Tuesday, April 13, 2004

The Man With A Third Eye

Prof. K.B. Duke was born in Kashmir, India in 1906. He took on the name Kuda Bux when he became a magician and conjurer by trade, but he has devoted much of his time to astounding scientists with his uncanny ability to see even when his eyes are blindfolded.

On September 11, 1937, in Liverpool, England, Bux astounded the public by walking along a narrow ledge 200 feet above the ground while completely blindfolded. In Manchester, England, after being securely blindfolded by doctors who assured everyone present that Bux could see absolutely nothing, Bux walked unaided from the hospital. He mounted his bicycle and drove through the afternoon traffic as confidently as any sighted man, even using hand signals when necessary.

Other scientists staged a series of elaborate tests to check the authenticity of Bux's incredible talent. These involved placing lumps of dough over his eyes; these were covered with metal foil, then with a wooden bandage, and finally with layers of gauze. Despite the apparent blackout, Bux was able to read books and move around an obstacle course without once touching a single barrier.

Despite intensive investigations, no one ever proved that any trickery was involved. Bux has said, "All I know is that it depends entirely on an inner facility of the mind. I see with the mind's eye - with my intense concentrative powers." It's a gift Bux claims anybody can develop.

Random Odds & Ends
  • Tony Blair, Prime Minister of England, is a honorary member of Dennis the Menace fan club.
  • Most toilets flush in E flat.
  • The tin can was invented in 1810, the can opener in 1958. For those 48 years, a hammer and chisel were used.
  • Albert Einstein couldn't talk properly until he was nine, and was thought to be suffering from Dyslexia.
  • Gondolas in Venice, Italy must be painted with black color, unless they belong to a high official.
  • Because metal was scarce during world war ii, the Oscars trophy was made of wood during that time.
  • By raising your legs slowly and laying on your back, you will not sink in a quicksand.
  • Charles Lindbergh took only four sandwiches for food on his famous transatlantic flight.

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