Main.AMorePersonalExplanation History
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Jim 2012 | Facit LX acquired in 2015 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | Facit LX acquired in 2014 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | Acquired Facit LX 2015 | |“The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | Facit LX acquired in 2015 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | Acquired Facit LX 2015 | |“The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011W110.jpg | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JFW150.jpg | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961W100.jpg |
http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011W110.jpg | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/FacitLX.jpg | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JFW150.jpg | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961W100.jpg |
J: Sort of. I still am involved in running a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at the United Nations University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on various issues and am an Affiliate Researcher with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. My latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
J: Sort of. I still am involved in research on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at the United Nations University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on various issues and am an Affiliate Researcher with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. My latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (£25 - that was Australia’s currency then) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (£25), that was Australia’s currency then, if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (£25!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (£25 - that was Australia’s currency then) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (£25!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a series of articles about it in a recent issue of a Journal.1
J: Sort of. I still am involved in running a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at the United Nations University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on various issues and am an Affiliate Researcher with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. My latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)
Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)
Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)
Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)
Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)
Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)
(:typeset-page parasep=space duplex=off sectionnewpage=on:)
I. So, you said you would give me the explanation of why you collect calculators.
J. I don’t think I promised ‘the explanation’.
I. I think you did! But we can let that pass. Why have you done this?
J. It was part of my job. Oh no, I am retired (sort of). Well, I guess it must just be fun.
I. Fun??? Calculators!! Come off it!
I: So, you said you would give me the explanation of why you collect calculators.
J: I don’t think I promised ‘the explanation’.
I: I think you did! But we can let that pass. Why have you done this?
J. Well I could give you a story. Would that help?
I. Maybe.
J. When I was a kid . started it I think when I was 13 . I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did . I bought a movie camera with it . It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments . I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into . Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: It was part of my job. Oh no, I am retired (sort of). Well, I guess it must just be fun.
I: Fun??? Calculators!! Come off it!
J: Well I could give you a story. Would that help?
I: Maybe.
I. Oh, so you were just a young nerd were you?
J. No, yes, oh maybe. I came bottom of the class in mental arithmetic, and failed geometry, if that helps?
I. Not really . but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine . couldn’t do without it?
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
I: Oh, so you were just a young nerd were you?
J: No, yes, oh maybe. I came bottom of the class in mental arithmetic, and failed geometry, if that helps?
I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?
J: So you think that explains it?
I: Might.
J. So you think that explains it?
I. Might.
J. No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you guys always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
I. So there’s more?
J. Sure, how much time have you got?
I. Not much, I do have to do lunch real soon. Could you just give me the drift?
J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you guys always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
I: So there’s more?
J: Sure, how much time have you got?
I: Not much, I do have to do lunch real soon. Could you just give me the drift?
J. OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’d better take this seriously. The point is I graduated from Monash with an Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
J: OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’d better take this seriously. The point is I graduated from Monash with an Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
J. Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar in my second year at university in 1966, later was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and when doing my PhD used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight! Now of course you can do it all in your iphone.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar in my second year at university in 1966, later was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and when doing my PhD used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight! Now of course you can do it all in your iphone.
I. So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not entirely bad to be a propeller head, supposedly.
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not entirely bad to be a propeller head, supposedly.
J. But that wasn’t all. I mean I had been heavily involved in student politics. I was President of the Student’s Representative Council in my second and third years, and I became a strong anti. Vietnam war activist. Even went to Vietnam in the middle of the war (Jan 1969) and got accreditation as a journalist.
J: But that wasn’t all. I mean I had been heavily involved in student politics. I was President of the Student’s Representative Council in my second and third years, and I became a strong anti-Vietnam war activist. Even went to Vietnam in the middle of the war (Jan 1969) and got accreditation as a journalist.
I. Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? Protests, long hair, and drugs. I’ve read about it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? Protests, long hair, and drugs. I’ve read about it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
J: Hang on. There’s a link.
J. Hang on. There’s a link.
I. Look, it is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who seriously matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
J. I’ll try to be quick
I. OK . could you please get on with it.
I: Look, it is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who seriously matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
J: I’ll try to be quick.
I: OK - could you please get on with it.
J. Well to cut it short.
I. Yes please.
J. When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities . including for the Australian Conservation Foundation, and working for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs. But in the end I had to decide which way I was going to jump . science or the other way. Crunch came in 1980 when I was offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong. I took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
I. OK so you chose the soft stuff over the hard stuff did you?
J. Um…
J: Well to cut it short.
I: Yes please.
J. Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. There I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. So I learned a bit about that too. By 1989 I was Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this stuff I did and do you could look or for the more recent stuff here.
J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities - including for the Australian Conservation Foundation, and working for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs. But in the end I had to decide which way I was going to jump - science or the other way. Crunch came in 1980 when I was offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong. I took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
I: OK so you chose the soft stuff over the hard stuff did you?
J: Um…
I. No, thanks. We’ve already had quite enough of that.
I. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. But it doesn’t seem to have helped you. It just seems to have left you all confused about these calculators and why you collect them.
