work, you need some suggestible players, the mood needs to be right and a majority of the players needs to have at least a bit of a belief that it is going to work.
So you might start by asking the question "is anyone there?" as players expect that the plancette might move to "yes" (why would it go to "no"?) they subconsciously nudge the plancette towards "yes". Of course when it does move, it seems that no one around the board moved it and that then strengthens everyone else's beliefs.
So you've established that there is a spirit present, another common question is how did you die? What are you thinking right now? Does it begin with 'm'? Most people will be and the plancette slowly moves to the 'm'... the players know what is coming, ...'u' ...'r' ...the plancette's motion gets faster as it becomes clearer what the sprit is spelling ...'d' and faster ...'e' ...'r'. They were murdered, what are the chances of that!
As the plancette picks up speed when words or names become more obvious, it not uncommon for the plancette to over shoot the table, this gives us the story of sprits smashing glasses in anger.
Can you prove it's not real?
So I've said it's ideomotor motion which moves the plancette, how do I really know that's not what it is and that in fact it is spirits moving the plancette. Well, try placing a piece of paper of the plancette, you'll find that players just move the paper off of the plancette proving that it's the players moving the plancette and not the plancette moving the players fingers around.
You could also try blindfolding the participants with an observer left recording the results. You'll find that without being to see, the accuracy of the "spirits" ability to hit the correct letters decreases.
Leaving the blindfolds on, if the board is randomly rotated without the participants knowledge then you'll find that the "spirit" will guide the plancette to the previous position of letters or answers on the board rather than their current positions.
The believers answer...
Spirits are tricksters and they will get these things wrong on purpose to fool us. You really can't win!!
WARNING:
Having said all of this, people have bad experience as a result of using a ouija board because they believe they will. Suggestible people may feel as if they have been possessed or feel discomfort on returning to a part of the house where they have used a ouija board. Of course this is all in the mind, but the fact that it is all in the mind doesn't make it any less scary.
So, if you have any serious doubts about using a ouija board then don't use it. Similarly, if it is against your religious beliefs then stay clear as it may cause feeling of guilt and conflict.
A ouija board is a toy but it is also a powerful demonstration of how suggestible we are and what our subconscious minds are capable of.
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