Exploring the Intriguing World of Internet Linkfest
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Chapter 1: An Artistic Journey
Welcome, everyone! It’s that time again for our weekly Linkfest! Dive into the most captivating content I've gathered from the depths of the internet.
Section 1.1: Tiny Tapestries
1) The captivating “Tiny Tapestries” exhibit Every two years, the American Tapestry Alliance hosts a “Tiny Tapestries” event, inviting submissions of works measuring 10 inches square or less, centered around a specific theme. This year's theme is “Tiny But Mighty.” You can view some stunning contributions on the My Tapestry Journeys blog, and they are quite remarkable!
Not only do I appreciate the artistry of tapestries, but I also admire their historical significance: Early computer graphics from the 70s and 80s drew heavily from the techniques used in tapestries. When observing these small tapestry works, one might be reminded of digital art from unreleased Gameboy games. Don’t miss the chance to check them out!
Section 1.2: The Ant Empire
2) The astounding biomass of ants surpasses that of birds and mammals Quantifying the ant population is challenging, but ecologist Mark Wong has recently made significant strides. After examining 498 studies, he estimated there are around 20 quadrillion ants in the world. To put this into perspective, that’s 20,000,000,000,000,000!
According to CNET, Wong notes that ants collectively weigh about 12 megatons of dry carbon, which exceeds the total biomass of all wild birds and mammals combined. To grasp the enormity of this estimate, multiply the ant biomass by five, and you'll approach the total biomass of humans on Earth — and this figure may be conservative. Wong emphasizes the importance of this research, especially as global warming threatens numerous species, leading to what he terms “dark extinction.” While ants are well-known, their ecological importance is often underestimated. They play vital roles in seed dispersal, predation, and soil aeration.
Wong advocates for citizen science to help monitor ant populations. “Counting ants,” he states, “taking pictures of insects in backyards, and observing plant and animal behaviors can contribute immensely.”
Section 1.3: Musical Mathematics
3) Composing music with prime numbers Greg Davis is a musician who crafted an album inspired by prime number sequences. Using Max/MSP synthesizer software, he explained how he transforms prime sequences into sound.
To create music from prime numbers, he starts with a base frequency, like 100 hertz, and then applies prime numbers to generate a range of frequencies. This fascinating blend of math and art allows the music to continuously evolve without repetition, creating a unique auditory experience. You can listen to his album on Bandcamp, available for free in digital format or on vinyl.
Subsection 1.3.1: Waveform Creation
4) Engaging with the RITM-Generator Anatolii Babii, a creative coder from Kyiv, has introduced a mesmerizing wave generator known as the “RITM-Generator.” Users can manipulate various settings to create diverse wave styles, adjusting parameters such as amplitude and color, and save their creations as animated GIFs. This innovative tool is built using P5, a fantastic programming language for artistic coding.
Chapter 2: The Physics Behind Feline Feats
5) How cats twist in mid-air Katherine J. Wu explores the fascinating physics behind a cat’s ability to right itself when falling upside down. This capability seems to challenge physical laws, but Wu explains that cats conserve angular momentum by rotating different parts of their bodies in opposite directions.
The intricate flexibility of a cat's skeleton allows it to adjust its body mid-fall, a skill that has intrigued scientists for years. Wu's article is a must-read, shedding light on the mechanics of this seemingly miraculous feat.
Section 2.1: Nostalgic Mall Music
6) Revisiting the sounds of early American malls Fardemark has unearthed some vintage Bruton and De Wolfe Music records from the 1970s, which were used as background music in malls and elevators. He recorded these tracks onto cassette tapes, adding a lo-fi touch, and then digitized them for our enjoyment on YouTube.
This retro music evokes a unique atmosphere and serves as a nostalgic reminder of shopping centers in their heyday, like Toronto’s Yorkdale mall.
Section 2.2: The Impact of Photography on Art
7) Will AI replace traditional photography? With the rise of image-generating AI tools, the future of commercial photography appears uncertain. Historian Hans Roosebloom examined the transition from traditional portrait painting to photography in the 19th century, revealing that artists adapted rather than disappeared.
Despite initial fears, portrait painting flourished alongside photography. Artists utilized photographs as references and even as a means to reproduce their work. Roosebloom argues that just as photography didn’t kill painting, AI may similarly coexist with commercial art in unexpected ways.
8) A treasure trove of links to explore In conclusion, this week’s Linkfest features a variety of intriguing topics, including the history of consumerism post-Black Plague, the artistic endeavors of Neanderthals, and the latest advancements in AI technology.
Stay tuned for more captivating content in the next edition of Linkfest!