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January 5
Video Games
1985: The Winter Consumer Electronics Show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada, over two days.
1985: At the Winter CES, Commodore International unveils the Commodore 128 Personal Computer. It functions as three computers in one: a complete Commodore 64, a CP/M mode, and a new 128 kB mode. It features a 8502 processor, Z80 processor, 128 kB RAM, and ROM cartridge port. Price is US$300.
1985: At the Winter CES, Commodore shows the Commodore LCD laptop computer. It features built-in software, modem, and flip-top screen.
1985: At the Winter CES, Commodore International announces the 1571 Disk Drive, for the Commodore 128. It has a dual-sided capacity of 340 kB on double-density 5.25-inch diskettes.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 65XE computer, with 65xx processor and 64 kB RAM. It is to replace the Atari 800 XL. Price is US$120.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 65XEM. It is an Atari 65XE with a built-in eight-voice AMY music synthesizer chip. Price is about US$150.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 65XEP. It is like the Atari 65XE but portable, with a built-in monitor and 3.5-inch disk drive.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 130XE. It is an Atari 65XE with 128 kB RAM. Price is US$140.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 130ST computer. It features 128 kB RAM, 192 kB ROM including Digital Research's GEM operating system, 640x400 monochrome or 320x200 16-color graphics from a palette of 512 colors, 32 kB screen RAM, MIDI interface, and mouse. Price is US$399.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 260ST computer. It features 256kB RAM. Price is US$499.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 520ST computer. It features 512 kB RAM, 192 kB ROM including Digital Research's GEM operating system, 640x400 monochrome or 320x200 16-color graphics from a palette of 512 colors, 32 kB screen RAM, MIDI interface, and mouse. Price is US$599.
1985: At the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nintendo first shows the Family Computer from Japan with label Advanced Video System. The system is demonstrated with computer keyboard, music keyboard, and 25 games. No dealers take orders for the system.
1989: Nintendo countersues Atari Games, charging fraudulent inducement of their licensing agreement, and making and selling unauthorized cartridges.
1994: Apple Computer announces eWorld, an online service for Apple tech support and a virtual shopping mall. It is to replace AppleLink.
1994: Sanyo Electric announces it will manufacture 3DO Interactive Multiplayer video game systems.
1999: At Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announces the release of new iMac computers in five bright colors. Each includes 266 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 32 MB RAM, 15-inch monitor, and 6 GB hard drive. Price is US$1199.
1999: At the Macworld Expo, Apple Computer introduces new Power Mac G3 series computers. They feature two-tone blue/white polycarbonate translucent cases with a handle on each corner, keyboard, mouse, two USB ports, two FireWire ports, 300 to 400 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 100 MHz system bus, up to 1 GB RAM, ATI Rage 128 graphics card, 4 PCI slots, 10/100BaseT Ethernet, hard drive, CD or DVD drive. Prices start at US$1599-2999.
1999: At the Macworld Expo, Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 4.5 for Macintosh.
2000: At the Macworld Expo, Apple Computer publicly demonstrates Mac OS X for the first time.
2000: At the Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announces that he is accepting the position as full-time CEO of Apple Computer.
2000: At the Consumer Electronics Show, Bill Gates announces a new version of Windows CE called Pocket PC.
2003: The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A video arcade is shown at a large theme park. Some games are "PONG 3000", "LARRY THE LOOTER", "SHARK BAIT", "Halloween Hit and Run" and "TIME WASTER".
2004: Intel releases the 800 MHz, 1.2 GHz, and 1.3 GHz Celeron M processors. They feature 512 kB level 2 cache. The 800 MHz version runs on 1.004 volts, and uses 7 watts of power. The 1.2 and 1.3 GHz versions run on 1.356 volts and use 24.5 watts. Prices are US$161 (800 MHz), US$107 (1.2 GHz), US$134 (1.3 GHz) in 1000-unit quantities.
2006: In Las Vegas, Nevada, the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show is held, over four days. Microsoft announces that later in the year it will release an add-on HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360 for movie viewing.
1985: At the Winter CES, Commodore International unveils the Commodore 128 Personal Computer. It functions as three computers in one: a complete Commodore 64, a CP/M mode, and a new 128 kB mode. It features a 8502 processor, Z80 processor, 128 kB RAM, and ROM cartridge port. Price is US$300.
1985: At the Winter CES, Commodore shows the Commodore LCD laptop computer. It features built-in software, modem, and flip-top screen.
