Chapter 90: A Good Dad, a Must-Have for Successful People

Even though Ethan, a time traveler, prided himself on having seen a lot, the current scene was truly beyond his previous experiences.

Steven Spielberg's dad and Professor Ralph H. Baer actually knew each other?

What the heck was this bizarre connection?

Why does the world have such inexplicable ties?

Ethan couldn't fathom it.

A big question mark appeared over his small head.

Under his puzzled expression, Spielberg smiled and said to the bewildered Ethan, "OHHHH, Ethan, don't you believe me? Or are you curious about my father?"

"Of course, I'm curious," Ethan circled his index finger beside his temple.

"Because I can't figure out the relationship between you two, I can't connect the dots."

Spielberg shook his head at Ethan's straightforward words and said, "What's so hard to understand?"

Then he proactively added, "Weren't you curious before? Why could someone with a C average get into California State University, Long Beach, especially after being rejected by three other universities?"

"Is it because I have some extraordinary talent?"

"But if I have a special talent, why didn't the USC School of Cinematic Arts notice me?"

"Someone like me should have just gone to a community college, right?"

Though phrased as questions, Spielberg didn't let them speculate aimlessly. He continued to explain himself.

"It's simple. My father believed that my intelligence was normal."

"He thought that as long as I was willing to spend time studying, I could graduate smoothly from an ordinary university."

"So, he got me into California State."

"After all, my father is an electronic engineer and knows some people."

"Teaching me filmmaking might be challenging for him, but getting me into college was easy."

As Spielberg narrated, Ethan and Jobs discovered that Spielberg, the guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, also had a great dad!

His father, Arnold Spielberg, was an electronic engineer who studied at the University of Cincinnati, obtained a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and joined RCA in 1949.

RCA, established in 1919 by General Electric, Westinghouse Electric, AT&T, and United Fruit Company, became a dominant force in America's electronic and communication industry when these tech giants collaborated. The NBC network, found nationwide, was their creation. The widespread adoption of black-and-white and color televisions was also their influence.

Spielberg's father, upon joining RCA, became a crucial member because he invented a magnetic tape data classifier and retrieval device related to computer storage, obtaining a patent. He also developed the first version of the cash register retrieval system used in supermarkets, featuring functions such as looking up product prices, calculating sales tax, discount calculation, and credit verification—essentially the initial versions of what we see today.

Spielberg genuinely considered his father humble when describing his achievements in the field of computers; his father's achievements surpassed 99% of engineers.

This represented a small group embodying humanity's top-notch technology.

Upon learning this fact, Ethan looked at Jobs with a distorted expression, almost writing on his face, 'Do you know about this?'

Even without explicitly stating it, Jobs understood. He shook his head, indicating, 'I don't know.'

Their silent charade amused Spielberg, who tapped the table and said, "Hey! Can't you guys stop with this mystery play?"

"I don't want to bring up such matters just because I don't see the need."

"Everyone is friends because of shared interests. Why deliberately create distance through certain events?"

Damn!

Ethan was impressed with Spielberg's behavior!

If possible, he even wanted to wash his hands and touch Spielberg's trophies!

Why are you so impressive!

Of course, after the amazement, Ethan realized this guy had no malicious intent.

So, Ethan asked again, "How did your father and Professor Ralph H. Baer get to know each other?"

"Because they are both senior members of the IEEE."

Since the topic had reached this point, Spielberg held nothing back.

He even pointed to his own nose and said, "And Professor Bell and my father have similar experiences."

Though the history was a painful fact for Spielberg, time had a way of healing wounds, letting them remember but not be consumed by hatred.

Spielberg sighed and said, "Between '41 and '45, twenty members of our family died."

"This made my father deeply sorrowful."

"Because I wasn't born when it happened, sometimes I can't truly understand my father's emotions."

"But Professor Bell can."

"Because his family fled from Han Cat before that night."

"So, after meeting in the IEEE, they had a lot to talk about when they learned each other's identities."

"Professor Bell recounted the suffocating history, a terrifying story, to my father."

"After listening, my father shed tears."

"Because he always felt that he... could see those departed relatives... waving to him..."

At this point, Spielberg paused.

He pursed his lips, and a young face carried pain and helplessness.

Ethan and Jobs remained silent.

Because they knew, at this moment, silence was the best comfort.

Of course, during the silent tribute, Ethan's heart was filled with countless emotions.

Steven Spielberg's dad and Professor Ralph H. Baer actually had such deep roots?

Isn't this too coincidental?

He hadn't even started answering the questions, and the answers already appeared on the test paper?

Isn't this a bit unfair for other examinees?

But...

He liked it!

Exactly!

Ethan was a straightforward person!

When the clear and distinct connections were laid out before him, not to acknowledge them would be foolish!

If it weren't for the situation, he would want to burst into laughter right now—

The patent for the video game and training device is impressive?

Magnavox, you're just clueless!

I've found the connection~ I'll come steal your home~

Hahaha—

Note:

Spielberg's father, Arnold Spielberg, is a person inducted into the Computer History Museum. He is a true expert. While he may not have pioneered a new field, his undeniable contributions to the development of computers are noteworthy. In 2006, he also received the IEEE Pioneer Award, with the citation stating, 'He made significant contributions to the definition of modern process control and feedback with his development of real-time data acquisition and recording systems.' This award holds significant prestige, with Robert Kahn, co-inventor of the TCP/IP protocol, being a previous recipient.

The United Fruit Company is impressive, the world's largest banana company. It still exists today, albeit under a different name – Chiquita.

The exact number of relatives of Spielberg who perished is not clear – some sources say sixteen, others say twenty, and there are variations in between. It's uncertain.

I've likely mentioned Ralph H. Baer being Jewish and fleeing Germany before Kristallnacht, as well as the IEEE. No need to reiterate these points here.