Well, I don't need much intuition to assume that all
you readers are wondering what has happened to AC lately. Actually, it
must be a sign of your past experiences that so few of you have cranked
up the old AW cart and rattled our cage. We must be a hard - core group
to be so patient. Anyway, our leader, Jim Hood, has had major surgery
on his neck to remove a malignant tumor. The results of the operation
were positive, to the extent that such things can be, and we are all
optimistic of the long term prognosis - maybe a little too optimistic
of the short term, however. Although he has made steady improvements,
Jim is starting 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments today, which will
negate some of his progress since the surgery.
Like a deer in the headlights, the 'C' word has
frozen both staff and family. Your first reaction is to deny the
severity of the situation and set expectations that modern medical care
will swiftly and decisively exorcise the evil demon. Jim will be back,
good as new, in no time. The reality is that Jim is better and on his
way towards normalization, but it is a long, difficult journey. His
speech has been affected by the tissue trauma in his throat as has his
ability to swallow. So, for the time being, it's liquids thru a tube
and a raspy voice. It's still old Jim behind the voice - nothing wrong
in the cranium, just another adjustment as we get older.
So, after much hesitation, we shall continue as best
we can. Jim is still as active as possible, but much of his artistry
will be lacking in the next few issues. The editing will be
substandard. The layout will be less appealing. But, the content will
be essentially the same since we continue to receive submissions from
8-bit users everywhere. Jim did do our cover this month as well as the
masthead page layout. It shows, doesn't it? I suppose if I weren't such
a big fan of Jim, AC would have been less difficult to restart. AC
shall continue. By the way, Jim just loves opening mail from Atari
folks. He really appreciates the letters he has received - thanks!
The plan is to publish Number 1 in March, Number 2
in April and Number 3 in May. This will put us back on track, date -
wise. There will be no Volume 3, Number 6 (November /December 1994)
issue. We don't want the issue quality degraded too drastically, so
don't get nervous if we miss these dates by a small margin. Our crystal
ball is still being programmed .. ..... Good thing it's under warranty.
Bob
Woolley
Editorial Director
Atari Classics