1985: At the Winter CES, Commodore International announces the 1571 Disk Drive, for the Commodore 128. It has a dual-sided capacity of 340 kB on double-density 5.25-inch diskettes.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 65XE computer, with 65xx processor and 64 kB RAM. It is to replace the Atari 800 XL. Price is US$120.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 65XEM. It is an Atari 65XE with a built-in eight-voice AMY music synthesizer chip. Price is about US$150.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 65XEP. It is like the Atari 65XE but portable, with a built-in monitor and 3.5-inch disk drive.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 130XE. It is an Atari 65XE with 128 kB RAM. Price is US$140.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 130ST computer. It features 128 kB RAM, 192 kB ROM including Digital Research's GEM operating system, 640x400 monochrome or 320x200 16-color graphics from a palette of 512 colors, 32 kB screen RAM, MIDI interface, and mouse. Price is US$399.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 260ST computer. It features 256kB RAM. Price is US$499.
1985: At the Winter CES, Atari introduces the Atari 520ST computer. It features 512 kB RAM, 192 kB ROM including Digital Research's GEM operating system, 640x400 monochrome or 320x200 16-color graphics from a palette of 512 colors, 32 kB screen RAM, MIDI interface, and mouse. Price is US$599.
1985: At the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nintendo first shows the Family Computer from Japan with label Advanced Video System. The system is demonstrated with computer keyboard, music keyboard, and 25 games. No dealers take orders for the system.
1989: Nintendo countersues Atari Games, charging fraudulent inducement of their licensing agreement, and making and selling unauthorized cartridges.
1994: Apple Computer announces eWorld, an online service for Apple tech support and a virtual shopping mall. It is to replace AppleLink.
1994: Sanyo Electric announces it will manufacture 3DO Interactive Multiplayer video game systems.
1999: At Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announces the release of new iMac computers in five bright colors. Each includes 266 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 32 MB RAM, 15-inch monitor, and 6 GB hard drive. Price is US$1199.
1999: At the Macworld Expo, Apple Computer introduces new Power Mac G3 series computers. They feature two-tone blue/white polycarbonate translucent cases with a handle on each corner, keyboard, mouse, two USB ports, two FireWire ports, 300 to 400 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 100 MHz system bus, up to 1 GB RAM, ATI Rage 128 graphics card, 4 PCI slots, 10/100BaseT Ethernet, hard drive, CD or DVD drive. Prices start at US$1599-2999.
1999: At the Macworld Expo, Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 4.5 for Macintosh.
2000: At the Macworld Expo, Apple Computer publicly demonstrates Mac OS X for the first time.
2000: At the Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announces that he is accepting the position as full-time CEO of Apple Computer.
2000: At the Consumer Electronics Show, Bill Gates announces a new version of Windows CE called Pocket PC.
2003: The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. A video arcade is shown at a large theme park. Some games are "PONG 3000", "LARRY THE LOOTER", "SHARK BAIT", "Halloween Hit and Run" and "TIME WASTER".
2004: Intel releases the 800 MHz, 1.2 GHz, and 1.3 GHz Celeron M processors. They feature 512 kB level 2 cache. The 800 MHz version runs on 1.004 volts, and uses 7 watts of power. The 1.2 and 1.3 GHz versions run on 1.356 volts and use 24.5 watts. Prices are US$161 (800 MHz), US$107 (1.2 GHz), US$134 (1.3 GHz) in 1000-unit quantities.
2006: In Las Vegas, Nevada, the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show is held, over four days. Microsoft announces that later in the year it will release an add-on HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360 for movie viewing.
Movies
1990: Death of Arthur Kennedy of a brain tumor at age 76; character actor (Air Force, Playhouse 90, Kraft Suspense Theatre, Ford Television Theatre, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour).
1991: John Eckhardt, actor born without legs (Freaks), dies at age 82.
1991: Marie Madeline Sullivan, actress (Elvira Mistress of Dark), dies at age 80.
1993: Ronnie Welsh, actor (Patterns), dies of brain cancer at age 52.
1998: The CBS TV network debuts the Style and Substance TV show.
1998: Death of Sonny Bono at age 62, from head injuries after hitting a tree while skiing; politician (mayor - Palm Springs California, Representative - California), singer/songwriter (Sonny and Cher - "I Got You Babe", "Baby Don't Go", "The Beat Goes On", The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour TV show).
1991: John Eckhardt, actor born without legs (Freaks), dies at age 82.
1991: Marie Madeline Sullivan, actress (Elvira Mistress of Dark), dies at age 80.
1993: Ronnie Welsh, actor (Patterns), dies of brain cancer at age 52.
1998: The CBS TV network debuts the Style and Substance TV show.
