The Friday Link for 7/10/26

I have an eclectic group for tonight's Friday Link.

I grew up in the video game age.  I still remember exactly where the video arcades were in the area malls I grew up around.  I was a Galaga guy, getting up to level 30 once. 

I remember when Dragon's Lair came on the scene.  They would have a TV on top of the video game so everyone could see the action being played out. When this game showed up, kids were 10 deep watching people throw their money away. 

I say "throw their money away" for two reasons.  Dragon's Lair was the first video game to cost 50 cents to play.  And Dragon's Lair was insanely hard to learn.  Most of us did not have the money to try to play for an hour.  I think the best result I ever saw was a guy playing for five minutes. 

BazookaBills on their YouTube channel to put out a complete run of the game. I remember how hard the river and the Black Knight level were. I also remember the risque nature of Princess Daphne. Was she the template for the modern AI girlfriend?  

Forty-three years after it came out, I finally see someone win it. 

Earlier this year, I went to Yellowstone, and as cool as that place is, it is also terrifying. It's a massive volcano, and when it does go, it will cause utter devastation.  

For a play-by-play of what will happen to the entire planet (spoiler alert: I hope you like starvation), So, What If... has a rundown of what will likely be the end of most of us.

Finally tonight, I am still enjoying Trump-free recognition of the 250th Anniversary of this country. Antiques Roadshow has a great episode of pure Americana, which will spark a little bit of your patriotic pride (Did I mention, no Trump!).

That's it for this week! 

Have a wonderful and safe weekend and make sure to stay up to date on all your vaccinations!