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The Accidental Internet lecture at Gualala Arts

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One of the most important innovations of the 20th century, the internet links the world and has changed the way we all live.

Many stories abound about this amazing development and mostly, "They are wrong," says Jack Haverty.

In his March 1 talk "The Accidental Internet" Haverty sets the record straight.

He'll discuss the earliest days with the insights of one who was there, who wrote some of the software, built some of the hardware, and designed some of the earliest technology. At one point the entire internet "control panel" sat on his desk.

In the 1970s and '80s the internet was simply one of many obscure research projects, but unlike those that remain buried in some learned paper aging on a library shelf, this idea has changed the world, made and squandered fortunes, influenced elections, and threatened to topple governments.

Not only will Haverty discuss the principles behind the internet in terms anyone can understand, he will also provide some insider information including a plethora of humorous anecdotes including why it was an accident.

Finally, he will speculate on the future of this development, its threats and opportunities.

A native of Philadelphia, Haverty studied at MIT and continued there as a staff member of the MIT Laboratory for Computer Science, where he worked on the team designing the original mail mechanism still used for email.

At Bolt, Beranek, and Newman he led the projects that created the initial internet.

Later, he went on to Oracle and helped transform the internet from an internal corporate tool into a business-driven electronic commerce.

In 2003, he and his wife Jan left Silicon Valley for Point Arena where he owned some land.

They turned their building efforts into constructing their present home and are now exploring life outside the rat race.

This talk straight from someone who knows what really happened begins at 7 p.m. in Coleman Auditorium at Gualala Arts. A $5 admission charge will be collected at the door. More information on this lecture and the entire 2010 series can be found on-line at Gualala Arts.org.



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© 2010 Independent Coast Observer Gualala, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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