Here we present a bit of POP history so you may marvel at the once-revolutionary advances and rest secure in the knowledge that we are working diligently (and sometimes even successfully) to continue such advances in the future. If you are bored with such historical ramblings or simply wish to rush into actually running ocean simulations, feel free to skip over this section and perhaps read it later over a nice cappuccino, or a glass of port beside the fire, or maybe a beer at your favorite brew pub.