PO Box 656, Washington, DC 20044 - (202) 232-3141 - Issue #109 - April 1999 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.lambdasf.org/ LSF’s Recommended LSF Book Discussion Reading List to be Updated Group Is Goin’ Strong! reported by Carl & Jen

With three meetings to our credit, it really looks like the monthly LSF book discussion group is a going Thursday, May 27th - Shadow LSF’s Recommended Reading concern! We’ve already discussed Man (winner of the 1996 Lambda Literary List has long been one of our finest Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow (Jan. Award for F&SF), by Melissa Scott; achievements and, since its addition to 28th), Nicola Griffith’s Slow River (Feb. facilitator to be determined. our web site, has been used as a resource 25th), and Gregory Maguire’s Wicked Thursday, June 24th - The all over the place. With Pride Day fast (March 25th). These books generated Merro Tree (winner of the 1998 Compton approaching and our supply of printed some lively and thoughtful conversa- Crook Award for Best First F&SF Novel), versions about gone, it’s time to update tions on such widely varied topics as by Katie Waitman; facilitated by Peter & the list once more. healing, personal character growth, Rob. The purpose of the list is to iden- where green witches come from, and Attendees also decide on the tify the very best works in the , religion, persecution and in novels and discussion facilitators for , and horror genres which F&SF. succeeding months. Meetings begin at also deal positively with issues, charac- If this sounds interesting to 7:00 PM and are held at the home of our ters, and themes of particular interest to you, please join us for one of our future hosts, Rob & Peter - 1425 “S” St., NW, the , , bisexual, transgendered book discussions. Each discussion is Washington, DC (near the Whitman- and feminist communities. The list is facilitated by someone who has volun- Walker Clinic, within walking distance of exactly what the title says, books that we teered to lead the discussion on that the U St./Cardozo [Green Line] or the highly recommend. Any member of month’s book. Here are the details on Dupont Circle [Red Line] Metro Sta- Lambda Sci-Fi is welcome to make a rec- the next three meetings: tions). For more detailed directions, ommendation for inclusion in the list, but Thursday, April 22nd - The Left contact Rob at: [email protected] we encourage people to be picky about Hand of Darkness (winner of the 1970 Mark your calendars! We hope what they recommend! Hugo & Nebula Awards), by Ursula K. to see you there! ΛΨΦ If you’d like to recommend a LeGuin; facilitated by Jen & Carl. book (or books) for inclusion on the list, all you need to do is to send your recom- suggest that you check out our existing April LSF Meeting mendation by mail to the PO Box, or by e- list. mail to Jen ([email protected]). Please We look forward to receiving The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting will be include the book title(s), the author(s), your suggestions and encourage you to held on Sunday, April 11th at James and a short (2-3 sentences) description of also consider making nominations for the Crutchfield's apartment: 1414 17th St., the book that hopefully includes a refer- Spectrum Awards based on your recom- NW, Apt. 413 (near Dupont Circle) - 1:30 ence to its “positive” content. To get an mendations. ΛΨΦ PM for business meeting; 2:00 PM for idea of the books already listed and the social meeting. Please bring munchies or descriptions that others have written, we soft drinks if you can. Hope to see you there!

WHAT'S INSIDE? The Little Scraps of Paper Minutes of the March LSF Meeting (pg. 2);A Cartoon by Chris Browning (pg. 2); REmakes = RErun, REtread, and REward (film & video reviews - pg. 3);The Weaving of Words (book reviews - pg. 4); The Silent Language (book review - pg. 5); Information about Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians (pg. 6); Con Calendar (pg. 6) 1 ΛΨΦ The Little Scraps of Paper Minutes of the March LSF Meeting ΛΨΦ by Rob

