The shape of Earth

[bennyboy]

So, now it's not elementary school science you need explained, but middle school geometry?  

You could, presuming the earth were flat, determine how tall an obstruction would have to be to block your view of everest by plugging it's height and your distance from it's peak into the pythagorean theorem.  Trouble is, you would also then know how high to place your observation device to get over it for an unobstructed view.  It works exactly the way the visor on your hat works.

In fact, I think you should work out those numbers and do it, and go take a look for yourself right now...before you go to the next bit.  You know...you shoul like, try it....and not take this stuff on anyones word...

The problem is that these derps think researching YouTube videos is confirmation.  If enough derps say the same thing, the sense of mutual reinforcement seems to them a great substitute for actual research.

So far it's pretty harmless.  But we're always about one charismatic leader or one natural disaster away from burning old ladies at the stake or burning books in central square.