Audiopad is a composition and performance instrument for electronic music which tracks the positions of objects on a tabletop surface and converts their motion into music. One can pull sounds from a giant set of samples, juxtapose archived recordings against warm synthetic melodies, cut between drum loops to create new beats, and apply digital processing all at the same time on the same table. Audiopad not only allows for spontaneous reinterpretation of musical compositions, but also creates a visual and tactile dialogue between itself, the performer, and the audience.
Audiopad has a matrix of antenna elements which track the positions of electronically tagged objects on a tabletop surface. Software translates the position information into music and graphical feedback on the tabletop. Each object represents either a musical track or a microphone.
Audiopad was developed by James Patten and Ben Recht aka localfields.
It was a chance conversation on March 23 1985 (“in the afternoon, as I recall”) that first started Josh Silver on his quest to make the world’s poor see. A professor of physics at Oxford University, Silver was idly discussing optical lenses with a colleague, wondering whether they might be adjusted without the need for expensive specialist equipment, when the lightbulb of inspiration first flickered above his head.
What if it were possible, he thought, to make a pair of glasses which, instead of requiring an optician, could be “tuned” by the wearer to correct his or her own vision? Might it be possible to bring affordable spectacles to millions who would never otherwise have them?
More than two decades after posing that question, Silver now feels he has the answer. The British inventor has embarked on a quest that is breathtakingly ambitious, but which he insists is achievable – to offer glasses to a billion of the world’s poorest people by 2020.
*This is a comment that was left on the Aspirin vs. Marijuana thread, thought I would repost it here for all to see*
A call is going out to all of the world’s organizations that claim to be working for a better world for us to live in. The world is waking up to so many discomforting realities, but at the same time we are reaching out to each other with words of encouragement. We can make moves. We can have peace of mind, by being on the right track. We are sharing the truth with each other and watching the miracles happen.
This letter is from Citizens Against Marijuana Prohibition, which currently operates in the US, but is setting an example for the world. C.A.M.P. is dedicated to freeing innocent people from prison, and protecting those whose freedoms are threatened, as well as revealing the truth about the many beneficial properties of cannabis so that proper judgements can be made.
We, like you, are doing the ridiculous thing. Trying to help others, who we don’t even know. Why would we do such a thing? Perhaps there’s something that motivates humans besides personal physical well-being. We think so.
What can you do to help the cause of saving the world from ignorance? Of course you are already doing a lot. Thank you for everything. Keep up the good work. Now, what can we do to motivate people to change the legal status of the blessed cannabis plant? Some of the things we’re doing right now are lobbying at the New York State Legislative building and pressing for a meeting with Governor Paterson, while one of our members is fighting a legal battle to prove that his arrest for marijuana cultivation was unconstitutional. The evidence that the marijuana laws were established based on fraudulent testimony is enormous. We believe that by revealing the fraud and showing how harmless it is we can totally repeal all marijuana prohibition laws. The variety of uses of the cannabis plant include strong fabric and rope, bio-degradable plastic, eco-friendly fuel, high quality paper, highly nutritional foods, the most widely usable medicine, including the cure for cancer, and a pleasantly euphoric incense. There is a special window of opportunity right now, as the Presidential administration is changing and the majority of the legislators are now of the same party. Before the special interest agendas sink their teeth into the new regime, let’s inform the public about the hypocrisy of marijuana prohibition, and take a stand that will shake the foundations of the house of cards known as the “Drug War”. I urge you to consider the possibility that these laws can be repealed. Changing our minds about the possibilities is the first step toward a major change.
There has got to be a grain of goodness in the government that will grow with an inspired movement of the public. Let’s show them that the minority of activists are sincerely working for the majority of pacifists. As long as our intentions are truly benevolent, the good side of the general public will join in this nonviolent battle for justice. Help us to help the world. Whatever recognition we get we’ll share with you, by honoring your supportive actions. It is quite apparent that something great is happening to the hearts and minds of humanity. All we need to do is push together, and the ball will continue to roll, until the negative forces have no hope of resisting.
It’s time to end prohibition! Please let us know that you are looking for a way to contribute, even if it is simply to encourage others to add their voices to the call to action. Every voice helps. Every movement towards a more compassionate society helps. Every motion towards cooperation helps. Right now the focus of C.A.M.P. is the rally in Albany on January 9, ‘09 to get the attention of Governor Paterson and the legislature on this gross official misconduct. We are looking for as many people as possible to be there, but also telling people about it would help. Please call the legislators in your area and tell them that marijuana prohibition is against the public’s best interest and is based on fraud, and that THC oil is the cure for cancer. That would be a great act of compassion.
Peace and Love,
Abigail Storm
Citizens Against Marijuana Prohibition
www.nycamp.org
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