Connections!

This is one scary show.  Not only does it show how certain inventions changed the direction of our future but it shows where this technology is likely to take us in the future. Gene manipulation?

James Burke the scientific detective is back tracking the fascinating links between technological invention, social history, economics, and, well, everything. Life is a giant 3-dimensional globe made up of millions of threads that cross and recross each other, says Burke as he traces the lines that lead from a French loom to IBM, from a kink in a water pipe to a carburetor. He makes two dozen international stops by way of explaining how the steam pump led to carbon paper, to the entire Industrial revolution and the moon landing, with drill bits, X-rays and genetic engineering along the way; says New York Newsday. In one half-hour! Your head spins, but its the same as splendid champagne. [Read more…]

There are some scenes that I believe should have been left on the cutting-room floor.  For example, there is some partial and full nudity, though tastefully done.  If you are marketing to children why put that stuff in here?

It is a fascinating show but I would recommend watching the show with your children and talking about the difference topics.  Of course, you can always fast forward through the portions that aren’t of interesting to you. The show did a very good job of drawing connection to the past that actually match sense.  I’m on Connections 2, get all three.