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23:27 Mtu Mzuri
» kaasa Hi everybody. I hope you are all fine. Tomorrow (Thursday), I am off to New York so please wish me luck! I will see my siblings who live close-by (they are coming into the city) and who apparently plan on accosting me about the Mr. Hot issue. Well, my sister and brother-in-law plan on doing [...]
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22:27
Nerds Need Art
» Afromusing Digital art.
At Ars Electronica in Linz, I was struck by the amazing pieces exhibited, and more so by the Ars Electronica center. It is set very near to a bridge on the Danube river.The Exhibitions archive page uses a schematic of the center to give you an idea of what is curated where.
The outdoor space atop the main gallery and before the future lab space seems to tie the old architecture of the church to the futuristic style of the Ars Center. Click on the image below for a larger size, the church is to the left of the future lab stairs.
It is one of those buildings that people either love or hate…I loved it. At night, the LED lights that line the outer glass wall change color. Something like a nocturnal visual surprise every time you glance at it.
The festival itself is something to experience. Since its now over, i would highly recommend visiting the Ars Electronica center to see some of the pieces that formed a benchmark of the festival. Besides, I am convinced that Linz would make a perfect location for any techy, futuristic or even a good action movie. Be it Minority Report 2 or next Bond 007, I can totally vouch for the stunning imagery it would evoke if someone like Daniel Craig would rappel down the Ars Center and straight into a boat on the Danube. (Spielberg, Soderberg, Wachowski brothers and whoever produces 007 – you are welcome
)Ahem, pardon my digression. Back to nerds needing art.
This has admittedly been a very busy year for me, and I have to admit that I did not expect it to be. With time, I’ve realized that being in the tech space can sometimes sap your sense of wonder. Or maybe its just me. If you are one of those people who feel mired in tech and sometimes feel like the ‘wow’ factor is gone when you see new innovations…and it elicits a bland ‘hmmm’ reaction and god forbid ‘meh’ – Well you need a healthy dose of art. Attending Ars Electronica helped me marvel again at what artists, architects, performance artists and idea mongers have to share. Below I will share afew of the pieces i particularly enjoyed, and provide some links to blogposts by the other wonderful speakers and friends from the Cloud Symposium.
Quartet is a Web-interactive robotic music installation. The machine you see in the live video feed is housed at an innovative museum in Linz, Austria, ARS Electronic. Seeing the machine live, inches away is an visceral experience that shows the real power of live music… and that robots can be a part of that experience. Visitors at the museum are able to enter melodies from a laptop in the museum for immediate interactivity
You play a short melody on the site Quartet.cc then you see the music interpreted onto the machine. Try it…
Since I have a thing for mobile phones (Nokia) I greatly enjoyed the robot controlled by bluetooth.
This is a picture of the phone.
This is the little robot it controls. How fun!
This is basically the livescribe pen on steroids. You can write and record audio which is digitized and transferable pdf docs or uploaded online. The steroids bit: The Anoto pen can be used to navigate a map, displaying relevant data on a big screen. For example, if you click on a specific point on the map of Linz, and would like to know the demographics of the region, you can tap on the legend provided on a page to give you stats on number of divorced people between the age of 21 and 45. This was preety cool because it combines maps, tactile input of using a pen and a digital display to add more data.
I got to play the loopscape game with the renowned tech journalist Cyrus Farivar. I really could claim victory, but really…it was a draw.
“loopScape” is an innovative video game for two players that blurs the conventional distinction between good and evil, between “my side” and “the opposition.”
The action doesn’t take place on a flat display but rather on a 360° band arrayed around the edge of a ceiling-suspended metal “doughnut” that’s circumnavigated during play. The object is to shoot down the opponent. But be careful! If a fired missile misses its target, it continues on its trajectory and threatens to strike from behind the game figure that launched it.
This loopscape game is a form of interactive device art, and for some reason, it brought to mind the idea of participatory art. Something that Wambui, Sciculturist and I were discussing at RAMOMA gallery in Nairobi. Check out this ‘Watoto Wa Kwetu’ piece by Wambui. More pics are on this flickr set. I think the loopscape game has participatory qualities just like the Watoto wa kwetu paintings, because both pieces are best experienced with others. There are some observations that Wambui made on the Watoto wa kwetu paintings that I would not have noticed. Do note that the paintings are done by a group of children, and not one artist. So, there is that aspect too.
This is just but a sampling of what was in store at Linz. I havent even touched on the animations. I hope you enjoy the perspectives shared by the others on the Cloud Symposium blog, videos posted there and the following links too.
Kristen Taylor – Mosaics, food and the cloud If you are wondering about her cool dress, its vintage. I had to ask
I am not much of a beer drinker, so her suggestion to get some Secco (Austrian white sparkling wine) with our dinner was just invaluable. David Sasaki – An outsider’s guide to Linz Indispensable. His talk about cloud intelligence provided the framework for discussion that day.
