Map Your Photos!

Check it out. This is an amazing tool for runners to be able to record and display the experience of a race (or maybe just a normal run, why not?) I wish that I had been able to do something like this for the marathon I ran in 2006 (maybe taking all those photos would have distracted me from the pain too!)

This video shows a running route with photos on it, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn (the race was the Turkey Trot back in Nov 2007). Ralph Yozzo created it -- he's an avid runner as well as technology fan-- he's been working on something that uses GPS to track your location and upload a photo from your camera-phone automatically-- but then you can also upload better photos manually (camera-phone photos are not always the best, and not everyone has GPS)

I hope this tool becomes available to us all soon!

Check out the video:

Election Tech: YouTube+ Obama =YouBama

check it out >

This one is my favorite, a little girl reciting all the presidents...

3D Printer Prints stuff out of SUGAR!!!

CandyFab (sounds fab to me!)is made by Evil Mad Scientist Labs. Read more >

I saw them at Maker Faire last year -- of course I asked the question, and "No, you can't eat it" was the answer, unfortunately.

more photos:

Today is the 50th Anniversary of the LEGO Brick!

There's a good article on LEGO.com-- read it >

Maybe it's a good excuse to celebrate on this rainy Monday?

Looks like Google is, anyway!

Weird Giant Microbe Toys

Cute and cuddly stuffed animals that look like tiny microbes—only a million times actual size!

Including: The Common Cold, The Flu, Sore Throat, Stomach Ache, Cough, Ear Ache, Bad Breath, Kissing Disease, Athlete's Foot, Ulcer, Martian Life, Beer & Bread, Black Death, Ebola, Flesh Eating, Sleeping Sickness, Dust Mite, Bed Bug, and Bookworm

check them out at http://www.giantmicrobes.com/

Cute Message Board Format

Message boards tend to be so boring...this one is not! One of the features is the "pulse" where new posts appear dynamically. Also, big avatars and speech bubbles make it really playful. It's a forum for Gaia Online, a super-popular MMOG. It looks like they're using heavily modified PHPBB

http://www.gaiaonline.com/forum/extended-discussion/the-cause-of-popularity/t.32362425/

don't read the conversation, just look at the format!

here's the main forum, http://www.gaiaonline.com/forum/index.php

Strange Trend: sites that aggregate sites from sites that aggregate sites?

...and for no apparent reason except to create content to slap google ads on? Not that i'm not flattered that my site was featured on a site called "Most Inspired" but I sort of have to wonder how they came to that conclusion since my site is not very inspired at all (in all modesty, it isn't!)

check it out anyway >

I also rather enjoyed the google ads that showed up on this page with my site. hee hee.

Pleo the robot pet dinosaur is really cute

A new product from the inventor of Furby (Ugobe). I met Pleo last night at a bar. It's not like it sounds: his owner Sarah brought him with her and he hung out on the table being cute -- managing never to fall off, thanks to his 36 built-in sensors. Today there's an unfavorable review in the NY Times about him but I totally disagree-- this toy is AMAZING!! It was like a real pet without the pooping! The way it moved, the way its skin was done, the interactivity and responsiveness were like nothing I've seen before in a consumer product. I hated the Sony dog. We had one for a while and got rid of it, it was irritating and terrorized my cat with its annoying mechanical barking. Pleo's sounds were much quieter, though if you look at the videos on http://www.pleoworld.com/ you would indeed think they were rather alarming Jurassic squeals-- they're not that bad, and this is coming from someone who is philosophically opposed to toys with sound. So turn your sound off, and look at how it moves--in real life, it's even better, more subtle. Its eyelids are very expressive. I guess you just need to see it in real life before you judge for yourself.

photo from the NYT article

Funny Ad Campaign from CareerBuilder

Here are the YouTube videos, and really clever e-cards where you can record your voice and the monkey talks-- you have to see this if you haven't already! It's a really great idea, I'd love to know what agency came up with this campaign.



Monkeys are just funny.

Thanks to Brad McCormick for the link

Wow! Lots of Amazing Classes (New York)

LEMUR is happy to announce the formation of an Art & Technology Education Coalition in partnership with Harvestworks (http://harvestworks.org) and 3rd Ward (http://3rdward.com). Our three organizations have teamed up to broaden our collective offering of art & technology classes, with each organization focusing on its strengths. In addition, we will soon be offering special course series, with a series of related subjects taught among the three facilities. Also coming soon, we will be offering discounts for taking multiple classes at any of the facilities.

LEMUR's classes will focus on electronics, sensors, robotics, microcontrollers and performance.

Harvestworks' classes will focus on interactive and multimedia software including a range of Max/MSP and Jitter classes with varied subjects and skill levels.

3rd Ward's classes will focus on fabrication and design, including woodworking, metalworking, welding, screenprinting, textile design and design software.

Below are LEMUR's new course listings for classes in January-March. Following these are listings of courses that our partners will be offering.


***

Building MIDI Music & Video Controllers: Creating a Sensor Instrument with MidiTron, Level 1 & 2
Level 1: Sat-Sun 1/26, 1/27, 12:00-4:30 pm
Level 2: Sat-Sun 2/2, 2/3, 12:00-4:30 pm
Instructor: Leif Krinkle

Imagine waving your hand and having an orchestra at your fingertips or tapping on a surface to explore video. This is all possible through the use of MIDI and sensor-based technology. In these classes, you will design and build a controller to create your art with the easy-to-use MidiTron interface (http://miditron.com).

Emphasis will be on hands-on learning. Basic electronics and Max/MSP/Jitter (http://cycling74.com/products/maxmsp) programming will also be covered. No previous knowledge of electronics, sensors or programming is assumed. Background information will be covered and the bulk of Level 1 will be focused on building a working controller that you will take home and begin to create with. Examples of previous project ideas include a shoe that creates notes for each step and a glove that determines lighting cues in a theatrical performance.

In Level 2, we will delve deeper into using Max and other programs with MidiTron, connecting output devices (LEDs, robotics, etc.), gaining a better understanding of sensor electronics and other higher-level skills, as well as shoring up knowledge learned in Level 1

Level I: $495 including MidiTron & sensors
Level 2: $330 including additional lab kit items

***

Microcontroller Progamming for Artists: Introduction to the Arduino System, Level 1 & 2
Level 1: Sat-Sun 2/9, 2/10, 12:00-4:30 pm
Level 2: Sat-Sun 2/16, 2/17, 12:00-4:30 pm
Instructor: Roberto Osorio-Goenaga

Have you ever wanted to build a robot or an interactive art installation? Have you ever wondered how LEDs, sensors and motors work? Through collaborative exercises and the development of a final project you will learn how to program and prototype with an Arduino microcontroller (http://arduino.cc). This class is geared towards beginners, and no prior knowledge of electronics or programming is required.

This class will demonstrate programming and electronics basics through hands-on microcontroller projects. You will learn digital and analog input and output techniques for controlling motors and interpreting sensors, as well as the programming skills necessary to use these components effectively. By the end of Level 1, students will have a firm understanding of how microcontrollers, sensors and actuators work and how to utilize these tools in their own creative projects.

Past students who have taken the original course have been eager to keep going and learn more about the Arduino. Therefore, we are now offering a consecutive Level 2 course. In Level 2, we will go beyond basic functionality and deeper into the Arduino programming language. We will also explore advanced concepts in interface, motion and display based on student interest.

Level 1: $375 including Arduino board & materials
Level 2: $300

***

Video Tracking in Jitter: Expert Video Tracking for Sound and Video Control
Sat-Sun 3/1, 3/2, 12:00-4:30 pm
Instructor: Joshua Goldberg

Learn how to use Jitter to manipulate audio and video using video camera information. We will discuss how to set up a video tracking installation, how to use the software for simple and more complicated installs, and alternative methods. An understanding of Max is required.

