======= HI-TECH =========================================================== XXX XXX XXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XX XX XXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXX XXX XX XX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXX XXX XX XX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XX XX XXX XXXXXXXXX XXX XXX XXXXXXX XXX XXX XXX XXXXXXXXX =========================================================== MAGAZINE ======== ----------------------------------------------------------- Volume 3, Number 7 Whole Number 82 May 5th, 1995 ----------------------------------------------------------- Published bi-weekly (24 times per year) by Speaking Tree Productions, 405 US Route 2, Grand Isle, Vermont 05458. Distributed by BBS Press Service, 8125 S.W. 21st Street, Topeka, Kansas 66615. ============================================================ Entire contents Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ----------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------- <1> -- WELCOME TO HI-TECH HOME! -- AND THE EDITOR'S DESK ---> ONLINE DIGITAL MUSIC REVIEW <--- <2> -- RAP, POP, R&B, AND SOUL <3> -- ROCK <4> -- BLUES, JAZZ, NEW AGE AND EASY LISTENING <5> -- COUNTRY AND FOLK, WORLD AND CLASSICAL <6> -- MISCELLANEOUS MUSIC ---> VIDEO ONLINE <--- <7> -- VIDEO INDUSTRY/TELEVISION <8> -- DRAMA, ADVENTURE, SF, FANTASY AND HORROR <9> -- ANIMATION, FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S VIDEO <10> -- COMEDY, MUSIC, MISCELLANEOUS, SOUNDTRACK ALBUMS ---> HOME TECHNOLOGY <--- <11> -- HOME TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE SERVICE NEWS <12> -- GENERAL COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS <13> -- GENERAL SOFTWARE NEWS AND REVIEWS <14> -- HOME OFFICE NEWS AND REVIEWS ---> THE CYBERLIBRARY <---- <15> -- BOOK NEWS <16> -- BOOK REVIEWS ==========> END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ------------------------- WELCOME... to HI-TECH HOME Magazine! ------------------------- EDITOR & PUBLISHER -- Steven McDonald MANAGING EDITOR -- Sylvia Lau-McDonald CONTRIBUTORS -- Allan Jones, Rich Firestone, Joseph Clements, Cliff Furnald DISTRIBUTOR -- BBS Press Service, Topeka, Kansas --------------- FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK - April 25th, 1995 --------------- BLOW-UP ======= Tax day has come and gone once again, leaving many of us the poorer for its passing. I don't doubt that many people are left feeling resentful at the bite the Infernal Revenue Service has taken out of their hides. I went through part of this week thinking that this would be the subject of discussion for this editorial -- tax bites, tax software, a taxing subject. Not so, at least after Wednesday and the tragedy in Oklahoma City. I'm sitting here trying to find the words to say about the bonbing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. It was a tragedy we tuned into by accident, as often happens here, and it didn't take long before tears were flowing in this household. It's terrible enough that people were killed and maimed in this act of terror -- one can make feeble excuses for adults (particularly in the enforcement branches) taking a risk as part of their lives. The murder of children, however, leaves us dumbstruck and filled with grief and rage. No matter the tragedy, though, there's always something to feed on it -- or someone, as in the case of a caller to the Tom Leykis Show who was quite fulsome in his praise for the people who killed those ATF folks ... "and their children." I have often thought that I'm capable of being hard and cynical about the horrors of war, but I found myself shaking and in tears at this particular report. Men such as this caller have a fast and loose way with calling themselves Christian, an affiliation often assumed by hate groups and white supremacists. As with those who murder abortion clinic personnel and prattle endlessly about "right to life!", it can be seen that the claimed affiliation doesn't extend as far as the underlying values (if they did, we would doubtless see a remarkable surge in tolerance of different religions.) The more xenophobic members of our society, meanwhile, have been looking for a Muslim group to be responsible for this terrorist act. It's of such a magnitude that no-one seems able to quite grasp the possibility that it's the work of an American extremist group operating on home soil. It wouldn't be the first time a home-brewed terrorist organization struck at domestic targets -- the history of the Klan should never be forgotten. We are a little less secure today than we were yesterday, perhaps a little more paranoid beneath the layer of shock. For my part, I hug our children and hope that somehow they'll grow up into a world that still has values of some kind and a positive energy that can overcome tragedy and loss. ==Steven McDonald, Editor --------------- EDITORIAL ADDRESS: Steven McDonald Hi-Tech Home Magazine 405 US Route 2 Grand Isle, VT 05458 (802) 372-3834 (802) 372-3832 fax SM@GENIE.COM - Internet HTHOME MAG - America Online Welcome to HI-TECH HOME Magazine! HI-TECH HOME Magazine covers the worlds of home entertainment, education and utility, from new music and home video to computer games and utilities, hardware and software, books from all genres, home video and audio equipment, CD-ROM and even home office applications. If it's hi-tech related and can be used in the home we'll cover it with news and reviews. You can usually expect from eight to ten reviews of new CD audio releases in each bi-weekly issue, two to five video reviews and often one, two or more reviews of computer software and miscellaneous hi-tech products. Plus news, information and features as they become available. HOW TO USE HIGH-TECH HOME MAGAZINE'S REVIEWS: ---------------------- Trust us to be fair and pretty much impartial. We have no agenda and we're not motivated by advertising requirements. There are times when one of our reviewers will tear into a product under review, but you can be sure that this is pretty much always justified. Our main drive is to cover as much as we can, and to let you know when we find something that's truly of value -- or when we get bitten by something that's dreadful. ------------------------------------- We charge a very reasonable fee to system operators who wish to carry HI-TECH HOME weekly on BBSes. The magazine is available for $50 for three months, $95 for 6 months or $180 per year. To sign up your bulletin board for HI-TECH HOME distribution, or for any additional information you might need, contact: Alan R. Bechtold BBS Press Service, Inc. 8125 S.W. 21st Street Topeka, KS 66615 Or telephone: 913/478-3157 (voice) 913/478-9239 (data) 913-478-1189 (fax) ------------------------------------- This publication is produced by Speaking Tree Productions at 405 US Route 2, Grand Isle, VT 05458, call (802) 372-3834 or fax (802) 372-3832. It is distributed by by BBS PRESS SERVICE, INC., 8125 S.W. 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66615. The copyrighted contents of HI-TECH HOME Magazine may NOT be redistributed or assimilated into other publications or documents, online or printed, in whole or in part, without express written permission of the publishers. HI-TECH HOME Magazine is available ONLY to paying registered bulletin board system operators for the personal use of their registered users. For subscription information, call 913/478/9239 (Data -- 300/1200/2400 bps) and register online or call 913/478-3157 (Voice) or 913/478-1189 (FAX). ------------------------------------- --- File 1: WELCOME TO HI-TECH HOME Magazine! --- =========== END >>> Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ===================== RAP, POP, R&B AND SOUL NEWS AND REVIEWS ===================== --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** THE RETURN OF THE LAST POETS --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- *** no reviews this issue --------------- NEWS --------------- --------------- THE RETURN OF THE LAST POETS --------------- Revolutionary rap pioneers THE LAST POETS reunite on HOLY TERROR, their first release for Rykodisc's BLACK ARC series. "The Last Poets were the first real hardcore rappers." --- Ice Cube Those who believe that there are no second acts in American lives ought to consider the career of post-apocalyptic urban griots THE LAST POETS. Hailed for the fiery intensity of their politics and their poetry from the moment they emerged in the late Sixties, The Last Poets spit forth a series of brilliant albums in the Seventies, split up and nearly guttered out in the Eighties, and have re-emerged in the Nineties into the embrace of a new generation of word-intoxicated rappers who recognize that the Poet's fire and intelligence are more necessary than ever. For the first time in over twenty years, original members UMAR BIN HASSAN and ABIODUN OYEWILE (aka Dune) have reunited under THE LAST POETS banner and released HOLY TERROR (RCD 10319), an album as vital and relevant today as any work by the Poets in the 70s. Produced by BILL LASWELL for Rykodisc's BLACK ARC series, HOLY TERROR features additional lyrics and vocals by GRANDMASTER MELLE MEL, and fat, funky grooves from BOOTSY COLLINS and BERNIE WORRELL. The album also features a bonus remix track with guest vocals by GEORGE CLINTON. Born on MALCOM X Day in 1968, The Last Poets took their name from a poem by South African poet WILLIE KGOSISILE, who posited the necessity of putting aside poetry in the face of looming revolution. "When the moment hatches in time's womb there will be no art talk. The only poem you will hear will be the spearpoint pivoted in the punctured marrow of the villain," he wrote. "Therefore we are the last poets of the world". They established their reputation with their first two albums, THE LAST POETS (1970) (which included "Niggers are Scared of Revolution") and THIS IS MADNESS (1971), both of which are recognized today as classics. "The personal history of the group comprises "a tangled story," as the WASHINGTON POST's David Mills had noted. "Seven men in all have recorded as The Last Poets, though never ever at the same moment. They have feuded among themselves almost from the beginning." After feuds splintered the original group in the mid-seventies, both Umar and Dune turned to the streets. Dune traveled to the South were he took Willie Hgositsile's message to heart. He put down the pen and picked up a gun, and soon found himself convicted for armed robbery. "I thought being a Last Poet was being a fake revolutionary." He served four years in a North Carolina prison, eventually returning to New York where he has spent the last fifteen years as a creative writing consultant to the New York City school system. Umar, meanwhile, spent years battling crack cocaine addiction in cities up and down the East Coast. Responding to the current generation of rappers' renewed regard for the spoken word, Umar and Dune reunited for the first time under Umar's name to make BE POP OR BE DEAD for Laswell's Axiom label in 1993. HOLY TERROR is a worthy addition to The Last Poets' canon. The Poets tackle everything from the reality and the legacy of slavery ("Homesick" and "Pelourinho") to the horrors of cocaine ("Men-tality") to a sympathetic but chilling portrait of today's young black men ("Black Rage") to a self-help cant ("If We Only Knew What We Could Do") and a celebration of funk ("Funk") that manages to expand the definition of the term to include virtually every enjoyable human activity. Grandmaster Melle Mel lends his powerful writing and rapping to three tracks ("Homesick," "Men-tality" and "Funk"), while driving rhythms are provided courtesy of Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell, in partnership with Senegalese drummer AIYB DIENG and bassist Laswell. After hearing the finished album, George Clinton offered to add his inimitable vocals to the fray, and Laswell immediately organized a remix session of the song "Homesick". The resulting bonus track, "Black and Strong (Homesick)", also features Melle Mel and percussionist DON "BABATUNDE EATON (who joins the Poets in live performance). The re-emergence of The Last Poets has not only helped today's young scholars to put the contributions of the Poets into historical perspective, it has allowed young rappers, poets, and movie makers to work with these living masters, who may indeed be (as MOTORBOOT'S Mike Rubin put it) "older than Old School [but who] still have a timely message to impart to the new-jack generation". They performed in JOHN SINGELTON'S "Poetic Justice" (1993), and played 13 dates on the Lollapalooza tour during the summer of 1994. They updated and recorded "This is Madness" with PHARAOH SANDERS, a track featured on STOLEN MOMENTS (RED, HOT & COOL(, and AIDS-awareness album aimed at the black community which was named 1994 Album of the Year by TIME magazine. A Last Poets track will also be featured on the soundtrack of the upcoming feature film "Panther", directed by MARIO VAN PEEBLES and written by MELVIN VAN PEEBLES. Now in their mid-fourties, Umar and Dune feel on top of their form. "I'm older, wiser and a little sharper," says Umar. "I've learned a lot of things about human nature and about myself. Day by day I love a little more and I have a little more to say." For his part, Dune says: "We're no more 'godfathers of spoken word' than the man in the moon; it comes in a package form the motherland. But we accept there is work out there that we can do. People need to see a focal point, a beacon, and we don't have no problem with shining. We don't walk away from the fight." Asked recently whether the thought is more madness today than when The Last Poets started, Umar said, "Much more. 'Niggers Are Scare of Revolution' is more relevant now than it was in 1969." Gesturing with his arm as if to encompass the entire landscape of contemporary American society, he concluded, "If this ain't madness, what is?" --- File 2: RAP, POP, R&B AND SOUL NEWS AND REVIEWS --- ==========>>> END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ======================= ROCK NEWS AND REVIEWS: ======================= --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** CAPRICORN RELEASES FOR MAY *** SARAH MCLACHLAN GETS ENHANCED --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- *** FRANK ZAPPA/MOTHERS OF INVENTION - "We're Only In It For The Money" *** FRANK ZAPPA - "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol.3" *** FRANK ZAPPA - "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol.4" *** FRANK ZAPPA - "The Best Band You Never Heard" *** ROYAL JELLY - "Royal Jelly" *** ALEX CHILTON - "A Man Called Destruction" *** THE SMITHEREENS - "Blown To Smithereens" *** BADFINGER - "Best Of Badfinger" *** THE SPONGETONES - "Textural Drone Thing" --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- CAPRICORN RELEASES FOR MONTHS OF MAY --------------- As the Capricorn records roster of artists and projects continues to grow, plans for a heavy May release schedule were recently announced, with new album form HAYRIDE and VIGILANTES OF LOVE, as well as two installments in the FAT POSSUM RECORDS series from JUNIOR KIMBROUGH and DAVE THOMPSON. On May 9, the Capricorn debut from the newly-signed alternative group HAYRIDE will be released. The album, entitles, ELFIN MAGIC, was produced by Dave Barbe (bass player of Sugar), and exemplifies the Athens-based band's guitar driven, hard-rocking sound. On this same day, Capricorn plans to release a specially- priced commercial vinyl album with a bonus track. There are also future plans to re-release SMELLY OLD CAT, HAYRIDE's previous independent album. On May 23, the second Capricorn album from the VIGILANTES OF LOVE will be released, entitled BLISTER SOUL. Produced by John Kene in the band's home-town base of Athens, Georgia, the album presents more of the Vigilantes' high- energy modern rock combined with intense and timely lyrical content. Many fans have anxiously awaited this follow-up to last year's VIGILANTES OF LOVE Capricorn debut, WELCOME TO STRUGGLEVILLE. Also on May 23, two installments in the new FAT POSSUM RECORDS series will be released, one a re-issue of JUNIOR KIMBROUGH's ALL NIGHT LONG was originally released to critical acclaim in early 1993. In its 4-star review of the album, ROLLING STONE said, "Few albums recorded during this current blues revival are as original or intense as ALL NIGHT LONG...these performances confirm that in the right hands the blues are still one of America's most vital music forms." DAVE THOMPSON got his start at the age of 15 playing guitar in Booba Barnes' band. Now 25, the Leland, Mississippi native is making his album debut on Capricorn, with the release of LITTLE DAVE AND BIG LOVE. Thompson was also featured on several tracks of the recently released DAVID MALONE AND THE SUGAR BEARS debut, I GOT THE DOG IN ME (1/24/95), also part of the FAT POSSUM RECORDS series. --------------- SARAH MCLACHLAN GETS ENHANCED --------------- Sarah McLachlan Enhanced CD Developed With Apple Technology New CD Plays on Both Audio CD and CD ROM Players CUPERTINO, Calif.--March 27, 1995--Nettwerk Productions and Arista Records announced that the newest release from Grammy Award nominee Sarah McLachlan, released tomorrow in the U.S. was developed on Apple Macintosh computers using Apple's QuickTime multimedia software. This new work, "The Freedom Sessions," is a new form of compact disc--enhanced CD--that adds multimedia features to an audio CD, enabling it to be played in both an audio CD and a computer CD-ROM player. The enhanced CD, already available in Canada, is distributed by Arista Records in the U.S. and is expected to retail for $15.98. The CD contains biography information about McLachlan, interviews, a tour route map with comments on each city music, clips and videos from previous albums and a catalog of merchandise available by phone. Already, Arista Records has logged more than 125,000 orders for the new CD. "Sarah McLachlan's new enhanced CD is a great example of how an artists' creative material--both new and previous releases--can be enjoyed by consumers," said Duncan Kennedy, product line manager of QuickTime products at Apple Computer. "It's exciting for us to see the use of our technologies resulting in such outstanding work." "We really like the direction that Apple is headed in. They're very interested in making sure enhanced CDs based on their technologies run on audio CD players and both Macintosh and Windows-based computers--and that helps us reach the greatest numbers of consumers," commented Lane Dunlop, director of information systems. In addition to Sarah McLachlan's new CD, Nettwerk Productions has developed a World Wide Web site where music videos, interviews with artists and new song clips--all in Apple's Quicklime format--can be downloaded to play on computers. The address is (http://www.nettwerk.com). Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries. Apple Computer Inc 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- FRANK ZAPPA/THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - "We're Only In It For The Money" Rykodisc There's more than a little bit of excitement about this particular edition of WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY -- for one thing, it's the first time the album has been available on CD outside of the two-fer format used by Rykodisc and Zappa for some of the Ryko/Zappa releases. For another, it's the first time the original version has made it to CD -- when Zappa was preparing the original batch of CD releases, he decided to remix this one. Turned out that the multitracks were in very bad shape -- which led to Zappa's decision to replace the bass and drum tracks with new rhythm tracks developed using Synclavier. While Zappa stood by his decision, it still led to quite a bit of controversy, especially amongst long-time fans (who also protested other Zappa decisions made in creating CD masters.) WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY was a direct response to the conceptual upheaval that resulted from the Beatles release of SERGEANT PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND, along with the psychedelic weirdness overtaking American from the mid-sixties onwards. Zappa being Zappa, the music you'll hear on this album both rejects and embraces the hippy-dippy material that Zappa was satirizing. The net result is that the album simultaneously skewers as many sacred cows of Haight-Ashbury as it can reach, while providing a serious challenge to listeners to stretch their horizons beyond the repetitive, zoned- out or pop-sunk rock music of the time. WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY revs the pop engines periodically, but the end result is the musical car falling apart or slamming into a wall, with tape collages and musique concrete and audio experiments chronicling the disintegration. The work with tape collages certainly presages John Lennon's self-indulgent work on THE BEATLES, which makes for an interesting set of connections. WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY suffers mainly from its age -- Zappa's continued work with recording systems granted him advances that leave the early albums sounding very rough in comparison, at least from a technical standpoint. On the other hand, the music and satire stand the test of time very well indeed -- considering the taste the world seems to have developed for recycling the sixties, there's a lot here that applies very well all over again. Also on the plus side is that the satirical humor applied by Zappa on this album had to be a few cuts above the too-often cheap scatological and sexual humor that he resorted to more and more often in later albums. On the musical side, the cleverness of Zappa's compositional work doesn't obscure either the ability of the performers or the sheer talent of the man as a composer, something that stands out in startling relief with the orchestral portions of this album. The remastering (as the notes put it, remastering from the original edited master and other raw mix elements for better sonics) is excellent, with very little hiss evident and a fairly decent (considering the technical quality of the recording) dynamic range. It's an interesting album to listen to on headphones, never mind on a good sound system. In the meantime, it's very nice to have WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY back with us in this edition. --Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- FRANK ZAPPA - "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol.3" Rykodisc DDD/ADD, 25 cuts, running time -- 135:09 Cover: 2 CD jewel box with a plain green box insert lettered in lavender (consistent cover design for the series, with only the colors changing.) Track listing and titles on the back, plus a 14pp booklet with Zappa's notes on each track, credits, an address for Barfko-Swill and an ad for THE REAL FRANK ZAPPA BOOK. All in all a nicely organized package. Frank Zappa's YOU CAN'T DO THAT ON STAGE ANYMORE is intended as a documentary series covering twenty years of live recordings of Zappa and company ranging from 1968 material recorded in England to the BROADWAY THE HARD WAY tour from 1988. The interest in this series lies in it being designed as a documentary overview of Zappa's gradual development in rock and jazz (and sometimes classical) and the lack of technical revision of most of the material presented. While, as Zappa says, the performance of any band from any period can be edited to the performance of any other band from any other period, even this is kept to a minimum compared to the usual Zappa release. There are no overdubs whatsoever, and performances have been selected for their interest above all else -- eseentially Zappa has set out to release the ultimate Zappa bootleg series and has done an excellent job of it in the process. There are moments teetering on the brink of disaster here -- sometimes falling right over the edge, as happens on "Bobby Brown Goes Down" when guitarist Ike Willis begins "Hi-Yo Silver"ing Zappa, causing much mirh and hilarity; in other cases performances were taking place during near-riots flooded with tear gas (as happened in Sicily) or just prior to Zappa getting knocked offstage and into the orchestra pit in London at the end of "King Kong" (Zappa claims that had the sound of his impact been recorded he would have included it; I believe him.) The track listing is a mix of previously heard and previously unreleased material -- ranging from "Sharleena" (featuring Dweezil Zappa playing lead guitar) to "Ride My Face To Chicago" to "Chana In De Bushwop" on disc one, which chronicles the 1984 band for the most part (the 1982 band, with Steve Vai, turns up for part of "Drowning Witch") with disc two covering more bands and time periods with songs ranging from "Dickie's Such An Asshole" in a version recorded at the Roxy in 1973 through to "Cosmik Debris" recorded eleven years later, taking in the 25 minute "King Kong" and "Zoot Allures". Despite the variety of recording mediums used for the tracks the disc is remarkably consistent -- as well as extremely lively. If you have an interest in Zappa, this is a great series to check into. I'm expecting to enjoy the future installments (volumes 4 through 6) as much as I enjoyed this one. --Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- FRANK ZAPPA - "You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. 4" Rykodisc DDD/ADD/AAD, 34 cuts, running time -- 134:10 Cover: Double disc jewel case with 14 page booklet of credits and notes laid out in the standard YCTOSA format. Cover colors are blue and orange this time. The fourth installment in Zappa's six-part series of double discs that trace his various bands from the late sixties to 1988. There's still a lot of material here to recommend the package, but there are a few misfires amongst the assorted gems -- Zappa's warped sense of humor drags a little on the plodding "You Call That Music?", as well as on the bizarre version of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" -- funny the first two times, but annoying after that -- "Church Chat" and the audience-baiting "Are You Upset?" The main purpose behind these tracks seems documentary rather than anything else -- proof, perhaps, that Zappa can be as bad as anyone else. Once again, much of the material on these two discs is taken from the 1980, 1982 and 1984 bands, with a few pieces from the 1988 band (better documented on the two recent Barking Pumpkin releases, THE BEST BAND YOU NEVER HEARD IN YOUR LIFE and MAKE A JAZZ NOISE HERE) and a scattering of material from bands ranging from a 1969 incarnation of the Mothers to the 1979 band. There's some duplication in terms of numbers, but, as usual, that doesn't count for very much thanks to Zappa's continual refurbishing of his music. This set is notable particularly for several numbers that hint at Zappa's leanings towards Broadway musicals -- "Brown Moses" and "The Evil Prince" from THING-FISH are here in terrific performances, while "Outside Now" from JOE'S GARAGE comes across without hinting at Zappa's bent humor. Added to this you have a rather nice doo-wop medley, "Tiny Sick Tears" (parodying both the Doors >and< "96 Tears"), a version of "The Torture Never Stops" with Captain Beefheart fronting it, "Montana" (crossing two bands), "Willie The Pimp", "My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama" and a blazing "Stevie's Spanking" that has Steve Vai and Zappa taking solos. Mostly good, often amazing, sometimes annoying, this isn't going to disappoint fans of this series, though some Zappa fans might be a little let down. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- FRANK ZAPPA - "The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life" Rykodisc DDD, 28 cuts, running time -- 131:36 Cover: 2CD jewl box, band picture on the front insert, track listing on the back. 4 panel foldout booklet with brief Zappa notes, song listings, information and credits. Another double disc live set from the prolific Zappa, the man who continues to prove that humor does indeed belong in music. This live compilation hails from 1988 and features a band that Zappa considers his finest to date -- the album title refers to its unfortunate self-destruction before the tour hit most of the United States. If anything, this band was even more demented than usual, harking back to the Flo and Eddie days with the rampant onstage verbal humor (one can only imagine what this band was like to watch) and going other places entirely with the various covers the band did -- "Ring Of Fire" is given a deranged reggae treatment while "Stairway To Heaven" is demolished in several ways, none of which actually trash the song. Ravel's "Bolero" gets a musical nose job that's well appreciated by anyone who's heard the piece too many times for comfort and the "Bonanza" theme receives a punkish thrash-through. Zappa's own material, as usual, is run through with admirable dexterity and, whenever possible, even more enthusiasm than usual -- "Zomby Woof" is rendered with tremendous energy, and the revised arrangement for "Zoot Allures" turns it into something approaching a psychedelic experience. For all the dementia involved it's a jazz/rock tour de force that comes very close to eclipsing earlier live Zappa compilations in terms of performance spectacle -- something that might not be evident immediately because the silly stuff is extremely distracting. The truth is that this really >was< one of the best bands Zappa put on the road, with special emphasis on guitarist/vocalist Ike Willis, drummer Chad Wackerman and percussionist Ed Mann. The horn section is unusual enough in this context to be a real treat as well. Not, perhaps, the best place to start listening to Frank Zappa, but certainly a good transition to the more advanced stuff. Good music, great playing, bad jokes -- who could ask for more? --Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- ROYAL JELLY - "Royal Jelly" Island Amazingly, "classic rock" would seem to be making a comeback here, but with a bit of a 90s twist. The album cover resembles something straight out of the 70s and most of the music here does a really nice job of capturing the general feel of that era in rock and roll. The vocals have a definite Robert Plant "Led Zeppelin" sound, while all of the instrumentals are quite polished and equally well recorded. The twist comes in the overall style of the music - which can be best described as an interesting mixture of vintage Deep Purple, Foghat, Joe Walsh and perhaps some Jimi Hendrix along with a dash of U2 (the latter not being too surprising, considering they're on the same label). I wouldn't be at all surprised if this material were getting air-play on classic rock stations across the country - it's that similar in many respects. However, even with all the similarities, it's not as derivative as one might think. There is a lot of unique work here and plenty of variation in the 11 tracks presented - enough to distinguish this as something other than just a knock-off or a cheap imitation of many of the best classic 70s groups. If you're a fan of classic rock, this disc might interest you! ---Reviewed by Joseph Clements --------------- ALEX CHILTON - "A Man Called Destruction" Ardent Big Star fans waiting for the second coming of their favorite power pop genius are gonna be dissapointed by Alex Chilton's new album...again. That's not to say that this is a bad album. It could be subtitled ALEX SINGS THE BLUES...kind of like Eric Clapton's FROM THE CRADLE, only with a lot more heart and soul involved here. Some really hot playing, loose at times, but hot nonetheless, and if the notion of Alex Chilton singing the blues sounds strange, remember, he started out singing "The Letter" for the Box Tops. As usual, Alex throws in a couple of head-scratchers...where else are you gonna find a reved-up version of Jan & Dean's "New Girl In School," or a downright goofy ode to astrology called "What's Your Sign, Girl?" I'm gonna go ahead and recommend this one...not something you can always do with Alex Chilton...I'm enjoying this one a hell of a lot, and I think you will too. Ardent Records, 2000 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN. 38104-9812 ---Reviewed by Rich Firestone --------------- THE SMITHEREENS - "Blown To Smithereens" Capitol It seems a bit early for a "Greatest Hits" collection from this underrated New Jersey band, as they have yet to score that one big hit, but the Smithereens' move to RCA last year likely prompted this collection from their original label. All of the band's best known "radio tracks" and should-have-been-hits are here, along with a few surprises, like the early gems "Beauty And Sadness" and "Strangers When We Meet." Sixteen tracks of pop and muscle, and not a filler cut in the bunch. Also included for good measure, "Miles From Nowhere," from their current criminally ignored A DATE WITH THE SMITHEREENS album, and their cover of the Outsiders "Time Won't Let Me" from the Van Damme flick TIMECOP. This band deserves a shot, pick this one up and see what you've been missing. ---Reviewed by Rich Firestone --------------- BADFINGER- "The Best Of Badfinger" Apple/Capitol One of those perennial "CD Wish List" discs finally makes its appearance. Sadly underappreciated and dismissed as a Beatle copy during their heyday, beset by legal and personal problems, culminating in the separate suicides of two of it's key members, Badfinger didn't come into favor until years after it's demise. Then, something clicked, and people started remembering great singles like "Come And Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," and "Baby Blue." This CD finally brings all these hits together, along with heretofore ignored classics like "Carry On 'Till Tomorrow," "Apple Of My Eye," and the original version of "Without You," later covered to great success by Harry Nilsson and more recently, Mariah Carey. A few points taken off due to the shoddy packaging and liner notes, this is still a pure pop gem, and essential. ---Reviewed by Rich Firestone --------------- THE SPONGETONES- "Textural Drone Thing" Black Vinyl The Spongetones started out as a Beatle-ish/Mersey Beat tribute band, infusing their original songs with a British Invasion tone best sampled on their BEAT AND TORN CD. Now for their first new album in 4 years, they've toned down the Beatle beat, but kept the lush melodies and pure pop sound, for a more mature and varied work. Best bets include the Marshall Crenshaw- like opener "L'amour/Le Guerre," and the Byrds-ish "Better Luck Next Time." Their one nod to their Beatlesque past, "Try To Please" sounds like an undiscovered gem from the LIVE AT THE BBC album. The program seems to drag a bit towards the end, but TEXTURAL DRONE THING hums along quite nicely. (Black Vinyl Records, 2269 Sheridan Road, Zion, Ill. 60099) ---Reviewed by Rich Firestone --- File 3: ROCK NEWS AND REVIEWS ==========>>> END }pDRAFT€#} Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ============================= BLUES, JAZZ, NEW AGE AND EASY LISTENING NEWS AND REVIEWS: ============================= --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** BELA FLECK ON THE ACOUSTIC PLANET *** TIM TIMMERMANS --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- *** OPAFIRE - "Ricochet Sun" *** MO BOMA - "Myths Of The Near Future, Part One" *** PAT METHENY GROUP - "Life As We Know It" *** MALACHI THOMPSON - "New Standards" --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- BELA FLECK - TALES FROM THE ACOUSTIC PLANET --------------- Bela Fleck's twenty year recording career has taken him from the fire of  bluegrass breakdowns to the electrified jazz intensity of his ensemble, Bela  Fleck and the Flecktones, touching all points in between. TALES FROM THE  ACOUSTIC PLANET escorts you, the listener, back to the true epicenter of  Bela's inspiration - the world of acoustic music. This return to an acoustic sound presented Bela with the unique opportunity to  introduce friends from very different musical worlds to each other. The  participation of jazz keyboardist Chick Corea was an especially high point for  Bela, a long-time Corea enthusiast. "It was a dream come true playing with  Chick Corea, whom I first heard in 1975", he said. "I'd been playing banjo for  just two years and it changed my whole approach to the instrument." On each track of TALES FROM THE ACOUSTIC PLANET, Bela aimed to create an  interaction between musicians who had never played together before. Corea  teamed with saxophonist and previous Flecktone collaborator, Branford  Marsalis, for the first time on BACKWORDS GALAXY, resulting in a remarkable  and memorable musical conversation. Pianist Bruce Hornsby and guitarist Tony  Rice combined their powerful rhythmic strengths on THE GREAT CIRCLE ROUTE,  where they locked-in with the inimitable Flecktone rhythm section of Victor  Lemonte Wooten and Future Man. In oboist Paul McCandless, Bela discovered a  unique and moving melodic voice. On JAYME LYNN and FIRST LIGHT, McCandless  joined bassist Edgar Meyer and dobroist Jerry Douglas to help create come of  the album's more touching moments.  π73  Š TALES FROM THE ACOUSTIC PLANET was not a "studio created" over-dubbed  interaction. The musicians were sitting in the same room, playing live  together and since, everyone was learning the songs on the spot, the actual  moment that the songs first came together was captured on tape. The result is  entirely spontaneous. Bela kicked off 1995 with a Flecktone tour of the Far East which took him (and  his rhythmic counterparts) to Mongolia, China, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and  Singapore. The Flecktones' musical intuitiveness and thirst for interaction  saw them performing with indigenous musicians in every country. Upcoming stops on the acoustic planet tour include Alaska, Hawaii, Ireland,  Czechoslovakia, Canada and many more dates all over the United States. Guests  from TALES FROM THE ACOUSTIC PLANET will be joining Bela on most dates. --------------- HIGHER OCTAVE MUSIC PRESENTS TIM TIMMERMANS "LIFE AS WE KNOW IT" --------------- TIM TIMMERMANS is best known as a founding member of the chart topping jazz  group, Windows, and for his recent work with Eliza Gilkyson, David Arkenstone,  Meryn Cadell and others. On his new album LIFE AS KNOW IT he introduces us to  his talent as a multi-instrumentalist, showcasing his luscious keyboard  arrangements, dexterous guitar work and of course his trademark drums and  percussion. Joined by flute and sax-man Richard Hardy (Carole King, Dave  Matthews Band), bass groove-meisters James 'Hutch' Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt,  Bryan Adams) and Simeon Pillich (John Hiatt, Bonedaddys), classical guitar  virtuoso Andrew York, and Dan Navarro (Lowen & Navarro), this collection of  thirteen instrumentals re-connects us with the beauty and sacredness that is  so much a part of our lives. With titles such as AFRICA conjuring the wide opens spaces of the savannah,  THE PINK DOLPHIN with its Brazilian rhythms and joyful chants, and the  inviting celebration of EARTH DANCE we are reminded of the awe-inspiring  majesty of our planet and the creatures whose lives depend upon our collective  efforts to sustain their environment. The title track LIFE AS WE KNOW IT,  written for the late rainforest activist Chico Mendes, punctuates this theme  with its jungle sounds and haunting chants sung in Portugese by Navarro. Other pieces offer a pastoral subtlety that pays homage to our personal  relationships to one another (SONG FOR MY FATHER, A PLACE CALLED HOME), the  grace of nature (ABOVE THE CLOUD, THE MOON OVER THE LAKE), to our spiritual  sources (THE PILGRIMAGE, SECRET CEREMONY) and our love of an infectious foot- tapping groove (PRIDE, WELCOME HOME NELSON). Tim Timmermans takes us to a timeless region where the great mystery of LIFE  AS WE KNOW IT becomes revealed. --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- OPAFIRE - "Ricochet Sun" π73  ŠHigher Octave An album that wears a certain amount of eclecticism as a badge of honor while  managing to be gently enjoyable and comfortable. Opafire is Norman  Engelleitner's outfit, and the basic idea behind it is to incorporate whatever  elements seem to be appropriate for the music. The result is a fusion of so- called "adult contemporary" with a variety of world music elements that range  from hints of reggae to suggestions of Brazil and India. RICOCHET SUN is a  relaxing set, one of those albums to have playing in the background during any  of a variety of tasks. It won't set the world on fire, but it does brighten  it up a little. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- MO BOMA - "Myths Of The Near Future, Part One" Extreme A very nice blend of percussive, bass guitar-rooted, rhythms with field  recordings from Africa and a variety of synthesizer and sampler tones and  textures. Mo Boma are based mainly in Sweden, though this album was recorded  in a number of locations including South Africa. It's a fascinating blend of  world and trance music, with part of its heart in the works of J.G. Ballard.  Musically, the entire album has a tendency to shift slowly and gracefully  around a calm center, sliding from drifting tones to percussive sections in a  remarkably seamless manner. There's a lot happening in these tracks, whether  it's the percussion, the environmental sounds, or bassist Skuli Sverrisson  going off on an extended jazz jaunt on "Terrace." It's an album with which  you can relax the mind and body and work up some creative fire, which is no  small recommendation. --Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- PAT METHENEY GROUP - "We Live Here" Geffen This is one of the best Metheny releases I've heard in years! Quite accessible light jazz done in a manner which is neither obnoxious nor monotonous, this disc is a 9-track, 67-plus minute excursion into a world of snappy guitar riffs, toe-tapping percussion and smooth bass lines. Throw in keyboards and some superb background vocals and you've got a recording that's easily on a par with "American Garage", "New Chataqua" or "Water Colors". The recording is very clean, and while there is quite a bit of "layering" on several tracks, it never gets so cluttered that it becomes unpleasant or fatiguing to enjoy. On the contrary, the imaging sets up a sound stage that's wide enough to easily accommodate whatever instrumentation may wander onto the set. I've heard some people call this "elevator muzak", but I wouldn't mind one bit being stuck in an elevator for over an hour if this disc were playing. --Reviewed by Joseph Clements --------------- MALACHI THOMPSON - "New Standards" π73  ŠDelmark A very nice disc from Thompson and his Freebop group. NEW STANDARDS takes on  a nice variety of material, from "If I Only Had A Brain" to a couple of pieces  by Thompson himself (including a drastic rearrangement of "Dyhia Malika" that  freshens it up and expands it musically.) The playing is entertainingly  upbeat, keeping the music interesting even when Thompson and the band go  haring off into improvisational wilds. Thompson's trumpet work is  outstanding, entertaining and listenable without Thompson condescending to the  production of light and fluffy jazz. Mind you, the highlight for me here is  =definitely= the jovial "If I Only Had A Brain." ---Rebiewed by Steven McDonald --- File 4: BLUES, JAZZ, NEW AGE AND EASY LISTENING NEWS AND REVIEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. =========================== COUNTRY, FOLK, WORLD AND CLASSICAL NEWS AND REVIEWS: =========================== --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** APPLE TO SPONSOR WORLD LIBERTY CONCERT *** COUNTRY STAR JODY KING TO APPEAR ON GENIE'S MUSIC ROUNDTABLE *** JASON EKLUND'S LOST CAUSEWAY --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- *** NIAMH PARSONS - "Loosely Connected" *** IRIS DEMENT - "My Life" *** DR. DIDJ - "Out Of The Woods" *** ANASTASIA - "Before The Rain" *** THE CHIEFTAINS - "Long Black Veil" *** BEETHOVEN/SCHUBERT - "Music For The Theater" *** TALLIS - "Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet"/ COUPERIN - "Lecons des Tenebres" --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- APPLE TO SPONSOR WORLD LIBERTY CONCERT --------------- Paris, France--March 28, 1995--The Apple Europe division of Apple Computer, Inc. today announced it will be the technology sponsor for the World Liberty Concert in Arnhem, the Netherlands, on May 8, 1995. The concert, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from the perils of World War II, will carry a message of freedom and world peace, and is expected to attract a live audience of 120,000, with television broadcasts to over 40 countries. Among the stars at the rock super-concert will be UB40, Art Garfunkel, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Simple Minds, Candy Dulfer and Alan Parsons. Organized by K&B Events & Television of the Netherlands, the World Liberty Concert will be held on 400,000 square meters of land near the John Frost Bridge, the historic subject of the Richard Attenborough film "A Bridge Too Far." The concert boasts the world's largest sound and light spectacle ever, and will use 35 wide-screen television cameras to capture the event. Apple is supplying all the necessary hardware to drive the live production of the concert as well as computer facilities for the World Liberty concert offices during preparations for the event. Apple will also provide servers for an Internet connection to allow fans to access concert information in this way. "Apple's message has always been one of freedom and empowerment, so we are very pleased to be selected as a partner for this landmark concert," said Marco Landi, President of Apple Europe. "The Power Macintosh offers an ideal platform for meeting the complex production needs of such a large-scale event. People around the world will be taking part in this moment thanks to technology, and we are happy to play a key role in this process." A network of 30 Power Macintosh computers, connected to an Apple Workgroup Server via fiber optics and ISDN, will manage and orchestrate the various elements of this complex mega-production, one of the largest multimedia shows in the world, involving sound, light, lasers, video, vehicles, helicopters and people. The software, optimized for Power Macintosh, is SmartCue, developed by WOW! Control Technology BV. An Apple Workgroup Server will also offer an Internet connection, allowing fans to access information in the weeks prior to the event, including shots of the set construction and rehearsals as well as details about performing artists. Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to- use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries. Apple Computer Inc 20525 Mariana Ave Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 --------------- COUNTRY STAR JODY KING TO BE A GUEST ON GENIE --------------- On Saturday May 6th, at 9.30pm Eastern, the Music RoundTable will be holding a special Real-Time Conference with country entertainer Jody King. Sometimes known as a "Pennsylvania Backwoods Country Boy", Jody King has spent almost forty years in the country music business, performing on stages around the world. He has also made numerous appearances on television, and is well known for his work with children's charities in his home town of Bensalem, PA. Jody King's latest album is PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES (Caprice Records) and he can be found on GEnie under the GEMail of J.KING98. You can exchange notes with him in category 4 of the Music RoundTable. The Music RoundTable can be found by using the keyword MUSIC on GEnie, or by moving to Page 135. To sign up for GEnie, use our automated sign-up procedure. 1. Set your communications software for half-duplex (local echo) at 300, 1200, or 2400 baud. Recommended communications parameters 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit. 2. Dial toll-free in the U.S. at 1-800-638-8369 (or in Canada at 1-800-387-8330). 3. At the U#= prompt, type JOINGENIE and press 4. At the offer code prompt enter MGL528 to get this special offer. 5. Have a major credit card ready. In the U.S., you may also use your checking account number. (There is a $2.00 monthly fee for all checking accounts.) In Canada, VISA and MasterCard only. --------------- JASON EKLUND'S LOST CAUSEWAY --------------- A restless and rambling spirit, 24-year-old itinerant folk troubadour JASON EKLUND embodies the essence of a modern day Woody Guthrie with a dash of Jimmie Rodgers and a large dose of Tom Waits. Filled with raw, honest charm and wry humor, his music takes the familiar then spins it off in a unique ironic twist, offering keen observations of America in the '90s. In the tradition of Guthrie, LOST CAUSEWAY, JASON's sophomore effort for Flying Fish Records, is filled with powerful and compelling portraits of America's land and its people. Featuring 14 original songs, from his moving portraits of everyday people, as in the songs SECOND STORY (where he's joined on vocals by local Austin legend Jimmy LaFave) and the Jimmie Rodgers blue yodel MOTIVATION BLUES to his songs of the road WHAT'S LEFT OF 66 (his answer to rock classic ROUTE 66) and TRAVELIN ON THAT LOST CAUSEWAY, his songs offer powerful commentaries on modern life. His songs speak of alienation and disaffection yet his music is constantly underlined by humor and great warmth and the fundamental optimism of what is possible. Joining JASON on the album are many of his musical friends, including, in addition to Jimmy LaFave, numerous Austin favorites: Mark Rubin of the Bad Livers on bass viol and tenor banjo, Tom Pittman of the Austin Lounge Lizards on banjo and blues guitar master Steve James. Born in Indiana and raised in Flagstaff, AZ, the suburban Illinois, JASON EKLUND didn't really get into music until a high school student. Growing up listening to the popular rock music of the time, the course of Jason's life was changed when a friend turned him on to Dylan's album THE TIMES THEY ARE A- CHANGIN. After graduating high school, JASON briefly studied drama at Eastern Illinois University, then dropped out after three semesters. He's spent much of his time since then living on the road, eking out a living as a street musician first in New Orleans, then Cambridge, MA, then Boulder and Denver, CO, before being discovered by Flying Fish Records while performing for free at Grant Park in Chicago in 1992. His 1993 debut release for Flying Fish was greeted with widespread critical acclaim, hailing JASON as a "young Bob Dylan [or] John Prine...a true-blue folk product of Middle America." (Morning News) Totally committed to his music, JASON EKLUND continues living on the road, no longer hitch-hiking but based out of his '77 Chevy Nova, writing and performing his poignant tales of America and its people. --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- NIAMH PARSONS - "Loosely Connected" Green Linnet A splendid collection of traditional and new Irish music from Parsons and her band (with the help fo a few friends.) The songs are centered mainly around Parson's dramatic, quavering voice, but the instrumentation gets a grand workout, too, with plenty of tin whistle and Uillean pipe work scattered throughout; the opening "Katie Campbell's Rambles/Streets Of Forbes" blends John McSherry's tin whistles and pipes beautifully, opening with the McSherry original and seguing into the traditional ballad. Parsons also displays her talents as an unaccompanied singer, most notably on "Lover's Ghost." An excellent and entertaining album that doesn't lock entirely to whatever passes for the proper Irish course, with Parson and company being quite happy to wander off and do something that isn't yuppity-diddley once in a while. LOOSELY CONNECTED is an album filled with promise. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- IRIS DEMENT - "My Life" Warner Brothers Very sweet, very "down home" and very folksy, Iris spins 10 warm, homey tales on this, her latest disc. While some may find her style too reminiscent of something out of the 50's, with the twang of a Gene Autrey film, I don't hear it that way at all. Granted, the "twitter" in her voice can get a bit annoying after a while (reminds me of Nanci Griffith at times), but the simplicity of the recording and the quality of lyrics more than makes up for any vocal idiosyncracies. Reading the liner notes, one can see that she is quite sincere in her approach to her music. From amusing, short anecdotes about various tracks on the disc to genuine appreciation expressed for those who have helped her along the way, the impression here is one of a woman who is serious about her music and her home-spun values. Kinda refreshing in these days of shallow people with equally frivolous and vacillating opinions. ---Reviewed by Joseph Clements --------------- DR DIDJ - "Out Of The Woods" Rykodisc The drone of the decade is clearly the didjeridoo (digeridoo, dijiridoo, etc...), the mystical Australian instrument that has now entered into folk, jazz, rock and experimental music with a vengeance. Graham Wiggins, the former stick blower for Outback has returned as DR. DIDJ on Out Of The Woods. While Stephen Kent and Adam Plack have taken more ambient, surreal approaches to the instrument, Wiggins strikes out for a blend of Stevie Wonder, soukous and Latin, with a hefty dose of pure pop, triggered by a full band sound of percussion, bass, guitars and various wind instruments. His style is light-hearted but not lightweight, and while the bands attempts at funk fall flat, when they just hop on an easy groove and go they are great fun and fine music. --- Reviewed by Cliff Furnald --------------- ANASTASIA - "Before The Rain" London/Polygram Classics This is a soundtrack to a movie I haven't seen, but it is almost evocative enough to make the movie secondary. It mixes a clear electro-ambient mood with some very rootsy acoustics like bagpipes. It also features marvelous singing from Macedonia (one of the locations of the movie). While some of this falls into the background (as a good soundtrack should, I suppose) a few songs stand out. The gaida and vocals of "Nine Iron Doors" is both chilling and spiritual. The drums, chant and oboe of "Coming Back Home 2" also leave you with an uneasy, religious feeling. This trio from Skopje has a lot to offer, and I'd like to see what they do without the restraints of visual image. --Reviewed by Cliff Furnald --------------- THE CHIEFTAINS - "Long Black Veil" RCA They are consummate masters of their instruments, scholars of their musical heritage, and personable and relaxed in performance. They also have a history of strange tastes that is exemplified in their latest endeavor, The Long Black Veil. Another collaborative effort with notable artists from other fields, they fail and prevail in equal measure, sometime in the most surprising ways. I can always do without Sting, and his entry on this album is no exception. But I can also happily avoid recent recordings of The Stones, but here the title track, a Celto-American modern folk song, shows why Mick Jagger used to be one of my favorite pop singers. His voice, with it's strange Anglo/Southern blues drawl, is wonderful here. Ry Cooder steps into a numberof songs, each a perfection of collaboration, and one with the addition of the wonderful accordionist James Keane and the rare Ry vocal. Adequate to good contributions from Sinead O'Conner (the best moment being her simple telling of "She Moved Through The Fair" with Cooder on guitar) and Marianne Faithful, a throw away "Tennessee Waltz" with Tom Jones (people still think this is funny?) and a toss off guitar and vocal from Mark Knopfler litter the CD, but so does the inevitably wonderful Van Morrison song. One of the brightest moments is with the lesser known Kieran Hanrahan (banjo) and Brenden Begley (accordion) on a jaunty trad sounding original, "Changing Your Demeanor." Appropriate, because this band is always doing just that, with never a dull moment and always a surprise or two. --Reviewed by Cliff Furnald --------------- BEETHOVEN/SCHUBERT - "Music for the Theater" Utah Symphony Orchestra, cond. Maurice Abravanel Vanguard Classics OVC 8084/5Running time 144:55 We know Beethoven in many guises - the symphonies, concertos, sonatas, overtures, and the struggle to finish Fidelio .... but Beethoven the composer for the theatre? This 2 CD set brings forward a side of Beethoven generally only seen in fragments ...we know the "Egmont" overture, but the complete incidental music to Goethe's "Egmont"? The complete ballet music for "The Creatures of Prometheus"? The Egmont incidental music is thoroughly enjoyable and reflects the admiration that Beethoven held for Goethe. The work is virtually unperformed, and it is a pleasure to find that Vanguard have released this digitally remastered CD set from 1962 by the Utah SO. The ballet music for "The Creatures of Prometheus consists of an overture, introduction and sixteen pieces, all clearly Beethoven, clearly dance music, light and elegant, reminiscent frequently of parts of the sixth symphony. Schubert's "Rosamunde" music was written for a play which was an utter failure; it ran for two nights in Vienna before entering oblivion. Fortunately, the music didn't share the same fate. It comprises an overture, three entr'actes, two ballet numbers, six choruses, two vocal solos and a serenade, some of which has been lost over the years. That which remains is a pleasure - the instrumental sections , the several vocal choruses and the beautiful solo Romanze for soprano sung by Netania Davrath. The sound quality of these CDs is very listenable. Maurice Abravanel was the music director of the Utah Symphony Orchestra from 1947 - 1979. This is a fine celebration of their work together. ---Reviewed by Allan Jones --------------- TALLIS: Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet COUPERIN: Lecons des Tenebres Vanguard Classics OVC 2525 Running time 69:20 This recording of these choral works by Tallis and Couperin are based on the same biblical text from the book of Jeremiah and feature the incomparable counter-tenor and scholar of early music, Alfred Deller. Tallis composed the "Lamentations" using the text chanted in the first Nocturn of Maundy Thursday. While it is a solemn and contemplative polyphony relflecting the solemnity of Holy Week, the music is beautiful, no more so than in the motet "Beth, Plorans ploravit". Only the first set of Couperin's Lessons for the Tenebrae services have survived, the 3 lessons here from the first day. The motets in the first and seond lessons are for counter-tenor and organ continuo, revealing fully Deller's vocal sensitivity for Couperin's writing. In the Third Lesson motets, Deller and the tenor Wilfred Brown are perfectly matched. In the Tallis Lamentations particularly, the sound is intimate - you feel privileged to be among the choir, rather than in the congregation. This work alone is a collector's piece and the Couperin recording is an excellent partner. The CD is a digital remastering of Vanguard recordings from 1960 and the sound quality is truly excellent - its a real pleasure. The sleeve notes are concise but informative about both composers, their works and Alfred Deller. Reviewed by Allan Jones --- File 5: COUNTRY FOLK, WORLD AND CLASSICAL NEWS AND REVIEWS--- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. =================== MISCELLANEOUS MUSIC NEWS AND REVIEWS: =================== --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** COMPACT DISCS -- PLUS *** WARNER BROS. AND APPLE DEMO INTERACTIVE MUSIC TECH *** APPLE DEVELOPING MULTIMEDIA MUSIC RELATIONSHIPS --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- COMPACT DISCS -- PLUS --------------- Enhanced CDs Coming Soon from Love and Rockets, Skinny Puppy and Swell American Recordings Using QuickTime Software for Enhanced CDs and On Line Interactive Music Distribution LOS ANGELES/CUPERTINO, California--March 27, 1995--American Recordings announced that several interactive music titles are under development that use Apple's QuickTime multimedia software. In addition, the company is using the Apple Media Kit to author several enhanced CD titles. Three of the label's bands including Love and Rockets, Skinny Puppy and Swell are currently developing enhanced CDs--a new form of compact disc that adds multimedia features to an audio CD, enabling it to be played in both an audio CD and a computer CD-ROM player. American Recordings also has a World Wide Web site containing QuickTime movies of exclusive concerts by bands such as the Black Crowes, Slayer and Danzig. These music videos are available exclusively on the American Recordings World Wide Web site at (http://american.recordings.com). American Recordings also owns The Ultimate Band List and the Web Wide World of Music, an on-line site which the company plans to develop as a place for innovative multimedia content including QuickTime movies of concerts. Marc Geiger, czar of new technologies for American Recordings, said "The explosion in the use of on-line services and multimedia are two of the most exciting developments in the music industry in the last three years. American Recordings is aggressively moving forward in this area, and we believe that Apple's excellent rapport with artists and support for cross-platform titles will help us tremendously. " "American Recordings is known for its progressive, forward-thinking approach to music," said Duncan Kennedy, product line manager for QuickTime at Apple Computer, Inc. 'We look forward to seeing innovative interactive music products from American Recordings artists in the months and years to come." American Recordings has earned its reputation as a maverick record label, one that takes chances and makes decisions based on artistic and creative considerations rather than just the bottom line." Rick Rubin, the label's owner, is one of the most well-respected and successful record producers in the industry (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mick Jagger), and his company's roster is one of the music world's most eclectic--from Johnny Cash to Sir Mix-A-Lot, The Black Crowes to Slayer, Donovan to The Jayhawks. Always searching for new and different avenues, American Recordings was the first major record label to launch a fully developed Internet Site. The opportunity to work in tandem with Apple and its QuickTime software for enhanced CDs is very much in the pioneering spirit of Rubin and American. Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries. Apple Computer Inc 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 --------------- WARNER BROS. BYTES THE APPLE --------------- Warner Bros. Records and Apple Computer Demonstrate New Interactive Music Technologies BURBANK/CUPERTINO, California--March 27, 1995--Warner Bros. Records and Apple Computer, Inc. have announced that they are working to expand the artistic horizons for musicians developing interactive titles. Previewed today at a music industry event hosted by Apple were music videos by Warner Bros. Records recording artists Van Halen, R.E.M. and Tom Petty which feature Apple's QuickTime multimedia software and QuickTime VR virtual reality software. The video clips and interactive panoramas by these Warner Bros. recording artists are expected to be available on the Internet on QuickTime On-Line, Apple's new World Wide Web server (http://quicktime.apple.com). In addition, the Warner Bros. Records forums on America Online and CompuServe will be offering samples of the leading edge interactive music projects as well as information about the latest Warner Bros. Records titles. "The music concepts we are demonstrating today could be the beginning of a new genre that Apple technology is helping to create, one that brings fans closer to their favorite artists," said Jeff Gold, vice president, Warner Bros. Records. "These new interactive titles can provide consumers with the exhilarating experience of hearing the thoughts behind the songs, seeing the back-stage scenes, being a part of the creation of the music--just by downloading these interactive releases from the Internet. It's really a very exciting phenomenon." "Warner Bros. Records and its artists are teaching the multimedia industry to be creative," said Duncan Kennedy, product line manager for QuickTime at Apple. "With the influx of innovative ideas coming from the music industry, the computer industry is getting a lot more interesting." Warner Bros. Records was the first record label to enter the interactive frontier and has forums on America Online, CompuServe and the Internet. CYBER-TALK, the label's weekly interactive talk show on America Online, features a different Warner Bros. Records/affiliate label recording artist every week. Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries. Apple Computer Inc 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 --------------- APPLE DEVELOPING MULTIMEDIA RELATIONSHIPS --------------- Apple Works With Artists and Labels to Build Interactive Music Industry Several Record Labels and Artists Announce Use of Apple Technologies CUPERTINO, California--March 27, 1995--Apple Computer, Inc., today will host the Apple Music Industry Day and underscore its commitment to the music industry with a series of announcements that will make it easier for artists and music publishers to develop interactive music titles. More than 150 music industry executives, band managers and artists focusing on interactive music will converge at Apple today to learn about new products and services for the music industry and to announce support for using Apple technologies in developing interactive music titles. Much of the excitement of the day will focus on enhanced CDs-- regular audio CDs, with the addition of multimedia content--that can be played on audio CD and computer-based CD-ROM players. These interactive CDs are expected to make a big impact on the music industry and the public. Equally promising are the opportunities for the on-line distribution of virtual concert hall tours and music videos. "Apple wants this emerging industry to succeed and flourish," said Ian Diery, executive vice president and general manager for Apple Computer's Personal Computer Division. "We are committed to providing the tools, technologies and support infrastructure to make interactive music possible, enabling artists and music publishers to explore this creative new arena and music fans to see, hear and interact with their favorite artists in completely new and more personal ways." Apple made a series of announcements today pertaining to the music industry including: -- Record Labels and Artists Back Apple Technologies for Interactive Music Several major record labels and developers announced today that they are developing enhanced CDs and other interactive music titles using Apple Macintosh computers, QuickTime and QuickTime VR, and several also outlined plans to use Apple's QuickTime Music Toolkit when it becomes available. Among the record labels are: American Recordings, Elektra Entertainment, Nettwerk Productions/Arista Records, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Bros. Records. Artists and bands using Apple tools and technologies for interactive music development include: Ace of Base, Deee-Lite, Love and Rockets, Sarah McLachlan, Moby, Tom Petty, Skinny Puppy, R.E.M., Squeeze and Van Halen. Several artists voiced support for using Apple technologies including Ulf Ekberg, founding band member of Ace of Base. "Apple products are the natural choice for interactive music development," said Ekberg. "Apple has always had an affinity with artists and cares about aesthetics. In addition, the Macintosh is easier to use and gives artists more control over their creative work, because the Macintosh can be used from conception stage to finished product. For example, the Macintosh is the ideal tool for outlining a video shoot, writing the songs, composing the songs, developing enhanced CDs and designing album covers." "We are happy to be working with Apple and its music tools, especially because we've been using Macintosh computers for years," said Chris Difford, founding band member and guitarist/lyricist with Squeeze. "We find the Macintosh to be the most intuitive for creating our interactive music projects, and look forward to seeing further developments from Apple." -- New Interactive Music Development Tools from Apple Apple today unveiled new tools and technologies that are important resources for creating and testing enhanced audio CDs for Macintosh and Windows computers. The tools--available exclusively to members of Apple's new Interactive Music Track--include the QuickTime Music Toolkit and multi-session driver software. Apple and Opcode Systems, Inc. also today announced that Opcode's Open Music System (OMS) will soon enhance QuickTime, Apple's multimedia software. OMS and QuickTime combined enable multimedia and music developers to seamlessly route QuickTime-created music tracks to external MIDI devices such as keyboards, synthesizers, effects processors and drum machines. Apple expects OMS support to be included in a future version of QuickTime to be released before year end 1995. -- Apple Multimedia Program Interactive Music Track Announced The company also launched a support program for musicians and music publishers creating multimedia content for the burgeoning interactive music market. The Interactive Music Track extends the well-established, 1,500-member Apple Multimedia Program (AMP) to musicians, providing multimedia and interactive music information, contacts, networking opportunities and discounts on software and hardware. Members also receive Apple's QuickTime interactive music tools announced today at no additional charge exclusively as part of the program. Initial members of the Interactive Music Track include: Ray Manzarek of The Doors, Lady Kier of Deee-Lite, Mark Mothersbaugh of DEVO. -- Increased On-Line Access to QuickTime and QuickTime Content In order to make QuickTime and interactive music content created using QuickTime more accessible, Apple today launched QuickTime On-Line, a World Wide Web server that interactive music developers, consumers interested in music and amateur movie makers all over the world can access. The server will offer QuickTime 2.0 for both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows, the latest interactive music information, music videos and development tools for downloading. Also, in April 1995, QuickTime VR movies are expected to be publicly available for the first time on-line on Apple's server. The World Wide Web address for QuickTime On-Line is (http://quicktime.apple.com). -- Apple Launches QuickTime Branding Program Apple today launched a branding program around QuickTime, including an advertising campaign featuring three advertisements targeted at interactive music enthusiasts and professional musicians. Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries. Apple Computer Inc 20525 Mariana Ave Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 --- File 6: MISCELLANEOUS MUSIC NEWS AND REVIEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ========================== VIDEO INDUSTRY/TELEVISION: ========================== --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** SUN MICROSYSTEMS, THOMSON MULTIMEDIA SET COMMERCIAL LAUNCH FOR INTERACTIVE TV SYSTEMS --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- SUN MICROSYSTEMS, THOMSON MULTIMEDIA SET COMMERCIAL LAUNCH FOR INTERACTIVE TV SYSTEMS --------------- Nethold Pay TV Group to Bring Open TV to European, South African Viewers Beginning Midyear MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - April 4, 1995 - The Sun Microsystems, Inc., and THOMSON Multimedia interactive TV alliance today announced that Nethold, one of the world's largest pay TV companies, will be the first commercial service provider to implement the alliance's Open TV interactive video system. In what is expected to be one of the largest implementations of digital interactive television to date, Nethold, based in the Netherlands, will, in mid-1995, launch interactive television services to its subscribers in Europe and South Africa. The Open TV applications, delivered via satellite, will give European and South African viewers access to such potential services as home shopping, ticket ordering, interactive commercials, interactive game shows, and improved electronic program guides. "With this first deployment, the THOMSON and Sun alliance has proven that it has the interactive technology the marketplace wants," said Alain Prestat, chairman and CEO of THOMSON. "This demonstrates our ability to immediately deliver complete, cost-effective solutions. Interactive television on a mass scale will soon be a reality." "In just a few months, TV viewers in several countries will be enjoying the full-featured, exciting interactive applications made possible by Open TV," said Scott McNealy, chairman, president and CEO of Sun. "Our goal of leveraging both companies' experience and expertise is now paying off. Sun and THOMSON have joined forces to be first in a mass consumer field deployment of interactive television." The THOMSON/Sun alliance was formed last year to develop end-to-end interactive TV solutions by leveraging Sun's expertise in network management and video serves, and THOMSON's leadership in consumer electronics and digital set-top devices. The Open TV operating system is a platform-independent, open solution for delivering interactive services to homes through existing networks. Headquartered in Paris, THOMSON Multimedia is the world leader in digital television. THOMSON is the world's fourth largest consumer electronics company. It is number one in the U.S. marketplace with its RCA, GE, and ProScan brands, and number two in Europe with several prestigious brand names including Thomson, Ferguson, Telefunken, and Saba. THOMSON is an industry innovator in the development of digital technologies, both for professional and consumer applications. With the introduction of the RCA brand DSS (Digital Satellite System) in the U.S., THOMSON became the first consumer electronics company to develop and implement an all-digital delivery system for video reception in the home. Sun Microsystems is the leading supplier of network computing to the telecommunications and cable industries. In concert with its business partners, Sun delivers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to address customer management solutions, billing systems, operational support systems and network management. Sun Microsystems is the world's top supplier of open network computing solutions, built on Sun's legacy of "The Network is the Computer." Sun's SPARC/Solaris workstation and server family leads the UNIX market. The company has its headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. --- File 7: VIDEO INDUSTRY/TELEVISION --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. =========================== DRAMA, ADVENTURE, SF, FANTASY AND HORROR REVIEWS: =========================== --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** VIDEO RELEASE NEWS --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- *** CYBORG SOLDIER --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- VIDEO RELEASE NEWS --------------- QUIZ SHOW, directed by Robert Redford, arrives on Home Video on April 18th. The film was based on the quiz show scandals of the fifties. From Hollywood Pictures Home Video. ED WOOD, an April 18th release from Touchstone Home Video, may give Tim Burton a reprieve from being known to the media as Tim "Batman" Burton, but it may replace that with Tim "What?!" Burton or some such. Johnny Depp stars as director Ed Wood, a man legendary for his awful movies. Martin Landau essayed the role of Bela Lugosi, for which he took home an Academy Award. Rated R, mainly for language. THE SECRETARY is a thrilling ride through the Filofax nightmares of a career woman threatened by a homicidal secretary. Mel Harris, Sheila Kelley, Barry Bostwick and James Russo star. Now scheduled for April 18th from Republic. Rated R. THE ADVOCATE is an April 18th release from Miramax Home Video. Mediaeval doings in France with Colin Firth, Chris O'Donnell, Ian Holm, Nicol Williamson and Donald Pleasance. Rated R, mainly for sex. TERMINAL VELOCITY stars Charlie Sheen and Natassja Kinski in a high-jump action-adventure. It falls to earth from Hollywood Pictures Home Video's aircraft on April 18th. Rated R. CHANTILLY LACE gets an April 18th reissue from Columbia TriStar as part of their Mother's Day promotion. Rated R and priced at $19.95. THE PRINCE OF TIDES, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, WAITING FOR THE LIGHT and POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE get reissued at $14.95. THE STAND is reissued by Republic Pictures Home Video on April 18th. The miniseries is available in a Deluxe, four cassette, edition at $39.98 and in an EP edition on two cassettes at $19.98. Both versions include material on the making of the miniseries. TEXAS gets a two-cassette $19.98 release on April 18th from Republic Pictures Home Video. TEXAS was originally released directly to the video rental market, and later recieved a network airing. I LIKE IT LIKE THAT is released on April 18th by Columbia TriStar Home Video. Writer/director Darnell Martin tells the story of a young couple and their travails when it comes to making it in life. The film is set in the Bronx. Rated R. ROBERT A. HEINLEIN'S THE PUPPET MASTERS adapts the popular science fiction book into a tense movie starring Donald Sutherland as The Old Man and Eric Thal as Sam. Stuart Rated R, mostly for violence. BIG gets a special reissue on April 25th, priced at $9.98. Tom Hanks stars. rated PG. May 1995: Hugh Grant, the ultimate Embarrassed Englishman, is back again in NIGHT TRAIN TO VENICE, a May 9th release from LIVE Home Video. Rated R. BAD BLOOD stars Lorenzo Lamas. LIVE Home Video brings it blazing to video stores on May 9th. Rated R for lots of the usual mayhem. THE GIRL WITH THE HUNGRY EYES stars Kristina Fulton, Isaac Turner and Leon Herbert in a story of love, vampires and an old hotel. May 16th from Columbia TriStar Home Video. Rated R. SPEECHLESS, starring Geena Davis and Michael Keaton, is scheduled for a May 16th release from MGM/UA. Ron Underwood directed this tale of two speechwriters who fall in love. PG-13. THE PROFESSIONAL is scheduled for a May 16th release from Columbia TriStar. Directed by Luc Besson, it's the story of a young girl who takes refuge with a hitman after her parents are brutally murdered. Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman star. Rated R. A laserdisc will be available. --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- CYBORG SOLDIER New Line Home Video David Bradley returns as Jack Ryan, tough cop, for those who didn't have enough with CYBORG COP. Simple story: psycho Jessie Starkraven and his gang of thugs raid a cocaine factory, only to be caught by the DEA. Ryan and his partner turn up when the DEA's bust goes sour, Ryan's partner is killed, and Starkraven busted. Sentenced to death, Starkraven is instead taken from prison to a secret government facility, where he's turned into a cyborg soldier -- the leader of a cyborg squad. Which, naturally, goes completely wrong -- whereupon Starkraven and his squad set out on a killing spree. Ryan, meanwhile, reads a report that Starkraven escaped from prison, and sets out in search of him, a process that upsets the government even more than it's already upset. CYBORG SOLDIER is loud and violent, with lots of big explosions, hand to hand fights in which two people deliver and receive blows that should turn them to mush, and amazing amounts of gunplay that doesn't make much sense. Every few minutes there's an excuse for an outbreak of violence, whether it makes sense or not, and once in a while Bradley gets to show off his martial arts skills. The music for the film is relentless and obnoxious, meanwhile, layered in at every opportunity. The script is dreadful, but that's no more than expected, but the direction (by Sam Firstenberg) at least manages not to be intrusive, most of the time, even when the action and story render things howlingly funny. About as dumb and silly an action film as anyone could want, CYBORG SOLDIER is absolute proof that the drive-in movie isn't dead -- it's just mutated into a home video form. --Reviewed by Steven McDonald --- File 8: DRAMA, ADVENTURE, SF, FANTASY AND HORROR REVIEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ========================= ANIMATION AND CHILDREN'S VIDEO NEWS AND REVIEWS: ========================= --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** VIDEO RELEASE NEWS --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- *** REN & STIMPY: INCREDIBLY STUPID STORIES --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- VIDEO RELEASE NEWS --------------- April 1995: April 18th is the date set for LASSIE: MOTHER KNOWS BEST, a Nickelodeon/Sony Wonder title featuring "The Wrong Gift" and "The New Refrigerator", as well as a new music video with a bouncing dog bone to let viewers sing along with Lassie. Rrp: $9.98. HAPPILY EVER AFTER, an animated fantasy with the voices of Irene Cara, Ed Asner, Carol Channing, Dom DeLuise, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Phyllis Diller, Malcom McDowell, Sally Kellerman and Tracy Ullman gets an April 18th release from Republic Pictures. Priced at $14.98. May 1995: THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER is the latest addition to Sony Wonder's ENCHANTED TALES series from Diane Eskanazi's Golden Films. Due May 2nd,priced at $14.98. THE PUZZLE PLACE, a new PBS series, comes to Sony Wonder on May 9th. Two titles, with new wraparounds, will be issued at $14.98 each. The titles are "Rock Dreams" and "Tuned In." The series has been well received since its debut. --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- REN & STIMPY: INCREDIBLY STUPID STORIES Sony Wonder/Nickelodeon Hey, THEY titled it. And they're right. Wow! JOY! For your money, it's three quite stupid and obnoxious episodes, including "Rubber Nipple Salesmen" from the first season, and the more recent "Jiminy Lummox" (in which Stimpy loans Ren his conscience) and "Abraham Lincoln's Head" (in which Ren and Stimpy fail miserably in protecting the Lincoln Memorial.) All this, plus the usual weird fake commercials. Not as bad as it could be (some later episodes scraped the bottom of the barrel) but it's likely to be of most appeal to the faithful. --Reviewed by Steven McDonald --- File 9: ANIMATION AND CHILDREN'S VIDEO NEWS AND REVIEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995 by Speaking Tree Productions. ====================================== COMEDY, MUSIC, MISCELLANEOUS VIDEO AND SOUNDTRACK ALBUM REVIEWS: ======================================= --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** VIDEO RELEASE NEWS *** VIDEO BOOT CAMP --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- *** CAMP NOWHERE *** PRINCESS CARABOO *** ...AND GOD SPOKE *** DENNIS MCCARTHY - "Star Trek Generations" --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- VIDEO RELEASES --------------- COMEDY: -------------- April 1995: GUARDING TESS is released on April 18th by Columbia TriStar, priced at $19.95. The film stars Shirley Maclaine and Nicholas Cage. PG-13. May 1995: TRAPPED IN PARADISE arrives on May 2nd from FoxVideo. Nicholas Cage, Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz star as the Brothers Firpo, a trio of crooks whose ambitions are thwarted by kindly townspeople. Rated PG-13. A letterboxed laserdisc will also be available. GETTING EVEN WITH DAD, starring Macauley Culkin and Ted Danson, is repriced to $19.98 on May 9th, just in time for Father's Day. From MGM/UA. Rated PG. BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD are back with "The Final Judgment" on May 16th. You have been warned. $12.98 from Sony Music Video/MTV. MISCELLANEOUS: --------------- April 1995: RED HOT + COUNTRY is the fifth in a series of AIDS awareness music specials from the Red Hot Organization. The special was recorded live at the Ryman in Nashville, and is being made available on April 18th at a rrp of $19.98. Polygram Video. May 1995: THE GRIND WORKOUT HIP-HOP AEROBICS is just the thing to knock down the flab and knock up those butt muscles. Eric Nies and The Grind Dancers lead you through an invigorating workout. May 16th from Sony Music Video/MTV Video. Priced at $12.98. --------------- VIDEO BOOT CAMP FOR INTERNET USERS --------------- (Glen Mills, PA March 15, 1995) User's Choice, a rapidly growing educational video producer, announced the release of its latest video, The INTERNET BOOT CAMP. Unlike other videos that tease the viewer by expounding on the awe and wonder of the internet, the INTERNET BOOT CAMP TM concentrates on the "how to." Starting with how to install a modem, the tape then shows how to setup the two disks of free Windows software that are included. Using this software,the video then teaches the viewer how to find a service provider, set up a SLIP connection, and cruise the World Wide Web by using the Netscape NavigatorTM Web Browser to connect to Web, Gopher,FTP,WAIS,and other types of servers. The video also demonstrates how the viewer can get free software, use newsgroups, and even chat with other Net surfers. The approximately two hour tape takes a friendly, conversational tone and makes heavy use of examples and graphics to answer the questions most asked by aspiring cybernauts. The full text of the video, along with an extensive list of providers and references, is included in a user friendly pop-up Windows help file. An index card is also included which corresponds to an on-screen time index so that viewers can easily fast forward or rewind to the section that they want to view. The INTERNET BOOT CAMP TM which retails for $29.95 (plus shipping and handling) comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. Availability: Worldwide from User's Choice 800-889-2578 or 610-566-2993. Also available US from Office Depot, Price Costco and Blockbuster Video. Included software is for IBM PCs and Compatibles. (TCPMAN 2.0, Eudora Trumpet Newsreader,WS_FTP,Telnet,WS_IRC,Archie,Finger,Ping,Whois,Wham Internet Boot Camp Help File - includes entire video text)) Also demonstrated - Winzip, Wncode, Lview. Complete configuration and use of all of the above programs is covered in the video. For more information: User's Choice PO Box 58 Glen Mills, PA 19342 URL: http://www.voicenet.com/DVbiz/uchoice --------------- REVIEWS: --------------- CAMP NOWHERE Hollywood Pictures Home Video This summer camp comedy starts out seeming like another dead loss, but once Christopher Lloyd enters the scene, it's a different matter. Lloyd livens up the proceedings considerably, lurching around the landscape as an over the top forme drama teacher blackmailed by a collection of kids into setting up a fake summer camp. Sure, it's a hokey story, the comedy is often obvious, and the movie stands all the chance of being a lame duck -- but instead it's a funny, smart and often =kind= comedy centered around Lloyd's lunacy. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- PRINCESS CARABOO Columbia TriStar Home Video Phoebe Cates leads the cast in this historical comedy (it's based on actual events of the 19th Century.) Cates is a mysterious woman apparently washed ashore on the English coast -- she doesn't speak English, she dresses oddly, and she has some curious quirks. Taken under the wing of a well-to-do British family (Wendy Hughes, Jim Broadbent) she gradually manages to communicate more and more about herself, even as she befuddles a highly-regarded linguist (John Lithgow), frustrates the Greek butler (Kevin Kline), bedazzles a newspaper editor (Stephen Rea) and enlightens one of her benefactors. A cleverly written comedy of manners (or the lack thereof, as Jim Broadbent's character proves), the story is about artifice and illusion and just how people can easily lead themselves down the garden path. A quiet film, funny and charming, well worth seeing. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- ...AND GOD SPOKE LIVE Home Video It's movie madness from the start with this satirical release. The film purports to be a documentary about the making of a biblical epic -- an epic directed by a man better known for his awful low-budget films. Michael Riley and Stephen Rappaport do a good job of heading up a cast that salts in a lot of cameos -- Soupy Sales is cast as Moses, for example (complete with a product placement.) ...AND GOD SPOKE paints its targets with a broad brush, but keeps the director and producer characters straight-faced throughout (and thereby makes the joke even funnier.) Pointedly satirical, the film manages to get quite a few accurate shots in at the industry it's lampooning. As they say, you should always write about what you know. Entertaining, sharp and demented, this is likely to be funnier for people in the industry -- but it's a lot of fun for people on the outside, too. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- DENNIS MCCARTHY - "Star Trek Generations" GNP Crescendo A very nice disc drawn from the STAR TREK GENERATIONS feature -- and not just a matter of music, either, I might add. GNP Crescendo managed to make an arrangement to include a selection of sound effects from the movie at the end of the disc, so you get the rather interesting treat of hearing such elements as the entire saucer crash sequence -- trust me, this can be hard on your woofers. The sound effects are far from the main story, though. The music holds it own surprises, moving somewhat away from the bland music that eventually became the norm for the TV series -- McCarthy's music here is stronger, more deliberately thematic (though some of the bolder moments come out of the use of Alexander Courage's fanfare -- on the other hand, listen to the way McCarthy develops the fanfare into something new on "Enterprise B/Kirk Saves The Day.") There's some respundingly muscular development of the themes McCarthy sets up, too -- the main theme for Kirk and the movie gets quite a few airings, with its best moments coming with "Enterprise B/Kirk Saves The Day", in which the latter cue finds McCarthy whipping up a martial frenzy while at the same time ringing variations on Kirk's theme. McCarthy's use of strong themes, often weaving them in and around each other, is a major plus for this score, defying all expectations that it would be a rather bland affair (there have been attempts to dismiss it as dull stuff, but these seem to have the tone of sour grapes.) The main themes take root in the mind rather firmly, and the disc itself gets played regularly -- more regularly, in fact, than most of the Star Trek television discs. GNP Crescendo have done a splendid editing and mastering job, making this a soundtrack package that's well worth acquiring. [GNP Crescendo can be contacted at 8400 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069, and by phone at (213) 858-2814. GNP's Mark Banning can be found online at buzbanzai@aol.com.] --Reviewed by Steven McDonald --- File 10: MISCELLANEOUS VIDEO AND SOUNDTRACK ALBUM REVIEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ====================================== HOME TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE SERVICES ====================================== *** COUNTRY STAR JODY KING TO APPEAR ON GENIE MUSIC ROUNDTABLE *** 1996 OLYMPICS ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB *** THE INTERNET NANNY WATCHES THE KIDS *** APPLE COMPUTER OFFERING DIRECT SUPPORT ON EWORLD *** OS/2 SHAREWARE BBS TOPS 10,000 *** AMERICAN INFORMATION NETWORK BBS *** FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES WEB SERVER AND WEB BROWSER --------------- COUNTRY STAR JODY KING TO BE A GUEST ON GENIE --------------- On Saturday May 6th, at 9.30pm Eastern, the Music RoundTable will be holding a special Real-Time Conference with country entertainer Jody King. Sometimes known as a "Pennsylvania Backwoods Country Boy", Jody King has spent almost forty years in the country music business, performing on stages around the world. He has also made numerous appearances on television, and is well known for his work with children's charities in his home town of Bensalem, PA. Jody King's latest album is PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES (Caprice Records) and he can be found on GEnie under the GEMail of J.KING98. You can exchange notes with him in category 4 of the Music RoundTable. The Music RoundTable can be found by using the keyword MUSIC on GEnie, or by moving to Page 135. To sign up for GEnie, use our automated sign-up procedure. 1. Set your communications software for half-duplex (local echo) at 300, 1200, or 2400 baud. Recommended communications parameters 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit. 2. Dial toll-free in the U.S. at 1-800-638-8369 (or in Canada at 1-800-387-8330). 3. At the U#= prompt, type JOINGENIE and press 4. At the offer code prompt enter MGL528 to get this special offer. 5. Have a major credit card ready. In the U.S., you may also use your checking account number. (There is a $2.00 monthly fee for all checking accounts.) In Canada, VISA and MasterCard only. --------------- 1996 OLYMPICS ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB --------------- ACOG, IBM Team Up to Launch 1996 Olympic Games Information on the World-Wide Web SAN JOSE, CALIF., April 11, 1995 . . . Starting today, millions of people around the world will be able to access official information about the 1996 Olympic Games by connecting with the 1996 Olympic Games' World-Wide Web (WWW) server on the Internet. Point the browser to http://www.atlanta.olympic.org. Established by The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) in conjunction with IBM, this new server will provide a wealth of continuously updated facts, figures, photos, illustrations, video and audio content -- all aimed at providing the latest news possible on the what, when and where of the sports, as well as how to buy tickets and be a part of the excitement. The 1996 Olympic Games Server presents an array of information under nine major headings: Welcome; Sports & Venues; Official Programme; Travel Information; Tickets; Official Products; Sponsors; Cultural Olympiad; and What's New. This is the first phase of information, which will be continuously updated and supplemented with more detail. The most extensive delivery of information will occur during the 1996 Games, with ACOG and IBM now developing plans for presentation of real-time results and other features. Making the delivery of this information possible are powerful, high-performance, parallel computers from IBM. "The 1996 Olympic Games Server is a great example of how organizations and companies can benefit from the power of the Internet," said John Patrick, IBM vice president of Internet Applications, who delivered the keynote speech at Internet World today. "Information on the 1996 Olympic Games is in high demand around the world. By putting it on the Internet, the data will be available to more people than ever before, it will be available at any time, and it can be updated instantly. As we've learned from other customers, the Internet is an invaluable tool to make information easily accessible to a very wide audience." Donna Jonsson, ACOG deputy managing director of communications, emphasized, "Interest about the 1996 Olympic Games is worldwide, and that interest is increasing rapidly as the summer of 1996 moves closer and closer. The Internet is an extremely effective means of responding to that interest and providing the most up-to-date information possible." ACOG -- the first Olympic organizing committee to establish a WWW server -- began actively investigating the possibility of putting information on the Internet last year. "With more and more of the plans for the 1996 Olympic Games being finalized, we wanted to take full advantage of the latest in technology tools to ensure the widest distribution of Olympic information ever," said Bob Neal, ACOG's director of Information Systems Services. "With ACOG's presence on the WWW, we believe we're setting a precedent that other organizing committees will follow." IBM -- as the Official Internet Information Systems Provider for ACOG -- is designing and formatting all ACOG data for the WWW. IBM is supplying all hardware, systems software, WWW applications, technical support, systems integration services, operations, facilities, document design, HTML implementation, security and access tracking for the 1996 Olympic Games Server. IBM Internet security products allow retrieval of WWW information via the Internet, but prevent removal or manipulation of data. IBM Scalable POWERparallel System SP2 and RISC System/6000s will be the web servers for the new Olympic information site. As the volume of information about the 1996 Olympic Games increases, the servers have the flexibility to scale up -- with additional processors and disk storage -- allowing more users to access the WWW site simultaneously. SP2, the most powerful offering in IBM's RS/6000 product line, runs AIX -- the company's open, industry-standard UNIX operating system. This parallel supercomputer can assign different tasks to each node -- serving database information, video, or acting as a web server. Each of the nodes can work in parallel or independently -- whichever is faster -- on compute-or data-intensive jobs, responding to user requests. As information demands increase, mirror SP2 and RS/6000 systems will be added. As the worldwide information technology sponsor, IBM is providing systems and people to help plan, manage and run the Olympic Games through the year 2000. --------------- THE INTERNET NANNY WATCHES THE KIDS --------------- Your children may be streetproof, but when it comes to the INTERNET, they could meet up with a new breed of crime on the information highway. This is why we designed Net Nanny. It prevents certain words and phrases (inputted by you) from being received or sent by your computer, causing your terminal to shut down, if you so chose. Accessible through a special Administration Program, Net Nanny can be turned on or off at your discretion. Net Nanny stores a complete Audit Trail of monitored words and phrases and time computer was started. It can prevent personal information from being given out, restrict access to various programs, and inadvertently formatting disks or deleting files. The price of Net Nanny is $49.95 (U.S.) plus P.S.T. (B.C. only) & G.S.T. (Canada only), for the DOS version, which includes an offer for a free Windows driver upgrade. Net Nanny is the best way to protect your family on the INTERNET. TO ORDER Net Nanny, Call: (604) 488-1950 (B.C.) or 1-800-340-7177 for the rest of North America. Dealer or Information Enquiries - Call (604) 662-8522 or E-Mail: gordon_ross@mindlink.bc.ca --------------- APPLE OFFERING DIRECT SUPPORT ON EWORLD --------------- Company's On-line Service to Provide Response to Customer Questions by the Next Business Day CUPERTINO, California--April 17, 1995--Apple Computer, Inc. customers no longer have to use a telephone to get their questions about the company's products answered quickly, accurately, and directly. Beginning today at 9:00 a.m., PDT, Apple is rolling out "Ask Apple"--direct on-line support for Apple products offered exclusively in the company's on-line service, eWorld. This means that Apple customers can now post a technical question in eWorld--and get an official response from Apple support professionals by the next business day--at no extra fee. Apple believes that customers will find this one-step access to professional support to be convenient and affordable. First time users, the company expects, will find the service especially attractive. Because eWorld offers new subscribers ten free hours of use during their first month on line, new Macintosh users can receive ten hours of free on-line support from Apple during their first weeks with their new computer. After the first ten hours, Ask Apple support will be included in the standard eWorld monthly fee, at no extra charge. eWorld comes preinstalled on every Macintosh sold in the U.S. (and an increasing number of international systems). The company also believes that the addition of this service to eWorld's already robust computer support offering greatly reinforces eWorld's position as the premiere on-line service for Macintosh customers interested in getting the most out of their computer. eWorld features on-line support information from more than 100 Macintosh software and hardware companies, including Apple. "On-line services allow us to have a much more open, supportive, and responsive relationship with our customers--and we plan to make the most of that possibility with eWorld" said Jackie Whiting, vice president, Customer Services, Apple USA. "Nowhere else can Apple customers get direct on-line support from the company. And nowhere else can they make use of such a broad range of information and advice about how to get the best out of our products. "Apple will continue to evolve its customer support services, both on line and through other media, to give customers a rich assortment of support offerings to meet their needs." Apple will provide the on-line support, in addition to a large array of customer support services, through the Apple Customer Center in the eWorld Computer Center. The new area, "Ask Apple, USA" is a discussion-board-style forum that is staffed by the same people who answer customers' telephone queries on the company's customer support hot lines. The area is designed so customers can get quick answers to their questions about specific Apple products; from Power Macintosh to Apple Software, to Performa and DOS and Windows products. Customers in the U.S. can post questions to Apple support representatives in this area and receive an official answer from Apple by the next business day. Ask Apple is currently available only for Apple's U.S.