[A note from the self-appointed scribe of encourage them not to kill him off as the represent quite a range of styles and LSF... If anyone else would like to handle show winds down); Red Dwarf (a new subgenres; and a story from Bending the taking the minutes, you’re welcome to season is being shown in the US on some Landscape: Science Fiction received a them... I’m running out of creative steam PBS stations, even before they show in nomination in the Novelette category. for titles :)] England);Strangeworld (which premiered (Congrats!) It was also reported that to mixed reviews, at best, from this group); Ursula LeGuin would be making several Well, the March meeting was a a slate of new series premiering on the Sci- appearances in the area, including at the whirlwind of activity, as it was paired with Fi Channel in March; Classic Star Trek Writer’s Center in Bethesda. Rob re- a “Video Madness” Party at the home of (which is going back to a 1-hour format on minded everyone about the Spectrum Peter & Rob. As usual, we were running the Sci-Fi Channel);Reboot (which began Awards and encouraged everyone to nomi- late; but eventually our current Speaker its run on the Cartoon Network on March nate works they felt were worthy of con- managed to get us rolling. We started with 15th); and Brimstone (which has been can- sideration. It’s the Spectrum Awards’ a name circle and a little “official busi- celled but is being pushed for rebirth by a first year; and Rob’s hoping to receive a ness,” as attendees voted to have LSF letter writing campaign). solid number of nominations. Finally, new allocate a maximum of $30 each to partici- In movie news, Neil Gaiman will books are either out or forthcoming from pate jointly with at the Black soon be releasing a translated-to-English Diane Duane, Vernor Vinge and Neal Pride and Montgomery County Pride Cel- version of Princess Mononoke, which is Stephenson. ebrations (if the Gaylaxicon ConComm apparently some very decent animation. And all that happened in a re- also decides to do so, of course). In Rumors abound regarding a few super- markably short period of time, as the scent addition, the club voted to hold a Satur- hero movies: the 5th “Batman” movie may of much homemade food and sweets ga- day evening room party at (room not happen; and the on-again-off-again lore had everyone eager to finish up. We TBA). Web volunteers are still being “Spiderman” project appears to be back adjourned the meeting, devoured food, sought to assist in maintaining our newly “on”. Wayne filled us in on the latest and video-partied the night away! redesigned website - the “web cabal” will regarding a new Battlestar Galactica ΛΨΦ be putting all of our volunteers to work movie, which appears to be a go, while soon - including new volunteer Bob. Michael filled us in on the currently-in- (Anyone interested in helping can con- filming new “James Bond” film. Finally, a tact Rob at [email protected].) Finally, number of people remarked on the trailers a suggestion was made to put together a forThe Mummy, coming out later this year, basic set of bylaws and procedures for which looks spectacular special-effects- Lambda Sci-Fi. Since we’ve never done so wise (and Brendan Fraser-wise, the au- and have voted on a number of “policies” thor notes). over the years, this seemed like a good In weird news, Kay and Nan told idea. A small committee was formed to us about one of the newest consumer draft something for the group - the com- products - an internet-connected refrig- mittee is: Jen, Tim, Nan, Kay, Bob, Michael erator! Apparently you may soon be able and yours truly (Rob). If you have any to surf the web while trying to decide suggestions for the new bylaws, contact which leftovers to eat. Tim passed around Jen at [email protected]. some information about the new Univer- On the TV horizon, Kay filled us sal Monsters action figures, which look in on the latest news regardingBabylon 5: great. Finally, Joe R. updated us on an Crusade (13 episodes, beginning June 9th, upcoming opportunity to vacation with with a likely pick-up on the Sci-Fi Channel the stars on a “Star Trek Cruise.” for the 1999/2000 season); Deep Space In book news, Nebula Award Nine (rumors that Odo is to die; a letter finalists have been announced and are writing campaign is being suggested to available easily on the web. The finalists

When one is engaged in a favorite pursuit or a subject absorbingly interesting, the normal conception of labor or time and artificial social distinctions disappear from the mind. "Greetings! I have come to answer - G. Koizumi - your personal!"

