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Macs installed in a Nissan PathFinder

updated 12:30 pm EST, Tue February 6, 2001

As noted in our forums, a Mac user has installed a PowerBook with a 6.4" touch-screen LCD in his Nissan Pathfinder, creating the "Pathintosh." The Mac is used to play MP3 files and uses AirPort connectivity to transfer songs to and from his house.

The owner has provided some technical information about the hardware involved, the installation process and the software that he's using. This is an ingenious use of the PowerBook and all of the peripherals involved.

by MacNN Staff

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02/06, 12:41pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
You kidding me?

This guy has too much money. Hope he wrecks the car.

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02/06, 12:47pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Re: You Kidding me?

That's a nice thing to say. And I hope you get shot at work. NOT!

It does seem like a bit much "to just use soundjam". I am working on a project car at home, my Lombard will be a permanant fixture in the car and will have complete control of the car. OSX should be stable enough and I will use RealBasic to build custom controls that will reduce the need for keyboard input.

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02/06, 01:03pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
I like creative stuff

I've always wanted a good stereo in the car. Think it'll play back ok going over bumps?

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02/06, 01:17pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
why?

it seems like a lot of trouble to go through to simply be able to play mp3's in your car. Why not just buy a nomad or something simliar that can store 5 gigs. I mean that is around around 2 to 3 days straight of music which would seem like enough. And you could plug it into your stereo and not have to worry about the touchscreen/rewiring/powerbook costs.

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02/06, 01:19pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
why? and then some

plus, many new cd players play cd-r/rw's in mp3 format that can store around 150 songs per cd, with unlimited total amount of music to listen to. and those stereos cost around 300 bucks, even cheaper than a nomad

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02/06, 01:31pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
why? because he can...

And did!

Hey, I think it's cool. So he wasted a boatload of cash. But imagine long trips with the potential for DVD, great music, maps from the internet at the touch of a button, etc.

An in a traffic jam, he can throw some bone bombs in Cro-Mag :)

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02/06, 01:36pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
why ask why?

This totally rocks-- it goes to show you that The Hacker Ethic is not dead! :)

I can see many different applications for this design beyond just a simple music player. Because he's got Airport connectivity, why not use the unit to "sync" documents with his home computer system? The addition of a portable inkjet printer could turn the Pathintosh into a portable document station! Also (and this depends on screen legibility, of course) one could use this as a high-power contact manager.

C'mon people, remember Steve's "Digital Hub" speech??!

Now I just need to find a way to squeeze one of these bad boys into my Saturn :)

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02/06, 02:11pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
System stability

Does that mean when you reboot the mac that the car automatically turns off and starts again?

What if you're driving and the Mac gets hung up on a Java applet? Does the car stop?

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02/06, 02:11pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
c***, this is office...

...on wheels. Good job, man. Now I'm going to hardwire my Handspring Visor to my Civic just for the heck of it.

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02/06, 02:25pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
James Bond

Need I say more?

Yeah ok I will say more. This guys is a fanatic. One with good taste, money and ingenuity :-) I love the air port part. How about remote control the house from the pathfinder? (turn on the alarm, open the garage door, start the oven the home stereo, the jack uzi...

Life should be fun. Mac can play a part in it!

TomBull

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02/06, 03:23pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Thanks, SUV owners.

For contributing to global warming, city pollution, and non-renewable resources exhaustion.
They're also more likely to cause accidents, in which their heavy cars cause much damage and death.
Can't Mac users show their enlightenment by supporting clean-air vehicles like the Toyota Prius instead of gas guzzlers like the Pathfinder? Sad.

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02/06, 04:06pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Tree Hugger

To the previous poster... you just inspired me to buy a Ford Excursion.

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02/06, 04:30pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Pissed Windows User

Probably the "tree hugger" is a Windows person who is just jealous that someone else did it first -- with a Mac.
Actually, I really like the "fit and finish" that this guy has with the "Pathintosh" -- it is as elegant as the Mac itself. I also have a '01 Pathfinder, and have it because I do carry stuff that won't fit in a car, and because I also need to carry my family of four while carrying stuff.

