tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36276839469537755482024-03-12T23:12:20.172+00:00so...ms dixon and the panic for 3rd yearfrancesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-78818721239979169962009-08-16T23:03:00.002+01:002009-08-16T23:21:36.258+01:00long time no blog etc etc<br /><br />last 3 months have included:<br />finishing uni<br />getting a 2.1 <br />leaving kingston<br />moving to islington<br /><br />projects at the moment include:<br />Polite Publishing set up of Exquisite Pals zine and Awkward Art Campaign<br />Finding a goddamn job<br />Making more patchwork quilts<br />Learning to do fashion illustration properly<br /><br />influences of the moment include:<br />Elan Zine (elanzine.blogspot.com}<br />Juneau Projects <br />Limoncello Summer Fete<br />Peter Land's suitcases<br />Bridget and Declan's baby<br />Chambord<br />Clare Revolta<br />Harry Pearcefrancesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-21026175306648425552009-05-31T22:55:00.002+01:002009-05-31T22:58:13.895+01:00hand in is tomorrow, hoping everything will look okay when I arrive in the morning. <br /><br />have some exciting ideas about what next to do with the arduino, but not going to say yet until I've got them more figured out. will be good though!francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-62502162403691951872009-05-31T22:54:00.000+01:002009-05-31T22:55:32.636+01:00arduino on the beeb<object width="512" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/external/player.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="FlashVars" value="config_settings_showUpdatedInFooter=true&playlist=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/emp/8070000/8072200/8072296.xml&config=http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/config/default.xml?1.3.114_2.11.7978_8433_20090514110202&config_settings_language=default&config_settings_showFooter=true&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&config_settings_showPopoutCta=false"></param><embed src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/external/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="512" height="400" FlashVars="config_settings_showUpdatedInFooter=true&playlist=http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/emp/8070000/8072200/8072296.xml&config=http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/emp/config/default.xml?1.3.114_2.11.7978_8433_20090514110202&config_settings_language=default&config_settings_showFooter=true&config_settings_showPopoutButton=false&config_settings_showPopoutCta=false"></embed></object>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-88224969773850135982009-05-26T09:28:00.002+01:002009-05-26T09:35:26.230+01:00tuesday, 1 day til move, 3 days til deadlinelots and lots and lots of worry. <br /><br />had to buy a last minute addition, a PIR sensor from Active-robots.co.uk to go with project two, the proverb machine. the buttons were just too clumsy and wanted something a little less touchy. the PIR sensor should be really quick to connect to 5V, GND & an14 so that's good.<br /><br /><br />Sketch will be as follows,<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />#include <AF_Wave.h><br />#include <avr/pgmspace.h><br />#include "util.h"<br />#include "wave.h"<br /><br />AF_Wave card;<br />File f;<br />Wavefile wave; <br /><br />#define playcomplete(x) ROM_playcomplete(PSTR(x)) <br /><br />#define DEBOUNCE 100<br /><br />#define snsr 14 //sensor connected to analogue0 <br /><br />void setup() {<br /> Serial.begin(9600); // set up Serial library at 9600 bps<br /> Serial.println("Wave test!");<br /><br /> pinMode(2, OUTPUT); <br /> pinMode(3, OUTPUT);<br /> pinMode(4, OUTPUT);<br /> pinMode(5, OUTPUT);<br /> pinMode(snsr, OUTPUT);<br /> <br /> // enable pull-up resistors on<br /> // switch pins (analog inputs)<br /> digitalWrite(14, HIGH);<br /><br /><br /> // open memory card<br /> <br /> randomSeed(analogRead(0));<br /><br /><br /> if (!card.init_card()) {<br /> putstring_nl("Card init. failed!"); return;<br /> }<br /> if (!card.open_partition()) {<br /> putstring_nl("No partition!"); return;<br /> }<br /> if (!card.open_filesys()) {<br /> putstring_nl("Couldn't open filesys"); return;<br /> }<br /><br /> if (!card.open_rootdir()) {<br /> putstring_nl("Couldn't open dir"); return;<br /> }<br /><br /> putstring_nl("Files found:");<br /> ls();<br />}<br /><br />void ls() {<br /> char name[13];<br /> int ret;<br /> <br /> card.reset_dir();<br /> putstring_nl("Files found:");<br /> while (1) {<br /> ret = card.get_next_name_in_dir(name);<br /> if (!ret) {<br /> card.reset_dir();<br /> return;<br /> }<br /> Serial.println(name);<br /> }<br />}<br /><br /><br />void pulseServo(uint8_t servopin, uint16_t p) {<br /> <br /> digitalWrite(servopin, HIGH);<br /> delayMicroseconds(600);<br /> while (p--) {<br /> delayMicroseconds(4);<br /> }<br /> digitalWrite(servopin, LOW);<br /> delay(18);<br />}<br /><br />uint8_t sensorstate = 0;<br /><br />void loop() { <br /> int distsensor, i;<br /> long time;<br /> /*<br /> for (i=0; i<50; i++) {<br /> pulseServo(servo,0);<br /> }<br /> for (i=0; i<50; i++) {<br /> pulseServo(servo,400);<br /> }<br /> return;<br /> */<br /> distsensor = 0;<br /> for (i=0; i<8; i++) {<br /> distsensor += analogRead(0);<br /> delay(50);<br /> }<br /> distsensor /= 8;<br /><br /> putstring("Sensor = "); Serial.println(distsensor);<br /> <br /> if (distsensor <= 10) {<br /> digitalWrite(snsr, HIGH); <br /> } <br /> if (distsensor > 10) {<br /> digitalWrite(snsr, LOW); <br /> sensorstate = 1;<br /> // nobody there. one out of 200 times play one of the sounds (once every few minutes)<br /> i = random(200);<br /> //Serial.println(i);<br /> if (i == 0) {<br /> i = random(3);<br /> if (i == 0) {<br /> playcomplete("rise so high.WAV");<br /> } else if (i == 1) {<br /> playcomplete("smoothseas.WAV");<br /> } else if (i == 2) {<br /> playcomplete("to climb steep hills.WAV");<br /> } else {<br /> playcomplete("exhalted throne.WAV"); <br /> }<br /> }<br /> } else if ((distsensor > 30) && (distsensor < 40)) {<br /> if (sensorstate <= 1) { // play "smoothseas"<br /> playcomplete("smoothseas.WAV"); <br /> } else {<br /> i = random(60); // more often<br /> //Serial.println(i);<br /> if (i == 0) {<br /> i = random(3);<br /> if (i == 0) {<br /> playcomplete("exhalted throne.WAV");<br /> } else if (i == 1) {<br /> playcomplete("to climb steep hills.WAV");<br /> } else {<br /> playcomplete("rise so high.WAV"); <br /> }<br /> } <br /> }<br /> <br /> }<br /> }<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />void ROM_playcomplete(const char *romname) {<br /> char name[13], i;<br /> uint8_t volume;<br /> int v2;<br /> <br /> for (i=0; i<13; i++) {<br /> name[i] = pgm_read_byte(&romname[i]);<br /> }<br /> name[12] = 0;<br /> Serial.println(name);<br /> playfile(name);<br /> while (wave.isplaying) {<br /> volume = 0;<br /> for (i=0; i<8; i++) {<br /> v2 = analogRead(1) - 512;<br /> if (v2 < 0) <br /> v2 *= -1;<br /> if (v2 > volume)<br /> volume = v2;<br /> delay(5);<br /> }<br /> <br /> } <br /> //putstring("vol = "); Serial.println(volume, DEC);<br /> }<br /><br /><br /><br />void playfile(char *name) {<br /> f = card.open_file(name);<br /> if (!f) {<br /> putstring_nl(" Couldn't open file"); return;<br /> }<br /> if (!wave.create(f)) {<br /> putstring_nl(" Not a valid WAV"); return;<br /> }<br /> // ok time to play!<br /> wave.play();<br />}<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br />hope it's right!!francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-5156544248130923342009-05-26T09:27:00.000+01:002009-05-26T09:28:24.047+01:00i want to be her<embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AYGEkR2GmVQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="510" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed> <br /><br />this is such a cool use of arduino that is so simple but amazing.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-85433058858452259402009-05-25T12:47:00.003+01:002009-05-25T12:57:59.810+01:00woohoofinally uploaded sketch for wave shield onto arduino, works and everything.<br /><br />hooray!<br /><br />The sketch looks for the switch, when it's pressed it plays the files on the sd card. well, it should anyway. It plays a set of stupid and pointless proverbs - reflecting the aluminium slapping fortune teller sculptures' beginnings. <br /><br />had to change the switch to make sure project was completed in time, instead of twitter through ethernet shield, now just going for a simpler microlever switch, with paddle adaption so that it will be triggered by people inside the room, rather than outside in internet space.<br /><br />would still really like to do the twitter thing, and have the sketch in a draft state to do it, but realistically not going to get it all finished with everything else like log book and drawings and setting up exhibition space by friday afternoon. The plan is to place the twitter machine in a gallery setting sometime in the autumn, maybe in the 'da girlz' exhib? <br /><br />as for project one, the repetitive sound one, in need of a power amo as the one i have is far too weedy. On testing it out in the space on sunday it sounded weak and feeble and definately not annoying. Need it louder, louder, louder and much more oomphier.<br /><br />speakers will need gaffa taping as the connectors are a bit wobbly, plinths to house speakers still not here, hoping that workshop guys will have done them so I can get on an paint. Threy prob won't be, but one can hope. Have rediscovered that I am the world's most impatient person ever.