rich-c: test rich-c: refresh
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to George rich-c: hello George, feeling better now? George: Hi Rich rich-c: how is the medical history going? George: I just got out of the hospital rich-c: suspected as much, since you were missing a while rich-c: what happened? George: they admitted me monday night with another stroke rich-c: great - any sign of what might be causing these? George: no, i have to go to physical therapy for my left side rich-c: that suggests the strokes are happening in the same place, on the right-hand side of the brain rich-c: is that damage staying the same but getting more severe, or is it easing but other things are getting damaged? George: at times it sems like i'm not here rich-c: well yes, but that's subjective, so to speak - it's a matter of what's functioning and what isn't and any changes in that situation George: they said much more damage rich-c: in effeect, I'm wondering if you are getting repeated clogs in the same location or a number of strokes spread out in area rich-c: that sounds on the surface like the strokes are hitting repeatedly in the same place George: they are spreading rich-c: are they using clot-busting drugs, or blood thinners, or are they talking surgery? George: they put me on four new medicines i don't know what they do rich-c: with respect, George, it can be a capital offence not to know that name of your medicines, the purpose, and teh proper does rich-c: sorry, the proper dose
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to FredK FredK: Hi Rich-c and George rich-c: hospitals are very prone to error; you should have everything written down when you go in and ask every time what they are giving you and why George: sorry i need time to remember rich-c: bon apres-midi, Fred FredK: Merci et vous aussi FredK: have just a few min. must leave soon George: Hi Fred rich-c: George is just telling me he has had another stroke FredK: Hi George FredK: Are you doing ok George now? George: i hope so rich-c: so, Fred, how is the BASIC programming going? FredK: not good FredK: is the buffer located in RAM? rich-c: what seems to be the problem FredK: error message no more buffers available rich-c: has to be, no other place for it FredK: 64k ram will do the trick? FredK: extended FredK: i mean rich-c: for the record Adam divides the 64K into two 32K portions FredK: hi and lo rich-c: one portion houses the operating system and is otherwise mostly inaccessible FredK: ok rich-c: the other is whre all the program operation takes place rich-c: so once BASIC is loaded you only have what - about 6K of programming space? FredK: AHHH thats why rich-c: you need someone a whole lot more expert than me to explain it rich-c: what do you have in the way of resources about programming? FredK: you are helping already FredK: ADAM original book and KEnt Porter book FredK: All very basic rich-c: what's teh title of the Porter book? FredK: I brb George: and now i can't get windows to respond to 768 mb. of ram FredK: mastering the coleco adam rich-c: OK, I think I have a copy of that, along with a great many others FredK: I read up constantly to learn more rich-c: anyway, Fred, get one of the experts on Wednesday to recommend a good book so you can get it rich-c: George, did you just add some extra RAM t one of your computers? FredK: Yes sent e-mail to Dr.D maybe in the meantime he will respond otherwise will ask on Chat if 64K mem expander will be the solution George: yes, i added a 512 mb. module FredK: Tks very much and hav a great afternoon to both of you. FredK: George take care ay? rich-c: you didnt add a 256 MB chip onto a board with a 512 MB chip, did you, George? rich-c: Fred, see you Wednesday FredK: Tks again Rich-c
