Phosphene

A phosphene is a phenomenon characterized by the experience of seeing light without light actually entering the eye. The word phosphene comes from the Greek words phos (light) and phainein (to show). Phosphenes that are induced by movement or sound are often associated with optic neuritis.

Phosphenes can be directly induced by mechanical, electrical, or magnetic stimulation of the retina or visual cortex as well as by random firing of cells in the visual system. Phosphenes have also been reported by meditators (commonly called nimitta), people who go for long periods without visual stimulation (also known as the prisoner's cinema), or those who are using psychedelic drugs.

Causes

Mechanical stimulation

The most common phosphenes are pressure phosphenes, caused by rubbing the closed eyes. They have been known since antiquity, and described by the Greeks. The pressure mechanically stimulates the cells of the retina. Experiences include a darkening of the visual field that moves against the rubbing, a diffuse colored patch that also moves against the rubbing, a scintillating and ever-changing and deforming light grid with occasional dark spots (like a crumpling fly-spotted flyscreen), and a sparse field of intense blue points of light. Pressure phosphenes can persist briefly after the rubbing stops and the eyes are opened, allowing the phosphenes to be seen on the visual scene. Hermann von Helmholtz and others have published drawings of their pressure phosphenes. One example of a pressure phosphene is demonstrated by gently pressing the side of one's eye and observing a colored ring of light on the opposite side, as detailed by Isaac Newton.

Seeing Stars

Seeing Stars was the only album by the band Seeing Stars. It is of musical significance, however, because it was essentially intended to be the fifth studio album by UK band All About Eve. In the aftermath of the Ultraviolet album's release - its bad reception and lost recording contract - whilst this album was being recorded in early 1993, lead singer Julianne Regan left the band, and All About Eve disbanded.

The remaining members of the group, Andy Cousin (bass), Mark Price (drums), and Marty Willson-Piper (guitars and - on this record - lead vocals), continued their work on the album. It was released four years later on the Swedish Border Music label, as a limited pressing.

In 1999, following the reformation of All About Eve, renewed interest in the band saw a re-release of the album in an limited pressing of 500 copies. Nearly all of them were sold at All About Eve gigs during their Fairy Light Nights period.

Track listing

Seeing Stars (film)

Seeing Stars is a short animated film distributed by Columbia Pictures, and features Krazy Kat. Different from most shorts of the series, the cartoon features celebrities in their animated forms.

Plot

At a music hall, a trio of singers perform by their microphones while an orchestra behind them plays. Enjoying their act are guests who dance on a square similar to a boxing ring. When the musicians stop to play another song, the square carrying some of the guests gets moved out and replaced by another one.

In a few moments, the stuttering announcer, (Roscoe Ates), introduces the special guest of the event. The special guest is none other than Krazy Kat. To entertain the crowd in attendance, Krazy plays some short tunes on a piano. As he continues playing, the Marx Brothers: Groucho, Chico, Zeppo and Harpo pop out of the piano and shake hands with him before leaving on a tandem bicycle.

When Krazy is about to continue playing his instrument, he is interrupted by a noise coming from one of the tables. At that table, Laurel and Hardy are eating peas and roast chicken. While Hardy is eating with ease, the other guy appears to be having difficulty. When Laurel scoops up peas with a spoon, they often fall off and make a sound that's quite loud to some. Bothered by this, Hardy provides assistance. Krazy then comes to their table and asks them to be as quiet as possible.