J. Well, that seems a bit blunt.
I. Anything else?
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. There I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. So I learned a bit about that too. By 1989 I was Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this stuff I did and do you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J. Only that after that from 1996 I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice. Chancellor’ . that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So in 2004 I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne . the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of 2011. So I no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow with this office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I: No, thanks. We’ve already had quite enough of that.
I. So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, instead of having to do serious work to do things, however pointless (if you’ll excuse me saying so), like collect the calculators and do this website?
J. Sort of. I still run a on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the , and an Emeritus Professor at the . I still write on do some work with the . Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is . There is a series of articles about it in a recent issue of a 2
I: So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. But it doesn’t seem to have helped you. It just seems to have left you all confused about these calculators and why you collect them.
J: Well, that seems a bit blunt.
I: Anything else?
I. Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you must be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
J. Well one of my most cited articles is from 1995 on and the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.
I. Can’t say that says much about calculators! That’s drawing a long bow isn’t it?
J: Only that after that from 1996 I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So in 2004 I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of 2011. So I no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow here with this office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, instead of having to do serious work to do things, however pointless (if you’ll excuse me saying so), like collect the calculators and do this website?
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a series of articles about it in a recent issue of a Journal.3
J. OK . well , who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works . from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing . ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. They seemed so magic to me as a kid. So I collect calculators.
I. Well that seems like two completely different things entirely! I don’t see the connection.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you must be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
J: Well one of my most cited articles is from 1995 on “The Meaning of the Web” and the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.
I: Can’t say that says much about calculators! That’s drawing a long bow isn’t it?
J. OK, maybe this will do . the calculators have helped me understand the history of calculation, and the history of calculation has helped me decide what I wanted to actually have in my hands.
I. Yes . but isn’t that just an excuse? Do you really need to HAVE these things to just write a history?
J: OK - well my father, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. They seemed so magic to me as a kid. So I collect calculators.
I: Well that seems like two completely different things entirely! I don’t see the connection.
J. Look, I like calculators, especially the old ones, OK?
J: OK, maybe this will do - the calculators have helped me understand the history of calculation, and the history of calculation has helped me decide what I wanted to actually have in my hands.
I: Yes - but isn’t that just an excuse? Do you really need to HAVE these things to just write a history?
J: Look, I like calculators, especially the old ones, OK?
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us still have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll text you. OK?
J: Well have you got what you want?
I. Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us still have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll text you. OK?
J. Well have you got what you want?
I: Look, its not what I expected. I thought you would tell me why you have collected these calculators. But it seems like you don’t know. It’s more like the calculators have collected you.
J: Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics?
I: Beats me. Why do normal people watch sport?
J: OK well why do they buy sports cars?
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got one of the old Austin Healey Sprites. Really fun! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? One of the reasons you seem so weird is you are forever trying to change the subject.
I. Look, its not what I expected. I thought you would tell me why you have collected these calculators. But it seems like you don’t know. It’s more like the calculators have collected you.
J. Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics?
I. Beats me. Why do normal people watch sport?
J. OK well why do they buy sports cars?
I. Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style . really neat. I’ve got one of the old Austin Healey Sprites. Really fun! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? One of the reasons you seem so weird is you are forever trying to change the subject.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean isn’t calculation a crucial tool in our evolving capacity for governance?
I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students? Like footnotes are going to change the world?
J. Well we have big problems like which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean isn’t calculation a crucial tool in our ?
I. You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students? Like footnotes are going to change the world?
J: So do you still want to write this article?
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure how either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll text you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
1 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
2 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
3 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
J. So do you still want to write this article?
I. It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure how either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll text you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
httpmeta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011W110.jpg | httpmeta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JFW150.jpg | http//meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961W100.jpg |
Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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(:Title An explanation?:)
(. Title An explanation?. )
(:linebreaks:)
I: So, you said you would give me the explanation of why you collect calculators. J: I don’t think I promised ‘the explanation’. I: I think you did! But we can let that pass. Why have you done this? J: It was part of my job. Oh no, I am retired (sort of). Well, I guess it must just be fun. I: Fun??? Calculators!! Come off it!
I. So, you said you would give me the explanation of why you collect calculators.
J. I don’t think I promised ‘the explanation’.
I. I think you did! But we can let that pass. Why have you done this?
J. It was part of my job. Oh no, I am retired (sort of). Well, I guess it must just be fun.
I. Fun??? Calculators!! Come off it!
J: Well I could give you a story. Would that help? I: Maybe. J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J. Well I could give you a story. Would that help?
I. Maybe.
J. When I was a kid . started it I think when I was 13 . I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did . I bought a movie camera with it . It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments . I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into . Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
I: Oh, so you were just a young nerd were you? J: No, yes, oh maybe. I came bottom of the class in mental arithmetic, and failed geometry, if that helps? I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?
J: So you think that explains it? I: Might. J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you guys always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated. I: So there’s more? J: Sure, how much time have you got?
I. Oh, so you were just a young nerd were you?
J. No, yes, oh maybe. I came bottom of the class in mental arithmetic, and failed geometry, if that helps?
I. Not really . but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine . couldn’t do without it?
J. So you think that explains it?
I. Might.
J. No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you guys always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
I. So there’s more?
J. Sure, how much time have you got?
J: OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’d better take this seriously. The point is I graduated from Monash with an Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar in my second year at university in 1966, later was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and when doing my PhD used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight! Now of course you can do it all in your iphone.
