Random Thought #182

I have to admit that technology can be really exciting at times, especially when it solves major problems or leads us into exciting new frontiers but that doesn't seem to happen very often anymore. Back in the 60's, the whole country rallied behind the cause to go to the moon. It was unthinkable at the time but we did it and it was exhilarating. We've made some progress in genetics, robotics, A/I, etc but none of these have really solved any major issues. It seems that technology today is focused on delivering things like Facebook, Twitter, etc. We focus on areas that make us less productive and more lazy. Why? Because it can be capitalized on and monetized and that's what investors like. We've lost our sense of wonder and amazement and curiosity for the sake of money. This interesting TED talk provides a couple of reasons as to why we've had such a hard go of it lately. This hits close to home because it affects my job. We're more interested in developing mobile apps and keeping servers running than we are in solving some of the most exciting and challenging issues of our day.

http://www.ted.com/talks/jason_pontin_can_technology_solve_our_big_problems.html

Random Thought #181

I really enjoyed this TED video because it combines both the arts and the sciences. It really shows how the one can compliment the other or that one can be explained in terms of the other. If nothing else, hope you enjoy the effects. They are pretty cool.

http://www.ted.com/talks/fabian_oefner_psychedelic_science.html

Random Thought #180

I thought I would break from my normal thoughts and add some humor to my blog. This kept me laughing for quite some time. I hope you get some good laughs out of it and that it brightens up your day. Enjoy!

Babies Experiencing Things For The First Time

First time watching fireworks:

First time being dunked into water that’s way too cold:

First time getting caught in a bubble shower:

First time driving through a dark tunnel:

First time chatting with a puppet:

First time finding a new recipe in a cooking magazine:

First time forgetting how spoons work:

First time seeing ice cream:

First time meeting a puppy:

First time having their toes licked by a cat:

First time watching New Year’s fireworks:

First time living in a hollowed-out fruit:

First time “drinking” out of a hose:

First time forgetting how glass windows work:

First time smelling of someone’s foot:

First time opening a present:

First time experiencing the sweet, sweet glory of television:

And finally, the first time experiencing the taste of sour: