Category Archives: Just Rambling

As My Daughter Turns Ten, A Look at the Technology Then and Now

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Blake Patterson

On May 3rd, my daughter turned 10 years old. This is something that is nearly impossible for me to actually believe, given how rapidly the decade has flown by. It really does feel like she was born yesterday. (Or last week, anyway.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Rambling, Other Platform, TI-99 | 6 Comments

On Being Featured in Retro Gamer’s “Collector’s Corner”

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Blake Patterson

The bookshelves down in my basement computer room hold hundreds of computer magazines primarily ranging from the late ’70s through the mid ’90s. Taken together, they more or less completely chronicle the “home computer” era; they detail the technology of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Rambling, Multi-Platform | 5 Comments

1997 Wonders: Is There a Future in the ARM SoC?

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Blake Patterson

This morning I reached over and pulled a random issue of Pen Computing magazine off the shelf to use as a backdrop in a photo I wanted to take. After getting the shot, I scanned the cover and noticed the … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Rambling, Other Platform | 1 Comment

Recalling My First CD Player, Stereo System

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Blake Patterson

The other day I got into a “what was the first CD you ever owned?” discussion on Twitter. My first was Songs from the Big Chair by Tears for Fears. I purchased the CD in 1985, a few months before … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Rambling | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

My Earliest Memories of Microcomputing — And How I Came About Them

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Blake Patterson

I was lately in a twitter back-and-forth with some of my vintage computing brethren when the topic of the earliest systems each of us owned came up. My first was a TI-99/4A gifted me (I coached the parents on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Down Memory Lane, Just Rambling, Multi-Platform | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

April 24, 2015 — A Good Day to Stop Wearing Watches

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Blake Patterson

Today might be the last day that I ever wear a watch. It occurred to me when I woke up this morning that it might be worthwhile to mark this moment in time. For as long as I can remember, I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Rambling, Other Platform | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

New Blog Announcement: Nostalgic Virginian

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Blake Patterson

This is not a vintage computing post, but it has to do with the vintage. Vintage memories. Of Virginia. I’ve run this vintage computing blog for 11 years. Pouring out my own memories of thrilling geeky days gone by and … Continue reading →

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Whither Radio Shack [Updated]

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Blake Patterson

As everyone reading this is surely aware, Radio Shack has very recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is in the process of closing 1784 of their stores. And there can be no doubt that everyone reading this saw … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Rambling | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The iOS Family Pile (2015)

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Blake Patterson

It may be that I need help. Here’s the breakdown: Earlier piles: 2012, 2010

Posted in Handhelds, Just Rambling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Look What Came in the Mail Today!

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Blake Patterson

An iconic holiday greeting from San Francisco (the town and the font). It’s good to be on Susan’s “nice” list at Christmas! Have a look at my related post about Susan Kare and the 2013 holiday, “A Few Words About … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Rambling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments