Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is a layer in Earth’s atmosphere which contains relatively high concentrations of ozone (O3). This layer absorbs 93-99% of the sun’s high frequency ultraviolet light, which is potentially damaging to life on earth.[1] Over 91% of ozone in earth’s atmosphere is present here.[1] “Relatively high” means a few parts per million—much higher than the concentrations in the lower atmosphere but still small compared to the main components of the atmosphere. It is mainly located in the lower portion of the stratosphere from approximately 10 km to 50 km above Earth’s surface, though the thickness varies seasonally and geographically.[2] The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. Its properties were explored in detail by the British meteorologist G. M. B. Dobson, who developed a simple spectrophotometer (the Dobsonmeter) that could be used to measure stratospheric ozone from the ground. Between 1928 and 1958 Dobson established a worldwide network of ozone monitoring stations which continues to operate today(2008). The “Dobson unit”, a convenient measure of the total amount of ozone in a column overhead, is named in his honor.

Microsoft 1997

January Microsoft announces the immediate availability of Office 97, the new version of the world’s best-selling productivity suite, which integrates the ease of intelligent applications with the power of the Web.
 
March 3 Microsoft acquired Interse Corp., a maker of software for analyzing user activity on World Wide Web sites. Financial terms were not disclosed.
April Microsoft signs an agreement to acquire WebTV Networks for approximately $425,000,000 in stock and cash. WebTV Networks offers a complete system that provides consumers access to the Internet via television.

The Seattle Sidewalk™ city guide is now available free on the World Wide Web and as a featured offering on MSN™, The Microsoft Network. Other Sidewalk city guides are scheduled to launch in 10-15 key cities by the end of the year. 
May Microsoft is hosting The Microsoft® CEO Summit in Seattle on May 8-9, 1997. The summit is a forum for Chief Executive Officers from more than 100 corporations around the world to engage in discussions about technology. 
June Microsoft will make an investment of $1 billion in Comcast, the nation’s fourth-largest cable television operator and a diversified telecommunications company. The $1 billion cash investment will enhance Comcast’s deployment of high-speed data and video services via its cable delivery network.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda French Gates, today announced the formation of the Gates library Foundation. Microsoft has pledged to match the Gates’ cash grant with software of equal value. 

November  Pollsters Hart and Teeter found that Microsoft is the most admired company in one of the most admired industries in America. When the public was asked to volunteer, without being prompted, the names of one or two companies they respect and admire, Microsoft was named by 25 percent. IBM and General Motors were next, at 16 percent, followed by AT&T and WalMart at 15 percent. 
Stats

Revenues: $11,360,000,000 % Growth 32%
Employees: 22,232
Net Income (US$) $3.45B % Growth 57%