SF/SF Compositor Was Especially Looking Forward to the out David Bratman Was on the Same Potlatch Is a Small Literary SF Con

Home , Death Guild, Endeavour Award, Legend of the Cybermen, The Last Unicorn

Issue 103 Editor-in-Chief: Jean Martin March 31, 2010 Editor: España Sheriff email: [email protected] Proofreader: Rina Weisman Compositor: Tom Becker

Contents Editorial...... Jean Martin...... 2 Gallifrey...... España Sheriff...... Photos by by Andrew T Trembley...... 5 Potlatch 19 Report...... Tom Becker...... Photos by Tom Becker and David Levine...... 11 Wonderland: A Tim Burton Ball...... Diane B. Rooney...... Photos by Christopher Erickson and Diane Rooney.... 17 Creation Star Trek Convention 2010 – The San Francisco Visit...... Stephanie Brucker...... Photos by Debbie Esters...... 20 Consonance 2010: A Fremont Invasion...... Carole Parker...... Photos by Howeird...... 26 Writers Appear in “Hard Boiled” Saga...... By Kathe Gust...... 31 Letters of Comment...... Jean Martin...... 32 BASFA Minutes: Meetings 1020-24...... 36 Bay Area Fannish Calendar...... España Sheriff...... Photo by Lucy Huntzinger...... 40

Art Credits Cover Badlands by Lucy Huntzinger Page 4 Lucy Huntzinger

Science Fiction/San Francisco is the monthly news zine for the San Francisco Bay Area. All issues can be found at www.efanzines.com. Except as noted, all articles and photos are copyright 2010 by the original creators. Used with permission.

1 Editorial

By Jean Martin and in working order now. I just need to 6:00pm and ended at 6:00am the next Editor catch up. day… this was the day after SteamX I can’t believe it’s Spring already. However, after three days of the ended. So yes, my poor body just This year is going by really fast. All the amazing Nova Albion Steampunk couldn’t cope and fell ill. events I mentioned in my January Exhibition (SteamX) and an overnight This year, so far though, has been editorial have already come to pass. The film shoot as an extra for a Star Trek unusually full (well, even more so than only thing that’s left is WonderCon on Exhibit promo film, I am once again normal!) of opportunities to perform, be Easter weekend. sick with some type of cold or flu. I’ve in panels, organize activities, and cover My new job has been going alright. barely been functioning so most of my events. Not to mention I’m being invited It’s a lot of complicated new stuff and energy has gone toward doing my work to more parties and dinners. The Greater I’m having to train myself by asking at home. Bay Area Costumers Guild fashion show questions from several people and So, for this issue, I won’t have any I was in went really well. That was my working with more people in the articles to share again. I am hoping that first time attending and I got to hang out company. Not just locally but all over after WonderCon I’ll be able to get all with friends and meet new people. The the world, which has been hard due to my articles written. I don’t have any fashion show itself, organized by Sally the time difference. But overall, I’m commitments after that con and I intend Norton, was quite amazing with liking what I’m doing and it’s exciting to take a break and catch up on sleep, different time periods and various skits being more on the forefront of what’s rest, exercise and, of course doing my and choreography. The Bay Area going on and meeting new people. stories and photos. I will definitely write English Regency Society Cyprians Ball But all this, plus actual events, has more about SteamX including the over Valentine’s weekend that I co- left me little time to write. And coupled amazing birthday party España and I organized was a smashing success. The with both my personal laptops being threw on the first night of the con and turnout, food, décor, music and dancing infected by viruses, I haven’t had time to how I survived doing four panels. I also were great. The Greco-Roman theme process photos either. My two laptops have a lot to say about my last-minute went over well, and people were raving have been in and out of repair shops for gig as an extra for a promo film that was about the ball for days on Facebook. almost two months. Both are back home shot at the Star Trek Exhibit at the Tech I did actually try to take it easy and Museum in San Jose that started at skipped some events I wanted to go to

2 these past three months. I didn’t go to being explored as well as its originality. and the characters and situations are Connie Willis’s talk in San Francisco I began watching the second season of very real. And Rupert Penry-Jones about her new novel Blackout, the Star Legend of the Seeker but haven’t gotten (husband of Dervla Kirwan, Miss Trek convention at the St. Francis Hotel, very far. It’s good but not as amazing as Hartigan in the Doctor Who episode the Edwardian Ball and the Tim Burton- the first season. As for new shows, I “The Next Doctor”) has never really inspired Wonderland ball with Abney started watching Spartacus, which has impressed me in the past until his Park. I’m glad I was able to find people Lucy Lawless and produced by Sam portrayal of Adam Carter in MI-5. So to cover all of these. And I was very Raimi and Rob Tapert. I’ve been looking I’ve been watching earlier seasons with gratified to have several people submit forward to this as I adored Xena and I him in it. Rupert was Captain Wentworth articles without my prompting. So we love this time period. It’s stylistically a in the recent adaptation of Jane Austen’s still have a good variety of articles and lot like 300 but it just feels flat and Persuasion, and while he looked packed issues. uninteresting. There’s also too much incredibly handsome in Regency attire, The last time that I was sick, I did get gratuitous sex and violence. I’ll give it a he was just so wrong for the part. He to catch up on SFF TV shows, ones that few more episodes to see if it gets any would have made a better Mr. Darcy in I’ve been meaning to talk about. I finally better. Demons on BBC has an Pride and Prejudice instead of his MI-5 got to check out Leverage, which interesting premise about the descendant co-star Matthew MacFadyen, who someone told me has some Doctor Who of Van Helsing but it’s pretty cheesy. would have been more suited as Captain references in some episodes. I found the Philip Glenister with a fake American Wentworth. Anyway, he seems to be best series original, exciting and intelligent accent also annoyed me. He was great in in cop and spy shows as I also just saw but somehow didn’t really leave any Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes but this him in the 39 Steps (remake of an Alfred lasting impression. Same with Chuck. I one you can skip. I loved the women’s Hitchcock movie) and Whitechapel got to see the second season of Being costumes though. (about a Jack the Ripper copycat) and he Human and found the emotional drama This time, while I’ve been down for was great in both of these. By the way, as gripping as the first season. This show the count with the flu, I’ve been there is a cool Lord of the Rings is one of the best out there right now and watching later seasons of MI-5 (Spooks reference in Season 3 of MI-5. And I’m wondering why it isn’t as well to you Brits reading this). I never saw Gollum himself, Andy Serkis does a known as it should be. I could really feel the first couple of seasons but I got great turn as a rock star in the episode the daily struggles of the vampire, interested in it when Richard Armitage “Celebrity” in that same season. werewolf and ghost characters as they (BBC’s North and South and Robin Anyway, after WonderCon, I only try to fit into society. Hood) joined in the seventh season. have a month or so to catch my breath I’m also enjoying Caprica very much Espionage thrillers are not usually my before BayCon rolls around. At least I because of the different human themes cup of tea but this show is intelligent don’t have any concrete plans for

3 BayCon at the moment. I’m just glad that the con is still on because I’ve already prepaid. And despite the last couple of years not being the best BayCon experiences, I still (for now) consider BayCon to be my favorite con. I would like to go on a real vacation sometime this year though. Last year, I didn’t go anywhere due to the recession. I was hoping to go to the Czech Republic to attend Vintage Dance Week with Richard Powers from Stanford. The week starts with a ball in Marienbad (a famous spa town outside of Prague) and ends with a Steampunk ball in Prague. But alas, I can’t go on vacation in July due to my work. I’m still thinking of going to Australia for Worldcon or see the last Space Shuttle launch or I may go to the Jane Austen Festival in Bath… all of these are in September. Or, just for a change, I may just go to Hawaii and leave all of fandom behind for a little while and just lie on the beach.

Join our crew! We are looking for writers to cover local events, conventions, fan groups and the fannish scene in general. Contact Jean Martin at [email protected] Green reﬂection by Lucy Huntzinger

4 Gallifrey

By España Sheriff Editor I've been trying to convince my roommate Palle to attend Gallifrey One for years but he had remained unconvinced, primarily because his previous experience with conventions was mainly WonderCon. When they announced Peter Davison as the 2010 Doctor guest he said he was in, and when Davison regretfully had to cancel I was sure he would back out, but to my amazement he didn't. Bless his heart, once he agreed he in all seriousness asked me “Which costume should I wear?” (all of them, Katie, all of them). We headed out Thursday evening, stopping once at BevMo for supplies which I explained fell under the “survival” rather than “luxury” category and one last time at In “N” Out because, well; In “N” Out! We zoomed down I-5 by Andrew T Trembley listening to a BBC radio sitcom called Hedin's familiar mohawk hanging with but-because he thought Palle's car Old Harry's Game to get in the mood the smokers and hollered over to her. looked neat. He spotted the Danish flag and made excellent time, arriving She didn't hear me but within a second on the sunroof and was surprised to find around 1:00am, tired but excited. As we Bryan Little loped over, not to say hi Palle and myself in the vehicle when he pulled up to the entrance I spotted Mette

