"Globe Gores" explores the challenge of representing a spherical Earth on a flat map. The blog post focuses on globe gores, which are the individual, often lens-shaped, segments printed and then meticulously applied to a sphere to create a globe. It highlights the distortions inherent in flattening these gores for printing, referencing various historical gore patterns and explaining how their shapes attempt to minimize these distortions. The post showcases examples from the Library of Congress's collection, emphasizing the craftsmanship and precision required to create these essential components of historical globes.
This article from the Journal of the Printing Historical Society details the history of phototypesetting at Monotype, focusing on their transition from hot metal to photographic composition. It covers the initial reluctance to embrace the new technology, driven by a significant investment in hot metal, and the eventual development of filmsetters like the Monophoto, Lasercomp, and Linotron 202. The piece highlights the technical challenges overcome, the evolution of font design and storage for photographic systems, and the ultimate impact of these innovations on the printing industry, marking a significant shift away from traditional methods.
Hacker News users discuss the linked PDF, which details the history of Monotype's involvement with phototypesetting. Several commenters express fascination with the technical details of early phototypesetting machines, particularly the challenges of achieving high-quality output and the ingenious mechanical solutions employed. Some lament the loss of the aesthetic qualities of hot metal type in the transition to phototypesetting, while others appreciate the increased speed and flexibility the newer technology offered. A few commenters share personal anecdotes about working with Monotype equipment, providing firsthand accounts of the era. The discussion also touches upon the broader historical context of the printing industry's shift from analog to digital processes.
The creator of VideoToFlip.com offers a service that transforms digital videos into physical flipbooks. Customers upload their videos, choose from various sizes and paper types, and receive a custom-printed flipbook that animates their video when flipped. This allows for a tangible, nostalgic way to experience digital content. The service is marketed towards individuals seeking unique gifts or a personalized way to preserve memories, and also caters to businesses looking for promotional materials.
HN commenters were generally impressed with the craftsmanship and niche nature of the business. Some expressed concerns about copyright issues when converting copyrighted video content into flipbooks. Others questioned the practicality and longevity of the offering in a digital age, while some praised its unique tactile and nostalgic appeal. Several commenters suggested potential markets like gifts, promotional materials, or educational tools. There was also discussion about the technical process, including printing methods and binding techniques, with some users offering alternative approaches. Finally, a few users shared personal anecdotes about creating flipbooks in their youth, further highlighting the nostalgic element.
Evidence suggests many Pokémon Playtest cards, initially believed to be from the game's early development, were actually printed much later, possibly in 2024. This is based on the presence of a "three-dot" copyright symbol on the cards, which signifies compliance with Japanese copyright law updated in 2024. While this doesn't definitively rule out earlier creation, it strongly indicates a later printing date than previously assumed, suggesting these "Playtest" cards may represent a different stage of development or purpose than initially thought.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of Pokémon playtest cards potentially being printed in 2024. Some express skepticism, pointing out that a "24" print code doesn't definitively mean the year 2024 and could represent something else entirely. Others find the idea plausible given the long lead times in the printing industry, especially with specialized processes like those used for Pokémon cards. The conversation also touches on the possibility of these being counterfeits, the complexities of the Pokémon TCG market, and how leaks can affect the perceived value and collectability of cards. A few users mention the inherent difficulties in verifying the authenticity of such leaks, while others simply express amusement at the idea of time-traveling Pokémon cards.
Printercow is a service that transforms any thermal printer connected to a computer into an easily accessible API endpoint. Users install a lightweight application which registers the printer with the Printercow cloud service. This enables printing from anywhere using simple HTTP requests, eliminating the need for complex driver integrations or network configurations. The service is designed for developers seeking a streamlined way to incorporate printing functionality into web applications, IoT devices, and other projects, offering various subscription tiers based on printing volume.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and potential uses of Printercow. Some questioned the real-world need for such a service, pointing out existing solutions like AWS IoT and suggesting that direct network printing is often simpler. Others expressed interest in specific applications, including remote printing for receipts, labels, and tickets, particularly in environments lacking reliable internet. Concerns were raised about security, particularly regarding the potential for abuse if printers were exposed to the public internet. The cost of the service was also a point of discussion, with some finding it expensive compared to alternatives. Several users suggested improvements, such as offering a self-hosted option and supporting different printer command languages beyond ESC/POS.
The Letterform Archive recently acquired a collection of over 700 Japanese chopstick sleeves, showcasing their role as miniature canvases for typography and cultural expression. These disposable yet designed objects reveal a wide range of typefaces, from traditional calligraphy to modern sans serifs, often paired with illustrative elements like landscapes, animals, or abstract patterns. The collection provides a glimpse into graphic design trends, regional aesthetics, and even historical periods, demonstrating how even ephemeral items can reflect broader cultural values and artistic sensibilities.
HN users generally enjoyed the article about chopstick sleeves, appreciating the deep dive into a seemingly mundane object. Several commenters pointed out the connection between the aesthetic appreciation of everyday items and Japanese culture, with one highlighting the similar artistry found in Japanese matchboxes. Another user noted the prevalence of beautiful, yet disposable, ephemera in Japan. A few commenters discussed the practicality of the sleeves, suggesting their primary function is hygienic, while the design is a secondary, albeit appreciated, aspect. Some questioned the environmental impact of single-use items like these, prompting a discussion about reusable chopstick options and cultural norms around dining. Finally, one commenter expressed a desire for more articles exploring the design and history of everyday objects.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43546607
HN users discuss the practical aspects of creating globes from gores, touching on the distortions inherent in representing a 3D sphere on a 2D surface. Some commenters delve into the history of globe-making and the different projections used, while others suggest software and techniques for generating gore patterns, including open-source options like QGIS and G.Projector. A few express fascination with the intricate geometry involved, and some share personal anecdotes about building their own globes. The challenges of aligning and assembling the gores are also highlighted, with tips offered for achieving a smooth, accurate final product. Several users appreciate the Library of Congress's detailed blog post, finding it informative and inspiring.
The Hacker News post "Globe Gores" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43546607) linking to a Library of Congress blog post about globe gores has a modest number of comments, offering a few different perspectives on the topic.
Several comments focus on the practical aspects of globe construction. One user highlights the ingenuity of the gore design, allowing a flat map to be transformed into a three-dimensional sphere. Another points out the inherent distortions involved in representing a spherical surface on a flat plane, referencing the Mercator projection as a common example and mentioning how gores offer a different approach to this problem. A further comment elaborates on the challenges of creating distortion-free maps, mentioning the impossibility of perfectly representing the Earth's surface on a flat medium and linking this to the mathematics of manifolds.
Another commenter discusses the historical context of globe making, referencing the long history of this craft and its significance in navigation and exploration. They specifically note how the creation of accurate globes was a challenging technical feat in earlier eras.
One comment thread delves into the specific geometry of globe gores, discussing the calculations and considerations involved in designing them. One user questions the specific number of gores used in the example and initiates a discussion about the tradeoffs between the number of gores and the resulting distortion. Another user provides mathematical insights into these tradeoffs.
A few comments express general appreciation for the elegance and ingenuity of globe gores. One simply expresses delight at learning about this topic, while another appreciates the visual appeal of the gores themselves.
Finally, one comment pivots the discussion to digital globes, comparing and contrasting traditional globe-making techniques with modern digital representations of the Earth. They mention the prevalence of digital globes and the potential for interactive exploration offered by these tools.