Whole Earth Catalog - access to tools [Spring 1969]
1st Print run: 10,000
then another: 20,000 printed and sold.

Another incarnation of the counter culture magazine/catalogue that provided Head culture Freeks (like myself) with details of how to get information on everything from Aeronautics to Yoga.

In the years before the Internet became the hub of public knowledge, this was as close to surfing the net as you could dream of, and it was awesome! The only Adobe products you'd find in here were on page 28 for Adobe Wall Construction; and printers involved blocks of movable type that got drawn over drums of sticky ink. Even the few early computer clubs consisted of learning to use machines no more sophisticated than the Commodore Calculator (but at least we actually had to use our brains to learn back then).

The range of so called tools is eclectic to say the least! Foam swords called 'Boffers' designed to build your psychic and physical skill, as well as interpersonal energy - all for $11.00 postpaid; or how about Bean's Improved Sandwich Spreader (QVC anyone?) along with more traditional tools such as Kaibab boots and every hippies favourite the 'Volkswagen Technical Manual'.
I found an article on the 'Cuisenaire Rods' which brought me back to my childhood. For those who don't know what they are (yes, they still exist), they were mathematically precise blocks for teaching pre-school children mathematical concepts. I remember these being proffered to me in the early 70s. Despite this early advantage, I have to admit that maths remained my weakest subject for life!
There are lots of small articles and stories; remember Jimi Hendrix's plaster (dick) cast. Well its here too on page 81 with funny quotes from Frank Zappa. Also Included is this prophetic poem (originally printed in The Realist):

All Watched over by Machines of Loving Grace

I like to think (and
the sooner the better!)
of a cybernetic meadow
where mammals and computers
live together in mutually
programming harmony
like pure water
touching clear sky.

I like to think
(right now, please)
of a cybernetic forest
filled with pines and electronics
where deer stroll peacefully
past computers
as if they were flowers
with spinning blossoms.

I like to think
(it has to be!)
of a cybernetic ecology
where we are free of our labors
and joined back to nature,
Returned to our mammal
brothers and sisters,
and all watched over
by machines of loving grace. ( )