My Excellent Day with Chuck
Chuck (aka CMD) is one of my best friends. I've known him since High School, which began in umm 1973 or thereabouts. He and I became the computer geeks when a computer was a MITS Altair 8800 and programmable calculator bigger than an old manual typewriter (Selectric sized), that used punch cards that you had to punch out each individual "chad" by hand.
Suffice it to say our trip to the Wild Animal Park and supper at Black Angus was excellent, and you can skip my waxing enthusiastic later as gushing with nostalgia you may perhaps not need to spend time reading.
Chuck was (is) a technical overachiever. He took the completely undocumented MicroSoft BASIC punched tape software and adapted it so it could timeshare between various serial ports connected to the, um, MITS (we didn't call it a PC back then and it is inappropriate to call it one, honestly - it gives you an impression of power and capability which these SORELY lack).
I still remember Chuck telling me how MicroSoft (really meaning Bill Gates/Paul Allen) would do anything to save a byte, or even a bit. Jumping in the middle of its own code, to the 2nd or 3rd byte of a multi-byte instruction, because the net effect of doing so would waste CPU cycles but the end effect would do something to a flag, register, bit somewhere and ultimately save you from adding a clear/set/load or whatever instruction added to the codeset, therefore the length of the executable wouldn't grow - keeping the executable tight in terms of space needed (8k for BASIC was asking a lot back in the day). 16k BASIC I believe was the most obese in 1974. This was back when 64k was as much as you could outfit these 8080 based computers to use, ROM and RAM inclusive. The ROM would be your BIOS and/or BASIC.
Chuck didn't have the tools usually necessary to understand and diagnose this information - trace analyzers, disassemblers, decompilers, source code listings of the BASIC language Microsoft made, e.g. Nope, he just knew the machine code by sight and could single-step the code and watch what it was doing, seeing what loops it was executing while waiting for inputs from the terminal, then making his own code work with these loops, which he got up and running in quick order. Genius.
What Chuck may want for nostalgia sake is his own Altair 8800 Micro Replica. It looks like the real thing, but has a RISC processor inside (runs much faster), but in terms of binary, same instructions, same LED display, same single step/run functionality. But it has its own serial ports, full size memory, VGA display... lots nicer. And instead of being breadbox size, is more fat novel size like 1000-page paperback size. Big enough so you can use the switches, but not so huge you need to buy a new desk just to play with it.
Our day started with a drive to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego's north county, aka the wine country. As we drove through the vineyards, we finally arrived at the not-too busy inlet, a big winding uphill road to the $10 premium parking for the San Diego Zoo's satellite facility.
I already had pre-purchased a 7-day pass to all Zoos and Sea World, so I was set and Chuck renewed his annual membership while I looked around inside. Someone who appreciates stuffed animal toys will love visiting gift shops at the San Diego Zoos. There are all kinds of species represented in so many sizes and poses. E.g., there aren't plain Teddy Bears; there are Polar Bears in about 3-4 different sizes, and often a given size has some sitting and some in a crawling or sleeping type pose (or parent/cub type pose and size). Then you'll find Panda Bears, perhaps Black Bears, Honey Bears, Brown Bears, Kodiak Bears... Now don't get me started on your choices in giraffes, meerkats, hedgehogs...
OK, all set and ready to go, Chuck and I talk about a bird encounter near the entrance, whether I'd been through there. In passing by, I said I had... but never to feed them. So we go to buy nectar for the birds and enter. Sure enough, they start visiting us and lighting upon our personages. Unfortunately, the opportunity to photograph Chuck with a bird on his head and another 3 on his arm was missed. At least I have photographic evidence of at least 2 visiting me. (May post this after scanning it later.)
The next visit was with the lemurs. They are remarkably casual around Human visitors. Not crawl over you casual, but nonchalant. Chuck took a picture of one pretty close to my feet, still rather nonplussed by my presence. (Again may post depending on email receipt of image.)
On our way down to the rear of the park, we found the weather calm enough for balloon flying. And since it was still well before noon, discount applied ($12 as opposed to $18 a person) to admission. So up we went in a big helium balloon with several other people to a height of about 110'. It is tethered so it doesn't float away too far from base. It was a pretty amazing view from up there, and the sensation of floating unique, smooth, really what I'd say is that proverbial "floating on the cloud" feeling. It was a much better, much more fun ride than I imagined.
