Blog Questions Challenge: Technology Edition
I was tagged by Andreas for a new blog challenge, this time the so-called "Technology Edition".
When Did You First Get Interested In Technology?
I built my first electronics project when I was twelve years old. This was a crystal radio. It required very few components, but I still needed to save money for a while before I could afford the purchase.
For the antenna I used a very long wire, probably 10 meter or longer. The reception was of course terrible, but it felt like an adventure, listening secretly under the blankets during the night to the stations that it was able to receive.
I became fascinated with radio and electronics, and dreamed about becoming a ham radio operator. I read every book about making radios I could find at the local library, which were, of course, overly difficult for me at that age.
Later computers appeared, and I was very interested in a Commodore PET, which was unfortunately way above my budget.
The first computer I actually bought was a Sinclair ZX81, with a memory extension module of 16 kb. I began writing code, fist in Basic, later in assembly language, using a assembler program on a compact cassette.
What’s Your Favourite Piece Of Technology All-Time?
There are so many magnificent pieces of technology, it is hard to make a choice.
I love to see the ingenuity of mechanical engineering. Mechanical clocks are very fascinating, and I love the craftsmanship that goes in them. Also I love the simplicity of bicycles and the engineering of steam engines and of older motorcycles (using a carburetor).
In my youth the advent of many new technologies had an significant impact on the daily life. I remember f.e. my mother doing the laundry in an agitating washing machine, and had to use a wringer to get most water out the garments before hanging them to dry. Today, we take household appliances for granted, but we must never forget it are life-changing pieces of technology (although there is no escape from enshittification, current appliances lack quality and are crippled by planned obsolescence).
Another category of amazing technology that is almost hidden in plain sight is all the engineering related to water management. Because the majority of the Netherlands is below sea level, water drainage is challenging. Different land uses necessitate varying groundwater heights. Water is discharged into the sea via small ditches, channels, and broad waterways. This involves resourceful engineering, such as the development of locks and pumps. Overall, this is a great piece of engineering and a show case of human ingenuity.
What’s Your Favourite Piece Of Technology Right Now?
Laptops are the first thing that comes to mind.
Having a portable computer with a keyboard and a display changed the way I use computers forever and I use my laptop many hours per day.
Name One New Cool Piece Of Technology We’ll Have In 25 Years!
Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future, and then there is the triple planetary crisis --climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
I hope a solution for long duration storage of solar energy will become available withing the next 25 years. That would be great!
Closing words
I have never blogged so much about blogging as with these two challenges, recently the Blog Question Challenge 2025, and now this one.
It is customary to tag other people for the challenge. I am challenging mavica and Headcrash because I am always flabbergasted by their projects.
Update
Both Headcrash and Mavica have accepted the challenge. Their contributions are interesting and great to read!
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