Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Well, it has been an interesting week. I am no longer looking for work, but I am still not working. This has been the most blissful week for me since I got back from Mexico, I really feel like I’m on vacation. Starting Tuesday I will be a Network Administrator at Digital Payment Technologies, but until then I am making the most of my last days of freedom.

The typical winter rains have started here in Vancouver, and it is really too bad because this would be an excellent opportunity to get out and explore some of the outdoorsy stuff to do in Vancouver. It has cleared up a bit today, and if it holds off, I’ll make a point of getting out tomorrow.

Since I have been cooped up inside for the most part, the old PC has been my prime source for entertainment, and it has not disappointed.

Thinking back, one of the most memorable Christmas presents I ever received was the Atari 2600 game console. Like many people my age, I spent countless hours mastering the various games. I played it for years and years, and I am sure that it is still in good working order somewhere in my parents’ house.

The other day Joan was asking about whether or not I could get the classic Donkey Kong to run on my computer. I set out on the internet, and to her (and my) delight I discovered an emulator for classic arcade games that will run on my new PC. I have also discovered a treasure trove of ROMs captured from the original games, and I have been engrossed in some of my old favorites again. It is incredible how after all these years you can still remember all the tricks to play these games! The old games were ultra-simplistic in design since they didn’t have much hardware to work with back then. What they lacked in sophistication they made up for in addictiveness. Playing these games again, I take as much delight in trying over and over again to get past the first screen of Donkey Kong or the cherry level of Pac Man. I don’t think I will ever get tired of it, I just hope I can stave off the carpal tunnel syndrome for a few more days.

Now, if you don’t mind, 1982 is calling…

8 Comments:

Michelle said...

Cute.. :0)

How do I say this..

Refer to SONG ... hehe

5:54 PM, November 07, 2006  
sharon b said...

er...Andrew...the Atari game system is on the roof...

5:57 PM, November 07, 2006  
Andrew Baxter said...

it's built like a tank, it probably still works... :)

6:00 PM, November 07, 2006  
Joan said...

I miss Donkey Kong already...I am in withdrawl...

12:13 PM, November 08, 2006  
sharon b said...

We got two games that Christmas, and Donkey Kong was one of them, but Pac Man wasn't. Can you remember what the second game was? All I know is that we quickly realized that they were going to be passe in short order :)
Be strong, Joan!!

6:06 PM, November 08, 2006  
Andrew Baxter said...

I know "Defender" came with the Atari. I thought we got Lock n Chase and Soccer that Christmas as well. And clearly they never became passe :)

11:38 AM, November 09, 2006  
Joan said...

If I had any hope of being strong, it all went out the window yesterday, as Andrew found me my beloved Popeye game!!!!

2:49 PM, November 09, 2006  
sharon b said...

It was Lock n Chase that I couldn't remember - you have a good memory!
Joan, there's no need to be strong if you have Popeye :)

5:54 PM, November 09, 2006  

Post a Comment

<< Home