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Jean Bartik
by Evan Koblentz 23 Mar '11

23 Mar '11

Jean Bartik died this morning. Her son Timothy emailed Bill Mauchly, who told myself and others. Tim wrote: >>> My mom died early this morning. I was already scheduled to fly out to Poughkeepsie this morning because we knew this likely was coming. My sister Mary is already out there with Jane. We will be figuring out some things and telling some stories. I don't think there will be a memorial service in the short-term. There will probably be some service later this spring or summer in Missouri, when she is buried next to her siblings in the Jennings Cemetery in Stanberry Missouri. >>> Please notify anyone else you think might want to know. >>> She died very peacefully -- she just stopped breathing a little after midnight, very early this morning. We had decided Monday night not to hospitalize her when she was in renal failure. She had made it clear on Saturday and Sunday that she did not want under any circumstances to go back in the hospital. Actually Monday night, the last thing I heard her say was that she wanted to stay at the Pines, and I heard her even though she was 10 feet away from the phone. It must have taken a tremendous amount of will power to speak up so loudly when she could barely talk. >>> As you know from reading my mom's memoir, my mom placed great value on her friendship with Kay. I promised my Mom I would get her memoir published in some form. I think NWMSU is self-publishing it with some service, but there will be some copies printed and it will be for sale at Amazon. I want to set up a website where anyone can download it for free. I also hope that Kathy Kleiman's documentary gets produced. Sorry to break this news. Tim's email is BARTIK(a)upjohn.org. - Evan

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Last chance for a SIGCIS panel for SHOT
by Thomas Haigh 11 Mar '11

11 Mar '11

Hello, In response to my earlier call to see if anyone was interested in a SIGCIS organized/sponsored panel for the main SHOT conference (see http://sigcis.org/pipermail/members/2011-February/053632.html) I had received several replies. Some seem to fit nicely into a possible panel. There's also an "orphan" that didn't fit with the proposals so far received: "Complexity, Verification and the rise of Object Oriented Programming." So I promised I would circulate another call, to see if maybe there are other possible papers that could be joined with this one to make a thematically related panel proposal. That might be relevant with other papers on practice, software, relationship of tools to metal models of the world, etc. In other news: I don't want to spam people with my personal life, but we were joined by a new baby as scheduled two weeks ago, and those who are interested can see the evidence at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=289153&id=592754290&l=b1d33e4964. Tom

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CfP -- International conference on the history and philosophy of computing
by Liesbeth De Mol 10 Mar '11

