science ← JK

Project Proposal

Nov

21

2012

Thesis argument: Objects are symbols of human history. This history can get lost as they physically erode, rust, break, and disappear. Additionally, the nature of objects is changing: physical objects are being translated into immaterial software that is housed in high-tech hardware. Immaterial software and high-tech objects cannot be vessels of sentiment/nostalgia in the same ...

All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (3/3)

Oct

23

2012

This is the last episode in a series of documentaries by Adam Curtis. It focus on the idea of humans being machines. Adam Curtis – All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace 3/3 – The Monkey in the Machine and the Machine in the Monkey – Subs from avefenix1954 on Vimeo. Notes: Humans are ...

Howard Odum’s Ecological Modeling

Oct

18

2012

Adam Curtis’ documentary series “All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace” mentioned the work of Howard Odum. Odum was an ecologist who is known for making analogies between ecosystems and electrical, mechanical, acoustical, magnetic and electronic systems. I’m interested in the analogy Odum made between ecosystems and Ohm’s law. Odum set up analogies between ...

All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (2/3)

Oct

16

2012

I’ve been watching these Adam Curtis documentaries for inspiration. They’ve been really thought provoking and given me an interesting perspective on the relationship between humans an machines throughout history. I didn’t take notes during the first episode, but I started jotting things down during the second one. See below: Adam Curtis – All Watched Over ...

Leonardo da Vinci’s Inventions

Oct

15

2012

via http://www.leonardodavincisinventions.com

The Museum of Interesting Things

Oct

11

2012

Saw these guys at Maker Faire; lots of cool old technology! Object on their site that has most potential for a thesis project: Pigeon Harness

No-Tech Magazine: Progress and Technology

Sep

27

2012

No-Tech Magazine is written by Kris De Decker. This blog hosts all mixed links and updates from Low-Tech Magazine.

Low-Tech Magazine: Doubts on Progress and Technology

Sep

27

2012

Low Tech Magazine is written by Kris De Decker. The magazine publishes 12 stories per year on the topics of obsolete technology, ecotech myths, and low-tech solutions. The premise of the magazine is the rejection of the idea that every problem requires a high-tech solution. “Low-tech Magazine talks about the potential of past and often ...

As We May Think

Sep

27

2012

“As We May Think” by Vannevar Bush This article was published in The Atlantic magazine in 1945. The author proposes ways that scientists can turn their attention to “the massive task of making more accessible our bewildering store of knowledge.” He calls for the development of tools that are an extension of the mind rather ...