Cost: $300

***

Fun With Fiberglass: Basic Composite Fabrication
Mondays 2/4, 2/11, 6:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Bob Huott

Learn the skills and techniques for building custom composite objects from Kevlar, carbon fiber and fiberglass. Students will get hands-on experience in various stages of the process, including patterns and molds, lay-up and final finishing. Discussion will include ideas on how to integrate sensors, lighting or haptics into any project, and students are encouraged to bring their own project ideas. The class will now be in two sessions to offer more hands-on work and time to finish with a completed project (choice of custom laptop armor or handmade lamp). Bob will also give a brief, inside-out tour of the Bean, his own composite sensor-based musical instrument. Composites are a messy business so please dress appropriately: painting clothes or smock and long sleeved shirt.

***

Ableton Live for Performers: Integrating Live Computer Electronics Into Contemporary Performance
Tuesdays 2/26, 3/4, 3/18, 6:30-9:30 pm (note skipped date 3/11)
Instructor: Todd Reynolds

Presenting applications in Live for practicing, improvising, composing and performing, the seminar will be both comprehensive as well as specific to accomodate the needs of each musician with regard to computer music experience and creative intention. Participants will leave with an introductory yet thorough understanding of computer music possibilities and advantages.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops and a set of earbuds or headphones and some way of getting sound directly into their computer, whether through an internal microphone, an external microphone or an instrument and audio interface. Most laptops come equipped at least with an internal microphone, and if not, some method will be provided if requested.

Cost: $300

***

Pyrotronics: Pyrotechnics & Control for Artists
Thursdays 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 6:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Eric Singer

A practical guide for artists interested in working with and controlling fire, especially in sculptural contexts. It will focus on working with propane, though other fuels and materials will be discussed as well. Topics covered will include safety, fuel properties, flame port and pilot construction, electronic controls, interfaces for programming and sequencing, valves and solenoids, ignition techniques and more.

Cost: $300

***

Art of Light: Controlling LEDs, EL Wire and Other Lighting Elements with Microprocessors
Sat-Sun 2/23, 2/24, 12:00-4:30 pm
Instructor: Leif Krinkle

Explore the possibilities and technicalities of controlling LEDs and other lighting elements to create lighting effects for your next design. First, we will cover the proper ways of powering, wiring and soldering LEDs, electroluminescent wire and cold cathode tubes. Second, we will learn how to control brightness, animate lighting sequences through analog and digital means, such as transistors, relays and timing circuits. Third, we will discuss the software, hardware, electronics and techniques used in persistence of vision (POV) displays, led matrices and computer controlled lighting systems.

Requirements: Arduino 1 or working knowledge of Arduino programming. Students are expected to bring an Arduino board (or other microcontroller system) with them

Cost: $375 including lab kit with an array of lighting elements

***

Sensors for Dancers: Wireless Sound and Video Control Through Movement
Wednesdays 2/13. 2/20. 2/27, 6:30-9:30 pm
Instructor: Eric Singer

This class will introduce sensor technology to dancers and others interested in controlling audio and video using movement. Students will learn to use the new MidiTron Wireless interface (http://miditron.com), wire and connect motion sensors (bend, flex, distance, acceleration, etc.) and control sound and video on computer. The interface and sensors can be integrated into costumes and body suits, allowing wireless freedom of movement while tracking body position and motion.

No prior knowledge of electronics or programming is required for this class. You will start from scratch, learning the basic concepts required to accomplish the class goals. You will leave with the tools to do basic work in sensor-based multimedia control and a strong foundation for going further.

Two price options are being offered. Students wishing to purchase an interface and sensors may choose Option 1. This includes the MidiTron Wireless interface at a $100 discount, plus an assortment of sensors. Option 2 does not include the MidiTron Wireless; one will be loaned for the duration of the class.

