Future Belongs to the User

With the advent of gadgets, and their slow invasion into every part of our waking lives, technology as a tool is only as powerful as its transparency. Meaning, if the user interface sucks, no matter how powerful the machine, then that gadget will become extinct. I have a whole drawer full of thingamabobs and polished chrome door-stops to prove it. A lot of this phenomenon is due to what they call “feature creep”, when engineers and designers try to make that new gadget into a pocket-knife with batteries, something that does everything for everybody. What gadget designers seem to lack is an education on humans, their own social selves… maybe the folly of the movies creeps in, probably because its fascinating to dream big, and fun to watch (via Hip Young Thing).

Long Division

more about “joy division – 9-15-79 transmission o…“, posted with vodpod

Save the Ravers

My friend Chris and I were reminiscing over our rave days, when things definitely went bump in the night and you half expected to run into a vampire on the dancefloor. Maybe we did. But back then, the soundtrack wasn’t nearly as evolved, and the monsters were more of the oddball, spiritual hippy variety. Nowadays, this seems more retarded, but it’s an idea that is destined to come back (and haunt some of us, no pun). There already seems to be a bunch of evidence of nostalgia (see: akasha) from another generation that isn’t old enough to feel any awkward regrets. I actually always dreamt of this sort of stylized love song to late night adventure. I don’t have high hopes for this sort of serial website TV show. Let’s just hope that it doesn’t get universally panned by the association from the mainstream haters. Because, I know eventually someone will do it correctly. With tracks from Justice, Boyz Noize, et al, maybe it’ll get a pass. Still, I think the following video is a more organic way to hit the mark, though decidedly less interesting plot I’m sure. Thanks to Franki @ I Heart Comix

Black People Hate Space Travel.

This is a great looking video, from Gnarl’s Barkley. There’s something fresh about the Soweto skinhead thing, especially when you add in the twist about outter space. The story behind why suddenly there’s this door, open in Africa, or Jamaica or wherever, is kind of a mystery. But, I’m stoked on the concept of Black people traveling through time, almost the same reason I loved Kanye and Daft Punk collaboration. Obviously, if there was a portal to the next level, it wouldn’t be in Beverly Hills. It has to be nearer to the Kalakuta Republic than here.

http://blackpeoplehatespacetravel.ytmnd.com/