Yesterday afternoon, I participated in a discussion of a regional arts funding plan. Here's a video synopsis of what I heard.
I'm kidding, of course, and promise to write about it in a more serious tone soon.
Showing posts with label Robots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robots. Show all posts
Robot Report! #4
I just read a report on the invention of a stabbing robot that works through mind control. (Invented in Japan, in case you hadn’t guessed). The good news? It didn’t win the robot gladiator competition. Apparently to win that, your robot has to have a larger repertoire than moving forward, rotating to the right and stabbing.
Here’s the winning robot, OmniZero.9. In addition to sporting flapping blades on its arms, it can be used as a chair--unless you're worried about the flapping blade thing.
Inspired by all this, I’ve written the chorus for a new song:
I’m building a stabbing robot with advanced circuitry
And one of these days I’m going to set that robot free.
He’ll be loaded up with sensors that sense the things you do
And if you try to do me wrong, he’s coming after you.
Here’s the winning robot, OmniZero.9. In addition to sporting flapping blades on its arms, it can be used as a chair--unless you're worried about the flapping blade thing.
Inspired by all this, I’ve written the chorus for a new song:
I’m building a stabbing robot with advanced circuitry
And one of these days I’m going to set that robot free.
He’ll be loaded up with sensors that sense the things you do
And if you try to do me wrong, he’s coming after you.
Helpful Ferret Tips
How would we ever get through a day without our friends at Google? (Or are you "Binging" now)? No more "what was the name of that movie?" or "who wrote...?" When I was a kid, “search engines” is what we called our man-hunting robots. Nowadays, the tips of our tongue are no longer cluttered with information we can't ...quite...grasp.
What I can't figure out is how to scan the interwebs for useful intelligence without succumbing to temptations that drag me down unexpected paths. This morning, for example, I googled the name of a foundation trustee to prepare for a site visit. My donor espionage project was waylaid by search results that revealed a fellow who shares the name of my search target. This other guy happens to be an expert on ferrets, as I learned from this description:
“John Doe [name changed] is a ferret enthusiast and almost killed his pet ferret Freddie. He decided to dive in and learn everything he could about ferrets. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with you in hopes you don't make the same mistakes he did.”
Who wouldn't want to investigate further?
Unable to resist the siren call, I found myself at E-zine Articles, a website at which aspiring "content providers" can publish informative articles on a range of subjects. The site describes itself with this mouthful: “We are an article marketing, publicity generating, pre-qualified traffic building, and article exposure service designed to get your expert articles in front of our content-hungry ezine publisher audience.” Posting articles on the site reportedly “boosts your credibility and begins the trust cycle with your readership.”
If that’s true, then ferret experts are well on their way to building healthy trust cycles. The following is just a small selection of articles about ferrets that are available from the site. I have edited neither the titles nor the apercus accompanying them. (If these furry animals bore you, I suggest you substitute “beard” for “ferret").
Twelve Must Know Facts Before Buying a Ferret
The very nature of ferrets indicates their playful and curious side. Surely, they make great pets but owning one does not end in buying them.
Amazing Ferret Facts - Five Very Unique & Interesting Facts About Ferrets
Ferret owners can learn a lot from the information included in this article.
Ferret Care Secrets You Wouldn't Know
Traditional pet owners would usually go for either cats or dogs. Others may also prefer hamsters and fishes. On the other hand, a different kind of pet is slowly emerging as one of the most famous, thus making ferrets care the most suitable solution.
Six Tips For New Ferret Owners
It has been said that necessity always brings out the best in people. This is true, considering the many products and services brought out due to demand and thirst for innovation. In line with this, it is also best to be prepared once you decide to have a ferret.
Five Facts You Need to Know About Ferrets
We all know that ferrets are perfect as domestic pets. They can be tamed and trained. They can co-exist with other animals provided that you know certain boundaries and limits.
Ferretts, Farrets and Ferets - The Correct Spelling is Ferrets!
Is it Farretts, Farrets or Ferets? Read this article for the reasons why thousands of us misspell this easy word!
Buying a Ferret in California? Is it Legal Or Not?
Legality is a matter often ignored. In aspects such as pet owning, legal issues seem to be a thing left behind on purpose. This is understandable considering the number of ferret owners in states such as Minneapolis and Illinois. On the contrary, one might ask, "Is buying a ferret in California legal?" The answer is no.
Discover If Your Ferrets Are Playing Or Attacking
Socializing is seemingly an activity for ferrets. To these playful pets, mingling and playing with their owners and other ferrets seems ordinary. On the other hand, not all ferrets are receptive.
