Why does science need artists?

John Maeda Technology and Design Guru

Here is a interesting interview with John Maeda, author of "The Laws of Simplicity (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life)", graphic designer and computer scientist. As an individual who has education in both the arts and sciences, John brings a unique perspective based on his experiences.  He believes that scientists need artists and art in order to inspire them to be innovative.  He uses Apple's iPod as an example of how merging science and design can create a superior product.  He also mentions the website Mint.com which 80% of the experience is about what the viewer see not the technology behind it. 

VSL : Very Short List

Image of a plants internal structure

VSL

Today I wanted to share a website I subscribe to.  Every day I receive a short one page email with three items interest.  VSL is short for very short list.  It is a "delightful e-mail that shares cultural gems from a
different curator every day."

Topics include tech, culture, style, design and food.  It's fun to receive the email each day and see what treasures are found inside.  I added the link to the site above so if you like little surprises and interesting gems then subscribe and Enjoy!

Toys "R" Us Sued over New Tablet

FuHu verses Toys "R" Us

Turns out Samsung's not the only one getting sued.  Yes!  Toys "R" Us is being accused of stealing too.  Charges being flung about include breach of contract, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, false advertising, unauthorized use of the "iconic butterfly shape", and trade dress infringement.  It's doubtful this battle will get as much press and attention as the one we just witnessed between Apple and Samsung but in the end it is no less important.  As the changes in technology continue to come at lightening speed no doubt the lawsuits will continue to follow at an equal pace.

New Crowdsourcing App Available 9/26

Participatory Culture

There's a new App available tomorrow that will "allow people around the world to compare and share their lives over the course of a week." (Smolan).   The purpose to this project is inform people just how much data they are putting out into the world about themselves.  We do it everyday from each Google search and Facebook post.  The data will be collected through users answering survey questions and from the smartphone's GPS and other sensors.  This alone will provide an abundance of data about us as a human race along with us... as individuals.   The results of the project will be revealed along with an E-book due out in November.  So how do you feel about this project?  Regardless whether you are interested in participating or not you can be sure your data is already being stored!

Crowdsourcing App Will Measure the World for a Week Through Smartphones

How Apple's story is like 'Breaking Bad'

Okay, so this one got my attention!

Breaking Bad, one of my favorite television shows.  These days I'm a bit sick of Apple this and Apple that, blah, blah blah.  But use my favorite television show as a means to draw a correlation with Apple and you've got me again. 

 A few of the comparisons drawn:

1.  Apples relationship with it's rivals.  Walter and Jesse's relationship with the rival drug dealers.

2.  Steve Jobs fights cancer.  Walter White fights cancer.

3.  Apples signature colors - white, black and shiny aluminum.  Walters Blue Meth.

4.  Both - in the "Empire" business.

Hopefully there are a few more Breaking Bad fans in my class and if so, here is the link to yet another Apple article - this one a little more entertaining!

CNN Tech Innovation /apple-breaking-bad/index.html

iOS 6 map mess was no big surprise to Apple

Google Maps Out!

Did you get your iOS6 upgrade?

I guess we iPhone users kind of have a choice, we could just ignore the message prompting us to install the latest operating system.  We could take the time to research what the new upgrade will change and we will potential lose as a result of the upgrading.  But really?  I know only one person who is even slightly interested in going that far and it's not me!  I believe we all select the install now button and hope for the best.  Yes it's exciting to see what's new, what additional features do we get, but we never really think about what we may be giving up.  Looks like we lost our Google Maps this time.  I don't know about you but I was perfectly happy with it.  I'm not so sure how I feel about the new mapping ap that Apple has decided to replace it with.  I'm not really interested in the corporate interests either so putting that topic aside I'd have preferred my trusty Google Map!

Art Book: Books on Art and Culture

Have you visited ARTBOOK.COM?  If not, it may have just what you are looking for.  You can spend hours reading the articles, viewing the images and shopping for books.  To have everthing at our finger tips today is truly amazing.  You can learn so much and experience and access art in a way that generations before have never experienced.  This site allows you to find books about any art related subject from  fashion, architecture, design, music, curator, series, and the list goes on.  Keep this site in mind when looking for Christmas gifts this year.  We are now entering the age of the electronic book but there's nothing like a real book for viewing art.