This Day in History
| 1808 | At Harvard University, the first college orchestra was founded. |
| 1836 | The thirteen-day siege of the Alamo by Santa Anna and his army ended. The Mexican army of three thousand men defeated the 189 Texas volunteers. |
| 1857 | The Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision said that African Americans could not sue in federal court to be citizens. |
| 1944 | During World War II, U.S. heavy bombers began the first American raid on Berlin. |
| 1960 | The United States announced that it would send 3,500 troops to Vietnam. |
| 1967 | U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announced his plan to establish a draft lottery. |
| 1981 | U.S. President Reagan announced a plan to cut 37,000 federal jobs. |
| 1992 | The last episode of "The Cosby Show" aired. The show had been on since September of 1984. |
| 1992 | The computer virus "Michelangelo" went into effect. |
B-Day
B-Day
Yesterday was Vicki's birthday.
We went to the Outback for dinner with one of her sister, her younger brother, his wife and their 11-months old toddler. Fine dinning, great baby entertainment.
My birthday gift to Vicki was a flatbed scanner as I knew she had wanted one for a while. I already had given her an ergonomic keyboard as an early birthday present. I always try to alternate practical vs. cute/romantic gifts throughout the year.
After dinner we went back home to watch the final episode of Nikita. I liked this ending much better than the previous final one.
Coaster
On Saturday we had lunch at Red Robin's. My coaster had the following printed on it:
When the big hand gets on February
I'm turning 6!Quinton, Age 5
It sounds funny and kind of appropriate when you think about it.
Shake, Rattle & Roll
Shake, Rattle & Roll
40 seconds at 6.8
Earthquakes are always fun. It definitely didn't feel as strong as the big one in Frisco.
Just as all other quakes I've experienced in this area the motion very much felt like a rolling wave, contrary to the San Fran quakes which felt more like pounding or shredding, much more violent.
No real damages, a few books and nicknacks fell off. We did lose power for a couple hours or so.
The cats really got scared and were hiding. They're finally starting to slowly come out.
My grandma called from France while we were taking a shower (under candle light.) She heard about the quake on TV and was worried. I'll call tonight, when the phone lines are no longer saturated.
More reports: Brent and Sheila Simmons, David Brown, Al Hawkins, Eric Soroos, Jim Roepcke.
Nap$ter
CD-RW
My SCSI-based LaCie CD-R Recorder is out of commission. I've been looking around for a Firewire based CD-RW drive. So far, I like LaCie's new 16x10x40. Let me know if you've experienced problem with it or have a better recommendation.
Nap$ter
They've offered to pay the record labels $1 billion over the next five years. Apparently the music industry head honchos don't think it even comes close to cutting it.
It's not about money, no amount will suffice. It's all about control. The industry will never forgive Napster for not consulting them. Napster has committed blasphemy by providing a service people liked and used at large.
Dave is right, give the users what they want damnit.
Go Gnutella, go!
techInterview
I solved the last techInterview problem. The answer is: "Yes." 