InfoWorld, one of the first mass-market "business" computer magazines, ran a story in January 1984 that highlighted the role Washington Apple Pi had created for itself in the Maryland-DC-Virginia region. Back in those days, computer chips were carved out of raw silicon using special mincing knives originally used for dinosaurs, and computer programs were hand typed into machines attached to TV screens, and stored on cassette tapes. (Some of the preceding sentence is true.)
Times have changed, and at the November meeting we will start off with our famous Question and Answer session (now finishing a solid 38 year run). After that, we will explore what the Pi can do for the next almost four decades. Direct neural-interfacing computers? Smart footrests? Teleportation pads? Vendor demonstrations from orbiting silicon foundries? Future projections based on reality? Come and see.
Click on the image for a larger view. This photo, from the January 1984 InfoWorld, has the caption: "Washington Apple Pi members Genevie and Bernie Urban, David Morganstein, Leon Raesly and Kevin Mealon work on the club's newsletter."
Once again, we will attempt to stream the meeting over the Internet: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wap-general-meeting.
The General Meeting will be in our usual location, Enterprise building, Room 178 on the George Mason University campus in Fairfax VA. Check back closer to the meeting date for any updates or changes.
Enterprise Hall, our normal meeting place, is #16. Click on the map for a much larger version of the George Mason University campus map.
The meeting will be held in Enterprise Hall, Room 178.
Address: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA (near Rte 123 and Braddock Road). Directions and Map: http://www.gmu.edu/welcome/Directions-to-GMU.html
Interactive map of campus: http://eagle.gmu.edu/map/fairfax.php
The Shenandoah Parking Garage (formerly the Sandy Creek Parking Garage because it is located on Sandy Creek) is fee-based facility. It is more convenient and closer to the meeting location. The Pi will subsidize the facility's parking fee by providing vouchers for donation request of $4.00.
If using the parking garage, park in Visitor's area; i.e., the lowest level. Take the elevator to the third floor (Campus Level), and exit along the sky bridge.
After the meeting, exit the garage using the exits marked for Validated Tickets. Your parking ticket goes in first. Then the validation ticket goes in next. If you have any problems, there is a speaker box for calling the parking lot attendant at the checkout point.
Free parking in Lot A
Park as close to Mattaponi River Lane as possible, then walk north along that road toward the main campus buildings. The sidewalk route takes you directly to the side of Enterprise Hall, on your left. The meeting room is located on the second floor, accessible via outside stairs or via an elevator on your right as soon as you enter the building through the doors behind the outside stairs. We will endeavor to have signs posted to help guide you to the right location. It is at least a five-minute walk from Lot A and up a slight incline. We will be using a golf cart along the route, to offer rides to those who want or need a lift.
Handicapped Parking: There are three handicap parking spaces next to Enterprise Hall that can be used by members, on a first come first served basis. Have your Handicap Sticker showing on the dashboard or on the rear-view mirror.