Training Your Ferret Not to Bite by Following These Five Easy Steps
There are apparent concerns about ferret training and discipline. For one thing, some owners feel that disciplining their pets may only lead to aggression or bad behavior as shown by some ferrets. Others also feel that a practice about ferret training not to bite is downright hard and complicated.
How to Train a Ferret Not to Bite, Use a Litter Box and Do Tricks
If anyone can purchase an already-trained ferret, pet owners will rush to the nearest pet store. However, this is just a thought that every ferret enthusiast would dream of. Though ferrets are very intelligent creatures, it still needs time and consistency to train them.
Ferret Training Tips and Tricks Super Guide
If you think that ferrets are typical animals, better think again. These ferrets have become very interesting for pet owners, due to their impressive and cuddly features as domesticated pets.
Top Seven Ferret Toys That Will Keep Your Ferret Entertained For Hours
Surely, ferrets are born entertainers. Come to think of it, who else gives you the best laugh during times of play? Who are the ones who explore every nook and cranny even holes of sofas and beds?
Five Ferret Potty Training Tips and Tricks
As of the present, potty training does not necessarily refer to tots and two-year olds. In fact, potty training is also considered a training manual meant for ferrets as domestic creatures. The growing popularity of ferrets in various areas, particularly the United States, resulted to a required system of discipline such as litter literacy and potty training.
What Do Ferrets Eat and Where to Get It
We are no strangers to related stories about ferrets. In fact, ferret owners make it a point to share their valuable experiences with their precious pets. They want to be able to encourage and persuade people to be kinder and more appreciative of ferrets.
Five Easy Ways to Get Rid of Ferret Smell and Odor
Normally, kids love to have pets. As parents and supervising adults, it is upon us to guide our children and siblings what to own and how to care of their pets. As ferret owners, one great difficulty that we are having as owners has something to do with ferret smell and odor.
The Best Way to Care For a Ferret
There are known ways on how to effectively care for ferret. At first, things and suggestions may present overwhelming ideas regarding sanitation and pet owning. However, once you get to familiarize yourself with helpful and practical how to care for ferret tips, you will soon rediscover the art of ferret owning.
Ferret Hair Loss - Five Reasons Why My Ferret is Losing Hair
So many people love ferrets for their looks and cuddly features. However, taking good care of animals like ferrets is a huge obligation. Not only are you supposed to feed them, you have to make sure that their needs are met as well. As for these pet owners, problems such as ferret hair loss is a major concern, which is why we have to safeguard our pets through equipping ourselves with the right details.
Ferret Hair Loss - What's Wrong? Is He Dying?
Ferrets, just like other animals, shed in the spring and summer. Then in winter, his coat becomes thick and fluffy again. It is a natural process that furry or hairy animals undergo in a certain cycle.
Ferret Disease - How to Tell If Your Ferret is Getting a Disease
You may not be an expert or a veterinarian yourself, but how can you exactly know if your pet has a ferret disease. True enough, you have to ensure that your surroundings and environment are suitable for pet rearing. However, given the unexpected circumstances, the chances of your pet contracting a ferret disease are not impossible either.
How to Increase Your Ferret Lifespan in Five Easy Steps
To begin with, ferrets are extraordinary pets. They require special attention and keen learning, the very same way others do for their exotic pets. Challenges are often faced by ferret owners, most of which include health, sanitation and ferret lifespan concerns.
Ferret Breeding Secrets - Info You Must Know About Breeding Ferrets
Breeding ferrets because their cute is not enough reason for anyone to start doing it. It is nothing like breeding cats and dogs. You may be a responsible owner but it doesn't mean breeding them is for you.
I hope that this has provided our readers with helpful information.
What I can't figure out is how to scan the interwebs for useful intelligence without succumbing to temptations that drag me down unexpected paths. This morning, for example, I googled the name of a foundation trustee to prepare for a site visit. My donor espionage project was waylaid by search results that revealed a fellow who shares the name of my search target. This other guy happens to be an expert on ferrets, as I learned from this description:
“John Doe [name changed] is a ferret enthusiast and almost killed his pet ferret Freddie. He decided to dive in and learn everything he could about ferrets. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with you in hopes you don't make the same mistakes he did.”
Who wouldn't want to investigate further?Unable to resist the siren call, I found myself at E-zine Articles, a website at which aspiring "content providers" can publish informative articles on a range of subjects. The site describes itself with this mouthful: “We are an article marketing, publicity generating, pre-qualified traffic building, and article exposure service designed to get your expert articles in front of our content-hungry ezine publisher audience.” Posting articles on the site reportedly “boosts your credibility and begins the trust cycle with your readership.”
