Eadweard J. Muybridge & Google Doodle

Today's Google Doodle is a fantastic tribute to Muybridge. I haven't found a permalink, but people looking after today can find it archived in a fashion on youtube.

Point-light walkers

By far the best point-light walker demonstration I've seen is at biomotiolab.ca. I'm classifying this as an illusion (see post label) because, of course, point-light walkers aren't really walking people -- they are just a few white dots moving around the screen. Comparing the male and female versions is particularly fun if you've ever wondered what exactly it is that makes for a stereotypical male or female stride.

It also appears that there is an experiment you can participate in if you want to help with this kind of research.

Color illusion -- too cool to believe

By far the most striking visual illusion I've ever seen. A little bit of color after-effect turns a black-and-white photograph into a vivid color photograph. You may have to do it a few times to convince yourself it is real.