2 Remakes = Rerun, Retread, the director insisting that he give certain into nothing more than grotesqueries in looks to the camera a la Tony Perkins. this film. Larry Miller turns in the only and Reward Whereas Perkins was a slight man, noteworthy performance in this film, as film & video reviews Vaughn is a larger-built one; and to ask the murderer/ghost leader. Even he, at by Joseph Parra an actor to practically mimic another is a times, appears quite lost in the proceed- rotten thing to do to him. Some fault ings. Rent (or better yet, purchase) the To say that Hollywood has run must be laid at Vaughn’s door, too. An original; but wait for the late-night TV out of original ideas is, at best, trite. This actor must at all times strive to make showing of this re-do. That way, you was true better than 50 years ago. This is something believable within the con- won’t have to watch it, because you why we have remakes of already-done straints of the direc-tor’s instructions. would be up too late and you need your ideas and notions, which were not all Others in the film try. Anne Heche rest... that original themselves either. Not to portrays Marion Crane (Janet Leigh’s Mighty Joe Young say that remakes are a bad idea, mind role in the original) and does a credible has come back to visit us. you; for without them, we probably job. William Macy (of Fargo) takes on The original, done in 1949, wouldn’t have a whole lot to view! the role of the private investigator was a classic “big monkey” However, there are variations on a theme (originally played by Martin Balsam) and movie and the only collabo- and there are third-generation copies is just okay. Viggo Mor-tensen plays ration between Ray Harryhausen and which, as we know, are obscure viewing. Sam Loomis (John Gavin’s role in 1960) Willis O’Brien - the two best stop-motion Witness the recent re-do’s: Psycho, and is also just okay. Julianne Moore effects men ever. The remake is done Carnival of Souls, and Mighty Joe portrays Lila (played by Vera Miles in the with computer graphics and is indeed Young. first version) and is not up to snuff. This quite a labor of love. Charlene Thieron Universal, along is the only character Van Sant tried to takes the role of Jill Young (played by with the Hitchcock estate, update and, unfortunately, did not work Terry Moore in 1949) and does marvel- are the copyright owners of with enough. The screenplay and music ously with it. Bill Paxton portrays the THE BIG E Starring favorite Psycho. For those of you are kept intact from 1960; they play just character played by Ben Johnson in the Box who do not know, the fine. Van Sant dedicates the film to original, combined with the Robert film(s) are based on a modern classic of Hitchcock. Hah! Good evening! Armstrong role. Normally, to combine psychological horror by the great Robert characters with different agendas does Bloch. Joseph Stephano (creator of The not work; but here is an exception. Ron Outer Limits) wrote the screenplay(s). Underwood has directed with deftness Bernard Herr-mann wrote the more-than- and skill. Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. famous musical score. The original film Wes Craven, famed director of Schoedsack, the original producer/direc- was directed by the master of suspense, A Nightmare on Elm Street (et al.), is tors, would be proud and pleased. The Alfred Hitchcock, on a wager that he doing a lot of executive producing lately. Disney effects people have outdone could not put together a low-budget This means that he is overseeing, but not themselves and should be very proud. horror film. As we know, he more than actually involved with, said productions Spot Ray Harry-hausen and Terry proved them wrong. The 1960 Psycho is - unless called upon to do so. He is Moore doing a cameo together! I won’t the definitive classic of psychotic horror executive producer of Carnival of Souls, go into the plotline, since everyone and films and set the course by which others the remake of the 1962 cult classic that his/her mother has seen the original. were to follow. Gus Van Sant, director of was filmed in Kansas! Why didn’t Disney even does homage to RKO (the My Own Private Idaho, decided he someone call him in to help with this original’s studio) by giving them a logo could pay homage to the original by mess? Herk Harvey, who produced and after the familiar Walt Disney logo. remaking it. A noble idea, to remake - directed the 1962 version, was a co-pro- Bravo, Disney! Bravo, Underwood! instead, he copied, scene for scene. The ducer on this one. Didn’t he see that it As we can see, imitation can result is like going to see a professional was going down the toilet? For those of either be the sincerest form of flattery, or production which was polished, and you who don’t know the story, a woman it can be a cheap-jack imitation. As to the then going to see an amateur production who should have died in a car accident first two films reviewed here - ARGH! As which is rough-shod. Vince Vaughn is didn’t and is haunted by spectres who to Mr. Young of Africa - thank you. given the thankless task of filling wish to take her to The Other Side. For Enjoy!! Anthony Perkins’ shoes. He does not some reason, the current director, Adam Ratings: Psycho - 1 out of a even come close. He trades in the sexual Grossman, decided to throw a bizarre possible 4; Carnival of Souls - ditto; repression and ambivalence of Norman pedophile-murderer into the melange. Mighty Joe Young - 3 out of 4. Bates (the lead character, in case you What he ends up with turns into “the ΛΨΦ

didn’t know) for quirks and odd looks original tale meets Jacob’s Ladder” - oil 1234567890123456789012 which appear to have been an after- and water. What had been so sublimely 1234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012 thought. Vaughn is further hampered by surreal in the original has been turned 1234567890123456789012

