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Leo Beranek dies at 102, PS
by Dave Walden 13 Oct '16

13 Oct '16

I have just been told that there is also a 2 hour oral history on the following MIT web site: http://infinitehistory.mit.edu/video/leo-l-beranek

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Leo Beranek, RIP
by Dave Walden 13 Oct '16

13 Oct '16

See: http://www.wcvb.com/news/leo-beranek-founder-of-wcvb-dies-at-102/42082378 Leo was not himself a computer person. He was instrumental, however, in creating the environment at Bolt Beranek and Newman in which much computing innovation happened. In particular, he had the foresight to bring Licklider to BBN [from MIT, Whirlwind, etc.] because he understood that his own field of acoustics did not have the growth potential of computers and computing (this moved Lick fully into computers from psycho acoustics and was a step along the way the the vision he began to implement at ARPA IPTO). Leo was interviewed twice for the IEEE History Center oral history collection: http://ethw.org/Oral-History:Leo_Beranek_(1996) (oral history taken by Janet Abbate) http://ethw.org/Oral-History:Leo_Beranek_(2005) (oral history taken by Mike Geselowitz) He also authored the lead article in the two BBN special issues of the IEEE Annals of the History of Computing (Vol. 27, No. 2, April–June 2005) As Leo's primary technical contributions were in the field of acoustics, an issue of _Acoustics Today_ was dedicated to articles related to his work on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Leo was a great scientist, entrepreneur and contributor to the public good: http://www.walden-family.com/bbn/leo-the-visionary.pdf -- 12 Linden Road, East Sandwich, 02537 landline=508-888-7655; cell=774-205-3203 website=walden-family.com

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Media query about 1960s computer dating systems
by Janet Abbate 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

See below. If anyone has information to share, please contact her directly. thanks, Janet Begin forwarded message: >> From: Emanuele Berry <emanuele(a)gimletmedia.com> >> Date: September 26, 2016 11:46:55 AM EDT >> To: abbate(a)vt.edu >> Subject: Background interview for Gimlet Media >> >> Greetings, >> >> My name is Emanuele Berry. I'm a producer/reporter with Gimlet media. I'm working on a story about Operation Match, one of the first computer based dating services. In researching this story and speaking with the founders of the organization, I've found that nobody has been able to explain how the computers actually worked in the matching process. This is why I'm writing. I'm hoping you might have time for a quick phone call where you could help break down how computer models in the 1960's worked, particularly how a system similar to TACT would run. Any assistance or direction would be greatly apprcaited. Please let me know if you think you can help. >> >> Gimlet Media is a company founded last year by a group of former NPR producers to make documentary podcasts on a variety of subjects. Our shows are like radio shows, but are distributed on the Internet, and they are downloaded 5 million times a month by people all over the world. I'm a producer with a show called Afterwards, which revisits old news stories from the past 50 years and through interviews with the people involved tells our listeners about what's happened since then. The show will launch this fall, and will be distributed nationally. >> >> Best, >> >> Emanuele Berry | Gimlet Media | Producer | 517-899-5002 | Emanuele(a)gmiletmedia.com Dr. Janet Abbate Associate Professor, Science & Technology in Society Co-director, National Capital Region STS program Virginia Tech www.sts.vt.edu/ncr www.linkedin.com/groups/STS-Virginia-Tech-4565055 www.facebook.com/VirginiaTechSTS

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New Website
by Info ＠ IT History Society 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

The IT History Society has updated its website. Please take a look at - www.ithistory.org <http://www.ithistory.org> Some features such as - * Better looking * More SEO friendly * User initiated changes to the many databases * Improved searching * Registration of members in order to submit changes * .. and more Still tuned for further enhancements. IT History Society One Blackfield Drive - Suite 331 Tiburon, CA 94920 (415) 435-2263 Fax (415) 983-2472 <mailto:info@ITHistory.org> info(a)ITHistory.org <http://www.ithistory.org/> www.ITHistory.org Ensuring the Future by Preserving the Past The IT History Society depends on support from people interested in the history of the IT revolution. Please make a tax-deductible contribution here: <http://ithistory.org/donate/index.php> <http://www.twitter.com/ithistoryorg> <http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/It-History-Society/143799552346273>

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Restoring the first recording of computer music
by Brian Randell 02 Oct '16

02 Oct '16

Hi: This British Library blog post about Christopher Strachey’s programming of the Manchester Mk II in 1951 to play music may be of interest: http://blogs.bl.uk/sound-and-vision/2016/09/restoring-the-first-recording-o… Cheers Brian Randell — School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU EMAIL = Brian.Randell(a)ncl.ac.uk PHONE = +44 191 208 7923 URL = http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/staff/profile/brian.randell