We arrived at the exotic bird show, where we got front row seating, which helped us see the birds close up, as well as get a good glimpse of the full swoop of them circling overhead across the audience as many entrances were dramatically done in that aerial manner. There were colorful birds as well as local birds of more muted tone; many and varied African breeds, some of them simply ambling across the stage. One however, a parrot, quite gregarious - spoke quite a number of human-sounding lines (as well as remarkable sound effects) on cue.
Circling back, I decided to engrave some dogtags for myself using Unktehila's name and my home phone number. I felt Unk was in need of some more tribal "metal," so to speak, and couldn't think of any other information (e.g. service number) to put under his name. Perhaps a server name (Crushbone) might've been more appropriate.
We decided to have lunch at one of the usual touristy cafeteria places, both opting for gluten-free chicken strips which come with fruit slices and our choice of beverage and chips. Me, Dorito's Nacho Cheese and Dr Pepper; CMD, Lay's Potato and Dasani.
The expense of the meals brought the total ticket above $20, entitling CMD to 10% off at the gift shop. After some more exploration of the park, we did make our way back to one, me finding a picture book (which makes up for me forgetting my camera - just as well, it has images far superior than I'd ever take) and some jelly beans. 10% off was some savings, a buck or two. I resisted the urge to attempt to cram a $100 plush toy into my luggage, as already it was past capacity with a Polar Bear from Sea World. (And other loot.)
Indeed, there was much conversation during the walks, rest stops, moments spent gazing at the wildlife and scenery, enjoying a bit of refreshment here and there, that are not transcribed here (and are inconsequential and pretty much boring even if recalled). Suffice it to say I definitely was happy to spend this day with my friend at this park, and even enjoyed this otherwise tediously long drive up and back with him.
To say nothing of that wonderful dinner afterward at the Black Angus restaurant! Filet Mignon with bleu cheese and mushroom topping, medium-rare, is just wonderfully tasty, tangy, savory and delectable there. I'd probably eat it every day if I could - until the cholesterol in it killed me. I'd die a very happy man. Happy and fat (again).
Suffice it to say our trip to the Wild Animal Park and supper at Black Angus was excellent, and you can skip my waxing enthusiastic later as gushing with nostalgia you may perhaps not need to spend time reading.
Chuck was (is) a technical overachiever. He took the completely undocumented MicroSoft BASIC punched tape software and adapted it so it could timeshare between various serial ports connected to the, um, MITS (we didn't call it a PC back then and it is inappropriate to call it one, honestly - it gives you an impression of power and capability which these SORELY lack).
I still remember Chuck telling me how MicroSoft (really meaning Bill Gates/Paul Allen) would do anything to save a byte, or even a bit. Jumping in the middle of its own code, to the 2nd or 3rd byte of a multi-byte instruction, because the net effect of doing so would waste CPU cycles but the end effect would do something to a flag, register, bit somewhere and ultimately save you from adding a clear/set/load or whatever instruction added to the codeset, therefore the length of the executable wouldn't grow - keeping the executable tight in terms of space needed (8k for BASIC was asking a lot back in the day). 16k BASIC I believe was the most obese in 1974. This was back when 64k was as much as you could outfit these 8080 based computers to use, ROM and RAM inclusive. The ROM would be your BIOS and/or BASIC.
Chuck didn't have the tools usually necessary to understand and diagnose this information - trace analyzers, disassemblers, decompilers, source code listings of the BASIC language Microsoft made, e.g. Nope, he just knew the machine code by sight and could single-step the code and watch what it was doing, seeing what loops it was executing while waiting for inputs from the terminal, then making his own code work with these loops, which he got up and running in quick order. Genius.
What Chuck may want for nostalgia sake is his own Altair 8800 Micro Replica. It looks like the real thing, but has a RISC processor inside (runs much faster), but in terms of binary, same instructions, same LED display, same single step/run functionality. But it has its own serial ports, full size memory, VGA display... lots nicer. And instead of being breadbox size, is more fat novel size like 1000-page paperback size. Big enough so you can use the switches, but not so huge you need to buy a new desk just to play with it.