3 and another takes The final book, The Darkest The Weaving of Words his place. Even in re- Road, focuses on the journey of “The Fionavar Tapestry” reading the books, Jennifer’s son Darien as he travels to by Guy Gavriel Kay one can’t help but confront his father, the dark god. reviewed by Rob hope that somehow, Jennifer’s refusal to kill the child who this time, things will could potentially tip the scales in the Guy Gavriel Kay has lived a bit be different. favor of his father is questioned by of a charmed life. How else do you Each of the everyone; and yet it is the love that she explain the opportunity to hone one’s trilogy’s three books gives him in setting him free to seek his craft working with the notes of perhaps is focused on a own answers that sets up the ending of the greatest fantasist ever? J.R.R. slightly different aspect of the struggle, the story. The final book also contains Tolkien could weave a mighty tale. He much like a three act play. The first, The the inevitable clash between the gath- understood the power of archetypes and Summer Tree, focuses on the arrival of ered armies of light and darkness, with the magic of language. If any author the five in the world of Fionavar and sets the forces of light hopelessly outnum- today could be said to be the direct about getting each of them travelling bered and tragedy imminent. To tell you beneficiary of Tolkien’s talent, it would down her or his destined path. Kimberly what happens at the final gathering be Guy Gavriel Kay. And, remarkable as discovers within herself a special magi- would be to diminish its power; but in the it may seem, this is a case where the cal talent; Dave finds himself separated end good triumphs and the remaining student may have surpassed the from the others and joins a tribe of heroes of the five make their decisions teacher. nomadic hunter/herders; Jennifer dis- about whether to return to Toronto or His first work, a trilogy of books covers that she is the incarnation of a live out their lives in Fionavar. known as “The Fionavar Tapestry”, legendary figure; Kevin becomes part of While much of the story being contains the raw stuff of nearly every a rogue-ish Prince’s band of mischief told is familiar, Kay does a wonderful job fantasy since Tolkien - elves, magic, makers; and Paul finds himself a central providing powerful examples of people heroes, villains, dark gods, legends, lost figure in a sacrifice ritual. The Summer of all types - noble and peasant, male and races, and more. Set in the world of Tree’s primary story is that of Paul, who female, sacred and profane. While doing Fionavar (of which all other worlds are offers himself as a sacrifice, hoping to so, he develops a fascinating pair of but shadows), “The Fionavar Tapestry” escape the feelings of guilt he has magical systems.I’ll admit to being tells the story of five young Canadians harbored since his lover Rachel’s death somewhat emotionally sensitive. I’ve carried to the world of Fionavar through in a car accident. Paul hopes that his always found it easy to become attached the magic of a mighty wizard. Ostensibly sacrifice will end a drought that has been to fictional characters, to see in them life. there to be guests at a celebration in wounding the kingdom; but instead he Yet rarely does a story carry me as far as honor of a kingdom’s anniversary, they finds himself returned to life after his “The Fionavar Tapestry”. From the instead find themselves tossed into the ordeal on the tree, now as Pwyll poetic language to the harsh tragedies, middle of a struggle between the forces Twiceborn, carrying great power and no from the acts of heroism to the acts of of darkness and light. Each of the five knowledge of how to use it. betrayal, every step along the way is finds within himself or herself some epic The second book, The Wander- filled with wonders that one can revisit role to play in the struggle; and they find ing Fire, focuses on Kimberly’s time and time again. I cried a number of themselves dealing in intrigues, magics, struggles as she gathers powers and times the first time I read “the Fionavar and divine interventions. Not an ori- allies for the forces of light with the use Tapestry”. I still cry every time I re-read ginal device, to be sure; but Kay weaves of a powerful magic ring. As the ring the books. Even knowing what happens his tale (much like a tapestry) with lyrical pulls her from place to place, awakening next, I can’t help but get drawn in. potency, slowly bringing together the powerful beings and summoning to the If you’re tired of weak, cliche’d threads of the five and many of the battle those who have no wish for war, fantasy, if you’re tired of whining denizens of Fionavar. Sometimes Kay she struggles with the question of characters and plots that go nowhere, if makes it easy to see what will happen whether she should use the stone’s you’re ready for a true adventure, and a next. It is, after all, a traditional epic. We power to compel people to inevitable magical experience in reading, then pick know that battles will be fought; we tragedies. It is also in the second book up “The Fionavar Tapestry” and savor know that heroes will sacrifice them- that Kevin finds his true role in the epic it. Rating: 10 out of 10 Stars. selves; we know that good will triumph. struggle, and a legendary tragedy is set ΛΨΦ But Kay has always been a master of the into motion with the awakening of sudden twist. Just when you see the Arthur Pendragon and the gathering of inevitable approach, like lightning, some- Lancelot du Lac from the Isle of the thing will happen to make the reader Dead. Jennifer gives birth to the child of gasp. The hero you’ve been prepared to the dark god, and all of the pieces in the see die in the climactic battle is spared, great game find themselves on the move.

