Lab 10: Simple Programming in Excel and Measuring Uncertainty

The difference between their measures of information is that Shannon's factors in probability, while Hartley's does not. Hartley's simply uses the logarithm, while Shannon multiplies the logarithm by the given probability. It gives you a weighted logarithm. This resulted in a more accurate figure for our lab, however, this will not always be true. Sometimes it will be better to use Hartley's method.

Lab 9: Data Analysis (Linear Regression)

The first part of this lab was a good review of the concept of linear regression. Looking at a chart of linear regression is a good way to observe an average of the variables when plotted against each other. It is also helpful to look at the residuals to see how far the observed outcome is from the predicted.

I have calculated all of the descriptive statistics in this lab before in other math classes, however, the lab did it in a different way then what I have learned. In the past I was instructed to do the calculations by entering the data into a graphing calculator (TI-83) and having the calculator do the work. This lab showed me the actual equations and how to use Excel to make the calculations easier. With only a couple clicks, Excel can give me all of the statistics I would need and then some.

I also went through the keystrokes necessary to create charts from spreadsheet data. This makes it easier to observe the behavior of the data, and we can put data next to each other and compare.


Inductive modeling really is a fairly simple process. Concepts like lines of best fit, residuals, and correlation are important and easy to understand when thought about logically. This lab has stressed the fact that it is important to think inductively, not deductively, when observing statistics. This type of statistics sort of parallel Hertzian's modeling paradigm. Both use the concept of predicted and observed results, which essentially are the basis of statistics.

Lab 8 Histogram

Lab 7 Task 3: DeMorgan's Law

(AB)'=(A' OR B') in this circuit because both output boxes had the same results for all possible inputs; therefore, DeMorgan's Law is true.

Lab 7 Task 2: Simple Circuit Exercise

This circuit results in true only if A and B are the same.

Binary conversions and Number systems

In non-positional number systems, symbols are associated with values. An example of this is the Roman numeral system. Conversely, in positional number systems, a number is a sequence of symbols. This value's sequence depends on the symbols' position in the number and the base of the number system. Examples of positional systems are binary and hexadecimal.

Global Swarming

The slug metaphor is a great one because it helps us understand the concept of us leaving electronic trails. Combining this concept with that of "positive feedback" demonstrated by Linepithema humile is a good model of the potential we have for seeking out information on the internet. I find myself using the very same tool described on amazon.com. When looking for music to buy, I often take a look at the related items the website posts for me, and this often produces good results.

One idea that intrigued me was that of a Traffica Cybernetica. It seemed a little too far-fetched for me. How can it be possible to make roads and interstates mobile enough for them to change. And if this is accomplished, what happens to the little used routes and those who use them? Sure, they are little used, but they are used, nonetheless.

I am very concerned with the privacy issues of human-machine symbiosis. I don't think it will be possible to make such a high level of connectivity safe enough for people to use. It would be a gateway into allowing people to find out information that is far too personal. However, when focusing on the good things coming from a perfect symbiosis, it is easy to see how it would make many facets of life easier.

I feel that it is important for us to remember not too sacrifice the old technology to make room for the new. When I think of this quote, I think of not forgetting the purpose of the original machine. I agree with the article when it says that we should aspire to integrate the new and the old together.

Health care in Neil Gershenfeld's TTT [Things That Think] world would be much more efficient. The article is correct when it says that there is a great effort into taking care of those who took their medication wrong. A thinking medicine and cabinet would make analysis much more efficient. You could also apply this to something like probation for drug testing. You could easily monitor a person's intake on a daily basis to ensure they aren't violating terms of their probation.

It blows my mind to think of how people would act in a TTT world. I am not sure if some people would be able to adapt to this type of world. However, those who have the resources and choose to purchase a TTT house and live in a TTT environment, could live a very efficient, streamlined life. If that's for you, then that's your choice. I really don't think some people would take to this kind of idea. Those type of old-fashioned people who stray from technology would stay behind.

