The Internet is a Wonderful Thing
I wonder if anyone working on the ARPANET defense project, started in the 1960s, could have ever imagined what they were bringing into existence? That their “Galactic Network” idea would not only come to fruition but become one of the most transformative technologies in human history?
We in the west are already starting to think of this thing we call the Internet as a given–something like electricity or running water. A fact of life. This Washington Post article (Internet Extends Reach Of Bangladeshi Villagers) reminds me (again) of just how amazing, far-reaching and important a global communications network really is. (See also “A hole in the wall” <– watch the video at that link.)
My niece (due on or around January 21st!) will never know what it’s like NOT to have a broadband connection. She will never NOT have an email address. She will never NOT have access to video conferencing with her uncle 2,000 miles away.
When I step back and think about it anew I’m still in awe…
December 1st, 2006 at 11:46 pm
Sometimes I think it is wonderful and sometimes I wonder. I remember the days when I was so excited to receive a handwritten letter in the mail. Not a card with a signature, but a chatty, newsy letter from a friend, or a cassette tape, or something catching you up on their daily lives. They took a few minutes to do that for you (and for them because as we all know, writing it all out can be therapeutic). Nowadays, there is the very rare need to do this because you can e-mail, check out someone’s blog, or visit on a shared group site. Trust me, I love the convenience (obviously, because I’m writing to you this way), but I just wonder if your niece will ever know the joy of having a bona fide PEN pal from Japan (or wherever) and relish the joy of receiving that “airmail” envelope with the red and blue stripes around the edges. *sigh* Guess I’m like the person who held on to the horse and buggy until they absolutely had to buy a car.
Also, I don’t write too many letters myself these days, so I haven’t earned the right to wax poetic about receiving letters.
By they way, happy belated birthday, hope you did something fun. 36 is weird. I don’t know about you, but when someone asks my age these days, I get confused and can’t remember exactly. I looked up an Arkansas Governor’s School group online for my year and didn’t recognize anyone, then realized I was looking at 1997 instead of 1987.
January 11th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
C’mon Jeff. You know ARPANET was just a delivery system for ASCII porn. And the legacy continues. It’s only gotten more sophistocated.
January 22nd, 2007 at 7:23 am
I am thankful everyday – my life as I know it would not be possible without the internet. I would have to choose between being a housewise or a cube-rat (as Van would call me when I used to be a corporate citizen).
On the other hand, I wouldn’t take fresh water for granted…
March 5th, 2007 at 9:12 am
Hey Peebo,
do you remember me? I am looking for Katy, lost her e-mailadress in a computercrash!
Sanderyn
March 5th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Sanderyn,
Of course! I just sent you her email address. Good to hear from you.
-Peebo
November 27th, 2007 at 3:13 am
Hi
Have a look to a quick video I compiled to show off the dervishs dance from the guildwars Nightfall weekend party.
The dance the dervish does is the same one that Christoper Walken did in the clip for Fatboy Slims’ – Weapon of choice music video (hence the music used)
Post your comments please
Mine
youtube.com/watch?v=j_aONMdkzxU
Original for those that may not have seen it
youtube.com/watch?v=0WW8flwpH-Q