This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Commodore 64. Like many 30-somethings, I have fond memories of the C64. It was my first computer and provided years of wonder and learning.

All I wanted for Christmas in 1986 was a Commodore 64. While opening presents Christmas Day, I saved the biggest box for last. I knew that Mom and Dad would see fit to buy me this fantastic machine. I shredded the wrapping paper with haste. I was so excited that I barely noticed my father walking off to the kitchen to brew another pot of coffee. I tore at the last bits of tape and paper with a heart-sinking feeling in my chest. I’d saved the biggest and best gift for last, but my C64 was not inside. In its place was a terrestrial globe of the earth. I was stunned.

My mother rushed off to the kitchen to help my father. The passing minutes seemed like hours. My mother yelled out from the kitchen. The Monkey Bread had finished baking and my younger brother and I were to report to the dining hall. What a rotten Christmas. Not only did I not get that beige beauty, but we weren’t going to eat breakfast surrounded by Christmas toys.

My brother and I ran upstairs and into the dining room to find our parents standing next to our first family computer – a Commodore 64C. Typed lovingly at the Commodore BASIC V2.0 command prompt was the message,

MERRY CHRISTMAS RYAN AND ERIC.

LOVE, MOM AND DAD. 

The Commodore 64C fascinated me for years. I spent many days playing games with friends and cutting my first BASIC programs. In the 80s you could find C64s on display in many department stores. If one were so inclined they could have written infinite loops on these display computers with a few simple lines of Commodore BASIC.

10 PRINT “RYAN WAS HERE!!!”
20 GOTO 10

Or maybe something not as nice. My parents didn’t know it at the time, but this was the beginning of my programming career. Times have changed, but I still have a place in my heart for the C64.

I’ve been layed up in the hospital looking sorta like Q*bert for a couple of days. More to follow.

I’ll be at the Construction Junction facility in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, September 15th sampling craft beer and listening to live music. The 1st annual Steel City Big Pour will be held at two sessions throughout the day. From 12 - 3PM and 5 - 8PM. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, and $10 for designated drivers. If you enjoy beer, music, and food (who doesn’t?) then this event can’t be missed.

• Beer Samples From 24 Craft Breweries
• Live Music by Hoodoo Drugstore
• Food From 10 Local Restaurants
• Deluxe Kegerator Art
• A Not So Silent Auction
• Hot Metal Happening

Check out the Construction Junction’s events website for a list of participating breweries and restaurants, directions, and links for purchasing tickets online.