Main.AMorePersonalExplanation History

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23 January 2015 by 125.209.182.228 -
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Jim 2012 Facit LX acquired in 2015“The adding machine” 1961 Jim (“James”) 1961
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Jim 2012 Facit LX acquired in 2014“The adding machine” 1961 Jim (“James”) 1961
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Jim 2012 Facit LX acquired in 2015“The adding machine” 1961 Jim (“James”) 1961
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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”.

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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”.

18 March 2014 by 1800 -
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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 - 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….

to:

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….

18 March 2014 by 1800 -
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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!) 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….

to:

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….

18 March 2014 by 1800 -
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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….

to:

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….

12 August 2013 by 203.166.245.137 -
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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

to:

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”.

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Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)

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Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)

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Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)

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Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)

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Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)

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Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)

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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!

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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?

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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….

to:

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.

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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?

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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….

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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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J: Well to cut it short.

I: Yes please.

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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.

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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…

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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?

to:

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.

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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.

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I: No, thanks. We’ve already had quite enough of that.

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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

to:

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?

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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?

to:

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

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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.

to:

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?

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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?

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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.

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J. Look, I like calculators, especially the old ones, OK?

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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. (↑)

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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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Jim 2012“The adding machine” 1961 Jim (“James”) 1961
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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!

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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!

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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….

to:

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….

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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?

to:

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?

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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.

to:


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.

to:

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.

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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…

to:

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…

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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 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.

to:

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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

to:

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 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…

to:

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…

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05 December 2012 by 58.6.191.20 -
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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 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.

to:

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.

05 December 2012 by 58.6.191.20 -
Changed line 78 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2012 by 58.6.191.20 -
Changed line 78 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2012 by 58.6.191.20 -
Changed line 78 from:

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.

to:

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.

24 July 2012 by 58.179.146.84 -
Added lines 1-2:

(:Title An explanation?:)

22 April 2012 by 1.148.66.246 -
Changed line 58 from:

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

to:

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

26 March 2012 by 58.6.188.81 -
Changed line 1 from:

Interview with Jim Falk, by James Edward Falk

to:

Interview with Jim Falk (by his younger self)

04 February 2012 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 12 from:

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….

to:

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….

14 January 2012 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 55 from:

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.

to:

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.

12 January 2012 by 58.6.184.54 -
Changed line 76 from:

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.

to:

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.

12 January 2012 by 58.6.184.54 -
Changed line 35 from:

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…

to:

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…

04 January 2012 by 58.96.77.111 -
04 January 2012 by 58.96.77.111 -
Changed line 35 from:

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…

to:

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…

27 December 2011 by 58.96.77.111 -
Changed line 69 from:

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?

to:

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?

27 December 2011 by 58.96.77.111 -
Changed line 60 from:

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.

to:

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.

27 December 2011 by 58.96.77.111 -
Changed line 50 from:

I: No, thanks very much. That’s more than enough of that.

to:

I: No, thanks. We’ve already had quite enough of that.

19 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 21 from:

J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.

to:

J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you guys always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.

18 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 69 from:

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?

to:

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?

Changed line 82 from:

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.

to:

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.

18 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 35-36 from:

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?

to:

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…

Changed lines 50-51 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed line 69 from:

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?

to:

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?

10 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 35-36 from:

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.

to:

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?

Changed line 38 from:

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…

to:

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…

10 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 59 from:

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.

to:

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.

10 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 81 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

08 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 27 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Added line 32:
07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Added line 28:
07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 33 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 32-33 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 56 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by 58.6.188.185 -
07 December 2011 by 58.6.188.185 -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 56 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

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.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 32 from:

I: I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.

to:

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.

07 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 24 from:

I. Not much, I do have to have lunch soon. Could you just give me the drift?

to:

I. Not much, I do have to do lunch real soon. Could you just give me the drift?

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 54 from:

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.

to:

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

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 54 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 54 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 47 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 54 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 47 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 45 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 27 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed line 41 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed lines 45-46 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed line 51 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 45-46 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed lines 51-53 from:

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?

to:

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?

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 54 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 30 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 21 from:

J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.

to:

J: No, really, that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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…

to:

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…

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 51 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 16 from:

I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - dependency - couldn’t do without it?

to:

I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 78 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 65 from:

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?

to:

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?

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 65 from:

I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?

to:

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?

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 28 from:

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!

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 35 from:

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…

to:

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…

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 28 from:

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!

to:

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!

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 53 from:

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?

to:

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?

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 21 from:

J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story?

to:

J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story? Things are often more complicated.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 21 from:

J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. You guys always want to do this the easy way.

to:

J: Nah - that’s just one explanation. Why do you reporters always want “the” story?

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 60 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 60 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 60 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 30 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 12 from:

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….

to:

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….

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 78 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

05 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 41 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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….

to:

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….

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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….

to:

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!

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… So one fateful day more recently I put “Facit calculator” into ebay. Found one, and bought it. And so it began….

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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….

to:

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….

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 12 from:

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….

to:

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….

