A 1963 computer in plastic and rubber bands: The Digi-Comp 1 Chris Staecker 2026-09-25 | A 1963 computer in plastic and rubber bands: The Digi-Comp 1
A higher homotopy group for digital images Chris Staecker 2024-01-06 | A research talk at the Joint Math Meetings 2024, AMS Special Session on Discrete Homotopy Theory. January 5, 2024, in San Francisco.
The Curta Calculator (full documentary) Review / How To Chris Staecker 2024-01-01 | This is a super-edit of my "12 Days of Curtsmas" series, cut into a single episode. No new content here. I suppose this is episode 79 of my video series about old calculating devices.This is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Eternal thanks to the person who gave me the Curta. Steve Jobs photo by Joi Ito, CC-BY-2.0, flickr.com/photos/joi/522695099Curta parts 3D-model from thingiverse.com/thing:1943171CC-BYStephen Freeborn's Archimedes F Junior videoyoutube.com/watch?v=tp7ga-2maIcRobert Baruch Monroe model K videoyoutube.com/watch?v=wTwea3Vxq5U&t=784sCurta case photo by Wikimedia user Nol Aders, CC-BY-SA-3.0 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta-99.jpgMy main source for Chapter 5 is the interview by Erwin Tomash available here: https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/107359Modern Buchenwald photo by Wikimedia user Zairon, CC0-1.0commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KZ_Buchenwald_Torgeb%C3%A4ude_1.JPGPortobello Road photo by Wikipedia user Papertree, CC-BY-SA-3.0, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Portobello_Road,_Notting_Hill.jpgPortobello Road Market photo by Wikipedia user Arpingstone, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Portobello.market.london.arp.jpgGet the Road Rally Handbook by Clint Goss here:roadrallyhandbook.com/handbook.htmCurta tables were downloaded here: http://www.curtamania.com/curta/code/curta_manuals.htmlMarketing images from www.curta.liBlack Curta Type 2 from Wikimedia user Prioryman, CC-BY-SA-4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_-_National_Museum_of_Computing.jpgType 1 & Type 2 together from Flikr user Bephep2010, CC-BY-2.0,flickr.com/photos/52724211@N02/9064000240Early Curta with "Curta" logo from Museum of Science and Technology Belgrade, donated to Wikimedia, CC-BY-SA-3.0,commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ra%C4%8Dunarska_ma%C5%A1ina_CURTA.jpgTop of Curta Type 2 ©Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons),commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_II-1128.jpgCurta Type 2 with red ring of doink ©Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons),pl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plik:Curta_II-1124.jpgCurta Type 2 with box ©Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons),commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_II-1129.jpgGray Type 2 shot from above from Wikimedia user Oldsoft, CC-BY-SA-4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mechanick%C3%BD_kalkul%C3%A1tor_Curta,_typ_II.JPGSeveral Curtas with cases from Wikimedia user Daderot, CC0 1.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_calculators_-_Ridai_Museum_of_Modern_Science,_Tokyo_-_DSC07524.JPGHow the CURTA works video: youtube.com/watch?v=loI1Kwed8Pk&t=317sPetersson's Calculator image © Tekniska museet, StockholmMercedes Gauss Calculator images from this Webb's Auction listing: auctions.webbs.co.nz/m/lot-details/index/catalog/212/lot/33566/A-nbsp-Mercedes-Gauss-Calculator-C-1905Alpina photo on white background from this auction listing: liveauctioneers.com/price-result/alpina-universal-calculator-1961Steven Freeborn's Alpina video:youtu.be/RoIrgj6JvKk?si=I03pylw_jkqYYBAjEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAY00:00 - Intro1:30 - Addition and Subtraction5:33 - Multiplication10:03 - The Stepped Drum Mechanism14:45 - Design20:50 - Curt's Story28:28 - Gibson's Pattern Recognition33:49 - Division40:21 - Rallying with the Curta46:29 - Roots and Other Diversions53:45 - Variations & Marketing1:02:33 - Curta Mailbag!1:09:44 - Why the Curta?
Finale: Why the Curta? 12 Days of Curtsmas 12 Chris Staecker 2023-12-25 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 12: Why the Curta?This is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0Alpina photo on white background from this auction listing: liveauctioneers.com/price-result/alpina-universal-calculator-1961Steven Freeborn's Alpina video:youtu.be/RoIrgj6JvKk?si=I03pylw_jkqYYBAj"Gibson's Book" is "Pattern Recognition", 2003.