5 ducked his head down. It was a good stamina required for this con we I decided to hang my art and be ready omen and a almost immediately put to unpacked right away and hit the sack. I for some mad consumerism when the rest any nerves I had about dragging a woke up early enough for breakfast for a doors opened. poor innocent newbie into his first change and got my badge and program Alas, it didn't quite work out that proper convention. book. There was no pocket program so I way, when I poked my head in to the Art The Brits and hardcore fans had been removed the centerfold one in the Show around 10:30am there was one arriving since Wednesday or even program book and started marking the person there and nothing at all set up earlier, so the low floors were already things I wanted to see which were yet, I figured I might as well start my full and we ended up at the very end of plentiful. The Dealer's Room and Art paperwork but neither the computer or the hall on the 9th floor. Knowing the Show were scheduled to open at noon so printer were ready either. I said I’d check back later and hung around in the hallway chatting and checking back in every so often until finally the flats were up. Sad to say, the hanging process went awry almost immediately and eventually I realized that it was 12:30pm, I wasn't even half-way done, and I was distinctly Not Enjoying the process. I decided to call it a loss and skip the art show for this year. Free of that commitment, I joined my friends in the Dealers Room and dropped some cash at the Big Finish table right away to get it out of my system. Springtime Creations had some wonderful new pieces including a very tempting “Blink” necklace, but my budget was limited so I regretfully moved on. I ran into Kevin Roche and we discussed Yipe! for a bit and then I found Palle, who was loaded down with by Andrew T Trembley

6 a giant pile of Doctor Who books he had just purchased and grinning like a maniac. About this time Jason Schachat arrived at the hotel so we met up, got his stuff and our purchases up to the room and I made introductions all around. Within a few minutes he and Palle were dropping MST3K references back and forth and I was utterly lost. My first panel for the con was the Fraser Hines and Deborah Watling talk. Hines was a hoot at last year’s Gally, but I had not been terribly familiar with his companion or with the Troughton years in general at the time. I made up for that over the intervening year, however; Jamie has quickly become one of my favorite companions and Two — previously the Doctor I was least familiar with — is likewise in the running for favorite. The panel did not disappoint, and it was especially interesting because I had very recently watched Tomb of the Cybermen, which is the only full surviving serial with Watling as Victoria Waterfield. It was by Andrew T Trembley thought lost until the early nineties, and is a very good episode with some Friday night party. Merv and Judith were Damned” so I had thrown together a surprisingly creepy Cybermen scenes. throwing their traditional party, with vaguely Titanic-era outfit and we headed I got in a nap before opening help from Kevin and Andy. The party down a little after 10ish. The party was ceremonies and then dressed for the theme this year was “Voyage of the going well although clearly a lot of folks

7 by Andrew T Trembley by Andrew T Trembley were still at the casino and karaoke. I now up against the Friday night party — party decor was brilliant as ever, Kevin tried the drink specials of White Star which is good in a way given how many had made a Help screen, there were Line, Gin and Titonic and Banana Kaffa more people are attending Gally now. portholes, and Andy had figured out at Latta, which were all very tasty, Still, I figured I would check out the the last minute that a quick shave would although I mainly stuck with the White casino and karaoke so Palle and I render him capable of an uncanny Max Star Line for the evening. popped down to the convention floor. I Capricorn impression. I was sad to realize I had missed the could hear singing all the way from the Leigh Ann Hildebrand and Leo band, Tanuki Suit Riot, since one of the escalator and sure enough the karaoke Schwab made it down at the last minute things I appreciate about Gally is that was still going, with Mr. Tony Lee and for a while it was a Bay Area they seem to make an effort to provide a belting out a Sinatra tune, “New York, Fanzine Lounge flashback as we sat different special one-off event each year. New York,” if I recall correctly. The around shooting the shit. After a few Most recently I greatly enjoyed room was packed so we moved on. On more White Star Lines and a Gin and Offstage’s The Ten Doctors and Toby the other hand, the casino next door was Titonic I decided to bring my bottle of Hadoke's one-man show. But as the practically empty and looked like it Sweet Tea Vodka down so as not to Masquerade has grown so much and might be over, so we headed back drink Merv and Judith out of house and taken Saturday night over, the event is upstairs for the rest of the night. The home, alas I put it down on the

8 bathroom counter while primping and convention didn't have proper ninjas knocked it down with my purse strap who would have been able to enter from bathing the bathroom in the heady but the other side. Despite my failure it was tragic smell of spilled sweet tea vodka. clear their entry had gotten a very good For a wonder I didn't spill a drop on crowd reaction, so all’s well that ends myself though, so I counted my well. I joined them in the back of the blessings and brought the Tito's vodka hall and watched the end of the entries instead. before getting changed for the night. The rest of the evening was spent in When I got back downstairs I ran into conversation, and I got a look at Mo Wendy Newton and we both went to Starkey's sketchbook containing some check the dance, which had started but wonderful Who and Tiki images. was a little sparse still. We spent the rest Eventually it was about 2:30am and the of the evening alternating between the doors were closed, there was a bit of lobby and the dance. I misplaced my by Andrew T Trembley lingering but I was still tired from the purse at some point (turns out I left it in trip and called it a night. I had volunteered to help Bryan and the room on a refill trip), found On Saturday, although I didn’t make Mette in the pre-Masquerade green room someone's dropped badge, got quite a bit it down in time for breakfast, I did this year, which was a fascinating of dancing in (Youtube'd for posterity, to discover that one can still order bacon glimpse into the process, and a my horror) and generally got a lot and eggs even though the “eggs any confirmation that no matter how much I drunker a lot faster than planned style” dish is no longer on the menu; I get into costuming I'll probably never apparently (damned Tito's) but still call it a bacon omelette without the submit an entry. Still, I got to see a lot of managed to wake up entirely hangover- omelette. I had missed the Directors wonderful costumes up close and the free the next morning (bless Tito's). panel and was considering the Louise rehearsals of the Brigadier “The Unsung After a late breakfast I returned the Page talk but it was up against the John Hero” sketch. My main job, aside from badge to Reg and made it to the “Chicks Levene one, so I decided to join Palle at seeing-eye for the limited-visibility Ood Dig Time Lords” launch panel which that and it was very entertaining — costumes, was being a stage ninja by was very interesting, and extra fun since almost a little one-man show. retrieving a prop once they left the stage. Johanna Mead is a contributor. I spent Afterwards we wandered about soaking Unfortunately the stage entrance was some time hanging with Leigh Ann, Leo in the sights for a bit before the Barry blocked by their exit and the folks and Jason before it was time for closing Letts tribute, followed by the traditional getting ready to go on stage so I failed. I ceremonies where the final attendance food and nap to prepare for the evening. was a little surprised, honestly, that the number was announced at 1,595. For

9 those who had missed it, they showed back up. Lobbycon had already started last night we didn’t bother unpacking the special messages from Moffet and so we hung out with Wendy, Kevin and but I changed into something more Davison. Andy and some other folks for about 45 respectable and we returned to the lobby I took a pre-lobbycon nap, and the minutes. The firemen came and went so for the rest of the night. It was a smaller roommates woke me up around 8:00pm. fast that I missed them entirely, alas, but showing than previous years — While I pondered whether or not to eventually we checked in with reception apparently several regulars were absent shower I heard someone in the hallway and they told us they were moving from the con this year, but Kevin and shouting “Fire!” There was no alarm everyone from the 9th floor down to the Andy were still there and Bryan and going, so it seemed odd. . . since one 3rd. They provided a luggage cart and Mette and their friend Maron joined in would expect folks to pull the alarm first up we went to get our stuff. The fire had later. There was a table of podcasters and run around yelling second, but I been small, really, as the light fixture and various other folks. Louise Page and poked my head out the door and indeed, beside the door had apparently Fraser Hines were there until the wee the doorway two rooms down and across spontaneously combusted, but the whole hours, and the tables piled up with the was on fire. Hmm. I told the boys and as hall smelled bad and god knows what remaining alcohol from various folks I put pants on over my jammies, Palle chemicals were in the air. long after the bar closed. Eventually I grabbed the beer and Jason pulled the staggered off to bed around 5:00am after fire alarm, finally, and got some photos calling in for a late check out. for the ‘zine (our man on the scene!) There were still stragglers in the then we trooped down the stairwell to lobby as we got breakfast, said our the lobby. The panicked lady who had goodbyes and loaded the car up. It’s been shouting started down the stairs a always tempting to linger, and even good minute or so after we did but though we managed to leave the hustled fast enough that she was nipping convention space the #gally hashtag our heels by the time we exited. lingers on over on Twitter with folks There was no alarm sounding in the posting links and gossip and counting lobby, so we went over to reception to by Andrew T Trembley down the days till next year (333 and let them know that the fire was indeed counting). real and not the traditional false alarm. The new room was the same except And then we drank beer and waited for with a balcony over the pool and of the hotel to announce it was safe to go course, closer to the action. Being the

10 Potlatch 19 Report

By Tom Becker one of my all-time favorites and thus, I light of the late afternoon sun. It turned SF/SF Compositor was especially looking forward to the out David Bratman was on the same Potlatch is a small literary SF con. flight, so we shared a cab to the hotel. I convention that travels around the West Because my work is insanely busy had a fun time listening to him chat with Coast, and it was started in Seattle to (or busily insane), I couldn’t really take the cabbie about Seattle and science help raise money for scholarships to the any time off. I worked late for a few fiction. The weather was glorious and Clarion West writers workshop. This nights during the week, then took off we had some great views of Mt. Rainier, year it was back in Seattle. The Seattle early on Friday afternoon and caught a something you rarely get to see in committee chose Lord of Light, by flight to Seattle. There was a splendid Seattle. The cab was a Prius and I don’t Roger Zelazny as a book of honor. It is view of Mt. St. Helens in the golden know if it was really going very fast but

