Author Archives: GilPress

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About GilPress

I launched the Big Data conversation; writing, research, marketing services; http://whatsthebigdata.com/ & https://infostory.com/

This Day In Information: Boston Computer Society Established

Posted on February 17, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1977, 13-year-old Jonathan Rotenberg established the Boston Computer Society (BCS), an organization for personal computer users which will eventually grow into the largest such organization in the world.

Posted in Computer history, Social Networks, This day in information | Leave a comment

This Day In Information: CBBS, First Social Network

Posted on February 16, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1978, the first public dial-up Bulletin Board System, the Computerized Bulletin Board System, or CBBS, went online.

Posted in Computer history, Social Networks, This day in information | Leave a comment

This Day In Information: ENIAC Dedicated

Posted on February 15, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer (ENIAC), was formally dedicated.

Posted in Computer history, This day in information | 1 Comment

This Day in Information: Watson Renames CTR as IBM

Posted on February 14, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) changed it name to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).

Posted in Computer history, IBM, This day in information | 3 Comments

Lost and Found: American Silent Films Back from Russia

Posted on February 10, 2011 by GilPress

PRI’s Lisa Mullins talks to Patrick Loughney, director of the Library of Congress’ Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation about the return of priceless American silent films from Russia.

Posted in Digitization, Film, Lost and Found, Preservation | Leave a comment

Political Satire: Early 19th Century Caricatures

Posted on February 9, 2011 by GilPress

Earlier this evening I enjoyed a Ticknor Society event in which Tom Michalak talked about early 19th century British caricatures, focusing on political caricatures and pamphlets about King George IV and Queen Caroline.

Posted in Bibliophiles, News, Social Impact | Leave a comment

TDII (Extra!): First TV Transmission Across the Atlantic

Posted on February 8, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1928, John Logie Baird transmited television pictures across the Atlantic, using a short-wave radio.

Posted in Television, This day in information | Leave a comment

This Day In Information: First Nationwide Radio Hookup in the U.S.

Posted on February 8, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1924, John Joseph Carty, Chief Engineer of AT&T, spoke on the first nationwide radio hookup in the United States.

Posted in Radio, This day in information | Leave a comment

This Day In Information: First Sputnik Moment

Posted on February 7, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1958, in response to the launch of the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1 four months earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense issued Directive 5105.15, establishing the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA).

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This Day In Information: The Telegraph RFP

Posted on February 3, 2011 by GilPress

Today in 1837, The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution requesting the Treasury Secretary, Levi Woodbury, to report to the House at its next session, “upon the propriety of establishing a system of telegraphs for the United States.” Richard … Continue reading →

Posted in Telegraph, This day in information | 2 Comments