FredK left chat session rich-c: OK - have you read the manual for your motherboard, George? George: yes , just added the 512 to the 256 i had already had, the shop said it would work rich-c: and is it now recognizing the 512M or the 256M SIMM now? George: the bios sees it and windows olny comes up in safe mode and sees it rich-c: I've noticed that when someone wants to sell me something he is always very confident it will work rich-c: sees all 768 or either the 512 or 256? George: it totals 768mb. rich-c: OK, so the machine (not necessarily Windows; it's fundamentally a hardware function) does know it has 768 then rich-c: is Windows coming up in safe mode on its own or after you have done something? George: windows will only boot into safe mode every 1 out of 3 tries, the other times it hangs rich-c: I would bet you still have the splash screen enabled, don't you? George: yes, but it goes away before it hangs rich-c: first, George, disable teh splash screen so you can see what is really going on George: how do you do that? rich-c: it is somewhere in the Control Panel - not sure whre, have to look - I've already checked Display and System rich-c: sorry George - it's in TweakUI - do you have that? George: is it tweak? i still have to get that rich-c: well, that should have been one of your first moves - right after Zone Alarm rich-c: now give me a second to look at something rich-c: nope, nothing in Help rich-c: another minute rich-c: sorry, my Windows98 book is no help - let me check the Win95 one rich-c: you still thre? George: yes rich-c: I was beginning to wonder George: sometimes i pop out rich-c: OK, it isnt the easy answer, but you can get to the boot menu George: that's F8 rich-c: when you boot, in Win95 press F8, I think in Win98SE you just hold down control rich-c: unfortunately I don't know what the deal is in later Windows George: it't still works with F8 with me rich-c: which version of Windows are you using? George: win 98 se rich-c: OK same as me rich-c: get yourself to that screen then and use the arrow keys to move the highlight down from "normal" rich-c: you want the one that lets you see and confirm each load individually George: ok
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to Scott rich-c: later when you get TweakUI you can set teh delay on this screen to 30 sec., and omit the splash screen Scott: Hello rich-c: hello Scott, George has been having problems with his computer George: Hi Scott George: and my brain Scott: Rich, I am working on chapter IV of the ADAM Survival Guide. rich-c: that is grat news, Scott Scott: But you would be crazy to think that I alone will have the time and energy to scan/type in the entire book. rich-c: right Scott: The letters are very difficult to scan Scott: I just gave up on trying to scan this chapter and decided to try to improve my typing skills. rich-c: that is why I suggested you do the scans and hang them up as raw tiffs Scott: With that many pages??? rich-c: well, they are single sheets, and if you are doing just single-sheet scans they should take less than a minute each Scott: Maybe if we go a chapter at a time... rich-c: remeber I am not usggesting you editb them Scott: No, but typos do abound in the original text... Scott: And one can't help but fix them as they come across them. rich-c: that is the problem of whoever volunteers to download a page and edit it in an OCR program Scott: Chapter 4 is strange. rich-c: the one on teh base Adam by Dean Roades? Scott: There's multiple articles within the chapter, but not within the Table of Contents Scott: I will probrably change the Table of Contents so that one can link directly to it. Scott: Maybe you could choose a small article to convert over, since you have the original text... rich-c: hey, before we set it up as a help file, let's just get the raw job done! ;-) Scott: Before we waste our time scanning each individual page, let's find out who has copies of the ASG. rich-c: what I am getting at, Scott, is that you have the printer's originals, as single shets Scott: Sure. Scott: But OCR isn't gonna help with these. rich-c: I would hope that simply scanning them and saving them as tiffs would not be too onerous a job Scott: OmniPage doesn't like them. rich-c: then if you could post them for downloading on your website, you could drop the actual editing job into the hands of the rest of us Scott: I don't have a document feeder, so that would be 200 scan jobs. George: I have to go my head is killing me Scott: Bye, George. Scott: Anyone else come to your meeting place? rich-c: OK George, take it easy, see you Wednesday Scott: Today? rich-c: yes, Fred was here earlier George: bye see you Wed. Scott: Yes, one could print out the scans and translate them from the page, but good luck OCRing them.