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not entirely bad to be a propeller head, supposedly.
J: But that wasn’t all. I mean I had been heavily involved in student politics. I was President of the Student’s Representative Council in my second and third years, and I became a strong anti-Vietnam war activist. Even went to Vietnam in the middle of the war (Jan 1969) and got accreditation as a journalist.
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? Protests, long hair, and drugs. I’ve read about it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
J: Hang on. There’s a link. I: Look, it is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who seriously matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google… J: I’ll try to be quick I: OK - could you please get on with it.
J: Well to cut it short. I: Yes please. J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities - including for the Australian Conservation Foundation, and working for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs. But in the end I had to decide which way I was going to jump - science or the other way. Crunch came in 1980 when I was offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong. I took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference. I: OK so you chose the soft stuff over the hard stuff did you? J: Um…
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. There I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. So I learned a bit about that too. By 1989 I was Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this stuff I did and do you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
I: No, thanks. We’ve already had quite enough of that. I: So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. But it doesn’t seem to have helped you. It just seems to have left you all confused about these calculators and why you collect them. J: Well, that seems a bit blunt. I: Anything else?
J: Only that after that from 1996 I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So in 2004 I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of 2011. So I no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow here with this office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, instead of having to do serious work to do things, however pointless (if you’ll excuse me saying so), like collect the calculators and do this website? J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a series of articles about it in a recent issue of a Journal.1
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you must be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators. J: Well one of my most cited articles is from 1995 on “The Meaning of the Web” and the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information. I: Can’t say that says much about calculators! That’s drawing a long bow isn’t it?
J: OK - well my father, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. They seemed so magic to me as a kid. So I collect calculators. I: Well that seems like two completely different things entirely! I don’t see the connection.
J: OK, maybe this will do - the calculators have helped me understand the history of calculation, and the history of calculation has helped me decide what I wanted to actually have in my hands. I: Yes - but isn’t that just an excuse? Do you really need to HAVE these things to just write a history?
J: Look, I like calculators, especially the old ones, OK?
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us still have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll text you. OK? J: Well have you got what you want?
I: Look, its not what I expected. I thought you would tell me why you have collected these calculators. But it seems like you don’t know. It’s more like the calculators have collected you. J: Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics? I: Beats me. Why do normal people watch sport? J: OK well why do they buy sports cars? I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got one of the old Austin Healey Sprites. Really fun! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? One of the reasons you seem so weird is you are forever trying to change the subject.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean isn’t calculation a crucial tool in our evolving capacity for governance? I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students? Like footnotes are going to change the world?
J: So do you still want to write this article? I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure how either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll text you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
J. OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’d better take this seriously. The point is I graduated from Monash with an Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
J. Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar in my second year at university in 1966, later was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and when doing my PhD used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight! Now of course you can do it all in your iphone.
I. So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not entirely bad to be a propeller head, supposedly.
J. But that wasn’t all. I mean I had been heavily involved in student politics. I was President of the Student’s Representative Council in my second and third years, and I became a strong anti. Vietnam war activist. Even went to Vietnam in the middle of the war (Jan 1969) and got accreditation as a journalist.
I. Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? Protests, long hair, and drugs. I’ve read about it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
J. Hang on. There’s a link.
I. Look, it is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who seriously matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
J. I’ll try to be quick
I. OK . could you please get on with it.
J. Well to cut it short.
I. Yes please.
J. When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities . including for the Australian Conservation Foundation, and working for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs. But in the end I had to decide which way I was going to jump . science or the other way. Crunch came in 1980 when I was offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong. I took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
I. OK so you chose the soft stuff over the hard stuff did you?
J. Um…
J. Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. There I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. So I learned a bit about that too. By 1989 I was Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this stuff I did and do you could look or for the more recent stuff here.
I. No, thanks. We’ve already had quite enough of that.
I. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. But it doesn’t seem to have helped you. It just seems to have left you all confused about these calculators and why you collect them.
J. Well, that seems a bit blunt.
I. Anything else?
J. Only that after that from 1996 I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice. Chancellor’ . that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So in 2004 I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne . the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of 2011. So I no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow with this office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I. So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, instead of having to do serious work to do things, however pointless (if you’ll excuse me saying so), like collect the calculators and do this website?
J. Sort of. I still run a on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the , and an Emeritus Professor at the . I still write on do some work with the . Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is . There is a series of articles about it in a recent issue of a 2
I. Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you must be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
J. Well one of my most cited articles is from 1995 on and the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.
I. Can’t say that says much about calculators! That’s drawing a long bow isn’t it?
J. OK . well , who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works . from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing . ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. They seemed so magic to me as a kid. So I collect calculators.
I. Well that seems like two completely different things entirely! I don’t see the connection.
J. OK, maybe this will do . the calculators have helped me understand the history of calculation, and the history of calculation has helped me decide what I wanted to actually have in my hands.