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students?

to:

I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students? Like footnotes are going to change the world?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: You’ve lost me.

to:

I: You’ve lost me. Is that the sort of stuff you feed your students?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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?.

to:

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?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 73 from:

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.

to:

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?.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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?

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 73 from:

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?

to:

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?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 77 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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?

to:

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?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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?

to:

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?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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J: Hang on and I’ll tell you.

to:

J: Hang on. There’s a link.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: So, you said you would give the explanation of why you collect calculators.

to:

I: So, you said you would give me the explanation of why you collect calculators.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.

to:

I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you seem pretty weird.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you collect calculators. J: I don’t think I promised ‘an explanation’.

to:

I: So, you said you would give the explanation of why you collect calculators. J: I don’t think I promised ‘the explanation’.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: They are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.

to:

I: Well sports cars are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Chick magnets? If you think that would work with calculators, you live on a different planet!

to:

I: They are beautiful, fast and fun. What has that got to do with collecting calculators? You know, you are pretty weird.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 71 from:

I: To snare the chicks? If you think that would work with calculators, you live on a different planet!

to:

I: Chick magnets? If you think that would work with calculators, you live on a different planet!

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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!

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 55 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators

to:

I: I don’t see what that has got to do with calculators.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 55 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 59 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 59 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 55 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 55 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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!.

to:

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!

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things like this website?

to:

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?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Maybe

to:

I: Maybe.

Changed line 19 from:

I: Might

to:

I: Might.

Changed line 46 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 34 from:

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…

to:

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…

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 29 from:

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.

to:

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.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?

to:

I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - dependency - couldn’t do without it?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 4 from:

I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you have started this web page.

to:

I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you collect calculators.

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Beats me. Why do people watch sport?

to:

I: Beats me. Why do normal people watch sport?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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J: Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics? Why are some physicists theoreticians and others experimentalists?

to:

J: Why do you think mathematicians do mathematics?

04 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 59 from:

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.

to:

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.

Added line 63:
Added lines 65-70:

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?

Changed line 72 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Added lines 58-60:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 56 from:

J: Well the new book has a long chapter I wrote on the evolving governance of information.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 57 from:

I: Drawing a long bow isn’t it?

to:

I: Can’t say that says much about calculators! That’s drawing a long bow isn’t it?

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 15-17 from:

I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine.

to:

I: Not really - but maybe explains why you liked the calculating machine - couldn’t do without it?

Changed lines 23-25 from:

I. Not much, I do have to have lunch soon. Still you could give me a clue.

to:

I. Not much, I do have to have lunch soon. Could you just give me the drift?

Changed line 29 from:

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?

to:

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.

Changed line 33 from:

J: Hang on and I’ll show you.

to:

J: Hang on and I’ll tell you.

Changed line 46 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed lines 55-56 from:

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.

to:

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.

Added line 58:
Changed line 60 from:

I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you.

to:

I: Whatever. I have to run to lunch. If I have any more questions I’ll email you. OK?

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 55 from:

I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators.

to:

I: Yes, well, I suppose thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 44 from:

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

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 53-54 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 40 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed lines 42-45 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed lines 53-54 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 12 from:

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….

to:

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….

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Added line 53:
03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 49 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 52 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 52 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 52 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 49-50 from:

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.

to:

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.

Changed line 52 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 59 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 59 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 59 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 36 from:

I: OK - get on with it.

to:

I: OK - could you please get on with it.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Added line 28:
03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 27 from:

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!.

to:

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!.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 27 from:

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.)

to:

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!.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 12 from:

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….

to:

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….

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 55 from:

J: Look, I like them, especially the old ones, OK?

to:

J: Look, I like calculators, especially the old ones, OK?

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 58 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 48 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed lines 42-44 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 51 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 51 from:

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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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. (↑)

4 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

5 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

6 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

7 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

8 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

9 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

10 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

11 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

12 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

13 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

14 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

15 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

16 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

17 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

18 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

19 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

20 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

21 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

22 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

23 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

24 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

25 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

26 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

27 http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/gcps/|Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

28 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

29 Global Change, Peace and Security, vol 24, no 1, Feb 2012. (↑)

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. (↑)

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
Changed line 51 from:

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”.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: So now you have all the time in the world, to do things like this website?

to:

I: So now you are out in the pasture, you have all the time in the world, to do things like this website?

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Look, its not what I expected. I will try to do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. Bye.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Yes, well, thats nice. Can’t really see what that has to do with calculators.

to:

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?

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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”.

to:

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”.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: So, you said you would give a better explanation of why you have started this web page.

to:

I: So, you said you would give an explanation of why you have started this web page.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: Look, I will try to do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. Bye.

to:

I: Look, its not what I expected. I will try to do something with this. Have to see how my boss responds. Bye.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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!

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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”.

to:

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”.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.

to:

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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.)

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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.

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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I: It is lunch time…

to:

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.

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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….

to:

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….

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I: It is lunch time.

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I: It is lunch time…

03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
03 December 2011 by Jim Falk -
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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.


Page last modified on 23 January 2015