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02/06, 04:31pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
WHATEVER on the car...

Who cares what car it is? The idea is rad. So he spent a ton of cash, so what? Awesome idea my friend.
Go Mac Go!

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02/06, 04:37pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
prototype versus utility

It seems obvious to me that the project proceeded as described because having a computer in-dash handled the I/O and data interfaces. Overly complex, but then where would the fun be if you could buy the kit at Canadian Tire.

I would gladly try the same experiment if I could find an MP3 player, mounted in-dash with controls on the front, that had an 802.11 or BlueTooth interface, but then it wouldn't be an experiment anymore if I could. It would work, as not dragging around, sorting, and smashing jewel cases of CDs would be an improvement worth investigating. Given that device, there would be no need to put so much horsepower to waste under the dash. Don't get me wrong as I love the project and the spirit, it just seems to me that there must be something like a popular RF interface controller out there that doesn't require a personal computer operating system. I mean, without buying a container load of chips and designing your own black box.

Playlist and downloads and such would be much more comfortably prepared in your house and then manipulated with application, AppleScript, or X-10 interfaces, to push the info at the car instead of using the car itself as mission control. Again, that might even be quicker than the CD rack in a digital future. The touch screen and in-car editing are also more whimsical than practical and would only appeal to kids or bored passengers, not exactly the best car market. Maybe the voice interface would make it alternatively practical for everyone--I just can't see myself sitting in a car any longer than I have to, regardless of what car manufacturer commercials would have you believe.

I can imagine the possiblities though, and it would be pretty neato for a radio station to have "download gem of the day" promotion if you got stuck under a certain light pole in a traffic jam, or within range of a lucky parking spot that moved every day. Just like WKRP's flying turkeys, it would probably s**** traffic as idiots drove around slowly, watching the signal strength indicators in their cars to stay negotiated long enough to grab the secret password, or entire song.

To the point, does an MP3 player exist without hardwired interfaces, controlling RF on it's own, even if not meant for a car? Any third-party black boxes give you that "embedded Linux" effect with an aerial on one side and a USB connector on the other? Was there anything like this at the last consumer expo? It seems so obvious that I'm already wondering if Apple could brand a Sony car stereo just to push the envelope, or as a first serious foray into a digital hub future. It might seem fadistic, but we are talking about a lot of potential buyers, and a company that produced the G3 Cube.

Dale

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02/06, 05:00pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
If I may Interject

Many of you talk about the "waste" of money and/or how easy it would be to get the Aiwa or Kenwood in-dash mp3 player. I suggest that you go get those products. I understand that the Pathintosh Project seems like overkill to some and just plain dumb to others, that's no reason to dis him or his ride because you see things differently. He didnt waste any money, he got what he wanted and did it right.
He has been talking about this project for years and has been doing homework for over 6 months. He did it because it was what he wanted to do. Anything that you could do with your Powerbook out of the car he can do with his Powerbook - in the car or out of the car - its removable. Music, DVDs , the internet, and even Quake if he wants to.
As for the guys asking about the system stability and all that stuff; it plays great over bumps, its not wired to the truck's computer system, and a nomad would defeat the purpose of his wanting his entire music collection on file all the time. Not to mention that the portable or in-dash MP3 player can't handle movies, games, or a 60 Gig playlist.
I have been knowing this guy for 15 years or so and I am glad he finally got it done, and I am also glad that I get to enjoy it too.

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02/06, 05:34pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
hey

he did it, im sure, in the face of a bunch of people who tried to tell him everything that would go wrong. AND he did it well. it looks amazing. its called a hobby, and maybe you should try one more active than criticism on a stupid a** message board.

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02/06, 05:58pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Great Job Apple should..

This guy is a pioneer, sure others have done similar but none that have looked this good. Just think of what is possible, if you are stuck in traffic everyday you could bring your video files that you are converting to MPEG2 on a Firewire drive and encode them while you sit there for an hour. Just one of many things you could do. Apple should get into this area quickly. Imagine if Apple took over the car industry with easy to use set ups like this. There are a lot of cars out there. Get the price low enough and Apple has a new market!