I. Yes . but isn’t that just an excuse? Do you really need to HAVE these things to just write a history?
J. Look, I like calculators, especially the old ones, OK?
I. Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us still have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll text you. OK?
J. Well have you got what you want?
I. Look, its not what I expected. I thought you would tell me why you have collected these calculators. But it seems like you don’t know. It’s more like the calculators have collected you.
J. Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics?
I. Beats me. Why do normal people watch sport?
J. OK well why do they buy sports cars?
I. Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style . really neat. I’ve got one of the old Austin Healey Sprites. Really fun! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? One of the reasons you seem so weird is you are forever trying to change the subject.
J. Well we have big problems like which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean isn’t calculation a crucial tool in our ?
I. You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students? Like footnotes are going to change the world?
J. So do you still want to write this article?
I. It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure how either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll text you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
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I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got one of the old Austin Healey Sprites. Really fun! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got one of the old Austin Healey Sprites. Really fun! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? One of the reasons you seem so weird is you are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? I mean it’s funny in a retro sort of way. I’ve read an article on it - protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, “pot”, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? Protests, long hair, and drugs. I’ve read about it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got this old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got one of the old Austin Healey Sprites. Really fun! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
J: OK, maybe this will do? The calculators have helped me understand the history of calculation, and the history of calculation has helped me decide what I wanted to actually have in my hands.
J: OK, maybe this will do - the calculators have helped me understand the history of calculation, and the history of calculation has helped me decide what I wanted to actually have in my hands.
J: OK, maybe this will do? The calculators have helped me understand the history of calculation, and the history of calculation has helped me decide what I wanted to actually have in my hands. I: Yes - but isn’t that just an excuse? Do you really need to HAVE these things to just write a history?
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure how either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure how either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll text you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011.gif Jim 2012 | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JF.gif ”The adding machine” 1961 | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961.gif Jim (“James”) 1961 |
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Jim 2012 | “The adding machine” 1961 | Jim (“James”) 1961 |
http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011.gif Jim 2012 | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JF.gif ”The adding machine” 1961 | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961.gif Jim 1961 |
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http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011.gif Jim 2012 | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JF.gif | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961.gif Jim 1961 |
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http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011.gif Jim 2012 | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JF.gif | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961.gif Jim 1961 |
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? I mean today it seems funny in a retro sort of way - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? I mean it’s funny in a retro sort of way. I’ve read an article on it - protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, “pot”, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got an old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got this old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style. They can be really cool. I’ve got an old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style - really neat. I’ve got an old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars - right at the edge of engineering, design and style can be really cool. I’ve got an old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars are right at the edge of engineering, design and style. They can be really cool. I’ve got an old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well sports cars have always been fast and fun. I mean they cut it - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats obvious. Sports cars - right at the edge of engineering, design and style can be really cool. I’ve got an old fixed-up MG. Really hot! Would loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There will be articles about it in a forthcoming Journal.3
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a series of articles about it in a recent issue of a Journal.4
Interview with Jim Falk, by James Edward Falk
Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: Only that after that from 1996 I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So in 2004 I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year. So I no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow here with this office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
J: Only that after that from 1996 I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So in 2004 I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of 2011. So I no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow here with this office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well sports cars have always been fast and fun. I mean they cut it - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? I mean today it seems funny in a retro sort of way - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about that gets us much closer to this thing about calculators, so maybe…
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? I mean today it seems funny in a retro sort of way - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about your youth as a “radical” gets us much closer to this thing about calculators (and look at you now), so maybe…
I: If I might say so, its striking how you Boomers still can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - what with all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about that gets us much closer to this thing about calculators, so maybe…
I: Well thats a clue! I mean you Boomers still just can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you? I mean today it seems funny in a retro sort of way - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about that gets us much closer to this thing about calculators, so maybe…
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us still have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us still have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll text you. OK?
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you want to be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you must be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that.
I: No, thanks. We’ve already had quite enough of that.
J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you guys always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. I’m sorry but some of us have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us still have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure how either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see how reminiscing about that gets us much closer to this thing about calculators does it?
I: If I might say so, its striking how you Boomers still can’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - what with all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks? Anyway, I don’t see how reminiscing about that gets us much closer to this thing about calculators, so maybe…
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. Hasn’t helped you has it? It just seems to have left you all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. I: So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. But it doesn’t seem to have helped you. It just seems to have left you all confused about these calculators and why you collect them.
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. I’m sorry but some of us have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see how reminiscing about that gets us much closer to this thing about calculators does it?
I: It is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who really matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
I: Look, it is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who seriously matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you happen to be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you want to be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, folks songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, marijuana, folk songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, folks songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, folks songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: If I might say so, you Boomers just don’t seem to be able to get over the 60s, can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles, hippies, folks songs - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. But I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but to be frank I’m not sure either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that - “Happiest days of your lives”? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? “Happiest days of your lives”? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that - “Happiest days of your lives”? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. “Happiest days of your lives”? I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? “Happiest days of your lives”? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
J: OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’m being flip. The point is I graduated from Monash with an Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
J: OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’d better take this seriously. The point is I graduated from Monash with an Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. “Happiest days of your lives”? I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Well everyone knows about the 60s - protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? You Boomers just can’t get over it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: You Boomers just can’t get over the 60s can you - all those protests, long hair, Beatles - all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Sure, we all know about the 60s - protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? You Boomers still can’t get over it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Well everyone knows about the 60s - protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? You Boomers just can’t get over it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Sure, we all know about the 60s - protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? Your generation still can’t get over it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Sure, we all know about the 60s - protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? You Boomers still can’t get over it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Sure, we all know about the 60s - protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? Your generation still can’t get over it. I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you happen to be an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you happen to be, well sorry, an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Well no need to waste time about what you did then. So you were one of those student ratbags. I guess way back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Protests, long hair, Beatles, all that? I guess way back then it helped pull the chicks. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you happen to be an egg head. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Well no need to waste time about what you did then. You were one of those student ratbags. I guess way back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Well no need to waste time about what you did then. So you were one of those student ratbags. I guess way back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Well no need to waste time about what you did then. You were one of those student ratbags. I guess back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Well no need to waste time about what you did then. You were one of those student ratbags. I guess way back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: So you were one of those student ratbags. Well I guess back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Well no need to waste time about what you did then. You were one of those student ratbags. I guess back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: So you were one of those student ratbags. Well it was what some chicks liked I guess. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: So you were one of those student ratbags. Well I guess back then it was what some chicks liked. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: So you were one of those student ratbags. Well it was what chicks liked I guess. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: So you were one of those student ratbags. Well it was what some chicks liked I guess. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: So you were one of those student ratbags. Well it was what chicks liked I guess. I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I. Not much, I do have to have lunch soon. Could you just give me the drift?
I. Not much, I do have to do lunch real soon. Could you just give me the drift?
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There will be articles about it in a forthcoming Journal5.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There will be articles about it in a forthcoming Journal.6
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There will be articles about it in a forthcoming Journal http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/gcps7.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There will be articles about it in a forthcoming Journal8.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. You will be able to read a heap of articles about it in the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security9.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There will be articles about it in a forthcoming Journal http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/gcps10.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And it seems to have just left you are all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. Hasn’t helped you has it? It just seems to have left you all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet” and its being discussed in the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security11.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. You will be able to read a heap of articles about it in the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security12.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And it seems to have just left you are all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. There I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. So I learned a bit about that too. By 1989 I was Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. There I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. So I learned a bit about that too. By 1989 I was Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this stuff I did and do you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J: OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’m being flip. The point is I graduated from Monash with a First Class Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
J: OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’m being flip. The point is I graduated from Monash with an Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974.
J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities. Worked for the Australian Conservation Foundation, then the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in an Environmental Resource and Education Centre in the Architecture School, became the Convenor of the Movement Against Uranium Mining for a while, then worked for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, and finally in 1980, after being offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong, took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities - including for the Australian Conservation Foundation, and working for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs. But in the end I had to decide which way I was going to jump - science or the other way. Crunch came in 1980 when I was offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong. I took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. In 1989 I was appointed Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS), which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. There I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. So I learned a bit about that too. By 1989 I was Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS). So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J: Only that after that I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
J: Only that after that from 1996 I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So in 2004 I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year. So I no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow here with this office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. In 1989 I was appointed Head of what was now the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS), which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. So I was in an environment where people professionally look at the history of technology and science, and how innovation happens. If you really want to know about any of this you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments) I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things, however pointless (if you’ll excuse me saying so), like collect the calculators and do this website?
J: Only that after that I became a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments). But you know research is much more interesting! So I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. So you can tell by the name that it was about technological innovation amongst other things. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, instead of having to do serious work to do things, however pointless (if you’ll excuse me saying so), like collect the calculators and do this website?
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I my recent publications are on environment, global politics, etc. With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security13 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a “Visiting Professor” at various things like the United Nations University, Latrobe University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. I still write on energy issues do some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet” and its being discussed in the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security14.
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not entirely shameful to be a propeller head, supposedly.
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not entirely bad to be a propeller head, supposedly.
J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
I: It is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
I: It is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who really matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. Your mind jumps around like a frog.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. You are forever trying to change the subject.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird. Your mind jumps around like a frog.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities (where amongst other things I had responsibility for their IT developments) I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - dependency - couldn’t do without it?
I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how the Editor responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might shake you loose a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might loosen you up a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might expand your horizons. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might shake you loose a bit, maybe. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! Might expand your horizons. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us have a job to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us have real jobs to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, style and design. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, design and style. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering, style and design. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars have always been beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a retro MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a fixed-up MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. Some of us have a job to do. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar in my second year at university in 1966, later was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and when doing my PhD used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight!
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar in my second year at university in 1966, later was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and when doing my PhD used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight! Now of course you can do it all in your iphone.
I: It is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and IBM…
I: It is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and Google…
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a retro MG Midget. You should try it! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a retro MG Midget. You should try it! It’s hot! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight!
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar in my second year at university in 1966, later was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and when doing my PhD used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight!
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things like collect the calculators and do this website?
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things, however pointless (if you’ll excuse me saying so), like collect the calculators and do this website?
