Category Archives: Futurist
Technology: a blind runner and a blind photographer
Wonderful example of human/technology partnership. But I notice how much effort the chap has to put into it too. Another blind chap uses sound to help him take photos.
New source of puzzles for the 21st century? Mechanical Turk
Here’s a how-to blog post with all the links (I like makeuseof.com but too many posts for me to keep up with).
Prof Turow: When the audience clicks (lecture Jan 2010)
Media buying strategy of social discrimination. Audience power: Autonomy vs. Control Virtual newspaper customised by an individual to their taste and interest. Emphasis on the power of the reader to decide. Cites Wealth of Networks by Yochai Benkler arguing for more collaboration. … Continue reading
Of course our brains are changed by use of technology. Any implications?
Zimbardo’s (Stanford 2010) talk on how digital technology is affecting individual’s focus on the past, present or future. He extends from individual to group psychology based on “Geography of Time” by Robert Levine, arguing that pace of life or sense of … Continue reading
Important development in test tube genetics or a media frenzy?
The first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell. “Only” the genome is synthetic. What is this the first step toward? “Venter said this first synthetic cell is the first – and early – step in designing artificial life forms that could one … Continue reading
Do these questions have answers?
Marginal Revolution provide another great link – this time to hard questions that need researching according to Harvard Symposium. Certainly interesting and challenging questions.
Castells talk
Lecture at OUP Oct 2009. Wish he’d spoken more about the new paradigm (have to buy the book instead). I didn’t nod off once in 90 mins. Astonishing as he didn’t have any powerpoints and sat down to speak so I … Continue reading
Marshall McLuhan (1960) – an update on Huxley
Another video to watch with some similar themes to Aldous Huxley interview. This time Marshall McLuhan kicking off the debates about the changing role of the book, moving away from a print culture towards electronic media. Previously no choice, had … Continue reading
Aldous Huxley interviews (1958)
Huxley’s been doing my head in since I read Brave New World at school. He seems to have been ahead of his time regarding the impact of technology. The interview themes are still highly relevant, although a bit dated by … Continue reading
Frontline documentary about youth internet use
Similar themes to Digital Revolution series on BBC (2010). First in PBS series was ”Growing up online” focusing on identity. Too one-sided and hysterical for me. When I watch programs like this I’m very grateful my parents let us run wild in Outback … Continue reading