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-43018366313964755592009-05-24T17:51:00.002+01:002009-05-24T17:54:48.474+01:00Saturn film<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gvptWeFPWIg&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gvptWeFPWIg&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />This is incredible, it's a film of saturn's rotation filmed from Hubble. It looks like a cartoon, almost not quite sure if it's real.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-13082352687206220142009-05-19T21:10:00.000+01:002009-05-19T21:11:01.021+01:00the single most happiest thingi've seen today is <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8058221.stm">this</a>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-49985441840665273572009-05-08T12:14:00.002+01:002009-05-08T12:20:08.320+01:00Chasing Children with Hooversfrom Graham Lineham's Twitter - <a href="http://audioboo.fm/boos/16231-chasing-youngest-with-hoover">i think it's impossible not to smile at this</a><br /><br />Makezine does good again with their <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/05/make_controller_tweeter_library.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890">twitter library</a>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-19697815966967544992009-05-03T11:02:00.003+01:002009-05-03T11:25:59.021+01:00Arduino alert!<a href="http://ellieharrison.com/index.php?pagecolor=3&pageId=project-vendingmachine">Really interesting Interactive Vending Machine by Ellie Harrison.</a><br /><br />Everytime the recession is mentioned on the BBC the vending machine in the Viewpoint Gallery gives out free food.<br /><br />I am thinking that this is being done in a very similar way to the twitter bubblino machine, with a microcontroller constantly checking and relaying info from a website, in this case the BBC RSS feed. RSS feeds are constantly being updated, esp on such a busy site as the BBC. Perfik.<br /><br />Annoying machine update - shields ordered and shipped. circuitry confusion at a controllable level. for now.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-23998512476745363432009-04-26T10:16:00.002+01:002009-04-26T10:20:17.932+01:00TapeScape Audio Robot by PlayPatterns<object width="425" height="425" align="middle"><param name="movie" value="http://www.instructables.com/static/flash/viewer.swf"></param><param name="quality" value="high"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="FlashVars" value="title=The-TapeScape-Audio-Robot"></param><embed src="http://www.instructables.com/static/flash/viewer.swf" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="425" height="425" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" FlashVars="title=The-TapeScape-Audio-Robot" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><br><font size="1"><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/The-TapeScape-Audio-Robot/">The TapeScape Audio Robot</a> - <a href="http://www.instructables.com/">More DIY How To Projects</a></font>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-65201675305133765692009-04-25T19:44:00.001+01:002009-04-25T19:46:03.719+01:00awesome<br /><br />imagine <a href="http://www.bareconductive.com/index.html">this</a> hooked up to an arduino. <br /><br />...<br /><br />quitefrancesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-73808712093630446062009-04-22T20:49:00.002+01:002009-04-22T20:52:56.882+01:00limpit shell lights!how fantastically fun are these?!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Barnicle-Button/">Limpit Buttons by Hannah Perner-Wilson</a><br /><br />I get more ideas by the minute. I, officially, am in love with electronics.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-5373312321566544612009-04-22T13:45:00.003+01:002009-04-22T13:48:57.676+01:00just to rub it in that i need a mac<a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/04/share_synth_sounds_via_twitter.html">too much to get excited about, too little time to fit it all in before degree ends</a><br /><br />TIL116 opto-isolator<br />- may need one to go in between the arduino and the mp3 player<br /><br />- <a href="http://www.jonasolson.se/content/arduino_tutorial/">another interesting way of controlling audio through an arduino</a>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-2728784821135903612009-04-22T11:48:00.003+01:002009-04-22T12:13:45.650+01:001 and a half weeks left!til studios get cleared for end of year shows. eek.<br /><br />Plans as always becoming more and more complicated as the time goes.<br />so far degree show piece will be:<br /><br />an audio sample playing through surround sound speakers in the big proj space,<br />it will be triggered through twitter (plan A) or through a simple whisker switch attached to a door somewhere around the uni (plan B).