Option 1: $300 + $425 including MidiTron Wireless and sensors
Option 2: $325 without MidiTron Wireless

***

Electromechanical Systems and Robotics for Artists
Sat-Sun 3/29, 3/30, 12:30-5:00 pm
Instructor: Douglas Repetto

A starter course for artists interested in using electromechanical elements in their work. We will cover basic devices and technologies (motors, solenoids, switches, relays), computer and electronic control options (Arduino, MidiTron), and ways of connecting elements together to make larger systems (linkages, belts and pulleys). We will also take apart consumer electromechanical systems (like inkjet printers) to see what's inside, how they're made, and what can be reused.

Cost: $300

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Classes at 3rd Ward

Intro to After Effects * Chad Colby * Sunday Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 2, 9 * $360 / $450 non-members
This class is geared towards artists, filmmakers and animators who are looking to be introduced to After Effects. Through step-by-step lessons and viewing references of films in class, we will break down the fundamentals and possibilities of the software and everyone will create their own animated short. Students are encouraged to come to class with a project in mind.

Textile Design * Joanne Sherrow * Saturday Feb 16 & 23 * $120 / $150 non-members
Acquire a lucrative skill in this 6-hour intensive through learning the basics of textile design. Students will create original, digitally produced, production ready designs for printed fabrics marketable for women's, men's, and children's wear, home furnishings and paper products.

Intro to Final Cut * Mark Read * Sundays Feb 3, 10, 17 * $180 / $225 non-members
In this introductory class for Final Cut Pro, students will learn all the essentials necessary to enable them to begin editing their own work and further explore the world of digital video editing.

Screen Printing * Andrio Abero * Saturday Feb 9 * $90 / 105 non-members * $60 Equipment Fee
This intensive will take you through the basics of silk-screen printing without having to spend a fortune and will allow students to set up their own silkscreen studio at home. This is not for those seeking to start a commercial screenprinting venture, but rather for those looking to make one of a kind homemade prints.

Electronics Through Circuit Bending * Mike Rugnetta * Wednesday, February 21 + 28 * $Free
This informal workshop will cover the basics of electronics (components, their functions, soldering and schematic reading) through the magic of hacking electronic children's toys into mutant instruments.

Design Sampler: Brand Identity * Claudia Sohrens * Saturdays Feb 9, 16, 23 * $180 / $240 non-members
This workshop is designed for students to gain greater awareness of the impact that consistent and provocative design can have on the experience of an audience. Participants will complete an in-depth, fully developed "brand design" to add to their portfolio. Using Adobe's CS3 each student will come up with several design directions to choose from reflecting what they stand for and this should be reflected in the logo and accompanying communication materials.

Woodshop Workshop * Ana Szyld * Sunday Feb. 3 * $80 / $100 non-members
This workshop will cover shop safety and limited yet key woodworking methods. The procedures taught will give you the skill set necessary to use the wood shop safely and it will introduce you to woodworking practices.

Intro to Furniture Design * Jeff Thompson * Saturdays February 09, 16, March 01, 8, 15, 22 * $360 / $450 non-members * $80 Equipment Fee
In this class students will design and build furniture with an emphasis on woodworking techniques and the design process. However, students are welcome to incorporate materials other than wood into their projects such as salvaged material, metal, plastic, concrete, etc. In addition to tutorials in woodworking tools and techniques, students will receive individual attention during the design and construction phases. An emphasis will be placed on technique.

Metal Work for Artists * Wendy Klemperer * Saturdays Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1 * $240 / $340 non-members * $40 equipment fee
In this intensive, students will be introduced to in-depth welding techniques including oxyacetylene and stick welding, TIG and MIG as well as Plasma Cutting. Beginning with demonstration and followed by guided hands-on practice the group will discuss the different industrial and conceptual properties of metals commonly used in sculpture and fabrication and work together on project ideas to be completed over the course of the next three sessions.

