Hell in a Handbasket

I've always been fascinated with history, particularly with the way inventions or developments lead to something new. What was mere fantasy before new machines are invented suddenly seems to be inevitable after they become commonplace. It is sort of like that old poem "For Want of a Nail", but in reverse.

James Burke wrote and starred in a ten part television series entitled Connections (1978) which explored that very subject, following how new inventions would allow further advances in technology. He followed up seven years later with The Day the Universe Changed (1985), which focussed on how ideas or discoveries would suddenly force people to look at the world in a new light.

I watched both series on my local public television channel here in the United States many years ago. I enjoyed them both immensely, and recommend both without reservation.

So, does anyone out there want The Day the Universe Changed free of charge? All you have to do is follow this link.

As Dr. Mercury, the blogger who has this all set up, points out that he doesn't know how long the bandwidth will be free for download. Better get your scoot on.