10 Mar '11

Dear colleagues, the CfP for the conference on the History and Philosophy of Computing, November 7-10, 2011, Universiteit Gent is now open. The aim of this conference is to bring together historians and philosophers of computing. Hence, i think that members of this list might be interested in this conference, very best regards, Liesbeth. [apologies for crosspostings] CALL FOR PAPERS /International Conference on the History and Philosophy of Computing/ 7―10 November 2011 Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium http://www.computing-conference.ugent.be Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the famous 1936 Papers by A. Church, E.L. Post and A.M. Turing. From 7-10 November 2011 the Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science, Ghent University organizes an International Conference on the History and Philosophy of computing. The number of researchers working in fields related to computing is growing rapidly in many different directions. As Mahoney once stated, “the computer is not one thing but many different things, and the same holds true of computing”. As a consequence, the computing sciences collect the most diverse complex of experts: philosophers, logicians, historians, mathematicians, computer scientists, programmers, engineers. The number of involved subjects grows accordingly: from the foundational issues to their applications; from the philosophical questions to problems of realizability and design of specifications; from the theoretical studies of computational barriers to the relevance of machines for educational purposes. Given the significance of computing for modern society, the relevance of its history and philosophy can hardly be overestimated. The aim of this conference is to bring together these two streams: we are strongly convinced that an interplay between researchers with an interest in the history and philosophy of computing can crucially add to the maturity of the field. Topics of the conference include but are not restricted to: ･ The history of computing ･ Philosophical, foundational and practical issues of computability in logic, mathematics and computer science • Computation in the sciences For a more detailed list of possible topics see http://www.computing-conference.ugent.behttp://www.computing-conference.uge… SUBMISSION DETAILS: We cordially invite researchers working in a field relevant to the main topics of the conference to submit a short abstract of approximately 200 words and an extended abstract of at most a 1000 words (references included) to https://www.easychair.org/account/signin.cgi?conf=hapoc11 Abstracts must be written in English. Please note that the format of uploaded files must be .pdf or .doc. In order to access the submission page, the creation of an EasyChair account will be required. Please notice that what is called “abstract” in the EasyChair “Title, Abstract and Other Information” section corresponds to the short abstract of this call, and what is called “paper” in the EasyChair “Upload Paper” section corresponds to the extended abstract of this call. IMPORTANT DATES: Submission deadline: May 15, 2011 Notification of acceptance: July 20, 2011 INVITED SPEAKERS: Bill Aspray (University of Texas) Martin Davis (New York University, UC Berkeley) Fairouz Kamareddine (Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh) Sybille Krämer (Freie Universität Berlin) Giovanni Sambin (Universita' di Padova) Raymond Turner (University of Essex) Stephen Wolfram (Wolfram Research) CONFERENCE CHAIRS: Liesbeth De Mol and Giuseppe Primiero PROGRAMME COMMITTEE: G. Alberts (Amsterdam); S. Artemov (New York); M. Campbell-Kelly (Warwick); L. Corry (Tel Aviv) M. Denecker (Leuven); A. Eden (Essex); L. Floridi (Oxford & Hertfordshire); R. Kahle (Lisbon); B. Loewe (Amsterdam); J. Meheus (Ghent); E. Myin (Antwerp); S. Negri (Helsinki) V. de Paiva (Palo Alto); S. Smets (Groningen); G. Sundholm (Leiden); C. Toffalori (Camerino); J.-.P. van Bendegem (Brussels); M. van Dyck (Ghent); B. van Kerkhove (Brussels & Hasselt); E. Weber (Ghent) GRANTS The International Association for Computing and Philosophy http://ia-cap.org/ will fund a $500 travel grant for an IACAP graduate student to attend. IACAP graduate students who would like to apply for this grant need to send a copy of their submission to Tony Beavers (executivedirector@ia-cap.orgexecutivedirector@ia-cap.org), executive director of IACAP. The Association also offers a 10% discount on the conference fee for IACAP members. Student members of the Association for Symbolic Logic http://www.aslonline.org/index.htmhttp://www.aslonline.org/index.htm also may apply for ASL travel support. Applications have to be addressed directly to the ASL. For more information and application details on ASL student travel awards see http://www.aslonline.org/studenttravelawards.htmlhttp://www.aslonline.org/s…. Note that the deadline for application is 7, 2011. SPECIAL ISSUES A selection of papers will be published as a special issue of the journal Philosophy & Technology (Springer) http://www.springer.com/philosophy/epistemology+and+philosophy+of+science/j… We also intend to publish a selection of papers in a special issue of History and Philosophy of Logic (Taylor & Francis) http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/thplauth.asp More details will follow later. CONTACT AND INFORMATION: For further information please contact us at: computing.conference(a)ugent.be or have a look at our website: http://www.computing-conference.ugent.be

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"More Than A Craze: Photographs of NZ's early digital games scene"
by Melanie Swalwell 09 Mar '11

09 Mar '11

Hello all, I wanted to let you know about an online photographic exhibition I have co-curated on early digital games, “More than A Craze: Photographs of New Zealand’s early digital games scene”. It is now online. Blurb follows below. You will find it at http://www.maharagallery.org.nz/MoreThanACraze Kind regards, Melanie -- “More Than A Craze” is an online exhibition consisting of 46 photographs of New Zealand’s early digital games scene. Curated by Melanie Swalwell and Janet Bayly, “More Than A Craze” is one of the outcomes of Swalwell's research into the history of digital games in New Zealand, in the 1980s. The exhibition combines the work of some of New Zealand’s best known documentary photographers – Ans Westra, Christopher Matthews, Robin Morrison – with images from the archives of Wellington’s Evening Post and Auckland’s Fairfax newspapers. These photographers captured images of games, gamers and gameplay in the moment when these were novel. The exhibition website includes a short catalogue essay by Swalwell, and also a comments facility, where you are encouraged to record your impressions, memories, and recognitions. The exhibition and photographs will be of interest to people both curious and knowledgeable about the history of play and interactive entertainment, including those who are nostalgic for the old arcade days. See it at http://www.maharagallery.org.nz/MoreThanACraze -- -- Dr Melanie Swalwell Senior Lecturer, Screen and Media, & Course Coordinator, B. Media Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001 278 Humanities Bldg Ph: +61 8 8201 2619 Fax: +61 8 8201 3635 melanie.swalwell(a)flinders.edu.au about me: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/melanie.swalwell

