How I did it
I first ran across this myth in an article purporting to prove the validity of astrology by balancing an egg on its end on the autumnal equinox. This was clearly a crock, so I trotted into the kitchen, pulled out a carton of eggs, and voila. I took a photo and posted it as proof that the crackpot was wrong. The crackpot said balancing it on the blunt end didn't count so I returned to the kitchen and balanced it on its pointed end. Then I was told balancing it on wood didn't count, so I repeated the experiment on formica. I was told this didn't count because it had to be done within two minutes.
When I did it
I did my egg-balancing on October 2, 2006. But I wouldn't call it an experiment as the result was a foregone conclusion. Clearly the idea was a load of superstitious clap-trap.
(And this minimum character requirement is a stupid idea so to get this to post I'm writing this addendum.)
Lessons Learned
- As for lessons, I simply learned (once again) that beliefs are not subject to logic. My crackpot remained unconvinced with my evidence and refused to try it herself.