1998: Death of Sonny Bono at age 62, from head injuries after hitting a tree while skiing; politician (mayor - Palm Springs California, Representative - California), singer/songwriter (Sonny and Cher - "I Got You Babe", "Baby Don't Go", "The Beat Goes On", The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour TV show).
Music
1995: Francis Lopez, French dentist/operetta composer (Andalousie), dies at age 78.
1996: Tenor Richard Versalle dies onstage at New York's Metropolitan Opera of a heart attack and 20-foot fall at age 63. His last line in the performance of Janacek's The Makropulos Case was: "Too bad you can only live so long".
1996: Tenor Richard Versalle dies onstage at New York's Metropolitan Opera of a heart attack and 20-foot fall at age 63. His last line in the performance of Janacek's The Makropulos Case was: "Too bad you can only live so long".
1998: Death of Sonny Bono at age 62, from head injuries after hitting a tree while skiing; politician (mayor - Palm Springs California, Representative - California), singer/songwriter (Sonny and Cher - "I Got You Babe", "Baby Don't Go", "The Beat Goes On", The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour TV show).
1996: Tenor Richard Versalle dies onstage at New York's Metropolitan Opera of a heart attack and 20-foot fall at age 63. His last line in the performance of Janacek's The Makropulos Case was: "Too bad you can only live so long".
1996: Tenor Richard Versalle dies onstage at New York's Metropolitan Opera of a heart attack and 20-foot fall at age 63. His last line in the performance of Janacek's The Makropulos Case was: "Too bad you can only live so long".
1998: Death of Sonny Bono at age 62, from head injuries after hitting a tree while skiing; politician (mayor - Palm Springs California, Representative - California), singer/songwriter (Sonny and Cher - "I Got You Babe", "Baby Don't Go", "The Beat Goes On", The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour TV show).
Sports
1988: "Pistol Pete" Mavarich, American NBA player (Atlanta Hawks), dies of a heart attack at age 40 (born 1947).
1989: Major League Baseball signs US$400 million with ESPN, to show 175 games in 1990.
1990: J Donald Crump appointed 8th Commissioner of Canadian Football League.
1991: Edwin Jongejans of Netherlands wins 1-metre springboard diving title.
1991: Kevin Bradshaw of US International scores NCAA Division 1 record 72 points.
1991: Windsor Charity).
1992: Ravi Shastri scores 206 at Sydney Cricket Ground before being Warne's first cricket Test wicket.
1993: Brian Lara completes 277 versus Australia at cricket Sydney Cricket Ground.
1993: Reggie Jackson is elected to Baseball Hall of Fame.
1994: Aleksandr Popov swims world record 100m free style (47.82).
1994: Yat Weiju swims world record 100m butterfly stroke (58.71).
1994: Children's Med-14th).
1994: Death of Brian Johnston; British cricket player, BBC Radio commentator for 40 years.
1995: Hobart).
1995: Tasmanian).
1996: Miami Dolphins' coach Don Shula announces his retirement.
1996: Muralitharan no-balled for throwing in ODI versus West Indies at the Gabba.
2009: Canada beats Sweden 5-1 to win gold in the world junior hockey championships. This is Canada's fifth straight championship, and its 15th gold, matching Russia/Soviet Union for the all-time lead.
2009: Free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley reaches terms on a three-year, US$30 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.
1989: Major League Baseball signs US$400 million with ESPN, to show 175 games in 1990.
1990: J Donald Crump appointed 8th Commissioner of Canadian Football League.
1991: Edwin Jongejans of Netherlands wins 1-metre springboard diving title.
1991: Kevin Bradshaw of US International scores NCAA Division 1 record 72 points.
1991: Windsor Charity).
1992: Ravi Shastri scores 206 at Sydney Cricket Ground before being Warne's first cricket Test wicket.
1993: Brian Lara completes 277 versus Australia at cricket Sydney Cricket Ground.
1993: Reggie Jackson is elected to Baseball Hall of Fame.
1994: Aleksandr Popov swims world record 100m free style (47.82).
1994: Yat Weiju swims world record 100m butterfly stroke (58.71).
1994: Children's Med-14th).
1994: Death of Brian Johnston; British cricket player, BBC Radio commentator for 40 years.
1995: Hobart).
1995: Tasmanian).
1996: Miami Dolphins' coach Don Shula announces his retirement.
1996: Muralitharan no-balled for throwing in ODI versus West Indies at the Gabba.
2009: Canada beats Sweden 5-1 to win gold in the world junior hockey championships. This is Canada's fifth straight championship, and its 15th gold, matching Russia/Soviet Union for the all-time lead.
2009: Free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley reaches terms on a three-year, US$30 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.
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