J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story?
J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.
J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. You guys always want to do this the easy way.
J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story?
J: OK - well my father, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. I loved them as a kid. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my father, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. They seemed so magic to me as a kid. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my father, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my father, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. I loved them as a kid. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my father, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not all bad to be a propeller head, supposedly.
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not entirely shameful to be a propeller head, supposedly.
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply to you. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a retro MGB. Its great! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a retro MG Midget. You should try it! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. I’ve got a retro MGB. Its great! What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities. Worked for the Australian Conservation Foundation, then Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in an Environmental Resource and Education Centre in the Architecture School, became the Convenor of the Movement Against Uranium Mining for a while, then worked for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, and finally in 1980, after being offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong, took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities. Worked for the Australian Conservation Foundation, then the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in an Environmental Resource and Education Centre in the Architecture School, became the Convenor of the Movement Against Uranium Mining for a while, then worked for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, and finally in 1980, after being offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong, took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
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J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget!
http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011.gif | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JF.gif | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961.gif |
… So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JF.gif | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961.gif |
http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Jim_2011.gif | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/Facit_1961_JF.gif | http://meta-studies.net/pmwiki/uploads/James_1961.gif |
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J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget!
… So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 13 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which in 1961 could get you a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever project on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 443 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students?
I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students? Like footnotes are going to change the world?
I: You’ve lost me.
I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students?
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. No need to contact me. Bye.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here or for the more recent stuff here.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean isn’t calculationa crucial tool in our evolving capacity for http://books.google.com.au/books?id=JfQFMo4j3UQC&printsec=frontcover&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false?.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean isn’t calculation a crucial tool in our evolving capacity for governance?
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean calculation is a crucial tool of governance.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean isn’t calculationa crucial tool in our evolving capacity for http://books.google.com.au/books?id=JfQFMo4j3UQC&printsec=frontcover&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false?.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other?
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other? I mean calculation is a crucial tool of governance.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other?
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other?
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do write anything. Bye.
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem?
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? Maybe solving one depends on solving the other?
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how we got faster and better at solving the calculation problem?
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how collectively, we as humans, got faster and better at solving the calculation problem?
J: Well we have big problems like climate change which need a whole lot of innovation to solve. So maybe we can learn something about how we got faster and better at solving the calculation problem? I: You’ve lost me.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering and design. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun - right at the edge of engineering. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
J: Hang on and I’ll tell you.
J: Hang on. There’s a link.
I: So, you said you would give the explanation of why you collect calculators.
I: So, you said you would give me the explanation of why you collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - ancient elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.
I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you collect calculators. J: I don’t think I promised ‘an explanation’.
I: So, you said you would give the explanation of why you collect calculators. J: I don’t think I promised ‘the explanation’.
I: They are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.
I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.
I: Chick magnets? If you think that would work with calculators, you live on a different planet!
I: They are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.
I: To snare the chicks? If you think that would work with calculators, you live on a different planet!
I: Chick magnets? If you think that would work with calculators, you live on a different planet!
J: OK well why do they buy sports cars? I: To snare the chicks? If you think that would work with calculators, you live on a different planet!
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story, but I’m not sure either of those words apply. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: It was supposed to be a “human interest” story. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well: Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well. Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators
I: I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well! Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well: Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - the survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - elegant survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? You don’t seem to have thought it through very well! Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. Can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. But why retire if you are going to do that? Anyway, can’t really see what it has to do with calculators.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight!.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight!
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of mixed up soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things like this website?
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things like collect the calculators and do this website?
I: Maybe
I: Maybe.
I: Might
I: Might.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are consequently all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from nerd to a sort of soft geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: It is lunch time… And I have to interview someone who matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and IBM…
I: It is lunch time… Don’t take this personally, but I have to interview someone who matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and IBM…
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not all bad to be a propeller head.
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not all bad to be a propeller head, supposedly.
I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?
I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - dependency - couldn’t do without it?
I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you have started this web page.
I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you collect calculators.
I: Beats me. Why do people watch sport?
I: Beats me. Why do normal people watch sport?
J: Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics? Why are some physicists theoreticians and others experimentalists?
J: Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics?
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing. So I collect calculators.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing - the survivors of an age otherwise beyond our reach. So I collect calculators.
J: Well have you got what you want?
I: Look, its not what I expected. I thought you would tell me why you have collected these calculators. But it seems like you don’t know. It’s more like the calculators have collected you. J: Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics? Why are some physicists theoreticians and others experimentalists? I: Beats me. Why do people watch sport?
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
J: OK - well my Dad, who was a philosopher, used to collect old art works - from ancient Egypt and China. They were amazing. So I collect calculators. I: Well that seems like two completely different things entirely! I don’t see the connection.
J: Well the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.
J: Well one of my most cited articles is from 1995 on “The Meaning of the Web” and the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.
I: Drawing a long bow isn’t it?
I: Can’t say that says much about calculators! That’s drawing a long bow isn’t it?
I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine.
I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?
I. Not much, I do have to have lunch soon. Still you could give me a clue.
I. Not much, I do have to have lunch soon. Could you just give me the drift?
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling?