Rainier by Tom Becker Downtown Seattle by Tom Becker

11 it sure felt like it. In no time we were at Natasha, but Ellen and David are some couple of years, so it was nice to see her the Hotel Deca, an old hotel that has of the funniest people I know, as well as back smiling and looking like her old been fixed up in Art Deco period style. It darn good writers. It’s a good thing I’m self. Another person I was glad to see is in the University District, with plenty not a writer and don’t need the advice, was Bryan Barrett, a long-time Bay Area of good restaurants and shops within or I’d be kicking myself for missing the and Seattle fan. Unfortunately, due to walking distance. panel. complications from diabetes he recently Potlatch always has excellent Friday night there was a party in the had to have a foot amputated; he was programming. I decided to skip the first consuite, hosted by Ruth Sachter on still in rehab, but they let him out to go panel anyway, because I needed coffee behalf of Renovation. In the evening the to Potlatch. He was in a wheelchair but and some dinner. Also, the topic, consuite is the focus of Potlatch. It’s a in good spirits. I had a good long talk “Writing the Other,” was one I’d seen small con, and everyone likes to hang with him as did several other fans in the discussed a lot at other cons and online. out together. The consuite was in a consuite. I hope he keeps getting better While I was having dinner I imagined penthouse on the top floor of the hotel. and that we can see a lot more of him. how the panel was going . . . “You can’t Outside there was a wide patio that went Saturday morning started off with the write about other cultures it’s around the whole building, with “Make a List” panel led by Debbie appropriation.” “Science fiction is all stunning panoramic views of the Notkin. Everyone in the audience about otherness. If you can’t write about Cascades, the Olympics, and downtown suggested titles of science fiction and the other, how can you do aliens?” Seattle. The unseasonably warm weather fantasy works that dealt with religion. “Yes, but you have to get it right. If you meant there was a good crowd outside. and Debbie wrote them down on giant can only write about middle class white Okay, they were bundled up, but they sticky notes. There were many titles, as guys, how can you do aliens?” “That’s were outside, which was a miracle. religion is a common theme in science easy. My alien is based on this really hot Another miracle was seeing Jane fiction. It was agreed that the giant black chick I know, only I made her Hawkins. She was one of the people sticky notes were the most science blue.” And so on. But I was wrong. The who started Potlatch, and was a fictional thing in the whole convention. Potlatch program description for the mainstay of it for many years. Her After lunch there was a panel on E- panel included a link to Nisi Shawl’s consuites are legendary for the quantity, Publishing. I wasn’t there, but I had fun article “Transracial Writing For The variety, quality, and mind-boggling chatting with Timmi and Tom Duchamp Sincere.” It comes across like Nisi — intensity of chocolate. Jane is an at the Aqueduct Press table in the smart, thoughtful and just plain nice. engineer and when she applied her skills Dealers Room, and I drained my inbox Also on the panel with her were Ellen to chocolate supply the results were of spam, which I guess was important. Klages, David Levine, Eddy Smith and impressive. But then Jane went through Finally, there was the panel we’d all Natasha Oliver. I don’t know Eddy and some tough times and gafiated for a been waiting for, the Book of Honor

12 how a messenger can be imperfect, unreliable, and have entirely the wrong motives but still bring enlightenment to others. Lyn talked about how the structure of the book is similar to Buddhist and Hindu myths. Even though it was written as a novel, it reads like a collection of tales with different styles and perspectives. Jack analyzed the plot and addressed the cultural appropriation issue. The crew of a colony starship consciously and deliberately appropriate Hindu culture in order to set themselves up as gods over the colonists. They are shown as flawed and quarreling and far from benevolent. Sam, another crew member, decides to introduce Buddhist culture in

Book of Honor Panel by Tom Becker order to overthrow the gods. The book does not so much practice cultural panel on Lord of Light, organized by Eileen started out by reading some of appropriation as critique it. Eileen Gunn. Also on the panel were JT the statements from India. Anil talked about how the book had Stewart, Harold Taw, Lyn Coffin, and JT explained how the relative lack of characters as Hindu gods, but was Jack William Bell, and Anil Menon strong female characters and the cultural actually lacking most of the Hindu participated remotely via Skype. appropriation issues made it so she religion. The ritual practices that are Vandana Singh, Priya Sarukkai Chabria, really could not like the book, even omnipresent in India were missing in the and Jayaprakash Sathyamurthy were not though she liked much of the writing. book. Then, in my favorite comment of able to join the panel because it was in Harold talked about he was brought the panel, he compared Lord of Light to the middle of the night in India, but they up as a Buddhist, and one of the The Mikado. Even though The Mikado sent statements. common themes in Buddhist scripture is was set in Japan it really was about the

13 foibles of contemporary British society. Similarly, Lord of Light used Hindu and Buddhist culture to criticize a high- technology colonial elite that was really Western. Overall it was a blockbuster panel, and an amazing technical and organizational achievement. The one thing I wished was that JT’s discomfort over the cultural appropriation had been fully addressed. I could see how that, as an African American woman whose culture has been appropriated over and over again, for her it could be an issue that is not easily dismissed. That also had me thinking there could have been some good connections with the “Writing the Other” panel and yeah, I really should have gone to it. The next panel was “The Steam- Clarion West Beneﬁt Auction by Tom Becker Driven Life: Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Brass Goggles & the Literature of the Cherie Priest. Andy, of course, is a almost immediately and was about to Steampunk.” The moderator was Stu fanzine giant, and also has a blow the whole room to smithereens, but Shiffman, Hugo-award winning fan comprehensive knowledge of Andy quickly shunted it back onto the artist, TAFF delegate, and alternate personalities and events from the present original topic and shoveled plenty of historian. (There are some splendid time going back to the Hittites and coal into the boiler to get the discussion examples of his recent fan writing in maybe earlier. Bill is a fan of all things moving quickly. Cherie had a delightful Chunga issues #13 and #15.) Stu was including Steampunk, and his top hat insider’s perspective on the Steampunk nattily attired in a silk vest with his and goggles are to die for. Cherie is the movement that was very down-to-earth. medals on it and his mustache was author of several Steampunk stories and There is the sentimental nostalgia for neatly trimmed. Also on the panel were a Nebula nominated Steampunk novel, steam power, but there also is the punk Andy Hooper, Bill Humphries, and Boneshaker. The panel went off track movement’s radical vision of a society

14 without oppression and where people do made last year for Montreal’s WorldCon. things for themselves. We had a fun time chatting about The Clarion West Benefit Auction possible advances in culinary raises funds scholarships for students technology. The promised bad weather who would not otherwise be able to kept failing to appear, and in desperation attend the Clarion West Writers’ the Seattle fans brought out the Scotch Workshop. With auctioneers like Ellen and had a whisky tasting. Klages and Tom Whitmore, this is also Sunday morning started with the comedy event of the con. There were readings in the lobby by Vy Kaftan and some nifty items for sale including Eileen Gunn. They got a good turnout. books (of course), rare and signed Then there was a banquet brunch, which posters, and the ever amazing sea I missed because I went out for dim sum creatures created by Vonda McIntyre. I with some fannish friends from missed seeing Jay Lake, who is very Madison. The dim sum options in good at making me vastly overpay for Seattle are not as great as in the Bay David Levine by Tom Becker copies of his books. But he was off at Area, but we went to a place that had a the Rainforest Writers’ Workshop. He’s good selection, much better than and his presentation was both funny and also going through chemo; in solidarity anything you can get in Madison, and fascinating, with lots of cool pictures. If for Jay, Ellen Klages auctioned off her we had a fun time. We made it back just you ever have a chance to see it, do hair for Clarion West. The high bidder in time to catch David Levine’s Mars whatever it takes (within generally got to pay big bucks, while the losers talk after the banquet. David and his accepted legal and moral codes), or had to make do with putting as much as sweetie Kate publish Bento, a very fine check out his Mars Journal on the they could in the hat. small format fanzine. He’s also been internet. The shaving happened up in the making a name for himself as a science Sadly, all things must come to an consuite where Foolscap was hosting a fiction writer, winning a Hugo award in end, so we said our goodbyes and “Vanguard at Potlatch” party. (Vanguard one of those non-fanzine categories and headed back to the airport. But there will is a regular Seattle fannish party.) Dave a really nifty-looking Endeavour Award. be another Potlatch. I know because, Howell, one of the founders of Foolscap, This winter he got a chance to spend two um, I’m working on it. Potlatch 20 will was there, and he brought along one of weeks at the Mars Desert Research be March 4-6, 2011 in Sunnyvale. Hope the wonderful Hugo Award bases he Station. David is an excellent speaker to see you there!

15 courtesy of David D. Levine 16 Wonderland: A Tim Burton Ball

By Diane B. Rooney I have lots of diverse interests and a Contributing Editor complicated life, so I didn’t get to the Well, well, here I am back again after DNA Lounge for Wonderland until a very, very long absence from SF/SF. almost 11:00pm. I was over on Van Ness (Suffice to say that absence was caused Avenue at the Herbst Theater attending by a period of profound unhappiness and the Humanities West lectures on depression which included divorce, Alexander the Great until around home sale, move, job search, and 10:00pm. Then I changed from my probably other stress factors I’m not mundane clothes into my Steampunk even remembering. While all this was outfit in the ladies’ room and walked going on though, I did manage to get down to the DNA Lounge on 11th Street. more involved in cosplay, vintage I had purchased my ticket online so costuming, waltz and swing lessons, and getting in was quick and hassle-free. I Steampunk.) elbowed my way through the crowd and I’ve been taking lessons at Swing up the stairs to the balcony to check my Goth at the El Rio and more recently at stuff – I mean, who wants to carry a the Blue Macaw, so SG’s Tim Burton canvas tote back with street clothes at a Ball was the perfect chance to carry over Tim Burton Ball? Then I was free to get the energy from Edwardian Ball, see SG a drink and check out the crowd. Wow! and EB friends, and, best of all see Lots of great looking people in black Tim Burton Characters Abney Park for a third time. I saw them and white stripes, black, more black, by Christopher Erickson last spring in SF at Slim’s and again in some red, and of course, top hats and September at DragonCon in Atlanta. goggles. Seriously, I think Steampunk The three-sided balcony overlooking Their 1:00am show at the Atlanta attire makes both men and women, all the main floor at DNA provides great Marriott was so incredible I lost my ages, all body types, look elegant, views of the action down on the main wand as I staggered back to my hotel at sophisticated, sexy and very hip in a floor. And, for those dancing on the 3:00am and had to buy another for the Victorian kind of way. main floor it’s like having an audience. Yule Ball on Sunday! The balcony also had a photographer.

