Henry Petroski, PhD. speaks on Engineering + Civilization [1]
He is apparently widely know for his indepth study of the lowly toothpick. There's an excerpt online, but since it says this at the bottom of the page:
I have made that a link... (heh, heh... copyrights are so funny) enjoy.
The event is free, but you have to call for tickets - see severance box office phone below.
Links:
[1] http://case.edu/events/dls/lecture/2010/speaker.html
[2] http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15681628
[3] http://maps.google.com?q=41.505132+-81.610021+%28Euclid+Avenue+%26+East+Boulevard%2C+Cleveland%2C+OH%2C+44106%2C+us%29