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02/06, 06:24pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Marvelous except....

The jarring movement is sure to send the hard drive to oblivion after one too many potholes. I've had one hard drive die on me just riding the bus though I thought it was because the computer was on, and another nearly collapse on me when I rode the bus with it off. These drives are NOT meant for bumpy transit. Get something that completely absorbs the shock of all potholes.

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02/07, 01:18am | report spam | close Reply | delete
should have been 94 model

good job, excellent idea, etc, etc. should be a 1994 or earlier pathfinder, not another cherokee look-alike. I have to admit, however, that with a mac inside it, even the new pathfinders are easier on my eyes.

I've got similar plans, but they're on hold until I can bankroll it (for now, gotta pay tuition!)

anybody gonna do it in a westphalia volkswagen van?

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02/07, 09:51am | report spam | close Reply | delete
Why not call it...

He calls it the Pathintosh. (Pathfinder + Macintosh)
I suppose you could call it the Mac Finder...

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02/07, 10:07am | report spam | close Reply | delete
not a bad idea but...

I cant stand people who sit on a phone while driving and cant pay attn to WTF IS GOIN ON! Now I have some guy runnin around in a SUV running a touch screen laptop. That thing shouldn't be able to be turned on or respond to commands unless he's got the transmission in park.

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02/07, 10:45am | report spam | close Reply | delete
pathintosh

The starving millions may now give up all hope.
Please apply yourself to something useful or at least interesting.

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02/07, 11:16am | report spam | close Reply | delete
Hands free

I cant stand people who sit on a phone while driving

How would you feel if he was able to play music on verbal request? He can if he checks around; there's a voice-controlled MP3 player that should be quite adequate if the cabin noise is minimal.

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02/07, 11:27am | report spam | close Reply | delete
Sanctimonious People

Some people on here seem to relish posting negative comments for the sake of it. Personally, just for the enjoyment of seeing it done, I'd LOVE this in my old 3 Series, but I'd probably never use it to it's full extent, therefore it would be a waste. People claiming that the guy is "wasting his time" are missing the point; It is HIS time and his to do what he likes with. I'm sure many people consider that discussing Macintohs computers on the internet for hours at a time is also a waste of time (I don't agree). As far as the comment regarding the man applying himself to doing something "interesting" is concerned, it appears interesting enough for many people to comment on it and before you start harping on about "starving millions" maybe you might want to examine what you do in your own life. The likelihood of you having spent time in Africa or other poverty stricken territories actively assisting in an aid effort by distributing food is slim (although not impossible) so maybe that old high horse could use coming down a little.

If I spent my day in my car, spent a lot of time in traffic and wanted the functionality of a Mac at that time, this would be a great idea. It's a bloody good job that some of the true innovators of the world didn't pay mind to sanctimonious naysayers like many I've seen here or we'd still be grunting at each other and picking nits from each other's hair.

Those who dislike this idea may as well get used to it, as with BlueTooth etc. it's going to be commonplace within around 10 years (IMHO). Already we're using Handspring Visors as cameras, telephones and internet devices so why is it going to stop there.

In short, if you hate the idea, then fine, but don't attack other people for doing something that they obviously enjoy and isn't directly harming anyone. BTW - I do agree with the reader who brought up the issue of safety; It could well be a fatal distraction, but then a large 1.5 tonne piece of metal being driven along by a human with a leaden right foot isn't exactly safe at the best of times either......

I love the way the guy has done it, and more power to him.....No Pun Intended.

Macnerd

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02/07, 11:40am | report spam | close Reply | delete
GPS functions

He should had GPS and map functions to that; This is really a new area for Apple, and they could be in concurrence with Microsoft and Windows CE.

