Most liked posts in thread: The 12 cards of Christmas...

It's funny, I don't really bother receiving/sending Christmas cards these days but I do like getting the latest Barr creation.
This years one is actually already decorating the wall of my man cave. Fittingly in the Spectrum section



P.s. Andy you should get something in the post shortly to keep you busy while on the loo!

 

We have never been Xmas card people, with the tech we have I'd rather wish someone a happy xmas to them directly, and with me being non creative I can't match a Baz creation

 

I received a nice Christmas gift from @Andy Barr , he said it was something different than before, and it is. And let me tell you guys, whether by design or coincidence, it's the perfect gift for me right now. I have a feeling is was a bit of design and a bit of coincidence.

It's a 2014/15 issue 132 of Retro Gamer. Oddly enough, there is no exact publishing date to be found anywhere, inside or out, of the magazine, but it has an article in it about a 2014 retro show, that I was able to establish a general time line from. I will look it up online to find an exact date. But I found that very strange...it must be an English thing...

Anyway, as per the cover of the magazine, it has a big 30th anniversary spread for the 7800 (8 pages), which I think is the main bit of "by design" from Andy, since he, and all of you know, I bought the 7800 from @nysavant earlier this year. Where it starts to become possible Christmas magic coincidence as to being a perfect gift, though if still part of Andy's design then I'm impressed, there are also large spreads for the Atari 8-bit (6 pages) and the TRS-80 Coco (4 pages)! My three main 8-bits right now!

But if that weren't enough, there's also an article on the game Feud, a multiplatform release, including the Atari 8-bit, and it's actually really good graphics and I've been meaning to learn it and get into it and with this article, with a map and hints, etc. it will come in real handy to finally get into this impressive game.

No, not done yet, there's also a spread on the history of FPS games, one of my favorite genres, and it gives proper credit to some early FPS stuff, like Midi Maze and doesn't just start with Wolfenstein 3D and Doom! Very cool!

And, of course, I also received a very nice Sinclair Christmas card too! Thanks Andy, and Merry Christmas to all!


P.S. Maybe the Christmas card is another sign from the universe about my next micro. The Spectrum hasn't been on the top of my list, there are at least half a dozen other's I'd rather have first, but that was the case with my TRS-80 Coco 2 as well. First, I was just browsing all the vintage brands I knew, mostly for US released machines but occasionally for some UK machines as well.

After all, my first computer was a US version of the Sinclair ZX81, and if Timex had stayed in the market in the US, I would have eventually upgraded to the T/S 2068, the US version of the Spectrum 48k (IIRC) but there are OS issues so it wasn't compatible with Spectrum software. But US versions would have been released if it wasn't discontinued. But I didn't and the rest is Atari history. The point being, I've still got roots in the Sinclair ZX line.

But now I'm getting off course...back to the right heading...So anyway I had quite a few auctions and buy-it-now listings for a bunch of different vintage computers, but mostly waiting for the killer deal with prices so high on most brands these days. And in the meantime I get a bag of old cables given to me with TRS-80 coco joysticks, mouse and tape cable amongst a bunch of other old cables. I still don't think much on it, and instead start thinking of modding the controllers for the Atari since they are analog and Atari does analog (still converted the mouse to Atari as it can put it to better use than the Coco ever did) Then I get my first ever private offer on a non-working Coco 2 out of the blue, I didn't make an offer, I was just waiting for the listing to end and if unsold, hoping for a slashed sale price on a relisting.

For $50 any 8-bit micro is a steal these days, even non-working, if you can fix them, as even they tend to go for about double that price. So I took it all as a sign from the universe and I have a Coco 2 that was really a working, mint condition machine after re-seating some chips in the sockets. And another rarity apparently among Coco 2's is socketed chips, mine is 90% socketed and those soldered to the board are only 3 support chips, 74LS series stuff.