17 Since I arrived around 11:00pm, I creatures. I liked the look of the puppets scowled (some), sang and drummed. missed Vagabondage and also the Swing but thought the routine was a little rough The crowd danced, screamed, Goth dance lessons. When I came in, the for a supposedly all-ages show, featuring photographed and shot video. It was all DJs were playing great music for skits about drugs and prostitution and a over way too soon. After their set, the dancing. I was amazed to see some of heavy dose of R-rated language. It was band stayed at their table, talking with the Abney Park band members out on nice to see some young Victorians in the fans and selling and autographing CDs, I the floor dancing with fans and just audience describe it as unnecessarily talked to Captain Robert a little and had enjoying themselves even with a long coarse. my picture taken with him. live set coming up. Someone kindly took Abney Park played for an hour or so Fortunately, the DJs returned and my picture with Nathaniel! and, not surprisingly, they were terrific. played until 3:00am. (This is now Puppeteers Shadow Circus were up Kristina danced, Nathaniel played his officially a trend – the last two times I next. Their puppets include a cockroach, violin assisted onstage by a child have stayed out until 3:00am it has been a velociraptor and some very dragony dressed like Alice, and Captain Robert to hear Abney Park.) I went home, slept

Wonderland courtesy of Diane Rooney Alice in Wonderland Characters with Nathaniel courtesy of Christopher Erickson

18 for about four hours, got up, drank a lot of coffee and went back to the Herbst Theater for the Saturday program of Alexander the Great lectures starting at 10:00am.

See more:

Abney Park: www.abneypark.com Swing Goth: www.swinggoth.com/sf

Wonderland Ball: www.sfweekly.com/slideshow/view/29258327 (Photos) www.dnalounge.com/gallery/2010/02-05 (Photos) www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwE-Wu3VcOM&feature=related (Video)

Abney Park Videos from Wonderland: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVRgviIEONs www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVp2WG9VKzo www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvsNuYT7GhM&feature=related www.mefeedia.com/watch/28632070 Steampunk Swing Dancers by Christopher Erickson

19 Creation Star Trek Convention 2010 Ð The San Francisco Visit

By Stephanie Brucker professionally-made Nurse Chappell Then, for the first time in many Contributing Writer uniform for the huge, annual Creation years, Creation Entertainment brought “What? You’ve gone to BayCon and Star Trek cons in Las Vegas. Those cons their Star Trek extravaganza to my home SiliCon and WorldCon and WonderCon always sounded so exciting. town of San Francisco. I had to go. and World Fantasy, etc., etc. but never to Nevertheless, to me Vegas meant Was it the convenience that a Star Trek convention?” My friend gambling. convinced me? Certainly J. J. Abrams’ Debbie has chided me any number of Star Trek reboot rekindled my times for any number of years. Star Trek enthusiasm for the characters I loved in cons are the easily the best-known and the original series? Or did my blue- among the longest-running of all the skinned Andorran persona, created for genre conventions. Nevertheless, they Bay Area Klingon parties, slowly insist did not pique my interest enough to that I return to Gene Roddenbury’s travel to whatever city might be hosting world? a Creation Star Trek Con. Nah, it was Creation’s promise of a To be sure, I do have a love of things one-on-one chat with William Shatner Trek. However, that love reached its and Patrick Stewart at the St. Francis apex in the 1970s with the syndication Hotel. I was sooooo there. of the original series, and later, with the Day One: A Day to Be Blue — 1980s theatrical films. I’ve viewed Literally episodes of Next Generation and Deep So there I was on a cloudy January Space Nine occasionally, but remember 23rd, in blue makeup and antennae, all few characters beside Captain Picard, set for masquerade day at the Con. Deanna Troi, and the Ferengis. Sorry, Debbie accompanied me in her Nurse folks. Chappell uniform. We crossed Union My friend Debbie, on the other hand, Square in our costumes and short blonde has been a Star Trek fan for as long as wigs. People on the street, mostly there has been some version of Star tourists, asked for our pictures. I wonder Trek. She often brings out her lovely, Andorrans courtesy of Debbie Esters if they think San Franciscans typically

20 spend Saturday afternoon parading renowned in Star Trek fandom for their and their, um, assertive female around like Star Trek extras? guitar and ukulele filk antics. They compatriots. Hertzler and O’Reilly did a The St. Francis is easily my favorite treated the audience with a plinking round of Klingon opera and other of the luxe hotels in the city. At 2:00pm encouragement to do the hula with schtick. They encouraged Klingons in there was no wait at registration. Debbie Uhura at the lu’au, which warmed my the audience to get on stage, which was commented on how empty the place was hula student heart. enough for Mitchell. Hertzler and in comparison to the Las Vegas cons. We took a short break to view the O’Reilly singled him out for teasing and We saw relatively few costumed dealers room, where we met up with admiration of his excellent costume. people mingling outside the Main Raven, the third person in our entourage. After a quick stop at the St. Francis Ballroom. The masquerade at this She wore an original series-style red combo bar and coffee house, we particular con is more of a costume mini-dress uniform, and boldly faced the returned to see Chase Masterson present parade. It is an informal affair featuring possibility of her upcoming demise in cash prizes for the winners and “thank good spirits. By mid-afternoon, more you” gifts for all contestants. With our costumed people were roaming the con eyes on possible thank you gifts, Debbie floor. We befriended Bill and Pam Lyons and I signed up for the event. from Sacramento, who were beautifully We quickly headed to the main costumed in original series Andorran ballroom, where events had been going uniforms. Also in attendance were on since noon. We missed the talk by Federation troopers, male and female, Armin Shimerman and Max most in red shirts. We ran into Klingon Grodenchik, who played the Ferengis buddies Mitchell Johnson, Karen Katich Quark and Rom on Deep Space Nine. and their friends, looking quite fetching We walked in on the talk by Casey in their duds. Biggs, another DS9 alumnus. He was an KIingon fever was especially high, engaging speaker, but I was totally for this was the first appearance in the unfamiliar with his character. Biggs was Bay Area of J.G. Hertzler and Robert O’ joined by Vaughn Armstrong. Armstrong Reilly. In full costume as their Next played the first Klingon character in Generation characters Martok and Next Generation after Worf, and then Gowron, the two treated the audience to went on to become the actor who has a high spirited round of Klingon played the most roles in the Star Trek- shenanigans. Though I do not have a verse. Biggs and Armstrong are Klingon persona, I adore the mighty lugs Original Series Female Red Shirt courtesy of Debbie Esters

21 her session. I’ve seen Chase at BayCon The majority of contestants wore Troi family from Next Generation. It a number of times. She is a fine singer original series or Next Generation was now past 7:00pm. Debbie and I and lively persona. However, I was most federation uniforms. One man wore a graciously accepted our participation impressed that what floats her boat most well-appreciated original series Klingon prizes—copies of Star Trek magazine— is her charitable work for the UN World costume. Two couples did excellently and headed off with Raven for dinner at Food Bank. reproduced DS9-era Klingon uniforms. I Lefty O’Doul’s hofbrau. Debbie and I made a quick trip to the recall seeing an original series Romulan. Day Two: Time to meet Pat & Bill Ladies for a make up and wig One woman wowed the crowd with her No preparation time needed today, I adjustment. Then we joined a line up of completely handmade reproduction of told myself as I hauled out of bed before at least 30 costumed characters to wait T’Pring, Spock’s betrothed, from the 8:00am Sunday morning. I just have to for our moment to parade in front of the episode “Amok Time.” get to the St. Francis as early as I can. audience. Unlike BayCon and other fan Our Andorran friends wound up in The Shatner/Stewart love fest was con Masquerades, audience applause second place. First place went to three scheduled to begin at 11:30am. I pulled determines who wins this event. folks with an excellent recreation of the on boot-cut leggings and my Klingon

Stephanie as an Andorran courtesy of Debbie Esters Andorran and Nurse Chapel courtesy of Debbie Esters

22 Klingons courtesy of Debbie Esters Debbie with the real Yeoman Rand courtesy of Debbie Esters hockey shirt as my tip-of-the-hat to Star I did not expect practically all the seats up to “us SciFi dweebs.” I sleepily Trek fandom. in the Ballroom to be taken by 10:45am. nodded my head, content with my Based on Saturday’s attendance, I I found an unoccupied seat near the wall unblocked view of the stage. assumed that I would have little trouble about six rows from the back, which I Then on came Patrick Stewart. getting a good seat an hour before the abandoned to lean against the wall when I am more familiar with his post-Trek big show was to begin. What a mistake! the panels began. characters than Captain Picard, so I As I climbed the stairs to the mezzanine, By the time Creation Con founder expected him to be slightly stuffy and I was greeted by a huge queue, waiting Adam Bailey got up to speak, every seat Shakespearian. Surprise, surprise. simply to buy autographs and photo was taken, and standing room in the Stewart was quite relaxed and funny. He sessions with Shatner and Stewart. back was many people deep. I’m is an exceptionally handsome older man, The line for admissions was also guessing there were close to a thousand for all that his baldpated presence huge, but my two-day pass got me into people present. Bailey began his initially reminded me of Terry O’ Quinn the Main Ballroom without a wait. I opening words by exhorting the crowd (Locke on “Lost”). expected I would have to sit in the back. that the rest of society has finally caught