I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? It’s not all bad to be a propeller head.
J: Hang on and I’ll show you.
J: Hang on and I’ll tell you.
I: No, thanks very much, that’s quite enough of that. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are consequently all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are consequently all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators. J: Well it has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice, if you like that sort of thing. Can’t really see what it has to do with calculators. J: Well the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you.
I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?
I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators.
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc.[^eg. ABC National Radio broadcast on Ockham’s Razor: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/default.htm; ABC interview on Future Tense http://abc.net.au/rn/futuretense/stories/2010/2987477.htm; UTS Forum “To Survive Ourselves” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPSMDFaAS7oAustralia: Approaching an energy crossroads, Energy Policy, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.Wednesday, 2 December 20098 ^] With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security15 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I my recent publications are on environment, global politics, etc. With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security16 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities. Became the Convenor of the Movement Against Uranium Mining, worked for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, worked at RMIT in an Environmental Resource and Education Centre in the Architecture School, and finally in 1980, after being offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry and in History and Philosophy of Science (in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong) took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities. Worked for the Australian Conservation Foundation, then Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in an Environmental Resource and Education Centre in the Architecture School, became the Convenor of the Movement Against Uranium Mining for a while, then worked for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, and finally in 1980, after being offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry at Monash, and in History and Philosophy of Science in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong, took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference.
J: Um J: Anyway I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here
I: No, its OK - that’s quite enough of that. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators.
J: Um…
J: Anyway at Wollongong I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here
I: No, thanks very much, that’s quite enough of that. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are consequently all confused about how to write about calculators and why you collect them.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security17 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc.[^eg. ABC National Radio broadcast on Ockham’s Razor: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/default.htm; ABC interview on Future Tense http://abc.net.au/rn/futuretense/stories/2010/2987477.htm; UTS Forum “To Survive Ourselves” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPSMDFaAS7oAustralia: Approaching an energy crossroads, Energy Policy, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.Wednesday, 2 December 20098 ^] With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security18 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put Facit calculator into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there in the Melbourne School of Land and Environment with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security19 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security20 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security21 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. With other people who work on energy I have established a little website which provides briefs on energy issues. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is an issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security22 coming out with responses to it if you would like to see it discussed.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security23 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security24 coming out with responses to it.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things, like Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, etc.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security25 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, I’m a Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, and have a visiting position at Latrobe University too, as well as being an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wollongong. And I am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security26 coming out with responses to it.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this, but don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. But don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. Don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this, but don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Don’t hold your breath. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. Don’t hold your breath. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: OK - get on with it.
I: OK - could you please get on with it.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot, and all before was gas light!.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot. After that, all that had come before was gaslight!.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.)
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.) And over that time I saw the tools of calculation go from mechanical calculators, log tables, and slide rules, to motorised machines, to the electronic wonder of the Hewlett Packard pocket scientific computers in 1972, which could do the lot, and all before was gas light!.
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put Facit calculator into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - I wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put Facit calculator into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: Look, I like them, especially the old ones, OK?
J: Look, I like calculators, especially the old ones, OK?
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Don’t hold your breath. Bye.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things, like Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, etc.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things, like Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, etc.
J: Anyway I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. If you really have to know about all this you could look here
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators.
J: Anyway I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. But I still regard myself as doing STS. For example, I am on the editorial board of Science, Technology and Society. If you really have to know about all this you could look here
I: No, its OK - that’s quite enough of that. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of a Journal Global Change, Peace and Security27 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security28 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security29 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of a Journal Global Change, Peace and Security30 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security31 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security32 coming out with responses to it.
1 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
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27 http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/gcps/|Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
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30 http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/gcps/|Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
31 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
32 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security - vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012 - coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security1 coming out with responses to it.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. And I’m developing some work with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. There is a whole issue of the Journal Global Change, Peace and Security - vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012 - coming out with responses to it.
I: So now you have all the time in the world, to do things like this website?
I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things like this website?
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff) I went back to running a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things, like Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, etc.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff ) at a couple of universities I went back to found and run a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things, like Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, etc.
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek. I get it. And now you are all mixed up about how to write about calculators.
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek who has got into a bit of steam punk. I get it. And now you are all confused about how to write about calculators.
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Sloppy Geek. I get it. And now you are all mixed up about how to write about calculators.
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Geek. I get it. And now you are all mixed up about how to write about calculators.
I: Look, its not what I expected. I will try to do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. Maybe I can do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. I’ll email you if I do. Bye.
I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators.
I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators. J: Well it has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information. I: Drawing a long bow isn’t it?
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. Latest book is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. Latest book (with Joseph Camilleri) is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
I: So, you said you would give a better explanation of why you have started this web page.
I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you have started this web page.
I: Look, I will try to do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. Bye.
I: Look, its not what I expected. I will try to do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. Bye.
I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators. Look I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you.
I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators. J: Look, I like them, especially the old ones, OK? I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you.
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff) I went back to running a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief!
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff) I went back to running a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief! I’m still a Professorial Fellow there with an office, but not many responsibilities, and also I’m free to do other things, like Visiting Professor to the United Nations University in Yokohama, etc.
