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January 28, 2006
Somnambulic
Our neighbor in the Great White North (do they really call Canada that?) is home to many cute furry animals both large and small. Canada is also home to some of the most expansive hunting practices in North America so artist Martin Beauregard has created an installation called Somnambulic that triggers the confusion between cuddly toys and hunted animals, between play-acting and hunting rights. He's confronting the world of childhood fantasy and the harsh brutality of hunting.
One of the pieces is called Wake Up Teddy - a giant stuffed toy bear made from real bear skins.
If you live in New York, please go check it out at Location One.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 18, 2006
Beggar
The number of people living below the poverty line is increasing every year and support systems for them seem to be collapsing all around. We have to remember that impoverished people are not always lazy, drug ladened society rejects. In fact, most impoverished people are quite the opposite and live within the confines of their homes struggling to make ends meat. It's hard as the cost of living continually rises while wages stagnate and no one can blame human pride. We all need help sometimes but it's just hard to ask. Well now there's a robot for the materially deprived.
Beggar is a robot constructed entirely from old computer hardware and a few spare parts that can be obtained at no cost. While preserving the anonymity and dignity of its owner, the robot has access to areas normally off limits to solicitors such as shopping malls and community events, where the richer frequent. People generally avoid eye contact with beggars but replaced with a robot, curiosity rises and soon crowds gather around the robot entranced by its simple face and simple message, "please help me." Oddly, people are more willing to part with their money if they communicate from a safe distance via an artificial interface, namely the robot.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 16, 2006
Bike Above The City
Contrary to belief I am NOT anti-bicycle. I would gladly ride a bike from point A to B, but I refuse to when all they give you is a tiny so-called bike lane usually filled with right-turning cars and litter.
Toronto architect Chris Hardwicke proposes "a high spped all season pollution free transit system" called Velo-City. The elevated infrastructure houses cycle tracks networking major parts of a city. Bicyclers can ride faster and not have to worry about pedestrians and cars. The cycle tracks are protected inside a glass tube shielding it from snow and rain so all year riding would be possible. The tubes are also ventilated, a/c'd and heated depending on temperature.
Can you image how beautiful a city would look with elevated glass tubes lit up in the night? I so hope they build it.
Posted by tranism at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
January 15, 2006
Blonde Joke
THIS has got to be the FUNNIEST blonde joke EVER!
Posted by tranism at 7:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Ooh You Turn Me Inside Out
I have a collection of stuffed toys at work and one of them is a stuffed bear turned inside out. It looks frail and a bit disturbing and yet when I first saw it, I knew I had to have it.
Now I've found an artist that takes all kinds of stuffed toys and turns them inside out. His name is Kent Rogowski and his work is striking. Cute stuffed animals lose much of their "cuteness" when turned inside out as the grotesque seams seem to fight it away. Look closer and it's as if the cuteness just doesn't want to go away, its still there - only minimized, a hint of what it once was.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
The Power Of Dreams
That's Honda's tagline and in their latest commercial for the European spec Civic, it's a worthy one.
A choir of human voices used to not just express the sounds of cars but to mimic them. It's so real but yet off just enough for you to hear the distinct chorus of humans "singing".
I implore you go to this site and watch the video.
On another note, I am jealous that Europe gets a hatch a Civic while we here in the U.S. get a sedan and a coupe. A hatch Civic makes it so much more useful and I would think American have much more crap to haul around this vast landscape than the Euros do.
pictures of the Euro Honda Civic after the jump
Posted by tranism at 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
The Veins of Los Angeles
Los Angeles is like no other city in the U.S. Its massive freeway system turning, intertwining, careening, and interjecting thru traffic, buildings, rivers, and mountain passes - mapping a visual treatment of lights in movement. From below, it seems a mess, but from above it can feel haunting and calming all at the same time.
I've lived in New York, Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco. Los Angeles is unique and when successful, breeds a certain type of person. A person that is always searching for the next best thing, immune to BS, recognizes liars and fakes, and extremely mobile.