23 Stewart gave the audience a rundown many fans happy. Stewart then appeared Shatner looks quite good. He lost of his current activities. For example, in the title role in the RSC’s Macbeth, some weight since his Boston Legal the previous evening he had given a also filmed and scheduled to air on PBS days but not his sense of humor. He was spoken word performance of “A next fall. (Oh goodie, Shakespeare-lover most interested in promoting his Soldier’s Tale,” accompanied by the San me cheered silently.) Biography Channel talk show, Raw Francisco Symphony. This morning, the Microphones opened for the Nerve, teasing us with the prospect of a symphony conductor Michael Tilson obligatory Q & A session. Aspiring talk with himself and George Takei, Thomas sat somewhere in the audience actors asked for advice. Then one moderated by Howard Stern. He with the rest of us dweebs. Judging from intrepid audience member asked Stewart delivered pithy anecdotes about Boston the conspicuous television cameras and what it was like to be a knight of the Legal costar James Spader and quipped somewhat less conspicuous news British Empire. that the difference between him and reporters, this panel was the place to be Stewart told us that though it is Stewart is, “He’s starring with the Royal in San Francisco. appropriate to call him Sir Pat, the Shakespeare Company and I have three Right about then a camerawoman official knighting ceremony was yet to series on cable.” from the San Jose NBC TV affiliate happen. The powers that be were As has been well-publicized, Shatner parked herself by my right shoulder. She waiting for an ultimate power (Princess has not seen the new Star Trek. J.J. rolled video while Stewart told us that Anne, Prince Charles, or possibly her Abrams had asked him to help with he decided some time ago to focus his majesty Queen Elizabeth) to clear their publicity for the film, but Shatner turned career on his great love, Shakespearian schedules for the event. The mostly him down because he did not want to drama. (No more Professor X.) He told American audience was quite impressed. face the inevitable rounds of reporters the crowd of his participation in the Unexpected and unannounced, and paparazzi. Recently though, Abrams Royal Shakespeare Company’s William Shatner raced onto the stage has invited Shatner and his family to a presentation of the entire Shakespearian and kneeled at Stewart’s feet. “Can you special screening of the new Star Trek, canon. He was featured in Hamlet, put in a good word for me?” he pleaded. and this time Shatner says he will go. where David Tennant knocked the socks Thus Shatner’s segment began Predictably, in the Q & A session off London theatergoers in the title role. without ceremony. The two ribbed each someone asked which character Shatner Stewart was not specific about his role, other; Stewart has a title, Shatner has preferred, Captain Kirk or Danny Crane. so I assumed he played Claudius, two recent Emmys, that sort of “There was much joy in both,” was the Hamlet’s bad stepdad. Happily the BBC bantering, and the audience ate it up. gracious response. filmed a performance, which will be Then Sir Pat left the stage to give Bill The final questioner asked Shatner to airing in April on PBS. That should his due. discuss the moment of Spock’s death in make Stewart’s — and Tennant’s — the film Wrath of Khan and Kirk’s

24 eventual death under a pile of rocks in lend his DVD of the new Star Trek to previously Shatner appeared on Conan’s Generations. Shatner. old TV show, doing a dramatic reading “When Khan was shot, no one knew The two started up their banter in a of Palin’s recent bestselling biography. if Nimoy would return,” Shatner said. very buddy-buddy fashion. Shatner said Totally unannounced, Sarah Palin then “So I felt it was the end of an era.” In that Stewart was “an elite actor who came on Conan’s stage and gave a regard to Kirk’s death, he said he based knows everything about everybody, dramatic reading of Shatner’s biography. his portrayal on a riding accident he was except horses.” Shatner is an The audience was thoroughly in. Then he commented, “Kirk faced his accomplished equestrian whose horses delighted by all the joshing around and death with awe and wonder.” were used for the Picard/Kirk riding the relaxed, approachable attitude of the This decidedly downbeat moment scene in Star Trek: Generations. Shatner two actors. Unfortunately, the 1.5 hour was broken up by the reappearance of teased Stewart about this scene, where session came to a close. I met up with Patrick Stewart. Shatner promptly asked Stewart wound up wearing women’s my friends, quite thrilled with my him how Next Generation wrapped the support hose to ease muscle pains from experience. This summer they might series’ finale. so much riding. have an easier time hauling me to Vegas “We didn’t know we were being An audience member asked the two for the big Star Trek Con. cancelled,” Stewart recalled. “In if either would appear on the new Conan Nemesis, Picard congratulates Ryker on O’Brien show. Shatner quipped, “Only if being promoted.” Then he offered to Sarah Palin is on it.” A few weeks

25 Consonance 2010: A Fremont Invasion

By Carole Parker specialist, Mary Crowell, whose Contributing Writer southern warmth and humor had An invasion happened in Fremont everyone settling into their seats. Ohio when Consonance, an annual San operations sent toastmistress Judi Miller Francisco Bay Area filk convention, to continue the campaign with songs that took place during the weekend of March moved audience members, and she 5th through the 7th. It started with a “signed” songs by numerous field German scout, Ju Honisch, coming in marshals. Civilians have to understand first. Then further German air support that the signing that Miller does is no came in Thursday, commanded by Katy ordinary signing for the deaf. Her Droege, Steve MacDonald, and Sib interpretations not only inform to get the Machat. Canadian invasion troops were idea across, but they’re funny, too. Many lead by “Decadent” Dave Clement, with performers have been broken up by English support coming from Chris Miller’s signing of their song to the O’Shea, and American ground troops point where they cannot look at her and lead by Tricky Pixie squad leaders SJ perform at the same time. They’ve found (aka Sooj) Tucker, Betsy Tinney, that it doesn’t work, but they hear people Alexander James Adams, and semaphore laughing at Miller’s signing, even signer Judi Miller. though the majority of people do not The Consonance forces marshaled know ASL. together a smooth-running operation Saturday, the invasion got started by with no supply line problems, German Sib Machat asking why the entertainment was able to reach the English language was so contradictory Interﬁlk guest Chris O’Shea by Howeird troops, and the result was a successful and difficult. Canadian Brooke campaign. Lunderville came in with a pincer move guest Chris O’Shea doing a bad Friday’s campaign started off with a that was unorthodox but effective. An American accent. Money was exchanged concert from Alabama operations center English spy was identified as Interfilk for goods at the black market Interfilk

26 Sybille Machat with Steve Macdonald and Bill Roper by Howeird Judi Miller signs for Timothy Grifﬁn, singing “Nessie Come Out” by Howeird auction which raised $2,141 so that After dinner, the German invasion Sooj was dressed in a corset coat with Interfilk can bring more foreigners to continued with Ju Honisch and Katy swallow tail tails, miniskirt, and top hat locations to infiltrate and assimilate Droege performing songs that plucked at playing acoustic drum and guitar. customs and songs of other countries. your heart and moved people greatly. Fiddler Alexander James Adams was Local resistance fighter Howeird had a The invasion took a mischievous turn dressed in a formal black velvet tailcoat, CD of his recording sold to help raise when the pixies arrived. Yes, pixies. black and gold vest, pants, and top hat. funds for this worthwhile cause. Whereas the other invaders were Auxiliary support was provided by This reporter was able to share an wearing t-shirts and jeans, the Tricky songstress Vixy Dockrey, who was Indian dinner with Jeff and Maya Pixies dressed up and had unusual dressed in a halter-style corset, paired Bohnhoff, Carolyn Kayta Barrows, Bill instruments to play. It was a visual as with a miniskirt with lace overlay and Laubenheimer, and Miller to get well as audio feast. black pleated netting at the hem, plus a additional reconnaissance information. Cellist Betsy Tinney was dressed in a top hat. The pixie takeover was peaceful Reconnaissance shows that the Victorian-style corset, a bustle skirt with and had the troops wanting more. Bohnhoffs will be releasing their next the front cut short to help show her Sunday, the battle went back and CD at FilkOntario. slender legs, and a tall top hat. Leader forth with the invaders seeming to have

27 Judi Miller signs for Tricky Pixie + Vixy by Howeird Betsy Tinney by Howeird the day’s battle, but the Americans came song was “Dragon for Sale,” with Canadian perspective continued with back with a strong finish at the end of support from Mr. Dragon, Bill Roper. Clement providing work and sea songs. the day. The first volley was thrown by This is a performance that needs to be The tide then turned in favour of the American educator Timothy Griffin. seen to be believed. Americans, with an infamous rock jam Unfortunately, I was still out in the field Then the tide turned in favour of the lead by resistance cell leader Paul when Griffin performed. Then the Canadian performance group, Stone Kwinn. Troops from all nations were Germans threw another volley with Dragons. After their recent wins in the marshaled and included nine acoustic American-now-living-in-Germany- Vancouver games, the Canadians were guitars, one electric guitar, a because-of-love Steve Macdonald confident in their singing and provided “bandolin” (banjo neck and mandolin performing songs of humor and the Canadian folk perspective. Then the body), drum, bodhran, dulcimer, thoughtfulness. This reporter’s favorite recorder, flute, fiddle, cello, and a

28 Brooke Lunderville and fans give dance lessons by Howeird Stone Dragons and Dave Clement by Howeird

Kristoph Klover sets up mikes for Blind Lemming Chiffon by Howeird Tempered Glass: Naomi Rivkis, Callie Hills and Steve Savitzky by Howeird

29 ukulele. Now, you would think that to get all these disparate instruments to sound good, it would take a strong field marshal. However, the multinational forces were able to work together with occasional chord prompting when a new song started. The strength of the music was one to be reckoned with. Local author Diana Paxson was seen to enjoy the music, and was seen to do a little bit of dancing. After working up an appetite at the rock jam, the troops convoyed over to the Sweet Tomato for grub and conversation. Then, it was back to headquarters for informal music until it was time for taps. For more information, visit www.consonance.org

