11.24
Broken Windows Redux
Speaking of Gladwell, the validity of one of the theories he went into depth about in his first hit book, The Tipping Point, has been put to the test by a researcher in the Netherlands from University of Groningen. Short version: the “broken windows theory” still holds. via Gruber
11.10
Learned Helplessness
The theory of Learned Helplessness fits perfectly — on a macro, more social level — with the sentiment I intended to express in “A Period of Adjustment”. Here’s to serendipitous discovery.
9.8
Ambient Awareness
At first the utility of these kinds of services are not immediately apparent but as time goes on, they become deliciously addictive.
In “I’m So Totally, Digitally Close to You” Clive Thompson pens an interesting piece for New York Times Magazine examining both the pitfalls and positive aspects of our Twittering, Facebooking, “always on” behavior.
12.18
Perseverance
Beam me up, Scotty.
Play it again, Sam.
Just the facts, ma’am. Just the facts.
It’s elementary, my dear Watson.
How is it that these misattributed lines have stuck for so long despite being discredited? Social Psychology tells us that these have stuck around despite being revealed as false constructions and will continue to do so long after this blog post has faded into the electronic ether.
10.28
Boundary Functions
By projecting the diagram, these invisible relationships between individuals and the space between them are made visible and dynamic. The intangible notion of personal space and the line that always exists between you and another becomes concrete.
[...]
The title of the piece, Boundary Functions, refers to Theodore Kaczynski’s 1967 Phd thesis at the University of Michigan. Better known as the Unabomber, Kaczynski is a pathological example of the conflict between the individual and society
Boundary Functions, Scott Snibbe, 1998
(via Kottke)