If that’s true, then ferret experts are well on their way to building healthy trust cycles. The following is just a small selection of articles about ferrets that are available from the site. I have edited neither the titles nor the apercus accompanying them. (If these furry animals bore you, I suggest you substitute “beard” for “ferret").
Twelve Must Know Facts Before Buying a Ferret
The very nature of ferrets indicates their playful and curious side. Surely, they make great pets but owning one does not end in buying them.
Amazing Ferret Facts - Five Very Unique & Interesting Facts About Ferrets
Ferret owners can learn a lot from the information included in this article.
Ferret Care Secrets You Wouldn't Know
Traditional pet owners would usually go for either cats or dogs. Others may also prefer hamsters and fishes. On the other hand, a different kind of pet is slowly emerging as one of the most famous, thus making ferrets care the most suitable solution.
Six Tips For New Ferret Owners
It has been said that necessity always brings out the best in people. This is true, considering the many products and services brought out due to demand and thirst for innovation. In line with this, it is also best to be prepared once you decide to have a ferret.
Five Facts You Need to Know About Ferrets
We all know that ferrets are perfect as domestic pets. They can be tamed and trained. They can co-exist with other animals provided that you know certain boundaries and limits.
Ferretts, Farrets and Ferets - The Correct Spelling is Ferrets!
Is it Farretts, Farrets or Ferets? Read this article for the reasons why thousands of us misspell this easy word!
Buying a Ferret in California? Is it Legal Or Not?
Legality is a matter often ignored. In aspects such as pet owning, legal issues seem to be a thing left behind on purpose. This is understandable considering the number of ferret owners in states such as Minneapolis and Illinois. On the contrary, one might ask, "Is buying a ferret in California legal?" The answer is no.
Discover If Your Ferrets Are Playing Or Attacking
Socializing is seemingly an activity for ferrets. To these playful pets, mingling and playing with their owners and other ferrets seems ordinary. On the other hand, not all ferrets are receptive.
Training Your Ferret Not to Bite by Following These Five Easy Steps
There are apparent concerns about ferret training and discipline. For one thing, some owners feel that disciplining their pets may only lead to aggression or bad behavior as shown by some ferrets. Others also feel that a practice about ferret training not to bite is downright hard and complicated.
How to Train a Ferret Not to Bite, Use a Litter Box and Do Tricks
If anyone can purchase an already-trained ferret, pet owners will rush to the nearest pet store. However, this is just a thought that every ferret enthusiast would dream of. Though ferrets are very intelligent creatures, it still needs time and consistency to train them.
Ferret Training Tips and Tricks Super Guide
If you think that ferrets are typical animals, better think again. These ferrets have become very interesting for pet owners, due to their impressive and cuddly features as domesticated pets.
Top Seven Ferret Toys That Will Keep Your Ferret Entertained For Hours
Surely, ferrets are born entertainers. Come to think of it, who else gives you the best laugh during times of play? Who are the ones who explore every nook and cranny even holes of sofas and beds?
Five Ferret Potty Training Tips and Tricks
As of the present, potty training does not necessarily refer to tots and two-year olds. In fact, potty training is also considered a training manual meant for ferrets as domestic creatures. The growing popularity of ferrets in various areas, particularly the United States, resulted to a required system of discipline such as litter literacy and potty training.
What Do Ferrets Eat and Where to Get It
We are no strangers to related stories about ferrets. In fact, ferret owners make it a point to share their valuable experiences with their precious pets. They want to be able to encourage and persuade people to be kinder and more appreciative of ferrets.
Five Easy Ways to Get Rid of Ferret Smell and Odor
Normally, kids love to have pets. As parents and supervising adults, it is upon us to guide our children and siblings what to own and how to care of their pets. As ferret owners, one great difficulty that we are having as owners has something to do with ferret smell and odor.
The Best Way to Care For a Ferret
There are known ways on how to effectively care for ferret. At first, things and suggestions may present overwhelming ideas regarding sanitation and pet owning. However, once you get to familiarize yourself with helpful and practical how to care for ferret tips, you will soon rediscover the art of ferret owning.
Ferret Hair Loss - Five Reasons Why My Ferret is Losing Hair
So many people love ferrets for their looks and cuddly features. However, taking good care of animals like ferrets is a huge obligation. Not only are you supposed to feed them, you have to make sure that their needs are met as well. As for these pet owners, problems such as ferret hair loss is a major concern, which is why we have to safeguard our pets through equipping ourselves with the right details.
Ferret Hair Loss - What's Wrong? Is He Dying?
Ferrets, just like other animals, shed in the spring and summer. Then in winter, his coat becomes thick and fluffy again. It is a natural process that furry or hairy animals undergo in a certain cycle.