<br /><br />the audio is a 32 beat finger click that i've zushed up a bit on cubase, the idea being that it's a rhythmical metronome-esque sound that should fill the space and go on a little bit longer than is really comfortable. <br /><br />Out of the whole of this year the one thing that i have been pleased with is my work being described as dominating and annoying, something I have been called as a person anyway, and by no means take offense to. <br /><br />The twitter plan would be ace, have my arduino dem. all ready for action and am just trying to figure out code and circuitry. I am a complete novice at arduino tinkering, having entered the realm of the super exciting 'makezine' a few weeks ago thanks to Gail. Adrian McEwan made a very similar bubble machine operated by Twitter, of which I have already shown my jealousy and wonder at, (I started this year with bubbles and filling spaces with them, so it's a bit of a confidence punch when someone does it so much better!) but yes, the whole of the headaches and magical alchemy that is the arduino will be all hidden from view and my input to the show will look quite sparse. thinking it isn't enough. <br /><br />the basic switch plan would be quicker, and more immediate for the people at the degree show, with none of the technology existing in the ether of the internet. <br /><br />and therein is my dilema:<br /><br />- to arduino or not to arduino?<br />- enough or not enough?<br />- impressive or understated?francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-75975059567365234002009-04-20T20:56:00.001+01:002009-04-20T20:56:30.851+01:00Getting Started With Arduino How To Build A Twitter Monitoring AlertuinoAdrian who invented Bubblino has ever so helpfully put this up! A thousand thanks in every direction.<div style="width:425px;text-align:left" id="__ss_829297"><a style="font:14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;display:block;margin:12px 0 3px 0;text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/amcewen/getting-started-with-arduino-how-to-build-a-twitter-monitoring-alertuino-presentation?type=presentation" title="Getting Started With Arduino How To Build A Twitter Monitoring Alertuino">Getting Started With Arduino How To Build A Twitter Monitoring Alertuino</a><object style="margin:0px" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=getting-started-with-arduino-how-to-build-a-twittermonitoring-alertuino-1228754906547889-9&stripped_title=getting-started-with-arduino-how-to-build-a-twitter-monitoring-alertuino-presentation" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=getting-started-with-arduino-how-to-build-a-twittermonitoring-alertuino-1228754906547889-9&stripped_title=getting-started-with-arduino-how-to-build-a-twitter-monitoring-alertuino-presentation" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="font-size:11px;font-family:tahoma,arial;height:26px;padding-top:2px;">View more <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.slideshare.net/amcewen">Adrian Mcewen</a>.</div></div>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-21182375028566330572009-03-29T13:09:00.004+01:002009-03-29T13:13:56.397+01:00A little stunning animation found through Adam Buxton's BUG series. It's a glorious lesson in timing, editing and the importance of gestures. And it's wickedly funny. <br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="264"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G3w0PeUqjuE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G3w0PeUqjuE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="264"></embed></object>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-64833960739368967032009-03-28T12:00:00.002+00:002009-03-28T12:11:13.131+00:00Jeff Lewis & Laura MarlingAnti-folk 'too cool for everything but still love them' songwriters Jeff Lewis and Laura Marling have done a cover of Eminem's <span style="font-style:italic;">Brain Damage</span> for Lewis' new Guardian online column <span style="font-style:italic;">JEFFREY LEWIS - NEWS TV</span>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/mar/16/jeffrey-lewis-news-tv"><br />can't link the video in properly so you'll have to click, shame</a><br /><br />Laura Marling always feels suitable for a flu-infested Saturday morning slob-about.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-73721046630001960842009-03-27T19:02:00.002+00:002009-03-27T19:07:51.866+00:00getting excited for glastonbury alreadyjohn peel passes? - check<br />echo and the bunnymen? - check<br />brucey? - check<br />sonic youth? - maybe <br /><br />eezagonnabeeyagoodaone<br /><br /><br /><object width="384" height="328"><param name="movie" value="http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/external/player.