January 13, 2004

» Alien alphabet generator

Art21 - The Alphabet Synthesis Machine (Introduction)

The Alphabet Synthesis Machine is an interactive online artwork which allows one to create and evolve the possible writing systems of one's own imaginary civilizations.

» Your handwriting as a font

Fontifier

Fontifier lets you use your own handwriting for the text you write on your computer.
It turns a scanned sample of your handwriting into a computer font that you can use
in your word processor or graphics program, just like regular fonts such as Helvetica.

» Pavement cinema for Calcutta's street kids

BBC NEWS | World | South Asia | Calcutta cart keeps film rolling

Using a 107-year-old Japanese projector and small, homemade loudspeakers perched on the curious coffin-shaped cart draped in black cloth, Salim hits the road with his unique, mobile pavement cinema.

» Neophiles may live longer

Fear and Loathing - A new study shows that being risk-averse may shorten your life. By Christine Kenneally

But the point of experimental psychology is not to help shy rats get along in the world or to increase rat longevity, it's to measure phenomena that may be applicable to humans. Is it possible that neophobia in humans can affect life span in the same way?