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I’m old enough to have coded some in Fortran (or as we jokingly called it, “Fortrash”.) Then I switched to COBOL, then out of being a programmer, in 1988. Kept getting pulled back into IT in various functions at times throughout my (very) bumpy career ride.
Didn’t know it was even still around, although I’d wager it looks pretty different from what I remember.
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I got an introduction to Fortran in 1983 followed also by Cobol. I never did anything with either commercially but I’m going to have a play around for fun
I also learnt Fortran 77 back in '82. Those damn Holerith strings and punched cards ! In subsequent years I dabbled in assembler, Coral 66/Mascot, C and Pascal. Half started with ADA but gave up !
My first exposure to computing was in the 6th form in the 70s - short computer course where they had the luxury of an half an hour access for the whole class to a local authority mainframe per week. Never got to run a programme as odds on each week either the machine or the access line would be down. Total damp squib !
Many years since I have programmed and wouldn’t have the patience now. Had more appeal as a youngster and it was definitely novel at the time.
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Your local authority mainframe didn’t happen to be the Water Board in Doncaster? That’s where I ran a first program in Cobol in the early 70s before graduating to Fortran (and a language called EasyCode used for teaching machine learning) at University. DGP
I’m slowly getting back into reading after a few years of being too tired, overworked, stressed, staying up late ot listen to music, etc. So this is my first post in this thread. I’m currently reading Stevie van Zandt’s autobiography, “Unrequited Infatuations”, which was given to me a few years ago but it has taken me a while to get to it. I’m enjoying it much more than I thought I would. In fact, I enjoy his irreverent style of writing and think it works well in a rock autobiography.
Jumping back, the last two books I read wwre John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” and Michael Herr’s “Dispatches”. Both were very good and utterly compelling. I bought the Steinbeck some time ago and felt I needed to be in the right frame of mind to start it. This was my first Steenbeck novel, and I absolutely loved it! Now I need to decide what’s next on the Steinbeck reading list.
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No - it was one in South Somerset. Used Cobol and Basic I think and our ‘course’ was supposed to be in Basic. Likely an IBM mainframe. Quite an adventurous concept at the time as this was the era, I think, of the early 8 bit microprocessors.
I actually missed out on computer science in my first degree, having to do modules in Thermodynamics and Applied Mechanics instead. Made up for it in the 80s though.
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I’m cautious about it, actual testimonials and interview seem to resize the whole matter a little. But it’s a gift from a very dear person.
Man flu nothing to read so picked up one of Lady BCs library books.
Seems AI generated ITV 9pm Sunday night drama series ready - you could cast it now from the usual suspects.
Aristocratic family with secrets 
; the outsider bent on revenge ; entitled vapid (Tory) politicians ; rebellious yoof ; eco warriors ; academic wokery ; social media tropes
Yup quite enjoying it!
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Give Cannery Row a try. Lighter with a lot of humour
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The story of Duchess Day Radley,Outlaw,aged 13.
Our heroine and her 6 year old brother are cast adrift when their,less than caring mother is murdered.
Although it is a murder investigation with many well written characters we are always watching out for the broken and wilful Duchess. Excellent.
Free on Prime. Help recoup Melania,the film’s losses.
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Travels With Charley is excellent, and a timeless chronicle of this country – with a cute dog. Irresistible, no?
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Thank you for the suggestion. Cannery Row and East of Eden appear to be the other two “must reads” of his
Just looked it up, and it sounds like the kind of book I would enjoy. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Less read, but as distilled and poignant as Of Mice and Men, is the “other” short novel: The Pearl. Ages since I read it in school, but reflecting on my recollection, it might really still resonate in today’s K shaped economy and geopolitical issues. Recommended but interested to hear your thoughts if you do track it down.
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Thanks Alan, i’ve added it to my list.
We were “made” to read The Pearl when I was at school. Must have been in the 5th form. I have no recollection of what it was about. I will look it up.
East of Eden is one of the great novels by any author IMO and certainly is in my top 5
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