Recently, Douglass Rushkoff talked about something called “Present Shock” in Wired. In particular one quote stood out for me, about how storytelling is changing: “Think Game of Thrones. In the old days, this sort of show might be considered bad writing. It doesn’t really seem to be moving toward a crisis or climax, it has no true protagonist, and it’s structured less like a TV sh... »
Over a lunchtime conversation at CONvergence last weekend, I was reminded of an oft used metaphor for social change, the pendulum. While the imagery is compelling, I realized that the analogy is pretty much garbage and that there is a somewhat more robust one available. After the break, I present my arguments using the medium most respected in formal debate, cartoony marker drawings. »
I was driving home today and Flo Rida’s song “Whistle” came on the radio. I was about to switch away when I was struck by how positive the message was. The chorus promotes a proactive, and respectful approach to physical pleasure without the homophobic hangups with which American culture is so often associated. Let’s explore this surprising piece of art in more detail. »
Good day, Labbers. I have a treat for you today in the form of a tantalising guest post from Stuart F Taylor. Stuart is the author of Tales from Pareidolia, an illustrated collection of original fairy tales inspired by skepticism and science. Stuart lovingly plucked two Mad Art Lab illustrators to contribute to the book, so we are very proud to hand the spotlight over to him for this post, where h... »
Science is a story. Think about it: It has heroes and villains; noble quests to discover great riches; triumphs and devastating defeats. Each hero surges forward, bolstered by those who came before them. Each victory brings untold riches upon them. Except the quest is for knowledge, and riches are shared with the entire world, for the betterment of humanity. Science is the greatest story still bei... »
It is a delight for any artist to have critics pick apart not just their artwork, but their genre of art itself. Fortunately for comedians like myself, humour has repeatedly avoided the cocked-head, beardy think-clunking attention of the bespectacled, cardigan scratching underwhelming academics. Mainly because comedy isn’t considered proper art. Comedy is like porn, sure it can make you thin... »
In my stumbles over the internet – I found this. Enjoy! (If you know where it is from please do let me know. Want it!) Thanks to Dorna Shahabeddin. »
Steve alerted us to the awesomeness of today’s XKCD: Read more… »