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Geek to a sort of Soft Geek. I get it. And now you are all mixed up about how to write about calculators.
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Nerd to a sort of Soft Sloppy Geek. I get it. And now you are all mixed up about how to write about calculators.
J: Sort of. I still run a [http://[awi-cmas.com|research program around the Pacific Rim]] on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. Latest book is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. Latest book is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”.
J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I: Yes, well, thats nice. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you.
J: Sort of. I still run a [http://[awi-cmas.com|research program around the Pacific Rim]] on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I even have established a little website on energy. Latest book is “Worlds in Transition: Evolving Governance Across a Stressed Planet”. I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators. Look I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you.
J: Oh and on the way I was a trainee programmer at Caterpillar, was one half of the first computer help desk at Monash, and used to operate the main frame computers at night for pay (and a chance to run my programmes all night.)
I: No, its OK. So to summarise you went from Geek to a sort of Soft Geek. I get it. And now you are all mixed up about how to write about calculators. J: Well, that seems a bit blunt. I: Anything else?
J: Only that after a period being a ‘senior’ university executive (‘Deputy Vice-Chancellor’ - that sort of stuff) I went back to running a new research outfit at the University of Melbourne - the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society. Kicked the habit at the beginning of this year and no longer have to run round with a collection plate for funding the Institute. What a relief!
I: So now you have all the time in the world, to do things like this website? J: Sort of. I still run a research program around the Pacific Rim on climate change, and am publishing on environment, global politics, etc. I: Yes, well, thats nice. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. J: So do you still want to write this article? I: Look, I will try to do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. Bye.
J: Well to cut it short. I: Yes please. J: When I finished my PhD I wasn’t entirely happy the way science had been used in Vietnam, and the environmental issues were beginning to surface, so I went and worked in environmental type activities. Became the Convenor of the Movement Against Uranium Mining, worked for the Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, worked at RMIT in an Environmental Resource and Education Centre in the Architecture School, and finally in 1980, after being offered jobs in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry and in History and Philosophy of Science (in the Arts Faculty at the University of Wollongong) took the latter, and that, as they say, has made all the difference. I: OK so you chose the soft stuff over the hard stuff did you? J: Um J: Anyway I was employed to lecture on the politics and such like of modern science and technology. And I was surrounded by ‘real’ historians and philosophers of science (well a couple) who knew all sorts of other interesting things about how to think about that. And over time, by osmosis, I learned a bit about that too. By 1985 I had zotted out a heap of publications and been promoted to Senior Lecturer and was acting Head of Department, and in 1989 I had changed its name to the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and I was appointed Professor of STS and Head of Department, which I did until 1996 when I went off to do other things. If you really have to know about all this you could look here
I: It is lunch time…
I: It is lunch time… And I have to interview someone who matters after this… There is some meeting about a big potential contract between the University and IBM… J: I’ll try to be quick I: OK - get on with it.
J: Well, when I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put Facit calculator into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
J: When I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put Facit calculator into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….
(:linebreaks:)
I: It is lunch time.
I: It is lunch time…
Interview with Jim Falk, by James Edward Falk
I: So, you said you would give a better explanation of why you have started this web page. J: I don’t think I promised ‘an explanation’. I: I think you did! But we can let that pass. Why have you done this? J: It was part of my job. Oh no, I am retired (sort of). Well, I guess it must just be fun. I: Fun??? Calculators!! Come off it!
J: Well I could give you a story. Would that help? I: Maybe J: Well, when I was a kid - started it I think when I was 14 - I did a project for a thing called the “Science Talent Search” which you could win a nice lot of money (25 pounds!) if you won. (I did - I bought a movie camera with it - It had a clockwork motor!) I chose to do the first ever one on psychology. (I really wanted to do it on hypnotism but knew I would never get away with it.) Anyway, after subjecting 10 classmates to unending experiments - wrote a 300 page thesis on “Pilot Experiments in Memory”. It had about 100 pages of statistics at the back, and someone lent me a Facit pinwheel calculator to help me add up, subtract, and square columns and columns of numbers. I loved that gadget! So one fateful day more recently I put Facit calculator into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began…. I: Oh, so you were just a young nerd were you? J: No, yes, oh maybe. I came bottom of the class in mental arithmetic, and failed geometry, if that helps? I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine.
J: So you think that explains it? I: Might J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. You guys always want to do this the easy way. I: So there’s more? J: Sure, how much time have you got? I. Not much, I do have to have lunch soon. Still you could give me a clue.
J: OK, here’s another stab at it… Once upon a time. No I’m being flip. The point is I graduated from Monash with a First Class Honours degree in Science and went on to do a PhD in theoretical quantum physics. Completed it in 1974. I: So you are a nerd. I knew it! Why not come clean about that in the first place? I mean who do you think you are fooling? J: But that wasn’t all. I mean I had been heavily involved in student politics. I was President of the Student’s Representative Council in my second and third years, and I became a strong anti-Vietnam war activist. Even went to Vietnam in the middle of the war (Jan 1969) and got accreditation as a journalist. I: I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators J: Hang on and I’ll show you. I: It is lunch time.