Monday September 15, 2003
Blind Juggling

New Scientist has an article on echo location, where the same method used by bats to locate objects can be used to guide people.

I discovered something similar a number of years ago while sitting on the floor juggling bean bags. The shifting beans make small noises that are almost imperceptible yet the brain can pick them up. Juggling with eyes closed may sound impossible, but you can do it with audio cues.

It's a disconcerting feeling trying to juggle with your eyes closed, like sitting underwater. It is an even stranger feeling when you finally realize that you are actually doing it. Truly a "use the force" moment.