Curta Mailbag! 12 Days of Curtsmas 11 Chris Staecker 2023-12-23 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 11: Variations & MarketingThis is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0How the CURTA works video: youtube.com/watch?v=loI1Kwed8Pk&t=317sPetersson's Calculator image © Tekniska museet, StockholmMercedes Gauss Calculator images from this Webb's Auction listing: auctions.webbs.co.nz/m/lot-details/index/catalog/212/lot/33566/A-nbsp-Mercedes-Gauss-Calculator-C-1905
Curta Variations & Marketing. 12 Days of Curtsmas 10 Chris Staecker 2023-12-21 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 10: Variations & MarketingThis is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0Marketing images from www.curta.liBlack Curta Type 2 from Wikimedia user Prioryman, CC-BY-SA-4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_-_National_Museum_of_Computing.jpgType 1 & Type 2 together from Flikr user Bephep2010, CC-BY-2.0,flickr.com/photos/52724211@N02/9064000240Early Curta with "Curta" logo from Museum of Science and Technology Belgrade, donated to Wikimedia, CC-BY-SA-3.0,commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ra%C4%8Dunarska_ma%C5%A1ina_CURTA.jpgTop of Curta Type 2 ©Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons),commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_II-1128.jpgCurta Type 2 with red ring of doink ©Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons),pl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plik:Curta_II-1124.jpgCurta Type 2 with box ©Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons),commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_II-1129.jpgGray Type 2 shot from above from Wikimedia user Oldsoft, CC-BY-SA-4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mechanick%C3%BD_kalkul%C3%A1tor_Curta,_typ_II.JPGSeveral Curtas with cases from Wikimedia user Daderot, CC0 1.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta_calculators_-_Ridai_Museum_of_Modern_Science,_Tokyo_-_DSC07524.JPG
Square roots on the Curta. 12 Days of Curtsmas 9 Chris Staecker 2023-12-19 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 9: Roots and other diversions.Curta tables were downloaded here: http://www.curtamania.com/curta/code/curta_manuals.htmlThis is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0
Rallying with the Curta. 12 Days of Curtsmas 8 Chris Staecker 2023-12-17 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 8: Road Rallying with the Curta.Get the Road Rally Handbook by Clint Goss here:roadrallyhandbook.com/handbook.htmThis is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0
Math Props: the Curta Calculator in Gibsons Pattern Recognition Chris Staecker 2023-12-15 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 6: Gibson's Pattern RecognitionIt's a math props episode!This is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. Chapter 11 (December 23) will be a mailbag episode! So please ask questions, etc.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0Portobello Road photo by Wikipedia user Papertree, CC-BY-SA-3.0, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Portobello_Road,_Notting_Hill.jpgPortobello Road Market photo by Wikipedia user Arpingstone, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Portobello.market.london.arp.jpg
Division on the Curta. 12 Days of Curtsmas 7 Chris Staecker 2023-12-15 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 7: DivisionThis is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. Chapter 11 (December 23) will be a mailbag episode! So please ask questions, etc.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0
Curt Herzstarks story. 12 Days of Curtsmas 5 Chris Staecker 2023-12-11 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 5: Curt's storyThese are a few moments from the life story of Curt Herzstark, inventor of the Curta. My main source is the interview by Erwin Tomash available here: https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/107359Footage is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. Chapter 11 (December 23) will be a mailbag episode! So please ask questions, etc.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0Modern Buchenwald photo by Wikimedia user Zairon, CC0-1.0commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KZ_Buchenwald_Torgeb%C3%A4ude_1.JPG
Design of the Curta. 12 Days of Curtsmas 4 Chris Staecker 2023-12-09 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 4: Design of the CurtaThis is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. Chapter 11 (December 23) will be a mailbag episode! So please ask questions, etc.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0Curta case photo by Wikimedia user Nol Aders, CC-BY-SA-3.0 commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Curta-99.jpg
The Stepped Drum Mechanism. 12 Days of Curtsmas 3 Chris Staecker 2023-12-07 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 3: The Stepped Drum MechanismThe basic arithmetic in the Curta is performed by the Stepped Drum, also called the Leibniz Wheel or Leibniz Drum.This is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. Chapter 11 (December 23) will be a mailbag episode! So please ask questions, etc.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0Curta parts 3D-model from thingiverse.com/thing:1943171CC-BYStephen Freeborn's Archimedes F Junior videoyoutube.com/watch?v=tp7ga-2maIcRobert Baruch Monroe model K videoyoutube.com/watch?v=wTwea3Vxq5U&t=784s
Multiplication on the Curta. 12 Days of Curtsmas 2 Chris Staecker 2023-12-05 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 2: MultiplicationThis is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. Chapter 11 (December 23) will be a mailbag episode! So please ask questions, etc.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0Steve Jobs photo by Joi Ito, CC-BY-2.0, flickr.com/photos/joi/522695099
Addition and subtraction on the Curta. 12 Days of Curtsmas 1 Chris Staecker 2023-12-03 | 12 Days of Curtsmas Chapter 1: Addition and subtraction.This is a Curta Type I, built in 1952. Stay tuned for episodes every other day, December 3 - 25. Thanks as always to the person who gave me the Curta. Chapter 11 (December 23) will be a mailbag episode! So please ask questions, etc.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0
Glory Fairymoon is home alone #gloryfairymoon Chris Staecker 2023-12-01 | Glory Fairymoon is home alone.(12 Days of Curtsmas starts December 3!)Follow my tiktok for very infrequent posts.
