The boffins at Deakin University in Geelong have been producing some interesting work lately – check the breakthrough on longer-life milk elsewhere in today’s Indy.
But sometimes, jeez, the average punter must wonder about the research return on their taxpayer dollars.
Double Take has mused previously on the value of Deakin’s work in areas such as the impact of climate change on parrot beak sizes.
The research into whether Vincent van Gogh was psychotic when he cut off an ear was another questionable example (Answer: duh!).
But a new frontier was broached last week when Deakin unveiled a study into the international legal status of … emojis.
Yes, those twee little symbols accompanying so many digital communications can have a “dark side”, according to Deakin.
Apparently ambiguity over what an emoji might actually convey has led to all sorts of legal trouble overseas, even jail time. Sometimes a smiley face is more than just a smiley face, it seems!
As such, Deakin’s Dr Elizabeth Kirley and Associate Professor Marilyn McMahon have urged a “legal response to digital speech that can confuse, threaten, defame, and otherwise offend its target”.
Presumably the legal risks prevented Elizabeth and Marilyn from adding the smiling poo emoji to the end of that!
Meanwhile, research conducted elsewhere could have some practical application for a certain Geelong sports team.
The Cat Tracker study will now go national after the interesting findings gleaned from attaching video cameras to more than 4300 pet moggies in South Australia.
Of note was data showing that 40 per cent of cats which were thought to be inside at night were actually “on the prowl”, according to research leader Dr Phillip Roetman.
Hmm. Sneaky cats on the prowl at night, eh?
Certain suspicious WAGs might like to sign up their own Cats for the national study!
Extreme sports, extreme weather and now … extreme arts.
Yes, City of Greater Geelong wants to turn up the dial to 11 on contributions to its next Mountain to Mouth walk from the You Yangs to Barwon Heads.
The City’s seeking expressions of interest from creative types keen to enhance 12 specially commissioned Walking Circles along the 80km route (which will be difficult to complete if participants walk in circles every 6.7km!).
Anyway, each contribution must include an “extreme art aspect”, the City said.
The call to arts failed to provide any example of what the City was on about but at least provided a suggestion with the mention that submission could combine “any medium or combination of medium”.
“This is a great opportunity for artists and groups to be a part of something truly special and memorable,” Mayor Bruce Harwood said.
And also something to get them thinking outside the square – or circle, maybe!