And now, I've been browsing for other micros again, and I find a few fair priced Timex/Sinclair 2068's up for sale, and matching tape drives, and a cartridge selling on e-bay alongside these listings for $20 is actually the Spectrum's rom on cart and will turn the 2068 into 100% compatible Spectrum with Spectrum and OS 64 roms onboard (I'll have to upgrade to 64k-128K though to use OS 64). And now I get a Sinclair oriented Christmas card from Andy! I

I'm now waiting for the other shoe to drop and get an offer from one of the 2068 sellers with a lower price...I really do prefer the style of the T/S 2068 to real Spectrum's, as it has a couple of advantages; a slightly better plastic chicklet keyboard instead of rubber, a built-in Kingston joystick interface with 2 ports, a cartridge port, and an AY-3-8912 sound chip not introduced to spectrums until the Spectrum + 128, Sinclair BASIC was extended with new keywords (STICK, SOUND, ON ERR, FREE, DELETE, RESET) to address the new hardware and the machine offered bank-switched memory, allowing ROM cartridges to be mapped in. And an improved ULA with the following standard and additional screen modes:

• The standard Sinclair 256×192 mode with a colour resolution of 32×24
• Dual screens (two 256×192 pixels, 32x24 colour resolution screens can be placed in memory)
• An "extended colour mode", 256×192 pixels with colour resolution of 32×192
• A monochrome 512×192 mode

My favorite looking Spectrum is still the 128 with the QL style keyboard, but the T/S 2068 is a unique rarity and what I would have owned back in the day if Timex's computers had sold better. Just too little too late for the American market...

 

While I didn't send anyone Christmas gifts or cards this year, except the package I sent to @Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine . He can consider that an early Christmas gift if he likes, that was one of my excuses for a gift I suggested to him with the package.

But I've been doing quite a bit of image downloading lately, to use as desktop slide show images, from old analog computers of the 30's-50's, the digital analog hybrids of the 60's and 70's and of course images for all the personal/home computers of the 8 and 16-bit era that I know of.

So, to @Andy Barr and all other Oric fans here, I give you the gift of what I think is the ultimate Oric Atmos system I have ever laid eyes on! Even if it's not quite complete (less a matching tape drive-any other vintage devices I'm forgetting?). But I think the monitor and speakers make up for other missing peripherals.

Merry Christmas! Atmos style! (there's a bit of green on the printer, so it's Xmas colors)

 

Oh, what the yuletide! Merry Christmas to all 8-bit fans!

 

Yup, a proper cuppa

 

This arrived today from @Klyde. It's a very nice card and also served for charitable purposes as la Croix-Rouge has made them. Andy's retrocomputing-themed Xmas cards remain unmatched, and as it seems, it's not my idea only! Happy Holidays everyone, wherever you are on this "unhappy planet".

 

And very nice that gift was, as seen from pics posted at the time, Matt sent me The Last Squadron, a super duper cart based shooter for the old Atari.

Wonderful gift and good luck with the further collecting..

 

WAHAY! It's so good that my little gift ticked so many boxes.

Matt, the big hurdle for me was the postage - it was utterly ridiculous for such a small, lightweight mag, mate.
I hesitated then thought... NO - it's going to you, I don't give a fek cos we all need a bit of Xmas cheer here and there and like you I could not afford to send to everyone this year (hence the small size of my cards, guys - they had to be scaled down as did my spending!) but like they say - it's the thought that counts and so many of you on the forum thought of my 'financial hiccup' this year and really looked after me when the going was tough and I know you too have had it tough of late, Matt so once more -
I'm personally SO PLEASED the mag TICKED SO MANY BOXES FOR YOU!! You are so right - some of it was orchestrated and planned and some of it... well, mate, that's the "magic of Christmas" for you - it surprised me just how relevant that mag turned out to be!

Guys, I have the pleasure of showing some more of your fab Xmas cards you've been sending so thank you very much for these lovely cards and messages to Bev and I:



We are now up to the FIVE retro cards of Christmas and they help to light up our dark winter days here.

Great work as usual and my heartfelt thanks go to everyone on the Atari Owner forum who time and time and time again - SHOW YOU CARE and regularly look out for one another - it really is heartwarming and is sincerely appreciated.

Wishing you and yours all the very best as ever for Christmas and the New Year, guys.

GAME ON, MOD ON, COLLECT ON and PLAY RETRO for ever more!