The second homotopy group of the sphere: π₂(S²) in classical and digital topology Chris Staecker 2023-11-29 | A very gentle introduction to the second higher homotopy group of the 2-sphere, plus some digital topology.The paper is: "A Second Homotopy Group for Digital Images" by Gregory Lupton, Oleg Musin, Nicholas A. Scoville, P. Christopher Staecker, Jonathan Treviño-Marroquín, at arxiv here: arxiv.org/abs/2310.08706Talk given at the Fairfield University math department research seminar, Nov 17, 2023.
Curtsmas mailbag! Please send your Curtsmas wishes. Chris Staecker 2023-11-22 | Day 11 (December 23) is mailbag day! Please ask questions or otherwise give me stuff to talk about.#keepcurtsincurtsmasJingle bells sound from http://www.freesoundslibrary.com, CC-BY-4.0
12 Days of Curtsmas trailer! Coming in December Chris Staecker 2023-11-10 | Every other day, December 3 - 25, 2023. There will be Curtas.There will be animations.There will be filler episodes.Strings sound by Freesound user MC Morrise, CC-BY 4.0 freesound.org/people/MCMorrise/sounds/114798#keepcurtsincurtsmas
National Cash Register 1925 & 1953 Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-10-27 | Two mechanical National Cash Register machines: model 711 from 1925, and model 122(2) from 1953. This is episode 78 of my video series about old calculating devices.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYJohn Patterson photo by Flickr user Scott Ableman. commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Patterson.jpg, CC-BY-SA 2.0ebay photos from this listing: ebay.com/itm/324909825216Jimcracks quote from Gerald Carson, "The Machine That Kept Them Honest", American Heritage magazine, Vol 17, issue 5, 1966. americanheritage.com/machine-kept-them-honestWoman cashier photo by Myrtle Beach TheDigitel, from flickr.com/photos/thedigitelmyr/6511961525, CC-BY 2.0Cat cash register photo by Coolarts223, from deviantart.com/coolarts223/art/Ragdoll-cat-as-a-cashier-in-grocery-store-972772015, CC-BY 3.0Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker
Tempscribe winding thermometer Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-10-13 | The Tempscribe chart recorder from the 1960s by the Bacharach company. It's a wind-up thermometer that makes a graph of the temperature over time.This is episode 77 of my video series about old calculating devices.A loose sequel to my video about the radial planimeter: youtu.be/jmtYW1lDP8MMy page about the Tempscribe, with paper chart downloads: https://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/machines/tempscribe.htmlEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup. youtu.be/X8AW7PmsxAYAbsurd snake can lady stolen from: youtube.com/shorts/slTYo9zmRoUECG footage from: youtube.com/watch?v=HrgOQSGeKCgOld timey radio is the Crosley CR31D-WA Companion Retro AM/FM Tabletop Radio with Bluetooth Receiver, Walnut (amazon photo)Old timey clock is the Presentime & Co. Vintage Farmhouse Mantel Clock Series, Napoleon Desk & Shelf Clock, 13 x 10 inch, Domed Lens, Quartz Movement, Walnut Brown Finish (amazon photo)Tachograph photo by Wikimedia user Paettchen, CC-BY_SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tachograph.jpgChris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker
Son of the MK Area Calculator Chris Staecker 2023-09-29 | More about the MK Area Calculator, invented in the 1950s by Roy L Kuykendall and Warren Martin of Albuquerque NM. It's an electronic area measuring overlay, theoretically similar to the dot planimeter. Thanks to Bob Martin for all the info!My first video about the MK Area Calculator: youtu.be/F_5NKDIf1MIMK-related downloads: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/machines/mkareacalculator.htmlGreen's Theorem picture by Wikimedia user Cronholm144, CC-BY-SA-3.0commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Green%27s-theorem-simple-region.svgEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#spy-n-shoot