George left chat session Scott: We should probrably test this out with a few chapters. rich-c: anyway, Scott, I have a simple single-sheet scanner Scott: Picking chapters that we think are important. rich-c: I agree that OCRing them would be a rotsa ruck proposition rich-c: that is why I suggest the work has to be spread over the whole gang - and then it wont be done quickly Scott: Too bad we don't have any of the original files :( Scott: I'm not aware that anyone is interested. Scott: It was like pulling teeth the last time. Scott: And besides, after we are done, what will we have? rich-c: you underestimate the regulars, I think - I suspect many would do it "for the good of the cause" Scott: Something that needs to be updated. rich-c: OK, there is a fair amount in there that has become irrelevant with the passage of time, I agree Scott: Chapters should be added, such as a chapter on emulators. rich-c: wouldn't recommend the list of vendors or clubs, for instance Scott: I would gladly write a chapter about that. Scott: Well, we could change the format a little. Scott: To reflect clubs that have come and gone and currently active clubs. rich-c: but you reminded me of something - Mel Ostler was on chat a few weeks ago Scott: We definitely have new vendors of ColecoVision software. Scott: Wow! rich-c: and I think I got his email address, if only I could find it Scott: The Mel Ostler? rich-c: he was the editor and if anyone has the original files, he would Scott: Could we get permission to put his work online? Scott: The Hackers Helper series? rich-c: T>HE Mel Ostler - now living in Utah not far from the Golden Spike memorial Scott: I am actually using one of his books, on occasion. Scott: Wow. He's close. Scott: I could even drive to see him. rich-c: all I can say is get in touch with him and ask - at worst he will say no Scott: It would be great to have that technical info up online. rich-c: well, Denver to Salt Lake City then well up north is not that casual a drive - especially not in the Rockies in winter Scott: It would encourage these homebrewers to make ColecoVision/ADAM games. Scott: It's closer than you are. Scott: By far... Scott: Actually, he's the closest to me that I am aware of... Scott: Cleveland/Canada's a little ways. Scott: But you're right, it would be nice to have everyone involved. rich-c: I get the feeling you havent done much travelling in North America, Scott Scott: We should discuss which chapters are worth scanning. Scott: If necessary. Scott: Actually, I drove from Washington, DC to Denver, CO. rich-c: sorry, I am frantically looking through a million small sheets of paper to see if I can find Mel's email address Scott: People drive up to Las Vegas, Nevada from Colorado all the time. Scott: I would have to look at a map, but I was under the impression Utah's not very far away. Scott: That's ok. Send it the the list later. Scott: I bet Geoff Oltman would love to chat with him as well. rich-c: you have to realize I have pulled a trailer through 44 different states and 9 provinces over the years - it affects one's point of view Scott: Any luck finding the Hinkles? Scott: Ok, so a short plane trip. rich-c: dont thnk anyone has tried for years Scott: Terrorists and all... Scott: Ok, so next chat we'll bring this up. Scott: And ask who wants to help, what chapter are important, etc. Scott: chapters, that is. rich-c: right, and I will try and find Mel's email and get it to you Scott: I would love to add to chapter 3 rich-c: you can then ask him about any disc files or even cleared masters for the ASG and Hackers Helper Scott: From my POV, as a customer buying an ADAM at Kaybee toys. Scott: And Toys R Us. rich-c: that was a couple of years ago, I'd say rich-c: like a good Canadian, I got mine at Canadian Tire Scott: I remember selling all of my GI JOE figures to buy ColecoVision software as it was dying. Scott: Canadian Tire? Scott: Wow, never heard of it. Scott: From the retail perspecitve would be interesting, wouldn't it? rich-c: It's a Canadian institution - everyone shops there Scott: Rich, didn't you say you're close to U of Waterloo? Scott: I know Dale was. rich-c: they started out like UAP or Pep Boys or whatever in the 1920s rich-c: but over the years became a huge coast to coast chain carrying hardware, housewares, various other stuff as well Scott: BTW, have you visited the site? rich-c: Toronto is about a 90 minute drive from Kitchener/Waterloo rich-c: your site, you mean? Scott: Yes. Scott: Just to see that it's still alive. Scott: I added some PD ROM files. rich-c: peeked at it briefly a week or two ago Scott: And a few other small extras. Scott: I removed the homepage and made the new homepage the article index. rich-c: I hope they really are PD - I get very upset when software that is still commercial is posted Scott: Take a look. Scott: Lots of Homebrew stuff. rich-c: will do - and if you've transgressed expect to get your ear bent! Scott: Video Hustler and Tunnels & Trolls demo are the closest thing to Coleco carts that I've put up. rich-c: has there been any exchange between you and Shawn Rapp, as