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IEEE Life Members' Prize
by Medina, Eden 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Dear SIGCIS Members: We are now accepting submissions for the 2011 IEEE Life Members' Prize in Electrical History. We appreciate your help in identifying the best work published in 2010 in electrical and/or computer history. Self nominations are also welcome. Best wishes, Eden Medina Chair, IEEE Prize Committee ------------------------------------- The IEEE Life Members' Prize The IEEE Life Members' Prize in Electrical History, supported by the IEEE Life Members' Fund and administered by the Society for the History ofTechnology, is awarded annually to the best paper in the history of electrotechnology -- power, electronics, telecommunications, and computer science -- published during the preceding year. Any article published in a learned periodical is eligible if it treats the art or engineering aspects of electrotechnology and its practitioners. The article must be written in English, although the journal or periodical in which it appears may be a foreign language publication. The prize consists of a cash award of $500 and a certificate. To nominate an article, please send a copy of the paper to each member of the prize committee. Deadline is April 15. For more information, please contact the committee chair or Bernie Carlson, SHOT Secretary, 434.975.2190, shot(a)virginia.edu.<mailto:shot@virginia.edu> 2011 IEEE Life Members' Prize Committee Eden Medina, chair School of Informatics and Computing Indiana University 901 E. 10th Street, Room 305 Bloomington, IN 47408 eden.medina(a)gmail.com<mailto:eden.medina@gmail.com> Ross Bassett History Dept. North Carolina State University 350 Withers Hall Campus Box 8108 Raleigh, NC 27695-8108 history485(a)gmail.com<mailto:history485@gmail.com> Mats Fridlund Associate Professor/ Universitetslektor Dept of Philosophy, Linguistics & Theory of Science University of Gothenburg Box 200, Olof Wijksgatan 6, Room T328 SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden mats.fridlund(a)gmail.com<mailto:mats.fridlund@gmail.com> -- Eden Medina Assistant Professor of Informatics Adjunct Assistant Professor of History School of Informatics and Computing Indiana University, Bloomington edenm(a)indiana.edu<mailto:edenm@indiana.edu> http://www.informatics.indiana.edu/edenm

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Any list members at Penn State?
by Evan Koblentz 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Are any SIGCIS members based at PSU? If so, please contact me. Thank you.

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August 2011 - IBM PC Retrospective
by Dave Walden 08 Mar '11

08 Mar '11

Dear SIGCIS people, Please see the following request from Ron Vetter, editor of _Computer Magazine_. Can any of you help him or give him pointers to someone who might. Best regards, Dave >From: "Vetter, Ron" <vetterr(a)uncw.edu> >To: "dave(a)walden-family.com" <dave(a)walden-family.com> >CC: "Vetter, Ron" <vetterr(a)uncw.edu> >Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 16:31:29 -0500 >Subject: August 2011 - IBM PC Retrospective > >Hi Dave: > >I am following up to our phone converstation (yes, I should have done this >sooner) regarding the special issue of Computer that we are working on for >August 2011 -- the 30th anniversary of the IBM PC. > >We have identified two authors (Mark Dean, IBM and Gurbir Singh, Intel) who > have expressed interest in contributing to our special issue. Here are the >potential topics we discussed with them: > >1. History of IBM PC I/O buses: features, performance, impact on >industry (what capabilities were enabled when, such as graphics), >security, error detection, power dissipation, futures. > >2. IBM PC architecture legacies, such as ISA, VGA, serial/parallel >ports and protocols, keyboard controllers, x86-isms such as >segmentation, protection rings, cache flush instructions, 4 registers, etc. > >Because we have to carry this stuff forward from those early days, >they should make for good papers. > >What I need is another author who might be able to provide a >historical perspective. Can you help me find someone (perhaps just >forward this email to a few people you might know)? > >The author guidelines, etc are available at >http://www.computer.org/portal/web/peerreviewmagazines/computer In >summary, articles are typically between 4500 to 6000 words with each >figure counting as 250 words. References are typically limited to >12 (but we have some flexibilty here). > >Our editiorial calendar indicates that need to get articles >submitted by the end of March (or shortly thereafter). So the >timeline is kind of short. We can work with the authors on this -- >in fact, I will be happy to provide comments on early paper drafts >if that is desirable. > >Let me know what else you might need at this point. > >Ron > >Ron Vetter, PhD >Professor, Computer Science, UNC Wilmington >Editor-in-Chief, Computer, http://www.computer.org/computer >Co-founder, Mobile Education LLC, http://www.myMobEd.com >Email: vetterr(a)uncw.edu >Phone: 910-962-2160 (office) > 910-538-3523 (cell)