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="FlashVars" value="playlist=http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/emp/xml/shows/adamandjoe/video/middleclassfestivalsong_hubtent.xml&config_settings_showFooter=true&"></param><embed src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/emp/external/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="384" height="328" FlashVars="playlist=http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/emp/xml/shows/adamandjoe/video/middleclassfestivalsong_hubtent.xml&config_settings_showFooter=true&"></embed></object>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-41873569976364141602009-03-26T14:39:00.001+00:002009-03-26T14:39:15.652+00:00wow<object width="400" height="701"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3852775&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3852775&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="701"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/3852775">On</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/agoasi">aram bartholl</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-75800810773743213262009-03-25T21:29:00.004+00:002009-03-25T21:41:20.550+00:00New series of the Apprentice - 7 minutes in and I have to turn over already. A new record in the unwatchable television category. There is nothing more that these types of programmes are showing, if they can show anything more at all. I know people can be awful and bossy and self-righteous and bitchy. I don't want to see this anymore. <br /><br />On a happier cultural moment, the manics' new cover art by Jenny Saville is ace. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/Scqkl7X6z3I/AAAAAAAAAF4/hPKYSu9FxU0/s1600-h/Album-200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/Scqkl7X6z3I/AAAAAAAAAF4/hPKYSu9FxU0/s400/Album-200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317243281564422002" /></a>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-75462073191830395582009-03-25T11:43:00.002+00:002009-03-25T21:45:16.911+00:00geek glorious geeklove the look on the presenter's face as she tries these out.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7962647.stm">a bubble machine operated by twitter?!<br />Arduino alert!</a>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-50426190992742941492009-03-17T22:22:00.007+00:002009-03-17T23:52:36.689+00:00SS09 selectionSome of my favourite SS09 shoes from a couple of high street shops,<br /><br />It's starting to look a little brighter for men's summer wear after years of grandpa sandals and heavy black office-esque shoes, not much brighter but a little. And it's much the same as last year for ladies' sandals; focus seems to be on straps and gladiator sandals, wedges and platform soles, chunky block colours on block shapes, or light and feminine bows on the pump front. Nothing much inbetween for those of us who would like heels without looking like a dominatrix.<br /><br />Anyhow, these are one good ones I've seen so far:<br /><br />WOMEN'S<br /><br />Clarks have some nice bits if you dig, particularly the originals range, of which they have made another series of desert boots in some great leathers and suedes. These pumps are really cute and tick many trend boxes (tie bow, shiny finish leather, low cut around side of shoe.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlPe4-jOI/AAAAAAAAAFg/q474h7HyGYY/s1600-h/20324221_A_p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlPe4-jOI/AAAAAAAAAFg/q474h7HyGYY/s200/20324221_A_p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314288508217494754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Clarks)<br /><br /></span></div>These below are surprisingly feminine despite being a chunky wedge and tick the peep-toe/t bar/wrapped leather trends. Haven't tried them on yet but hoping the sole is as comfy as the majority of Clarks sandals are.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlAm9E8HI/AAAAAAAAAFY/KTSQvhb_A7M/s1600-h/20325303_A_p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlAm9E8HI/AAAAAAAAAFY/KTSQvhb_A7M/s200/20325303_A_p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314288252684136562" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Clarks)</span><br /><br /></div>Camper are an obvious style influence on many high street retailers, as they are a good fitting brand with an emphasis on fun and individuality. These wedges are superdooper. There are many many crisscrossing strap sandal wedges this season, but these are among the most subtle and wearable.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlAEn-h7I/AAAAAAAAAFI/CjB9XeRPodI/s1600-h/20909-004_L.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlAEn-h7I/AAAAAAAAAFI/CjB9XeRPodI/s200/20909-004_L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314288243468830642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Camper)<br /></span></div><br />As usual, the twins range by Camper is among the most exciting, I'm particularly wanting these heels with really on-trend split colour monotone leather uppers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAk_uyBaJI/AAAAAAAAAE4/oNGrs9VymsU/s1600-h/20980-002_L.