-based customers, however, support for international customers is expected soon. Apple's customer support on-line strategy is designed to offer more support options for customers so they can get quick answers to their technical questions, rapid access to technical and support data libraries, keep up-to-date on the newest product announcements from Apple, and easily access software and utility updates. Currently, Apple publishes support information on Compuserve, AppleLink, eWorld and the Internet. However, the company will only provide on-line direct support exclusively in eWorld. eWorld's Apple Customer Center is the best place for Apple customers to get the most out of their Macintosh, Newton or Workgroup Server. The Apple Customer Center comprises the following sections: --Apple Products & Technologies- offers product information and data sheets as well as discussion boards for customer-to-customer interaction about Apple products; --Apple Technical Support - a forum where customers can search and download technical support information and post their technical support questions; --Apple News & Resources - a library of press releases and background information about Apple and its products; --Apple Developer Services - a forum for Macintosh and Newton product developers; --Talk Back: Customer Forum - a bulletin board forum where customers can talk to each other about product and technical issues; -- Apple Cafe - live discussions and exchange of opinions with other Apple users and participation in dynamic, live conferences with guests from Apple. Apple's on-line customer support is just one component of an array of customer support offerings, which include telephone support for customers in the U.S.; Apple Fax on Demand, which offers product literature and technical support information by fax; Apple Support information and Apple software updates published to on-line services and Internet sites; the Information Alley, a bi-monthly electronic news magazine that features popular support tips and in-depth articles on Apple products and fee-based services including the Support Professional Solutions Series, which provides information and support for Apple's corporate customers. eWorld is a powerful, yet easy-to-use, global family of on-line services from Apple Computer, Inc., which include eWorld for Macintosh and NewtonMail--eWorld's messaging service for Newton personal digital assistants. Included on most Apple Macintosh computers, the software is also available free to all US Macintosh users by calling 1-800-775-4556. A windows-based version of eWorld is expected to be available in 1995. Apple Computer, Inc., an information industry innovator, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, on-line services and personal digital assistants. Based in Cupertino, CA., Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufacturers, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific, engineering and government markets in more than 140 countries. Apple Computer Inc 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 --------------- OS/2 SHAREWARE BBS TOPS 10,000 FILES --------------- March 21, 1995 -- The OS/2 Shareware BBS, located in Fairfax, VA, recently exceeded 10,000 files in its growing library of public domain software. The popular bulletin board system came online in 1990 with 300 files and a single phone line. Today the BBS has 18 lines plus a connection to the Internet, and handles 1000-1200 calls a day. The system transfers 10 gigabytes of data in 50,000 files per month. OS/2 Shareware BBS, operated by sysop Pete Norloff, provides a variety of shareware, freeware and demoware, including applications, utility programs, device drivers, programming tools, fonts and multimedia files. For more information, contact Norloff at PNorloff@BBS.OS2BBS.Com, voice (703) 385-0201, or fax (703) 385-6908. The BBS itself can be accessed (up to 28.8K BPS, N,8,1) at (703) 385-4325 or via the Internet at http://www.os2bbs.com. OS/2 Shareware BBS is a member of IBM's Independent Vendor League (IVL). The IVL supports individuals and companies who develop and market books, newsletters, magazines, training videos, courseware and consulting services for OS/2 and other IBM personal software products. ----------------------------------------------------------------- This news release is from the IBM IVL News Service and may be freely copied and distributed. For information about the IVL, call (203) 452-7704, fax (203) 268-1075 or e-mail GailO@Vnet.IBM.COM. Send news and distribution list changes to IVLInfo@Vnet.IBM.Com. --------------- AMERICAN INFORMATION NETWORK BBS --------------- COMPANY OFFERS PUBLIC INFORMATION ON-LINE Canton, Ohio -- March 13, 1995 -- American Information Network has established a commercial BBS network providing information to individuals and businesses. Background information includes: credit reports, driver record histories, motor vehicle registration, criminal records, social security locator, workers compensation records, corporate records....and more. These records and information services are available to you now by voice or computer. These records cover the scope of the nation and can be obtained by calling: voice 216-499-1140 or data 216-456-7771. The goal of AIN is to raise the awareness of the general public as to the availability of public information and their personal protection and responsibility in regards to its accuracy and dissemination. Any business now has access to pre-employment screening as well as background information on existing employees. What can you find out about how your employee drives before letting them drive your company vehicle? Would you like to know the criminal record history of employees or persons who hold positions of confidence? Would knowing a prospective employees workers compensation claims history help in saving your company big dollars and hassles in the future? Is the information presented on that employment application true? Verification of a persons past employment history, education, professional license, degree, and current standing are now available from your desktop. Businesses can be screened to determine their corporate standing by requesting a business credit report which is public information. Find out if they are serious credit risk. AIN US business background report reveals headquarter information, inception date, product lines, number of employees, worth, trends, CEO and key officers, expansion plans, credit overview, public filings, SIC codes, stock information, securing parties, lease agents, key personnel histories, transitions, mergers, new product plans, facility descriptions, branch operations, bank affiliations, published P&L, etc. Furthermore, you can obtain full disclosure of UCC filings and SEC financial summaries. Citations of articles showing the publication, date, and headline of the article found using a company name or key words can also be had. This information may go a long way to securing your business transactions. Public Information. AIN multi-database of information achieves comprehensive coverage of available public information on the county, state and national levels. Anyone is entitled to access public information. AIN adds value to the information by making it electronically available in one-stop fashion. AIN also offers use of its Sherlock software, internet email, online data bridge, free unlimited business computer programs, forums, fax-a-nation service and technical support. The Sherlock database tool will help you find the information you are looking for. It is designed to search our comprehensive database looking for the reports that you have the proper requirements for. In other words, it bases its search on information you already have and returns the list of reports that provide the information you are looking for. The price and turnaround time are also provided. Public record is available to individuals and business and it provides information about individuals and business. Would you like to regain contact with an old friend or relative? The searchs provided by AIN can start you on your way with as little as a name and date of birth (possibly even just a name). Each step provides more information about the subject until you find what you are looking for. Often times only one step is necessary because of the combination of reports and information available. Different investigative scenarios can be pursued with varying pieces of initial data. Possibly just a street name or just a telephone number. With public information, the subject of a particular search is not required to be notified. With this particular fact, many different legal issues can be approached for resolve between parties. AIN has access to the internet. The staff of AIN have access to extensive internet capabilities and uses these features to enhance the informational resources and pathways of communication of the multi-database network. AIN forums are augmented by internet usenet and newsnet feeds. The internet itself is a source of abundant information and is sifted regularly by the staff. The AIN offers its users the option of using internet email for communication. Report requests and results can be transferred entirely through the use of the internet. It is possible for users to avoid all long distance charges involved with cooresponding with AIN. Imagine pursueing your search through your local internet providers email system! These communication capabilities are available to AIN users at any level of membership. There are three levels of AIN membership. They are non-member, member and interface. The non-member account is best for those individuals who will only be occassionally requesting reports. There is no online charge, no access fee and no cost involved with maintaining this account at all. You pay for the cost of the reports that you request and thats all. Payment can be made at the time of the request by postal mail or credit card ( 216-456-6345 for details). A non-member may take advantage of many of AIN services. The member account is best for those persons who will be requesting reports on a continual basis, even at a low volume. There is no online charge, however there is an access fee of $395 and we ask our members to maintain a minimum average balance of $100 in a debit account with us . This allows access to all that we have to offer, including interactivity (the ability to get an immediate response to a request). The cost per report is approximately 30% less than for non-members. The interface is a software program which uses your system as a local front-end for our system. This program is available to most any communication platform or desktop computer. AIN provides automated electronic availability to the entire domain of public information in one stop. With the interface, the one stop can be your system. All levels of membership receive access to internet email, library files, Sherlock, and technical support. Please direct any questions to the following address. --------------- FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES SECURE WEB SERVER --------------- Frontier Technologies Enters Electronic Commerce Market with Secure Web Server and Secure Browser SAN JOSE, Calif.--April 10, 1995--Frontier Technologies, a developer of award-winning TCP/IP applications, today made a strong entrance into the emerging market for Internet-based electronic commerce with the announcement of two new products: a full-function secure World Wide Web server, and a secure version of its Internet access product. The products are being previewed today at Internet World, held in San Jose. Frontier Technologies' SuperWeb is a multipurpose web server that allows corporations to publish marketing information on the Internet as well as conduct financial transactions. Such information may consist of visually-attractive, content-rich documents made up of text, graphics, video or sound. Customers access this information from their desktop computers using a "web browser" such as Frontier Technologies' SuperHighway Access or one of the various implementations of Mosaic. Both SuperWeb and the next release of SuperHighway Access will support data encryption so that customers may safely send credit card numbers or other confidential information over the Internet. "Frontier Technologies is now one of the very few companies to provide a full solution for conducting business in cyberspace," said Dr. Prakash Ambegaonkar, Frontier Technologies' president. "The Internet is growing extremely quickly worldwide, and almost any corporation can benefit from marketing their products and services on the Internet. However, concerns about security as well as the complexities of setting up an Internet presence have proven to be barriers to electronic commerce. Frontier Technologies is leveraging its experience in internetworking to provide complete, easy-to-use products that will enable companies to take full advantage of the Internet. Our mission is to produce innovative products that make businesses more competitive and individuals more productive." A Modular, Scalable Web Server Frontier Technologies SuperWeb is distinguished by its scalability, extensibility and ease of use. Scalability. SuperWeb runs on any Windows NT server as well as Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 (when available). This makes it suitable for, say, a small web server providing internal information for a department or team, or as a full commercial server accepting on-line orders from thousands of customers a day. Extensibility: SuperWeb follows a modular design. The server program performs most of its functions through back-ends: user configurable and extensible programs or scripts that are run by the server to handle a request. This allows for extending the functionality of the server by adding a host of back-ends transparently. For example, once Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) becomes more popular over the Internet, companies will be able to use SuperWeb Server as their initial interface for accepting and authenticating orders from customers; the Server back-end application could query the company's inventory management system to see if the required products are in stock. Another back-end application could be linked to the accounting system, allowing an invoice to be generated and transmitted back to the customer electronically. SuperWeb Server supports the Common Gateway Interface (CGI 1.1), the standard interface for server scripts. Ease of use: Frontier Technologies' intelligently-designed SuperWeb includes a powerful but simple-to-use WebMaster tool that allows even a non-technical administrator quickly configure the server. Several users can access the WebMaster tool from their desktops, so that each user can update and maintain their own files. However, the web server's overall data integrity and consistency is ensured by allowing only a SuperWeb Master (i.e. a user with an extra level of authorization, typically a system administrator) to perform certain key tasks, such as adding applications. Other SuperWeb highlights include a graphics-based Forms Designer, for rapid design of complex forms, several levels of security, including support for the Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (S-HTTP) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, and powerful indexing and searching capabilities. Secure SuperHighway Access Frontier Technologies also announced today the next release of its popular SuperHighway Access product for Windows. SuperHighway Access 2 is characterized by its support for authentication and data encryption (using RSA data encryption technology) as well as numerous enhancements to the current release, including an enahcned Internet news reader, integrated email, a new dialer application, and ISDN support. "SuperHighway Access 2 will allow customers to safely do business over the Internet," said Dr. Ambegaonkar. "Whether it is a customer placing repeated orders with a known supplier, or a consumer making a credit card purchase at one of the on-line shopping malls, SuperHighway Access will ensure the security of the transaction." SuperHighway Access is already recognized as one of the industry's best Internet access products. In a recent review of competing products by Computer Life magazine, SuperHighway Access was the only Internet browser to receive a 5-star rating. The product is distinguished by its ability to support up to 30 concurrent Internet searches, as well as by its unique Internet Organizer that allows users to organize their favorite Internet sites by subject. Pricing and Availability Both SuperWeb and SuperHighway Access 2 will be available this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to release date. Frontier Technologies Corporation 10201 North Port Washington Road Mequon, WI 53092 Sales: 800-929-3054 FAX: (414) 241-7084 Email: Info@Frontiertech.com WWW: www.frontiertech.com --- File 11: HOME TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE SERVICES- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ============================ COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY NEWS: ============================ *** NEW MULTIMEDIA ACCELERATOR *** APPLE REDUCES POWERBOOK PRICE *** COMPAQ INTRODUCES NEW SYSTEMS TO HOME MARKET *** ZENITH DROPS NOTEBOOK PRICES BY ANOTHER 3% TO 13% --------------- NEW MULTIMEDIA ACCELERATOR COMBINES GRAPHICS ACCELERATION WITH DIGITAL VIDEO SCALING INCLUDING SOFTWARE MPEG-1 --------------- Optional Daughtercard Provides Hardware MPEG-1 Playback SAN JOSE, Calif., March 13, 1995 -- Diamond Multimedia today announced a new addition to its family of multimedia accelerators -- the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM. The PCI version of the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM will be available through distributors, computer retailers and mass merchants in March. The VLB version is expected to ship in April. By combining high-performance graphics and full-screen digital video playback, including software MPEG-1, the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM provides a boost in system performance for general Windows and DOS applications, as well as compute-intensive desktop publishing, CAD and digital video software applications. An optional daughtercard, the Diamond Motion Video Player, for the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM provides hardware accelerated MPEG-1 audio and video decompression. The Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM has an estimated retail price (ERP) of $389 for the 2MB version and $559 for the 4MB version. The optional Diamond Motion Video Player carries an ERP of $299. "With the increase in development of games, interactive CD-ROM movies and business applications that use digital video and multimedia functionality, PC users are demanding a single-solution that incorporates high-performance graphics and multimedia capabilities. Those capabilities include digital video scaling and filtering, hardware digital video decompression, live video input in a window, composite video output, consumer 3D graphics acceleration and audio," said Ken Comstock, director of graphics/video product marketing for Diamond. "Diamond is taking the first step to a fully integrated multimedia subsystem, by combining high-performance graphics acceleration and full-screen, scaleable video playback including software MPEG-1 in a new multimedia accelerator, the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM. Additionally, by providing an optional hardware MPEG-1 upgrade module, the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM is meeting the needs of today's multimedia applications in a cost-effective way, while maintaining the ability to expand for tomorrow's more sophisticated multimedia technology." No Compromise Graphics Utilizing the S3 Vision968 graphics engine and the Texas Instruments 3026, a 220 MHz RAMDAC, the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM supports resolutions of up to 1600x1200, color depths to 24-bit True Color, and provides ergonomic, flicker-free refresh rates of up to 120Hz. High resolutions and high color depths are particularly useful for desktop publishing, document image processing and CAD applications on large screen monitors. A lower cost version of the Stealth 64 Video VRAM with a 175 MHz RAMDAC also will be available to OEMs and systems integrators. The Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM for PCI or VLB is available in either 2MB of VRAM upgradable to 4MB or a 4MB version. The 2MB version supports 256 colors at 1600x1200 resolution, 65,000 colors at 1024x768, and 16.7 million colors at up to 800x600. The 4MB version supports 65,000 colors at 1600x1200, and 16.7 million colors at resolutions up to 1280x1024. Smooth, Video Scaling Entertainment and business applications are rapidly incorporating MPEG-1 digital video clips. The Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM allows users to view these new applications in Windows by providing acceleration and full-screen playback of popular video CODEC (compression/decompression) formats including MPEG-1, Indeo 3.2, Cinepak and MS Video 1. The Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM displays smooth, realistic video in a full-screen up to 1280x1024 resolution. It is powered by the S3 Vision968 accelerator, which has incorporated digital video acceleration into the graphics engine using X and Y interpolation, and color space conversion to provide smooth, realistic video images at up to 30 frames-per-second. Optional Hardware MPEG-1 While today's PC applications are limited for MPEG-1, new applications such as video kiosks, multimedia presentation and video-content entertainment software are rapidly approaching that will demand full frame rate MPEG-1 within multiple graphics modes. An optional daughtercard for the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM, the Diamond Motion Video Player will provide higher-performance hardware decode of MPEG-1 video and audio streams. The shared frame buffer architecture of the Diamond Motion Video Player eliminates the compatibility problems found with current MPEG upgrade solutions, and it provides full-screen video playback in multiple graphics modes at full frame rates. It off-loads the MPEG-1 processing from the CPU for smooth, full-motion video on any 486 or above. The Diamond Motion Video Player module utilizes the C-Cube Microsystems CL-450 MPEG-1 decompression chip and the S3 Vision VA integrated circuit for high-quality color space conversion, scaling and dithering. This module also features dual video windows and "video in" capabilities to view live video from NTSC or PAL sources like camcorders, VCRs and laserdisk players. The Diamond Motion Video Player will be available in the second quarter of 1995. Powerful Multimedia Software Interface In order to easily take advantage of the multimedia functionalities of the PC, the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM includes Diamond's InControl Tools productivity software operating under Windows to control the multimedia functions of the accelerator while providing complete desktop management. This intuitive software utility provides audio and video controls such as: video playback quality and frame rate, and audio play and volume adjustment. General desktop functions include "on-the-fly" resolution switching, monitor frequency selection, programmable keyboard and mouse hotkeys, real-time screen centering, DPI calibration, custom cursor color and size, custom icon font size and style, control of screen saver, and standby and off (DPMS power savings) modes. Value-Added Bundles CorelDRAW 4, Asymetrix 3D F/X( and Asymetrix Digital Video Producer( programs are bundled with the retail version of the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM for no additional charge. CorelDRAW 4, a graphics application, provides advanced spreadsheet features, multi-page capabilities, more than 750 fonts, more than 18,000 clipart images and symbols. Asymetrix 3D F/X allows users to quickly and easily create 3D titles, logos and animations using a drag-and-drop interface and a catalog of models and scene elements. Asymetrix Digital Video Producer lets users quickly capture, edit and build digital video and audio clips on their Windows PC using a timeline interface. Users can utilize the fast graphics acceleration and video features of the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM to create multimedia presentations, 3D animations and more. Multiple Operating System Support The Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM currently includes driver support for Windows 3.1, Windows NT 3.5, Windows for WorkGroups 3.11, and IBM OS/2 Warp. Also included are AutoCAD (ADI 4.2) drivers with support for AutoShade 2.0 with RenderMan, AutoCAD r10/386, r11, r12 and r13 as well as drivers for MicroStation 5.0 and 3D Studio r1, r2, r3, and r4. Warranty and Service As with all of Diamond's graphics and multimedia accelerators, the Diamond Stealth 64 Video VRAM is backed by a five-year parts and labor warranty and unlimited technical support. Technical assistance by phone is available six days a week and through the 24-hour Diamond BBS (bulletin board service), CompuServe section and America Online forums. Diamond also maintains an Internet World Wide Web Server and FTP site. Diamond Multimedia Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. is a privately held company that designs, manufactures, and markets high-performance multimedia solutions including graphics and multimedia accelerators, sound cards, audio/telephony subsystems and multimedia upgrade kits for the personal computer market. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Diamond has marketing and technical support facilities in Tokyo and Munich. The company's products are sold through regional, national and international distributors as well as to major computer retailers, mass merchants and OEMs worldwide. Diamond had 1994 sales of over $200 million. --------------- APPLE REDUCES POWERBOOK PRICE --------------- Apple Reduces Price and Adds Value to Most Affordable PowerBook CUPERTINO, California--April 17, 1995--Reflecting its ongoing commitment to provide the most complete notebook computing solutions at the most competitive prices, Apple Computer, Inc. today announced pricing actions and a new configuration of its popular PowerBook 150 value-line. Effective immediately, the price of the PowerBook 150 will be reduced by 27%. At the same time, the company is also offering a new configuration of the PowerBook 150 with twice the hard drive capacity as the original configuration, but at an even lower price. "This product has been especially attractive to first-time computer buyers including customers in the higher education, small business and home markets," said Melissa Broussard, Apple USA PowerBook Brand Manager. "By offering a PowerBook bundled with ClarisWorks software at these price points, Apple is able to attract a new category of customers who desire a ready-to-use solution at a very affordable price." Pricing and configuration changes for the PowerBook 150 are as follows: Model Configuration Former Apple Price New Apple Price PowerBook 150 4/120 $1469 $1,069 PowerBook 150 4/250 New Configuration $1,229 Actual street prices may vary depending on configuration purchased and services provided by reseller. Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to- use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries. Apple Computer Inc 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 --------------- COMPAQ INTRODUCES POWERFUL NEW PCS FOR THE HOME, INCLUDING FIRST 586-BASED PRESARIO PRODUCTS --------------- "QUAD SPEED" CD-ROM DRIVES ENHANCE LIFESTYLE MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE HOUSTON, April 3, 1995 -- Continuing its aggressive pursuit of marketshare in the fast growing home PC market, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today launched 12 new easy-to-use Presario PCs, including the company's first 586-based consumer models. The new line is the industry's first to feature fast "quad-speed" CD ROM drives on all models which greatly enhance the multimedia experience. The new Presario products are ideal for all types of PC users -- from novice to enthusiast -- and lift lifestyle and multimedia computing to a new level. The more powerful 486- to 586-class microprocessors and "quad-speed" CD-ROM drives are combined with the standard set of Presario multimedia features, eight to 16 MB of random access memory (RAM) and more than 20 bundled software titles. The new Presario PCs are backed by Compaq's industry-leading, three-year warranty. With today's announcement, Compaq now offers the broadest range of 586-based products in the industry for home/consumer computing and commercial/business needs. "This new broad range of PCs combine our advanced Presario multimedia features with more processing power to provide home and home office customers with the ultimate in lifestyle enhancing PC appliances," said John T. Rose, senior vice president, general manager, Compaq Desktop PC Division. "Compaq Presario PCs now offer every PC user the ultimate in innovation, quality, dependability, ease of use and value." "Compaq's manufacturing facilities around the world are ramping up high volume production of the new Compaq Presario products," Rose added. New Compaq Presario 500 Models: Built-in Features at a Value Price Three new models of the Presario 500 Series -- CDS 524, CDS 526 and CDTV 528 -- add increased power and performance to the flagship "all-in-one" series of affordable, easy to use, easy to set up PCs. The new Presario 500 Series models range in price from $1,849 (NOTE 1) to $1,999, and offer innovative features such as a space-saving design, integrated monitor, built-in stereo speakers, full-duplex speakerphone and television capability (Presario CDTV 528). The previously announced Presario CDS 524 has been upgraded to include the "quad speed" CD-ROM drive and pre-installed software that is now common across the new Presario line. The Compaq Presario 700 Series: Power and Flexibility Three new models of the Presario 700 Series of slimline desktop PCs -- CDS 744, CDS 762 and CDS 774 -- combine flexibility with core Presario multimedia features, and range in price from $1,699 to $2,099 (without Presario Multimedia Monitor). Full-duplex speakerphone and stereo sound is available when combined with a Compaq Presario Multimedia Monitor, which is designed to maximize the audio and video graphics of multimedia applications with built-in speakers and microphone. The Compaq Presario 900 Series: Exceptional Power and Expandability The popular minitower design of the Presario 900 Series offers premium processing power with plenty of room for expansion and upgradeability, while saving workspace in a small or home office. Six new Presario 900 models -- CDS 954, CDS 972, CDS 974, CDS, 978, CDS 982 and CDS 992 -- range in price from $1,799 to $2,999 (without Presario Multimedia Monitor). Availability The following new Presario models are available immediately in retail locations nationwide: ----------------------------------------------------------------- Hard Quad Product Processor RAM Drive Speed Price ----------------------------------------------------------------- Presario CDS 524 486DX2/66 MHz 8MB 420MB Yes $1,849 Presario CDS 526 486DX2/66 MHz 8MB 535MB Yes $1,899 Presario CDS 744 486DX4/90 MHz 8MB 535MB Yes $1,699 Presario CDS 774 586-class/75 MHz 8MB 725MB Yes $2,099 Presario CDS 954 486DX4/100 MHz 8MB 535MB Yes $1,799 Presario CDS 972 586-class/75 MHz 8MB 725MB Yes $2,149 ----------------------------------------------------------------- The following Presario models will be available in April and May: ----------------------------------------------------------------- Hard Quad Product Processor RAM Drive Speed Price ----------------------------------------------------------------- Presario CDTV 528 486DX2/66 MHz 8MB 420MB Yes $1,999 Presario CDS 762 586-class/60 MHz 8MB 535MB Yes $1,799 Presario CDS 974 586-class/75 MHz 12MB 725MB Yes $2,349 Presario CDTV 978 586-class/75 MHz 8MB 725MB Yes $2,349 Presario CDS 982 586-class/90 MHz 8MB 725MB Yes $2,499 Presario CDS 992 586-class/100 MHz 16MB 1GB Yes $2,999 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Preinstalled Multimedia Software: Something for Every Family Member The new Presario PCs feature more than 20 software titles in a variety of categories including online services, financial management, family "edutainment," reference, productivity, presentation, home management and games. New additions to the collection of pre-installed software range from consumer specialty titles such as Popular Mechanics 1995 New Car Buyer's Guide, to presentation utilities such as Astound Special Edition, to games like King's Quest VI. Superior Ease of Use Compaq's ongoing commitment to increase ease of use is exemplified by enhancements to MediaPilot, Compaq's innovative and intuitive set of software utilities that provide easy access to the Presario family's exciting telephony and multimedia features. The TabWorks "notebook" user interface for Microsoft Windows provides users with a guide to the software bundled on the Presario, as well as quick and easy access to their files and applications. In addition, Compaq is adding a games disk configuration utility that allows customers to easily create a DOS boot diskette to install and play DOS-based games more easily. The games disk utility helps avoid potential incompatibilities and memory conflicts with the industry's top DOS-based games and is only available on Compaq Presario PCs. Because the new Presario PCs that are built after April 1 come "ready to run," total set-up time has been reduced to less than 10 minutes. Customers simply take the new Presario PC out of the box, plug it in, and are immediately able to enjoy the benefits of lifestyle computing. Compaq's new RemotePAQ software, installed on each new Presario, improves product service and support by allowing Compaq technicians to access and communicate via modem with a customer's system to diagnose and fix problems. Compaq is also providing complete system back-up on a CD-ROM disk should customers need to restore their original software to the hard drive. Corporate Background Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers, offering desktop PCs, portable PCs, and servers. Founded in 1982, the company reported 1994 worldwide sales of $10.9 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of more than 38,000 Compaq marketing partners. Compaq also sells directly to customers through Compaq Direct Plus at 1-800-888-5858. Compaq provides 24-hour customer support and can be reached through the Compaq forums on America Online, CompuServe, Internet, and Prodigy, or by calling 1-800-345-1518. NOTE 1: All prices listed are estimated selling prices, dealer prices may vary. Monitor not included in Presario 700 and 900 Series prices. --------------- ZENITH LOWERS NOTEBOOK PRICES AGAIN --------------- Zenith Data Systems drops another three to 13 percent off prices of full-featured Z-NOTEFLEX notebook PCs Special promotions offer Megahertz X-JACK modem and Microsoft Office for up to $850 additional savings Prices also cut on economical Z-STAR EX by up to eight percent ----------------------------------------------------------------- Buffalo Grove, Ill. -- March 28, 1995 -- Zenith Data Systems (ZDS) announced today another wave of price cuts on the popular Z-NOTEFLEX notebook computer product line This continuing competitive pricing strategy drops an additional three to 13 percent off most models of the Z-NOTEFLEX high-end notebooks which were already reduced up to 18 percent last December. In addition, three "Instant Mobile Office" special promotion bundles combine popularly-configured Z-NOTEFLEX models with a PCMCIA modem and best-selling productivity software, saving customers another $250 to $850 off the estimated street price of the items sold separately. "Our latest pricing action firmly positions the Z-NOTEFLEX as a 'best buy' within the full-featured notebook category," said Cliff Jenks, vice president of sales and marketing at ZDS. "And the special promotion packages target corporations that are buying large quantities of notebook PCs to use for remote computing so integral to business in the '90s." These latest strategic moves by Zenith Data Systems reflect the recent flurry of downward pricing activity in the notebook category across the industry. ZDS has aggressively slashed prices on the most popular Z-NOTEFLEX notebook configurations, specifically powerful TFT color systems with DX2/50 and DX4/75 MHz processors. The Z-NOTEFLEX line now has estimated street prices starting as low as $2,069. The "Instant Mobile Office" promotion combines a Z-NOTEFLEX notebook computer and TFT color display with the Megahertz PCMCIA 14.4 X-JACK modem (Model XJ2114), PC Tools for Windows, CommWorks for Windows and CoSession Remote Software. Microsoft Office application suite software is also preinstalled on select "Instant Mobile Office" bundles. "ZDS is sending a very clear message by cutting costs for our customers again," explained Jenks. "We want to reinforce our commitment to keep our competitive position in the market with both robust feature sets and aggressive price points." Priced to Move into the Lead The 13 percent reduction in the price of the Z-NOTEFLEX with an IntelDX2/50 MHz processor, 4MB RAM, a 340MB HDD and TFT color display knocks the old ZDS price of $4,610 down to $4,024, and the estimated street price down to around $3,750. The cost of the Z-NOTEFLEX DX4/75 with 8MB RAM, a 520MB HDD and TFT color display has been cut 12 percent, leaving the new ZDS price at $4,897, down from the previous price of $5,582, and the new estimated street price at approximately $4,550. Even the high-powered Z-NOTEFLEX DX4/100 with 8MB RAM, an enormous 810 million bytes HDD and TFT color display is nine percent cheaper, with a new ZDS price of $5,806, and a low estimated street price of around $5,400. (See accompanying price chart.) "Instant Mobile Office" Bundles Offer Additional Savings "Instant Mobile Office" Bundle No. 1 features the IntelDX2/50 model of the Z-NOTEFLEX with 4MB RAM, a 200MB HDD, TFT color display and the Megahertz PCMCIA 14.4 X-JACK modem (Model XJ2114) for a ZDS price of $3,499, or up to $250 savings. Bundle No. 2 adds preinstalled Microsoft Office to the mix of the modem and communications software with Z-NOTEFLEX model DX2/50 with 8MB RAM, a 340MB HDD and TFT color display for a ZDS price of only $3,899, representing a savings of up to $700. Bundle No. 3 also includes Microsoft Office preinstalled on the faster Z-NOTEFLEX model DX4/75 with 8MB RAM, a 520MB HDD and TFT color display. The ZDS price for this bundle is only $4,299, which will save users up to a whopping $850. (See accompanying price chart.) The Z-NOTEFLEX "Instant Mobile Office" bundles will be offered through ZDS resellers nationwide now through June 23, 1995. Zenith Data Systems is promoting the bundles with a comprehensive print advertising campaign that includes national publications such as Business Week, USA Today and Computer Reseller News, and major newspapers across the country, including the L.A. Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune and the Washington Post. Economical Z-STAR Prices Also Cut Up To Eight Percent Zenith Data Systems has also included the economical Z-STAR EX notebook line in the recent round of price cuts. With prices lowered as much as eight percent, the already affordable Z-STAR EX notebooks are currently available for as little at $1,699. Z-STAR EX savings include a six percent discount on the monochrome DX2/50 with 4MB RAM and a 200MB HDD, now priced at $1,699, or $100 less than the old ZDS price. A four percent price drop in the DSTN Z-STAR EX with a DX2/50 MHz processor, 4MB RAM and a 340MB HDD also now sells for $100 off its previous ZDS price, at $2,299. Eight percent off the TFT color Z-STAR EX with a DX2/50 MHz processor, 4MB RAM and a 340MB HDD puts the ZDS price at $2,999, down $250 from $3,249. (See accompanying price chart.) ZDS Notebook Values Rise As Prices Fall The Z-NOTEFLEX is designed to provide mobile users with all the computing resources normally found on desktop PCs. It features unprecedented user-configurable components and an unparalleled modular design that enables the system to be used longer and in more productive ways than most notebooks. To enhance overall performance of the Z-NOTEFLEX, the benefits of local-bus video and local-bus IDE hard disk drive subsystems are combined to maximize data throughput. The unique modular design of the Z-NOTEFLEX allows users to easily swap the floppy disk drive for an optional second battery pack to further extend Z-NOTEFLEX' s productivity and value. In independent tests conducted by VeriTest, Inc., this year, the Z-NOTEFLEX TFT color notebook delivered over six hours and 45 minutes of real-world computing time with the two batteries installed -- enough time to operate the computer throughout a cross-country airplane flight. "Although Active Matrix (TFT) displays are known for drawing more power than DSTN or other passive displays," the VeriTest technical summary explains, "we have found that the additional sharpness of the TFT display allows us to reduce the backlight of the screen, sometimes making it possible to actually achieve better battery life with the TFT screen." "The Z-NOTEFLEX price/performance equation has always been strong," commented Jenks. "But these additional savings and special promotions make it the leading functionality and performance value available today. Due to its unparalleled modularity, the Z-NOTEFLEX protects our customers' investment by extending its worth into tomorrow far better than the competition." The economical Z-STAR EX line is likewise built with user-upgradable parts and a flexible modular design usually found only in high-end notebooks. It also offers elite functional features like the HandiPoint pointing device embedded in the home row of the keyboard, and an integrated AC adapter cube that slides easily in and out of the floppy/battery slot for increased convenience. Technical Support and Warranty Coverage Zenith Data Systems offers 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, toll-free customer assistance and product support. CoSession remote assistance software is also included standard on all Z-NOTEFLEX and Z-STAR EX notebooks. When used with a modem, it enables a ZDS technical consultant to provide dial-in analysis of a customer's computer system. Z-NOTEFLEX notebook computers are covered by a three-year limited warranty for all parts and labor, which includes Z-CARE on-site, next business day service for the first year, and Z-CARE 48-hour mail-in or carry-in service for the second and third year. All response commitments are based upon commercially reasonable efforts, and all response times may vary depending on availability and/or the nature of the service requested. Z-STAR EX notebooks are backed by one-year limited warranty for all parts and labor that includes Z-CARE on-site next-business-day service. About Zenith Data Systems Zenith Data Systems, a Bull company, is a leading supplier of notebook and desktop PCs, servers, wireless mobile products, monitors and related peripherals. Headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill., the company has engineering facilities there as well as in Santa Clara, Calif. and Billerica, Mass.; manufacturing facilities in St. Joseph, Mich.; and sales locations in more than 30 countries. Prices quoted are ZDS prices. Reseller prices may vary. Resellers determine their own pricing which may be higher or lower than Zenith Data Systems' prices. Savings are based on estimated street prices. Zenith Data Systems, 2150 East Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, Ill., 60089, (800) 533-0331, (708) 808-5000, Fax (708) 808-4434. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Sampling of new ZDS Z-NOTEFLEX pricing Old New Old New Configuration ZDS$ ZDS$ Street$ Street$ Z-NOTEFLEX with IntelDX2/50, $4,610 $4,024 $4,249 $3,750 4MB RAM, 340MB HDD and TFT color display Z-NOTEFLEX with IntelDX4/75, $5,582 $4,897 $5,139 $4,550 8MB RAM, 520MB HDD and TFT color display Z-NOTEFLEX with IntelDX4/100, $6,366 $5,806 $5,859 $5,400 8MB RAM, 810 million bytes HDD and TFT color display ----------------------------------------------------------------- "Instant Mobile Office" special promotion bundles pricing Bundle Configuration Bundle Price Savings Bundle No. 1: Z-NOTEFLEX with IntelDX2/50, 4MB RAM, 200MB HDD, TFT color display and Megahertz PCMCIA 14.4 X-JACK modem $3,499 Up to $250 Bundle No. 2: Z-NOTEFLEX with IntelDX2/50, 8MB RAM, 340MB HDD, TFT color display, Megahertz PCMCIA 14.4 X-JACK modem and Microsoft Office $3,899 Up to $700 Bundle No. 3: Z-NOTEFLEX with IntelDX4/75, 8MB RAM, 520MB HDD, TFT color display, Megahertz PCMCIA 14.4 X-JACK modem and Microsoft Office $4,299 Up to $850 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Sampling of new ZDS Z-STAR EX pricing Old New Old New Configuration ZDS$ ZDS$ Street$ Street$ Z-STAR EX with IntelDX2/50, 4MB RAM, 200MB HDD and monochrome display $1,799 $1,699 $1,699 $1,599 Z-STAR EX with IntelDX2/50, 4MB RAM, 340MB HDD and DSTN color display $2,399 $2,299 $2,290 $2,169 Z-STAR EX with IntelDX2/50, 4MB RAM, 340MB HDD and TFT color display $3,249 $2,999 $3,069 $2,829 --- File 12: COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY NEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ===================================== GENERAL SOFTWARE NEWS AND REVIEWS: ===================================== --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** STRATOSPHERIC OZONE *** ACCOLADE NAMES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS *** NEW ELECTRONIC ORDERING WITH CD-ROM CATALOG *** ACCOLADE OFFERS NEW GAME COLLECTIONS *** VINYL GODDESSES FROM MARS MOVE IN NEXT DOOR! *** ROBOT BATTLES AND ALL THAT STUFF *** ATOMIC NEWS FOR APRIL *** JAGGED ALLIANCE RELEASED --------------- REVIEWS --------------- *** 11 MILLION BUSINESSES PHONE BOOK --------------- STRATOSPHERIC OZONE --------------- STRATOSPHERIC OZONE is a new multimedia CD-ROM for the Apple Macintosh computer. This is the first CD to make a huge NASA database of statispheric ozone measurements available to students, educators, non-specialists, and anyone concerned about the environment, ozone depletion, the Antarctic ozone hole, and protection of the ozone layer. This CD contains more than 500 MB of data for the price of $49.95, plus shipping, handling and sales taxes where appropriate. The CD contents include: - A multimedia program with background information on ozone depletion, the stratosphere, and satellite monitoring of the ozone layer. - More than 14 years of daily and monthly ozone maps for the entire globe in the form of QuickTime movies, including animated sequences showing the progressive worsening of the Antarctic ozone hole during the 1980's (More than 16,000 maps total!) - Actual ozone measurements over the entire globe for every day and month in the record. These can be imported into spreadsheets, statistics, or database programs for your own analysis or for student problems. - Definitions of scientific and technical terms commonly used to describe stratospheric ozone and ozone depletion. - Ozone maps and charts in the form of Encapsulated PostScript files, which can be printed at high resolution on a PostScript laser printer. Further information about STRATOSPHERIC OZONE, including ordering information, can be obtained from Lenticular Press at 409*693-0622, by fax to 800-315-3365, or by electronic mail to sales@lenticular.com --------------- ACCOLADE NAMES WARNER MUSIC GROUP AND HBO EXECUTIVES TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS --------------- SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 27, 1995--Peter L. Harris, chairman of the board and CEO of Accolade, Inc., a leading worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software, today announced the appointment of Paul J. Vldich of Warner Music Group, Inc. and John Billock of HBO to Accolade's board of directors. The appointments were made shortly after Warner Music Group acquired a significant minority interest of Accolade January. Warner Music Group joins Prudential Equity Investors as major investors the company. Accolade's other board members include, John A. Downer and Mark Rossi from Prudential Private Equity Investors. The company also today announced the appointment of Stan Roach to executive vice president and Rob Harris to vice president of technology. The two industry veterans share a combined 21 years of experience in the computer and video game industry. As Warner Music Group's Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Business Development, Paul Vidich is involved in the company's on-going development of opportunities in multimedia, cable television programming, direct marketing, music merchandising and other ventures that complement its core businesses. Vidich joined Warner Communications Inc. in June, 1987. Holding the position of Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Home Box Office, John Billock is responsible for affiliate sales and operations as well as the consumer marketing and market planning areas of the company. He also oversees the company's creative service and on-air promotion departments. Since joining HBO in 1978, he has held various management level marketing positions. "The wealth of experience and the positions Paul Vidich and John Billock hold within their organizations will help shape the future of Accolade," said Peter Harris. "With the investment from Warner Music Group and the powerhouse of talent all our board members bring to Accolade, we are well positioned to be a major player in the interactive entertainment industry." Accolade, Inc. is a leading interactive entertainment company with products published under the Accolade and Sport Accolade labels. The company currently develops and publishes sports, action/adventure and other entertainment software for CD-ROM personal computers and next generation gaming systems. Leading game brands include Jack Nicklaus Golf, Charles Barkley Basketball, HardBall, Bubsy and Star Control. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Accolade is one of the largest privately held companies in the interactive entertainment industry. Its products are distributed in North America by Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Corp., a unit of Warner Music Group. Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129 408-985-1700; Fax: 408-246-1053 --------------- ONE STEP ORDERING FROM CD-ROM CATALOGS --------------- One-Step Ordering from CD-ROM Catalogs Now Possible With Link to Electronic Purchasing New EDI Connection Also Updates Prices, To Slash Costs, Reduce Errors, Save Time Wilton, CT, March 20, 1995 -- A consumer might like thumbing through a 4,000-page catalog, but in business there isn't that much time. Ordering business products has now been reduced to the click of a button, with CD-ROM catalogs and electronic purchasing. As part of a joint marketing relationship, Automated Catalogue Services L.P. and TSI International have developed the first standards-based commercial-grade system to enable electronic viewing and purchasing of business products. ACS has developed a CD-ROM version of Baxter International's Source 2000 catalog, which lists 80,000 hospital supply items. Source 2000 is now linked with TSI's OnCall*EDI purchasing system, bringing efficiency and accuracy to what has been an error-prone process when performed manually. In conjunction with OnCall*EDI, an automated procurement system now rolling out to the U.S. market, hospitals can browse, view, and select products to be ordered directly from a CD-ROM with the equivalent of 4,000 printed pages. Orders are then transmitted to Baxter electronically from the same Windows-based desktop system. In addition, current pricing information is transmitted directly from Baxter to the OnCall*EDI database, and then integrated with Source 2000. "In all industries today, accuracy and timeliness of product information is key for maximum sales," said Torrey Byles, Director, Electronic Commerce, BIS Strategic Decisions, a market research company. "Electronic catalogs are much faster and cost effective than paper, in getting new products in front of buyers. Especially in technology-intensive industries, new products are constantly coming out and product cycle times are getting shorter and shorter." Connie Galley, president of TSI International, said, "This relationship, which stems from the successful combination of Source 2000 and OnCall*EDI, signals a new era in business-to business electronic commerce. It is logical and fortunate that it started in healthcare, an industry under enormous pressure to reduce administrative costs." "Pricing inaccuracy is a major contributor to administrative overhead in any industry", added Steve Katz, president of ACS. "Based on this early success, ACS and TSI are jointly pursuing other opportunities, and we expect to announce support for additional industries later this year." OnCall*EDI is an electronic procurement gateway for hospitals that removes the complexities of conducting business electronically with suppliers. It provides a rich set of easy-to-use facilities for sending and receiving purchase orders, order acknowledgments, invoices, and price catalogs. OnCall*EDI is designed to accommodate the EDI requirements of all healthcare suppliers, including competitors. ACS Catalogue Services L.P. is a division of VNU-USA, a major publisher of business information. ACS creates electronic catalogues and automated quotation systems for specific industries as well as individual companies. ACS headquarters are in Wayne, PA. VNU-USA is located in New York, NY. TSI International provides software and services focused on delivering business solutions for electronic commerce. TSI products include advanced systems for EDI management, tools for "mapping" electronic data to computer applications, and pre-built solutions for entire trading communities. Over 7,000 organizations worldwide use TSI software to conduct business electronically. TSI is a privately held company with headquarters in Wilton, CT, and major offices in Chicago, IL, Boca Raton, FL, and London, England. TSI International 45 Danbury Rd Wilton, CT 06897 203-761-8600, fax 203-762-9677 --------------- ACCOLADE OFFERS A TRIO OF "COLLECTIONS" ATTRACTIVELY PRICED FOR PC CD-ROM OWNERS --------------- Product/category/price: Star Control Collection, action/adventure - $29.95 HardBall III: The Collection, baseball simulation - $29.95 Jack Nicklaus Golf Tour Collection, golf simulation - $29.95 SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 27, 1995 - Accolade expects to delight both sports and action/adventure enthusiasts with a trio of "Collection" products for PC CD-ROM owners. The Star Control Collection, HardBall III Collection and Jack Nicklaus Golf Tour Collection all feature several previously released products on one CD. Each "Collection" is sold separately at the suggested retail price of $29.95. The Star Control Collection combines Star Control and Star Control II, both award-winning games that have remained popular favorites from both the press and the consumer since their original release in 1990 and 1992, respectfully. Star Control combines elements of strategic challenge and energizing arcade action, and is cleverly designed in such a way that players who want only the excitement of starship-to-starship space battle can forego the scheming and precise, step-by-step planning preferred by strategic players. Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters is a hybrid action/role-playing adventure set in the spectacular science fiction universe established in the original, award-winning Star Control. This sequel once again pits the player against the iron-clawed fascism of the evil Ur-Quan Hierarchy. Both products remain graphically gorgeous even years after their original release. HardBall III: The Collection contains Accolade's award-winning baseball simulation, Al Michaels Announces HardBall III and its two add-on disks, HardBall III MLBPA Players Disk and HardBall III Big League Ballpark Disk. HardBall III: The Collection offers gamers over 650 of today's major league baseball stars on the fields of 26 authentic big league ballparks. It offers superb graphics, endless playability and Major League realism. It is a one or two player game in which players assume the role of team manager supervising the players and controlling their performance. Players can compete in exhibition games, a complete 162 game season including an all-star game, play-offs and championship games. The product offers instant replay, and the ability to save and print team and player statistics right from the HardBall III program. Authentic play-by-play commentary by legendary sportscaster, Al Michaels completes this computerize baseball environment. The MLBPA Players Disk features digitized color photographs of real players from all 26 Major League teams. It provides baseball fans with an entire league of players including the names, faces and statistics. The Big League Ballpark Disk contains 18 stadiums (eight are included in HardBall m) from around the U.S. Additional season schedules, including one for expansion teams, are also provided. Each of the stadiums are rendered in 256-color VGA graphics and built to exact specifications to look and play like real life, and include such authentic characteristics as the correct distances to walls, and foul territories. Jack Nicklaus Golf: The Tour Collection contains the best-selling Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design: Signature Edition and two accessory course disks, Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Volume I and Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Volume 2. Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design: Signature Edition and both accessory disks were developed in association with Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Productions. In Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design: Signature Edition, golfers are challenged to two of Jack's finest course designs: water intensive English Turn Golf Club (New Orleans), home of the USF&G Classic, and rugged Sherwood Country Club (Thousand Oaks, CA), site of the Franklin Fund Shoot-Out hosted by Greg Norman. The Course Designer provides a remarkable utility for players to create their own signature courses, complete with super-realistic objects and backgrounds, down to the finest, most dazzling detail. And once a hole is created, it can be played instantly. Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Volume I features two courses: The Links of Muirfield in Scotland, site of the recent British Open and the site of Jack Nicklaus' first British Open Championship and Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio, site of Jack Nicklaus' annual Memorial Tournament. Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Volume 2 features two completely original courses compiled from the winning entries to the 1993 Accolade Design Contest. The "Design Contest" challenged computer golfers to create the perfect par 3, par 4 or a par 5 golf hole using the course designer feature in the Signature Edition. Accolade, Inc. is a leading interactive entertainment company with products published under the Accolade and Sport Accolade labels. It currently develops and publishes sports, action/adventure and other entertainment software for CD-ROM personal computers and next generation gaming systems. Leading game brands include Jack Nicklaus Golf, Charles Barkley Basketball, HardBall, Bubsy and Zero Tolerance. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Accolade is one of the largest privately held companies in the interactive entertainment industry. Its products are distributed in North America by Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Corporation, a unit of Warner Music Group. Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129 408-985-1700; Fax: 408-246-1053 --------------- "VINYL GODDESS FROM MARS" --------------- STORY In the year 200 billion a small ship races across the galaxy taking The Vinyl Goddess From Mars to the esteemed intergalactic B Movie convention. In mid transit, a meteor shower strikes without warning and the ship is engulfed in a sea of rocks and debris. Badly damaged by the cosmic storm, the ship careens off course. Desperately, The Vinyl Goddess twists knobs and pulls levers to regain control. The best that she can hope for is to eject and let the ship crash land on the strange planet below. It's up to you to help the lovely goddess find and repair her ship and collect all of her belongings before it's to late to reach the convention. Take control of the Vinyl Goddess in beautiful 256-color VGA environments, scrolling smoothly at 70 frames per second! This is the fastest and smoothest scrolling rate possible on a PC! Vinyl Goddess from Mars features 3 action packed episodes: Forests of Old After a devastating crash, The Vinyl Goddess finds herself alone and lost on a forbidden, unknown planet. This first episode takes place largely in the depths of an ancient forest. The trees stand gnarled, worn and look extremely uninviting. Ruins of a lost civilization dot the land, and in them lurks the unknown. You must take control of the Goddess's every move and ultimately determine her destiny. Caverns of Chaos Packs of hideous, flesh eating, fire breathing beasts have plagued Vinyl's progress from the start. This episode will prove to be no less perilous. With the odds stacked steeply against our heroine what chance could she possibly have? It will take a brave soul and a will of iron to defeat all that Vinyl will face in this, the second installment of 'The Vinyl Goddess From Mars', trilogy. The Return This is the third and final episode in the trilogy. It is in this episode that Vinyl will face her greatest challenges. Vinyl has already explored much of her immediate surroundings and slain many creatures (all bad of course). This heroine stuff is hard work. At least the Vinyl Goddess is a rugged, well seasoned adventurer. Well, in the movies she is anyway. If Vinyl does not make it through this last turn of events, she will surly be late for the esteemed B movie convention. Help her please! GAME FEATURES - Super smooth 360 degree scrolling, running at 70 frames per second! - Vibrant 256-color VGA animated graphics. - Three episodes, with over 25 huge levels! - Awesome Adlib and Sound Blaster compatible music track. - Sound Blaster compatible digitized sound effects. - In-game save and restore options, with selectable skill levels. - Supports keyboard play and joysticks (also works with the Gravis Gamepad). REQUIREMENTS - 386DX or better (486 for best playability). - 570K (583,680 bytes) of free conventional RAM. - Hard drive. - VGA graphics. CONTACTING UNION LOGIC SOFTWARE PUBLISHING Mailing Address: P.O. Box 31039 100 Bayshore Drive Nepean, Ontario K2B 8S8 Canada Telephone Numbers: (800) 583-4838 (Orders) (613) 828-1173 (Questions and technical support) (613) 599-7245 (Fax) Electronic Mail: Internet: unlogic@globalx.net FINDING UNION LOGIC'S GAMES ONLINE (1) UNION LOGIC'S HOME BBS: SOFTWARE CREATIONS BBS To download any Union Logic game, call one of the following numbers: (508) 365-2359 1200/2400 V.42/MNP Lines (508) 368-7036 2400-14.4k HST (508) 368-7139 2400-16.8k V.32/V.42bis (508) 368-0457 2400-21k HST/V.42bis/V.32 (508) 365-9352 2400-28.8k V.32/V.42bis All Union Logic games can be found in Section 185. (2) INTERNET FTP Union Logic's titles can be accessed via anonymous FTP at our FTP site. The site is "ftp.unlogic.com", and the directory is "/pub/unionlogic". UPCOMING GAMES * RADIX: Into the Void - Awesome sci-fi true 3D shooter with fully texture mapped environments and 3D rendered objects! * Tactical Factor - Action packed top view scrolling adventure at 70 FPS! * DDM (Death, Destruction, Mayhem) - Ultra smooth overhead shooter with true-to-life physics system! * Granite - Smooth-scrolling, skill-testing, addictive puzzle game! --------------- CHICAGO, Ill. --- January 7, 1995 --- Brad Schick announces the debut of Robot Battle 1.1, an exciting new strategic simulation for Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows NT. Robot Battle simulates the design and building of intelligent robots that compete in deadly combat. The goal is to devise robots that can defeat others from all over the world. Robot Battle brings players custom designed robots to life with stunning sound effects and vivid real-time animation. Only robots with keen tactics, intelligence, and adaptability will survive. Robots are created using an event driven scripting language. Players only need a text editor and their imagination. No previous programming knowledge is required. In fact, Robot Battle is an excellent way to start learning to program. Most modern computer systems are based on event driven techniques very similar to those learned while playing Robot Battle. The robot scripting language actually allows for the creation of robots that learn. As a match progresses, well-designed robots adapt to their surroundings, enhancing performance. Several reviewers have classified Robot Battle as an artificial intelligence simulator rather than a game. Make no mistake, however, Robot Battle is intended for fun. "I was amazed at the concept... Robot Battle makes it possible to write very distinctive robots that are fun to watch in action." writes reviewer Karl Zilles. Robot creation starts by dreaming. Players attempt to fashion robots that can prevail in any situation. The best robots are not the strongest, but rather the most cunning. Robot Battle is bundled with several intriguing robots which speed the learning process. Even before players create their own unique designs, these sample robots are exhilarating to watch. Of course, learning to build intelligent robots is the games ultimate challenge. Eventually, players will want to match their wits against other skilled robot designers. Robot Battle provides an avenue for this. Several worldwide competitions are planned to find the greatest robots around. All contestants will receive final results including overall contest information and detailed individual statistics. Innovative new robots can already be found on the Internet. The robot battle has begun. SPECIFICATIONS 7 Operating Systems: Windows 3.1 and Window NT 7 Processor 386sx or better 7 Equipment Sound card recommended 7 Disk Space 1.2 MB CONTEST DEADLINES 7 March 1st, 1995 7 November 1st, 1995 FTP Sites (file winrob11.zip): 7 ftp.cica.indiana.edu 7 ftp.wustl.edu Brad Schick robotblt@aol.com --------------- ATOMIC NEWS - APRIL 1995 --------------- Hi folks! Its April and Atomic Games has A LOT going on! Watch Us Grow! First on the list, I'd like to welcome Doug Walker and Jeff Wesevich to the Atomic Family. Jeff has been working as a contractor for us and has been the lead programmer for the World at War series. Jeff also worked on V for Victory:GJS, while in the employ of an evil, unmentionable company. Doug has also been a contractor for Atomic, responsible for the strategic AI in the World at War series. In addition to continuing this role, Doug will also be point man for us in our many Internet endeavors. Beyond Squad Leader Next, Beyond Squad Leader is moving right along! Even at this stage of Alpha testing, several of our testers send back lengthy play-by-play reports that read like chapters out of Six Armies In Normandy! The bazooka/panzer faust teams now function properly and the animations for them are FANTASTIC! We have also tweaked the mortar teams so that indirect fire is more useful than it was, but still not nearly as good as direct fire with your spotter. We have completed all the vehicle and crew-served weapon animations (including tanks with turrest that turn independently of the chassis and even cast their own shadows!) We'll be adding them to the game as soon as we and the testers are comfortable with the behavior of the infantry. D-Day: America Invades The next installment in the World at War series is about ready to roll off the production line! D-Day: America Invades will cover the Utah Beach and Omaha Beach landings. This will include some of the V for Victory:Utah Beach scenarios you may already know, as well as a few you've never seen - plus a combined Utah/Omaha campaign game at the 1 km/hex, battalion/company scale. Add to that new graphics and graphics routines, and all the other "standard features" of the award-winning World at War series. Look for a late summer release. Patches For the past 2-3 months, we have been struggling with a nagging problem in the Stalingrad Mac-to-PC play by email system. We found a couple of minor things (and fixed them) but the main problem eluded us until just recently. Without boring you with programmer-speak, the problem dealt with a difference in the way the Mac and PC compilers we use handle floating point numbers. Jeff has now removed most of the floating point calculations from the system (no small task) and is about ready to begin testing the Stalingrad patch. The Crusader patch is currently in testing and fixed a few minor things we found while working on the Stalingrad patch. It also upgrades Crusader to include some of the new features we introduced in Stalingrad. All patches will be made available as soon as they have cleared the testers. Avalon Con Hey! Be there or be square! Avalon Hill's own annual convention will this year feature a World at War:Stalingrad tournament as well as the official debut of Beyond Squad Leader. Computers will be on site and set up for attendees to actually play BSL before the public at large. This is your chance to see what all the nay-sayers haven't seen. In addition, I believe Avalon Hill is planning tournaments for at least one other of their computer games as well as the myriad tournaments for their classic board games. I know *I'm* going to have a busy weekend! Internet Atomic has had an Internet server for some time now. This is a machine that is connected directly to the internet and is always (usually!) available. If you have a World Wide Web browser, come take a look at our site. The address is http://atomic.com/. This month will also see Avalon Hill coming to the World Wide Web, as well as Stanley Associates, Big Time, and several others. Soon, Avalon Hill will be able to actually take credit card orders from the Web by using RSA encryption. Isn't technology WONDERFUL! In addition, Atomic has set up the following email addresses: (CompuServe users will have to insert INTERNET: in front of these addresses) feedback@atomic.com - Send your general comments about our products or services here. Your mail will be echoed to Atomic and Avalon Hill. listserve@atomic.com - Send the word HELP in the body of your message. We will automatically send back to you (within minutes) a detailed discription of discussion groups - what they are, how they work, how to join. We currently have email discussion groups for each Stalingrad and Crusader. Each group has over 300 people on it. sightings@atomic.com - We often hear that people can't find our products on the shelves. We'd like your help in assessing the extent of this. If you are someplace that you think should carry our games, please let us know if they do. If not, see if you can find out why not. It is amazing what some sales people have reportedly claimed. Please include enough information so that we can contact the store directly. ALSO please let us know if you see any V for Victory CD-ROMs. These are bootlegs and Atomic is trying to get a handle on just how many are out there and where. Again, please include enough information so that we can contact the store directly. We appreciate your help. Soon, atomic will have our own UseNet groups and we're working on several other "really cool" Internet projects. A Personal Note I have had several magazines call me asking 2 questions that I feel I must answer publicly. 1) Is Avalon Hill going to stop selling their computer games in the stores? NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT! How this rumor got started I can only guess. AH is doing everything in its power to INCREASE its retail presence. In addition, they are vigorously pursuing direct mail and, with Atomic's help, they are opening up the Internet sales avenue. But we do not look at these as being exclusive of each other. Not at all. 2) Does the departure of Jim Rose cause any concern for Atomic? Is Atomic moving over to Jim's company? At the risk of repeating myself, NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact, HELL NO! I'm HAPPY he's gone and would never for an instant consider following him. Avalon Hill has been wonderful to Atomic as a company and to each of my employees (and my family) personally. I know of no more honest and genuinely good people than Jack and Eric Dott. Before we started working together, I had heard some negative things about AH and the Dotts. After almost 2 years of being friends with them, I can tell that all the negative things I had heard are FALSE. In short, Atomic and Avalon Hill are extremely happy with each other and plan a long and fruitful relationship. I guess that's it for April. See you next month! Keith Zabalaoui President Atomic Games --------------- JAGGED ALLIANCE RELEASED --------------- Ogdensburg, NY -- April 15, 1995 -- Sir-tech Software, Inc. announced today the release of Jagged Alliance for PC/CD-ROM and MS-DOS 3.5" formats. Jagged Alliance is the first in a new series and a new genre of strategy role-playing games. Combining a delicate mix of high technology, tactical maneuvers and strategic planning with a nerve-racking storyline, Jagged Alliance will take the gamer's strategy and role-playing talents to the very limits. According to Ian Currie, R&D Director and lead designer of the project, Jagged Alliance achieves what few strategy games have been able to do, "The introduction of a story and personality brings the strategy game to the next level widening its appeal to both strategy garners and role-players alike. We set out to create a balance between the two genres and we're excited by the entertainment value the mix created." "What would happen if you took MicroProse's X-COM, sucked out the aliens, injected more "personality" and role-playing elements, and then threw the thing onto a jungle island? You'd probably get something resembling Sir-tech's long-awaited game of tactical man-to-man combat, Jagged Alliance," said Chris Lombardi, Editor of Computer Gaming World. An incredible amount of digital speech and over 4,000 lines of professionally recorded dialogue brings each merc and character in the game to life. Intricate writing, attention to detail and individualized design of each of the 60 mercs provides the gamer with a unique gaming world filled with a myriad of entertaining dialogue and personalities. Detailed sound effects will pull the gamer into the jungle air and make them feel the impact of every gunshot, as they travel through the treacherous island landscape. Storyline The island of Metavira is invaluable as the only known source of the Fallow tree, a tree whose sap is a vital ingredient in a precious medicinal sap. As the tree is seedless and lacks the ability to reproduce, the limited quantity of sap available is of great concern. Jack and Brenda Richards, a father and daughter scientist team, are dedicated to researching the delicate procedure necessary to tap the trees and more importantly, finding a cure for its infertility. Lucas Santino, a once trusted fellow researcher, now traitorous, has his own agenda. Motivated by greed, Santino seeks to control of the only source of the Fallow tree's sap, and has nearly succeeded in taking over the island. Jack and Brenda turn to the gamer, a person with connections to A.I.M. (the Association of International Mercenaries) as their only hope of regaining control of the island. Game Play Gamers will try to put together their team of mercenaries by reviewing the dossiers of 60 mercs. Each merc has their own skills and abilities, quirks and idiosyncrasies. Gamers will soon discover that each merc has their own distinct personality and preferences. Jagged Alliance's merc interaction is unique and incomparable to any game published to date. The interactivity of the mercs will provide gamers with an uncompromising level of diversity and entertainment. Balancing a team is an important aspect of all party-based role-playing games. Jagged Alliance is no exception. Finding the balance of tough, mean-fighting mercs and the behind the lines doctoring and mechanical talent is up to each individual gamer's preference. Once a team is gathered, gamers will determine how, when and where the mercs move. Strategic planning and tactical maneuvering go hand in hand as the gamer sets out to regain control of the island piece by piece. Of course. there is one hitch. Santino's thugs will be on the move too. Intense, turn-based combat lets the gamer carefully consider every move. The intricate AI (artificial intelligence) of Santino's men and the treacherous traps will keep the gamer fully engrossed and aware of every detail within Jagged Alliance. Real-time is the normal, continuous passage of time. Once the gamer has secured an area, game play changes to real-time allowing the gamer to quickly and conveniently scout out the area for any of the goodies Satino may have stashed for his troops or detect any of the traps the thugs may have set up. Jagged Alliance is not about brute force combat. Gamers will use different approaches for different situations. There are a variety of different actions mercs are capable of and a myriad of war time tools at their disposal. Strategies can vary and there are a multitude of ways to tackle Santino's forces. Creativity in gamer's tactics will pay off in the end. Features * 60 mercenaries to choose from, each with their own attitude and voice, offers the gamer uncompromising variety. Some of the mercenaries have strange quirks, others are just strange. * Gamers have the ability to build on the mercenaries' strengths and skills to develop a mercenary to their strategic standards. * Over 2,000 frames of intricately detailed overhead animation bring mercenaries to life with natural fluid motion. * Intense turn-based combat allows the gamer to plan every action. * Full screen playing area and strategic view that engulf the gamer in exciting action while maximizing the view for strategic planning. * 60 diverse playing fields filled with heart-stopping missions as gamers traverse into enemy territory. * Three exciting levels of play allow the gamer to experience the mission at their own speed and to replan their attack time and time again. Of course, the gamer's choice will determine how tough the campaign will be. The option will affect the size of the enemy's army, their aggressiveness and their cunning to name a few. The "Easier" level may well be useful for first time gamers, while the "Harder" setting is recommended only for the seasoned, hard-core gaming veterans who are locked, loaded and ready for action. * Dramatic musical score reflects changing evens and heightens the interactive experience. * Spectacular digitized sound effects throughout game play. * Non-linear game play: How each game unfolds depends entirely on the gamer. * Frustration-free play: Seamless and intelligent interface allows the gamer to battle Santino and his men, not the computer. Jagged Alliance's strategic nature offers an inherently replayable game to the user since the opponent's actions are truly based on the gamer's actions. Santino's men are ruthless and unpredictable opponents, challenging gamers to the most intense playing experience on the market. "Jagged Alliance appears to be a deep, sophisticated game that will keep tactical combat fans, and maybe even role-players, locked, cocked and ready to rock," Chris Lombardi, Computer Gaming World, April 1995 issue. Founded in 1981, Sir-tech Software, Inc. is a veteran game publisher focused entirely on the entertainment sector. Both internal and external product development are supported for personal computers. New products to be introduced in 1995 will have full CDROM multimedia capabilities, including full speech and graphic enhancements. Sir-tech's products are known for their interactivity, vast gaming worlds and rich and detailed storylines. Sir-Tech Software Inc PO Box 245, Ogdensburg Business Center, Suite 2E Ogdensburg, NY 13669 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Available Spring 1995 Full Speech CD-ROM MS DOS 3.5" Speech Pack Clue Book Product Features * 100% Digital Speech on CD-ROM version * Exciting Blend of Strategy & Role-Playing * Unique Combination of Real-time & Phased Combat * Realistic Overhead Perspective * Spectacular Digitized Sound Effects * Dramatic Musical Score * Fine-tuned Artificial Intelligence * Non-linear Game Design * Stunning Cinematic Sequences * Rich & Detailed 3D Modeled Animations * 60 mercenaries... 