**********************************************************************

Classes at Harvestworks

Harvestworks, which had its 30th anniversary last year, offers a wide variety of classes and individual tutorials in Max/MSP and Jitter for beginner and intermediate levels. A new round of introductory classes start in February, in March we hold a full-week crash course in Max/MSP. Our One-on-one Certificate is geared towards students who want to develop their own project during the training. For details call Hans Tammen at 212-431-1130 ext 13, or log on to www.harvestworks.org.

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MAX/MSP AND INTERACTIVE
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INTRODUCTION TO MAX/MSP
Zachary Seldess
A: Thursdays, Feb 7, 14, 21 and 28 - 6:30-9:30pm
B: Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15 and 22 - 6:30-9:30pm
$430/$490
This introductory course includes basic programming with Max, MIDI, control, user interfaces, timing objects, and scaling/mapping numbers

INTRODUCTION TO JITTER
Zachary Seldess
Thursdays, March 6, 13 and 20 - 6:30-9:30pm
$325/$385
The course will be in the format of a hands-on workshop to get Max users familiar with the Jitter object system.

MAX SPECIALTY WEEK
Various Instructors
Mon - Fri, March 24 - 27, 6:30 - 9:30pm
Each night $110/$185
Each night we will focus on a special topic of interest for the Max community, such as FFTs, 3D-Surround Video, Feedback etc. Details TBA.

MAX/MSP/JITTER FULL WEEK INTENSIVE COURSE
Dafna Naphtali / Zachary Seldess
Mon - Fri, March 17 - 21, 10am - 6pm
$1200 + membership $75
Full week crash course in Max/MSP and Jitter.

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VIDEO
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INTRODUCTION TO FINAL CUT PRO
Lauren Petty / Linda Post
A: Wednesdays, Feb 6, 13 and 20 - 6:30-9:30pm
B: Thursdays, April 3, 10 and 17 - 6:30-9:30pm
$325/$385
This class will introduce you to the basics of desktop editing using Apple's Final Cut Pro Studio.

INTRODUCTION TO FLASH ANIMATION
Linda Post
Mondays, March 3, 10 and 17 - 6:30-9:30pm
$325/$385
Students will be guided through the flash interface and learn how to create animation, add audio, basic interactivity, and publish animations for the web.

INTRODUCTION TO AFTER EFFECTS
Hisao Ihara
Tuesdays, March 4 and 11 - 6:30-9:30pm
$220/$280
This class will introduce you to After Effects, Adobe's tool to create advanced motion graphics and visual effects.

PROCESSING: ART FROM CODE, FOR NON-CODERS
Peter Kirn
Wednesdays, March 5, 12 and 19, 6:30 - 9:30pm
$325/$385
Processing is an elegant, high-level, Java-based tool designed to make coding friendly to artists.

INTRODUCTION TO ISADORA
Lauren Petty
Saturday, March 8, 12 to 6pm
$220/$280
Isadora is a graphic programming environment that provides interactive control over digital media, with special emphasis on the real-time manipulation of digital video.

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AUDIO
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RECORDING STUDIO DESIGN AT HOME
Omid Bürgin
Monday, Feb 11, 6:30 - 10:30pm
Special Price: $50
The students will learn how to make professional sounding recordings in their homes, integrating Microphone Techniques with acoustic principles.

INTRODUCTION TO PROTOOLS
Gisburg Smialek
A: Tuesdays, Feb 5, 12 and 19 - 6:30-9:30pm
B: Wednesdays, April 2, 9 and 16 - 6:30-9:30pm
$325/$385
This hands-on class explores the basics of sound editing using Digidesigns' ProTools 7.

INTRODUCTION TO SURROUND SOUND
Paul Geluso
Monday, March 31, - 6:30-9:30pm
$110/$170
>From monitor setups to DVD authoring, a practical discussion of the software, production techniques and presentation strategies artists need to consider in multichannel sound production.