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAk_uyBaJI/AAAAAAAAAE4/oNGrs9VymsU/s200/20980-002_L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314288237605382290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Camper)</span><br /></div><br /><br />United Nude have some bold styles as expected, this white sandal with crossing straps is a particular gem, although the whole range itself has much more of a sculptural aesthetic, the main feature being the Eamz shoe, whose heel is modelled on a Charles and Ray Eames chair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAj3K1z56I/AAAAAAAAADw/0uS5n7fFTDg/s1600-h/image1xl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAj3K1z56I/AAAAAAAAADw/0uS5n7fFTDg/s200/image1xl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314286991007016866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(United Nude)<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAvHQ9L2LI/AAAAAAAAAFw/OOez_JO1jjo/s1600-h/850_copper_a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAvHQ9L2LI/AAAAAAAAAFw/OOez_JO1jjo/s200/850_copper_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314299362154371250" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(United Nude Eamz Mary Jane)</span><br /><br /></div><br />I wouldn't be able to do a spring summer flit without looking at Terra Plana. This is the first complete collection to come out of the AMC deisgn house and it is a job fantastically done. One thing to look out for is the range of styles with quilting and fabric interwoven with the leather, they look great and the fabric will change next year from floral into coffee beans and shells. These yellow platform heels are amazing and the strap across is surprisingly flattering. Yellow has been quite a heavily featured colour so far this season. I have a need for these to walk with happy summer feet.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAj3pOiH9I/AAAAAAAAAEA/r9iaiqinJeQ/s1600-h/930_yellownubuck_a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAj3pOiH9I/AAAAAAAAAEA/r9iaiqinJeQ/s200/930_yellownubuck_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314286999163772882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Terra Plana)</span><br /></div><br /><br />The VivoBarefoot range is looking ever so comfy and desirable, most of all these trainers:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAj3rTQoKI/AAAAAAAAAEI/8OBEBYZYUdE/s1600-h/943_skybluenubuck_a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAj3rTQoKI/AAAAAAAAAEI/8OBEBYZYUdE/s200/943_skybluenubuck_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314286999720468642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(VivoBarefoot @ Terra Plana)<br /></span></div>want. badly.<br /><br /><br />MEN'S<br /><br />Having to search for nice men's sandals that don't automatically age or de-age the wearer used to be damned near impossible. Shoe companies are wary of producing a variety of men's sandals and alternative summer wear because they feel that men buy their shoes in a different way to women. It is assumed, and I don't think it's too far wrong, that men will buy one pair of shoes for work, have one alternative such as trainers, and then stick with that until it is necessary to buy more because of breakage. Spending £50 or so on sumemr shoes can seem unnecessary and stupid in the philosophy that 'these'll do'. Making interesting footwear for men is therefore a risky business, and shoes not in brown or black even more so, but there are some intersting things going on at affordable prices:<br /><br />Camper sell these rubber flip flops for £25 and they fit much better than standard flip flops. They are super flexible and mould around the foot for comfort. Plus they look much sleeker than stringy flip flops.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAknCVRkII/AAAAAAAAAEw/ZS31PES-b8Y/s1600-h/29781-026_C.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAknCVRkII/AAAAAAAAAEw/ZS31PES-b8Y/s200/29781-026_C.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314287813356785794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Camper)<br /></span></div><br /><br />These are some really interesting Clarks sandals, that seem to work for most age groups, and with the leather upper, are smarter than most sandals around.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlAr3YFCI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/5LaSIOw_lLA/s1600-h/20325378_A_p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlAr3YFCI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/5LaSIOw_lLA/s200/20325378_A_p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314288254002402338" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Clarks)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Terra Plana's Dopie sandal is set to become a design classic and available in many many many colours. Look out for a sock/whole foot version next year currently in the design process.