The Coolest.

Aside from exploration of space via telescopes and satellites, I think that the One Laptop Per Child is the coolest and most important projects being developed globally right now.

Essentially the OLPC is meant to be a super cheap computer designed for the youth of developing countries. The idea is that a government will buy these OLPC computers in bulk, and then distribute them freely to that nation's youth.

Among this computer's benefits are pedal generators, WiFi Mesh capablity, and screens that work in daylight. This means that during the middle of the day in the middle of a field a child could see what was on the screen of their computer, while powering the computer with a pedal, and communicating over a mesh network that would connect that computer to similar computers.

When paired with network based texts books and the Internet these computers can provide access to more information and offer more flexibility to schools in the third world.

Living in an Information Age where access to information is power, the OLPC can hopefully offset the digital divide that is splitting the world into two.



It may not be evident now, but I am definitely directing my career so that I can work with devices like this to help prepare the planet for peace and eventual extra-solar travel.

Thanks to Wired.com for the video.

'... then I am Mickey Mouse.'

Thanks to Boing for mentioning this EXCELLENT re-visioning of Mickey Mouse. It has been a long time since Disney made anything exciting with their 'flagship character'. As evidenced in this video a face-lift is in order.


I am really amazed by this creation, not by how new and relevant Mickey can look with a little vision, but rather I am giddily impressed by how well Matthew Cruickshank recreated the joy and pleasure I used to have as a child watching Mickey Mouse, or really any other classic and great cartoon.

Cruickshank's safe and fascinating realm delights me. It is rare that media creations takes a healthfully optimistic and curious look at a world (either this world or a fictional space) .

In this video Cruickshank animates a world where there are no negative consequences to curiosity. Take that chance, it says, and if you fall down that cliff, get up and keep looking, keep exploring.

This encouragement is essential to childhood development, and therefore it should be a HIGH priority for programing aimed at kids. I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for shows like Sesame Street, Mr.Rogers, and especially Reading Rainbow. 'Neo-Mickey' takes the visually exciting world of the Teletubies and elevates it this pantheon.

The levity in Cruickshank's 'Neo-Mickey' amplifies the joy of curiosity and investigation that is so often thwarted by an un-sympathetic 'adult' public; likely similar to the way that Disney will thrawt this project. Shame.

Knock Twice Radio, Third Episode.

The third episode of Knock Twice Radio is now being broadcast.

The first in a two part series that features the early days of recorded American music as captured on 78 rpm record and archived on the Internet Archive, this weeks episode focuses on folk, blues, ragtime, brass music, and jazz.

For long time readers, you might recall a series of posts that I did on Sounds and Pictures that also featured 78s. Called 'That Good Old 78', that series on S&P was the inspiration for this current show. If you like what you hear keep listening... the second episode will air on KTR in mid-March.

Hand Wars.

These days when Boing Boing isn't pissing me off it is REALLY impressing me.

I am so excited that they posted this video of the last space battle in Star Wars 'A New Hope' -- acted out with hands. Totally bad ass.
And for those of you who missed yesterday's R2D2 is a rebel leader essay check it out. Do yourself a favor and read the whole thing.

Monkey.

Every Australian male that I know is obsessed with Monkey -- a kung-fu style Japenese import to Australia (and the UK) that is infectious.

Risking contamination I offer you the first episode of Monkey. Find the rest here.

Enjoy.

Chelsea

To get Pumped.

My friends from the west, Ovetime Comedy, have done it again -- this time playing out the conservative / liberal divide through cartoon. Genius.

Dunyayi Kurtaran Adam

Watch, or read more at Sounds and Pictures.

the Internet.

Perhaps someone once said: A natural part of growing forward is looking back.

This is certainly the case with the Internet. As this unwieldy multi-headed-information-dragon-beasts (the Internet) rears its head and focus its eyes on devouring all mass-media into its cavernous belly while not leaving a pearly claw idle as it seeks to control the light switches and sprinklers in all homes and the distribution of all goods -- as the Internet makes forward progress -- it also takes great pleasure in providing the now powerless gatekeepers (us) with images and memories from childhood.

For a case in point look to the folks at Overtime Comedy. This rag-tag outfit works hard to dig into the past and uncover the forgotten memories of 18-28 year olds (presumably male) who partook in a shared mass-market-multi-media upbringing. Do you remember 'Monster in My Pocket' or that strange fake 'Ghostbusters'? Nor did I, until Overtime dug into our collective past and put those awkward nuggets on public display.

The whole point of this circumlocution is to say that as focused as many are on the power of the internet to push human communication forward, its has also become a great place to store those cultural memories that might not be pertinent for day to day life but sure do provide a window into a past, and a tickle of pleasure.

This being said -- please let me contribute to this shared nostalgia by offering up two excellent examples of childhood programming. Both spots are of a Bert and Ernie nature, and not only do they outline the brilliance of children's television -- that has since faded -- but they are also dripping with the belief in world that is bigger than the playroom and that this is a hopeful thing.

Memories.

Thank Dave for this excellent video memory of our camping trip to Assateague, MD in October 2006. Dave is responsible for pretty much everything except for the field audio -- that belongs to me. Pay extra attention to the time lapse photography. That is my favorite part. Also, be forewarned -- the video contains extreme chili footage.