In the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was one of several revolutions that overturned society. Mechanical creatures intruded into farms and homes, but still this invasion had no name. Finally, in 1802, Johann Beckmann, an economics professor at Gottingen University gave this ascending force its name [technology] . . . He hoped his outline [a textbook titled Guide to Technology] would become the first course in the subject. It did that and more. It also gave a name to what we do. Once named, we could now see it. Having seen it, we wondered how anyone could not have seen it.
Source: Kevin Kelly, What Technology Wants
Posted: 2025 Oct 18
Or check out this TEDxSF by Kelly.
Wooden boats: who knew?
But in Cambellford, Ont. each summer (presuming it is still going on) is the cardboard boat regatta. Hilarious. And surprisingly seaworthy (for much longer than you’d think).
Barbara – Well, it appears that it’s still going on. Sponsored by Skills Ontario – because there’s a big demand for cardboard-boat-making skills that the private sector can’t meet? Oh, it’s a school thing. Here’s Rick Mercer’s video of the championship in Waterloo.