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While reading about the end of AOL, I came across a few interesting bits:
AOL started as Quantum Link for the Commodore 64.
Check out this demo of the interface:
And take a look at these photos from the Hayes modem manufacturer office. I had no idea they were located in Atlanta!
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Goodbye, AOL!
AOL was my ISP for a good chunk of my childhood, and AIM was a huge part of my life in high school and college.
Ars Technica: AOL announces September shutdown for dial-up Internet access
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A few photos from a recent trip to coastal Maine.
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If you are an Apple computer nerd, you need to check out this masterpiece that showcases the evolution of the settings/control panel over time, complete with interactive emulators!
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Finished reading: I, Robot by Isaac Asimov 📚
The book is structured as a series of short stories told by someone who is being interviewed by a reporter. I did not expect this setup (probably because of the movie)! Most of the stories I enjoyed, some I could have skipped. Overall a good read.
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One year ago today, I arrived in London for the start of my Europe Train Adventure. Glad I blogged about it so now I can relive the experience!
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Finished reading: Earthlight by Arthur C. Clarke 📚
Really enjoyed this classic! I need to read more Clarke.
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Memphis Behind Other Cities in Data Center Legislation - 512 Pixels
I’m glad Stephen is reporting on the ongoing situation with xAI’s data center in his hometown of Memphis and I hope that Memphis can find some way to protect the environment and its citizens. I’m a fan of what was done in Atlanta:
The Atlanta City Council voted Tuesday, Sept. 3, to ban data centers along and near the Atlanta BeltLine and within a half-mile of MARTA stations.
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Currently reading: Coders at Work by Peter Seibel 📚
Finished the first chapter which interviews JWZ and I’m really enjoying it so far! It’s fun to listen to JWZ tell his story and approach to programming. I think there’s some similarity in how we approach writing code so it was fun to hear what his work was like at Netscape and other places he’s worked in the early days of the Web.
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Took a long e-bike ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail in Florida.
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Finished reading: In Defence of Food by Michael Pollan 📚
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2 Years After Leaving Tech, Here’s What I’ve Learned
“I’m switching from a career making $165k/year to $15/hr. Here’s why…”
Found this post incredibly relatable and wanted to share. I appreciate how this author is so open about their career and how it affects their overall health and life.
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Computers used to be physical beasts. We programmed them by punching cards, plugging in wires, and flipping switches. Programmers walked among banks of switches and cables, physically choreographing their logic. Being on a computer used to be a full-body experience.
Interesting article about computer interfaces in the age of AI. I do think a more multi-modal/tactile experience would benefit a lot of people (myself included). Just think how much more engaging a video game is compared to a wall of text.
Via Robin Sloan. Although Sloan is not a fan of the imagery in the post, I thought it was effective! I read the article in full before Sloan’s post and was so engaged in the ideas there that I didn’t notice any of the criticism he raises with the art.
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Finished reading: Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 📚
I’ve now finished all of the books in the Penumbraverse, having read them in reverse chronological order. I’ve enjoyed each one!
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Finished reading: Sourdough by Robin Sloan 📚
Fun read! And I appreciated that the main character is a software engineer who became burnt out and changed course to other pursuits.
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Travel mishaps left us “stuck” in San Juan for a night…but I’m not upset at all.
