At some point in our lives (sort of like the Restaurant at the End of the Universe of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy) I think all of us pass through that massive five storey night club on the banks of the Vltava in Prague’s old town. Maybe it’s a place that need only be taken in once but perhaps the newest resident disc-jockey on rotation for a few weeks now, however, is rather novel and propels our narrative of eventualities ahead closer towards its technological conclusion in the form of a untiring robotic arm that selects music and tweaks tees up the playlist with flair (see a short video demonstration at the link). It is unclear whether or not the DJ can gauge audience reception and excitement or can only base its play-list based on an insular algorithm, and KUKA (an adapted automotive assembly-line unit) is relieved every other hour by a human counterpart.
Tuesday 2 January 2018
genius mode or hang the dj
Monday 1 January 2018
artful dodger
Not that we ought to begrudge or stint machines in the slightest for having the keener of sight that surpasses human vision and experience (and in fact ought to congratulate ourselves for contriving a such a useful confidant) when it comes to medical screening or spotting exoplanets, that noteworthy but fordable skills-gap made me recall this recent study that aimed to impart the critical look of scholars of the visual arts to those who aspire to become physicians, which had a measurable and subjective impact for those involved.
Medical students—especially those whose diagnoses and treatment plans are built from a collection of visually-oriented evidence, were taught differing dispositions and exercises for reflecting on a tissue sample among colleagues and appreciating it for the work of art that it is. And with this critical eye to construct a narrative, students and practitioners alike were able to draw—possibly with greater insight and creativity—pathologically pertinent conclusions. Moreover as a larger swath of credentialed professionals see their bailiwicks threatened by artificial intelligence and even the most godlike doctor may be made humble and redundant by a sub-routine, it is worth remembering that the combination, collaboration of human and machine (as we’re not fearful of torque or an inclined plane) is always unbeatable against either champion alone. Be sure to visit the link above to learn more about the teaching techniques and to see a video demonstration with testimonials.
shaoxing
We thoroughly enjoyed learning about artist and sculptor Warren King—via Colossal—and his latest series of projects executed in his signature medium of cardboard. Wanting to learn more of his heritage and ancestry, King has been travelling back to China and meeting with and interviewing residents of the village of his grandparents who have shared their memories of the past tumultuous five decades, and his expressive, life-size figures represent the reconstructing connections that are at once incredibly resilient to reach across the years while at the same time fragile and tenuous. Check out a gallery of King’s work at the links above.
open you the west door and turn the old year go
As one prepares to seize new opportunities and resolves to be their own betters, a few happy observations—for what they’re worth—regarding resolutions and remaining steadfast. First the practical bit. Rather than the goal, which is to be sure an important thing to be able to articulate, one should focus on the systems and contingencies that will help formulate it.
For instance, should one pledge to take public transportation more often (a good thing to do for yourself and the planet, surely, and don’t be worried about setting too low of a bar, since this one conscience change in behaviour could cascade into running for public office), a little backwards planning and scheduling around bus and tram days to mitigate frustration will help one overcome the sense of inconvenience and sick to the plan better. Then comes the more challenging part, which I think is the key to enduring change. One importantly needs to stop taking oneself so seriously: it creates emphatic blind spots and one starts to miss a lot and makes it harder to cultivate letting go, which is arguably the most important skill to hone, year in and year out. These are fraught times with a lot of injustice, atrocious people and regressive thinking but we’ve survived worse and at no time in history has society enjoyed at least the potential for greater equality, prosperity and enlightenment. Don’t dwell on the negative but be willing to hold it for however long you feel is needed to understand on several levels and as the other (this is no obligation to study any old garbage—just be receptive to what’s driving others) before letting it move along, already defused of the power it had when it was barrelling down at you. Open you the East door and let the New Year in.