1920s Radial Planimeter Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-09-08 | A K+E Radial Planimeter, from 1920s. It measures the average radius of a roughly circular shape!This is episode 76 of my video series about old calculating devices.Radial planimeter instructions: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/files/machines/filer.php?name=radialinstructions.pdfEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#planimetria
Writing a math research paper: start to finish! Chris Staecker 2023-08-25 | A quick look at the process of writing and publishing a math research article from start to finish. This paper was typical in some ways, atypical in other ways.The paper: doi.org/10.1016/j.topol.2023.108644Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaeckerLattice graphic by Jonny Evans, CC-BY-SA, from http://www.homepages.ucl.ac.uk/~ucahjde/tg/html/quot03.htmlReal line graphic by Wikimedia user TheNub314, CC-BY-SA 3.0, from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Real_number_line_for_Algebra_book.svg
1840s Universal Calculator Review / HowTo Lalannes Abaque Chris Staecker 2023-08-11 | The Abaque, OR Universal Calculator (Compteur Universel), a very ambitious nomogram created by Léon Lalanne in 1843. It can multiply and do some other stuff.This is episode 75 of my video series about old calculating devices.My page about the Abaque: https://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/machines/lalanne.htmlEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Smartphone lady photo by User Fairphone on Flickr, CC-BY-SA-2.0Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#nomogram
Numberaid the American Abacus! Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-07-28 | The Numberaid: The American Abacus created by Andrew Schott in 1957. It's a strange hybrid Russian/Chinese abacus meant to teach kids something about something.This is episode 74 of my video series about old calculating devices.Numberaid Guidebook PDF: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/files/machines/filer.php?name=numberaid.pdfEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#america
L.A. Noire (Math Props) Chris Staecker 2023-07-14 | Math Props from L.A. Noire, a 2011 game by Team Bondi, published by Rockstar. A fictional adding machine which looks very authentic, but doesn't work right at all.Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.
The Prisoner: Arrival (Math Props) Chris Staecker 2023-06-30 | Math Props from The Prisoner Episode 1 "Arrival", first aired in 1967. An Olivetti Summa Prima, modified a bit.This full episode is on Youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=osNmf_zmSyEPlease comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.
W10 Wind Speed Indicator Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-06-16 | The W10 Wind Speed Indicator, patented in the 1980s by Hans Stockburger. A plastic spring anemometer!This is episode 73 of my video series about old calculating devices.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#anemometer Digital anemometer photo by Wikimedia user Tpdwkouaa, CC-BY-SA-4.0Hot-wire anemometer picture by Wikimedia user Bernard do Go Mars, CC-BY-SA-4.0Ultrasonic anemometer picture by Wikimedia user Noar 91, CC-BY-SA-3.0Acoustic resonance anemometer picture by Wikimedia user Amibottwb, CC-BY-SO-4.0Pitot tube anemometer picture by Wikimedia user Z22, CC-BY-SA-3.0Beaufort scale graphic by Wikimedia user Ldecola, CC-BY-SA-4.0
Bob Browns n-valued Nielsen theory, and a bit more Chris Staecker 2023-06-05 | A tribute to my PhD advisor Robert F. Brown (1935-2022). This is a research talk presented at the conference on Nielsen Theory and Related Topics, in Ostend Belgium, June 5 2023. Bob was powerfully kind.Should mostly be accessible to a general mathematics audience, though it was pitched towards fixed point theory experts.
