The Podium
 

 
Some critical theory, some public discourse, and some general nerdiness.
 
 
   
 
Saturday, August 30, 2003
 
Here is an analysis of the movie The Matrix based on the theories of Jacques Lacan and Jacques Derrida. This is one of many philosophical interpretations of this film, whose success has gone beyond that of a great science fiction story to a mirror of critical theory. It seems to reflect the various studies of the postmodern era.

Tuesday, August 26, 2003
 
Here is a basic explanation of Bell's Theorem. This theorem states that two particles, once in contact with each other, continue to be affected by each other. This is a supplement to quantum theory that looks at the unusual characteristics of the sub-atomic world.

Sunday, August 24, 2003
 
To explore the films of the New Hollywood, which lasted from 1967 to 1977, it is great to start off with the recommendations made by the directors of the documentary A Decade Under The Influence. Using this, one should then go to the Internet Movie Database and search for those that were not included in the film.

Thursday, August 21, 2003
 
As the national economy is failing, there is a need to concentrate on local business empowerment. The most democratic from of economic activity is on the local level, and there is a need to stimulate growth while sustaining the needs of people. A local currency is one way of doing this. It is through economic centralization and the encroaching power of corporations that creates wealth disparity and the inability of a national economic system to provide for its citizens.
 
Starting today, and continuing tomorrow and Friday, is the premiere of A Decade Under The Influence on The Independent Film Channel. After each part they will show Mean Streets, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and The Conversation. If anyone misses the three episodes they will repeat starting at 8:00 P.M. on Saturday.

Wednesday, August 20, 2003
 
The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest that our world came to nuclear war. However, there is a unique way of interpreting the facts to show that things were not what they seem in regards to the missile sites in Cuba. This might have relevance to today and the premise of the Iraq war on unreal weapons of mass destruction. Appearance is not always reality.

Tuesday, August 19, 2003
 
Here is an interesting article that discusses quantum information processing. It specifically describes the nature of quantum reality and how it pertains to the uses of units of information. As reality on the quantum level exists in multiple states, it changes the specific duality of binary code that is a traditional representation of information.

Saturday, August 16, 2003
 
In regards to flash mobs, an extension of the concept of smart mobs, there is the possibility for an application to direct action and civil disobediance. This becomes an important issue in light of the strict recent crackdown on civil liberties and the rights of groups to gather to petition their government for grievances. Unfortunately we are in a situation where we must find new ways to rebel against this government that is edging more towards fascism and taking advantage of a state of emergency.
 
Areas of mathematics that go beyond the basics can be quite interesting even though it is hard to understand the abstract principles and equations. Hyperbolic geometry is an example. Here is a site that clearly explains it while supplying an interactive Java applet.

Friday, August 15, 2003
 
The importance of the thought of Buckminster Fuller was its comprehensive nature that extended into areas of economics, engineering, architecture, and international politics. This article applies the geometric synergetics of Fuller to the ancient study of the Kabbalah. It becomes a unique synthesis of knowledge.

Tuesday, August 12, 2003
 
Almost three years ago, on the Sundance Channel, I saw a documentary on the artist Robert Crumb. I just recently saw this movie again. He can best be described as a graphic artist attempting to demonstrate surrealism within the medium of the comic. This results in a gigantic body of work that stretches in many aesthetic directions.

Monday, August 11, 2003
 
The current culture that has developed around coffee houses, since the early 1990's, is based on a false consciousness. It is actually the commodification of a lifestyle that presents itself as a place to engage in social and intellectual interaction. This is of course an illusion. This article explains how the coffee house developed, but not as the natural successor to the coffee houses of today.

Thursday, August 07, 2003
 
Theoretical physics often delves into the extraordinary. Here is an article that talks about dimensions other than the conventional three of length, width, and height. Of course, this is almost impossible to visualize but possible to explain. Overall it requires an open and active imagination.
 
Theoretical physics often delves into the extraordinary. Here is an article that talks about dimensions other than the conventional three of length, width, and height. Of course, this is almost impossible to visualize but possible to explain. Overall it requires an open and active imagination.

Tuesday, August 05, 2003
 
When wanting to get regular news updates, it is important to be able to sift through all the available news sources. Here is an example of a news aggregator that can make that process easier. This is also a site that can list world news, on a pop cultural level, for one quick reference. And finally, here is a newsfeed that concerns major news stories.

Monday, August 04, 2003
 
The linguistic application of power is demonstrated using the book 1984 by George Orwell, specifically in the form of Newspeak. This sites explores that aspect, though coming to some differing and incorrect conclusions about how it applies to the politics of today. It is insightful in terms of the repercussions of the Patriot Act and the infringement of civil liberties, but is misguided in terms of how progressive movements affect civil liberties.

Sunday, August 03, 2003
 
For the past two days the Trio Channel has shown the complete miniseries I, Claudius. It is a very well done BBC production from 1976 and has a fluid cinematography, fine acting, and opens up the interesting aspects of history. Probably the biggest hurdle is attempting to keep all the relations of the imperial family in order since they intermarried over generations and all 13 episodes cover a time period of 75 years.

Saturday, August 02, 2003
 
This is probably the most most expansive look into the open source movement, especially as it can apply to non-computer areas. Most specifically, it discusses how the open source model can be used to organize a mass amount of people for social action. It offers a new look into political organization that can put forth change from a new perspective.

 

 
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