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University of Minnesota Libraries Archives and Special Collections --> deadline Friday 30 Sept.
by Thomas J. Misa 26 Sep '16

26 Sep '16

Hi all, CBI has an annual "travel to collections" competition with a due date in mid January http://www.cbi.umn.edu/research/ntravelfund.html. The deadline is THIS FRIDAY for a different means of travel support to use University of Minnesota collections, including those held by the Charles Babbage Institute. Several computer-history projects have artfully located materials, in addition to CBI holdings, in other UMN special collections. (see www at bottom of page) Such proposals have been very attractive to the Libraries award committee. Please address inquiries about CBI archival collections to CBI archivist-curator Amanda Wick <abwick(a)umn.edu>. See particulars below: ---Tom Misa ============================ The Elmer L. Andersen Research Scholars Program supports scholarly research projects using materials from the Libraries’ rare and special collections. Named for former governor and University of Minnesota regent Elmer L. Andersen, the new program honors the Governor’s passion for collecting and for expanding the use of the collections. The Research Scholars program is available to scholars including faculty, graduate, post-graduate, and independent researchers using the collections in the Department of Archives and Special Collections. This program is not available to currently enrolled University of Minnesota graduate or undergraduate students or UM faculty. The program will provide support for research projects that require use of one or more of the collections. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 and provide funds for travel, housing and other research related costs. The final research product (e.g., journal article, documentary film) must acknowledge the Libraries’ support and be deposited with the University Libraries. Applications should include the following: • Cover letter that provides a detailed project de- scription, placing the project in the context of its larger field of study and describing the anticipated result of the project (e.g. journal article, book, edited volume, etc.). The narrative should articulate the anticipated use of the University Libraries collections with reference to specific collections to be used and their relevance to the project. • The applicant’s curriculum vitae • Two letters of recommendation • A budget with estimates of related costs About the collections: The University of Minnesota Libraries Archives and Special Collections contain diverse holdings from clay tablets to documentation of the history of information technology, from children’s literature to University re- cords, from the literary and performing arts to gay and lesbian culture. Complete description of the collecting areas at https://www.lib.umn.edu/special/archives-and-special-collections-web-pages . Application deadline: September 30, 2016 Award announcement: November 11, 2016 Research must be completed: December 29, 2017

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VICE Motherboard Article on "Voice" and Disability in Tech
by Meryl Alper 21 Sep '16

21 Sep '16

Hi all, *Speechless*, a sitcom debuting tonight on ABC in the US, will be the first TV show to feature a disabled lead character who uses an augmentative and alternative communication system instead of oral speech to express themselves. In advance of the premiere, I've written an op-ed for *VICE Motherboard* on the show's potential to generate conversation about the complex intersections of voice, agency, and technology -- particularly in today's political environment: http://motherboard.vice.com/read/what-abcs-new-tv-series- speechless-can-tell-us-about-voice The commentary is based on my book *Giving Voice: Mobile Communication, Disability, and Inequality* (MIT Press, forthcoming 2017): https://merylalper.com/giving-voice/ Feel free to pass the article along! Also happy to hear any and all feedback. Best, Meryl -- *Meryl Alper* Assistant Professor Department of Communication Studies Northeastern University Holmes 217 m.alper(a)northeastern.edu merylalper.com

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Position: Founding Chair of Digital and Computational Studies at Bates College
by Rebelsky, Samuel 15 Sep '16