ACU-ARC Ruler Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-06-02 | The ACU-ARC Ruler, invented in the 1950s. I'm not sure how old mine is. An instrument for drawing and measuring arcs of circles with specific radius of curvature. Invented by James E Hoyle, manufactured by Hoyle Engineering Company.This is episode 72 of my video series about old calculating devices.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#mustvebeenacrimeringFrench curves photo by Wikimedia user Radomil, CC-BY-SA 3.0Pole vaulter photo by Wikimedia Commons user Isiwal, CC BY-SA 4.0
Walther made a calculator! Walther WSR-160 Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-05-19 | The Walther WSR-160, from the 1960s. A German pinwheel calculator, one of the best of its type. Made by Walther, the gun maker!This is episode 71 of my video series about old calculating devices.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#itstheguns
Pinwheel Calculator- how it works! Chris Staecker 2023-05-01 | From my upcoming longer video about the Walther WSR160. #pinwheel
D & H Color Rule Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-04-14 | The D & H Color Rule, made by the Davidson & Hemmendinger Company in 1967. A slide-rule type gadget for measuring color metamerism.This is episode 70 of my video series about old calculating devices.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#metamerism
Shocking abandoned 1920s antique! Chris Staecker 2023-04-02 | Unbelievable. Video by my friend Erin on April 2, 2023 at the Trumbull Mall.
Multiple-tally Denominator Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-03-31 | The Multiple-Tally Denominator, the 1x2 model and the 1x5 model, probably made around the 1980s or 1990s. They count. This is episode 69 of my video series about old calculating devices.Extreme thanks to the viewer who sent me the 1x2, a $132 value!Jaap Scherphuis's denominator video: youtube.com/watch?v=aKcN2oOgCioPhotos in the bus by Chris from Texas, used with permission.Various other photos from Denominator Company website.End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#denominator #yourmothershouldknow
Star Trek: Picard (Math Props) Chris Staecker 2023-03-17 | Math Props from Star Trek Picard S2E4 "The Watcher", first aired in March 2022. A russian abacus, somehow abandoned in pre-war France.Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.#fascinating
Seinfeld (Math Props) Chris Staecker 2023-03-03 | Math Props from Seinfeld S7E21 "Bottle Deposit", first aired in May 1996. A Burroughs Portable, from the 1920s.Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.#NEWMAN
MK area calculator Review / HowTo Chris Staecker 2023-02-17 | The MK Area Calculator, invented in the 1950s by Roy L Kuykendall and Warren Martin of Albuquerque NM. It's an electronic area measuring overlay, theoretically similar to the dot planimeter. This is episode 68 of my video series about old calculating devices.Thanks to Vincent for printing mine out.Download files to make your own: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/machines/mkareacalculator.htmlKuykendall family photo and grave photos found here: findagrave.com/memorial/64058756/roy-lawrence-kuykendall/photoEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#planimeter #kuykendall #diy
Inca counting boards and the table yupana Chris Staecker 2023-01-27 | The table yupana artifacts from the Inca empire. These are often thought to be sophisticated counting boards, but there really isn't any evidence of that.Thanks to Cinzia Florio for helping to answer some of my questions. This is episode 67 of my video series about old calculating devices.Download STL files of the yupanas here: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/machines/yupana.htmlLo-res table yupana photos, and Inca art pictures from Cinzia Florio, "Recovering memory: the Inca key as yanantin", 2013.Colored quipu photo "Quipo in the Museo Machu Picchu, Casa Concha, Cusco.jpg" by Wikimedia user Pi3.124, CC-BY-SA-4.0Chordeleg-type photo around 3:30, and photo of the curved one that I also printed, are from Raccolte Extraeuropee del Castello Sforzesco, CC-BY-SA-3.0De Velasco painting and from random internets- I'm not sure of the original source.Chan Chan and Ancash yupana photos from Carlos Radicati di Primeglio, "El Sistema Contable De Los Incas: Yupana y Quipu", 1979Machu Piccu photo by icelight on Flickr, CC-BY-2.0Enso painting image by Wikimedia user Artanisen, CC-BY-SA-3.0Stonehenge photo by Diego Delso, delso.photo, CC-BY-SA-4.0End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#yupana #inca
