The secret history of the first microprocessor, the F-14, and me

Insert preview text here. View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions 12.27.20 You know what's a cool airplane? The F-14, the one from Top Gun. When its wings were swept back, it could fly very very fast, and when they were swept more forward, it was more maneuverable and could fly slower, which made it easier to land on those short aircraft carrier runways. The device that controlled the wing-sweep abilities (and other functions) was something called the Central Air Data Computer—arguably the world's first microprocessor. I recently discovered I have a rather unusual family connection to the CADC—well, sort of. It's something tinged with tragedy and loss. And as I explored that relationship, for a piece this week in Backchannel, I got to know Ray Holt, one of the logic designers for the device. His story, and mine, are tales of alternate histories, things-that-might-have-been, and the sometimes messy process of invention … and re-invention. Sarah Fallon | Deputy Editor, WIRED   BACKCHANNEL | 15-MINUTE READ The Secret History of the First Microprocessor, the F-14, and Me BY SARAH FALLON In a weird way, I've known Ray Holt all my life, but I never knew what he had accomplished—or how his inventions wove their way into my own family.   STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW | 8-MINUTE READ Facial Hair Is Biologically Useless. So Why Do Humans Have It? BY JOSH CLARK AND CHUCK BRYANT Pubes protect you; head hair keeps you warm. But beards and mustaches seem to exist for mainly ornamental reasons.   IDEAS | 5-MINUTE READ 'Cyberpunk 2077' and the Meaning of Its Deadly Dildos BY HALLIE LIEBERMAN In lots of video games, sex toys are repurposed for violence. What's the deal?   YEAR IN REVIEW | 2-MINUTE READ 2020: The Year of Cancel(l)ed Culture BY JASON KEHE This year, monoculture floundered, but microculture flourished. Everyone found a niche—and learned what they could live without.   IDEAS | 4-MINUTE READ Test Positivity Is a Bad Way to Measure Covid's Spread BY JOANNE SILBERNER So why do policymakers keep using it?   SPONSORED CONTENT Stream Documentaries Featuring Stephen Hawking, Nick Offerman, and More There is always something new to learn about with thousands of documentaries on History, Science, and more. Start streaming on CuriosityStream! GET WIRED Happy Holidays from WIRED. Plus get free stickers! Last chance to get one year of WIRED access for $10 $5. Tech news and analysis you won't find anywhere else. Subscribe now.     This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or manage your newsletter subscriptions