4 The Silent Language elements (the “ten primary message (Anchor Doubleday, 1990) systems”) of culture, certainly sounds a reviewed by Carl Cipra lot like Asimov’s psychohistory! Listen to this quote that accompanies the chart: (Notice: This book is not a work “The chart as it now stands, along with of either F&SF or horror. There are, the rules for its use, is actually a kind of however, definite connections to those mathematics of culture that will be useful genres. Still interested? If so, read on...) to the specialist and will also have certain other applications worthy of It’s time for another example of mention.” I rest my case; Hari Seldon “serendipity in action.” So, I’m brows- would be so proud! (I’m fairly certain, ing around the F&SF shelves at the want to learn more about the cultural however, that Dr. Hall never dreamed Barnes & Noble in Rockville and I spot a unconscious... I hope to show the reader that a science fiction author like Janet new novel by Janet Kagan (Hellspark, that behind the apparent mystery, con- Kagan would use it as a guide for Meisha Merlin Press - more on this in an fusion, and disorganization of life there creating alien cultures for an SF novel!) upcoming book review). As I browse is order.” There’s also a darker aspect to through the author’s notes at the end of (2) “We need to have a means a science like psychohistory: under- the novel (another habit of mine), I’m for making life a little less haphazard and standing of and influence over human interested to read about her fascination more enjoyable.” interactions opens the door to manipu- with and admiration for the works of Dr. (3) “Some time in the future, a lating human destiny for whatever pur- Edward T. Hall, the anthropologist and long, long time from now when culture is pose one desires. This concept has been cultural analyst. Kagan particularly more completely explored, there will be explored quite well in In the Country of recommends one of his works, The Silent the equivalent of musical scores that can the Blind, a “recursive SF” novel by Language, which includes a “Map of be learned, each for a different type of Michael Flynn. Dr. Hall doesn’t talk Culture” that she herself refers to when man or woman in different types of jobs about this possibility. she’s creating alien cultures in her and relationships, for time, space, work, One final link between The novels. OK, I’m hooked - so off I wander and play.” Silent Language and SF novels: At one to the Anthropology/Sociology section Hmmm... “improvement of the point, Dr. Hall mentions scholar/histo- of the store to see if they’ve got a copy I human situation,” “making life a little rian Arnold Toynbee, saying “...scholars can look at. The result? I walk out of the less haphazard,” “musical scores that like Toynbee have been trying to work store with a copy of The Silent Lang- can be learned”... Sounds like psycho- out the grammar of a message which may uage and bump it ‘way up in my “to history to me! As you remember, “psy- last for several hundred years... They read” list. chohistory” was the scientific discipline analyze the syntax of whole societies This book is a fascinating invented by Isaac Asimov for his and civilizations.” This immediately study of culture as a form of communica- “Foundation” novels. One of the tenets brought to mind Otto Spengler’s high- tion. To quote Dr. Hall: “Culture is the of pyschohistory is that human mass end analysis of Western history, The link between human beings and the behavior can be predicted by purely Decline of the West, which James Blish means they have of interacting with statistical means (as long as humanity at cited as the source and inspiration for his others.” Language is a part of culture, of large doesn’t know about the analysis, “Cities in Flight” novels. (Haven’t read course; but, in and of itself, language which would throw off the equations). ‘em? They’re SF classics - you really doesn’t provide the total picture. In And, of course, if one can understand should give ‘em a try.) other words, the sum of what humans the patterns of human interaction and The Silent Language is a fasci- actually do communicates more about reduce them to some basic formulae, nating study of how humans communi- them than what they simply say. The rest then it might be possible to exert some cate through the means of their culture, of the picture “speaks” through the influence over them for the betterment of both consciously and sub/uncon- “silent languages” of concepts and mankind. This is what Hall’s quotations sciously. Thank you, Janet Kagan, for actions and beliefs that are non-vocal (and the overall tenor of The Silent the lead! And thanks be the Gods of and often not consciously realized by Language) seem to imply to me. Serendipity for another nifty little gift! the members of the culture using them. The links between this book ΛΨΦ Now, here comes the link to and the concept of pyschohistory be- F&SF. Consider these three quotes, came even clearer to me when I examined If you see in any given situation taken from various parts of The Silent the “Map of Culture” (Appendix II) that only what everybody else can see, Language: Janet Kagan cited in her afterword to you can be said to be so much a (1) “This book was written for Hellspark. Hall’s “Map” (actually a representative of your culture those who are committed to the improve- gridwork chart), with its mathematical that you are a victim of it. ment of the human situation and who precision and its analysis of the basic --- S.I. Hayakawa --- 5 * * INFORMATION ABOUT LAMBDA SCI-FI: DC AREA GAYLAXIANS * * Lambda Sci-Fi is a Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror fan club for Gay people and their friends. Annual membership fees are $15, for which you will receive this monthly newsletter and a membership directory. Newsletter submissions are always welcome. Meetings are generally held on the second Sunday of each month at a private residence. The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting will be held on Sunday, April 11th, at James Crutchfield's apartment: 1414 17th St., NW, Apt. 413 (near Dupont Circle) - 1:30 PM for business meeting; 2:00 PM for social meeting. Please bring some munchies or soft drinks if you can. Hope to see you there! Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians is an affiliate of the Gaylactic Network, an international organization for gay people and their friends who are interested in science-fiction and fantasy.

