Technology & People - On the Lighter Side: Bell Labs Music Video

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

I recognized a lot of old friends in the movie. I arrived at Bell Labs  
in 1956 as bright eyed young Stevens graduate. It was an experience I  
will never forget. Exposure to some of the pioneers in an early age  
shaped my career. I also met my wife there.

It is said that we will most likely never see such an organization in  
our country  again. It was a unique  "accident" of history at Bell  
Labs did what it did.

I'm in the process of documenting what I saw at the Labs (it's  
interesting to note that in those days when somebody asked where I  
worked I said "the Labs" and they all knew what I meant) during those  
early years hopefully I will finish this soon.

Dave
Begin forwarded message:

From: Lauren Weinstein <lauren () vortex com>
Date: October 3, 2009 12:15:07 AM EDT
To: nnsquad () nnsquad org
Subject: [ NNSquad ] Technology & People - On the Lighter Side: Bell  
Labs Music Video


Greetings.  As I wax somewhat meloncholy this evening, I'm reminded
that for all of our discussions (and arguing) about the nitty gritty
bits and bytes of Internet technology, ultimately it's all about
people.

Even technology policy, after all, is really about how people are
affected by technology, not about tech for tech's sake.  At least
that's the way I believe it should be.

This concept is crucial to a reasonable understanding of the many
topics routinely covered by the umbrella term "network neutrality"
these days.  I'll have more to say about this later.

But for now, to end the week on a somewhat lighter, hopefully more
entertaining note, let's also remember that the Internet (and broadly,
telecom) technology also didn't spring forth magically from thin air.

Toward that end, you might wish to review the *really excellent* "Bell
Labs Innovations" music video (!) that Lucent Technologies released in
the year 2000.  Basically the entire history of electronics and
communications tech is encapsulated in a relatively few minutes of
power edits and a tune that will burrow into your skull almost as
effectively as "It's a Small World" from Disneyland.  (Side note, I've
met and interviewed the Sherman Brothers, who wrote "Small World" and
a vast number of other Disney classics, and a sweeter pair of guys
you'll never meet.)

In any case, if you have a few moments to spare, check out the "Bell
Labs Innovations" song and ponder what the world would be like if
there had never been a Bell Telephone Laboratories.  Almost certainly,
the Internet as we know it today would simply not exist.

Extra credit: How many of the individuals shown in the video have *you*
actually met?

Bell Labs Innovations Music Video: http://bit.ly/3un7Om  (YouTube)

--Lauren--
NNSquad Moderator




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