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September 9, 1999

SUBSCRIPTION CONTEST #2
The PRIZES:  Each winner will receive one pack of the following Software, (a j.ello pack ) about a $150 of good stuff.  For more info on each, please visit our Sponsors Page.  Visit the Invitation Page to start on the path or check out the CURRENT STATS (updated 8/17).

PhotoGenetics - Q-Research         System Mechanic - Iolo Technology 

Macro Magic - Iolo Technology    Filters Unlimited - I.C. Net

VideoMail - Chillisoft                    Desktop Themes - Left Side Software

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• Today is the last day for the Subscription Contest #2.  Why haven't I updated the stats?  Cuz everyone who was on the list is still on the list... + 1 person who wasn't before :).  My guess would be that it's pretty close to being final. :)  

     Welcome to the dreaded 9/9/99.  Are you dressed to the 9's today?  I'm sure in some religion somewhere, today was marked as the end of the world.  Hopefully we'll all live through the next 50 predicted ends of the world... most of which are due to occur in the next couple years. :)  A lot of people were asking me what's the deal with this 9/9/99 crap.  WELL... here's the skinny of it.  A long time ago, programmers needed a code to inform the computer that the program was done and that it should exit.  It was a matter of habit to make this a series of 9's... no particular reason for it... except that it was unlikely that the program would receive a series of 9's.  Many things use a code to exit, for instance, Hayes-compatible modems use a series of +'s to indicate that it should hang up.  For old programs which check the date AND have the 999 kill code... it is possible that when this program checks the date and sees the series of 9's, it will quit.  Programs like this are very hard to find... frankly, I can't imagine anyone having one except for sentimental value. I just happen to have an old BBS program that this particular bug works on.  I ran it right after midnight today just to say that I did it (I moved my clock ahead back in 93 to see if it would happen).  I run the program, and right when it checks the date it exits.  Woo woo. The effects of this bug only last for the day, unlike Y2k bugs.
     I did learn something last night. Apparently, since May, I have been sending out each report incorrectly.  In the past I have finished the page, opened it with a browser and copied it into my e-mail and sent it to the list.  For people who sign up that don't have an e-mail reader that can read HTML, I always have hidden paragraph that will show up in their e-mail client, directing them to the website - or so I thought.  Also, there are style sheet commands I use on the website to make the links change color when you hover over them.  It turns out that when you look at the web-version of the report and view the source, you can see these commands, and the hidden paragraph for text-only email clients... but when you COPY the formatted page, those script commands are lost.  SO, what I have to do and will do from now on, is view the source code of the report, and copy the code into Outlook Express, rather than just copying the formatted page.  As most of you can see today (If your email client supports it), all the links change color when you hover over them, and they are also the right color... as it should have been since the beginning.  Yup, ya learn something every day.

     -j.ello

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