The Computerized Society (1970)I was inspired to do my first solo Armchair Arcade Radio audio podcast by a 49 cent book from 1970 that I received in the mail from Amazon today. As you can imagine, this was not just any 49 cent book from 1970, but James Martin's and Adrian R.D. Norman's, The Computerized Society. As mentioned in the podcast, I first learned of this book here. Take a listen to why I think it's so special by playing or downloading the audio file attached to this post, or simply visit iTunes and look up the charmingly misnamed "Armchair Arcade Radio" (it also features videos), or use your favorite podcatcher. Enjoy.

My co-author and best selling Dummies author Dan Gookin discusses the Motrola ATRIX 4G and our soon-to-be-released book from Wiley, Motorola ATRIX For Dummies:

As you already know, after completion of Motorola ATRIX For Dummies, which comes out in July, I'm now knee-deep with Christina in writing and developing My Xbox: Kinect, Xbox 360, and Xbox LIVE, which comes out in October. The "My" series books are extremely colorful and visually oriented, with some of the chapters we've written thus far having more than 50 images (in fact, one has 73!). I thought I would briefly share how the development process works from the author side, with some accompanying visuals.

I just received an email from Variant Press that Brian Bagnall's excellent book on the history of Commodore is being updated and re-released... Now entitled Commodore: A Company on the Edge, the book features fifteen additional interviews, dozens of period photographs, and is presented in a chronological format with even more first-hand stories.

If you didn't get this book the first time 'round you should definitely consider picking it up now. This book beautifully captures the amazing history of a company that, I'm sure, touched the lives of most readers here.. and it's all told by the people who made it happen. I've read the original multiple times and I personally can't wait to get my mitts on this update.

They are offering signed author copies of the book a month before it hit's Amazon and Barnes & Noble at the publishers website at a cost of $29.95 (USD).

-Chip

Rick Thornquist, who is working on a wonderful book and companion DVDs on Infocom (with a particular focus on the individuals who made the company tick), stopped by today on his packed trip schedule to get some additional photos from my collection. We set up various systems, including the TI-99/4a, Mac Classic, Atari ST, etc., so he could photograph the Infocom classics running on them (due to their age of course, some of my systems, like the IBM PC 5150 and TRS-80 Model I refused to work properly for us). My house in New Jersey was one of many destinations on his trip, which started at his home in Canada and took (and will continue to take) him throughout the US to both gather material from and interview (in HD, of course), those involved with (and interested in) the company. It's a heck of a project, and from what I could see, he's doing everything exactly as any true fan would want, so the end product (probably a coffee table book with companion DVDs) is definitely one to look out for after it's completed, particularly based on some of the great stories he was telling me. Between this, and Jason Scott's soon-to-be-released, Get Lamp, documentary, both Infocom and text adventure fans in general have a great deal to look forward to. As always, we'll keep you posted on the latest with all of these projects.

Back on November 23, 2009, the Awful Library Books blog featured a book entitled, I CAN BE A COMPUTER OPERATOR (1985, Childrens Press), by Catherine Matthias. After expressing interest in the book in the comments, I was contacted about and subsequently received the book through a generous anonymous donation. What immediately attracted me to the book were the wonderful period photos, particularly of home and education personal computer use. I have now taken photos of the entire book and made them available, here. The book is also available used on Amazon and via other resellers if you're interested. I posted a few of my favorite images of the book below. Can you name the systems (and when possible, the games on the screen) in each of the photos from the small selection of my favorites from the book below? (you may need to click through and select "All Sizes" and see the original resolution to make out the details)

Bill Loguidice shows the Italian translation of Vintage Games, which is available at www.vintagegames.it, and discusses the book in general, as well as the upcoming feature film from Lux Digital Pictures, Gameplay.

Wii Fitness for Dummies (2010), by Christina and Bill Loguidice, through

Wii Fitness for Dummies (2010), by Christina and Bill Loguidice, through Wiley.

We just finished primary author review on the book, so it's now considered at 100%, though there are still a few minor things to do. Since it's at that point, I'm now able to release what should be the final Table of Contents. Check it out here: http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/3046 . As always, any questions, ask away. We're still looking at a February/March 2010 release.

Wii Fitness for Dummies, available from retailers worldwide, is THE book on the Nintendo Wii fitness revolution. Part 1 covers Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus, Part 2 covers EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer from Electronic Arts, and Part 3 covers Majesco's Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010. There are two parts of ten at the back of book, as well, which cover ten Wii fitness accessories, and ten other Wii fitness games, respectively. You'll not only get to know all of the games inside and out, but also learn proper exercise form, theory and methodology to maximize your fitness experience, all in the inimitable friendly and approachable for Dummies style.