I suggested? Scott: No, none. Scott: Problems with these ROMs is that Telegames still owns the rights. Scott: And they don't like seeing ROMs up either. Scott: My purpose is for NEW software development. rich-c: I hope you two will get together to discuss things at some point; I think you could help each other towards similar objectives Scott: The emulator is the most important tool for this. Scott: So you need something to play on your emulator. Scott: Can't remember, who is he? rich-c: I get upset when something like Addictus turns up Scott: Actually, if you have any PD disks for the emulator, I can put them up. rich-c: Shawn is our software expert in Anchorage, Alaska Scott: Like SmartBASIC, etc. Scott: Alaska? Scott: Wow! rich-c: you'll see him on the Adam list on certain issues Scott: Already sounds interesting. Scott: Let's see, I do have Tic Tac Toe up rich-c: he isnt too temperate and his English grammar skills are dubious, but he gets his point across Scott: But it's listed as a PD game. rich-c: and when you can figure out just what he is saying, it's usually worthwhile and right on Scott: I really don't think you'll have a problem with my ROMs section. Scott: There's only 31 in all. Scott: Mostly Daniel Bienvenu's stuff Scott: And Coleco Testing stuff. rich-c: I'm a little unhappy since a couple of non-PD items turned up in the Adamcon ROM package Scott: What is the ADAMCon ROM package? rich-c: you know - things like Adam Bomb that are still commercial Scott: Hadn't heard of it. Scott: Gotcha. Scott: I noticed Guy Cousineau's Book is on the ADAMCon page. rich-c: within the group it hardly matters, but I would not want to see it go further Scott: Thought you still had a few copies of this. rich-c: I do, I handled the occasional publications for ANN (Cousineau, ASG, etc.) Scott: So what's the story? Scott: Why does Dale have it on his site? Scott: Actually, I think I also noticed a version on Geoff's site. rich-c: didnt know he did, but I'm disinclined to fuss it Scott: I'll have to check that out again. rich-c: though since the revenue goes to ANN maybe I should chide him a little Scott: How many copies do you still have left to sell? rich-c: not sure, maybe eight or a dozen rich-c: been so long since anyone has shown any interest I've all but forgotten they're there Scott: What about Mel Ostler's books, do you have any of those to sell? rich-c: I have my own set and may have a duplicate of one or two I would part with Scott: Do you know if he ever published "Making Games for the ADAM"? Scott: I have some of his works, not all. rich-c: if he did I never saw it or heard about it Scott: Would this be something you would mind seeing on the Internet? rich-c: I don't think he exactly made a killing on the first four books... Scott: Hmmm Scott: I know that he started it. Scott: There's references in his other works. rich-c: with Mel's books, I would be happy to see all of them on the 'net Scott: That would be another worthy project after the ASG Scott: Also, we should just go ahead and publish "The Hacker's Guide" series. Scott: Maybe that would put us in contact with the Hinkles. rich-c: that Scott: It appears that they're not involved in the community at all. rich-c: s a place where I would make every honest effort to find the Hinkles first Scott: Whatever happened to Barry Wilson? rich-c: your country is getting exceedingly bloody-minded about copyright issues these days Scott: He spearheaded lots of projects. Scott: My "country"? Scott: And only my "country"? rich-c: Barry just vanished from the scene, to where and why I do not know - just sort of faded away Scott: Barry probrably wouldn't have any copies of the ASG on his computers, mind you. Scott: Strange. Scott: He was so involved. Scott: Then "poof", gone. rich-c: well, other countries haven't passed a "Disney law" lately Scott: What is that? Scott: Disney law??? Scott: Well, there a company that's in a lot of trouble as it is. rich-c: not that the music lobbyists arent very active everywhere - they buy off your Congressmen and our bureaucrats Scott: Sure. Scott: But they're struggling. Scott: Their releases aren't doing anything at the box office. Scott: They've compromised all of their values. Scott: Attendance is down at their parks. rich-c: Disney got the Copyright Act hugely revised in their favour, removing vast quantities of stuff from the public domain Scott: They lack direction. Scott: And they're getting their butts kicked by Dreamworks. Scott: Wow. Scott: Hadn't read about that. Scott: I will look into that. Scott: Conservative religious groups are also angry with Disney over their pro-gay stance. rich-c: do a Google on Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan, to name a couple of hot current derivative fights Scott: I know that Disney's getting ready to pay out a huge sum of money over Winnie the Pooh Scott: To the estate of the original creator. rich-c: you have to realize, Scott, that Canadians have a very differnt view of things than Americans rich-c: for instance, did you see the Pew Institute report? Scott: No. rich-c: you might find