[Colleagues are celebrating Professor Eli Noam's illustrious career as he retires from directing the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (CITI) and his professorship at the Columbia Business School. I am delighted to post A. Michael Noll's personal reflections on Eli's career with the permission of the author.] CITI MEMORIES A. Michael Noll January 5, 2026 Introduction … Continue reading CITI MEMORIES by A. Michael Noll
Arts and Humanities
150th Anniversary of Telephone Patent
The 150th Anniversary of Telephone Patent by A. Michael Noll [This blog is distributed with the permission of the author, A. Michael Noll.] March 7th 2026 is the 150th anniversary of the award of the patent for the telephone to Alexander Graham Bell. These 150 years have seen an expansion of the telephone in incredible … Continue reading 150th Anniversary of Telephone Patent
Michael Noll on The AI Ballon
[The following blog is distributed with the permission of the author, A. Michael Noll, the person who designed the model of video communications used in 2001 : A Space Odyssey. Read to discover the gentleman who compared AI to natural human studipity!] THE AI BALLOON A. Michael Noll December 17, 2025 © Copyright 2025 AMN … Continue reading Michael Noll on The AI Ballon
Stand with the BBC
As an American living in the UK and a strong supporter of the BBC, let me simply urge the BBC not to be intimidated by anyone or allow criticism of mistakes it made to undermine your morale and visionary mission. You are the gold standard of broadcast news – not just public service broadcasting. Your … Continue reading Stand with the BBC
A Bad Deal for American Universities
A Bad Deal for American Universities, with an added Postscript The White House has sent a ‘Compact for Excellence in Higher Education’ to nine universities across the US.[1] The Trump administration wants to make a deal with them that is likely to be extended to many, if not all, American universities. The Trump administration offers … Continue reading A Bad Deal for American Universities
Pen and Paper: Is AI Driving Us Back to the Future?
One interesting unintended consequence of AI might be it role in reshaping examinations in academia and related activities, such as applying for a job. Multiple surveys indicate that students are rapidly adopting AI in their work. Not surprising. AI tools can be extremely helpful in writing an essay, revising any text, answering questions, drawing, translating, … Continue reading Pen and Paper: Is AI Driving Us Back to the Future?
A Hippocratic Oath for Asking D. Trump Questions
Journalists should consider a Hippocratic Oath before asking Donald Trump anything! I do not own a newspaper or media outlet, nor am I an editor of one. However, as a concerned reader and viewer, may I advise journalists not to ask Donald Trump questions that could have important implications? People or nations could be at … Continue reading A Hippocratic Oath for Asking D. Trump Questions
Designing a Coin and Building Relations
One of the best ways to support international relations is by connecting individuals across nations whether through visits or joint activities. In the current international context, when many relations between nations are increasingly problematic, I was reminded of the value of cross-national work through a design competition – designing a coin. I’m far from an … Continue reading Designing a Coin and Building Relations
Is Digital Too Perfect?
This blog is authored by A. Michael Noll, and posted with the author's permission. Two applications of digital are in creation and in recording. Digital can be used for audio and for video. Digital computers were used decades ago to synthesize musical sounds. A violin could be synthesized – or any other instrument. But the … Continue reading Is Digital Too Perfect?
Universities for All
Harvard and other elite universities in the USA are targets of Donald Trump and his administration, accusing them of biases in their treatment of students based on their ideological views. This attack builds on efforts to control the governance of private universities, such as members of the Ivy League and other top ranked universities. In … Continue reading Universities for All