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02/07, 12:12pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Very cool

Cool idea - this is the 21st Century. We should have seen this type of work years ago (although a recent 2600 had a linux mp3 set up in a car - this blows it away)

As for the goons who wish ill upon this creative individual - sod off and take the stick from yer arse. You wish you had the resources, talent and hard work to make it happen. :P

KEEP AMERICA FREE
IMPEACH GWB

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02/07, 12:47pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
cool beans man

Belgium man! Belgium!

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02/07, 02:27pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Nice Job

There have been sporadic reports of others installing Macs in cars, but this one is by far the classiest execution. Custom installation, ergonomic buttons, and the Pismo pops out in a jiffy for non-mobile use. Sweet! Plus, I assume he can use the Pismo to play DVDs (for his passengers!) on the 6.4" screen? I intend to e-mail the owner with two questions: 1. How'd he get the PowerBook to sleep automatically when the ignition is shut off (aka, the Pismo loses external power), and 2. How'd he get the Pismo to recognize when he presses the Bose "Mode" button on the steering wheel. -Kurt

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02/07, 02:30pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
This is unreal...but yet

Let me just say wow this is the best, and most creative thing I have seen a person do. I mean the idea itself is just great but to actually go out and make it happen...that's what CEO are made of ...If I owned apple I would hire you and put him incharge of the new apple computer navigation system, designed for consumers by consumers...and call it ACNS for all you on the go computer needs.. I love to see people come up with an idea and then see it though even with the minor set-backs you still did an outsanding job..The airport factor is what really blew me away ..great idea.. We need to see more these great apple consumers tranforming the way we use computers....This is unreal ...but yet so cool....

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02/07, 02:32pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Read It First Before.....

Most of you complaining about so many things should go to his web site first. Dam, it answers every question for all you "short attention spanned-hate people with something you don't have" people out there.

First and foremost, he uses a docking station so "NO" he didn't buy the PowerBook just to use in his Pathfinder. Second, he doesn't store his songs on the PB, he uses a 60gb Firewire HD and has a back-up at home. The list goes on & on and I commend him for his efforts. I think it's ingenious. I'd like to do something similar to this. It's an awesome display of innovative thinking. And he can take his PB out at the end of the day.

later,
darnell

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02/07, 04:30pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
empeg

There's a neat little company in the UK who make in dash MP3 players. They run Linux and can have two laptop drives in a box the same size as any other head unit. No huge boxes in the trunk either.

It's a tad pricey ($1199 for a 6gb unit), but very cheap compared to a big CD changer or the Mac-in-trunk solution.

Granted, it's only suitable for playing MP3s, but since the guy said that was all he used his Mac for, he could've saved himself a lot of money...

www.empeg.com

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02/07, 04:47pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Just to DO it.

I'm impressed as h***. I've put thought into the same thing, but lack the cash or time. It definately shows the hacker mentality hasn't died. Just because there's an easier alternative, it doesn't mean you can't do it the way YOU want to.

I took my Nintendo zapper apart once and re-wired it inside a tek-9 looking squirtgun. No need for it, but damn I look cool when I shoot the ducks.

And that's all it needs to do.

AMD

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02/07, 04:48pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Just to DO it.

I'm impressed as h***. I've put thought into the same thing, but lack the cash or time. It definately shows the hacker mentality hasn't died. Just because there's an easier alternative, it doesn't mean you can't do it the way YOU want to.

I took my Nintendo zapper apart once and re-wired it inside a tek-9 looking squirtgun. No need for it, but damn I look cool when I shoot the ducks.

And that's all it needs to do.

AMD

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02/07, 05:22pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
This guy KICKS a**!!!

I have been wanting to do this exact thing for a year now but have not had the money. Wireless syncronization with his desktop - no need to haul your Nomad inside and update with USB. Don't have to worry obout forgetting it on your desk when you run to McDonalds. This is the coolest thing I have ever seen and I wish I could heve done it first!!!

Chief

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02/07, 06:15pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
You can do more...

Hook up the laptop with wireless internet. Use it for GPS or making phone calls. Recieve and send faxes from your car. Order tickets ON your way to the show. This guy can do tons more than just play MP3s.

