Streetlight Interference (SLI) is an alleged phenomenon in which it is claimed that certain people, passing near a streetlight at night, cause it to spontaneously extinguish (or if off, come on). Although there are hundreds of reports by both SLIders and witnesses, the subject remains controversial. Though trivial at first glance, closer study shows SLI to be a complex process, rich in paradoxes and contradictions. If true, however, the claims carry profound and exciting implications for science and for our knowledge of human potential.
People respond to Streetlight Interference with amusement or amazement, with belief, disbelief, or relief at learning that it happens to others as well as to themselves. SLI takes many different forms, and people react to it in many different ways. The best way to discover what happens when SLI occurs is to have it happen to you. For those of us who have not had the benefit of personal experience, though, the next best way is to learn what SLIders say happened to them. Jane de la R, a SLIder from Surrey, England, reports:
When living in London, I was able to do it almost at will – I have as witnesses my husband and a large group of friends who, over the years, came to regard my ability as an endearing trait.
A ridiculous idea? An endearing trait? SLI experiencers react in every sort of way when it happens to them. A few more accounts:
Jeff F, a self-employed salesman from Illinois:
The most recent event occurred just before Christmas, in a shopping mall near my home. There were a great many lights in the lot: it was snowing that evening. One went out as we got out of the car. My children and I exclaimed, “We got one” as we usually do. On our way out, the same light went out again. We started driving around the lot looking for another “victim”. We would pick out the ones that looked a little dimmer and drive under them. If it did not go out right away, we would wait or yell POW (just for effect, I think) until we were able to knock out around six, including the same one three times.
Another incident occurred in Indianapolis. I just happened to be discussing this phenomenon with a couple of business friends over a drink. One of them had witnessed this on a prior occasion. The other, of course, thought we were nuts. When we went to the parking lot to get to our car, I got one. We all laughed at the “coincidence”. As we were driving to a restaurant and waiting at a stop light, another went out. More laughter from us as we just converted another non-believer!
Not many SLIders get to where they can play games with their ability, but this account brings out the take-it-for-granted attitude that long-term SLIders frequently adopt. Few SLIders are worr*ied or disturbed, even when they come to realise that they differ from most folk in doing what they do.
Dan C, a young man from Harrogate, Yorkshire:
Originally Posted by The
