Random
Randomness is a lack of order, purpose, cause, or predictability in non-scientific parlance. A random process is a repeating process whose outcomes follow no describable deterministic pattern, but follow a probability distribution. The term is often used in statistics to signify well defined statistical properties, such as lack of bias or correlation. Monte Carlo Methods, which rely on random input, are important techniques of computational science. Random selection is an official method to resolve tied elections in some jurisdictions, and is even an ancient method of divination, as in tarot, the I Ching, and bibliomancy.
Kind of sad, but I feel like I remember this, but maybe I am just crazy. Happy 4th of July to those of you in motherland, try not to blow anything up, or do try?
No Comments | Posted by Michael Paul Young on July 4th, 2008
She shoots with everything from Polaroids to laptops to disposable cameras. Her photos are a hot dose of narcissism. Here’s native Swede and Paris resident Lina Scheynius.
No Comments | Posted by Stefan Kjartansson on June 30th, 2008
Public Collectors consists of informal agreements where collectors allow the contents of their collection to be published and permit those who are curious to directly experience the objects in person. Participants must be willing to type up an inventory of their collection, provide a means of contact and share their collection with the public. Collectors can be based in any geographic location. The purpose of this project is for large collections of materials to become accessible so that knowledge, ideas and expertise can be freely shared and exchanged.
In addition to hosting collection inventories and other information, www.publiccollectors.org includes digital collections that are suitable for web presentation, do not have a physical material analog, or are difficult or impossible to experience otherwise. These photos from one of the digital collections on the site show a sampling of face painting options at about five different vendor booths in Mexico City. My personal favorite…Pirata!
No Comments | Posted by Emily Darnell on June 26th, 2008
Found a collection of cigarette cards at the digital gallery of NY Public Library. I really like the proportions and the symbols for each armed forces division.
No Comments | Posted by Travis Stearns on June 25th, 2008
Was reading up about Salmonellosis today when I came across this interesting bit of information: The Four-Inch Law refers to a regulation passed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1975 outlawing the sale of turtles with a carapace length of less than four inches. Exceptions are present for scientific and educational use, export, and private sale. The law was enacted, according to the FDA, “because of the public health impact of turtle-associated Salmonellosis”. There had been reported cases of young children placing small turtles in their mouths, which led to the size-based restriction. Strange world, strange world…
No Comments | Posted by Michael Paul Young on June 18th, 2008