Synopses & Reviews
Through the lens of culture, The Internet of Elsewhere looks at the role of the Internet as a catalyst in transforming communications, politics, and economics. Cyrus Farivar explores the Internet's history and effects in four distinct and, to some, surprising societiesandmdash;Iran, Estonia, South Korea, and Senegal. He profiles Web pioneers in these countries and, at the same time, surveys the environments in which they each work. After all, contends Farivar, despite California's great success in creating the Internet and spawning companies like Apple and Google, in some areas the United States is still years behind other nations.
Surprised? You won't be for long as Farivar proves there are reasons that:
- Skype was invented in Estoniaandmdash;the same country that developed a digital ID system and e-voting;
- Iran was the first country in the world to arrest a blogger, in 2003;
- South Korea is the most wired country on the planet, with faster and less expensive broadband than anywhere in the United States;
- Senegal may be one of sub-Saharan Africa's best chances for greater Internet access.
The Internet of Elsewhere brings forth a new complex and modern understanding of how the Internet spreads globally, with both good and bad effects.
Review
andquot;Cyrus Farivar has written a brilliant first book. He has the thoughtful pen of a novelist, the observational zeal of an investigative journalist, and the insight of an experienced technologist.andquot;
Review
andquot;Cyrus Farivar's skill as a perceptive analyst and captivating storyteller let us see the future of a connected world through his seasoned eyes.andquot;
Review
andquot;An essential book for thought-provoking summer reading. In
The Internet of Elsewhere, technology journalist Cyrus Farivar explores the role of the internet as a social, political and economic catalyst through compelling case studies from four unexpected countries: Iran, Estonia, South Korea, and Senegal.andquot;
Review
"Cyrus Farivars skill as a perceptive analyst and captivating storyteller let us see the future of a connected world through his seasoned eyes." Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Review
andquot;Cyrus Farivar, a great friend of Estonia, has chronicled my country's recent and unprecedented technological history with this exceptional book. He understands not only what Estonia can teach the rest of the world but, moreover, he makes the insightful case for the necessity of modern global citizens to understand crucial Internet issues.andquot;
Review
andquot;There's nothing like a good shot of clear-eyed, upbeat globalism to shatter the dreary national myopia and restore our sense of wonder about what really is an amazing contemporary world. Cyrus Farivar's new book provides just such an injection of multicultural journalisitic insight.andquot;
Review
andquot;
The Internet of Elsewhere presents four stories of the Internet that diverge from the stories people are used to reading.and#160;Rather than looking at the development of the Internet in the wealthier Western countries, Farivar looks at four countries that do not immediately spring to mind when one thinks about the Internet: South Korea, Senegal, Estonia, and Iran. An interesting work that breaks the history of the Internet out of the history of Silicon Valley. Highly recommended.andquot;
Review
andquot;Useful for readers interested in the evolution of media-oriented satellites and the cultures they serve. Recommended.andquot;
Review
andquot;Grounded in fact and garnished with theory, this volume both excites and builds on a renewed appreciation for satellitesandhellip;a treasurehouse of materials for people who want to figure out the technical colonization of the air!andquot;
Review
andquot;Philosophers have looked upward into the starry heavens and been filled with wonder and awe. Down to Earth reverses the gaze, revealing how satellites impinge on so many aspects of our lives. Read it before Skynet goes online.andquot;
Review
andquot;Using a highly original and unique approach, Akhavan charts unknown territories in the vast Iranian blogosphere ranging from state to dissident voices.andquot;
Review
andquot;A fascinating account of a key geopolitical media event of the 21st century: the struggle to define, contest and control the Iran Internet.andquot;
Synopsis
Through the lens of culture, The Internet of Elsewhere looks at the role of the Internet as a catalyst in transforming communications, politics, and economics. Cyrus Farivar explores the Internet's history and effects in four distinct and, to some, surprising societies-Iran, Estonia, South Korea, and Senegal. He profiles Web pioneers and surveys the environments in which they each work. Farivar contends that despite California's great success in creating the Internet and spawning companies like Apple and Google, in some areas the United States is still years behind other nations.
Synopsis
Though satellites are now used by a wide array of entertainment, communications, and information technologies, from radio stations to GPS devices, the business of making, launching, and maintaining satellites is still shrouded in mystery. Down to Earth presents the first comprehensive overview of the geopolitical maneuvers, financial investments, scientific innovations, and ideological struggles that take place behind the scenes of this fascinating industry.
Synopsis
Down to Earth presents the first comprehensive overview of the geopolitical maneuvers, financial investments, technological innovations, and ideological struggles that take place behind the scenes of the satellite industry. Satellite projects that have not received extensive coverageandmdash;microsatellites in China, WorldSpace in South Africa, SiriusXM, the failures of USA 193 and Cosmos 954, and Iridiumandmdash;are explored. This collection takes readers on a voyage through a truly global industry, from the sites where satellites are launched to the corporate clean rooms where they are designed, and along the orbits and paths that satellites traverse. Combining a practical introduction to the mechanics of the satellite industry, a history of how its practices and technologies have evolved, and a sophisticated theoretical analysis of satellite cultures, Down to Earth opens up a new space for global media studies.
About the Author
LISA PARKS is a professor of film and media studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is the author of Cultures in Orbit: Satellites and the Televisual and coeditor of Planet TV: A Global Television Reader.
and#160;JAMES SCHWOCH is the senior associate dean for the School of Communication at Northwestern University in Qatar, and a professor at Northwestern University. His research explores the nexus of global media, media history, international studies, and global security.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
I Concepts and Cartographies
1. The Invention of Air Space, Outer Space, and Cyberspace
2. Dethroning the View from Above
3. The Geostationary Orbit
4. andldquo;Freedom to Communicateandrdquo;
5. The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System
6. Satellites, Oil, and Footprints
II Satellite Mediascapes
7. From Satellite to Screen
8. Beyond the Terrestrial?
9. Crossing Borders
10. WorldSpace Satellite Radio and the South African Footprint
11. Content vs. Delivery
III Orbital Matters
12. When Satellites Fall
13. AFP-731 or The Other Night Sky
14. Microsatellites
15. Disjecta Membra, the Kandaacute;rmandaacute;n Line, and the 38th Parallel
Contributors
Index