Judi Miller signs for Lynn Gold’s Hawaiian breeze number by Howeird

30 Writers Appear in "Hard Boiled" Saga

Kathe Gust Creme de Menthe cigarettes and Contributing Writer carrying a loaded lemon cream pie. “No, Effie, I didn't kill him. And if I Other members of the cast included had knocked him off that wall, it Gregory Tiede, Michael Kurland, Pat wouldn't have been for a dame. And if I Lupoff, Angela Beske, Lori Leigh had done it for a dame, it wouldn't have Geilighem and a flock of invisible been her!" — Sam Spud, on the demise sheep. of his partner Dumpty It was worth attending just to see Marta Randall, Peter Beagle and Peter in a necktie! Needless to say there Richard Lupoff, three Bay area SFF were also lots and lots of fedoras in authors, got together with some mystery every size and color. Photos were taken, writer colleagues and other friends to but the camera went fzzt and lost them, perform the radio drama The Maltese so you’ll have to use the montage sketch Omelette at M is for Mystery Bookstore Marta Randall was the announcer, to visualize the experience. in San Mateo, on Saturday, February and performed all the commercial breaks According to Peter, “If all goes well, 27th. The half-hour “radio” drama had for the show. (She can say Majestic this won't be the last performance. There live music by Linda Robertson, live backwards!) Richard Lupoff portrayed are plans to take The Maltese Omelette sound effects provided by Cara Black, the gravel-voiced Sidney Greenstreet- on the road to Book Passage in Corte and was sponsored by Majestic Oil — esque character, Wee Willy Winkie, the Madera, and Copperfield's Bookstore in “Cars purr for Majestic!” man who is searching for the legendary Petaluma.” Also, SF in SF The play, set in San Francisco, was Maltese Goose. Peter Beagle had the (www.sfinsf.org) anticipates offering it written by local mystery author Michael dual roles of SFPD officer Jack Sprat — for their Litquake program in mid- Kurland in the style of Dashiell who has a domestic difference of October. So if you missed it in San Hammett, but instead of the usual opinion with his wife regarding diet— Mateo, you may still have a few chances sleuths, bad guys and dishy dolls, the and Winkie's henchman, Georgie Porgie. to see a live performance! characters in this drama are all out of Georgie gave Peter a chance to channel nursery rhymes. his inner Peter Lorre while smoking

31 Letters of Comment

John Purcell writes: energy of the local SF fan scene. Enjoy Yes, indeed, there are a lot of good Well, well! Nice words about the it, folks. Those of us in the far-flung fanzines coming out of the BArea right DUFF candidates for this year. I agree regions of the world live vicariously now. Besides the Garcia Publishing that this is a definitely a bunch of good through your reports in this zine. Keep Empire, Rich Coad and Robert people, even though I only know two active, and keep on writing. Lichtman are putting out splendid zines, others (John Hertz and Jeff Boman) even I’m glad other people are glad that too: respectively, Sense of Wonder reasonably well When you read the we’ve continued publishing SF/SF. It’s Stories and Trap Door. I love them both, platform statements, all are qualified and also gratifying that people outside the and still have to loc the latter (behind would make fine delegates to Aussiecon Bay Area are actually interested in schedule again, drat it all). I know Chris IV. I know who I’m voting for, but I’m what goes on in our own little world! is aware of the Bay Area’s fannish not saying. Since it is likely I will attend heritage, so what’s coming out right now Jean Martin responds: I’m still Renovation next year, the Young Adult is building on a wonderful fannish thinking about going to Aussiecon IV. rates and programming are a good idea. tradition. Keep those fan pubbing fires With my new job, I don’t know if I can. This is an idea that has been developing burning, folks, and the rest of us shall Good to see John Hertz on the ballot. I for many years, and I am glad it has enjoy the results. met him at Westercon when it was in come this far. My son is 14 now, and so Chris certainly has carried on the the Bay Area in 2007. I’m still amazed if he comes along for the 2011 worldcon torch for fanzine and fandom tradition. that the creator of my favorite dance, the YA track will definitely come in “The Garcia Publishing Empire”… the “Congress of Vienna,” is also a handy. This trend is one worth watching, that is too true and a clever moniker. I fanzine editor. It’s nice to know there and I will likewise keep my eyes open feel privileged to have worked with him are vintage dancers like myself who are for the discussion. It sounds like a great doing SF/SF for several years. And I also into scifi and fanzines! idea, and I hope the Reno folks do a am very happy to be a part of and live Like ESPN says in her editorial, I am good job with it. in an area with such talented and likewise glad that Jean Martin decided I will definitely be at Renovation creative writers who are actively to keep the fanzine going. It has next year. I hope to finally meet you publishing and putting out good stuff certainly grown in size and quality over there! that the rest of the world enjoys. the years, and is very indicative of the

32 I shall finish off with a quick area will add a new colour to the palette, future. As long as SF stays relevant in correction: I did not write the loc that but do only what you enjoy doing. No the future it’s always tried to describe begins on the bottom of the last column commitments you might not want to and highlight, Worldcon will have a of page 8. It actually sounds like it came keep. I heard good things about reason to be. We just need people to go from Lloyd Penney. I get the two of us Gallifrey One, and I’d like nothing to it. Ghosting a Worldcon is a risky confused all the time, too. better than to join you and Jean at Nova business, Chris... we saved like crazy to Sorry about that! That was supposed Albion. Fandom can be a full-time job, go to our own Worldcon in 2003, and we to be Lloyd Penney referring to one of but there’s lots and lots of fringe just had enough. And Chris, you don’t your previous LOCs. It got lost in benefits. complain about the high cost of fandom translation during the proofreading Jean Martin responds: I only cover nearly as much as I do. and layout process and I didn’t catch it what I’m interested in but I do try to go Conventions are expensive. in the final proof. to a variety of events. For those that I Sometimes not so much the Anyway, thanks for the issue, and I think would be good for the zine but membership fees in and of themselves. look forward to the next issue. All the don’t have enough of an interest to It’s the travel, hotel and food expenses best. cover myself, I try to find someone who (food is generally more expensive at Lloyd Penney (not John Purcell) is passionate about the subject to write hotels)… and for me (and lots of other writes: about it. I’m always constantly talking people), costuming costs. I have been Greetings to the editorial team, and to people to find out about what they buying and/or making costumes in my many thanks for SF/SF 102. There’s like, not only because I’m genuinely first five years in fandom. Now, I’m been a lot of fannish publishing lately, interested in getting to know them and trying to recycle what I have and and it’s been keeping me very busy, just learning about different things, but remake them or reassemble them into the way I like it. Comment on the also because I’m looking out for something else. For Nova Albion, I was contents to follow . . . stories. I always have my editor hat on! actually able to put together five new If you don’t read the intros, I saw that press release, too, and a costumes from pieces I already have. I forewords, table of contents, and Worldcon is finally addressing where the guess that’s what I’ll talk about at the anything else that comes before the meat next generation of attendees is coming Steampunk on a Budget panel that I’ll of the publication, you may miss a lot, from, and how we might draw them in to be part of at the con. including some explanation of what keep Worldcon going. Well done, Patty, DUFF... Yvonne and I have you’re about to read. By all means, and if we can keep this going with the nominated, and we have voted, and with España, do what you want with this, as 2012 Worldcons and further, we’ll still such a wide-ranging selection of increasing coverage of gaming in the have reason to hold that Worldcon in the potential delegates, the results will be

33 interesting. Steam Engine Time is always I think I’d feel lost going to cons fursuits, but mostly people with tails a challenge to respond to, but that is a without something to do! hanging from the back beltloop, and I good thing, as I do try to rise to that Jean Martin is the female Chris was also a little surprised to see how challenge. My loc was very long, and Garcia... a sister! Your thoughts betray many young ladies were there. The Cats- Bruce had misplaced my loc on issue 10. you once again. As long as you don’t style makeup job at the end was most When issue 13 arrives, a good portion of singe your beard while cooking, Jean, impressive. Furnal Equinox is the first of the locol will be mine, I hope. we’re all good here. As long as you three new furrycons coming up, with the Good luck with DUFF! I’m still pursue your involvement to your own others in London and Montreal. thinking about Aussiecon. More on this speed and capacity, everyone benefits. It boggles my mind that people want in my editorial in this issue. The letter from John Purcell... well, I to dress up completely covered in The locol . . . the willingness of wrote that one, too. fursuits. I’d be claustrophobic in one. volunteers to step up to make this I’m hoping to keep up what I’ve But it’s so great that there are so many fanzine and other fannish projects been doing these past six years or so. areas of fandom for people to do what happen reflects their importance to the But my new job looks like it’s going to they love no matter what it is. Their community you’re serving. I think if SF/ consume more time than my previous costumes do look amazing and a lot of SF wasn’t around to inform Bay Area job. I’m still new at it so perhaps it’ll them are very cute. fandom, some of those projects would get easier and I’ll get faster in time. Filking . . . again, I am not a filker, wither and die, and others couldn’t get Right now, though, I still don’t quite but we have worked with the local the word out about themselves. know how it will all shake out. filkers in the past. FilKONtario 20 is Volunteerism makes fandom happen, Sorry about that. John wrote in taking place, unfortunately, at the same and we have just enough people who about this and my explanation for this time as Ad Astra. Yvonne and I ran their realize it, and do something about it. mistake is in my reply to his LOC. con suite for 10 years, and literally, As I’ve said in the past, it’s so I must read all of Al Megas’ article we’ve heard it all. There are wonderful amazing to me that so many people on the Bay Area furry con. We’ve just singers and songwriters and lyricists, volunteer to do things in fandom. And had one here ourselves called Furnal and then there are those who couldn’t everyone has their own part to play Equinox. This is the first time Toronto’s hold a on-key notes if their lives depending on their interest and talents. had a furry con, and while it’s not to my depended on it. They all find a home in It’s what makes fandom work but it’s taste, I can’t argue with any group of an accommodating and forgiving filk also what makes fandom fun. I can’t fannish types getting together and community, which is what we have in imagine just sitting on the sidelines as a enjoying themselves. I was there to drop Toronto (even though most of the spectator. That’s one of the main off Ad Astra flyers, and there were some organizers live in Hamilton, just down reasons I decided to keep SF/SF going. friends there, too. I did see a couple of the highway). Many of those organizers