60 attitudes... 60 voices - over 4,000 lines of spoken dialogue * Over 2,000 frames of intricately detailed overhead animation bring characters to life with natural fluid movements * Full screen play area and strategic view engulfs you in exciting action and maximizes strategic planning * Heart-stopping suspense as you venture into more than 50 diverse playing fields * Strategically plan your approach to regain control of the island * Manage the inflow of cash from the harvest against the cost of running an expensive & delicate mercenary operation * Detect and avoid traps and hazards left by the enemy * Use tactics of your own to lay traps, destroy bridges & buildings and sabotage enemy command posts * Search out supply strongholds and vital pieces of hidden information * How each game unfolds depends entirely on you Technical Specifications: Product Classification: Strategy Role-Playing Simulation Required: IBM & 100% Compatibles, 80386/33 processor or better, Mouse CD-ROM Version: 15 MB free Hard Disk space, CD-ROM Drive 3.5" Disk Version: 15 MB free Hard Disk Space (25 MB incl. cinematics) Memory Requirements: 4 MB RAM Graphics Requirements: 256-Color VGA Recommended: 80486/33 or better, 8 MB RAM Sound Support: Ad Lib/Gold, Sound Blaster/Pro/16/AWE32, Pro Audio Spectrum, Gravis Ultrasound, Roland MT-32/LAPC-1, MPU401-interface General MIDI Available Formats: Enhanced CD-ROM and MS-DOS 3.5" High Density with Optional Speech Pack Storyline: Metravira - a remote island in the South Atlantic. Once used as a controlled nuclear testing site, today it is a scientific research center and the only known source of a toxic sap used to fight a degenerative children's disease. Unfortunately the sap is the product of a seedless tree which cannot reproduce. Brenda Richards, a researcher, and her father Jack have dedicated their lives to the tapping, discovering and documenting the delicate procedure necessary to bring the sap in without loss of potency. Lucas Santino, a fellow researcher, has his own agenda. Motivated by greed and inspired by resentment, he seeks to control the only supply of the much needed medicine. In desperation, Brenda and Jack turn to you, a person with connections to AIM (the Association of International Mercenaries), a person familiar with conflict and combat, with the resolve to ensure the trees are protected, and calculating enough to regain control of the island so business can return to normal. An exciting new game approach - REAL-TIME ROLE PLAYING AND STRATEGY - Puts you in the thick of the action! ORDERS ONLY: (800) 447-1230 INFORMATION: (315) 393-6633 --------------- REVIEWS --------------- 11 MILLION BUSINESSES PHONE BOOK American Business Information It's easy to get spoiled by all the fascinating information sources available to computer users these days, from encyclopedias to movie guidebooks to the biggest phonebooks in the world. This doesn't qualify as the Biggest Phonebook In The World, obviously, but it does qualify as a reasonably useful resource -- though it's one with a few flaws and a handful of limitations. The limitations are perhaps the most aggravating part -- as you'll very quickly find when you open up the disc package, ABI is earnest about having you provide a continuing supply of cash to their coffers. With that in mind, the disc installation slaps you with two limits: you can only do 5,000 lookups (this may be a lot for most people, but for some it's just a beginning) and you have one year in which to do them, before the software demands you update it. In the meantime, you're peppered with nudges about ABI's other data services. In terms of flaws, the interface makes searching a slow and sometimes difficult task -- when starting a search, you can't begin by narrowing down the search very much; rather, you're forced to make a broad search first, after which you can narrow the search down a little. As you can imagine, this tends to make for slow progress. Once you've acquired a collection of names via the search function, your next step is to go into another window, in which you'll see listed all of the names pulled up from the database, along with cities and state abbreviations. Alas, if you've managed to pull up more than seventeen or eighteen possibles, you're in for more waiting -- each screenful means another wait while the interface pulls information from the database on the disc. Apparently, there's not much in the way of buffering being done here. Once you select a name for full information you'll find that while a street name is given, a street address isn't. The print routines are likewise flawed, mainly by way of slowing those down as well -- each detailed selection printed is placed on its own page, surrounded by plus for American Business Information services. During the print routine, everything else stops dead. While the desire to sell mailing list services and such is understandable, the prevention methods are, literally, a drag. 11 MILLION BUSINESSES PHONE BOOK is otherwise fairly nicely done. It will dial the phone for you, and even has a voice interface that will read off the phone numbers. In the case of some businesses, a current fax number is provided along with the telephone number. It's a useful reference tool to have to hand, despite the frustrations imposed by the limitations. The price is certainly right -- obtaining business phonebooks covering this amount of territory would likely be prohibitive, whereas this disc is generally obtainable at a price well within the average consumer's budget. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --- File 13: GENERAL SOFTWARE NEWS AND REVIEWS--- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995, by Speaking Tree Productions. ============================== HOME OFFICE NEWS AND REVIEWS: ============================== --------------- NEWS: --------------- *** ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING WITH ORGILL & COMPANY *** THE ULTIMATE CALCULATOR IS HERE *** ALADDIN SYSTEMS SHIPS NEW UTILITY FOR MAC *** WEST BEGINS CD-ROM DUPLICATION *** SOLIS LAUNCHES PATHWAY FOR WINDOWS --------------- NEWS: --------------- --------------- ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING WITH ORGILL & COMPANY --------------- Orgill Brothers & Co. Hardware Meets Software Early in 1990, Orgill Brothers & Co., a hardware wholesaler, faced a marketing concern common to many large companies today. Double digit growth for each of the last eight years had propelled the Memphis based company to the top of its industry. (Orgill products include sporting goods, electrical and plumbing supplies, well as common, everyday household hardware items.) In spite of the company's impressive growth, Orgill could not sit still. They felt that the rapid changes in the hardware industry would continue to require new ideas. In order to remain the leader, they needed to respond quickly as new opportunities opened up. Orgill realized that flexibility in all of its areas of operation was an absolute necessity. Market and geographical expansion were creating a very diverse set of market and dealer demands both in the domestic and the international arenas. Nothing dramatized Orgill's predicament quite so clearly as its expansive product catalog. This book was 10 inches thick, weighed 34 pounds and contained information on 47, 000 hardware products. In the past, it had always served its purpose well. No other hardware distributor provided the quantity and range of products that Orgill did. A great deal of effort continually went into writing informational copy about the 47,000 products offered. The bulk of information in the catalog was at times something of a liability. Not every customer needed all items offered since the product selection was intended to present every conceivable item of merchandise a hardware store could ever want. But now Orgill was uncovering some very profitable markets that were not traditionally hardware based. This group, the company realized, needed only a subset of Orgill's selections. Multiproduct, multimarket companies once felt unable to respond in a personalized and efficient way to the individual needs of each of their customers. Orgill's management recognized it faced such a dilemma. They understood that they had no choice but to make changes in the way they approached these companies. They knew that the new standard for sales and service in the global economy requires that companies focus their products' appeal to individual customers. The challenge they saw was to accomplish this without sacrificing efficiency and in creasing their costs. For companies selling a variety of products to many customers, Orgill's plight was all too familiar. They saw that in industry after industry, market sensitive suppliers were succeeding by acting on the simple recognition that each customer is different, with unique preferences that influence their purchases. In addition to low price, fast delivery, and variety, customers required services that were customized to their needs. One of the primary reasons for Orgill's unparalleled growth is that they began this customization process eight years ago. The company was long accustomed to exploiting its cost and distribution advantages to provide competitive benefits to its customers, Orgill executives reasoned. So why not extend its leadership position by developing a world class ability to anticipate, shape and fulfill customer needs -whatever, whenever and however those needs presented themselves. Using extremely sophisticated database software, Orgill began providing customized bin stickers and price stickers for every single one of their 47,000 products, for each specific customer. Additionally, customized pricing and merchandising plans and even optional service plans were offered. The hardware wholesaler had already made a significant investment in database information system and electronic publishing technologies. It was now time to leverage those assets by developing a product information medium that could exploit its competitive advantages. In the past, Orgill was able to achieve only a certain degree of customization with its product literature. Much more was needed, but the process was an inefficient one at best. Incompatible data from one system had to be rekeyed into another system, and transcription and proofing errors were common. Hence, creating a special document often took months. The DPS system they purchased will link data residing in Orgill's separately maintained databases with the company's electronic publishing systems. By collecting, organizing, formatting and publishing this linked data dynamically, Orgill will be able to assemble multiple versions of the same catalog, customized section of the catalog, direct mailers, advertisements, price lists, and indexes. The company will be able to do this while continuously revising product and pricing information, based on the information extracted from its sales and inventory control information systems. To achieve this dynamic linking of data, Orgill has chosen a cross systems solution. This solution is a combination of very powerful software, SmartLeaf/ExpertPublisher, and services provided by DataBase Publishing Software. This new system does more than store and reuse the contents and format of customized documents. It actually records and automatically applies a set of business-driven rules that determine document content, format, structure, and organization on a per-customer basis. Orgill will combine these rules to create and update a library of automation recipes. Each recipe will tell the software how to create a customized publication based on a variety of conditions. A catalog recipe, for example, can query a sales database and a product database and use the information found there to produce a catalog unique to an individual customer based upon specific profile information. Orgill's implementation of SmartLeaf/Expert Publisher has required very careful data modeling and some contract programming effort. The company has had to commit significant resources in software development, system integration and business planning to assure the success of this project. Orgill is currently half way through the eight month development process and has begun to see signs of success. Omer Berry, Manager of Office Administration at Orgill Brothers, expects refinement and changes to this system to go on almost indefinitely because Orgill never accepts that things can not be done better. Mr. Berry feels the opportunities offered by the SmartLeaf/Expert Publisher system are endless, and within the next two months they will begin to see the fruits of their labors and will have accomplished their intended goal. DPS would like to thank Omer Berry and Orgill Brother 's & Company for their cooperation in bringing you this article. DataBase Publishing Software Inc 400 West Cummings Park, Suite 5300 Woburn, MA 01801 617-938-0018, fax 617-938-3810 --------------- ULTIMATE CALCULATOR 2.8 NOW HAS TSR OPTION & MORE GRAPHING FEATURES --------------- APRIL 18, 1995 -- MIAMI, FLORIDA -- Daniel Corbier announces the release of version 2.8 of Ultimate Calculator (UCALC). This new version has the long awaited TSR option which allows the program to be invoked at any time by pressing a key. It takes less than 6K of main memory. This version also contains many new graphing features. UCALC, which received a 4-star rating on the Ziff-Davis shareware forum, is a multi-purpose graphing calculator which can be used for simple daily arithmetic, or intricate scientific calculations. It supports many built- in functions, operators, numerical notations, and modes. It can evaluate expressions, solve equations, perform numerical integrations, summations and more. It plots polar, parametric, and cartesian equations. The graphing menu supports tracing, zooming, filling and more. UCALC works on PC compatibles with no special requirements, although it does take advantage of a VGA monitor and math co-processor when present. It is a DOS program, but runs perfectly in Windows 3.x. Despite its many features, UCALC is small in file size. The design of UCALC is directly based on the input of many beta testers and users who wanted a calculator that was easy to use, yet takes maximum advantage of the computer's power. A fully functional shareware copy can be downloaded from Compuserve, in the IBMAPP forum, library 13 (Tech/Engr/Science), UCAL28.ZIP. Internet users can FTP it from garbo.uwasa.fi, pc/math/ucalc28.zip. Registration is $25. Registration removes all reminders. Daniel Corbier, 20410 SW 92 Place, Miami, FL 33189 CIS: [75541,1523] Internet: corbier@satelnet.org Fidonet: 1:135/110 --------------- ALADDIN SYSTEMS SHIPS NEW UTILITY --------------- Watsonville, CA (March 20, 1995) -- Aladdin Systems, Inc. today began shipping Aladdin Desktop Tools 1.0, a new set of seven System 7 utilities that give users a better way to organize and manage their everyday desktop functions and chores. Aladdin Desktop Tools accelerates and streamlines basic file management and Finder activities such as trashing, printing, copying, opening, and saving. The Aladdin Desktop Tools package is comprised of the following time-saving, Desktop-enhancement tools: Desktop SpeedBoost eliminates the long wait during the three most basic chores: copying, duplicating, and trashing items. Desktop SpeedBoost accelerates all of these operations while giving users more flexibility. Users can copy multiple files, folders, or disks simultaneously, empty the trash while duplicating a file or folder, and copy files in the background while working in the Finder or any application. Desktop SpeedBoost is based on the popular SpeedyFinder7 shareware utility. Desktop Shortcut gives users the ability to find, open, and view the contents of files instantly. Desktop Shortcut gives users a direct route to priority files and folders by placing them together in one menu in each application's Open and Save dialog. Users can also search for lost files by name or revision date, even if they are located in StuffIt archives. Desktop Shortcut makes working with StuffIt archives even easier, by allowing users in an Open dialog to "walk" into a StuffIt archive as if it were a regular folder. Users can double-click a file in an archive to immediately UnStuff and open it. Desktop Shortcut is a newly-revised version of Aladdin's award-winning Shortcut utility. Desktop Viewer allows users to view the contents of files without having to open (or even own) the application that created them. Desktop Viewer is able to view files in JPEG, PICT, Sound, and Text formats. StuffIt archives can also be viewed, and individual files can be UnStuffed from within the viewer. A Programmer's Viewer is included to allow viewing of resource and data forks. Finally, Desktop Viewer can utilize XTND translators if they happen to be installed on the end user's system. For example, if a Microsoft Word XTND is installed, then Desktop Viewer will be able to view Microsoft Word documents. Users can print and copy information from within a viewer, and perform a Find to search for text. Desktop Printer creates printer icons and allows users to switch printers instantly. This feature allows users to print to any output device in one step by dragging the document onto one or more printer icons. Users can also set the current printer by simply double clicking on the icon without ever going to the Chooser. Desktop Printer also supports fax modems, allowing users to fax documents by dragging and dropping them on a fax modem icon. Unlike System 7.5's Desktop Printer feature, Aladdin's Desktop Printer does not require the RAM-intensive QuickDraw GX to be installed. Desktop Makeover makes the desktop more useful by adding a number of handy conveniences to the Finder. This utility eliminates the "application can't be found" alert and replaces it with "how do you want to open this document?". Users can also add Command-key equivalents to Finder menu items. In addition, diskette icons display the disk size and whether the disk is locked or not. Desktop Makeover also offers Balloon Help and alias management enhancements. Desktop Makeover is derived from the popular SpeedyFinder7 shareware utility. Desktop Magic Tools adds a menu full of useful tools to the Finder. This utility provides users with the capability to copy or move a selection of files or folders into any destination folder without opening windows, get more information than the Finder's "Get Info" provides, and have new aliases automatically placed into specific locations. In addition, users can view the contents of files without opening the application that created them. Desktop Magic Tools is an extension to Magic Menu which is included in this package. Desktop Secure Delete securely erases sensitive files. Since file recovery programs are very good at recovering trashed files, Desktop Secure Delete not only trashes them, but renders them unrecoverable from file recovery utilities. "What's nice about Aladdin Desktop Tools, is that there's something in there for everybody," says Product Manager JoAnn K. Butts. "Creative professionals will enjoy the power of Desktop Viewer; networked users will love Desktop Printer because they never have to deal with the Chooser again; and everybody will love Desktop SpeedBoost's background copying and Desktop Shortcut's convenience. Users will agree that after Aladdin Desktop Tools has been on their machine, they'll wonder how they ever got by without it." Additional Information Aladdin Desktop Tools enhances the functionality of other Aladdin products on the end user's system. For example, the viewers which come with Aladdin Desktop Tools will be available from within StuffIt Deluxe and SITcomm. Owners of these products can simply choose "View" from a menu and see the contents of their files. One aspect of Aladdin Desktop Tools that sets it apart from existing utilities, is that it is designed to complement other system enhancement packages which might be installed on the end-user's computer. This way, the user can take advantage of indispensable features in Aladdin Desktop Tools, without giving up features they may use in other packages. Aladdin Desktop Tools runs on any Macintosh series computer with 2MB of RAM and System 7 or later. Aladdin Desktop Tools is a commercial software product available directly from Aladdin and major mail order houses and carries a suggested list price of $89.95. Look for the upcoming Japanese localization of Aladdin Desktop Tools shipping April, 1995. Special Pricing Aladdin is extending a limited-time special introductory offer of $39.88 to registered owners of any Aladdin commercial or shareware product or Victor Tan's SpeedyFinder7 shareware utility. New users can order Aladdin Desktop Tools for a limited-time special introductory price of $49.95. All special pricing expires May 31, 1995. Founded in 1988, Aladdin Systems, Inc. is credited with creating the compression standard for applications and communications for the Macintosh platform. The company's product line includes the StuffIt Family of products including StuffIt Deluxe and StuffIt SpaceSaver, award-winning products which offer comprehensive solutions for compression, translation, and archiving. Aladdin has branched out into the telecommunications arena with the introduction of SITcomm, which was a finalist for the 1993 MacUser Editors' Choice Award for Best Communications Product only three weeks after its debut. Aladdin's developer tool, StuffIt InstallerMaker, is the installer of choice for leading software developers, network administrators, and MIS directors. The StuffIt Family of products received Macworld's prestigious World Class Award for Best Compression Utility the past two years in a row. StuffIt Deluxe was also awarded Mac Home Journal's 1994 Readers' Choice Award, the 1994 MicroTimes Editor's Soapbox Award, the 1992 MacUser Editors' Choice Award, and many others. Aladdin is one of the few remaining pioneers committed to the shareware and freeware philosophy of software distribution and marketing. Their commitment has helped garner millions of users worldwide. In addition, over 2,000 software developers, including Microsoft, Claris, and Apple, have licensed Aladdin's data compression and installation technology. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Aladdin Systems 408/761-6200 --------------- WEST BEGINS CD-ROM DUPLICATION --------------- West Begins Replicating CD-ROM Libraries in Eagan March 31, 1995 -- West Publishing, one of the nation's oldest and most respected providers of legal information in both print and electronic formats, has begun replicating the optical discs for its CD-ROM libraries at West's headquarters facility in Eagan, Minnesota. West published its first CD-ROM library in 1988, and today offers nearly 150 different titles on CD-ROM, which stands for Compact Disc-Read Only Memory. Information on West CD-ROM Libraries can be searched electronically using West's PREMISE Research Software. Each disc, roughly 4 3/4 inches in diameter, can store in excess of 250,000 pages of searchable text. Until recently, the discs carrying West's name and exclusive editorial enhancements were replicated at a 3M Company plant in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Late last year, West purchased the equipment needed to replicate CD-ROMs and trained a group of its own employees to use this sophisticated machinery. "West has always been at the leading edge of technology, both in the delivery and production of our products," said Craig Jilk, vice president of Production. In 1994, for example, West became the first publisher in North America to begin using a direct computer-to-plate system in its prepress operation. This environmentally friendly piece of equipment, called the Krause LaserStar, utilizes laser technology to eliminate the use of film and photo-processing chemicals in the plate-making process. Pieces of plastic become vast libraries of information in less than six seconds! How is it done? The process of replicating CD- ROMs is highly mechanized. A series of robotic arms are programmed to move the discs through the various stages of production within West's CD-ROM production lab. The first stage involves injection molding. Molten plastic is injected into a circular mold containing a stamper disc, which is produced from the master disc of a particular CD-ROM library. When compressed by more than 60 tons of pressure, the stamper leaves sub-micron impressions in the newly molded disc. Those tiny impressions, called "pits," are what the laser inside a CD-ROM drive reads to display text on a computer screen.-more-After it has been molded and quickly cooled, the disc is moved by robotic arm to a metalization chamber, where a thin film of aluminum is applied. The aluminum film gives the disc the reflective qualities needed for a laser to properly read the disc. From there, a protective coating of lacquer is applied and cured, and finally, the machine inspects the quality of each disc and discards any that do not meet the highest standards. The entire process just described takes only about 5 1/2 seconds per disc, from start to finish. The final step involves printing the logo, title and contents information on a single side of the disc using a dry, offset press. The CD-ROM replication equipment is located inside a "clean room" within West's 1.2 million square foot Eagan production facility. After an extensive training and testing period, West will soon begin producing customer copies of its CD-ROM libraries using the new equipment. It is estimated that as many as 3 million discs will be replicated at West annually. West is the only publisher to provide legal researchers with a complete CD-ROM library. West CD-ROM Libraries includes case law for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the federal courts; statute libraries for more than 30 states as well as the United States Code Annotated; and an increasing number of topical libraries. PREMISE Research Software is available for Windows, DOS and Apple Macintosh environments. PREMISE combines the familiarity of book research with the efficiency of computer- assisted research. PREMISE offers users a complete graphical user interface, several interactive capabilities and a seamless online link to WESTLAW, West's computer-assisted legal research service. For more information on CD-ROM replication at West Publishing, call Ruth Stanoch at 800/778-8090, ext. 77808. --------------- SOLIS LAUNCHES PATHWAY FOR WINDOWS --------------- Solis, a leading supplier of multimedia training products and services, has announced the launch of Pathway for Windows, the most versatile and powerful computer managed instruction (CMI) system now available. Pathway is a complete multimedia courseware integration tool. Designed for stand-alone and local area network (LAN) environments, it organizes discrete courses into customizable curricula, launches all courses through a single user-friendly interface, and tracks learner performance to virtually any database. The tool gives training administrators complete control over learning activities, including enrollment, prerequisites, passing grades, passwords, rosters, and other parameters. "Pathway means unprecedented flexibility and cost-effectiveness in training automation," said Tom King, Director of Professional Services at Solis. "Instead of developing a CMI system from scratch or purchasing an expensive customized system, organizations can use Pathway to integrate their existing computer based training, and store learner performance data in their existing data bases. This approach saves money now and keeps options open for the future." "Pathway is the most sophisticated CMI system on the market," said Jeff Burton, Director of Software Engineering at Solis. "We designed it as an open system. On the integration side, you can launch courseware developed in Authorware Professional, Icon Author, Visual Basic, Multimedia Toolbook - in fact, it'll work with any authoring system. On the tracking side, Pathway can be linked to any database that is ODBC-compliant [Open Data Base Connectivity], which means everything from Oracle to Access. Plus the interface is a great leap forward in CMI user-friendliness." The product will appeal to any organization that needs an advanced curriculum integration tool, but particularly to organizations that must meet regulatory training requirements (e.g., OSHA), that have large learner populations, or that certify learners in different competency areas. This includes medium to large organizations in aviation, financial services, health care, manufacturing, utilities and other industries. Pathway comes bundled with Pathmaker, a curriculum designer. With Pathmaker, training managers can design curricula to suit the competency requirements of different learner populations. Pathmaker can set prerequisites, beginning and expiration dates for courses, review options, and many other parameters. Features of Pathway Pathway is a full-featured computer managed instruction (CMI) system for Windows. It offers unprecedented flexibility in integrating, delivering, controlling, and tracking multimedia learning activities. * Navigates through computer and non-computer based learning materials * Tracks learner activities and performance in computer-based learning materials * Provides administrators control over rosters, enrollments, and reports * Controls access to training * Security feature can require log-on with password * Provides automatic time-out feature * Can specify a start date that prevents learners from accessing a course before a certain date * Can restrict access to Windows desktop for learners. This contributes to system security. * Provides three ways to filter rosters. Filter facility is available in roster screen, enrollment screen and for reports. Administrators can work with a subset of the entire roster. * E-mail system allows learners and administrators to communicate * Launches any DOS program that can be run under Windows * Stores learner performance information in any database that has an ODBC driver. The ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) specification is supported by most popular database vendors, including Microsoft, Oracle, Sybase, Watcom and others. * Supports customized linkage to other databases (e.g., human resources data base) * Designed to comply with the AICC (Airline Industry Computer-based training Committee) international CMI standards. AICC is not industry-specific, and any authoring system can produce compliant activities. Pathway works with compliant and non-compliant programs. * Written in C++ for maximum efficiency and performance * Uses Microsoft Windows Multiple Document Interface * Provides on-line help * Runs on any screen resolution from 640x480 to 1024x768 and higher Features of Pathmaker * Pathmaker is a complete curriculum designer. It functions as an outliner, pulling various training resources into a single file to create a course. Pathway uses course files to route learners to activities. * Ties individual learning activities together * Accommodates complex course structures, with no limits on number of levels in hierarchy * Features DOS path synchronization to help keep file paths consistent and manage file directories and locations * Can specify expiration dates for courses, and restrict access after the specified date * Supports required, optional, introduction, and epilogue assignment styles * Allows user to input completion date (e.g., for non-computer based activities) * Supports both a description and location of non-computer based activities * Supports four different review options including unrestricted review, restricted after a specific number of accesses, review until complete, and review until passed * Supports time delay to prevent review of an activity after an access * Includes time estimates for activities * Provides option to indicate scoring for an activity (e.g., maximum score, passing grade) * Able to weight activity scores, indicating relative importance of activities * Option to turn question/quiz data tracking (item analysis) on or off * Supports activity and topic prerequisites * Presents activities one at a time or all at once, as desired * Prints course outlines System Requirements Microsoft Windows 3.1 VGA display, 256 colors 4 MB RAM ODBC database engine driver For More Information Pathway is now available. For more information and a free working model, contact Solis at (415) 696-8700, or by fax (415) 696-8703. About Solis Solis is a multimedia consulting company that focuses on three core business areas - multimedia learning integration, interactive multimedia development, and training of multimedia developers. Solis is a Macromedia Authorized Training organization and has offices in San Mateo, CA and Hudson, WI. Solis 107 South B Street, Suite 350 San Mateo, CA 94401 415-696-8700 (voice) 415-696-8703 (fax) solisinc@aol.com --- File 14: HOME OFFICE NEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995 by Speaking Tree Productions. =========== BOOK NEWS: =========== *** BEN ELTON'S "THIS OTHER EDEN" *** WORKING WITHOUT A NET *** NEW EDITION OF DALE CARNEGIE CLASSIC *** OBSESSING ON CALVIN KLEIN'S BIOGRAPHY *** MIRACLE UNDER THE OAKS - SAVING NATURE *** DILBERT GETS AHEAD? *** THE ERGONOMIC PC *** MCGRAW-HILL'S COMPUTER DICTIONARY *** MCGRAW-HILL ADDS 21,000 TITLES TO TITLENET *** PEACHPIT TITLES FOR SPRING *** THE OCCULT SYSTEM OF THE PENNSYLVANIA SETTLERS *** BREW UP A MAGICAL POTION OR TWO *** BREAKDOWN: SEX, SUICIDE AND THE HARVARD PSYCHIATRIST *** JIM MARRISON'S "JULIP" *** NEW FOLGER'S LIBRARY SHAKESPEARE EDITIONS *** AN UNFORGETTABLE COLLECTION OF ROMANCE *** CARRIE FISHER HAS DELUSIONS OF GRANDMA *** NESFA PRESS TO RELEASE ZENNA HENDERSON'S "INGATHERING" *** THE DEL REY INTERNET NEWSLETTER FOR APRIL 1995 --------------- BRITISH COMEDIAN BEN ELTON'S FUTURISTIC "MASTERPIECE" - THIS OTHER EDEN --------------- Ben Elton, perhaps Britain's best known stand-up comedian and author of several highly successful works of fiction, including the bestselling STARK, which was made into a three-part adaptation for BBC-2, returns with another hilarious futuristic romp, the #1 British besteller THIS OTHER EDEN (A Pocket Books Trade Paperback Original/May 1995/$12.00). If the end of the world is nigh, then surely it's only sensible to make alternative arrangements. Certainly the Earth has its points, but what most people need is something smaller and more manageable. Of course there are those who say that's planetary treason, but who cares what the weirdos and terrorists think? Nathan doesn't. All he cares about is that his movie gets made and that there's somebody left to see it. In marketing terms the end of the world will be very big. Anyone trying to save it should remember that. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ben Elton is one of Britain's best-known stand-up comedians. He writes his own material and is also a successful television writer whose credits include "The Young Ones" and "Black Adder." He has also written two successful West End plays, "Gasping" and "Silly Cow". He hosted the TV series "Saturday Night Live" and is the author of two novels, STARK and GRIDLOCK, both bestsellers. When not touring, Ben Elton lives in London. THIS OTHER EDEN Ben Elton A Pocket Book Trade Paperback Original May 1995/$12.00 (U.S.) 384 pages 0-671-89702-0 --------------- POCKET BOOKS ANNOUNCES THE PUBLICATION OF "WORKING WITHOUT A NET: HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE IN TODAY'S HIGH RISK BUSINESS WORLD" --------------- Pocket Books has announced the publication of WORKING WITHOUT A NET: HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE IN TODAY'S HIGH RISK BUSINESS WORLD (Pocket Books Trade Paperback/May 1995/$14.00) by Morris R. Shechtman. New attention was focused on this previously published book when Newt Gingrich recommended it in his speech following his nomination as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on December 5, 1994. At that time, Gingrich had a recommended reading list of eight documents. Among them were the Declaration of Independence, Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" and WORKING WITHOUT A NET". Hailed by the WASHINGTON POST as "easily the most thought-provoking of Gingrich's management books," WORKING WITHOUT A NET shows the connection personal values have with business decisions and behaviors. Shechtman says, "The traditional approaches aren't working. The losses suffered by our major corporations are monumental and intolerable. We are doing a poor job of handling change, and because the pace of change is accelerating, we won't survive without new management skills." In WORKING WITHOUT A NET, Shechtman tells us what the new rules are, what every organization and individual can do to take advantage of them, and provides six paradigms that have been applied successfully by thousands of individuals and organizations. Showing how to work with these paradigms in both professional and personal life, he discusses the most common obstacles to growth and success that people in high-risk cultures face, and delves into new definitions of conflict, anger and loyalty. Morris Shechtman is an internationally known management consultant and corporate psychotherapist whose clients include Rust-Oleum, Prudential, and the Young President's Organization. Shechtman has brought about remarkable gains in individual and collective productivity by teaching managers how to become agents of personal growth and development. He lives in St. Charles, IL. WORKING WITHOUT A NET was originally published by Prentice Hall Career & Personal Development in 1994. An audio tie-in to be read by the author is also scheduled for simultaneous release by Simon & Schuster Audio (2 hours/2 cassettes/ $16.00). WORKING WITHOUT A NET Morris R. Shechtman A Pocket Books Trade Paperback May 1995/$14.00 ISBN: 0-671-53581-1 272 pages --------------- THE LEADER IN YOU - HOW TO WIN FRIENDS, INFLUENCE PEOPLE AND SUCCEED IN A CHANGING WORLD --------------- By Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. For nearly a century, the bestselling works of Dale Carnegie & Associates have translated into proven success, and have sold over 30 millions copies to date. Redesigned for the nineties and beyond, THE LEADER IN YOU (Mass Market Paperback/May 1995/$5.00) helps harness creativity and enthusiasm to work more productively, using insights from leading figures in the corporate, entertainment, sports, academic, and political arenas. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide includes strategies to help readers: - Identify leadership strengths - Achieve goals and increase self-confidence - Eliminate an "us vs. them" mentality - Become a team player and strengthen cooperation among associates - Balance work and leisure - Control worries and energize life - And much more! Carnegie's timeless wisdom clearly shows how to apply these basic techniques and lessons in everyday life - and find the leader in you to succeed in today's fast-changing world. ABOUT THE AUTHOR For eighty years, Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. has been training people at all levels to get the most out of what they put into their careers. In THE LEADER IN YOU, they draw on insights from two of their top executives, Stuart R. Levine, CEO and Michael A. Crom, VP, in order to bring time-tested human relations principles to a new level of relevance in today's unpredictable business environment. THE LEADER IN YOU: How To Win Friends, Influence People and Succeed In A Changing World Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. A Pocket Book Mass Market Paperback May 1995/$5.99/0-671-51998-0 --------------- AVON BOOK PUBLISHES "OBSESSION: THE LIVES AND TIMES OF CALVIN KLEIN" --------------- The Highly Controversial And Revealing Biography of This Famous Fashion Innovator By Steven Gaines and Sharon Churcher Calvin Klein is one of the most recognizable celebrity fashion designers of our time. His quintessential American style, his controversial erotic advertising, and his trademark on jeans, underwear, and fragrances have made his name known around the world. But who is the genius behind the two billion- a-yea fashion empire? Best-selling author Steven Gaines and investigative reporter Sharon Churcher uncover the man behind the "designer label" in OBSESSION: THE LIVES AND TIMES OF CALVIN KLEIN, an Avon Books paperback reprint ($5.99 U.S./$7.99 Canada) on sale nationally beginning April 12, 1995. Both a riveting business story and a scandalous portrait of fashion, power and selfcreation, OBSESSION is based on more than one thousand candid interviews with Klein intimates, lovers, and business associates, and is packed with titillating revelations about the man who revolutionized the way we dress. The authors chronicle Klein's ascent in New York's cutthroat garment industry; from his modest Bronx childhood to his climb up America's fashion ladder, building in the process, an influential financial kingdom. The authors also detail the collapse of Klein's first marriage; his glittering nights on the town inside New York's hottest club, Studio 54; the nightmare surrounding his daughter's kidnapping; his drug and alcohol abuse; and his secret sexual obsessions. The book also tells the story of his marriage to Kelly Klein and his newly sober lifestyle. OBSESSION discloses the real Calvin Klein: intelligent and creative, self- indulgent and driven. An American icon whose designs have won him numerous honors, Calvin Klein is still at the top of the fashion fame and OBSESSION reveals why his style will never go out of style. About the author: STEVEN GAINES is the co-author of the bestseller "The Love You Made: An Insider's Story of the Beatles" and of "Simply Halston: The Untold Story". As an investigative journalist, his work has appeared in Vanity Fair, New York, and Fame. He lives in East Hampton, New York. SHARON CHURCHER, the author of "New York Confidential", is a former reporter of the Wall Street Journal, and has written on politics, business, and high society for the New York Times Magazine, GO, and New York. She lives in North Salem, New York. OBSESSION: THE LIVES AND TIMES OF CALVIN KLEIN by Steven Gaines and Sharon Churcher An Avon Books Mass Market Reprint May 1995/On sale April 12, 1995 $5.00 U.S./$7.99 Canada ISBN: 0-308-72500-2 --------------- MIRACLE UNDER THE OAKS - THE REVIVAL OF NATURE IN AMERICA --------------- By New York Times Science Writer William K. Stevens. As environmental news concentrate on large-scale destruction of natural ecosystems, loss of species, and the prospect of a changing climate, a vital grassroots movement to restore nature is underway. MIRACLE UNDER THE OAKS: THE REVIVAL OF NATURE IN AMERICA by New York Times science writer William K. Stevens (Pocket Books Hardcover/May 1995/$22.00) brings alive one of its most astonishing victories, illustrates how the Vestal Grove project is the spearhead of a broader ecological restoration movement sweeping the country. When restorationist Steve Packard first saw Vestal Grove, a tract of land along the Chicago River (a half-hour northwest of Chicago's Loop), it was a dead ecosystem strewn with debris. The site was chocked by twenty-foot-high thickets of European buckthorn, whose dense growth obliterated the original grasses and flowers, destroying not only the savanna ecosystem but also any possibility of knowing what it was like. But he was determined to rescue this once-thriving habitat, and began a detective-like study of what could be planted to help the lost, finely-tuned ecosystem come to life. At its modest start, Packard was joined by twelve volunteers to gather seeds from a nearby prairie. He then had to contend with the local authorities skeptical of burning as a method of clearing undergrowth. Now, the savanna blazes with color and includes species with uncommon names such as false dragonhead; rattlesnake master; golden alexanders, mad-dog skullcap; yellow pimpernel; seneca snakeroot; cream gentian; canada milk vetch; meadow parsnip; maple-leafed goosefoot; small sundrops; swamp buttercup; large-flowered trillium; bloodroot; and on and on. Long-gone species of fauna, their habitat returned to them, have come back. Intriguingly named butterflies like the great-spangled fritillary and the banded, striped, and Edwards's hairstreaks, have reappeared. Birds such as the rose-breasted grosbeak, crested flycatcher and peewee are thriving. "Every time I walk through here I get all tingly. I feel this great excitement and peace at the same time, the way you might feel walking into the Sistine Chapel. Its' almost holy. It's rich, healthy, and ancient - and young at the same time," says Packard. At the same time, the restoration movement is thriving - with thousands of acres and volunteers active in projects across the country. MIRACLE UNDER THE OAKS captures the essence of Vestal Grove, an evolutionary masterpiece, and why the movement it represents is so vital to our well-being. About the author: William K. Stevens is a science writer for The New York Times. He has been with the newspaper for more than twenty-five years, and is one of its leading environmental journalists. MIRACLE UNDER THE OAKS The Revival of Nature in America William K. Stevens Pocket Books Hardcover May 1995/$22.00/ISBN: 0-671-78042-5 --------------- DILBERT GETS AHEAD? --------------- BRING ME THE HEAD OF WILLY THE MAILBOY - A DILBERT BOOK BY SCOTT ADAMS Kansas City, MO -- Dogbert doesn't just accompany his owner, Dilbert, to the office. The egg-shaped, bespectacled canine has it in mind to rule the place (as well as all other facets of Dilbert's life!) Following on the fabulous success of the four previous Dilbert collections, BRING ME THE HEAD OF WILLY THE MAILBOY (Andrews and McMeel, $8.95) chronicles the further escapades of this curious team. BRING ME THE HEAD OF WILLY THE MAILBOY stars the innocent Dilbert, a laid-back computer expert with a heart of gold. His four-legged pal believes that people are morons and that he, Dogbert, should be proclaimed Supreme Ruler. Considering the cast of characters that surround these two -- Dilbert's clueless boss and co-workers -- Dogbert just might have a point! Dilbert fans have been clamoring for more the low-key techie and his acerbic dog; the strip now appears in more that 175 daily and Sunday newspapers nationwide, as well as college papers, corporate newsletters, and America Online. In addition, Dilbert-licensed merchandise, from T-shirt and caps to computer gear like mousepads and wrist rests, have recently been released. Creator Scott Adams -- who actually works as an applications engineer in a California telecommunications company -- does it again in this newest book that pokes fun at office life everywhere. BRING ME THE HEAD OF WILLY THE MAILBOY By Scott Adams ISBN: 0-8362-1779-9; Paperback; Price: $8.95 Publication Date: April 28, 1995 --------------- THE ERGONOMIC PC --------------- The Ergonomic PC is Must Reading for Employers, Managers, and Computer Users Expert advice on how to reduce computer-related hazards and boost employee productivity BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Computers have revolutionized the way we work and play, but the old "too-much-of-a-good-thing" adage has already begun to ring true. Ailments related to the prolonged use of computers--carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain, headaches, back problems, and others--now account for fully one-third of all worker's compensation claims. What can be done to stem this rising tide? Plenty, according to The Ergonomic PC, a pragmatic look at how to ward off or reduce potential PC health hazards. As authors Baird Peterson and Richard Patten explain in their unique guide, creating a more user-friendly work environment often is merely a matter of making minor adjustments to existing workspaces and making more informed decisions about hardware, software, and furniture purchases. In The Ergonomic PC, readers will learn how to: - Select a Video Display Unit - Arrange lighting to eliminate eyestrain - Select and arrange furniture - Choose input devices such as keyboards, mice, trackballs, and touchscreens - Decide on the most user-friendly software - Evaluate worker's compensation law and office workplace standards The book also contains an extensive bibliography followed by appendices listing furniture and equipment suppliers and pertinent organizations. About the authors: Baird Peterson (Excelsior, Minnesota) is a software development consultant and contributing writer for ComputerUser. He holds a PhD. from the University of Minnesota. A board-certified human factors expert, Richard Patten (Minneapolis, Minnesota) has a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He also is a certified practitioner in human factors who has worked for major corporations. McGraw-Hill, Inc. Professional Book Group Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850 1-800-233-1128 Fax: 1-800-932-0183 The Ergonomic PC: Creating a Healthy Computing Environment Baird Peterson and Richard Patten Paper $27.95 - ISBN 0 07 049664-1 Publication Date: June 1995 320 pp., 100 illus., 7 x 10 Available In bookstores or from the publisher (1-800-822-8158) --------------- Comprehensive, Value-Packed Computer Dictionary is Updated to Cover More Than 1,400 New Terms BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Now in its fourth edition, The McGraw-Hill Illustrated Dictionary of Personal Computers contains nearly 11,000entries covering virtually every aspect of personal computing. Equally useful tonovices, hobbyists, and experienced professionals, this massive desk reference has been expanded to reflect the latest trends and technologies in the booming computer industry. Author Michael F. Hordeski has added hundreds of new terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in everything from multimedia and online services to desktop publishing and local area networks. No matter what the topic, chances are this book defines and explains it. Written in plain English, the definitions are neither too simplistic, nor too academic. Extensive, easy-to-use cross-references direct readers to related topics. Users of this highly recommended, A-to-Z guide will find crystal-clear definitions of online services, including the Internet; networking terminology, with a special emphasis on Novell NetWare; operating systems and environments; multimedia; virtual reality; imaging; authoring software; object-oriented programming; computer electronics; embedded systems; workstations; and much more. Meticulously researched and thoroughly updated, The McGraw-Hill Illustrated Dictionary of Personal Computers, 4th Edition serves as an indispensable resource for anyone who works with computers. About the author: Michael F. Hordeski is an internationally known computer consultant, author, and lecturer. A resident of Atascadero, California, he is the author of Personal Computer Interfaces and Repairing PCs: Beyond the Basics. The McGraw-Hill Illustrated Dictionary of Personal Computers, 4th Ed. Michael F. Hordeski Hard $32.95 ISBN 0-07-030409-2 Publication Date: June 1995 544 pp., 540 illus., 7x10 McGraw-Hill Inc Professional Book Group Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850 800-233-1128, Orders: 800-822-8158, Fax: 800-932-0183 --------------- PEACHPIT TITLES FOR SPRING --------------- What's Black and White and...? Berkeley, CA--The correct answer to the question "What's black and white and read all over?" is, of course, Photoshop in Black and White, 2nd Edition. This book is read all over for two reasons: It is the only book that focuses on using Photoshop for black-and-white images; and the book is small, packing in all the useful, relevant information readers need to save time, money, and, ultimately, print great photos. Plus, the book has been fully updated to cover versions 2.5 and 3.0 of this leading program for retouching and manipulating images. Aimed at intermediate to advanced users running the program on the Macintosh or with Windows, Photoshop in Black and White distills critical concepts, methods, and techniques into an easy-to-understand, heavily illustrated format. The approach is task-oriented, so readers can easily find answers to their how-do-you questions. Some of the topics covered in the book include the key Photoshop tools; step-by-step strategies for adjusting images for reproduction; how and when to adjust highlights, midtones, and shadows; scanning techniques; and calibration methods. Jim Rich has spent the last 20 years developing black and white and color reproduction techniques, both conventional and electronic. He is president of a consulting firm that specializes in pre-press training, hands-on workshops, leading-edge research, and publishing. Sandy Bozek is president of Bozek Desktop, Inc., a desktop publishing management consulting company. She teaches courses at a number of colleges and institutes on the East Coast. Photoshop in Black and White 2nd Edition by Jim Rich and Sandy Bozek Price: $18.00 - Size: 48 pages 9" x 7" - ISBN: 1-56609-189-6 Publication date: 2/95 Peachpit Press 2414 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 800-283-9444, 510-548-4393, fax 510-548-5991 Mac Bible Guide for Word Is the Last Word March 1995--Berkeley, CA--The newest version of Word for the Macintosh is a powerful, feature-packed program that deserves an equally powerful and feature-packed guide--like The Macintosh Bible Guide to Word 6. Not only does this book cover the basics, but it shows readers how they can tap into the many strengths of Word to work more productively. A tutorial and a reference book, it is as useful to beginners as it is to advanced users. And it's fun to go through, as the author has written the book the way she teaches her classes: with lots of humor and stories. The Macintosh Bible Guide to Word 6 is organized in an easy-to-follow format that makes it simple to find, understand, and use the information needed. The many features new to this version are easy to spot because of the accompanying icon. Readers learn how to create and embellish many types of documents, from letters to lengthy reports, forms to mail-merge projects, labels to envelopes. They'll even learn how to add graphics. Abundant illustrations and examples make it easy for readers to keep on track. The writing style is dear, simple, and friendly, and nothing is taken for granted. The book is divided into five parts (with appendices on installation, keyboard shortcuts, and Mac/PC considerations): * Getting Started (covers the basics of producing and printing a document) * Formatting (shows how to produce professional-looking documents) * Special Text and Graphics Formatting (teaches Word's design features) * Putting Word's Features to Work (looks at editing tools and productivity features) * Advanced Features (covers customization, automation). Author Maria L. Langer is a consultant and trainer who has written five other books, including Macintosh Slick Tricks (Random House), Mac Power Toolkit (Hayden), and Murphy's Laws of Macs (Sybex). She publishes a monthly newsletter, Macintosh Tips and Tricks, and lives in Harrington Park, New Jersey. Tho Macintosh Bible Guide to Word 6 by Maria L. Langer Price: $24.95 - Size: 450 pages; 7 x 9 - ISBN: 1-56609-073-3 Publication date: 4/95 Peachpit Press 2414 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 800-283-9444, 510-548-4393, fax 510-548-5991 The Scariest Computer Book of the Year April 1995--Berkeley, CA--Criminals, competitors--anyone, in fact--can buy a person's IRS forms for $500. An individual's medical records are available to complete strangers. TV star Rebecca Schaffer was shot to death by a computer stalker. These are just some of the horrifying examples of invasions of privacy that author Andre Bacard points out in his new book, The Computer Privacy Handbook: A Practical Guide to E-mail Encryption Data Protection, and PGP Privacy Software. We live in the Age of Electronic Surveillance, Bacard says, and snooping happens. Given that millions of e-mail messages are exchanged daily, and the Internet buzzes with zillions of bites of online discussions each day, it's easy to see how this could be. But just as computers are part of the problem, they are also part of the solution: Bacard details how individuals can safeguard their electronic privacy using good encryption, proper data protection, and the right software. The Computer Privacy Handbook consists of four major sections. The first gives a vivid description of how computers have created a surveillance age that threatens each citizen's personal security. The second offers a non-technical introduction to data encryption and the U.S. government's Clipper Chip surveillance proposal, a controversial plan for a chip that can keep information secret but that can also allow federal agents to unscramble the code. The third section provides a socio-political overview of PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), the de facto world software standard for email privacy. The last section is an easy-to-read PGP user's manual for the PC. This book about PGP also serves as a user's manual for any top-rated encryption software. Author Andre Bacard wrote Hunger for Power: Who Rules the World and How. He has written about technology and society for numerous publications. A guest on hundreds of radio talk shows, he was judged one of the best public speakers in America by the International Platform Association. The Computer Privacy Handbook: A Practical Guide to E-mail Encryption Data Protection and PGP Privacy Software by Andre Bacard Price: $24.95 Size: 300 pages; 7" X 9" - ISBN: 1-56609-171-3 Publication date: 4/95 Peachpit Press 2414 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 800-283-9444, 510-548-4393, fax 510-548-5991 A Wowie Zowie Illustrator Book April 1995--Berkeley, CA--The illustrations alone in The Illustrator Wow! Book are enough to knock a person's socks off. But they do more than just engage and inspire; they also teach. With hundreds of pages of useful production techniques, numerous timesaving tips, and lots of illustrations by a wide range of artists, this new book on Adobe's trailblazing illustration program helps readers tap the enormous power of Illustrator 5.5. Following the approach of the best-selling Photoshop Wow! Book, Illustrator Wow! offers step-by-step exercises, hands-on tips for working more efficiently, short descriptions of how an artist created a particular image, and techniques that build upon each other. The book begins with the basics--though assuming a reasonable level of Macintosh competence and some knowledge of Illustrator--and ends with a reference section for further exploration. In between are chapters on fills, templates, gradients, filters, layout, special effects, and using other programs with Illustrator. The book comes with a disk full of tutorials and other goodies. Author Sharon Steuer has been a freelance computer artist and illustrator for more than a decade, showing her work nationally. A regular contributor to Computer Graphics World Magazine, she received the 1994 Faber Birren Color Award for an oil painting. Tho Illustrator Wow! Book by Sharon Steuer Price: $39.95 Size: 224 pages; 7.5 x 9.25 - ISBN: 1-56609-177-2 Publication date: 4/95 Peachpit Press 2414 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 800-283-9444, 510-548-4393, fax 510-548-5991 --------------- THE OCCULT SYSTEM OF THE PENNSYLVANIA SETTLERS SOWS THE SEEDS OF AMERICAN WITCHCRAFT --------------- HEX CRAFT - Dutch County Pow-Wow Magick, by Silver Raven Wolf The roots of American Witchcraft can be found in a 17th century settler tradition comprising Witchcraft and Native American magics. Now, the history and growth of this elusive tradition - called Pow-Wow - is analyzed in absorbing detail in HEX CRAFT. HEX CRAFT brings to life the chants, charms, spells and healing methods of a vital heritage that is nearly extinct today. Explore Hex Craft, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch County Pow-Wow Magick - through the vivid examples and rare testimonials of those connected with its occult practices. Learn how to bring this Earth-honoring culture to life with the step-by-step instruction by Hex Craft-trained author Silver Raven Wolf. HEX CRAFT presents Pow-Wow's simple nature and easy implementation in a format that encourages individual interpretation. More than a text book on magick or history, HEX CRAFT will engage anyone interested in history, magick, spirituality or freedom of speech! About the author: Silver Raven Wolf (Pennsylvania) is director of both the Wiccan/Pagan Press Alliance and Witches Against Religious Discrimination; author of TO RIDE A SILVER BROOMSTICK, also published by Llewellyn; and a Third Degree Craft Initiate. HEX CRAFT is Silver's second book. HEX CRAFT by Silver Raven Wolf Llewellyn Publication, ISBN: 1-56718-723-4 softbound; $15.95 --------------- BREW A MAGICAL POTION FOR HEALTH AND LIFE - "A WITCH'S BREW - THE ART OF MAKING MAGICAL BEVERAGES" BY PATRICIA TELESCO --------------- This is the first book to unite creative brewing with magic. Find out how beverage-making can be a fun and unique way to enrich your life from a magical perspective! In magic, the cup is symbol of the Goddess, that ever-fruitful fountain from which the nectars of wisdom and blessings flow. A WITCH'S BREW keeps the symbolic heritage of beverages in mind, offering options for a wide variety of enchanted drinkables - alcoholic and otherwise - that can be imbibed for health of simple pleasure, or to celebrate the Wheel of the Year or encourage specific positive attributes. Here you will find 275 recipes for magically symbolic brews that will delight your tongue, give your creativity a new outlet and enrich your ceremonies and other special occasions. Each recipe lists ingredients, directions, magical associations, history/lore and alternative ingredients. In addition to the recipes themselves, you'll get background on everything from the history of brewing and brewing as a magical activity to serving vessels and creative toasts. Find out how magical brewing can be with this practical handbook! About the author: Patricia Telesco (Buffalo, NY) is a member of the Universal Federation of Pagans and a self-proclaimed "militant kitchen witch," who has most recently authored FOLKWAYS, A KITCHEN WITCH'S COOKBOOK and THE VICTORIAN FLOWER ORACLE. A WITCH'S BREW By Patricia Telesco Llewellyn Publications, ISBN: 1-56718-708-0 256 pp., $13.00 --------------- BREAKDOWN - SEX, SUICIDE AND THE HARVARD PSYCHIATRIST BY EILEEN MCNAMARA --------------- Paul Lozano was twenty-four, a student at Harvard Medical School, when he first went to Harvard psychiatrist Margaret Bean-Bayog seeking help for feelings of inadequacy and depression. One night four years later, he showered, shaved, donned a clean pair of Jockey shorts, numbed the skin on both his hands and forearms, injected himself more than seventy-five times with a cocaine-filled syringe, and died. Eileen McNamara's shocking in-depth examination of the suicide of Harvard Medical School student Paul Lozano and the unorthodox treatment he received from Margaret Bean-Bayog, BREAKDOWN: SEX, SUICIDE AND THE HARVARD PSYCHIATRIST (A Pocket Star Book/May 1995/$6.50), details what really happened in the four years Lozano spent in the suspect care of his therapist. Nine months after Dr. Bean-Bayog abruptly terminated his therapy, Lozano was found dead. Found in his apartment were shocking journal entries full of sadomasochistic fantasies and intimate notes written in Dr. Bean-Bayog's own hand, all suggesting a complex, erotic interplay between doctor and patient. In this chilling excursion to the outer limits of therapy, Eileen McNamara probes this toxic interdependency, and exposes a closed psychiatric society whose practitioners sometimes fail to distinguish between innovative therapy and potentially dangerous experimentation. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eileen McNamara is a staff writer for the BOSTON GLOBE MAGAZINE. She has won numerous awards during her 15-year career as a GLOBE reporter, including a 1991 Robert F. Kennedy Foundation award for a series of infant mortality and 1992 Sigma Delta Chi award for a piece on juvenile murders. In 1987, BOSTON MAGAZINE named her the best reporter in Boston and ESQUIRE praised her as one of forty promising young American leaders. McNamara lives outside of Boston with her husband and three children. BREAKDOWN is her first book. BREAKDOWN: SEX, SUICIDE AND THE HARVARD PSYCHIATRIST Eileen McNamara A Pocket Star Book May 1995/$6.50 0-671-79621-6 338 pages + 8-page insert --------------- "JULIP" BY JIM HARRISON - ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF "DALVA" AND "LEGENDS OF THE FALL" Fritz Lamham of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE called JULIP by Jim Harrison a "marvelous book, written with vigor and a knowing, gravelly humor." Harrison has built a loyal readership that grew in 1994 with the release of the Jack Nicholson movie "Wolf", an original Harrison screenplay, and the current #1 movie "Legends of the Fall", starring Brat Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. JULIP, a book of three novellas, includes "The Seven-Ounce Man" which continues the picaresque adventures of Brown Dog, a Michigan scoundrel who loves to eat, drink and chase women to excess. "The Beige Dolorosa" is the tale of an academic reeling from a sexual harassment scandal and turning to the natural world for solace. The title story is an account of the adventures of a bright and resourceful young woman's attempt to spring her brother from a Florida jail. JULIP exemplifies Harrison's "narrative voice that fairly defies the reader to ignore it" (Arthur Krystal, THE WASHINGTON POST BOOK WORLD), and invites the reader in for a good time. JULIP Jim Harrison A Washington Square Press Trade Paperback May 1995/$12.00 0-671-89935-X/288 pages --------------- NEW FOLGER LIBRARY SHAKESPEARE EDITIONS ARE THE ONLY RESOURCE FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND READING ENJOYMENT --------------- HENRY V and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING by William Shakespeare The completely re-edited texts of the New Folger Library Shakespeare stands as the best tools available to the general public for understanding and enjoying Shakespeare. With full explanatory notes positioned uniquely side-by-side with the text; a helpful introduction to the language; illustrations; and an essay assessing each play in relation to today's interests and concerns, these editions are invaluable aids to gaining a full appreciation of the Bard's great works. With America's renewed interest in classic literature, these re- edited texts serve a vital function in bringing Shakespeare's works to students everywhere. HENRY V William Shakespeare Washington Square Press/Folger Library Shakespeare Editions May 1995/$ 3.99 0-671-72265-4/352 pages MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING William Shakespeare Washington Square Press/Folger Library Shakespeare Editions May 1995/$3.99 0-671-72280-8/304 pages --------------- AN UNFORGETTABLE COLLECTION OF ROMANCE FROM FIVE OF THE GENRE'S BEST - EVERLASTING LOVE --------------- By JAYNE ANN KRENTZ, LINDA LAEL MILLER, LINDA HOWARD, KASEY MICHAELS, CARLA NEGGERS Pocket Books is proud to present EVERLASTING LOVE (A Pocket Books Mass Market Paperback Original/May 1995/$5.99), a spring anthology of short stories in the tradition of the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller A HOLIDAY OF LOVE. This unforgettable collection features original new romances by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors JAYNE ANN KRENTZ and LINDA LAEL MILLER, award-winning authors Linda Howard and Kasey Michaels, and Pocket Books newcomer Carla Neggers. - Journey to contemporary Washington, D.C., where betrayal leads to a surprising affair of the heart... - Go back in time to Montana in the 1880s, where an abandoned bride searches for a lost love she never expects to find... -Dream beside the banks of a mysterious lake, where one woman falls uncontrollably into a passionate embrace regardless of its danger... - Watch a film star travel through time to Regency England, only to discover the part and love of a lifetime... - succumb to the charms of a beautiful ghost who haunts a house in California - and seduces the handsome attorney who rents it. Surrender to the sweet spell that only five of the top romance writers could weave. Together, these authors can boast more than thirty million copies of their novels in print, and this collection is sure to further that success. Journey with them to places near and far, exotic and familiar, where the romance is timeless, and there is always EVERLASTING LOVE. ABOUT THE AUTHORS JAYNE ANN KRENTZ has more than 20 million copies of her novels in print. She is the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of "Trust Me" and "Grand Passion". LINDA LAEL MILLER has more than 7 million copies of her novels in print. She is the New York Times bestselling author of "The Legacy". LINDA HOWARD is the award-winning author of "Heart of Fire". KASEY MICHAELS is the award-winning author of "The Illusions of Love". CARLA NEGGERS' story "Finding You" in EVERLASTING LOVE marks her Pocket Book debut. EVERLASTING LOVE Jayne Ann Krentz, Linda Lael Miller, Linda Howard, Kasey Michaels and Carla Neggers A Pocket Books Mass Market Paperback Original May 1995/$5.99 0-671-52150-0 --------------- CARRIE FISHER'S ACCLAIMED NOVEL OF MODERN LOVE AND MOTHERHOOD - HOLLYWOOD STYLE - "DELUSIONS OF GRANDMA" --------------- "When Carrie Fisher's third novel, DELUSIONS OF GRANDMA (A Pocket Books Mass Market Paperback/May 1995/$5.99) recently hit the streets," wrote THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, "much of Hollywood was anxiously waiting to see who was in it and how well they fared." Actress-turned-author Carrie Fisher is often called the ultimate Hollywood insider, and she returns now with this outrageously funny national bestseller, boldly going where no man has gone before: motherhood. Hollywood screenwriter Cora Shape has what her friends call "a big loud life" - which is slowly coming apart at the seams. A dear friend, AIDS-ridden, has taken leave of his life, and then her romance flickers and expires. When Cora discovers she's pregnant, even her friends are at a loss for help. Enter Cora's mother, Viv, with her "delusions of grandma" and a madcap scheme to kidnap Cora's grandpa from a nursing home... ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carrie Fisher is a film star and screenwriter/script doctor, in addition to being the author of two previous bestselling novels. She lives in Beverly Hills, California, with her daughter, Billie. DELUSIONS OF GRANDMA Carrie Fisher A Pocket Books Mass Market Paperback Original May 1995/$5.99 288 pages 0-671-73862-3 --------------- NESFA PRESS TO RELEASE "INGATHERING" BY AWARD-WINNER ZENNA HENDERSON --------------- Zenna Henderson is best remembered for her stories of the People which appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction from the early 50s to the mid-70s. The People escaped the destruction of their home planet and crashed on Earth in the desert Southwest just before the turn of the century. Fully human in appearence, they possessed many extraordinary powers. Henderson's People stories tell of their struggles to fit in and to live their lives as ordinary people, unmolested by fearful and ignorant neighbors. The People are "us at our best, as we hope to be, and where (with work and with luck) we may be in some future." Ingathering contains all of the People stories, including one, "Michal Without," which has never before been published. (Of the seventeen People stories in the volume, six were previously collected in Pilgrimage: The Book of the People, six in The People: No Different Flesh, three appeared in miscellaneous other books, one appeared only in magazine form, and one is new to this volume.) Like so many of her characters, Zenna Henderson was a school teacher her entire life, teaching primarily the first grade, though, at one time or another, she taught all elementary grades and a little high school. Again, like her characters, she was born and raised in Arizona and lived most of her life there, though she taught for two years in France, and a year in Connecticut. In Arizona, she taught at a Japanese relocation camp during World War II and, much later, at Fort Huachuca. She taught at a semi-ghost mining town where "the kids brought jars of water to school when the water pressure was too low to make it up to the hill-top school house, and they had to unlock the Little Houses left over from a much earlier era." Her first story of the People, "Ararat," was published in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction in October 1952. It was Henderson's second published science fiction story and was destined to begin a series of stories which would last the rest of her writing career. Zenna Henderson's stories of the People are among the most-loved series in Science Fiction. The NESFA's Choice series brings back into print classic science fiction that is essential to any good collection, but which is becoming increasingly difficult to find as the publishing industry's backlist shrinks. NESFA's Choice books are printed on acid-free paper and bound for durability. They will be kept permanently in print. Ingathering is the fourth book in the series (His Share of Glory: The Complete Short Science Fiction of C.M. Kornbluth will be the fifth.) Ingathering (ISBN 0-915368-58-7, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", xiv+572 pages, hardbound, acid-free paper for long life, cover art by Elizabeth Rhys Finney, $24.95) will be published on June 1, 1995. It will be available from NESFA Press, PO Box 809, Framingham, MA 01701-0203. Please add $2 postage and handling per order. --------------- |DEL| |REY| The DEL REY BOOKS Internet Newsletter --------------- Number 27 (April 1995) WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORES=========================================== THE CURSED by Dave Duncan. Hardcover. (VCh) Dave Duncan, author of many fantasy and science fiction novels for Del Rey, explores a whole new direction in his new, single-volume, stand-alone novel THE CURSED. It's the story of Gwin, a widowed innkeeper who offers shelter to a young girl "cursed" with the magic power of healing. Gwin's accidental involvement with magic changes her life in ways neither she nor the reader could ever have anticipated, bringing her love and tragedy, adventure and magic as she serves as midwife at the birth of a new empire. Duncan's a master of upending the established conventions of the fantasy genre, and he says he believes THE CURSED is the strongest book he has ever written. >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE ------------------------------------------------------------- GODS OF THE WELL OF SOULS by Jack L. Chalker. Paperback. (SHS) This is the conclusion to the new Well World trilogy, _The Watchers at the Well,_ started in ECHOES OF THE WELL OF SOULS and SHADOW OF THE WELL OF SOULS. Fans of the Well World saga will uncover some surprises in this volume about the guardian of the Well of Souls, Nathan Brazil, and amid the classic Chalker pyrotechnics, Nathan Brazil encounters several surprises himself. Heroes and villains race to reach the Well, all of them unaware that events are being manipulated by an entity even the fabled Markovians found ultimately distasteful. >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE ------------------------------------------------------------- THE LOST PRINCE by Bridget Wood. Paperback. (VC) This is Del Rey's second book from a new British writer (WOLFKING was her first). In THE LOST PRINCE, Ireland is in its darkest hour as the great- granddaughter of the Wolfking has to drive a usurper from Tara's throne. The chance of victory is slim--until a mission to the far future to harness the fabled apocalypse. Wood's books are dark and rich in legend (and gory). >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE ------------------------------------------------------------- HOUSE OF MOONS by K. D. Wentworth. Paperback. (EKH) The second book by Wentworth starring Haemas Tal, mind-talented scion of a ruling family on a feudal world and, unfortunately for her, female. A few years after the events of MOONSPEAKER (being framed for patricide, running away from home, making contact with an ancient alien species, and being chosen by them to protect the gateways of time itself), Haemas has a privileged if uncomfortable position as head of a ground-breaking school for mind-talented girls. Then a greedy lord discovers an ancient weapon of mind control and makes a grab for leadership of the mind-talented population--and a grab for Haemas, too. The weapon he uses is sacred to the aliens who have chosen Haemas to act for them, and she must stop him for the aliens' sake and the sake of the world itself as well as for her own. This is adventure sf in the Anne McCaffrey/Tara Harper mode. >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE -------------------------------------------------------------- THE MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Trade. A classic retelling of the Arthur epic, as fresh and invigorating today as when it first came out eleven years ago. DEL REY DATA======================================================= April 1995: WITCHES' BREW by Terry Brooks (F) A _Magic Kingdom of Landover_ novel; 345-38701-5 Hardcover, 320 pp; cover art by Keith Parkinson; OL, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE THE TANGLE BOX by Terry Brooks (F) A _Magic Kingdom of Landover_ novel; mass-market edition of our 5/94 hardcover; 345-38775-9 Paperback, 352 pp; cover art by Keith Parkinson; OL, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE THE MASTERS' GAMBIT by Jack McKinney (SF) The latest book in the 20-volume Robotech series; 345-38775-9 Paperback, 288 pp; cover art from Robotech archives; EKH, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE THE HUNTER'S HAUNT by Dave Duncan (F) 345-38459-8 Paperback, 304 pp; cover art by Romas; VC, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE CLASSIC STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, RETURN OF THE JEDI (SF) The three movie novelizations in one trade omnibus; 345-34806-0 Trade paperback reissue, 640 pp; cover art by John Berkey; EKH, editor CLASSIC STAR WARS: THE HAN SOLO ADVENTURES (SF) Trade edition of our three-in-one volume; 345-39442-9 Trade paperback, 576 pp; cover art by William Schmidt; EKH, editor CLASSIC STAR WARS: THE LANDO CALRISSIAN ADVENTURES (SF) Trade edition of our three-in-one volume; 345-39443-7 Trade paperback, 416 pp; cover art by William Schmidt; EKH, editor ROBOTECH: SOUTHERN CROSS, METAL FIRE, THE FINAL NIGHTMARE (SF 3-in-1) Three-in-one of books 7-9 of the 20-volume Robotech series; 345-39184-5 Paperback, 480 pp; cover art from Robotech archives; EKH, editor -------------------------------------------------------------- May 1995: THE CURSED by Dave Duncan (F) 345-38951-4 Hardcover, 448 pp; cover art by David Cherry; VC, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE GODS OF THE WELL OF SOULS by Jack L. Chalker (SF) Book Three of _The Watchers at the Well_; mass-market edition of our 10/94 trade paperback; 345-38850-X Paperback, 384 pp; cover art by Paul Youll; SHS, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE THE LOST PRINCE by Bridget Wood (F) Sequel to WOLFKING; mass-market edition of our 7/93 trade paperback; 345- 38853-4 Paperback, 480 pp; cover art by Keith Parkinson; VC, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE HOUSE OF MOONS by K.D. Wentworth (SF) Sequel to MOONSPEAKER; 345-39461-5 Paperback, 304 pp; cover art by Nicholas Jainschigg; EKH, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE THE MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley (F) 11th-anniversary reissue; 34535049-9 Trade paperback reissue; 896 pp; cover art by Braldt Bralds -------------------------------------------------------------- June 1995: KINGDOMS OF THE NIGHT by Allan Cole and Chris Bunch (F) Third Volume of _The Anteros_; 345-38731-7 Hardcover, 528 pp; cover art by Gnemo; SS, editor THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK: THE NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO DRAMATIZATION by Brian Daley (based on characters and situations created by George Lucas) (SF) The original scripts from the 10-episode NPR series; 345-39605-7 Trade paperback, 352 pp; cover art from LucasFilm archives; EKH, editor THE WARRIOR'S TALE by Allan Cole & Chris Bunch (F) Second volume of _The Anteros_, after THE FAR KINGDOMS; mass-market edition of our 11/94 hardcover; 345-38734-1 Paperback, 480 pp; cover art by Keith Parkinson; SS, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE FLATLANDER by Larry Niven (SF) Short-story collection; 345-39480-1 Paperback, 368 pp; cover art by Chris Moore; SS, editor REDMAGIC by Crawford Kilian Sequel to GREENMAGIC; 345-38370-2 Paperback, 320 pp; cover art by Mark Harrison; VC, editor GREENMAGIC by Crawford Kilian (F) Reissue; 345-36140-7 Paperback, 311 pp; cover art by Romas; VC, editor -------------------------------------------------------------- July 1995: POWER PLAY by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (SF) Book Three in the _Power_ book series; 345-38826-7 Hardcover, 304 pp; cover art by Rowena; SS, editor POWER LINES by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (SF) Sequel to POWER THAT BE; mass-market edition of our 8/94 hardcover; 345-38780-5 Paperback, 336 pp, cover art by Rowena; SS, editor QUEST FOR LOST HEROES by David Gemmell (F) 345-37904-7 Paperback, 304 pp; cover art by Royo; SWS, editor THE STOLEN THRONE by Harry Turtledove (F) Book I of _The Time of Troubles_; 345-38047-9 Paperback, 368 pp; cover art by Steve Youll; VC, editor ---------------------------------------------------------------- August 1995: BELGARATH THE SORCERER by David & Leigh Eddings (F) Prequel to the Belgariad series; 345-37324-3 Hardcover, 704 pp; cover art by Laurence Schwinger; VC, editor SLOW RIVER by Nicola Griffith (SF) 345-3915-9 Hardcover, 352 pp; cover art by David Stevenson; EKH, editor THE BASTARD PRINCE by Katherine Kurtz (F) Book Three of _The Heirs of Saint Camber_, mass-market edition of our 6/94 hardcover; 345-39177-2 Paperback, 448 pp; cover art by Edwin Herder; VC, editor THE GAMESTER WARS: THE ALEXANDRIAN RING, THE ASSASSIN'S GAMBIT, THE NAPOLEON WAGER by William Forstchen (SF) Three-in-one volume of _The Gamester Wars_ trilogy; 345-40049-6 Paperback, 792 pp; cover art by Don Dixon and David Mattingly; SHS, editor DEL REY DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR-> GENELLAN: PLANETFALL by Scott G. Gier (SF) 345-39509-3 Paperback, 320 pp; cover art by Bob Eggleton; SS, editor AMMONITE by Nicola Griffith (SF) 345-37891-1 Repackage, 368 pp; cover art by David Stevenson; EKH, editor >> SAMPLE CHAPTER AVAILABLE ONLINE SENTINELS: THE DEVIL'S HAND, DARK POWERS, DEATH DANCE (SF 3-in-1) Three-in-one of books 1-3 of the Sentinel series; 345-38901-8 Paperback, 480 pp; cover art from Robotech archives; EKH, editor ----------------------------------------------------------------- DRIN AVAILABILITY (Lots of ways to get the DRIN online) 1. read it the first few days of the month on rec.arts.sf.written, GEnie's Del Rey topic on the SFRT, Delphi's Science Fiction and Fantasy SIG (Upcoming Books and Magazines topic), America Online's SF Library or OmniPurpose Library,* or CompuServe's SF Library 5*; 2. send your e-mail address to ekh@panix.com to be added to the subscriber list and have the DRIN delivered to your mailbox the first or second working day of the month; 3. get a copy from the Del Rey fileserver* (delrey@tachyon.com) by sending e-mail with "SENDME newsletter.current" as the body of the message (or send "HELP" for full instructions); 4. read it and more on our World Wide Web site*, http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/ 5. read it on the Panix gopher* (gopher.panix.com; choose the Del Rey Books directory); 6. read it at the Internet Book Information Center (WWW address: http://sunsite.unc.edu/ibic/IBIC-homepage.html);* 7. read the current issue in the science-fiction area on BIX; 8. retrieve the current issue from the SF archives at gandalf.rutgers.edu *Back issues also available -------------------------------------------------------------- WORKS IN PROGRESS: Changes, Additions, Updates (The DRIN lists only the changes to the Works in Progress report. The entire current report can be found on the Panix gopher (gopher.panix.com) in the Del Rey Books subdirectory, under Publishing Information.) ALLAN COLE and CHRIS BUNCH have split up after more than 25 years of collaboration! Allan is currently working on the fourth Anteros novel, THE WARRIOR RETURNS, and Chris will be writing the three books of the _Shadow Warrior_ trilogy, a science-fiction thriller. Del Rey has just bought a brand-new solo fantasy trilogy from Allan Cole; Chris Bunch sold his own solo fantasy trilogy to Warner/Aspect. DAVID EDDINGS and his wife Leigh have just completed BELGARATH THE SORCERER, the long-awaited epic prequel to his _Belgariad_ and _Malloreon_ series, and are hard at work on the sequel, POLGARA. ALAN DEAN FOSTER's new Pip and Flinx novel, titled MID-FLINX, will be published in hardcover in November 1995. He is currently working on a new Commonwealth Universe novel. Completing his six-book contract with our sister company in England, Random House UK, DAVID GEMMELL turned in his new Jon Shannow book, BLOODSTONE. Del Rey has two more Gemmell fantasies scheduled for release in 1995--QUEST FOR LOST HEROES (with some of the snazziest embossing we've every seen!) and WAYLANDER--then the four-book "Stones of Power" series, in which Jon Shannow also plays a part, is set to launch in 1996, beginning with GHOST KING (February). H. P. Lovecraft isn't extremely busy these days, since he passed away in 1937. NEIL GAIMAN is busy, however, since he's providing a new introduction for Del Rey's THE DREAM CYCLE OF H. P. LOVECRAFT: DREAMS OF TERROR AND DEATH. This trade paperback edition will collect the entire 25-tale nightmare cycle, and will include some surprise appearances by classics like _Pickman's Model_ and _The Cats of Ulthar._ Neil, also known for his GOOD OMENS collaboration with Terry Pratchett, is hard at work completing his run of _Sandman_ for DC Comics, and is involved in a number of other projects in comics, prose, and television. DON McQUINN has finished his post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest SF trilogy (WARRIOR, WANDERER, and WITCH) and is now working on a new SF novel. CHRISTOPHER STASHEFF: We will be publishing more books in Stasheff's popular _A Wizard in Rhyme_ series in the future. Meanwhile, Stasheff's starting a heroic new fantasy series about _The Star Stone._ Book One, THE SHAMAN, is scheduled for 11/95. HARRY TURTLEDOVE has submitted the third book of his Worldwar series, WORLDWAR: UPSETTING THE BALANCE. The second installment, WORLDWAR: TILTING THE BALANCE, is just out in hardcover and is slated for an early-1996 mass market release. LAWRENCE WATT-EVANS has already completed all the books in the _Three Worlds_ trilogy. OUT OF THIS WORLD and IN THE EMPIRE OF SHADOW are available now; the dramatic finale, THE REIGN OF THE BROWN MAGICIAN, will hit the shelves early next year. -------------------------------------------------------------- SIGNINGS, READINGS, CONVENTION ATTENDANCE BY DEL REY AUTHORS MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY, CHRIS BUNCH, DON H. DeBRANDT, NICOLA GRIFFITH, DON McQUINN, LARRY NIVEN, and CAROL SEVERANCE will be at NorwesCon 18 in Seattle, Washington, April 6-9. ROBERT FORWARD will be Guest of Honor at MiniCon 30 in Bloomington, Minnesota, April 14-16. JAMES P. HOGAN (Guest of Honor), HAL CLEMENT, and DAVID CHERRY will be at BaltiCon 29 in Baltimore, Maryland. April 14-16. C. J. CHERRYH will be Guest of Honor at NeoCon 6 in Witchita, Kansas, April 14-16. HAL CLEMENT will be Guest of Honor at ConTraption '95 in Troy, Michigan, April 21-23. MARION ZIMMER BRADLEY will be Guest of Honor at Magic Carpet Con 3 in Dalton, Georgia, April 28-30. BARBARA HAMBLY will be signing BRIDE OF THE RAT GOD at Borders Books in Torrance, California, April 29. JAMES P. HOGAN will be signing THE IMMORTALITY OPTION at B. Dalton Booksellers in Pensacola, Florida, April 29. DEL REY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS===================================== NEW ACQUISITION Del Rey has just bought a brand new solo fantasy trilogy, _The Timura Trilogy,_ from Allan Cole. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SISTER E-NEWSLETTER FOR MYSTERY READERS Ballantine/Fawcett/Ivy has an electronic mystery newsletter similiar to the DRIN. To subscribe, send your request by e-mail to srandol@randomhouse.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEL REY WEB SITE DEBUTS Finally, our Del Rey World Wide Web site is in good enough shape for me to announce it officially. It has most of the material to be found on our gopher site, plus graphics (of course!), editor bios, and--soon--a browsable catalog of all Del Rey titles in print. All the sample chapters are there, and so are the DRINs, as is a frequently-changing preview of a book we're especially excited about. What we've got so far is only a beginning, in my mind; we'll be adding features and content as we go along. But what's there now is finally worth a look. http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/ Note: the Del Rey site is the first section of a site for all imprints of Ballantine and all the other divisions of Random House. We will be adding imprints and divisions all the time for the next, say, 8 months. LATEST EXCERPTS ONLINE============================================= Sample chapters of some of our upcoming and recent (and some of our favorite, neither upcoming nor recent) books are now available online (for free, of course). This month's books are THE CURSED by Dave Duncan, GODS OF THE WELL OF SOULS by Jack Chalker, THE LOST PRINCE by Bridget Wood, and HOUSE OF MOONS by K. D. Wentworth. Descriptions for all samples are in the "What's New in the Stores" section above. You can get the sample chapters a few different ways: they're on the Panix gopher (gopher.panix.com) in the Del Rey Books directory; you can request them via e-mail from the Del Rey fileserver (delrey@tachyon.com; SENDME sample.cursed, sample.gods_of_well, sample.lost_prince, or sample.house_of_moons) and they'll be available in CompuServe's SF Library 4 and GEnie's SFRT fiction library, too. (For a list of all sample chapters available via the fileserver, send a message to delrey@tachyon.com with "LIST sample" as the body of the message.) BIBLIOGRAPHY: Harry Turtledove========================================== Harry Turtledove is best-known right now for his accurate and exciting alternate histories, but he's long been one of our most popular fantasy authors. He writes both sf and fantasy, and divides his time between series, stand-alone novels, and short stories. He's recently written two books for Baen and is writing an alternate history novel for Tor with actor Richard Dreyfuss. Since many people have been discussing his latest books, WORLDWAR: IN THE BALANCE and WORLDWAR: TILTING THE BALANCE, online (and sending us lots of e-mail!), and trying to find out what else he has published, we decided to reprint the Turtledove bibliography this month. This list covers only Turtledove's Del Rey titles. All are marked either SF or F, and series titles are abbreviated as follows: _The Videssos Cycle_ (Videssos), _The Tale of Krispos_ (Krispos), and _Worldwar_ (Worldwar). THE MISPLACED LEGION (F, Videssos, 2/87; 345-33067-6) AN EMPEROR FOR THE LEGION (F, Videssos, 5/87; 345-33068-4) THE LEGION OF VIDESSOS (F, Videssos, 8/87; 345-33069-2) SWORDS OF THE LEGION (F, Videssos, 10/87; 345-33070-6) NONINTERFERENCE (F, 1/88; 345-34338-7) KALEIDOSCOPE (SF/F short-story collection, 4/90; 345-36477-5) A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE (SF, 5/90; 345-36076-1) KRISPOS RISING (F, Krispos, 8/91, 345-36119-9) THE GUNS OF THE SOUTH hardcover (SF, 10/92; 345-37675-7) DEPARTURES (SF short-story collection, 6/93; 345-38011-8) THE GUNS OF THE SOUTH paperback (SF, 10/93; 345-38468-7) WORLDWAR: IN THE BALANCE hardcover (SF, Worldwar, 1/94; 345-38241-2) KRISPOS THE EMPEROR (F, Krispos, 6/94; 345-38046-0) WORLDWAR: IN THE BALANCE paperback (SF, Worldwar, 2/95; 345-38852-6) WORLDWAR: TILTING THE BALANCE hardcover (SF, Worldwar, 3/95; 345-38997-2) Forthcoming: THE STOLEN THRONE (F, Videssos, 7/95; 345-38047-9) WORLDWAR: UPSETTING THE BALANCE hardcover (SF, Worldwar, 2/96) WORLDWAR: TILTING THE BALANCE paperback (SF, Worldwar, 2/96; 345-38998-0) HAMMER AND ANVIL (F, Videssos, 7/96; 345-38048-7) WORLDWAR: UPSETTING THE BALANCE paperback (SF, Worldwar, 1/97) At least one more Videssos novel in mid-'97 About the Author: Harry Turtledove has lived in Southern California all his life. He has a Ph. D. in history from UCLA, and has taught at UCLA, California State University, Fullerton, and California State University, Los Angeles. He has published in both history and speculative fiction. He is married to novelist Laura Frankos. They have three daughters: Alison, Rachel, and Rebecca. IN DEPTH=========================================================== Caron Harris is Ballantine's mass-market production designer. In our continuing efforts to explain all aspects of publishing from a first- person point of view and give the unsung heroes of publishing a chance to explain their low-profile but crucial jobs, we asked her to tell us what her job entails, and how it is changing as publishers (this one, anyway) slowly enter the electronic age. Here's what she had to say: I am the person who (with the aid of my trusty assistant) takes Ballantine's manuscripts and makes sure they become mass-market books. We also update old materials for reprints and reissues. Trade paperback and hardcover books are handled by another production person, and follow a different schedule. The first thing we do in mass-market production is determine how long the book should be, and what size the type should be, by doing what is known as a castoff. This is the process of making an average count of the characters in a book and filling in the blanks of a formula to determine a book's number of pages. Type size can be adjusted to make a book fit on fewer pages, if necessary, or fill more pages. This is one reason why some books have bigger type than others. Once we have done a castoff that determines the page length and sets the type size, the powers that be let us know if they agree with our findings. Then adjustments are made, if necessary, and we go about the process of getting the book typeset. Paper costs and shipping costs are two reasons to keep the books' page lengths short. On the other hand, we don't want to use too small a type size, or design a book so short that it doesn't look worth the money. When a manuscript is transmitted to us from the managing editor's office after being edited and copyedited, we design the book and send it to the typesetter. Book design includes decisions about margin size, typeface, headers and footers (should the book have the author's name at the top of every left-hand page and the title at the top of the right-hand page?), as well as any symbols or chapter-head illustrations that appear in the text. Recurring symbols are called dingbats, and there are standard sets of them that we often pick from. Sometimes a book will call for a custom-designed dingbat that has something to do with the text, so we do that, too. The pages of a book that come before the start of the story are called front matter. (The pages after the story ends are back matter.) When books are initially printed, we have all the front matter and the text of the book typeset by a typesetter. Before turning it over to the typesetter, we design the interior of the book, specify the type styles and sizes for chapter heads, text extracts, and so on, and mark up the manuscript as a piece; the typesetter then follows our instructions for exactly how to typeset the book, in what sizes and typefaces. When page proofs return to us from the typesetter in a few weeks, we proofread and check the book, using both freelance proofreaders and on- staff proofreaders. Corrections are returned to the typesetter to be made on their computer files. Our department is the liaison between the managing editorial department (which handles scheduling and production dates for all titles) and the typesetter. This means we traffic all the materials back and forth until the final book is ready to go to the printer--usually as a computer file. While this might not sound like great shakes in and of itself, we do all this a month at a time, handling about twenty five titles per month, and several months are always in motion at once. Meeting deadlines is the bane of our lives. Sometimes we cannot allow very much typesetting or proofreading time because we get a manuscript late, or the author makes a lot of changes late in the cycle. Sorry! We try very hard not to be arbitrary, but we are always governed by the bound book date, which everyone down the line--sales reps, booksellers, and customers--is counting on. There have been a few changes recently in the way we do things at Ballantine. One thing we do in-house now is backads (advertisements that go in the back matter). We now have the ability to typeset backads on our Macintoshes, using Quark Xpress and Adobe typefonts. This saves both money and time, and gives us much more control over what goes into the books and how late a change can be made. We also use the Mac in-house to make changes to the front matter when we publish reprints of our previous trade books. And we are now starting to modem these small changes directly to the printer, instead of mailing them or calling them in. This will save a lot of time on last-minute rushes. Photo inserts are also now created in-house on our Macs. We scan in the photos and type in the captions, and design the inserts to look attractive. Then they are proofread, corrected, and shipped off to a printer where, after double-checking, they will be printed and bound into the final text. We still edit on paper, copyedit on paper, and send out the actual manuscripts on paper to be totally reset by the typesetter, rather than using the author's computer files from the start, but we are digitizing our production process--bit by bit. --copyright 1995 by Caron Harris Q & A============================================================== Never-ending Q: When will WORLDWAR: TILTING THE BALANCE, sequel to Harry Turtledove's WWII alternate history WORLDWAR: IN THE BALANCE, be out? A: It's a March hardcover, in stores now. (I've gotten about 10 versions of this question since last month so decided it bears repeating here.) Q: The foreword of ROBOTECH #20: THE MASTER'S GAMBIT mentioned that another book was in the works. Any truth to that, or a release date? A: We will be publishing another original Robotech novel early in 1996--no firm publication month as yet, but definitely during the first four or five months of the year. Q: Has anyone heard if Katherine Kurtz is writing any more Deryni books? I remember hearing (or reading) that she had a few more Deryni series planned but I have yet to see any. A: Our next Kurtz book (after THE BASTARD PRINCE, currently out) is KING KELSON'S BRIDE, scheduled for hardcover publication in mid-1997. Ellen Key Harris Editor, Del Rey Books Director of Online Projects, Ballantine Books delrey@randomhouse.com |DEL| =============================================================|REY| [The Del Rey Internet Newsletter is copyright 1995 by Del Rey Books, except for the IN DEPTH section, which is copyright by the author. The DRIN may be reproduced only in its entirety, and not for profit.] --- File 15: BOOK NEWS --- ==========>>>END Copyright (C) 1995 by Speaking Tree Productions. =========== BOOK REVIEWS: =========== *** BRING ME THE HEAD OF WILLY THE MAILBOY! by Scott Adams *** FRIDAYS WITH RED: A RADIO FRIENDSHIP by Bob Edwards --------------- BRING ME THE HEAD OF WILLY THE MAILBOY! by Scott Adams Andrews & McMeel, ISBN 0-8362-1779-9, $8.95 Scott Adams' Dilbert has managed to become a workplace phenomenon despite the less than thrilling artwork. There are Dilbert shirts, mugs, screen savers, accessories and more -- the TV show and Dilbert Tie can't be too far behind. Dilbert himself is a dumpy engineer, all but featureless in his white shirts, black pants, curled tie and glasses. He has absolutely no luck with women, no luck at work and is tormented not only by the intelligent and very vocal Dogbert, but has to put up with Bob the Dinosaur and his companion Dawn. Dilbert's world is not particularly sane -- it's more of a ring of Hell reserved for the weirder denizens of the workplace; one through which Dilbert wanders like a clueless Everyman. This collection has a lot of bitingly funny moments, as well as a few flat patches, and will certainly appeal to people who have had the pleasure of dealing with office insanity and workplace weirdness. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --------------- FRIDAYS WITH RED: A RADIO FRIENDSHIP by Bob Edwards Pocket Books, ISBN 0-671-50052-X, $12 A gentle memoir and biography by Edwards, who discusses the twelve years Walter "Red" Barber spent doing four minute sports conversations on National Public Radio's Morning Edition. Every Friday morning, Barber would join Edwards for what was supposed to be commentary on sports for that week. This soon turned into much more, with Barber talking about his life, baseball over the years, even flowers. "Red" Barber had quite an impressive career as a sports commentator on radio, starting in the early days of commercial radio when the commentary covered college games, going through a number of years as the commentator for the Brooklyn Dodgers and even being one of the first to be tapped to provide the commentary for television coverage of baseball games. Edwards tells us not only about Barber's time on "Morning Edition", but gives us Barber's own life commentary, transcribed from a number of those shows, using these commentaries to give the reader a biographical overview of Barber and a historical overview of the times. While hardly an in-depth, exhaustive biography, Edwards' work provides us with a very good picture of "Red" Barber, a man who was by turns determined, stubborn and a gentleman. FRIDAYS WITH RED is a gentle, quiet read, a book about two people who happen to have been involved with radio and sports. It makes for a pleasant change from the daily mayhem. ---Reviewed by Steven McDonald --- File 16: BOOK REVIEWS --- ==========>>>END