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Fw: EXTENDED DEADLINE (20th of March): CfP: "From Practice to Results in Logic and in Mathematics" in Philosophia Scientiae
by Sandra Mols 04 Mar '11

04 Mar '11

Dear colleagues, With apologies for cross-posting. Please find below a CfP related to explorations of practices in the formal sciences, construed rather broadly, extending towards mathematics, and also computing, and informatics, e.g. in relation to logic, and pure mathematics. We are, among others, interested in papers based on field work related to these practices, against the traditional stance exploiting papers and publications. Hoping that you will be interested in this CfP Best regards, Sandra Mols ---- Forwarded Message ---- From: Sandra Mols <Sandra.Mols(a)UNIV-NANCY2.FR> To: MERSENNE(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK Sent: Fri, 4 March, 2011 11:34:11 Subject: EXTENDED DEADLINE (20th of March): CfP: "From Practice to Results in Logic and in Mathematics" in Philosophia Scientiae Dear colleagues, With apologies for crossposting. Please find below our extended (till March 20th, 2011) CfP for contributions dedicated to philosophical and knowledge making-focused exploration of practices in the formal sciences (broadly construed: mathematics, logic, etc.). Submissions - which will be peer-reviewed - ought to fit within a format of about 20 pages, and be in French or English, and, thematically, in the general themes described below and the agenda of Philosophia Scientiae. We are also, among others, looking for submissions exploiting field work studies, e.a. on mathematics, logic, mathematics and computers, etc. Details on the themes and format etc. can be found below in this e-mail. Looking forward to hear about your work and research. Best regards Sandra Mols, on behalf of the Editors ****************** CfP Contributions for a special issue of Philosophia Scientiae dedicated to the theme "From Practice to Results in Logic and Mathematics" (February 2012) Guest editors: Valeria Giardino, Amirouche Moktefi, Sandra Mols, & Jean Paul Van Bendegem Contact Person: Valeria Giardino: Valeria.Giardino(a)ens.fr Submission Deadline: March 1st, 2011, extended till March 20th, 2011 Acceptance Notification: June 1st, 2011 Web & Guidelines for authors: http://poincare.univ-nancy2.fr/PhilosophiaScientiae/?languageId=1 The PratiScienS research group, in collaboration with Prof. Jean Paul Van Bendegem, invites the submission of articles for a thematic issue of the journal Philosophia Scientiae dedicated to the role of practices in the establishment of results in logic and mathematics. We look for papers on how the concrete practices of mathematicians and logicians may influence the results of their enquiries and, more broadly, the definition of what counts as proof. We are also interested in papers proposing a methodological reflection on the difficulties that a critical analysis of such practices in logic and mathematics implies, and on issues related to the development of the appropriate exploratory conceptual tools. Case studies are welcome, though authors should make explicit what they consider as practices and how their papers are related to the practice-focused theme of this issue of Philosophia Scientiae. We are also strongly interested in papers linking the issue’s theme with those at the core of PratiScienS, that is, the issue of practices in their relations with the construction and validation of scientific knowledge. Therefore, we are also looking for this special issue for papers discussing practices and results in logic and mathematics in relation with PratiScienS’s main research topics: Wimsatt's concept of robustness and related, the role of tacit aspects, and the contingency vs. inevitability issue, as in the case of mathematics and logic. Manuscripts should be submitted in English or French, and prepared for anonymous peer review, and send as both pdf and word format if possible. Abstracts in French and English (200-300 words) should be included. Papers should be sent by e-mail to Valeria Giardino: Valeria.Giardino(a)ens.fr For more about the PratiScienS group and its research & activities: http://poincare.univ-nancy2.fr/PratiScienS/ About Philosophia Scientiae: Philosophia Scientiae is a peer-reviewed scientific journal. It publishes research relating to epistemology, history and philosophy of science,especially in the field of mathematics, physics, and logic, without excluding any other scientific field. It is published by Kimé Editions (Paris). or any further information: http://poincare.univ-nancy2.fr/PhilosophiaScientiae/Accueil/. -- Sandra Mols, PhD PratiScienS project, Université Nancy 2 http://poincare.univ-nancy2.fr/PratiScienS/ ------------------ "I do not like experts [...] They are our goalers. [...] Experts are addicts. They solve nothing! They serve whatever system hires them. They perpetuate it. When we are tortured, we shall be tortured by experts. When we are hanged, experts will hang us. Did you not read what I wrote? When the world is destroyed, it will be destroyed not by its madmen but by the sanity of its experts and the superior ignorance of its bureaucrats." Yakov Saveleyev, The Russia House by John le Carré, 1990

