God’s Mercy and the Atari I Never Got

null By Mike KerriganDec. 21, 2023 6:06 pm ETThe economic boost from the "Eras' tour, her ability to bring joy to fan's lives, and her fairytale romance with Travis Kelce are some of the reasons that Taylor Swift is the best thing to happen in America this year. Images: AP Composite: Mark KellyHeavy is the heart weighed down with memories of the one that got away, especially around Christmas. My heart was once so encumbered, not by a past flame but by the Atari 2600 home videogame console.It was early December 1981, and everyone I knew seemed to be playing “Space Invaders.” My elder sister, Brig, 12, younger brother, Jack, 8, and I, 10, had pestered our parents for it all year. We’d long heard nothing but such disheartening retorts as “Atari will rot your brain.”Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8Sponsored OffersKohl's: Kohl's promo code: Extra 20% off online and in-storeTarget: Take 20% off Your Entire Order - Target promo

A person who loves writing, loves novels, and loves life.Seeking objective truth, hoping for world peace, and wishing for a world without wars.

Opinion Dec 22, 2023 Add to Reading List

null

Mike Kerrigan

Dec. 21, 2023 6:06 pm ET

The economic boost from the "Eras' tour, her ability to bring joy to fan's lives, and her fairytale romance with Travis Kelce are some of the reasons that Taylor Swift is the best thing to happen in America this year. Images: AP Composite: Mark Kelly

Heavy is the heart weighed down with memories of the one that got away, especially around Christmas. My heart was once so encumbered, not by a past flame but by the Atari 2600 home videogame console.

It was early December 1981, and everyone I knew seemed to be playing “Space Invaders.” My elder sister, Brig, 12, younger brother, Jack, 8, and I, 10, had pestered our parents for it all year. We’d long heard nothing but such disheartening retorts as “Atari will rot your brain.”