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RVML Resource Center 2002-2007 Calendar Archives 4 March 2003, Tuesday |
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Video&Discussion: The Secret Life of Machines
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: RVML Event Center - 258 A St, Ashland
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Video & Discussion: The SecretLife of Machines
THE VCR. THE TELEVISION. THE LIGHT BULB.
(three 30-minute episodes)
All Tuesday evening events
at RVML are free admission!
Video Description:
Ever wondered how everyday home appliances such as a VCR, television, or light bulb operated? Even if you hadn't, the "Secret Life of Machines" series sets out to explain simply and clearly how these (and more) items perform their functions. Three series of programmes (eighteen episodes in all) were produced for Europe's Channel Four Television in 1988, 1991 and 1993.
Tim Hunkin (the main presenter and architect of the series) may look exactly like the stereotypical image of "the professor", but contrary to this he presents technology in a very straightforward and easy to understand manner and manages to do so in a way that can keep the interest of both novices and experts alike. His secret is possibly that if you're not afraid of technology and you understand how an item works you can "deconstruct" an item into its various simpler components, and also avoiding unnecessary complexity when explaining how something operates.
A special feature of these programmes is use of (often humorous) cartoons that are used to illustrate 'moments in history' which are relevant to the appliance under discussion. Partly educational, partly comedic, partly performance art; these are the most unique, quirky, and charming technology shows you're likely to see.
At the end of The Television episode, they built an amazing funeral pyre consisting of old television sets which were faulty in some way but were not worth repairing. The stack of sets were all switched on when the flames were lit, and as the end credits rolled the TV screens flickered and died in turn as the flames rose higher and higher... The programmes are still occasionally repeated on satellite/cable channels, and they still have a cult following both in the UK and abroad.
For More information and photos about The Secret Life of Machines:
http://www.themacplace.btinternet.co.uk/seclife.html
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 Licensed To: RVML |
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