Make biodegradable “bioplastic” out of common household ingredients, then laser-cut it with ease. via Makezine

This humorous promotional film for the Remington Rand UNIVAC computer features J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly in leading roles. Produced in 1960, the film outlines the earlier history of computing leading to the development and application of the UNIVAC computer.

THE PERVERT’S GUIDE TO CINEMA takes the viewer on an exhilarating ride through some of the greatest movies ever made. Serving as presenter and guide is the charismatic Slavoj Zizek, the Slovenian philosopher and psychoanalyst. With his engaging and passionate approach to thinking, Zizek delves into the hidden language of cinema, uncovering what movies can tell us about ourselves.

THE PERVERT’S GUIDE TO CINEMA offers an introduction into some of Zizek’s most exciting ideas on fantasy, reality, sexuality, subjectivity, desire, materiality and cinematic form. Whether he is untangling the famously baffling films of David Lynch, or overturning everything you thought you knew about Hitchcock, Zizek illuminates the screen with his passion, intellect, and unfailing sense of humour. THE PERVERT’S GUIDE TO CINEMA applies Zizek’s ideas to the cinematic canon, in what The Times calls ‘an extraordinary reassessment of cinema.’

thepublics: Zizek on BBC’s Culture Show

I’m still not sure how I feel about Zizek….

via nonparametric:stevenebowman:aleahmarie

Alexander: One of the points that Auburn’s Office of Sustainability likes to push is that of asking the right questions. For example, when bagging groceries it doesn’t make much sense to weigh paper vs plastic — the right question here would be what would be the best way to carry those groceries week in and week out. A box, a cloth bag, or whatever works out for you.

The most painful part of my job is hearing people use the term “sustainability” in so many ways that it becomes as toothless as the label “green.” I remember one conversation about whether paper or ceramic plates were more sustainable — since that ceramic plate took a lot more energy to make, if it were to shatter, one would have used fewer resources with the disposable product.

In the end it comes down to efficiency vs effectiveness. Engineering students love the term efficiency, and ultimately a large part of our society believes that if we simply start doing the same things we are now, but do them more efficiently, we won’t have to worry about climate change/justice, resource depletion, etc.

If a situation comes up in which the plastic spoon is “more efficient” (including the associated externalities) than a reusable spoon I would think that there is a pretty good chance that this situation itself isn’t sustainable.

The United States of America is not merely a nationality. In the two centuries since its founding the United States has grown from a coastal alliance of colonial divisions into an entire civilization. Whereas many countries are identified by use of a native language, or allegiance to a certain religion, the United States encompasses all. If the rest of the world were to burn to a cinder tonight, every language, every nationality, every culture, every religion and virtually every gene pool would still exist within the borders of the United States.

via americansatori

Mit dem IFab von Festo in 3D drucken. Was nach Zukunftsvision klingt ist in der Industrie mit Rapid Prototyping längst Realität. Der Traum, sich sein eigenes Produkt im seinem Wohnzimmer „ausdrucken zu können, war bislang unbezahlbar.

New technology for seeing around corners

This video, by Josef Davies-Coates, shows RepRap supreme chancellor Adrian Bowyer talking in depth about the latest version of the RepRap 3D printer (“Mendel”) which has been out for some months now.

Psychiatrists estimate that one in three US soldiers who served in Iraq or Afghanistan may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The film addresses the US army’s HR dilemma and features the stories of those who have had to come to terms with the physical and psychological wounds suffered from fighting a war that is increasingly unpopular in their home country and around the world.

landscapearchitecture: DESIGN FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

“Not only do social bonds affect life at the scale of an individual or family, but also at the scale of a city. Our cities suffer due to the lack of people involved in public life. “

This is an issue I feel very passionate about and I urge you to read the article here - http://shareable.net/blog/design-for-social-inclusion

landscapearchitecture: SANE IN THE CITY

New research has documented that pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods can be particularly important for maintaining good mental health, especially in the elderly.”

I recommend you read the article at: http://shareable.net/blog/sane-in-the-city

“Can a city’s planning and design promote positive mental health?

” The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world,” said Charles Malik, former president of the United Nations General Assembly in a recent speech. Though women represent a disproportionately low percentage of the world’s utilized capital, they may also be a key to overcoming serious obstacles from poverty to climate change. When we unleash their talents and bring their inherent qualities into balance with the world’s power structures, things change.

In the Nike Foundation’s award-winning cause campaign, The Girl Effect, this message was made demonstrably clear. The world is a mess, and according to Nike, a girl is the unexpected solution that can turn a sinking ship around:

“Adolescent girls are uniquely capable of raising the standard of living in the developing world,” says The Nike Foundation. “[They] are the most likely agents of change, but are often invisible to societies and our media.” To be sure, the world’s women and girls, willing and able as they may be to instigate change, face an unfortunately skewed system and general lack of opportunities. “

Read more at: http://urbanrevision.org/2010/02/women-change-agents/

via landscapearchitecture

Mumbai slum dwellers turn rubbish into small fortunes

How long until Indians can print swadeshi plastic on open source RepRap printers?