<br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAkm5Cw5QI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/dhygSuLDCPA/s1600-h/733_darkbrown_a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAkm5Cw5QI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/dhygSuLDCPA/s200/733_darkbrown_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314287810863228162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Terra Plana)</span><br /></div><br />Cleaner cut trainers and sneakers are everywhere at the moment and so here are some of my favourite men's trainers, particular kudos to the toe shape of the Clarks Originals and the incredibly flexible VivoBarefoot and recycled bike tyre sole of Worn Again @ Terra Plana.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlPiL_1hI/AAAAAAAAAFo/WPPAFDYYnJw/s1600-h/20325600_A_p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAlPiL_1hI/AAAAAAAAAFo/WPPAFDYYnJw/s200/20325600_A_p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314288509102577170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Clarks Originals)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAknNgpKLI/AAAAAAAAAEo/YomvPeGHGJE/s1600-h/946_bluesuede_a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAknNgpKLI/AAAAAAAAAEo/YomvPeGHGJE/s200/946_bluesuede_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314287816357259442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(VivoBarefoot @ Terra Plana)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAkm8xn67I/AAAAAAAAAEY/C1bOcOaDNpo/s1600-h/839_army_a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAkm8xn67I/AAAAAAAAAEY/C1bOcOaDNpo/s200/839_army_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314287811865078706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Worn Again @ Terra Plana)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Smart Black Shoes (SBSs) for men will occur in every collection despite season but some of the nicest summery ones are again, Camper and Terra Plana. Camper's quirky twins range is responsible for the laces on these slick black leather shoes, whilst Terra Plana's use of eco tumbled leather creates a shoe very very soft and comfortable, with ultra thin sole for a new walking experience.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAk_0q191I/AAAAAAAAAFA/AAe9pXwYYdk/s1600-h/18335-001_L.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAk_0q191I/AAAAAAAAAFA/AAe9pXwYYdk/s200/18335-001_L.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314288239185885010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Camper)</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAknHiDrGI/AAAAAAAAAEg/A6E7KpF-KvI/s1600-h/940_browntumbled_a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 135px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GcIfUuv3xaU/ScAknHiDrGI/AAAAAAAAAEg/A6E7KpF-KvI/s200/940_browntumbled_a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314287814752578658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">(Terra Plana)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br />PHEW.<br /></div></div>francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-26023372090641832252009-03-16T20:39:00.003+00:002009-03-16T20:54:27.005+00:00"Roots" brick table installationthis is really exciting. Using Processing technology and the touch sensor brick table, users can alter the output, which manifest as music; as series of notes and sounds controlled by touch.<br /><br /><br /><object width="400" height="302"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1663988&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1663988&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="302"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/1663988">Roots Multi Touch Tangible Installation Teaser</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/bricktable">BricK Table</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3627683946953775548.post-80298518145619193702009-03-15T19:42:00.002+00:002009-03-15T19:49:48.666+00:00<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c4uS7NL4tu8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c4uS7NL4tu8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t90OiOYvBAw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/t90OiOYvBAw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br />want to recreate this movement.<br /><br />it's really not going to happen as i want it to is it?francesrachelhilarydixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03175201764267548077noreply@blogger.com0