15 Sep '16

Forwarded for a colleague (who I think was forwarding for other colleagues) because it may be of interest to the members of this list. -- SamR --- Dear colleagues, Bates College is establishing a new program in Digital and Computational Studies and seeks an extraordinary individual at the Associate or Full Professor level as its founding Chair. Review of applications will begin 1 October. If you have questions about this position, please contact Paula Schlax at pschlax(a)bates.edu. Please also share this announcement as may be appropriate; the search aims to cast a wide net for creative folks in and around the fields of computing. Thanks! Lynn —— Lynn Andrea Stein Professor of Computer and Cognitive Science Olin College of Engineering Bates College: Faculty Position: Digital and Computational Studies Chair of Digital and Computational Studies, (R2155) Location: Lewiston, Maine Digital and Computational Studies at Bates College invites applications for the chair of this newly established interdisciplinary program. The program has been created to advance learning and scholarship across multiple disciplines by evaluating and harnessing current and emerging concepts, methods, and tools in computer science and digital studies. The program is envisioned as one that will attract, welcome, and train students from diverse backgrounds both in computer science and in the interrogation of the practices, values, cultures, and assumptions of a digital world. The chair will work with an established program committee to design the program curriculum and to hire two additional faculty, bringing a broad vision of the roles of digital and computational studies in a liberal arts environment to this process. The successful candidate will have a strong record of collaboration and will be an effective leader and communicator as well as an accomplished teacher and scholar. Further, the successful candidate will have a strong record of engaging people from underrepresented backgrounds--especially racial/ethnic minorities and women--in this area. This is a senior tenured position at the Associate or Full Professor level that will begin August 1, 2017. A Ph.D, use of computer science as a primary tool in scholarship and teaching, and a track record of interdisciplinary work are required. Experience leading or playing a major role in developing an academic program is desirable. Interest in designing a curriculum that builds bridges across the curriculum—including the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and existing interdisciplinary programs— is essential. The field of specialization is open, but over a two to three year period, candidates will be expected to teach courses in all or most of the following: introduction to computer programming, data structures and algorithmic problem-solving, computer systems in society, and computational statistics. The teaching load at Bates is five courses per year with a one-course reduction possible for chairing the program. For more information about Digital and Computational Studies at Bates, see our webpage (http://www.bates.edu/digital-computational-studies/) The College and the Digital and Computational Studies Program Bates are committed to enhancing the diversity of the campus and the curriculum. We welcome applications from all individuals with the ability to contribute to the College’s continuing commitment to social and cultural diversity and inclusiveness. Review of applications begins on 1 October 2016, and will continue until the position is filled. QUALIFICATIONS A Ph.D, use of computer science as a primary tool in scholarship and teaching, and a track record of interdisciplinary work are required. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Cover letter that articulates your aspirations for a new major in Digital and Computational Studies at a small, residential, liberal arts college Current CV Teaching portfolio including a teaching philosophy, a description of a course you would want to develop for the new curriculum, a list of courses that you have taught or are qualified to teach, and teaching evaluations from all courses over two academic years Description of your research program directed to a hiring committee drawn from a committee of faculty and staff from disciplines across the college Statement describing previous work you've undertaken to develop inclusive environments (especially with regard to underrepresented groups) and how your teaching and leadership at Bates will support the institutional commitment to enhancing social and cultural diversity and inclusivity. Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which discusses your qualifications to serve as chair. https://apply.interfolio.com/36793

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contact of Andrew Butrica re antenna archives
by maxigas 13 Sep '16

13 Sep '16

hello members, i tried to contact Andrew Bustica who is supposed to be in charge of the online archives of Antenna Newsletter published by Mercurians, another special interest group of the Society for the History of Technology: http://www.mercurians.org/antenna.htm they are missing quite a lot of issues, including the one with an article i needed. i could get the article in question but i wondered if they need some help putting their stuff online or they could publish the scan that i received via Karl Stephan. Bustica's email address given there seems to be a very old one and not working. anybody has Andrew Bustica's current contact details? thanks, -- maxigas, kiberpunk FA00 8129 13E9 2617 C614 0901 7879 63BC 287E D166 http://relay70.metatron.ai/ In Solidarity with Library Genesis and Sci-hub http://custodians.online Share this letter - read it in public - leave it in the printer. Share your writing - digitize a book - upload your files. Don't let our knowledge be crushed. Care for the libraries - care for the metadata - care for the backup. Water the ❀❀❀❀❀ - clean the volcanoes.

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opportunities for book reviewers - IEEE Annals of the History of Computing
by Andrew Russell 11 Sep '16

11 Sep '16

Hi everyone - I hope most of you read the IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, and perhaps some of you have noticed that we’ve been trying to bring more variety to the Reviews column in recent years. (I’m the Reviews editor.) We’ve run reviews of technical histories, cultural histories, popular histories, edited volumes, computer game histories, and even a few films and TV shows. The reason I bring this up is that I’m always looking for people who would like to write reviews. I’m open to all sorts of suggestions and ideas. Perhaps you know graduate students who would do a good job with a review; perhaps you would like to write a review essay that draws on 3 to 5 recent books; perhaps you think that Annals readers would be interested to learn about books from areas where they don’t typically read. As we all know, the history of computing is quite a dynamic field that spills across all kinds of disciplinary lines. I think the Reviews column is a good place to try to capture at least a little bit of this dynamism. I’d be happy to hear suggestions from people who have specific books in mind, or who just want to let me know they would be available if something on a certain topic pops up. The process isn’t too formal or exotic - once I can find a good fit between books and reviewers, the publisher is usually good enough to send a free copy. Reviews are typically 800 words, but it’s not difficult to talk me into more (or less) space if you think the review needs it. Thanks and I hope to hear from you! Andy — — — — — — — — — — — Andrew L. Russell, Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts & Sciences SUNY Polytechnic Institute Donovan Hall - 2123B 100 Seymour Road Utica, NY 13502 t. 315-792-7317 w. https://sunypoly.edu/ e. arussell(a)arussell.org

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