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Wouldn't you have said the same thing of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge?

I probably would, yeah, unless I actually took the time to examine the design and calculate Q. I'd've been wrong in that case.

Actually, I probably wouldn't, because if it had occurred to anyone that they ought to ensure that the bridge design had no high-Q vibrational modes, the problem would have been found and averted before the first caisson was sunk.

I have the sudden urge to build a weighted cabinet and see if I can knock it over with fast-forwards/rewinds. I've got a couple engineer friends who could run the numbers, but nothing would quite compare to the satisfaction I would feel if I could actually do it.

Can't we get Mythbusters to do it?

I think that's actually a great idea. Anyone know how to throw suggestions their way?

Here's the message board that takes submissions for Historical "Fact" myths. http://community.discovery.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/9551919888

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