The Integral Aperspectival Strikes Again

by | Mar 27, 2011 | The Whiteboard

As a few of you know, in our ontology building class we use an example of building an ontology that can determine which flights are international (from a US perspective). We use this example at least in part to show how solving the generalized problem (international...

Semantics is/are in the air

by | Feb 24, 2011 | The Whiteboard

I just got back from another trip to DC, and I’m struck by two things: Everyone (well the males over the drinking age anyway) wear ties. I may have to recycle my tie collection if I’m to spend much more time there — luckily there is a very low bar...

Actualizing Potential – What’s in a Name?

by | Feb 3, 2011 | The Whiteboard

A flat tree stump or rock at a convenient height can be used as a chair, but we would not usually call it a chair until someone sits on it. Something designed to be sat on (e.g. a kitchen chair) will always be thought of as a chair even when empty. What would you call...

On the value of pictures and statistics

by | Jan 21, 2011 | The Whiteboard

Matt Hannifin, who runs Science Toy Magic (at the bottom of the stairs in the entry to our office) reminded me of two things today: 1) The value of keeping good statistics — he keeps detailed records not only of all his sales but where his leads came from, etc....