1896 – A little Geeky knowledge for ya – The Tootsie roll is introduced. Austrian immigrant Leo Hishfield took the idea to a New York store and sold the idea. The name comes from her 5 year old daughter, whom everyone called “Tootsie”. It became the first “Penny candy” and was even a War time ration since it could withstand severe weather conditions.Wikazine – Full show notes for February 22 Texas Instruments recalls the TI-99/4a for a short in the system JTS Corp sells Atari to HIACXI, who is owned by Hasbro Comcast OnDemand is launched Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
1996 – Atari Corporation announces the merger with Jugi Tandon Storage (JTS). Atari extended a bridge loan of $25 Million so JTS can still build drives. The company would still be known as JTS, but Atari would own 60% of the company.While Atari was sold to Hasbro via THQ, JTS could not emerge from the debts. They ended up filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Feb 28, 1999. Wikazine – Full show notes for February 13 [dithsponsor] The Last Peanuts Comic Strip is released one day after Creator Charles Schultz passes Apollo Computer is formed Rush Limbaugh gets service call from Steve Jobs Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
1998 – In the 90′s, AOL and Compuserve were battling out for top dog in the ISP market. However, AOL showed a lot more game back then as Compuserve ultimately faltered when it’s main investor – H&R Block – decided to divest. The big quandary: Who was to buy Compuserve. Well, the end result was a buyout of Compuserve to AOL after Worldcom picked it up and then took what they wanted. 1964 – The first G.I.Joe was released to the toy market. Toy company Hasbro released the 12 inch soldier to the public. Avoiding the word “Doll” to keep the stigma away that boys played with dolls. Action Soldier (Army), Action Sailor (Navy), Action Pilot (Air Force), Action Marine (Marines) and later on, the Action Nurse. Wikazine – Full ...
In a four minute meeting, the stockholders voted 42 million to 11 thousand in favor to the merge Atari and JTS in 1996. Because of the decision, Sam Tramiel picks up the severance checks, but agrees to stay in office while the company transitions. JTS held the Atari name until March 1998 when Hasbro bought the brand for 5 million dollars. Full Day in Tech History podcast show notes for July 30 The Lisa Project starts The PowerPC alliance Time Warner joins the WiMAX revolution Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
In a step to protect companies from any post Y2K problems, in 1999, President Bill Clinton signs a bill into law protecting companies from legal action. Today I have signed into law H.R. 775, the “Y2K Act.” This is extraordinary, time-limited legislation designed to deal with an exceptional and unique circumstance of national significance—the Y2K computer problem. In signing this legislation, I act in the belief and with the expectation that companies in the high technology sector and throughout the American economy are serious in their remediation efforts and that such efforts will continue. Many have worked hard to identify the potential for Y2K failures among their systems and products, taken reasonable measures to inform those who might be injured ...
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