I keep digressing from this nerds need art theme, but hopefully i can tie it all together.
In the quest to not lose your sense of wonder, sometimes you need to look inward, be quiet and just think about the bigger picture. To find the creative place. If you’ve ever used the words ‘code is poetry’ ‘Math is elegant’ or ‘no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should’. There is this need to look inward, to find that inner muse and embrace the imagination. I think whenever you need to go to such a place, art can provide that gateway.
The Thinking Chair by Arthur Ganson
Where does inanimate material end and where does life begin? Arthur Ganson lets his “Thinking Chair” straddle the boundary between those two states. Through its movements—which resemble the gait of a human being walking on two legs—the chair exhibits animate traits. Arthur Ganson had the idea that led to this work while taking a walk. Near his studio, there is a small rock outcropping on a trail, which he likes to walk around in slow circles, deep in thought. During this walking meditation, each cycle finds him back in the same physical place but in a slightly different emotional place
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20:42
Football: Made in Africa
» AfriGadget 
Football Made in Africa is a site put together by a Belgian outfit called Take Five that will air 50 shows that are 1m30s each. It’s a push for themselves and their content before the 2010 Football World Cup taking place in South Africa next year. It’s extremely well done, but that’s not why I’m writing about it here on AfriGadget.
Ever wonder how those plastic bag footballs are made?Here’s how to use a condom to create a football bladder.
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15:06
Quick Hits around African Tech
» White African Understanding what drives Mpesa agents
Growing the agent network is one of the most challenging parts of a mobile payment system.“The number one cost for most agents was liquidity management – moving cash. Agents report a host of expenses, including bank charges, transport costs, and fees to aggregators who advance commissions and provide easy float/cash swaps for agents. On average, liquidity management consumed 30% of total expenses.”
Asynchronous Info, Disjointed Data and Crisis Reporting
Jon Gosier talks about Uganda’s riots and what he’s learned in the process.Africa’s diaspora and the cloud
Teddy Ruge writes a great essay on the web and Africa’s diaspora.“There’s a cloud gathering over Africa; a storm of connected thoughts and ideas that are pushing African countries violently forward. The Diaspora is using emerging web technologies in increasing numbers, frequency, and variety to stay connect with Africa, simultaneously charting a new digital course for it’s economic independence on the world stage.”
New Africa broadband ‘ready’
The BBC Digital Planet team is in Kenya and doing a knock-up job of interviewing people about what’s going on around the tech space there.
(Note: all the people in the BBC “in pictures” for this day are part of the Ushahidi extended dev team in Kenya)Mobiles offer lifelines in Africa
Ken Banks writes about mobile phone growth and development in Africa, stating “Africans are not the passive recipients of technology many people seem to think they are.”
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14:13
Nairobi pornographers, prostitutes, perverts, pimps plus pushers pursue phoney promises of prosperity
» Diary of a gay Kenyan A mole tells me of this cameraman who was recently contracted to film his first adult movie at a boarding and lodging room now converted into a studio above some shops along a seedier part of Nairobi’s Luthuli Avenue. The guy got carried away when the action got too steamy, he just dropped his camera and proceeded to relieve his tension just as the cast were on the verge of the grand finale. The video camera lens was generously spluttered with his dna (jism and spunk are so 1970’s darlings). Some ‘swimmers’ even reached our hapless cameraman’s hairy chest and not only was he ejected from the set but he also had some explaining to do later that evening when his wife discovered dried and crusty remnants. Anyway she happily swallowed the old porridge-on-the-chest line.
Irony of it all, I’m told, is the cameraman’s solo performance (faster than Bolt doing 100 meters on Red Bull) was better that the actors’ jaded fakery but no one recorded it. I managed to acquire the off-camera sounds of a very authentic ‘aaaargh aaaargh aargh aargh’ which George now has as his phone ringtone.
Coming when you are called…..
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12:16
Lyrics,poetry and love...what to do....
» the-undergraduate When your love is true
The words just come through
When you think you've found the one
No one can tell you it aint so
This dream,this fairy tale i hold so dear
My sweet i pray you'll be near
Through my days eternal
I'll love you my dear
My poetry muse;i found it,again :)
Ok maybe it's the cough syrup having an effect on me but whatever the case i feel like i got butterflies in my stomach
I love good poetry for one thing,it always captures the essence/mood of a situation better than any other form of prose.
Poetry is the music of the soul,the melody though not sung can be heard by all that take time to trully appreciate its worth.
