Comments for Constant Flux

Comment on One Step Closer To Cyborghood by Gustav Bertram

Gustav Bertram — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:30:41 +0000

I base my theory on the fact that using Wikipedia and Google has become so reflexive to me that I don’t have to think about it any more, in the same way that I don’t think about driving.

I believe that when we get around to having truly portable computers with small screens directly in front of our eyes, that this look-up reflex will become even more ingrained.

Saying that such a device would be a crutch is like saying that cars, or even writing is a crutch.

I’m excited by the possibilities for intelligence amplification such an integrated device would yield.

Comment on One Step Closer To Cyborghood by Nina

Nina — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:41:43 +0000

Interesting idea, although it seems pertinent to point out that you’re equating body maps to mind maps. Why this division of the human being into a mind and a body? For argument’s sake, let’s accept that the two are seperate, for now.
By equating using a toothbrush with using an exocortex, you imply that the same ‘pattern’ of brainwave activity takes place. I’m struggling with this, as it seems to me that the two would be different.
Clearly, integrating complex functions into our physical awareness is not a problem. Very few of us think of every motion made during driving, it’s not “push this thingy up, then push the middle pedal, shove this lever here then brake and wiggle the round thingy”, it’s simply “turn left”. A whole car has become part of your physical awareness.
However, no ammount of using a calculator (a primitive exocortex, in some ways) makes certain mathematical procedures become absorbed into your mental awareness (or mental map, in your terminology). In fact, it seems to me that these relegate certain functions away from the brain, theoretically leaving it free to do other things, but, sadly, often becoming a crutch.
My question, then, is whether an exocortex can ever be assimilated into our mental maps to the extent that you are suggesting.

Admittedly, before I stumbled across your blog, an ‘exocortex’ was some strange scientist with a brain in a jar. If my question simply reflects my ignorance, I will happily stand corrected.

Comment on Africa Is Big by The Size of Africa « Ewan's Corner

The Size of Africa « Ewan's Corner — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:41:49 +0000

[...] source: constantflux (via lots of others) Share and [...]

Comment on Animax in South Africa by Thando

Thando — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:31:20 +0000

I agree the repeats need to stop! i don’t know about it only being available on the full bouquet that’s a business strategy - the best channels are reserved for the full. And i actually like the dubs, my japanese is NON-EXISTANT, although i do want to learn. AND why aren’t we getting the shows that Animax shows on its networks overseas? like: Full Metal Alchemist, One Piece, and Ginko.

Comment on Animax in South Africa by Nic

Nic — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:45:04 +0000

I definetly agree the constant repeats and skipping of episodes I beginning to drive me away.

Comment on Setcom Beats South African Paypal Restrictions by Gustav Bertram

Gustav Bertram — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:31:01 +0000

Their contact page clearly shows that their mail address is in Rivonia, in Johannesburg.

Comment on Setcom Beats South African Paypal Restrictions by Clement

Clement — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:49:26 +0000

Is Setcom a South African comapny. I tried to search their origins online but to no avail.

Comment on They Tell Me I’m An Atheist Blogger by Owen Swart

Owen Swart — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:01:24 +0000

yay!

Comment on They Tell Me I’m An Atheist Blogger by James

James — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:52:32 +0000

Welcome, fellow science and scepticism blogger. It really was important to include you because of your views on education. But you have Joy-Mari to thank for the nomination.

Comment on Amsterdam Adventure by Gustav Bertram

Gustav Bertram — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:39:53 +0000

I tried to be objective about the project and what I could bring to it.

I just didn’t feel that I was the right person for the position. I didn’t want to take it just because I was flattered.