8BB

 

Nice wee collection Andy

Just as impressed with what looks like a good strong mug of proper tea!

 

No tea has turned up yet, but I sure appreciate the thought if it was impounded or lost! I'll keep my eye out for it. And I have to add that that is indeed a very nice looking tea mug there. I have similar sized and shaped ones my self, but your's is so fancy and classy, mine are all white on the outside and red on the inside, nice, but simple.

 

Aw, shucks, Matt.

The special edition Yorkshire Tea sachet was inside with the mag and card so heaven knows if they opened it first and removed it? Who knows but it aint coming separately, mate - it was all sent in the same packet...

That is a shame.

Lurving Daz's card from Manu Klyde too alongside that very 80s boombox - I'm suitably impressed, Daz.

Get a Mozzer tape on to take us away from this "unhappy planet with all the carnivores on it" and instead back to the 80s and getting stuck into something tasty like this little gem, turned up to 12 on your ghettoblaster's volume:

 

Ere we go, ere we go, ere we go - the BEST OF PREVIOUS RETRO YEARS' CARDS, guys - thanks again - they make a super retro Christmas collection:



Thank you very much once again - especially if you spot one of your crafty creations herewith.

They bring me and Bev a lot of laughs and joy receiving, reading and showing them in the bat cave, sorry, Baz cave!

Well, here's to next year, I mean later this year - it'll be the same merry madness once more in 10-11 months, fellas, so strap yersens in and get saving!!

 

...and Matt, talking about a good ol CUPPA TEA - did the sachet of Yaarkshire Tea make it through to you OR did the customs impound that sample thinking it to be Hull hashish?!

Pray, do tell, fella.

 

Nice! I'll have to dig all mine out and get them together for a pic too.

By the way, after posting that I had found the sample tea you sent me @Andy Barr , I started thinking that the tea brand seemed awfully familiar to me...so I went to look at what brand of tea we usually have on hand. Not something I generally pay attention too, except for it being labeled as English Breakfast or Earl Grey, the only types of tea I drink. Look what I found sitting in our cupboard! So I've been drinking proper English tea all along lads, not some American knock-off. Obviously it's available at the local grocery and we've been buying it.

 

I didn't want to say anything but the single sachet I sent through was a special gold blend Yorkshire Tea bag - but never mind - a good brew of English tea cannot be beat no matter what brand/packaging - just get the kettle on, lads!

All the best for 2022.

 

Right. I'm away to put the kettle on as instructed. Can't start the day without a good old cuppa ☺️

Next question. With or without milk?

 

So, what I had found was not the tea bag you sent, but probably one of my own I found then,
I fooled myself because in the chat box that commercial for Twining's was posted. I know I have English tea from London, but not the Yorkshire...but the commercial said Twining's was the best!

 

You've gotta add a little milk, Al and I'd dispute that Twinings is the best but then I would, Matt, as I'm a Yaarkshire lad.

I know I've posted this up dozens of times before, but once you fly Yaarkshire Airlines, you know if there's summat up wiv thy cuppa or thy grub so don't fanny about and get stuck in, lads!

 

I've never seen that clip before Andy Bloody brilliant. From the Pearl and Dean intro to all the little name gags. Sheer class lad

 

Can I add fire to the boiling kettle by suggesting that Twinnings do the best English Breakfast and Earl Grey tea's. For an all round cuppa though it's Taylor's Yorkshire everytime

 

Captain Boycott and the toilet were hilarious

 

I live my life by Capt Boycott, Al, and our Bev insists on the Yaarkshire Airlines toilet being installed above the Baz Video games room... now that'd cause a real stink, tha knows!!

Hang on a mo, another Yaarkshire production coming down the wires - stand by yer allotment sheds:

I'll knock yer ruddy ed clean off yon shoulders... Fek that light saber.... ere comes White Rose imsen...

 

White Rose. Brilliant

 

Great clip. (The first one, the second didn't even show up until I posted this) it had me laughing until I nearly soiled myself! I'll have to see if Yorkshire tea is available at the local grocer in these back woods of green country. (what they call the area I live in)