Quote of the week

…..and those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. — Friedrich Nietzsche–

Educational Poll

Engelbart’s 1968 “to do” list World’s First Interactive Map

http://timwallace.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/worlds-first-interactive-map/

Engelbart quote of the week

As a result of issues of scale, it is imperative that human and tool systems must co-evolve.

Come over on SUNDAY, DEC 6 Book, DVD, Music Sale

Getting ready for a party tomorrow, selling books, music, videos, and homemade crafts by friends and family—Come one–come all 2520 San Jose Ave, Alameda.
“”"”"”"”"”"”"”RAFFLE-win autographed novel GRACE by Susan Sherril, Arizmendi bread, or a Chicken Made of Rags CD”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"
Books autographed by Saul Landau
DVDs by Saul Landau http://www.roundworldproductions.com
Music by Greg and Camilo-http://roundwhirledrecords.com
The Engelbart Hypothesis
Heartsongs, poetry by Nina Serrano
HOME made Curry sauce by Dustin
Musical performance—mystery guest—-
Swap-a-Rama free pile of used books, collectables, and stuff that people no longer want but is too cool to throw away.

A visit to Doug Engelbart’s Office

Flowers and candy on Mary Coppernoll's desk

From inside looking out

Sign painter stops when I ask him to pose for my iPhone

Friends of the sign painter

From inside out

Don’t throw BF Skinner’s research out…along with his bath water

I posted two quotes from Skinner on Twitter and Facebook and am surprised at the response. Publicly and privately friends express their hatred of B.F. Skinner. Even Noam Chomsky spent pages (years ago) raging against Skinner.

However,  Skinner’s work may be more valuable today than ever.  He conducted many important studies, and pioneered the field of using machines (computers) as learning tools, so I believe it is worth while looking back with 20/20 hindsight to see what was valuable, insightful, or just his misinterpretation. The notion “consider the source” is a valid consideration, but too often we use our emotions to either glorify or vilify others.

Isn’t it time we begin judging the merit of a message on how well that particular message resonates  and begin to separate message from messenger?

Skinner, I know, has become a euphemism for, ok, an icon of, narrow-minded step-by-step instruction.

However, his big revelations:

• small immediate rewards shape behavior better than punishment,
• random generous rewards can be a tremendous motivator (slot machines as a case in point)

Skinner had a lot of valid criticisms of modern capitalism and the excesses of over-consumption. He believed that television made representational democracy impossible as small bits of positive reinforcement (a solid hand shake, a positive outlook, a trust worthy expression )swayed voters more than effective policies or complicated solutions.

So, enough of my pro-Skinner ranting for now. I hope these videos of BF’s experiments make you reflect on your behavior half as much as they made me reflect on mine.

Skinner videos:

Pigeon Ping Pong (way better than cat juggling)

http://www.bfskinner.org/BFSkinner/PigeonPingPong.html

Making a pigeon dance

http://www.bfskinner.org/BFSkinner/ShapingATurn.html

Seven questions for thought leaders and activitst?
1) Have we improved mankind’s ability to meet its challenges? (on a scale of [0..100] )
2) Do our stakeholders think we will be capable of making a difference in #1?  [0..10]
3) Are we articulating our vision clearly and effectively?  [0..10]
4) Do we have an adequate plan?  [0..10]
5) Do we have the right people in the right roles to reach the next level in #1-4?  [0..10]
6) Are we all enjoying this?  [0..10]
7) Are we improving our answers to #1-6 fast enough?  [0..10]

Questions by my hero Rob Stephenson, curator of the Tech Museum Virtual

What to buy for gifts? How about independently produced music and crafts

Greg Landau, and Camilo Landau’s amazing record label
Round Whirled Records

Video of one of their albums From Peru the lovely Pamela

AND… for the kids ages 4-11

The Chicken Made of Rags
Sample song

I almost forgot my two videos

How to keep  your cell phone from ringing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUtggzsZgq0&feature=player_embedded

Protect your passport from being hacked, cloned, or pirated