April 4, 2007

The 32,112th dorkbot-nyc meeting took place on Wednesday, April 4th, 2007, at 7pm.

It featured the lithe and fearless:

	Gabe McNatt “Wind-Composition” is a software program created in MAX-MSP that allows the user to adjust the volume and pan of nine different sound-layers. The idea is for the user to create his/her own soundscape, or composition; a completely original work that exists once and only once, and then disappears without recreation. He/she uses his/her ears and own sense of fancy to compose a throw-away-composition. The nine sound-layers consist of synthetically created wind-noises, and pre-recorded sounds created by wind. Despite the user’s ability to control the overall volume and pan levels, each layer constantly and randomly modulates giving the sounds a more elusive, and thus more characteristic wind quality.
	Caitlin Berrigan: Viral Confections “Viral Confections” are edible chocolates shaped into the molecular structure of the hepatitis C virus. These designer chocolates illustrate the inventive protein structure of the hepatitis C virus. A model of the virus was printed as a rapid prototype from a 3D algorithmic illustration of the virus from the Protein Data Bank. The chocolates were then cast into this molecular form. These delicious truffles do not carry hepatitis C. Each one was lovingly handmade from 72% Belgian roasted cocoa. Desire to eat the enticing chocolates is mixed with a repulsion for the infectious virus. This unnerving dialectic has proved to be an exciting and approachable way to ignite discussion and create awareness about an extremely prevalent and underrepresented disease. Dorkbots will have the opportunity to consume the chocolates at the meeting. http://www.membrana.us
	Zach Smith: RepRap RepRap is an open source 3D printing technology that a Maker can truly appreciate. It uses a thermoplastic extruder to melt and lay down a fine stream of plastic. Feed it an object file, and it will hum to life. Line by line, layer by layer, your object slowly appears. Forget the cutting edge, the melted edge is here! http://reprap.org