April 16, 2018

Technology and Citizenship. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton contrasted. When examining the words and decisions of historical figures, I must always remind myself that I’m doing so with the benefit of x number of years knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. That being said, I still think Jefferson’s concept of a nation of “yeoman farmers” would have doomed the US to invasion and occupation by our friends the British. They were still kind of pissed about losing the Revolutionary War. I agree with his advocacy to gain more land, but agree equally with Hamilton in his vision for an industrial future foe the US.

Identity of an individual, identity of a nation. Technology is the master and potential destroyer of both. I’m afraid we’re becoming Wonder Bread. Perhaps hundreds of varieties of Wonder Bread, each living in clusters of sameness.

April 18, 2018

Discussion of Final project and demonstration of GarageBand software. Not so intimidating when watching someone else, but will have to try it myself in the STAR lab in JC. Using a Mac is like swimming on my back. I’m a good swimmer, but prefer something resembling the American Crawl. It’s what I’m familiar with, like a Windows PC.

GarageBand reminds me of a sportbike with a suite of electronic rider aids. Lean-sensing traction control, anti-lock brakes, launch/wheelie control. All these features can make a mediocre rider safer and better, but can be in the way of a highly skilled rider. I’ll bet GarageBand’s assistive tech may bug highly skilled musicians and purists. Just a hunch.  Initial plan: start with a midi file of Mickey Newbury’s “American Trilogy,” and modify/personalize it.