NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ 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