In one of the best feel-good stories of the year, Quanta Computer, Inc. of Cambridge (MA) has designed a low-cost laptop which will introduce computers to children around the world. The XO is a small green and white low-power computer which sells for $188. The laptop, designed for children, has built-in wireless networking, uses very little power and can be recharged by hand with a pulley or a crank. The display has separate indoor and outdoor settings and can be read in full sunlight. About the only drawback is that it doesn't use Windows but the manufacturer is hopeful that one day it will...
From November 12 to November 26, Quanta is offering a "give one, get one" sale of the XO for $400 each, available in the U.S. and Canada only. They will begin mass production next month and although they have fewer than 3 million initial orders, they're hoping that this deal spurs many millions more. It's Quanta's hope that their "One laptop Per Child" campaign results in thousands of donated laptops that will trigger demand in countries that have been hesitant to join the program...
If the U.N. really wants to accomplish something useful world-wide, instead of backing off about 99% of the disputes in the world and creating massive gridlock every time they meet here, how about buying computers for children all over the world. Make it part of UNICEF. The world would applaud you. Then when you've done that, find another city to call home...
10 Timeline Memories:
- 1962] A Sonny forecast: Sonny Liston KO's Floyd Patterson in the 1st round to win the heavyweight championship...
- 1965] Premiered on this date: The half-hour Saturday morning cartoon, "The Beatles" debuts on ABC-TV and lasts until September, 1969...1979] "Evita" opens on Broadway. It's the 3rd collaboration of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber...1997] The season premiere of "ER" is a live presentation...
- 1965] "Say Hey" has his day: At the age of 34, Willie Mays becomes the oldest player to hit 50 home runs in a season...1973] "Willie Mays Night" draws a sold-out Shea Stadium crowd. Willie does not play in the game but the Mets win it for him, 2-1 over Montreal. Willie in his own words: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0zXvKwnCx6w ...
- 1980] "Happy Trails": Led Zeppelin drummer John "Bonzo" Bonham who dies of excessive alcohol consumption at 32...2003] Author George Plimpton dies of natural causes at 76...
- 1990] Naming Rights: Little Richard Boulevard is named for the star in Macon (GA)...
- 1992] D-I-V-O-R-C-E: A judge in Orlando (FL) rules in favor of Gregory Kingsley, a 12-year old seeking a divorce from his biological parents...
- 1995] Independence Day: Ross Perot announces the formation of the Independence Party...
- 1997] Biting mad: NBC sportscaster Marv Albert pleads guilty to assault and battery of his lover. He is fired by NBC hours later...
- 2001] An MJ sighting: Michael Jordan announces his return to basketball as a player for the Washington Wizards. MJ became president of operations in January, 2000...
- 2006] Super again: The Superdome reopens for football and the hometown Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 23-3...
Music Memories:
- 1954] Live from the Grand Ole Opry: Elvis Presley appears singing "Blue Moon of Kentucky" - this is not that performance but it is audio of Elvis doing the Bill Monroe song over a scenic video backdrop: http://youtube.com/watch?v=upxstc776V0 ...
- 1971] Released on this date: "Peace Train" - Cat Stevens...1979] "The Long Run" LP - Eagles. The title tune: http://youtube.com/watch?v=UKOTAiPxSAU ...
- 1975] Jackie Wilson tragedy: Jackie Wilson collapses on stage while singing "Lonely Teardrops" in Cherry Hill (NJ). 41 at the time, Wilson suffers a heart attack resulting in brain damage. He dies in 1984 after spending the rest of his life in a coma. Here's a tribute to the legendary performer: http://youtube.com/watch?v=E1VG0iJPbOA ...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":
Catherine Zeta-Jones (38), Will Smith (39), Heather Locklear (46), Mark Hamill (56), Cheryl Tiegs (60), Michael Douglas (63) and Barbara Walters (78)...
Timeline Countdown: 8 days until the MLB playoff opener and 29 days until the World Series opener...