it startling - it's a very well researched world public opinion summary rich-c: like, they found out that most Islamic states have a positive dislike of the United States rich-c: it was much more extensive, revealing and surprising than that, of course Scott: I don't care what Islamic states' views are. rich-c: it's a very independent Washington think tank Scott: Just look at the laws that they live under... primitive. Scott: The Saudis don't even have freedom of religion in their country. rich-c: since at least one of them has a stash of nuclear weapons and an unstable government, I would worry Scott: What could they possibly gain by blowing up Washington? Scott: We have decentralized command. Scott: They would be history before I could finish writing this sentence. Scott: And they know that. rich-c: Does it surprise you to know that Canadians love your people, enjoy your culture, but on a list of rogue states would put George Bush ahead of Saddam Hussein? Scott: Hussein's not the real problem. Scott: Don't care. Scott: Don't care that Canadians dislike our govenment. Scott: There are times I don't like my Government. Scott: So what are you getting at? Scott: Should the US be blown off the map? Scott: Would it be a better world without the US? rich-c: at the moment at least 40% of Americans dont like their government, so it isnt unusual Scott: No. rich-c: after all, more than half voted against it Scott: Can you say that you like your government 100%? Scott: From a report I read, your military's in mothballs. rich-c: why are you so defensive, Scott? Do you know whre I was born? Scott: Not being defensive. rich-c: why would Canada want a military anyway? Scott: There's just so much anti-US sentiment, that I simply don't care. Scott: Err... the same reason the US has a military. rich-c: but you should care when it is deserved, Scott Scott: You should always have a decent military just in case it needs to be called upon. Scott: What is well deserved? rich-c: the question is, do you want Americans to live up to their own vision of what America should bge? Scott: Your saying all this while Bush is trying to hunt down Osama and oust Hussein, two worthy goals. rich-c: We have a general (ret) who observes every country has an army in it - if not their own, then someone else's Scott: I do not doubt that our foreign policy needs improvement, but those two guys gotta go. rich-c: I think that most of the world will be happy to see Osama's head on a pike rich-c: and as for Saddam, no one will weep when he gets his Scott: Why would you want the US to use its military to defend Canada, if that's what you're implying? rich-c: the only problem is that the rest of the world (except maybe North Korea) respects international law Scott: Canada does need to be able to protect its borders, that's all I'm saying. Scott: Yeah, as in NATO, and look how much they've done in the wake of Sadaam breaking the rules of the sanctions. rich-c: we have too many smartass politicians who cheat on our military budget because you cant afford an unfrindly state on your northern border and they know it Scott: His whole country is slowly dying while he installs new antiaircraft weapons. rich-c: the problem, Scott, is that no one has been able to show any evidence yet that he has broken the rules Scott: Well, I like Canada, and I like Canadians, as well as New Zealand, UK, Europe, etc. rich-c: besides, any country is entitled to anti-aircraft weapons, or any other defensive weeaponry - that is never an issue Scott: They already have done that with the rods that were purchased to enrich uranium or plutonium. Scott: And mustard gas that was said to have been destroyed was found in shells by the inspectors. rich-c: then why havent the UN inspectors, with maps from US intelligence, been totally unable to find any evidence of that? Scott: But if the US has something good on them, why show their hand? Scott: We haven't seen their report. Scott: So I assume they're being hush, hush. rich-c: because the court of world opinion will not convict on hearsay - they want evidence Scott: But Blix mentioned that there were lots of holes in the declaration that was turned in. Scott: Which is why we have to wait for the report. rich-c: what you dont seem to realize is that most of the world is hoping Blix will find the evidence to justify hammering Saddam Scott: But ultimately Sadaam's gotta go, evidence or no. Scott: But from what I've read, they've got evidence, so it's a moot point. rich-c: but until clear, incontrovertible evidence is presented there is no basis in international law for war Scott: Why not? Sadaam broke the rules of the embargo. He's using money from the Food Program to rearm himself? rich-c: I suspect what most are hoping is that if a disaffected local doesnt get him first, the CIA will find a way to whack Hussein Scott: He's illegally selling oil on the black market for fiber optic cable, better computers, etc.? Scott: So we should do nothing, like the rest of the world, no. Scott: CIA hasn't done squat yet. rich-c: Says who? seems that when these claims are