Ada Lovelace (1815–1852) was an English mathematician and writer, widely recognized as one of the first computer programmers. She is best known for her work with Charles Babbage on his proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Here are some key points about her: Parentage: Ada was the daughter of the famous poet Lord Byron and Lady Anne Isabella Milbanke. She never really knew her father, as her parents separated shortly after her birth. Education and Interests: Her mother encouraged her interest in mathematics and logic to counterbalance what she saw as the "dangerous poetic" influence of Lord Byron. Contribution to Computing: In 1842–1843, Ada translated an Italian mathematician's article on Babbage's Analytical Engine. She added extensive notes of her own — her "Notes" were longer than the original article. In one of these notes, Note G, she included what is considered the first algorithm intended for a machine — making her the first person to recognize that a computer could do more than just calculations. Visionary Insight: She foresaw the potential of computers beyond number-crunching, imagining their applications in composing music, creating art, and more — ideas well ahead of her time. Legacy: Ada Lovelace has become a symbol for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The second Tuesday in October is celebrated as Ada Lovelace Day, honoring women in tech and science. Hedy Lamarr was a groundbreaking figure both in Hollywood and in the field of science and technology. Here's a brief overview of her contributions: Acting Career Born: November 9, 1914, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary Died: January 19, 2000, in Florida, USA Hedy Lamarr rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s as a glamorous film actress in movies like Algiers (1938), Boom Town (1940), and Samson and Delilah (1949). She was widely regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world during her time in Hollywood. Scientific Contributions During World War II, Lamarr co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology with composer George Antheil. Their 1941 patent was intended to prevent enemy interception of torpedo guidance systems by making radio signals jump between frequencies. Although not used by the military during the war, the technology laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. Recognition For years, her scientific work went unrecognized. Later in life, however, she was acknowledged for her contributions: In 1997, she and Antheil were honored with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) Pioneer Award. She was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014. The Invention: Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Patent: "Secret Communication System" Filed: June 10, 1941 Granted: August 11, 1942 (U.S. Patent No. 2,292,387) How It Worked Problem: Radio-controlled torpedoes could be jammed by the enemy, making them unreliable. Solution: Lamarr and Antheil proposed a system in which the radio signal "hopped" between 88 different frequencies in a random pattern, synchronized between transmitter and receiver. This made it nearly impossible to jam or intercept, because even if one frequency was blocked, the others would carry the signal. Role of George Antheil Antheil, a composer known for mechanical instruments like the player piano, suggested using a piano-roll-like mechanism to synchronize the frequency changes on both ends of the communication system. Impact on Modern Technology Though the Navy initially ignored the invention, the concept of frequency hopping became foundational decades later: Military use in secure communications systems. Civilian tech: The principles underpin Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CDMA cell networks, and GPS. Delayed Recognition Lamarr's contributions were overshadowed by her film career for most of her life. Only in the 1990s did she begin to receive acknowledgment from the tech and scientific communities. Pretty woman walkin' down the street Pretty woman, the kind I'd like to meet Pretty woman, I don't believe you, you're not the truth No one could look as good as you Mercy Pretty woman, won't you pardon me? Pretty woman, I couldn't help but see Pretty woman, that you look lovely as can be Are you lonely just like me? Grrrow Pretty woman, stop awhile Pretty woman, talk awhile Pretty woman, give your smile to me Pretty woman, yeah, yeah, yeah Pretty woman, look my way Pretty woman, say you'll stay with me 'Cause I need you, I'll treat you right Come with me, baby, be mine tonight Pretty woman, don't walk on by Pretty woman, don't make me cry Pretty woman, don't walk away, hey Okay If that's the way it must be, okay I guess I'll go on home, it's late There'll be tomorrow night, but wait What do I see? Is she walkin' back to me? Yeah, she's walkin' back to me Oh, oh, pretty woman. Superwomen Pretty Woman Roy Orbison Ada Lovelace Hedy Lamarr Hanna Reich Sexy women brains.