Microsoft Windows 1.0 was released, which marked the beginnings of the PC revolution. While poorly received, it was followed by Windows 2.0, which ran the first versions of Word and Excel, and then Windows 3.0 (and 3.1) which was the first widely released version of windows when it was released less than 5 years later.
And overworked LOLCats everywhere rejoiced!
Reduce, reuse, recycle becomes a reality in the space program (getting us one step closer to extra-planetary supply chain management) when mission STS-2 launches Space Shuttle Columbia. This was the first time a manned spacecraft was launched into space twice.
And now we have …
Ready for blast-off!
Edwin Armstrong, an American engineer, presented his paper A Method of Reducing Disturbances in Radio Signaling by a System of Frequency Modulation to the New York section of the Institute of Radio Engineers (which merged with the American Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1963 to form the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), which described his 1933 invention of radio broadcasting using frequency modulation, now known as FM broadcasting, and LOLCats everywhere rejoiced!
I Love My FM Radio!
GATT was created. Originally signed by 23 nations in Geneva on October 30, 1947, it was the foundation for global trade until January 1, 1995 when the WTO was formally established (after being agreed to by 123 nations in Marrakesh on April 14, 1994). GATT was important not just because it created critical multi-lateral agreements, but because it offered a substantial reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers for its member countries, with average tariff levels for major GATT participants of only 22%. This might sound high as a tax rate, but when you consider some acts can see tariffs as high as 100% or 200% (to prevent market flooding with foreign goods), this is very advantageous. And these levels dropped over time. By 1967, average tariff levels were 15%, and by 1993, two years before the creation of the WTO, average tariff levels were 5%.
Any comments, LOLCat?
