It ain't coming back Scientists have warned that wildlife is in catastrophic decline, with populations falling by two thirds in the last fifty years. We are in the sixth period of mass extinction that the earth has witnessed but the blame for this one can be placed firmly at humanity’s door. It won’t be long … Continue reading Mass extinction period
Genetic disposition to housework
I don’t mind ironing, not that I do it that often. I find it quite therapeutic in that I put on the radio and slowly work through the pile that has collected. My wife loathes it however and complains that I am not quick enough. For her it’s the devils work and has to be … Continue reading Genetic disposition to housework
Do moles drown when it rains?
These are the kind of questions that occupy my mind, especially if I have a quiet time. Recently I was perplexed by the thought that ‘if it is dark outside and you have the lights on and you open the curtains, will the room become darker? Will the light seep out of the window rather … Continue reading Do moles drown when it rains?
Artificial stupidity
There is a thought that humans were more intelligent when we were hunter gatherers than we are today. Not as individuals but on average. The need to be able to retain huge amounts of information about what was edible and what was poisonous, what would make you feel better and what would make you sick, … Continue reading Artificial stupidity
Dragging my feet
I’ve been dragging my feet, not in the sense of putting something off that I should have got around to but rather scraping my feet along the ground. You see I have been given some very comfortable new slippers. They are a bit like boots, made from plush and I jokingly call them my bear’s … Continue reading Dragging my feet
Genetic discrimination
‘Sapiens, a brief history of mankind’ is such an interesting book. I have just finished listening to Yuval Noah Harari’s work, through an audiobook on my longer driving journeys. It has made me think very hard about what it means to be human and has challenged a lot of my assumptions. I plan to listen … Continue reading Genetic discrimination
In pursuit of perfection
Every time I turn on the television or pick up a magazine I am bombarded with images of perfect people. They live in perfect houses, with their perfect families and perfect teeth. It is clear what they are saying. You are not good enough. Only perfection is acceptable. Whole industries have developed on the back … Continue reading In pursuit of perfection
I see dead people
This is going to be my last of my Thinking Digital Stories for 2018, that is unless I come up with some more bright ideas. I am going to go back to the fascinating Moon Ribas, who is using sensors embedded in her body to extend her experience. She is pushing back our understanding of … Continue reading I see dead people
Cyborg artistry
Once again Thinking Digital has surpassed my expectations. Herb and his team do such a great job in bringing together a range of speakers that entertain and enlighten us. It is the mixture of art and technology that makes it such a good event. In past years I have left with a feeling of inadequacy … Continue reading Cyborg artistry
Emotions
I have always wondered why emotions have developed in humans. What was the evolutionary advantage offered that has allowed them to appear and develop over the millennia? These are the kinds of questions that have occupied my mind even before I ended up studying Zoology at university. Now I think I have at least an … Continue reading Emotions
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 