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March 20, 2005
jurassic and emerging technology
Really back from Etech (sitting in my living room as I type). Photos being uploaded. Never done West Coast to Helsinki before, it is a bit brutal - I have no idea of time or even day. At least I get a few days before heading off: I feel sorry for Matt's head as he just keeps going past Helsinki to New Delhi.
Etech was a bit more chilled than the last two years (even though there were, seemingly, more people than last year). More emphasis on 'this is what I've done' rather than 'this is what I'm going to do' - in the case of Neil Gershenfeld, I saw him speak at the last Doors of Perception about opening fablabs in the developing world, and it's great to see that he has done just that. Less academics (both a good and bad thing). Less newness, probably. No topics discussed that I didn't expect. Importance of design in technology once again left to the Brits to champion.
Two things remain in my head - the ability to hack and make hardware is increasing quickly (many hardware fabrication talks), and I'm pretty psyched by Danny and Merlin's talk on Life Hacks. Interesting from both some hard UI ideas I've had, and also a bit of a plan for myself actually getting things done.
Spent a quick day in LA, revelling in the insanity. I hope someone is documenting and studying the use of puns in American retail names (my favourites this year - Friar Tux Rental, and The Merchant of Tennis). There's some psychogeographical exploration to be done there. Went to Amoeba Records and spent far too much once again, and a wonderful impromptu MapclubLA meeting at the Museum of Jurassic Technology, which is, I think, my favouritest place in the world, and the Center for Land Use Interpretation, which has one of the best bookshops for psychogeographical needs I have ever seen. I unfortunately had to catch my plane - the others went on to the L Ron Hubbard Scientology Experience in Hollywood (only possible from the mindshield that the MJT installs after a visit).
Oh, I'm really getting into aerial and satellite photography - if anyone has ideas or contacts, please let me know.
Books taken and not read: 3
Books procured: 6
Mac Minis bought: 0 (see, I can be prudent)
Trips to Apple Store: 2
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