investigated, they vanish into thin air Scott: On Sadaam, that is. rich-c: I am sure that Saddam is selling oil on the black market and trying to buy embargoed stuff Scott: What do you mean "claims", how did he buy weapons to shoot on aircraft in the no fly zone? rich-c: in the first place, he had them because the US gave them to him - the US supported him for years Scott: Yeah, let's wait for proof until after he sends a Scud packed with anthrax into Israel. Scott: I know all about that. rich-c: that's why he was willing to go into Kuwait - he thought he had US permission Scott: You can't always trust the people that you ally yourself with. Scott: Interesting. rich-c: sure, but you can't complain because they have and use what you gave them! Scott: But crazy. Why would he think the US supported him going into Kuwait? Scott: My friend - destroyed at the end of the Gulf War that was. rich-c: because he announced his intention to your ambassador and she gave an ambiguous answer which he misinterpreted Scott: Why are we arguing? Sadaam's going down, and whether you like it or not, it's a good thing. Scott: But it also sounds like you haven't researched the other side of the argument well enough. rich-c: A good thing, certainly - that is why it is so important that the good work not be devalued Scott: But I agree with a lot of what you say. Scott: Our foreign policy is crap. Scott: And there's much resentment that goes along with being #1. rich-c: once you think about it, I'm not surprised - Americans are good people Scott: Not to mention how our policians wield the power blindly. rich-c: and if you're curious, I was born in Jersey City, NJ; Frances was born in Brooklyn Scott: So what? Scott: Your Canadian now. Scott: And I would hope that you support the Canadians. Scott: And you feel as if you are one of them. rich-c: when it comes to offering an opiniion on Americans, I am offering an opinion on myself, in many ways Scott: The people who live across the border aren't all that different. rich-c: but yes, I am very glad to be a Canadian Scott: I myself would rather be living in New Zealand. rich-c: for instance, I was just reading the latest issue of Consumer Reports, which is all about hospitals and medical care Scott: Away from all the calamity that the US is causing. Scott: Really? rich-c: yes, I take about 30 magazines a month, most of them American rich-c: at any rate I cannot understand how Americans can possibly tolerate your medical situation Scott: Curious, why don't you go & retire in New Zealand? Scott: Not difficult for a Canadian. rich-c: why would I want to go to New zealnd? I don't have a thing for sheep Scott: Beautiful country, great people, Middle Earth fanfare, etc, etc... Scott: But, the mountains, educational system, etc. Scott: Nice. rich-c: true, but economically shaky, expensive, earthquake prone, simmering aboriginal issues Scott: I would like to get a degree from the University of Canterbury if I ever get the change. Scott: chance, that is. rich-c: if you want to I am sure you will be able to do so Scott: Aboriginal issues can't be any worse than the racial problems we have here. Scott: I don't think so. Scott: More difficult for an American to live in New Zealand. rich-c: if you're half as good as your confidence suggests you are, you arent going to be hurting for jobs or money Scott: Perhaps I could teach at the college one day. Scott: Any interest in going back to school yourself, Rich? rich-c: well, I think you'd find Americans get teased but are basically pretty well liked Scott: I don't mind. Scott: I love their accents. rich-c: at my age. Scott? Scott: Why not? Scott: But I have a love of being in school, so that's just me. rich-c: one graduate degree is enough by this time Scott: I'd like to get a doctorate in the Computer Science one day. Scott: At least a Masters. rich-c: you seem to be pointing in that direction and progressing well Scott: Well, we got totally sidetracked by politics. Scott: So, it sounds like next chat we'll set the wheels in motion on the ASG. rich-c: so what? if friends cant chat and exchange ideas among themselves, what's the net for? Scott: There's some content that I've enjoyed reading, but some of it does need to be updated. rich-c: OK and I'll try and find Mel's email Scott: I should better get off the phone line. rich-c: hey, go with the winners and don't worry about the rest Scott: My wife may be trying to call me. rich-c: ditto and likewise - see you Wednesday, then Scott: Nice talking with you and perhaps we can argue again later. rich-c: anytime, Scott Scott: Bye.
Scott left chat session rich-c: bye
rich-c left chat session
moved to room Meeting Place
moved to room Meeting Place
left chat session
left chat session
moved to room Meeting Place
left chat session
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to Robert Miller
Robert Miller left chat session
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to adam339
adam339 left chat session
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to angel339
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to rich-c