By Glenn Bernasek
Secretary
TI-Chips of Greater Cleveland
On Saturday, June 17, 2000, I had the pleasure of attending the Classic Computer and Game show (CCAG 2000) in Lorain, Ohio. This show was organized and hosted by the local Atari user group, and Jim Krych was the guiding hand behind this event. Several TIers from around Ohio attended this fair. There were members of the TI-Chips including Jack Koryta, Harry Hoffman and Ron and Ada Markus (RamCharged Computers). Other TIers present were Charles Good of the Lima user group and Norm Rokke from the West Penn user group.
(As a side note, I had the opportunity to purchase a copy of IBM's voice recognition software, Via Voice, from RamCharged Computers at this event. This report, after quite a few hours of enrolling my method of speaking into the software data base, is my first attempt at writing a full report using speech or voice recognition software. It's going very slowly, but I know that the more Via Voice hears my voice the more it will recognize what I am dictating.)
Getting back to CCAG 2000, the only table display of TI-99/4A parts and equipment was provided by RamCharged Computers. RamCharged Computers did have a rather extensive display of software and hardware for both the TI-99/4A computer system as well as IBM clones. They also had snacks for sale as well as free, delicious coffee for all guests.
The CCAG 2000 show itself was set up on the perimeter of the spacious National Guard armory drill floor. It was very impressive, as well as interesting, to see how much equipment and support is available for the Atari computer system. Jim Krych was enjoying himself immensely while he showed off his Video Turtle using a 32-bit Atari. The vivid graphics and text that appeared on the TV screen monitor was impressive, to say the least.
There was even a classic computer buff who set up and demonstrated a Timex Sinclair system. This demonstration was a fascinating bit of history that many of us had not seen for a long time.
As Charles Good noted in his report on the CCAG 2000 show, there was a fundraising car wash being conducted outside the armory during the show, and many of the young car washers came inside to see what was going on. When I arrived at the CCAG, I noticed about 20 people milling around at the various display tables. I observed a small but steady crowd of 'casual' visitors to the CCAG 2000 show during my visit.
The CCAG 2000 show was well organized, informative and enjoyable event to attend. The TI-Chips plan to attend future CCAG shows. Although The TI-Chips had opted, at the last moment, not to set up an operating TI-99/4A system at this year's CCAG 2000, we will have working TI-99/4A computer systems on display at future CCAG shows. All who attended, thank Jim Krych and the Cleveland area Atari user group for putting on a wonderful show. The TI-Chips recommend all classic computer buffs and user groups support as well as part take in future CCAG shows.