Our day started with a drive to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego's north county, aka the wine country. As we drove through the vineyards, we finally arrived at the not-too busy inlet, a big winding uphill road to the $10 premium parking for the San Diego Zoo's satellite facility.
I already had pre-purchased a 7-day pass to all Zoos and Sea World, so I was set and Chuck renewed his annual membership while I looked around inside. Someone who appreciates stuffed animal toys will love visiting gift shops at the San Diego Zoos. There are all kinds of species represented in so many sizes and poses. E.g., there aren't plain Teddy Bears; there are Polar Bears in about 3-4 different sizes, and often a given size has some sitting and some in a crawling or sleeping type pose (or parent/cub type pose and size). Then you'll find Panda Bears, perhaps Black Bears, Honey Bears, Brown Bears, Kodiak Bears... Now don't get me started on your choices in giraffes, meerkats, hedgehogs...
OK, all set and ready to go, Chuck and I talk about a bird encounter near the entrance, whether I'd been through there. In passing by, I said I had... but never to feed them. So we go to buy nectar for the birds and enter. Sure enough, they start visiting us and lighting upon our personages. Unfortunately, the opportunity to photograph Chuck with a bird on his head and another 3 on his arm was missed. At least I have photographic evidence of at least 2 visiting me. (May post this after scanning it later.)
The next visit was with the lemurs. They are remarkably casual around Human visitors. Not crawl over you casual, but nonchalant. Chuck took a picture of one pretty close to my feet, still rather nonplussed by my presence. (Again may post depending on email receipt of image.)
On our way down to the rear of the park, we found the weather calm enough for balloon flying. And since it was still well before noon, discount applied ($12 as opposed to $18 a person) to admission. So up we went in a big helium balloon with several other people to a height of about 110'. It is tethered so it doesn't float away too far from base. It was a pretty amazing view from up there, and the sensation of floating unique, smooth, really what I'd say is that proverbial "floating on the cloud" feeling. It was a much better, much more fun ride than I imagined.
We arrived at the exotic bird show, where we got front row seating, which helped us see the birds close up, as well as get a good glimpse of the full swoop of them circling overhead across the audience as many entrances were dramatically done in that aerial manner. There were colorful birds as well as local birds of more muted tone; many and varied African breeds, some of them simply ambling across the stage. One however, a parrot, quite gregarious - spoke quite a number of human-sounding lines (as well as remarkable sound effects) on cue.
Circling back, I decided to engrave some dogtags for myself using Unktehila's name and my home phone number. I felt Unk was in need of some more tribal "metal," so to speak, and couldn't think of any other information (e.g. service number) to put under his name. Perhaps a server name (Crushbone) might've been more appropriate.
We decided to have lunch at one of the usual touristy cafeteria places, both opting for gluten-free chicken strips which come with fruit slices and our choice of beverage and chips. Me, Dorito's Nacho Cheese and Dr Pepper; CMD, Lay's Potato and Dasani.
The expense of the meals brought the total ticket above $20, entitling CMD to 10% off at the gift shop. After some more exploration of the park, we did make our way back to one, me finding a picture book (which makes up for me forgetting my camera - just as well, it has images far superior than I'd ever take) and some jelly beans. 10% off was some savings, a buck or two. I resisted the urge to attempt to cram a $100 plush toy into my luggage, as already it was past capacity with a Polar Bear from Sea World. (And other loot.)
Indeed, there was much conversation during the walks, rest stops, moments spent gazing at the wildlife and scenery, enjoying a bit of refreshment here and there, that are not transcribed here (and are inconsequential and pretty much boring even if recalled). Suffice it to say I definitely was happy to spend this day with my friend at this park, and even enjoyed this otherwise tediously long drive up and back with him.
To say nothing of that wonderful dinner afterward at the Black Angus restaurant! Filet Mignon with bleu cheese and mushroom topping, medium-rare, is just wonderfully tasty, tangy, savory and delectable there. I'd probably eat it every day if I could - until the cholesterol in it killed me. I'd die a very happy man. Happy and fat (again).