superposition or quantum of solace

Researchers in Finland may have just triggered a breakthrough in quantum-computing by harnessing  entanglement, the counter-intuitive phenomenon when pairs of atoms or photons become linked and even when separated by light-years act as one unit, a change to one instantaneously imparted to the other (the origin of the sceptical phrase “action at a distance”). As long as the pairs remain bonded, the entangled system can perform all possible permutations that that particular matrix can investigate at once, as opposed to the sequential fashion that traditional computers use—which is always finite no matter how much computational power is in the circuits.
Access to every solution simultaneously would of course be a boon and bane one and the same, since encryption would wither immediately and though perfectly predictive modelling would be possible, I would imagine that things could escalate very quickly. We’ve been spared or denied these consequences so far (so called quantum-computers aren’t really quantum-computers) because, thanks to the Heisenberg principle of uncertainty, these systems fall apart when one measures them. Nothing says that atoms or photons have to be binary—either a zero or a one, however, and could have a whole spectrum of energy levels. And like the non-sequential approach to problem-solving that quantum computers could essay, particles can also skip gears (as it were, shifting from reverse to fourth-gear without going through the intervening stages) and receiving the output by this method does not cause the entangled system to collapse.

masthead

Via Laughing Squid comes an interesting segment showing the evolution of the New Yorker magazine mascot, Eustace Tilley. His profile has graced the publication since its first printing but has changed many times over the decades, the original caricature appearing on the cover generally on the magazine’s anniversary. The raffish figure with a top hat and monocle was inspired by the mid-nineteenth century international man of fashion and social butterfly Alfred Grimod d’Orsay, the comte d’Orsay.

arboreal

This outstanding tubular concept dwelling, first proposed and subsequently dropped by investors back in 2013, may now have a new lease on life after glass and solar panel manufacturers expressed interest in Aibek Almassov’s designs.
I don’t know what the terrain is like in rural Kazakhstan but I would imagine that such retreats in the woods are the bailiwicks of the wealthy and privileged however much forested land was available. I do like the idea that the support column is a living tree that one lives with but not sold on the idea that such arrangements could have a small, hidden footprint on the environment with all the other things people need in their range, like roadways and plumbing at minimum. I suppose, however, such roosts could be logistically supported by delivery drones and be designed to self-sufficient and sustaining. If we could have such a leap-frogging lifestyle, that would be a pretty keen thing indeed.

brigadoon or memory and function (and memory)

All of Collectors’ Weekly show-and-tell sessions are highly recommended reading but I am really intrigued by this new take on nostalgia with a visit to the dystopian town of Scarfolk condemned to cycle forever through the decade of the 1970s, accompanied by council chair himself, Richard Littler.
With a truly twisted but inspired imagination, Littler has crafted endless ephemera and paraphernalia that could pass as authentic vintage posters and pamphlets, drawing on faded memories of growing up. Not that the artist had a traumatic childhood under the cynical, totalitarian regime he showcases, Littler, like us all, is able to distil those odd, incongruous moments—like the very special episodes when parental-guidance was suggested or the peculiar repertory of songs we sang in elementary school music class: Don Gato to be followed by a little number called If I had a Hammer—calling the practise proto-hauntology. Visit Collectors’ Weekly for the full interview and a curated gallery of Scarfolk’s artefacts.

crowd-sourced

Some with the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council might be smarting over its decision to ask the internet to choose the name for its newest research vessel that will ply the Arctic seas and was expected to christened after a great explorer or naturalist. Instead with due ceremony in the finest naval tradition, Boaty McBoatface will be launched on its maiden voyage in 2019. I heard this on Radio 4 yesterday, but Boing Boing had the scoop and ran with it. One of the Happy Mutants was advertising a product from its emporium under a similar moniker, and I thought to myself, “you had me at McBoingface,” not yet knowing the reference.

We wholeheartedly agree with Belgium’s reaction to this assault, as this further attempt at destructive social-engineering—baiting the innocent and peaceful with yet more aspersions as it’s exactly what the Cosplay Caliphate is hoping to engender. Sewing distrust and fear only promotes their cause by backing those who fled that way of life and outlook into a corner, and those who recruited a handful of listless losers to do their bidding did so that we as hosts could no longer discriminate and assault those migrants living among us and block the escape-routes of those who have no share in this and are themselves terrorised. Our thoughts and prayers are with the suffering, but this, as the corridors of power of the European Union, is an affront to us all. “French-fries” are of course Belgian cuisine become a contribution to the entire world.

Þörungar

Via the always brilliant Nag on the Lake comes happy and hopeful news that a design student named Ari Jónsson of the Reykjavik Academy of the Arts has made a prototype, fully biodegradable plastic container out of powdered algae, an agar-like binding material that allows the vessel to keep its shape while holding something—like a full water bottle—but quickly decomposes once empty. While we’ve gotten somewhat better about recycling, more than half of all plastic packaging is used once then tossed and becomes an unwelcome and eternal addition to the environment. Read the full article at Dezeen magazine for more brainstorming and innovative solutions to problems both wee and seemingly overwhelming.

ohrwurm oder he do the song about the knife

Making the rounds in cyber-space and probably a subject already familiar to you all, the realisation that the Dire Straits number “Walk of Life” can foster a happy-end out of any exposition is one of those perennial re-discoveries that I absolutely treasure.
Regardless of whether it always holds (the exception makes the rule) and whether it’s appropriate as we tend to go very dark by making light, it is another one of those sandbox moments, like the jaunty Yakety-Sax theme or the Tetris song. When I was in elementary school, I remember our PE teacher choreographing a complicated dance routine that we’d all be nancing around and having fun for to that tune and “Centerfield” from John Fogerty (Put me in Coach—I’m ready to play) and a medley other other songs. Maybe Miss Boozer wanted us all to be background dancers, and I think was a nice wish. Too few films, I think, end on an upbeat and ironic note—and I think that maybe “When the Going Gets Tough (The Tough Get Going)” from The Jewel of the Nile by Billy Ocean might be another suitable candidate, rather than opting for an orchestral bombast. Maybe it ought to be made an honour to be part of a soundtrack again, like for James Bond openers. What songs would you recommend for this treatment?