Archive for October, 2010

Date: October 31st, 2010
Cate: Doing

Arduino

I’ve spent the better part of Sunday “geeking out”, as Adrian so beautifully put it the other day. Me and my old pal Arduino have been getting reacquainted. Although I’ve used Arduino a lot before, I sort of threw myself into it, so it’s quite interesting to be getting back to basics.

So far I’ve been working on the variable motor project, pretty simple but still a new one for me as I haven’t used a motor before. Gotta say though, these “jumper leads” are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. No more snipping wire, stripping the ends off and then finding it’s too short. Not having all the little bits sticking to my socks is pretty ace.

Date: October 31st, 2010
Cate: Uncategorized

Hello Blog

A new day, a new blog. Finally set up on the DM servers, time to transfer over and backdate my posts from where I’ve been posting them on my personal site.

I’m starting to lose track of all the various blogs in my life but this one is intended purely for thoughts and reflections on my MRes Digital Media which I’ve just embarked upon at Newcastle Uni.

So far, I really like Culture Lab. I always knew it was where I wanted to end up, and I really think it’s the right place for me.

Date: October 26th, 2010
Cate: Doing

Doing 1

For next week – choose one piece of ‘technology’ (broadly defined) that is in your life. A clock, a toothbrush – Take a picture. Analyse it historically, experientially, archeologically, socially… Write up to 250 (~50 words for each analysis?) on your blog.

My piece of “technology” is the lightbulb.

There is quite a lot of debate over who initially ‘invented’ the lightbulb. It is always assumed to be Thomas Edison, but historians list twenty-two inventors of incandescent lamps prior to both Joseph Swan and Thomas Edison. It is concluded that Edison be hailed as the inventor of today’s lightbulb as his version outstripped the others due to to three factors: the most effective incandescent material, a higher vacuum than the others achieved and a high resistance value, meaning that power distribution from a central source could become economically and logistically viable.

Experientially, the lightbulb didn’t objectively provide people with anything new, as light was already produceable in other forms. However, it made everyone’s life brighter, easier and safer. The experience of light could be argued to be a human right, and the lightbulb allows this in situations where it would be otherwise impossible. The brightness and “tone” of a lightbulb can also change the mood and feeling of situations – light is a very powerful parameter to be able to control.

Archeologically, does the lightbulb have history? I’m not sure. The word “archeologically” makes me feel like it should be dug out of the ground so we can discuss its origins, but sadly it’s not that old. This section makes me feel like I should have picked the wheel, or something, that dates back thousands of years. Although not entirely relevant, it has made me think about how it probably paved the way for technologies such as LEDs and light therapy. I have to say though, I do love filament lightbulbs and I’m sad that future generations won’t get to see the beauty of the basic lightbulb now that

Socially, the lightbulb is an incredible thing. As I mentioned above, being able to control light gives us vast control over things such as social situations. It can set a subtle, moody tone for romancing. It can be colourful and bright for parties and special occasions, it can be mellow and soothing to calm us down. Without the lightbulb, socialising after sunset would be an entirely different experience.

How many flies does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Two, but I don’t know how they got in there.