How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson

Title: How We Got to Now: Six Innovations that Made the Modern World

Author: Steven Johnson

Publisher: Riverhead Books 2014

Genre: Nonfiction - History

Pages: 304

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); 52 Books - W 31

In this illustrated history, Steven Johnson explores the history of innovation over centuries, tracing facets of modern life (refrigeration, clocks, and eyeglass lenses, to name a few) from their creation by hobbyists, amateurs, and entrepreneurs to their unintended historical consequences. Filled with surprising stories of accidental genius and brilliant mistakes—from the French publisher who invented the phonograph before Edison but forgot to include playback, to the Hollywood movie star who helped invent the technology behind Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—How We Got to Now investigates the secret history behind the everyday objects of contemporary life.

A decent book focusing on a few key innovations. I liked some parts more than others. I especially enjoyed the chapter on cold. Fascinating read about the novelty of cold things in hot places leading to our use of cold technology today. I sure do love my ice and air conditioning. However, some of the chapters felt very dry. Overall, I didn't love this book. But the right person might!

Music Monday -- Highly Suspect "Lydia"

Really digging this song right now on Octane! 

Monthly Life Goals August 2015

Before I get to this month’s goals, let’s check in on July's goals and my progress.

• 30 Day Challenge: Read 100 pages a day -- Success! Although 100 pages was a pretty low goal. Maybe next time I'll challenge myself to 150 pages a day.
• Stick with my capsule wardrobe with update -- Success! I'm getting sick of a few things, but overall I'm doing well with this project.
• Watch and review at least 10 TED talks -- Fail. This just slipped right past me.
• Do a winery visit -- Success! My mother and I did a whole day in Sonoma complete with winery tour and tasting.
• Get a pedicure -- Fail. Really wanted to do this for myself but it just didn't happen.
• Go on a date night with J -- Fail.

This month's goals:

• 30 Day Challenge: 30 Days of New Movies -- I haven't done one of these for awhile. Traditionally I do new movie month in September, but this year I'm feeling the need for recharging in August.
• Watch and review 10 TED Talks -- Trying this again...
• Plan and start the special surprises for the October retreat -- I love to have things done early.
• Plan activities for Arthur's birthday party -- Again, I love to have things done early.
• Finish a Soduku puzzle -- A simple goal, but I haven't engaged in a puzzle in far too long. Want to get back into occassionally doing a puzzle of some kind.
• Buy a vase and fill with fresh flowers -- I love the look of flowers on the dining room table, but I just don't do it very often.