34 are nominated for their work on this past, and I have crashed and burned to about what they could do themselves. year’s Aurora Awards ballot. pay for it. (There are fans in Hamilton who might More filking in this issue. This time A lot of venerable brands have gone like to stage a Steampunk convention, it’s a local con. bankrupt and that’s too bad. Some of and possibly a grand ball... I referred The company that makes Jolt Cola them have been bought out by bigger them to the PEERS website, and I hope has gone bankrupt? Say it isn’t so! I companies. So who knows this one may they learned something.) I wish you all don’t buy Jolt very often, and I don’t yet survive. the grandest time at Nova Albion this like the fact it’s been turned into some I will wrap this up by saying that the coming weekend, and many thanks for kind of energy drink, but Jolt has gotten calendar once again makes me envious, another stellar issue. See you next time. me through busy weekend cons in the and should give many other fans ideas

35 BASFA Minutes: Meetings 1020-24

Meeting 1020 Mo announced that the Silicon BoD is sequence [1976-79], but it did not age well; she meeting tomorrow (Tuesday the 23rd) at got better later. Od Magic [2006] was better 7:30pm in the Denny’s at 3715 El Camino and interesting. Minutes of BASFA meeting #1020 on 22- Real, Santa Clara. Andy reviewed the 3rd qualifying round Feb-2010 Upcoming conventions were announced: [Gothenburg] of “Melodifestivalen” [Swedish Meeting was called to order at 8:04pm by (Ken?) Gallifrey is this upcoming weekend Eurovision Song Contest] as the worst yet; one Chris. 19 people attended. in the LAX Marriott. It is large, 1100 ppl of the winners was a real downer of a song We established a party jar. The treasurer having preregistered and the Titanic party is [Darin “You’re Out Of My Life”] about a underhandedly attached a rider to the party jar Friday night. girlfriend leaving. Worth download. motion, making Stellan acting secretary. At the same time in San Diego is Condor, at Stellan reviewed 1635: The Dreeson Secretary’s report: the minutes of meeting the Handlery Hotel, GoH CJ Cherryh. Incident by Eric Flint and Virginia DeMarce as 1019 were accepted as “Failed for lack of a (Mo) Contact is March 26-28, at NASA the dullest yet in the Ring of Fire shared second”. Ames. universe. Worth borrowing. Maybe. Treasurer’s report: Last week we took in (Dave) Norwescon is April 1-4th at the Dave Reviewed the NBC coverage of the $8.50 in the regular jar, for a total of Airport Doubletree in Seattle. Olympics as The Wrong Stuff, and that he $11537.21, and $1.25 in the party jar for a total (Adrienne) 2010 California Ghost Hunters understood the deliberations of the German of $1086.05. Dave is still adapting to working con is May 21-23 at the La Quinta Inn in curling team better than the British, who were from home, and this goes double for the cat. Hayward; tickets are $150, and includes two mostly Scots. There was no president present to present a haunted houses and a cemetery. Mo followed on by noting that the figure president’s report. (Lisa) Consonance 2010 is March 5-7 at the skating costumes were spectacular and could VP’s report: There is a new Drink Tank out Hilton in Newark. have belonged in Blades of Glory, and those with a cover by Mo, and a new Journey Planet Howeird announced that technology, were just the men’s... with stuff about alternate history by amongst religion and tradition has come together; the Chris reviewed the movie Adams Apples as others John Scalzi, Chris and Barbara. Dalai Lama is on Twitter. typical Danish comedy, full of pain and sorrow; funny and very, very dark. Announcements Glenn announced that Bill Humphries has 2 Reviews Adrienne reviewed the movie Fanboys as Glenn reviewed books by Patricia full tickets for this year’s Worldcon in one character reminded her of Chris. She has McKillip: He reread the Riddle Master Melbourne for $75 each. now seen all the Academy Award nominees,

36 and Hurt Locker was a really good war movie, The President had nothing fannish to report. broke records and he sold a lot of Westercon directed by a woman [Kathryn Bigelow]. memberships there. Howeird reviewed the restroom doors at Announcements Dave C reviewed Never the Bride by Paul Netflix, where he now works, as they are [evil] Kevin announced that there’ll be a Magrs as setting up for a series, he found it labeled solely with movie star posters, and on Steampunk Exhibition in 2 weeks at the Hilton distressing and worth library [even tho he could his floor they are from Planet of the Apes, so Garden in Emeryville; that the same week, sell it to you]. it’s hard to tell which is the men’s room. there will be a Penswag meeting; then the Radar reviewed Gallifrey as she had an weekend of March 20 will have the Coronation amazing time there, the Masquerade was We auctioned off a book for $.50. Ball at 938 the Alameda. excellent and filled with “Ooooo!” costumes The rumor of the week was “Olympic cake Radar announced that Wondercon will be and that “lobby con” started Thursday night using gold medal flour” April 2-4 at Moscone Center South in SF, $40 and it never really ended. We adjourned at 8:45pm for the whole weekend and also announced that Adrienne reviewed Inglorious Basterds as there will be no Silicon 2010, but there will be she enjoyed it, despite its being a Tarentino Meeting 1021 fund raisers for Silicon in 2011. film; reviewed Precious as engrossing, Howeird announced that this weekend will disturbing and depressing - worth DVD rental; have Consonance at the Fremont Hilton, & reviewed The Blind Side as she really March 1, 2010 Fremont. enjoyed it - she also reviewed the TV remake Adrienne announced that Bay Area Ghost of Survivors as she enjoys it and recommends Trey Haddad, President Hunters will have 2 meet and greets - at March it. Chris Garcia, Vice-President 10 in SJ at 5:30pm - and at March 21 in Dave Gallaher, Treasurer Berkeley at Blakes on Telegraph - check their We did auctions: auctioned off a poster and Galen Tripp, Sergeant at Arms website. magazine for $0.25, cupcakes for $1.75; toys Barbara Johnson-Haddad, Secretary Tom announced that Potlatch 19 will be this for $0.50; cookies and a water bottle for $1.50; Held at Coco’s, 1206 Oakmead Parkway weekend in Seattle at the Hotel Deca and that snickerdoodles for $0.50 & a book for $3.00. (Lawrence Expressway/101 fwy), Sunnyvale. Potlatch 20 will be in SJ - check their website. We adjourned at = 9:07 Glenn announced that Norwescon will be And the rumor of the week was: “At Began 8pm - with references to the held the 1st weekend in April. Gallifrey the smoker’s area is called the Black Masochism Tango. Stellan announced that the Tech Shop is Lung of Rassilon.” We established a party jar. opening a new location in SF. 19 people attended. Secretary’s report: the minutes of meeting Reviews Meeting 1023 1020 were accepted as “Adrienne objects to Glenn reviewed Patricia McKillip’s book Stellan objecting.” The Belle of Seelie Isle as very fantasy lite but 15 March 2010 No Treasurer report. extremely well written and he really enjoyed it; Called to order at 8:01 PM PDT – 20 No Vice President report. he also reviewed Condor as 540 attended, it people attending

37 Vice President Chris Garcia presiding. Howeird announced that Peter Graves has directorial and editing choices. Every one is The minutes of meeting 1022 were adopted passed away. encouraged to see it on DVD. as “Cultured Cargo.” Andy announced a drag extravaganza on Chris reviewed the Cinequest movies as The minutes of meeting 1021 were adopted Saturday: Jr. League with Adams Apples. available online: as “Who Cares Anymore.” www.irlm.webs.com. Evil Kevin will sing O’ Ducked and Covered – Post Apocalypse Evil Kevin moved that we establish the Canada. movie set in Australia legitimacy of the party jar – adopted. Glenn announced that lots of Bay Area Her Morning Elegance – Stop Motion Treasurer’s Report: Meeting 1022 took in conventions are upcoming – next March, there An Action Hero’s Guide to Saving Lives – $3.50; the party jar took in $1.25. will be three on consecutive weekends. starred Patrick Warburton. VP reported that a new issue of The Drink Tall Kevin announced that Match Game SF Tank was out. will be at Norwescon. It is now self contained, Announcements Revisited needing virtually no technical assistance from Tall Kevin announced that Hugo Announcements the host convention. Kevin also hates cable. Nominations have closed and that a record Dave Clark Xanadu Las Vegas, a Science Chris announced that Corey Haim died last number of nominating ballots were submitted. Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Fetish & Bondage week. The final ballot will be announced on Sunday, Convention, will be held March 27 and 28 a the April 4, at 7:00 PM BST. Suncoast Hotel and Casino; this is a 21 and Reviews Dave Clark announced that Lesbian over event. Ken reviewed Shout, playing at the Vampire Killers is coming to DVD; this will Ken announced that Wondercon will be in Retrodome, as Go See It. not be carried by Cargo Cult Books. San Francisco April 2 to 4, and that the BBC Andy reviewed Nova Albion from this past will be showing “11th Hour” on Saturday, April weekend with a mixed review on repeating The Rumor of the Week was “Orange”. 3 there. history. The hotel was too small; there was We adjourned at 9:32 PM PDT. Ken announced that the Marylebone much fun after finding parking. It was one step Cricket Club will be playing the NW Region U. beyond worth full price. Many follow ons: Meeting 1024 S. Cricket Association at the W. A. Wilson Glenn thought the program book was beautiful Adult Education Center in Santa Clara this but non-functional and the con was worth half March 22, 2010 coming weekend. price; Chris held court. Al announced that at the last Baycon staff Andy reviewed Eurovision as the Swedes Trey Haddad, President meeting, several staff members returned. and Norwegians dueled to the song, Anna Chris Garcia, Vice-President Artistic Solutions now has a Certificate of Bergendahl played a pixie, and the finals are Dave Gallaher, Treasurer Reviver now active with the Secretary of State. during Baycon. Galen Tripp, Sergeant at Arms Tall Kevin announced that Cheryl was not Al reviewed The Fourth Kind as similar to Barbara Johnson-Haddad, Secretary here, she was denied entry to the U. S. under The Blair Witch Project but on UFO’s. Poor Held at Coco’s, 1206 Oakmead Parkway the Visa Waiver Program. (Lawrence Expressway/101 fwy), Sunnyvale.

