I remember hearing about the “information super highway” myself a little over 20 years ago. At least that’s what I heard it called. Of course at that time, modems were still at crawling speed.
Back in 1993 when Bill Watterson drew today’s strip, the “Information Superhighway” was still under construction, speed limits were very slow, there were a lot of traffic jams, and it often took a lot of time to get where you were going.
I remember another one where Calvin asks his dad why they don’t have an “online account” for their computer, and his dad says that it’s bad enough that people can call them on the phone. Poor Calvin’s dad. It didn’t get any better.
I recently came across a letter written by a dear friend 40 years ago. It was wonderful holding her thoughts and hopes written on beautiful stationary in my hands after so many years. Recent and future generations may never know that simple yet endearing joy.
And future anthropologists and historians won’t have hard-copy letters and diaries to research either. I was just watching a BBC documentary where Dr. Lucy (whatever her name is) was in the Parliamentary archives, standing in front of stacks and stacks of rolled up parchments from way back in the 12th century etc.
@moronbis: Glad you enjoy the extra strips. Today’s topic was an easy one, because so many cartoonists have done strips about technology and the Internet.
@TheTrustedMechanic: Yes, life is too short to waste it arguing with those at either end of the spectrum who already have their minds made up. Spend your time enjoying people who are open-minded, and never let go of your sense of humor.
Back in 1957 Isaac Asimov published a novel called “The Naked Sun” In it he describes a planet on which the inhabitants “view” (holographic Skype) each other. They do not communicate with each other in person. However, they get along very well with their intelligent machines (robots) and are completely dependent on them.
The problem with social media is that it stunts our social growth.
I remember an old movie about a spaceship going to Mars, and on the way back, ran into trouble. His link back to the earth was one man, sitting in a room, talking into a microphone. So different from real life now.
ratlum about 11 years ago
At least your right about something.
margueritem about 11 years ago
Such a heartbreak.
Linux0s about 11 years ago
Well with today’s attention span… oh wait funny kitty video…
amethyst42 about 11 years ago
When was this originally published?
rentier about 11 years ago
Slowness has it’s advantages too!
watmiwori about 11 years ago
Dad can still communicate by mail, but it takes a lot more than a week now and costs 50 times as much, or more.
VictoryRider about 11 years ago
I remember hearing about the “information super highway” myself a little over 20 years ago. At least that’s what I heard it called. Of course at that time, modems were still at crawling speed.
Phapada about 11 years ago
the best by mail….
Aaron Saltzer about 11 years ago
I wonder what his mom thinks. From what Calvin said, the same thing, I’m guessing.
Rasslebear about 11 years ago
Calvin, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet…..
orinoco womble about 11 years ago
I’m a 19th century personality trapped in the 21st century, Calvin.
Keith Martin Premium Member about 11 years ago
Bill Watterson, ahead of his time.
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
Back in 1993 when Bill Watterson drew today’s strip, the “Information Superhighway” was still under construction, speed limits were very slow, there were a lot of traffic jams, and it often took a lot of time to get where you were going.
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
When it comes to technology, Calvin’s Dad isn’t exactly an early adopter:Click here: Calvin and Hobbes (December 12, 1986)
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
Click here: Peanuts (November 19, 1951)Click here: B.C. (April 6, 2008)Click here: Ziggy (January 6, 2010)Click here: Frank and Earnest (August 28, 2010)Click here: Thatababy (December 11, 2012)Click here: Pearls Before Swine (March 8, 2013)
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
Non Sequitur: January 17, 2010
Kaputnik about 11 years ago
I remember another one where Calvin asks his dad why they don’t have an “online account” for their computer, and his dad says that it’s bad enough that people can call them on the phone. Poor Calvin’s dad. It didn’t get any better.
James Hatfield about 11 years ago
I recently came across a letter written by a dear friend 40 years ago. It was wonderful holding her thoughts and hopes written on beautiful stationary in my hands after so many years. Recent and future generations may never know that simple yet endearing joy.
Zero-Gabriel about 11 years ago
Human Technology has been Stagnated as of late… and for a rather long time too and advancing way too slow.
I’m still waiting on all the COOL stuff from some of the movies like “Back to the Future”.
iwavy about 11 years ago
Start of the day I would feel everything should be superfast and the end of the day should be slower.
Aaberon about 11 years ago
We reminisced: we remembered when colored sidewalk chalk hadn’t been invented yet, and when the neighbors (the rich ones) got an answering machine…
sbchamp about 11 years ago
“If you see the man who invented the wheel, send him up. Meddler!!” -J. Harshaw
orinoco womble about 11 years ago
And future anthropologists and historians won’t have hard-copy letters and diaries to research either. I was just watching a BBC documentary where Dr. Lucy (whatever her name is) was in the Parliamentary archives, standing in front of stacks and stacks of rolled up parchments from way back in the 12th century etc.
kakarrot62 about 11 years ago
prophetic cartoon
kakarrot62 about 11 years ago
im a 19th century BC man trapped in the 21st century AD. my wife always calls me a caveman.
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
@moronbis: Glad you enjoy the extra strips. Today’s topic was an easy one, because so many cartoonists have done strips about technology and the Internet.
Hobbes Premium Member about 11 years ago
@TheTrustedMechanic: Yes, life is too short to waste it arguing with those at either end of the spectrum who already have their minds made up. Spend your time enjoying people who are open-minded, and never let go of your sense of humor.
rentier about 11 years ago
The tempo is too high in these days. Older and people with an heartake suffer . They cannot keep up with it.
Spudart about 11 years ago
Calvin’s dad is right. Transportation should have stopped at the bicycle. That is a very 21st century thought.
meihong about 11 years ago
Poor Calvin!
carecare about 11 years ago
We should all still be riding horses and driving horse and buggy! Much better for everything!
peachyanddanny about 11 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrmQB38aT5U
dflak about 11 years ago
Back in 1957 Isaac Asimov published a novel called “The Naked Sun” In it he describes a planet on which the inhabitants “view” (holographic Skype) each other. They do not communicate with each other in person. However, they get along very well with their intelligent machines (robots) and are completely dependent on them.
The problem with social media is that it stunts our social growth.
MysteryCat about 11 years ago
Wow, that is interesting. Where is this building?
Number Three about 11 years ago
My heart bleeds for you, Calvin.
LOL xxx
AStarofDestiny about 11 years ago
That is impressive!
JaZ_3 about 11 years ago
Sounds like my life 50 years ago!
ryanator008 about 11 years ago
This strip is actually funnier today.
scrabblefiend about 11 years ago
I remember an old movie about a spaceship going to Mars, and on the way back, ran into trouble. His link back to the earth was one man, sitting in a room, talking into a microphone. So different from real life now.
userprofile5 over 9 years ago
Actually, almost all adults feel that way. Even Steve Jobs used to.