Ferret Disease - How to Tell If Your Ferret is Getting a Disease
You may not be an expert or a veterinarian yourself, but how can you exactly know if your pet has a ferret disease. True enough, you have to ensure that your surroundings and environment are suitable for pet rearing. However, given the unexpected circumstances, the chances of your pet contracting a ferret disease are not impossible either.
How to Increase Your Ferret Lifespan in Five Easy Steps
To begin with, ferrets are extraordinary pets. They require special attention and keen learning, the very same way others do for their exotic pets. Challenges are often faced by ferret owners, most of which include health, sanitation and ferret lifespan concerns.
Ferret Breeding Secrets - Info You Must Know About Breeding Ferrets
Breeding ferrets because their cute is not enough reason for anyone to start doing it. It is nothing like breeding cats and dogs. You may be a responsible owner but it doesn't mean breeding them is for you.
I hope that this has provided our readers with helpful information.
Robot Report! (#3)
While writing last month’s Robot Report, I tried to track down a particular artist whose kinetic sculptures I had read about years ago. I couldn’t remember his name, and though my Googling skills are simply amazing, I failed to find any clues leading me to him.
Then, last week, while bouncing around the local cultural blog circuit, I landed on Hilary Pfeifer’s site, “Bunny with an ArtBlog.” And there, in one of her posts, was this amazing video:
Eureka! There he was: Arthur Ganson, an artist-in-residence at MIT (appropriately) who has been called “a modern-day creator of ‘twittering machines’ [who] uses simple, plain materials to build witty, mechanical art.” (I believe that description was written before “twitter” took on new meaning).
I’m enamored by Ganson’s inventive problem-solving and application of fundamental engineering to the creation of art. It takes some special kind of genius to figure out how to get gears, crankshafts, screws, cams and levers to make an object move the way you want it to. Take this example, in which Ganson must have asked himself, “How can I get a doll’s head to appear to be keeping eye contact with a blue ball moving erratically. Think of the number of problems that needed to solved to make this work:
Finally, a piece Ganson calls a “ballet” – a massive machine that accomplishes a single, simple task with elegance, grace and beauty. The first 1:20 minutes of the video show the machine being set up, then the "performance" begins.
By the way, Ganson also wrote and performed the guitar music that accompanies that piece. A slew of videos of Ganson’s other work can be found here on YouTube, and a DVD is available at his website.
You can also hear Ganson give a TED Lecture here. If you don't know about the TED Lectures, you should invest a few hours exploring the rest of the site.
Then, last week, while bouncing around the local cultural blog circuit, I landed on Hilary Pfeifer’s site, “Bunny with an ArtBlog.” And there, in one of her posts, was this amazing video:
Eureka! There he was: Arthur Ganson, an artist-in-residence at MIT (appropriately) who has been called “a modern-day creator of ‘twittering machines’ [who] uses simple, plain materials to build witty, mechanical art.” (I believe that description was written before “twitter” took on new meaning).
I’m enamored by Ganson’s inventive problem-solving and application of fundamental engineering to the creation of art. It takes some special kind of genius to figure out how to get gears, crankshafts, screws, cams and levers to make an object move the way you want it to. Take this example, in which Ganson must have asked himself, “How can I get a doll’s head to appear to be keeping eye contact with a blue ball moving erratically. Think of the number of problems that needed to solved to make this work:
Finally, a piece Ganson calls a “ballet” – a massive machine that accomplishes a single, simple task with elegance, grace and beauty. The first 1:20 minutes of the video show the machine being set up, then the "performance" begins.
By the way, Ganson also wrote and performed the guitar music that accompanies that piece. A slew of videos of Ganson’s other work can be found here on YouTube, and a DVD is available at his website.
You can also hear Ganson give a TED Lecture here. If you don't know about the TED Lectures, you should invest a few hours exploring the rest of the site.
Robot Report!
Back in snowy days of December, I started a post I intended to call "Robot Report!" But my creative steam ran low (and I may have been woozy from nog) so I offered a few random videos of amusing automatons instead. Today is no better, steam-wise, so I'm going to post two quick fillers because we're already four days into a new month without a new entry on Culture Shock.First stop is a kinetic sculpture, "Protest," by interdisciplinary artist Heidi Kumao--part of a series entitled "Misbehaving: Media Machines Act Out." I appreciate the talents of my human actor and dancer friends, but have to applaud the emotional range expressed by this simple machine.
Our second stop is “Sleepwalking,” a collaboration between artist Fernando Orellana with robotics/software engineer, Brendan Burns. Orellana arranged to have his brainwave activity recorded during R.E.M. sleep, then imposed it on a robot to guide its movements--exploring a way to play back one's dreams.
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