SURROUND SOUND MASTER CLASS
Paul Geluso
Mondays, Apr 7, 14 and 21- 6:30-9:30pm
$325/$385 + $160 Studio Fee
In this hands-on class students will explore multichannel sound on their own projects under the guidance of Harvestworks' Chief Engineer Paul Geluso. Includes 4hrs of lab time in our surround sound studio. Class is limited to 6 students.

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CLASSES FOR TEENS
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MAKING A MOVIE! - CAMP FOR TEENS
Mark Read
Mon - Fri, April 21 - 25 - 9am - 3pm
Cost TBA
Students will create a movie - writing the script, filming the movie, and editing it onto a DVD.

Making Music - Camp for Teens!
Gisburg Smialek
8 Saturdays, Apr 12 through May 31, 1 - 4pm
Cost TBA
Students will compose and record music pieces in our recording studio, produce a CD and do a final performance.

Cool wine decanter

A cool decanter from Etienne Meneau. There is something vaguely disturbing about it...maybe the vein-like shape? or something slightly medical about the glass tubes?



check it out >

via designmilk

Another Big Budget Web Ad: Got Milk?

Very bizarre campaign-- Brittleactica: A Planet in Need-- a miracle white elixir saves all....beautiful Matthew Barney-esque graphics(or is it Star Wars? sometimes my cultural references blend together)

check it out >

thanks to Joo Yeon Yoo from Ruder Finn for all the cool links today!

More Big Budget Web Ads: Coke (I mean, WOW)

This is really beautiful 3D animation, the soundtrack is incredible, and the story is very LOTResque. They call it the Happiness Factory >

Big budget web ads are here: Absolut Vodka

Be forewarned: it's a musical!

check it out >

Funky Toaster!

via designboom

Video of people playing "MobZombies"

Check it out: another example of gaming overlaying a virtual world on the real one.

Incredibly cute toy (japanese, of course)

This Magic Vegetables Set (misnamed because one of them seems to be...a hotdog?) lets you cut and re-cut vegetables endlessly on a mini cutting board.

Chop-chop, Masta Onion!

check it out on Modcloth.com >

The World is Your Playing Field

This is an ad, but its concept is very interesting-- overlaying a fantasy world onto the real world and using that as a playing field for games. Where there might be a plain white wall in real life, there is a crazy alien wall in the game -- check out the video:

What's that popping sound? The Web bubble 2.0?

The stock market plunging these last few days has created palpable jitters here in Silicon Valley -- people seem quick to blame a potential bubble bursting on the increasing proliferation these last few years of "crappy websites" -- you know the ones I mean, the social networks for grandmas, the ones where you are not sure how they got funded because there is no viable source of profit from them. Many of these depend on online ads to survive, and they'll be the first to suffer from a general recession. As these junk sites get eliminated, will we be glad for the overall improvement this will mean to the average quality of ideas floating around, or will they drag the industry down as a whole?

Another question in my mind is really why do people invest in startups they know will never survive? Because they think Google and Yahoo! are dumb enough to buy them eventually? It seems like these giants have already slowed down on their startup shopping sprees. Can it be that they were helping to inflate the current bubble by creating false hope? If the latest stock market slump makes investors (and acquisitions) more cautious, there's no doubt that the startups that don't survive will send skilled unemployed labor and many a Bay Area condo onto the market, and this wave will spread from its tech epicenter to the rest of the country as it did the first time.

The threat of recession along with a regime change in the states promises to make 2008 an *interesting* year for the States at the very least.

Scrabulous Facebook app!!

I have dug my way out from under the crushing garbage pile of Facebook apps, to see the light at last.

Taking advantage of your existing social network, you can play simultaneous or asynchronous games with friends and family, from 2 to 4 players -- it's a really smart marriage of online multiplayer gaming and social networking.

It's just SCRABULOUS!

here's the facebook app

here's their main website