Maybe I read too much science fiction, or more likely take it too seriously. Sometimes, it seems the real world is a sci fi novel that just does not seem to work properly. I expect the world over, sci fi writers are screwing up their faces in mind numbing torment as they live through another day of science’s failed expectations. Where are the Microsoft thinking machines or Ryan Aerospace’s budget tickets to the moon? Where are the cures for cancer, stupidity and the common cold? Why doesn’t my car fly, or talk or even drive itself? Is the achievement of all this stuff really hard or something? I guess the simple answer is yes, all of the above are, for some reason, quite difficult to achieve.
If I was to give this blog a theme I would go with a kind of optimism, a prudent, considered optimism. As much as I want to see technology unfettered and used to it’s greatest potential, I have to be honest and admit I am pretty choosy when it comes to what kinds of goodies I would like to see. There is, I think, a way to differentiate between between the good and bad, I have to admit also that the means by which these judgements are reached is problematic. Beyond merely describing the possible the consequences of these new technologies, discussing the possible consequences both positive and negative remains the issue which ultimately requires debate. So, in the articles that follow some thought will be given to both their best use and what constitutes the possible misuse or downright abuse that might follow these discoveries.
In the first article I will cover the brief history of prototype fabrication, in particular the newest and fanciest desktop appliances a very rich nerd might be able to purchase. The 3D printer; not only can you print a photo of your loved ones but soon if you can afford it, you can knock out sculpted bust too. Over the next week, I will update the article providing a brief history of the technology, where it is at today and what wee might expect from it in the future.
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