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U Minnesota --> history of technology visiting position
by Thomas J. Misa 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

Dear colleagues, Would you please bring this job announcement to the attention of anyone who might be interested in it? We had a recently announced retirement (Bob Seidel), resulting in this very late search authorization. There is /not/ any inside candidate. Many thanks, Tom Misa https://www.h-net.org/jobs/job_display.php?id=42227 The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus, invites applications for a one-year temporary visiting faculty position beginning late August, 2011, with specialty in history of technology. Candidates should be prepared to teach undergraduate courses in Technology in American Culture (HSCI 3331) and Ethics in Science and Technology (HSCI 3401), plus an advanced course or graduate seminar in the history of technology that would complement the existing course schedule (possibilities include the environment, race, Asia, or Islam: see www.hstm.umn.edu) Candidates would also be expected to be an active member of the HSTM program and provide advice to graduate students in the history of technology. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed by August 1, 2011. The competitive salary includes full benefits. Applicants for this position /must/ go to http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=93232 to provide basic personal information. You may then either complete the entire application process on-line, or mail to the address below a letter of application with a description of your teaching and research interests, evidence of teaching ability, a CV, and selected publications or sample of writing. You should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address. (E-mail: hst(a)umn.edu) Chair, Technology Search Committee Program in History of Science and Technology 108 Pillsbury Hall University of Minnesota 310 Pillsbury Drive S.E. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 USA Review of applications will begin March 16, 2011. Position is open until filled. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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Re: [SIGCIS-Members] Digital History and Humanities Boot Camp and THATcamp , European University Institute, Florence, Italy, 23-25 March 2011, **Last days support from CHNM, George Mason**
by Noiret, Serge 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

Deadline for registering is 15th of March >From March 23rd to 26th 2011 the Department of History and Civilisation of the European University Institute in Florence hosts THATCamp (The Humanities and Technology Camp), an important event in the field of Digital, Humanities, Social Sciences and History. (Badia Fiesolana, Via dei Roccettini 9, San Domenico di Fiesole - FI, http://www.thatcampflorence.org/location/ <http://www.thatcampflorence.org/location/> ) THATCamp Florence is organized in collaboration with the Fondazione Rinascimento Digitale and with several European scholarly institutions. THATcamp is a so-called "un-conference" promoted by the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University in Virginia, which is partner in organising this event for the first time in Italy. THATCamp Florence will be preceded by a BootCamp, consisting of introductory courses in the Digital Humanities, History & Social Sciences and provided by one or more teachers. Registered participants for THATCamp Florence will meet in several small and non hierarchic brainstorming sessions, each of which are coordinated by a tutor. THATCamp ateliers will be informal: the focus is on the exchange of ideas, solutions, tools, software, websites and digital practices in the humanities and social sciences, based on concrete needs. Participation is open to scholars from Italy and beyond and not limited to EUI members. All participants will meet at the beginning of the Camp on Wednesday March 23rd to create the programme. A first list of Ateliers for THATCamp is available at the following link: http://www.thatcampflorence.org/about. Other ateliers proposals from who register are still very welcome forTHATcamp ateliers writing to info(a)thatcampflorence.org. For the complete programme of the Boot Camp please visit: http://www.thatcampflorence.org/programme/ Who would like to attend the Boot Camp can eventually benefit of a small grant from the US Mellon Foundation through the Center for History and New Media, George Mason University, Virginia, Boot Camp project in Digital Humanities(http://thatcamp.org/go/fellowships/). Deadline to Apply is the 4th of March 2011 ! Registration for Boot Camp/THATCamp Florence is necessary and possible until the 15th of March 2011 (http://www.thatcampflorence.org/registration/) Accommodation in Florence are organized by the Travel Agency UNIVERSALTURISMO http://www.thatcampflorence.org/accommodation/ For further information please visit the THATCamp websitewww.thatcampflorence.org or contact Maria Caterina Cunsolo, THATCamp Florence Officer, info(a)thatcampflorence.org

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