science and tecnology

"The medium is the message. This is merely to say that the personal and social consequences of any medium -- that is, of any extension of ourselves -- result from the new scale that is introduced into our affairs by each extension of ourselves, or by any new technology."

"The successor to politics will be propaganda. Propaganda, not in the sense of a message or ideology, but as the impact of the whole technology of the times."

Marshall Mcluhan 1911-1980, Canadian Communications Theorist

HP Named Official Mobile Technology Solutions Provider for 2004 Republican National Convention

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2004--HP (NYSE:HPQ)(Nasdaq:HPQ) today announced that it is the official provider of mobile technology solutions to the 2004 Republican National Convention (RNC), which runs from Aug. 30 - Sept. 2 in New York City. The convention staff is using HP technology, including HP Tablet PCs and imaging products, leading up to and during the convention, being held at Madison Square Garden.

"Without HP's technological contribution, our work would be far more complex and our staff less efficient," said Bill Harris, chief executive officer, 2004 Republican National Convention. "The success of a modern-day convention is more dependent than ever on best-of-breed devices and a supplier who understands the demands we place upon them. HP has been a great provider, fulfilling both requirements."

RNC professionals stationed throughout the city and at Madison Square Garden are using wireless HP tablet PCs to facilitate information sharing and coordinate activities for party officials and delegates in the fast-paced convention environment.

Additionally, HP is providing printers and other devices for the RNC media center, which will allow the approximately 15,000 journalists in attendance to report up-to-the-minute coverage from the convention site.

"HP believes that good corporate citizenship extends to the American political process. Our technology being provided to the Republican National Convention is one important facet of our strong civic commitment," said Gary Fazzino, vice president for government and public affairs, Corporate Affairs, HP.

"HP is pleased to tailor our services to the unique needs of the RNC at Madison Square Garden," said Juergen Rottler, senior vice president, Public Sector, Health and Education, HP. "This week is a great example of how we customize our range of innovative mobile devices, PCs and printers to serve customers within the public sector and all sizes of enterprises and consumers worldwide."

Together with the Republican Main Street Partnership and Sallie Mae, HP is donating a portion of the HP technology used at the RNC to the Bronx Preparatory Charter School, a New York City-based school in a low-income neighborhood that helps youth become high-performing students. These contributions will be highlighted at an event at the school on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. This contribution of HP technology is one of several donations that HP will make to New York-area organizations during and after the convention.

Nextel Named Official Wireless Provider for 2004 Republican National Convention

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 2, 2004--The 2004 Republican National Convention today announced Nextel Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NXTL - News) will serve as the Official Wireless Service Provider for 2004 Republican National Convention.

"Communications is vital for running a successful convention. I am pleased that Nextel will provide the convention with the necessary tools for communications among staff, delegates, and visitors," said Bill Harris, Chief Executive Officer for the 2004 Republican National Convention.

As the Official Wireless Service Provider, Nextel has committed various communication products and services to the 2004 Republican National Convention including: wireless phones equipped with Direct Connect®, Nextel's unique long-range digital walkie-talkie feature; RIM Blackberry devices with Nextel cellular, Direct Connect®, wireless Internet and email capabilities; and iM1100 PCMCIA wireless modem cards, which will allow a direct connection to the Internet (no ISP required) or dial-up access to a phone line. Convention organizers will have use of Nextel's wireless data network, cellular phone service and Direct Connect functionality, which will allow instant communication on-site, as well as with other Nextel users anywhere in the United States. Nextel will also offer on-site services and superior wireless coverage for delegates, the media and others in attendance.

"Nextel is thrilled to work with the 2004 Republican National Convention. Our technology and network capabilities, now enhanced and including International Direct Connect(SM), will support safe and reliable communications for all participants at the convention. And with Nextel's increased coverage and capacity, New Yorkers will enjoy better quality wireless service long after the convention concludes," said Bob Johnson, senior vice president of Field Operations for Nextel.

GM Named Official Transportation Provider to 2004 Republican National Convention

NEW YORK, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2004 Republican National Convention today announced General Motors (GM) will serve as the Official Transportation Provider for the four-day convention at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. As the Official Transportation Provider, GM will provide a fleet of electric- hybrid buses, hybrid pickup trucks and several other highly efficient vehicles to support the 2004 Republican National Convention.

"I am pleased to announce that General Motors will serve as the Official Transportation Provider for our party’s first-ever convention in New York City," said Bill Harris, Chief Executive Officer for the 2004 Republican National Convention. "GM’s transportation services will be invaluable to our guests’ convention experience and ensure that delegates and visitors can move smoothly and successfully around the city."

GM will provide the 2004 Republican National Convention with eight buses using GM’s hybrid propulsion technology, several of the world’s first full- size hybrid pickup trucks, and more than 200 cars from across the GM line of brands. GM’s hybrid pickups and bus propulsion system are the first produced by an American automaker.

"We want the delegates, party officials and American citizens to know and be proud of the fact that America’s largest manufacturer is a leading provider of advanced technology and fuel efficient vehicles," said Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president of Environment and Energy. "The Republican National Convention is a tremendous opportunity for GM to showcase the contributions it has made to the American economy and culture over the past 100 years, and to educate people about the groundbreaking advances in fuel economy and new technologies GM is making."

Among the vehicles that GM is providing to the conventions are the world’s first roadworthy commercial hybrid buses, which provide significant fuel savings and emissions reductions, and the world’s first full-size hybrid pickup trucks. GM also will showcase the fuel-saving advanced technologies it is applying to high-volume production vehicles.