Hi. My name is Alex Wiltschko.
This is my internet log.
29 April, 2010
How to grow a leaf (algorithmically)
David Young at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory came up with an algorithm that's able to generate a wide variety of leaf shapes, starting only from a leaf's veins. The paper publishing the algorithm [PDF link] implies that leaf shape is simply a byproduct of the growth algorithm programmed into a plant's cells.
The algorithm doesn't actually create more cells, but moves around the borders of the leaf, governed by a few simple rules. It seems straight-forward enough to extend the algorithm to include the concept of cell division.
28 April, 2010
Logos translated into Hebrew
A few prominent logos beautifully translated into Hebrew, font style and all. Here's my favorite (and new desktop background):
28 April, 2010
System-wide emacs keyboard shortcuts
Enact these sweet shortcuts, and feel your text-foo grow in strength and speed. File this under "Things I Can't Believe I Didn't Do 5 Years Ago."
20 April, 2010
The Shins meets DJ Danger Mouse
(download)
A little project with Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) and James Mercer, the lead singer of the Shins. This is the first track off the album.
18 April, 2010
Ups and downs with duck confit
Today's big downside: car has serious trouble.
Big upside: delicious duck confit. This stuff can stay in the fridge for months in its own fat, constantly soaking up flavor. I'll be surprised, though, if it lasts more than a week.
Big upside: delicious duck confit. This stuff can stay in the fridge for months in its own fat, constantly soaking up flavor. I'll be surprised, though, if it lasts more than a week.
4 April, 2010
Long Night with a Clarinet
Had a photoshoot with my good friend Juan. Here's my favorite of the outtakes:
5DMkII, 17-40mm f/4L.
4 April, 2010
Apple Cinema Display 30" Won't Power On With USB Plugged In
This was killing me the other day. My monitor would work just fine, as long as the USB dongle wasn't plugged into the computer. This is a problem, as my keyboard USB cable is too short to reach the computer itself. After a bit of frustration, I found a solution and I thought I'd unleash it on the intertrons. 1) Unplug the DVI cable and the USB cable from the back of the computer.
2) Unplug the power connector from the power brick (the small one, not the one that goes to the wall).
3) Plug the monitor's USB cable into the computer.
4) Plug the power connector back in to the brick.
5) Plug the DVI cable back into the computer. That works for me. Blech, that was a pain in the butt. I'm mad at you, Apple.
2) Unplug the power connector from the power brick (the small one, not the one that goes to the wall).
3) Plug the monitor's USB cable into the computer.
4) Plug the power connector back in to the brick.
5) Plug the DVI cable back into the computer. That works for me. Blech, that was a pain in the butt. I'm mad at you, Apple.
