I-Movix SprintCam v3 NAB 2009 showreel from David Coiffier on Vimeo.

I bookmarked this story from CNET last week for one simple reason. It was fascinating to me. And, after an incredibly busy week and weekend, this seemed like a good way to ease back into blogging.

Evidently some technology being used in ski helmets, shin guards and equestrian equipment is making its way into the armor of British soldiers. The concept behind it is that the molecules in this orange gel liner are viscous until the instant of high impact.

The goo, under development by Blue Divine, uses “intelligent molecules” to “shock lock” together when shot or stabbed, creating a solid pad to absorb energy. The substance, called D30, returns to its “normal flexible state” after the pressure is removed.

“When moved slowly, the molecules will slip past each other, but in a high-energy impact, they will snag and lock together, becoming solid,” Blue Divine CEO Richard Palmer said in an interview. “In doing so, they absorb energy.”

If you watch the video demonstration where Palmer repeatedly strikes a hammer into the goo (which is wrapped around a soldier’s finger) you’ll see the amazing transformation from semi-solid to solid and back again.

Pretty cool stuff. As a sniper, I guess I should know about it, eh?

But today, I’m stuck.

I’ve found it absolutely impossible to adequately reflect on the results of the presidential election from a societal, cultural or political perspective. There are many more people who will address the 2008 election more eloquently and insightfully than I could ever dream to, so I won’t even attempt it.

Suffice it to say, I am proud of my country for many reasons, and last night amplified my hope for the future. But the lens I will use as I try to cobble together my thoughts is one focused on ideas, communications and business.

To me, last night was the manifestation of Web 2.0.

The power of the collective one.

The collapse of the Berlin Wall and communism both occurred during my adult life, but I didn’t feel personally attached to these world events. Don’t get me wrong, I remember processing the significance of the pictures on my television, but there remained a disconnect.

Right or wrong, as far as I was concerned, these seismic shifts in world order happened because of government intervention and global pressures. Big entities clashing. The movement of the many, reacting to pressure from the top down. (Glossing over subtleties? Without question. But, that was my state of mind in the early 90s.)

Last night, as the tide of history washed in to shore, and the pictures of both celebrations and concessions came in from around the world, I was struck by how personally involved I felt.

This was not just the movement of many.

It was the power of the collective one.

How could a moment of initial curiosity about this first-term Senator from Illinois move from an innocent Google search to the perception that I made a difference? Not only was I witnessing the epic event in Grant Park, but I was also sharing the success of a candidate with whom I had developed a multi-faceted relationship.

A seemingly insignificant donation, made in response to an email request, became enveloped in emotion. Like a child bringing a box of coins to Sunday school with wide-eyed hope, mine was a contribution that, in campaigns past, would have not even been felt (or sought) by political elders.

Certainly he received contributions from many wealthy donors giving large sums, but by building and nurturing relationships on an individual level — something unattainable or untried in the last couple of national elections — Obama was the first that I know of to authentically harness the power of citizens to act.

A clear, compelling position, communicated across media, that started contextually relevant conversations. It demanded participation and collaboration. It allowed me to have a unique relationship with a concept and to see the importance of my story in that of the masses.

I am but one voice. Yet I feel it has risen above the din. I don’t believe there is a more powerful example of the way to make a brand work in the world today.

image: Atom Tat by edgeplot via Flickr

As technology shrinks in size and expands in capacity, it seems that we become ever more reliant on human contact. The closer the mechanism gets to the nucleus of the atom, the more embedded technology becomes in our lives and the more it allows us to connect with those of like mind to us.

I’m wandering here, but I’m also wondering.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vajL48mwsCA&hl=en]

The comparison of today’s digital devices to the swingsets of my youth as a force in socialization was an interesting way to frame the perspective.

In addition, it brought to mind the virtually inseparable divide between religion and daily life in certain cultures. My family (and culture) saw life and religion as two separate things. My wife’s family (and culture) can’t distinguish between where faith starts and family begins.

Does anyone else know of any knowledge base highlighting the connection between culture and technology? Are there other non-technology comparisons that come to mind?