New Officers for 2009

      Jack Buff takes over as CUGOL's treasurer after the retirement of Gene Graska. Other officers elected at the December meeting were President Charles Mize, Vice-President Mike Vance, Secretary 1 Lisa Gambini, Secretary 2 Nancy Venable, and Assistant Treasurer Sue Vance.

In The News Last Major Supplier of VHS Tapes Quits

     "VHS, which became wildly popular in the '80s and rode out its popularity well into the 2000s, has been on a very steady decline since the advent of DVD (and now digital downloads and Blu-ray). As a result, most VHS distributors have long ago ditched the format, but not Distribution Video Audio Inc., which prides itself in keeping little tidbits of pop culture alive. However, this is one trend that is finally going to the grave after the 2008 holiday season is over, despite steady sales over the last several years.

"It's dead, this is it, this is the last Christmas, without a doubt," Distribution Video Audio co-owner Ryan Kugler told the L.A. Times. "I was the last one buying VHS and the last one selling it, and I'm done. Anything left in the warehouse we'll just give away or throwaway." I guess that some foreign companies will still make the tapes if you are interested. I admit to still using the venerable media when I want to record a short program (like Jeopardy) or some other TV show. I can't see using a CD for thirty minutes of data that I don't intend to share with someone else.

Chip Makers Cut Back

     Major chip manufacturers, SanDisk and Toshiba, announced plans to reduce production by as much as 30% in 2009. These companies depend on sales of digital cameras, computers, and other computer products that have tanked due to the poor economy.

     No doubt, warehouses are full, so there is not likely to be a shortage, but prices may not continue to fall.

January Birthdays

Five birthdays this month-
Sue Brooks, Bill Brooks, Rodney Eaker, Russell Hull, and Linda Motz. Happy birthday to each of you!

President's Notes

     CUGOL starts a new year with a gain in membership. We now have forty-four families on our rolls.
     I want to thank everyone for their attendance and support during 2008. Without the lively discussions and contributions of information (especially Mike), we would not have such a strong club. I look forward to 2009.

The Data Byte is the official publication of CUGOL, the Computer Users Group of Lincolnton., Direct comments to:Charles F. Mize   4797 Asbury Church Rd. Lincolnton, NC 28092 Phone 704-735-6433 = Fax 704-735-1899 E-mail editor: charlesfrank2@gmail.com E-mail CUGOL: welcome2cugol@gmail.com Web page: www.cugol.org (CUGOL welcomes anyone with an interest in computers.)