Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: Karen W. on 28/02/2008 23:30:46
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Hey guys this question is from Bob.... not me.. Have fun!
So Smart guys, tell me what computer, program, website , or entity I must buy subscribe to, or beseech for truly new, unique ideas? Some that are fascinating, maybe advancing. An answer to questions that we cannot ask. Fun and amusement. Enlightened diversions for the average Schmo truck, driver like me. I don't mean "ask Dr. Science," I mean anything really,......different?
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The problem with the Internet is that by its nature if someone knows it, then potentially everybody knows it, and if it is successful, then it wont remain unique for very long.
And what is a "Schmo truck driver"? I know truck drivers who are in Mensa, so simply being a truck driver says not a great deal.
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Try reading as many novels as you can. Don't muck around with Science!
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I have to agree with sophie on this one . . . originality comes from creativity and imagination, and the point of science almost the opposite, so really, take your mind off science. For once, I would not recommend reading anything by Asimov, and I will probably regret saying this, but Asimov will make you want to come back to science. Read a Christopher Paolini book. Read a Dan Brown novel. Hell, read harry potter all the way from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows if you must.
It's as I always say-you have to get there first to be the first. Read the earliest fiction you can find.
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I am not at all sure that the above two comments don't sound just a touch arrogant.
Firstly, there is a great deal of originality in science, and much fiction can be formulaic also. Just look through wikipedia and you can find hundreds of original scientific theories (most wont stand up to much scrutiny, but they are original).
That having been said, Bob actually did not ask about science, he asked about computer programs or websites.
OK, if you want something different in terms of web sites, that might be amusing, how about trying one of these:
http://www.agentland.com/cgi-bin/relocation.cgi?http://www.agentland.com/pages/learn/articles/virtualwoman.html
http://www.jeeney.com/
Don't treat them too seriously - the poor dears do get confused all too easily.
Or if you want something more serious, but light hearted, you can browse through:
http://www.snopes.com/
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yeah, that is different . . .
what about one of those games where you can play god and blow up politicians?
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I recommended novels (decent ones by decent authors) because they tend not to be thrown together. It's not too posey to read a bit if Hemmingway, Iris Murdoch, Ian Rankin or VS Naipaul; the effort is well worth while. There is such a lot of superficial stuff on the Web; it's far too easy to publish rubbish that way. That's not an arrogant statement; it's common sense and the advice will help you avoid wasting a lot of time.
Computer games, even the most elaborate ones, are very one dimensional and, although they will help with your motor skills and logical processes, they don't reach very deep into the 'inner you'. I am not knocking them; they have their place and they do provide diversion.
It's the message not the medium that counts and, as yet, the majority of good stuff is still delivered with the written word. Then there is the Cinema - thousands of excellent films on DVD.
Don't be afraid to try the stuff that isn't immediately accessible. No pain no gain.
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There is such a lot of superficial stuff on the Web; it's far too easy to publish rubbish that way. That's not an arrogant statement; it's common sense and the advice will help you avoid wasting a lot of time.
No, that is not what I felt was arrogant - it was more about the "stay away from science, it's beyond you" that I felt was the case with some of the earlier statements. By all means, I have nothing against book recommendations (not that I normally read fiction, but neither do I look down my nose at it).
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I wrote "don't muck around with Science" because of the risk of becoming nerdy and uncultured.
I should have included the word "only" in the statement. I also find that non Scientists can be incredibly narrow.
AND WHAT REALLY ANNOYS ME is that they can be so damned proud about knowing nothing of Science. But that's another issue.
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The problem with the Internet is that by its nature if someone knows it, then potentially everybody knows it, and if it is successful, then it wont remain unique for very long.
And what is a "Schmo truck driver"? I know truck drivers who are in Mensa, so simply being a truck driver says not a great deal.
Well, Thank you George, of course you are right about truck drivers but I do Like to poke fun at myself!
I understand what you said about the internet. This something can be very small... a single frame illustration,a few words,just something,...different. Thank you very much and I love reading your concise, well reasoned comments.
Bob
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Try reading as many novels as you can. Don't muck around with Science!
Thank you I will consider your advice-
Bob
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I have to agree with sophie on this one . . . originality comes from creativity and imagination, and the point of science almost the opposite, so really, take your mind off science. For once, I would not recommend reading anything by Asimov, and I will probably regret saying this, but Asimov will make you want to come back to science. Read a Christopher Paolini book. Read a Dan Brown novel. Hell, read harry potter all the way from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows if you must.
It's as I always say-you have to get there first to be the first. Read the earliest fiction you can find.
Thank you I will take your advice about the novels.
I must say, some of my favorite creative new ideas were of scientific solutions to problems. Real light bulb,mother of invention moments. if my memory serves me it was a Mr. Dunlop who invented the pneumatic tire, having a profound effect on the evolution of technology.
Bob
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I recommended novels (decent ones by decent authors) because they tend not to be thrown together. It's not too posey to read a bit if Hemmingway, Iris Murdoch, Ian Rankin or VS Naipaul; the effort is well worth while. There is such a lot of superficial stuff on the Web; it's far too easy to publish rubbish that way. That's not an arrogant statement; it's common sense and the advice will help you avoid wasting a lot of time.
Computer games, even the most elaborate ones, are very one dimensional and, although they will help with your motor skills and logical processes, they don't reach very deep into the 'inner you'. I am not knocking them; they have their place and they do provide diversion.
It's the message not the medium that counts and, as yet, the majority of good stuff is still delivered with the written word. Then there is the Cinema - thousands of excellent films on DVD.
Don't be afraid to try the stuff that isn't immediately accessible. No pain no gain.
All very true,I will investigate further. Thank you sophie-
Bob