Whether or not we are able to integrate technology into our lives, we must remember that as we develop technology we must protect ourselves from the dark side of development and progress. I am very wary of these tools having so much control over our lives.

Unix Commands

In Unix, sometimes there will be a lot of information to display. If this is the case, then the system may only show a percentage of the information, which they show you at the bottom next to "more." If you want to see all of the data, than all you need to do is click the spacebar. The Windows counterpart to this is the "Page Dn" and "Page Up" buttons. You can also use "Home" and "End". Also, I just realized this: in Windows pressing the spacebar scrolls down as well.

The Unix command to remove a file is "rm." The Windows command parallel to this is the "Delete" button, which sends the selected file(s) to the Recycle Bin.

To make a directory in Unix, use the command "mkdir" followed by what you want the directory to be named. In Windows you can make new folders in a drive by opening a particular drive or folder and use the command "Ctrl+N," which stands for "New." You can then edit the name of the new folder.

To logout of Unix, we use the command "exit." To logout of Windows, click "Start," then "Log Off." You can then choose if you want to switch users (if there is more then one account on the system), or you can completely log out.

Modeling the World

It is important to understand that information is a relation. This is the basis for modeling the world around us. Signs are related to a thing that the agent can understand. Signs make it easier to communicate the message the agent needs to know and understand.

Using signs and symbols we can understand the natural laws of the world. It is interesting to think about the type of mind that it takes to put these laws into words. We all basically know these laws, but they are hard to put into words. Aristotle must've been a genius.

The Hertzian Modeling Paradigm is interesting because it allows us to attempt to predict the future. Based on logical model, we can try to follow what we think will happen in the future; therefore, allowing us to prepare for our predicted result. Whether or not the observed result is congruent with our prediction depends on the accuracy of the model and physical laws.

I have never thought about trying to model nature. For example, when we were talking about modeling the plant, I did not think it was possible to break it down into a pattern. However, with the use of symbols and colors, it was quite easy to see the pattern. It wasn't entirely accurate, but it gave us a good model of how the plant branched out.

the thing I like most about the process of modeling is that it isn't a particularly difficult concept to carry out. It simplifies the world around us and the natural laws within. The Fibonacci sequence absolutely blows my mind, and the fact that someone was able to notice this amazes me.

Technologies to Bond With

One of the biggest things I took from this reading was the difference between transparent and opaque technologies. Opaque technology requires attention and skills because it is not natural to the biological organism. By contrast, transparent technology is almost invisible and requires no attention because it is so well-fitted to our lives. I hope we discuss this topic further because it is very interesting.

Clark also discussed the potential changes in the future that could be made possible through transparent technologies. His ideas about a "Smart World" immediately made me think of the movie Minority Report with Tom Cruise. In the movie he walks into a clothing store and these hologram advertisements can personally cater to his preferences by scanning his retina and they suggest clothing articles to him. The holograms can advertise to multiple persons at a time, too. Are you kidding me? This kind of technology is amazing!

I also found the idea of Augmented Reality very intriguing. To me though it seems almost impossible to be able to add information to the world around us. That is just incredible. Still, the example of being able to see directions to a library through eyeglasses would be a great tool. It's like a personal, visual MapQuest... crazy stuff right there.

All in all a good article.

Infoport

The Library of Babel

The Library of Babel is a short story that gives Jorge Luis Borge's thoughts on the universe. The Library is a large one, made up of hexagonal sections, each containing shelves filled with books containing every book possible. The library contains any and all information one could think of, including all possible variances for a given book. However, it is too much information, so much that those trying to read and understand them are driven to suicide. The Library was a good metaphor for the universe, but Borge could've developed some of his points better. It would've made understanding his logic easier. Still, an interesting short story that makes you wonder...

The Library of Babel: http://infoport.blogspot.com/2007/01/library-of-babel.html

Test post

testing... testing... 1,2,3. This is my blog for I101.