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02/07, 06:41pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
one more thing...

i know Apple's speech recognition kit (text-to-speech) is a bit primitive, but think of things you can do with it...Voice commands using applescript! he'll have a microphone hooked up to it and no longer would he need to look at the screen! I love the idea!

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02/07, 09:28pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Waay cool!

Amazing isn't it, that someone - on their own time, harming no one, thinks "outside the box" and any number of fools have the audacity to knock his (IMO awesome) creativity.

Apple should reward this guy with a TiBook or whatever, just for doing it.

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02/07, 10:59pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
not professional

As a hardware & software engineer, I would have done it completely different (using an external 8051 for example), but it's cool either way!

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02/08, 01:37am | report spam | close Reply | delete
Brilliant!

I have tons of ideas, just like I had also wanted a mini-mac in my car, but I never execute on my ideas, but I'm glad someone does. Good job, man!

VoltsWagon sould jump all over this with their beetle. Can you imagine!?

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02/08, 05:02am | report spam | close Reply | delete
Lets make business...

...it�s a good idea. A MP3 and Office Car. I thougt about doing this for MP3 too, but also to load a GPS Software on the PB.
And I�would like to watch TV or play a little game, if the traffic stops on our "autobahn".

A old Audi quattro 20V avant with MP3, TV, GPS and some more things, all made with a Mac would be great fun. If someone will give me the money, I�ll transpose this great idea. Many people in Germany buy a new PORSCHE but first they change the very good brackes into the better Porsche Turbo breakes and they pay about 20000,- DM (8500,- $) fore that change. That is a little creasy (but not really).
So, there is a market for everything. For sure there are some guys, whitch want to play "James Bond". Let them pay for it!!! Lets� make business. Let us connect "video parking cameras" and some other funny things to the Apple PB in the car. Contact me...

Andy from Frankfurt / M., Germany
andy@innovation-division.de

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02/08, 08:26am | report spam | close Reply | delete
wireless

Rio were at CES showing off an MP3 player that can download wirelessly using an airport. They also showed it streaming to one of their home receivers. I've got one of the Dell ones, which is why it caught my attention.

The guys there were talking about voice recognition and GPS too, but it sounded like that wasn't ready yet.

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02/08, 09:52am | report spam | close Reply | delete
Money

If he has soooo much money, why doesn't he get a better car?

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02/08, 12:00pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
Actually...

If you go to his website and read it all, you'll notice he didn't buy the powerbook for this purpose, he used it 'cause he has it. And it's nicely settled on a bookendz dock, so he can always take it with him as it was intended.

He also makes mention of leaving the touchscreen off when he's driving - he has on-wheel CD controls that he uses (for all you cel-phone haters).

I, for one, am envious of the guy's inginuity and perseverance.

-T

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03/12, 09:19pm | report spam | close Reply | delete
More you can do

Think of it this way Ive gone through some autoshows and seen people installing playstations and vcrs into their cars. A mac can do all that in one. Play music watch DVD video and play playstation games and other systems with emulation. This macincar concept has been a dream of mine for awhile and Im glad someone has done it. BTW you can use speakable items to control the mac without having to use a keyboard ;-)

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03/13, 05:30am | report spam | close Reply | delete
...My project

Hi - I'm the guy who did this installation. I just ran across all of these comments and wanted say thank you to all of those with such kind compliments! It's nice to have the work appreciated. It seems like many of the negative posts are coming from people who scanned over the pictures on the site and didn't read too much - they miss the details - or they just have no interest. The most rude comment I noted was "Please apply yourself to something useful or at least interesting." - What? Whatever man... ;) I find this thing HIGHLY useful and interesting, as do my friends and many other people apparently. There is an entire community of people who enjoy this hobby. My God! The very first post here was someone hoping I end up in an accident... I suppose the world does need a little saving if people think like that. But, while I'm driving around in my wasteful SUV playing my overkill mp3 player with a distracing LCD in the dash... the world is as I hoped it would be, for a short while anyway. -Destin

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Macs installed in a Nissan PathFinder

updated 12:30 pm EST, Tue February 6, 2001

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