10. The Choice Point.

As 2025 continues to blur past, it's becoming more evident than ever that no one is coming to save us.

The government is corrupt, and its officials are abusive, scornful, and vindictive. Corporations are avaricious, and pay billions of dollars to addict us to their new fad, tea, snack, app, or other useless product. And we the people, are largely distracted, depressed, and divided: one of the many waste byproducts of the attention economy and a necessary pre-condition for a techno-oligarchic regime to take root and flourish.

Which brings to mind the quote often misattributed to Albert Einstein:

‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’
- Rita Mae Brown

We can't keep operating using the same rules or frameworks. We need a fundamental shift. And despite the "powers that be" believing that they "hold the cards," we do not need to play their game or by their rules. But, we do need better systems, and I believe it starts with us and our decisions.

Work In Progress

2/24/2025 - 3/2/2025

Below are a few things I made last week. Still nothing big, but... being more patient. Small steps, every day.

Laminate Structures

Using laser cutting and lamination to create multi-material structures for my Informal Robotics class.

Kitchen Organization System [WIP]

A week-long system design sprint that explores the following prompt: how might an integrated kitchen organization and meal-planning system support individuals and families in their efforts to reduce eating expenses, minimize food waste and environmental impact, and maintain a healthy, balanced, and delicious diet?

In closing

Two weeks are in the books! I'm looking forward to continuing this practice of sharing projects as they develop. My hope is that by sharing, I can create a more active dialogue around the projects, which will help them flourish. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

With care,

Max