Not-So-Great moments in my computing history.

January, 1981. My first full-fledged computer game programming effort comes to a successful fruition. I had, of course, "programmed" games before that; however, they were either laboriously entered from magazines like COMPUTE!, ANTIC, or A.N.A.L.O.G. or they were simple things done up in the vein of that type of program (not to imply that the magazine programs were simple, just that my efforts were.).

January saw me complete a program that I was quite proud of. It was in Atari 8K BASIC, but it incorporated machine language routines loaded dynamically into Page 6 as needed, display list interrupts, Player Missile graphics (known as "sprites" on other systems), original graphics, "music" and sound effects.

I no longer have the program, so I can't give any screen shots or anything, but it was basically a variation of Space Invaders. The name of this awesome first programming effort?

Save Your Sister From the Alien Sperm!

I am simultaneously proud and shamed.

13149 days ago, I purchased my first computer.

This is four days old now, so technically, it was 13153 days ago.

The Alternate Universe of Soviet Arcade Games

New: I still remember my first! (with heart) Atari tees Colleen/Candy/Stella/Pam

Are you an Atari fan?  What was your first experience with Atari hardware?  If it was the Atari 400, Atari 800, Atari VCS or the Atari 5200, we have a shirt for you.

So what is this all about?

For those that aren't aware, these were the project code names for these products.  The names were derived from certain well endowed Atari employees (yeah, we won't get in to that whole bicycle thing).

Stella was the Atari VCS

The video computer system would later be redesigned and marketed as the 2600.

Pam was the Atari 5200

The 5200 was Atari's next generation console, following up on the VCS.

Candy was the Atari 400 computer

Colleen was the Atari 800 computer

Some information on the shirts

All shirts are hand screened and are printed on demand. This shirt will generally be screened, heat set, and shipped within one to three business days of your order. 

At the moment, the shirts are sourced locally; and we attempt to use Gildans or Jerzees for the heavyweight 100% cotton ones; however, we will also use heavy weight 100% cotton Hanes or Fruit of the Loom tees if that is all that is available in a particular size. You can also request Hanes Comfortsoft cotton/poly blend tees (the hues will sometimes be slightly different on these).  

We can accept special requests; if you want a different color or type of shirt or ink, if you'd like the graphic (when applicable) to be a different color than the text, we'll be happy to work with you, just send us a note and let us know. 

For special orders, please understand that since we currently source our tees locally, we can't guarantee the availability of a particular color in all sizes. This is normally only a problem in sizes larger than XL. In addition, for the women's fitted shirts, we currently have no control over whether the shirt will be scoop neck or v-neck. Contact us and we'll do everything we can to get you the shirt you actually desire.

Bulk Buying Options

single $15.99

2 up to 3 $15.49 per item

4 up to 6 $14.99 per item

7 up to 10 $14.49 per item

11 up to 20 $12.99 per item

http://thewitsend.aliboom.com/I_Still_Remember_My_First_-_Atari_tee_-_ColleenCandyStellaPam/p3224001_14196762.aspx

Atari related items on sale at The Wits End

Just wanted to let everyone know that my shop is having a sale on all Atari related items from midnight (I'm in the Central timezone, GMT -6) tonight through the end of Friday. This includes shirts related to the Atari 8-bits, Atari ST/TT/Falcon, programming, Zork, MOS 6502, etc. The tees will be $11.99 each (there's also a buy 3, get one free option). Coupon codes also still apply. You might give FUJINUTS a try for 20% off.
https://thewitsend.etsy.com