Those are the reasons why I love Los Angeles.
check out this video
via grasscollective
Posted by tranism at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Conversate Table
YES I know "conversate" is not a word but I use it and use it proudly. So ERIC, you can shut up about proper word and grammar usage! :)
The Conversation Table measures the social dynamics that takes place during a one-to-one conversation. Who dominates it?
As two people conversate (converse), LED's embedded along the center of the table are activated by the pattern of exchange. Microphones pick up the duration and the volume of the conversation at regular intervals, and trigger light animation from the end where one speaks towards the other. If both people speak, the lights crash and battle to get to the other end.
Finally, a visual way for me to let some people know they talk way too damn much. :)
Posted by tranism at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Watch Out 7-eleven!
7-eleven revolutionized consumer demand in the early 60's when it became the first convenience store to go 24-hours. It fulfilled the need to get what you want NOW and from that core philosophy, has expanded to become one of the most recognized brands in the world.
Other retailers have opened such as AM/PM, but essentially they all build upon the 7-eleven business model.
A new dog is in town and he has something to say about the future of convenience stores. Shop 24 is an independent retailer offering the same things you'd find in any other convenience store except with one major difference; it's entirely automated. The shops currently exist all over Europe and the company has plans to bring it to the U.S.
How it works; you come up to a computer terminal, enter the codes for the item(s) you want, pay using cash, credit, or ATM, then watch the robot gather all your items, pack, and deliver it to the take-out gate within 20 seconds. It would be awesome if you could do all your shopping online, pay, and take a ticket number to your local Shop 24 and just pick up your items. The entire process is quick and painless and brings us one step closer to the livin' large and in charge like the Jetsons.
Aside from the consumer advantage, there's also a huge business opportunity for individuals. Shop 24 plans on franchising in the U.S. so individuals have a chance to own a store that makes them money but significantly cuts down on over-head costs. Each shop is also fully equipped with automated security systems therefor making it a lot safer for patrons.
Coming in 2006, so look for it on the corner, the subway/bus stop, airport terminals, universities, libraries, along long stretches of highway, and anywhere else that has a hungry-thirsty human. As the old saying goes, build them and they will come.
Posted by tranism at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
January 13, 2006
Still Here
We're still here people. Just been incredibly busy with work and such. Posts soon.
electro and plankton
Posted by tranism at 4:32 PM | Permalink
January 9, 2006
Honda Promises
For me, the real big announcement at this years NAIAS is the promise Honda made. Their FCX Fuel Cell concept will be production ready in 3 - 4 years.
In the last 5 years, engineers have had to cope with obstacles such as cold starting, mileage and range equal to that of today's petrol based vehicles. Honda has said they've moved beyond that stage and since 2000 have concentrated on the other half of the equation; infrastructure.
Fuel Cell infrastructure cannot simply be something handed off to the government in hopes of fueling stations magically popping up all over the country. It is PAINFULLY obvious much of government is too tied up in said-be alliances with the major oil companies. Honda believes it is up to the auto industry to come up with a solution to help push in the era of fuel cells. They've come up with the home energy station that can be installed in an industrial environment like future gas stations or in private residences. In a private setting the energy station could provide enough power to give the FCX a 350 mile range POLLUTION FREE.
If Honda adheres to its words, then in 4 years time, we will really begin to see the first of a new age where technology forces governments and companies to finally face the music and embrace fuel cells. Honda is at the forefront of this new breed and they know that clean air and engines won't be enough to sell. They know the car has to operate just like any other car so the transition into the masses is smooth and seamless. Nobody wants to learn how to drive again and because of that, the FCX has all of today's amenities plus tomorrows innovations.
I can't wait!
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Aibo LOVES Pink
Because apparently he thinks Kiki KaiKai is one of his pink toys. He snatches it, kicks it, and pulls on it all the same. Awww, HOW CUTE!
Posted by tranism at 6:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
January 8, 2006
Geek vs. Genius
Yesterday something amazing happened. It's a sign that the inevitable will happen; nerds from two sides of the computer industry clash. Oddly, they have the same goals; to make computers and living in the digital age easier for the average person. They differ in that they represent two camps, one PC centric, the other MAC zealots. The showdown? BEST BUY of all places.
So yesterday I had to purchase a belated holiday gift for a friend so I figured I'll just cruise Best Buy and see if anything jumps out at me. As always, I eventually find my way over to the computers and software section. This is a side note but PC manufacturers are really REALLY trying to make their units look more attractive. I can remember 5 years ago, they could care less what they looked like. Anyways, I digress. So as I was scanning the shelves, I overheard a customer's conversation with a nerd-esque guy. Turns out, he's a Geek Squad team member, fully uniformed; his dark shades in his shirt pocket too. The customer went on and on about how her new PC laptop she received for Christmas wouldn't connect to her home wireless connection. After the geek spent some time mulling about her computer, he then asked what type of wireless system she was using. She seemed confused but blurted out, "I think it's an Apple, it has a shiny apple on it." The Geek then sighed and told her that Apple is notorious for using proprietary technology and that may be the reason why her PC wouldn't connect. Now I myself being pretty Mac savvy was almost ready to interject but another customer jumped in and told the lady what the Geek just explained was simply untrue. He asked the lady if he could take a look at her laptop and with a couple clicks here and there, he told her to go home and try it now. This stranger then looked at the Geek and said, "I'm an Apple Genius." The lady looked even more perplexed now and just muttered a thank you before leaving. The Best Buy Geek barely cracked a smile at the Genius and I SWEAR there was tension.
Think about it. Here are two men purported to be experts in their realm but one was clearly outclassed. Not only had he been corrected by an Apple Genius but corrected on his own turf.
I eventually just bought a gift certificate and went home. I got to thinking what these two nerd cultures represent. In someways, Best Buy's Geek Squad are just as fanatical as Apple team members. They all wear sudo Agent Smith uniforms and ride around in blk/wht VW Beetles. My mind started racing with ideas about how and when if ever there would be a proper place for these two camps to battle it out - to see who really is the superior; the Geek or the Genius. Jeopardy anyone?
On a more superficial note, both the Geek and the Genius were quite handsome and sexy. I did a little research just to see how the rest of them might look.
Check it out for yourself. Which do you prefer?
pics after the jump.
The Geek
The Genius
Posted by tranism at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
January 2, 2006
iPod "hearts" Yahoo Maps. . . sort of
It would seem the rest of world is ready for the iPod to do more than it currently does. With each revision, it always seems to be one step away from being the total "it" device everyone so craves. In reality, the iPod goes thru more revisions and updates than any other electronic gadget I know of; even cellular phones can't compete with the iPod in that respect.
So innovative people have been picking up the slack, slapping on things they wished they iPod would do. It's interesting because one wonders if that is Apple's intention. One way to keep the public interested is by leaving your platform open; just enough so ingenious people can hack it to do what they want.
Case in point, ipodiway. The website offers Yahoo Local Maps integration into your photo enabled iPod. You simply enter your starting and destination points the same way you would on Yahoo Maps, but you end up with a zip file that you sync onto your iPod photo library. Now you have your step-by-step directions and its all free.
I've tried it, it works, its good. A bit round-a-bout way of doing things but like I said, it's sort of a hack and until the iPod gets some sort of GPS mapping software, this is as close as your gonna get. ENJOY!
Posted by tranism at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
SAMOROST
An amazing first and sequel to a series of flash games designed by Amanita Design in the Czech Republic. The art style is unlike anything I have ever seen in a game. Considering they are flash based, they are vibrant, saturated, and very responsive. In face, SAMOROST 2 the sequel, is so well made - they even sell it as a standalone game.
The games play out like something from the MYST series, logic puzzles and common sense will help you navigate from level to level. The ambient sounds and attention to details only add to the experience, not to mention you'll quickly grow fond of your little pilot guy - the protagonist and hero. Check it out.
Posted by tranism at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)