Con Calendar by Carl, Peter, and James April 2-4, 1999 BALTICON 33. Baltim ore Omni Inner Harbor Hotel (Baltimore, MD). GoH: David Weber; Artist GoH: Jennifer Weyland. Hotel rates: $109 (sgl - quad); call hotel for res. (410-752-1100). Membership: $45 at the door. Make checks payable to "Balticon 33". E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.balticon.org

July 2-4, 1999 OTAKON 1999. Baltimore Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Baltimore, Sheraton Inner Harbor (Baltimore, MD). "The premier anime convention experience!" Hotel rates (if made before 6/1/99): Hyatt Regency Balt. ($101/nite, up to quad), Sheraton Inner Harbor ($99/nite, up to quad) - hotel rates much higher if res. made after 6/1/99. Membership rates: before 4/2/99, $35; $40 from 4/3 to 5/28/99; $45 from 5/29 and at the door (daily membership rates available at the door). Make checks payable to "OTAKON" and send to: OTAKON Registration, 661A Waupelani Dr., State College, PA 16801. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.otakon.com

August 6-8, 1999 MONSTER RALLY '99: First Annual World Horror Film Convention. Crystal City Hyatt (Arlington, VA). Guests: Christopher Lee, Forrest J Ackerman, Zacherley, Elena Verdugo, and more. Hotel rates: $105/night (sgl or dbl). Membership: $40. Make checks payable to "FANEX" and send to: FANEX, c/o John Stell, 12118 Little Patuxant Pkwy, Apt. J, Columbia, MD 21044. For more info, call (410) 665-1198, or check out the websites at: FANEX.com or, Chillertheatre.com

August 26-29, 1999CONUCOPIA: NASFiC 1999 (since WorldCon is in Australia). Anaheim Marriott (Anaheim, CA). GoH: Jerry Pournelle; Editor GoH: Ellen Datlow. Membership: $100 after 12/31/98. Make checks payable to "SCIFI" or "Conucopia" and send to: Concucopia, c/o SCIFI, PO Box 8442, Van Nuys, CA 91409. For more info: 99.nasfic.org or, website: www.99.nasfic.org

October 8-11, 1999 GAYLAXICON 1999: THE 10TH GAYLAXICON. Washington, DC. Guest of Honor: Diane Duane; Artist GoH: Nancy Janda. Membership: $50 through Aug. 1, 1999; $60 at the door. (No mail-in registrations after Sept. FE1, 1999.) Make checks payable to "Gaylaxicon 1999" and send to: Gaylaxicon 1999, c/o Lambda Sci-Fi, PO Box 656, Washington, DC 20044. For more information, call 202/232-3141. Send e-mail to: [email protected] Also check out: http://www.lambdasf.org/gaylaxicon1999/

May 26-29, 2000 COSTUMECON 18. The Sheraton Hartford (Hartford, Conn.). "All the usual events of a CostumeCon - masquerades, a fashion folio and show, doll contest, dealers' room, costume exhibits, and strong programming oriented toward hands-on workshops." Membership: $60 thru 8/31/99; $70 from 9/1/99 thru 4/23/00; $80 at the door. Make checks payable to "CostumeCon 18" and send to: CostumeCon 18, 11 Winter Street, Amesbury, MA 01913-1515. E-mail at: [email protected] Website: www.cc2000.org

Aug. 31 - Sept. 4, 2000 CHICON 2000: The 58th World Science Fiction Convention. Hyatt Regency (Chicago, IL). Author GoH: Ben Bova; Artist GoH: Bob Eggleton; Editor GoH: . Membership: $140 (so far). Make checks payable to "Chicon 2000" and send to: Chicon 2000, P.O. Box 642057, Chicago, IL 60664. E-mail: [email protected] Chicon e-mail Infobot address: [email protected] Website: http://www.chicon.org/

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