The words,the lyrics so sweet;a southing to the heart
It's not something you work on but rather seek the right inspiration for the words to flow through effortlessly -
Kisses
» the-undergraduate For better or for worse
My baby you know i'll always be by your side
In my world the sun rises in your eyes
In my life you're my shinning moon and stars when it dawns
You dont have to worry if i should ever break your heart
You're a part of me now
The one i cherish the most
I will love you through the good times
And the hard times will be nothing but a chance to grow stronger
My baby my one and only you'll always be my number one
Just promise me one thing in return
You'll never go to bed angry and in your heart i'll always be the one
It scares me just how alike we are,
For the longest time ive tried to deny the similarities but nowadays all i can do is smile when i see that little bit of me in you
It's pure comedy when you react to things just like i do
This is bound to get akward in the future,interesting but aKwArd :)
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9:42
Big Brother 4 Revolution Female Housemates
» A Nairobian's Perspective ! Well a wall separates the female contestants from the male housemates in the current edition of season 4 Big Brother Africa 2009.So who are the female contestants in the house in 2009?
First we have 27 year old Edna From Angola:
Two: Elizabeth from Dar es Salaam Tanzania
Three:Business Student Emma from Angola :
Four : Ogaland Nigeria is represented by two female contestants (i)Law Student Geraldine from , theres something about her that makes her look like Edna :
and (ii) 23 year old Nkenna :
Next comes Jennifer from Mozambique:
From Mugabeland(Zimbabwe)is the attractive Kristal:
South Africa is represented by the 22 year old Music loving female housemate Liz :
Zambia has three female contestants in BBA Revolution (IV) - model Maggie :
AND Palamo
AND Renee described as entertainment at its absolute best:
Malawi is represented by Mzamo who describes herself as" Open Minded"
( all photos courtesy of Mnet Africa's BBA Website)
The contest begins.
Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacif
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9:00
Transactivsm, lesbian identities & being a trans man
» Black Looks Trans activist, Victor Mukasa on being a lesbian and a trans man…
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8:51
VOTE!
» Media Madness That pic…no comment! Vote for our boy Jeremy – text his name Jeremy to 5626…so all you ladies vote to keep this hunk in the house….queer folk…vote to keep this piece of eye candy in the house. Disclaimer: I’m on medication hehehehe dont judge me by what I’ve entered above Remember JEREMY to 5626 [...]
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8:29
Windhoek Sevens : Kenya 7's missing from the party
» Rugby in Kenya Windhoek Sevens : Kenya 7's missing from the party
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8:23
We told ya!
» Media Madness Among our first posts on this blog was on Fareed quitting Capital…they’ve confirmed it by removing him from their groups on Facebook. He goes on air next week on XFM- 105.5 !!! I gotta say, breakfast + lots of rock + Rabia = GOOD STUFF! Can’t wait!!
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8:20
PROGRAMMING note
» Media Madness Damn! I got me self the oinks hehe nope, just a nasty ass cold…back to proper blogging on Friday! Keep the spirit alive people Pius xoxo
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4:53
East Africa Tech World and Leadership wrap up
» All about Africa and specifically Kenya Uganda Ushahidi witness alert The recent riots in Uganda is troubling for East Africa Community. Leadership in the region should understand that faster development can only be achieved through peaceful coexistent between the different communities. Kenya for example is still feeling the aftermath of 2008 post election violence and the sluggishness of Kenyan economy is a [...]
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3:36
The RINGERA–MAU TRADE-OFF: Controversy vs. Compromise!
» Still Proud to be Kenyan. I remember vividly an episode of Boston Public that I watched a while back where this teacher could not bring herself to compromise on a heated topic. Every time that it seemed they would reach some deal, she would say something that would throw the whole thing into disarray. At one point, the head teacher [...]
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Kenya Rugby : History of the Enterprise Cup 1930 to 2005 - FINAL POST
» Rugby in Kenya Kenya Rugby : History of the Enterprise Cup 1930 to 2005 - FINAL POST
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Dealing with Bedbug Infestation
» A Nairobian's Perspective ! Ahadi Trust -a Kenyan NGO has been valiant in its efforts to eradicate Jiggers and to treat Jigger infested victims in various parts of the Country with a measure of success . The thing is Jiggers are openly manifest and whether one has it or not, its not very easy to hide problem!However there is another problem that many Kenyans have and few are yet to admit and or talk about it- Bedbugs. The worst thing about bedbugs is that if a bed is infested and you as a visitor sleep on it, those mites /bugs are going to feast on you with dire consequences whereas the owner will not even notice them. That being the dilemna its necessary that if you have a bedbug problem you read this free online resource: how to get rid of bedbugs. The information from the website may just save you an embarrassment.
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1:32
Tweng gone wrong LOL!
» Media Madness Yesterday, as Ann Kiguta was reading the news on Capiro…she let our a kanice kuyu shrub ‘Nashoro’ what she meant to say was National hehe seems Anne has been dozing off in ‘Accent class’
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1:06
THE SELF MADE MILLIONAIRE; ‘SECRETS’ I HAVE LEARNT
» Kenyantykoon's Blog This group of people has always been the object of interest for most if not all of the rest of the people who do not have this very envied title around their neck. I mean wouldn’t anybody want to have no money problems and to have the ability to buy whatever they wanted and go [...]
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