Spring 2023 courses! (on my other channel) Chris Staecker 2023-01-17 | My Fall 2022 courses will appear at my teaching channel here:youtube.com/channel/UCbfjtUg6PYRvwzB3FHU39jwThis semester I'm teaching 2 classes:Mathematics: An Exploration- a course for non-technical majors covering various fun topics of my choosing. This class assumes no background, and involves essentially no calculations, formulas, equations, etc. The topics are: Voting, Gerrymandering, and Graph Theory. It's fun!Explorations class playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqObMWX4M-If62VzwYaqrzYylGLqnHj6tTheory of Computation- a course for undergrad math and computing majors about the mathematics of computation. Finite automata, regular expressions, formal grammars, Turing machines, computable functions, etc. Theory of Computation playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqObMWX4M-IfnvzJtNzlnLMyYLy0G9cwiPoint Set Topology- a first course in topology for undergrad math majors. Topological spaces, continuous functions, connected sets, compact sets, etc.Point Set Topology playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqObMWX4M-Id2bgMBX_cVDKAVebL_pqMu
Thrift Shop (Math Props) Chris Staecker 2023-01-13 | Math Props from Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, released in 2012. A Remington adding maching model 10811.Original video (explicit): youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaesNice photos from the Into the Woods blog: acornabbey.com/blog/?p=21914Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.#mathprops
Family Guy (Math Props) Chris Staecker 2022-12-30 | Math Props from Family Guy season 1 episode 1, first aired in 1999. Accountants cranking adding machines.Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.#mathprops
Hexadecimal mechanical calculator from the 1970s Chris Staecker 2022-12-16 | The Hexadder, made by Hexco Inc in the early 1970s. Sent to me by viewer Tom Carlson. Thanks Tom!This is episode 66 of my video series about old calculating devices.Original instructions PDF: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/files/machines/filer.php?name=hexadderinstructions.pdfMaya numeral table by Wikimedia user Neuromancer2K4, CC-BY-SA-3.0Roman numeral and Chinese counting rod tables from Wikipedia. HTML color codes from htmlcolorcodes.comEnd song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#hexadecimal #base
The Name Of The Rose (Math Props e10) Chris Staecker 2022-12-02 | Math Props from The Name Of The Rose, mostly the 1986 film, also the 2019 series. An astrolabe and quadrant.Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Astrolabe image from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Khalili_Collection_Islamic_Art_sci_0430_back.jpg, licenced by Khalili Collections / CC-BY-SA 3.0 IGO.Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.#mathprops #yourethemannowdog
Lost area-measuring tool Chris Staecker 2022-11-18 | The Adisco Area Measurer, made by Advertising Displays Incorporated, probably in the 1950s. This is episode 64 of my video series about old calculating devices.Downloadable and printable version: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker/machines/adisco.htmlThe museum in Australia: https://collection.maas.museum/object/383315The museum in London: collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co59908/adisco-area-measurer-area-measurers"Strip method" picture from "Maps And Diagrams" by Monkhouse & Wilkinson, 3rd edition 1971, page 74.Interpretometer photo from the CIA commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Austin_Photo_Interpretometer_(Stereoscope)_(30579646380).jpg"Coke can planimeter" by David Williamson from http://durealeyes.com/planimeter.htmlAdiscope photo from ebay listing by ebay user bayareasurplusViewmaster photo from Wikimedia user ThePassenger, CC-BY-SA-3.0End song inspired by "Hotter than a Molotov" by The Coup.Chris Staecker webarea: http://cstaecker.fairfield.edu/~cstaecker#ratchet #planimeter
Instruments for length and area: dots, lines, and little wheels Chris Staecker 2022-11-04 | A talk given at the Mathematics Colloquium of Fairfield University, October 27, 2022. Intended for university undergraduates, but should be mostly understandable to anybody.Should be mostly understandable by anyone, I mention some calculus from time to time.#longimeter #planimeter #dotplanimeter #mapmeasure
The Wire s2e02 (Math Props e09) Chris Staecker 2022-10-28 | Math Props from The Wire Season 2 (2003). A totally inappropriate slide rule!Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Brian Bollone's nomograph videoyoutube.com/watch?v=2EYPW3RmbmsMy silly nomograph compilation videoyoutu.be/Nw6TYp_EgG0Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.#mathprops #thewire #baldguyusingasliderulebutitdontmakenosense
Cowboy Bebop (Math Props e08) Chris Staecker 2022-10-14 | Math Props from Cowboy Bebop (2021). Some Clary (Remington Sperry Rand) cash registers, and a Addo model 9 adding machine.Please comment if you know of any other math props in film or TV!Curta image CC-BY-SA-3.0 France by Wikimedia user Rama.#mathprops #cowboybebop
Classical and Digital Topological Groups Chris Staecker 2022-10-06 | A research talk presented at the Fairfield University Mathematics Research Seminar, October 6, 2022. Should be accessible to a general mathematics audience, combining ideas from topology, graph theory, and abstract algebra.The paper is by me and Dae Woong Lee, available here:arxiv.org/abs/2208.10748
