David Caputo is just what you needed.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Kate Hartman, an artist, teacher and member of the Interactive Telecommunications Program at Tisch School of the Arts. Kate works in a variety of mediums from simple analog wearable projects that explore how we communicate with ourselves to Arduino powered devices that let our plants Twitter their needs. What most draws me to Kate’s work is the way it combines practicality with playfulness and whimsy. Botanicalls, for instance, is a boon to those of us who regularly murder the most robust houseplants due to lack of attention. Kate’s device enables our usually stoic and inanimate green friends to reach out to us when they need help (I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!). Her Muttering Hat project instantly reminded me of a garment that might be worn by a little Hoo from Hooville. But it also serves as a wearable illustration; a garment that gives us an opportunity to get some distance from thoughts that may be immediately overwhelming and even assist us in sharing those thoughts with others.

Check out more of Kate’s work at: www.katehartman.com

Kate Hartman creates new tools for expression through innovative and playful applications of technology. Her individual and collaborative projects span the fields of telephony, electronics, fashion, and art. She holds a B.A. from Bard College in Film and Electronic Media and a Masters from New York University’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.

A few weeks ago I made the purchase of a 1971 Honda CB350 motorcycle. I have been riding a Genuine Stella scooter for about a year now and decided it was time for an upgrade. I have always loved the look of bikes from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s and decided that the CB350 was going to be my target. I came to this decision based on a few factors. First being price. These bikes are easily found for between $1000 and $2000. Secondly I wanted to be able to work on the bike and not have to spend all my time tracking down parts. The CB350 is one of the best selling motorcycles of all time and has a huge tuner community behind it. There are certain parts are not always easy to find but for most everyday problems you can find the part and someone who knows what to do with it.

When I bought the bike it was having some problems with the engine racing, I thought it would be a good first problem to solve. When I got it home I immediately consulted my Clymer Manual and removed the air filters and carburetors. I spotted the first problem immediately. There is a rubber diaphragm assembly usually called the Slide Diaphragm or the Vacuum Piston that had torn. This is responsible for lifting and lowering a needle that controls the flow of gas in the carburetor, it was torn on both cabs and needed to be replaced. Aside from the that the left carb was completely gunked up and the jets on both carbs were not set to the factory specs. So I immediately began scouring the internet for parts and advice and got most of it taken care of except for two snags. The rubber diaphragms are extremely delicate and upon installing the two replacements I managed to puncture both. An expensive mistake. Secondly the carb rebuild kits I ordered came with two slow jets that did not fit into my carburetor. The company I bought them from has no idea why.

 Right now I am stuck waiting for replacement diaphragms, once they come I’ll be able to see if I solved the engine racing problem. Until then my living room smells like gasoline and coffee table is covered in tiny brass parts. Kind of nice actually…