38 Ben & Jerry’s was doing something similar - commentary; then he reviewed a documentary, Began at 8:02 pm. both offers run thru tomorrow. The State of Aloha as well done. We established a party jar. Adrienne announced that she has made Dave C commented that his walls were full 24 people attended. reservations for Aussiecon and asked who else of dead squirrel miasma & reviewed satellite Secretary’s report: the minutes of meeting was going & [tall] Kevin follow-on’d that he’ll radio Little Steven’s Underground Garage as it 1023 were accepted as “squirrel.” be going there 1st class. plays kinda sorta everything. The Treasurer reported that last week we Dave C announced that the Other Change Adrienne reviewed the TV remake of took in $5.35 in the regular jar [and there were of Hobbit is going to be moving to* Oakland. Survivors as she’s still watching it & enjoys it no other jars]. Stellan announced that he’ll be in Sweden and they are changing its night to Tuesdays. The Vice President reported that there were for the next 3 meetings. Andy reviewed Coronation weekend as a 2 new Drink Tanks out, that he’s running for Ken announced that this Friday is the fun time was had Friday & Saturday - and mayor of San Francisco, that he’s been awarded Legion of Rassilon meeting - 1st and Trimble, pictures are up on Facebook and it was worth this next year’s Corflu [Feb 11-13 2011, in 7:30pm - at the Carls Jr - and there’s a doing, then they did nothing on Sunday. Sunnyvale] and he saw an alpaca today. Psychotronic Film Festival this Saturday. Ken reviewed MCC playing cricket as the The President had nothing fannish to report. Bob #27 announced that this TechnoCon is US won by 7 wickets and it was fun. likely to be the last one. Tom reviewed a con review he just read as Announcements Fred announced that this weekend is it was written quickly - 9 pages of review for a Spike announced that the membership rates Contact at Ames - and suggests that everyone con this last weekend - and seemed accurate, for the Reno Worldcon will be going up on planning to go to the Reno Worldcon get a y o u c a n c h e c k i t o u t a t May 1st - so buy now. membership at the Peppermill because they www.cartiledgeworld.co.uk/winchester.html. Tom announced that Potlatch 20 is back at give good comps. the Domain, March 4-6. Chris announced that Alan Moore will be We did auctions: birthday auctioned off [tall] Kevin announced that Kuma Bear is doing a signing in London this week. Spike for $5.00 to Tom; then auctioned off a chairing the Tonopah Westercon bid - and he CD for $0.25, pointy things for $2.00; a poster has THE flyer for it with him - and the ’fridge Reviews for $0.10; and books for $0.50 & $2.00. magnet, too - rates are $10 to support, $20 to Glenn reviewed Patricia McKillip’s book We adjourned at = 9:23. oppose & $50 to “go nuclear” [”Tonopah - 1 Harrowing the Dragon as he enjoyed it and And the rumor of the week was: “squirrel - flyer and a dream”] - and also announced that some of it is really well done and also reviewed the new green insulation.” Firesign Theatre will be touring this summer Phantom of the Paradise as parts of it are SO and that Radio Free Oz is back on the air - dates, but parts of it are still brilliant. check www.firesigntheatre.com. Chris reviewed The Runaways as a horrid Dave G announced that there are coupons mess & dull - there was then social for Starbucks giving away a pastry with most of their beverages & Glenn follow-on’d that *Make that toward Oakland.

39 Bay Area Fannish Calendar

Life is complicated; putting on an event is even Friday, April 2 Friday-Sunday, April 2-4 more so. Please check before attending, as The Ball of Justice: A Pulp Fiction Dance The Last Unicorn Uncensored 35mm events are sometimes canceled or times and Party Victoria Theatre locations changed. DNA Lounge 2961 16th Street, San Francisco 375 Eleventh Street, San Francisco tinyurl.com/yfctbpu Follow the calendar on Twitter: www.facebook.com/event.php? Join Peter S. Beagle for your choice of 3 @sfsfcalendar invites&eid=451045995463 evening showings of the uncensored original To celebrate Wondercon weekend Swing Goth version of The Last Unicorn. This will be the New listings are highlighted in red. presents surf-rockin’ Luchadores, intrepid first time since 1982 that a 35mm print of this Ongoing events are toward the back. space explorers, superheros and superhero film has been shown in the Bay Area. Q&A burlesque. Live music by The Phenomenauts, session beforehand and an author signing Los Straightjackets. Burlesque by Comic Strip. afterward. See website for times. Through June 6 DJs: Molly (Death Guild and 1984) Skip (New $10 Wicked Wave City) Shatter (Bondage-a-Go-Go) Orpheum Theater MzSamantha (Clockwork). Hosted by MC Saturday, April 3 1192 Market Street, San Francisco Kingfish (Hubba Hubba Revue) La Legion Fantastique: A Victorian www.shnsf.com/shows/wicked 7 p.m. $20 Steampunk Ball Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls Masonic Lodge of San Mateo meet in the land of Oz. One, born with Friday-Sunday, April 2-4 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and WonderCon www.peers.org/legion.html misunderstood. The other is beautiful, Moscone Center South Guests are invited to dress in conventional mid- ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the 747 Howard Street, San Francisco to-late Victorian evening dress (1850s – 1900) or story of their remarkable odyssey, how these www.comic-con.org/wc Victorian Steampunk attire. Costumes, as always, two unlikely friends grow to become the Comics convention. Check website for guests, are admired, not required and modern evening Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good schedule and one-day pricing. dress is a perfectly acceptable substitute for Witch. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire $30 period costume). Live music provided by Bangers Check website for tickets and showtimes & Mash. Punch and a light snack buffet will be served. As usual, the Legion appreciates your potluck contributions to the buffet. 7 p.m. $20

40 Friday, April 9 Thursday, April 15 Saturday, April 24 Dan Wells Salon Thrillville Peter Beagle’s 71st Birthday Party Borderlands Cafe Camera 3 Cinema Lake Merritt Park, Oakland 870 Valencia, San Francisco 288 S. 2nd St., San Jose www.facebook.com/petersbeagle www.borderlands-books.com www.thrillville.net Come celebrate Peter’s 71st birthday and the Chat with Wells and hear him read excerpts 13th anniversary party! The Brain that completion of his 52/50 Project from his book, I Am Not a Serial Killer Wouldn’t Die and Attack of the Giant Leeches. Free 7 p.m. Free Special guest Mr. Lobo and Actual Rafiq live! 7:30 p.m. $10 Sunday, April 25 Friday, April 9 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Live! SF in SF: Rudy Rucker Saturday, April 17 The Regency Ballroom Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building SF in SF: Gail Carriger and Blake Charlton 1290 Sutter Street, San Francisco 582 Market Street, San Francisco Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building aquateenlive.com www.sfinsf.org 582 Market Street, San Francisco 8 p.m. $33.75 Join artist and author Rudy Rucker for a www.sfinsf.org reception in honor of his art show, up at the Followed by Q & A moderated by Terry April 27-July 29 Variety Preview Room through the end of May. Bisson. Signing in the lounge afterwards. Peter Pan Donations and bar proceeds benefit Variety Donations and bar proceeds benefit Variety ThreeSixtyTheater Children's Charity. Children’s Charity. Embarcadero Plaza, San Francisco 6 p.m. Free 6 p.m. Free peterpantheshow.com Direct from London, a spectacular new stage Wednesday, April 14 Friday-Sunday, April 23-25 production of J.M. Barrie’s classic story SF in SF Double Feature: Charles Robogames performed in a state-of-the-art 1350-seat Beaumont: The Short Life of Twilight San Mateo County Fairgrounds theatre pavilion Zone’s Magic Man and The Circus of Dr. 2495 S Delaware St, San Mateo Check website for tickets and showtimes Lao robogames.net Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building RoboGames invites the best minds from around 582 Market Street, San Francisco the world to compete in over 70 events. www.sfinsf.org Combat robots, walking humanoids, soccer Also featuring a book launch party for the bots, sumo bots, and even androids that do horror anthology, The Bleeding Edge. kung-fu. Donations and bar proceeds benefit Variety $20 Children’s Charity. 7 p.m. Free

41 Wednesday, April 28 Wednesday, May 12 Saturday-Sunday, May 22-23 One Book One Marin VIP Reception SF in SF Double Feature: The Fantastic Mr. Maker Faire 2010 Dominican University of California Fox and 9 San Mateo County Event Center 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo www.onebookonemarin.org 582 Market Street, San Francisco makerfaire.com 5 PM VIP reception at San Marco Art Gallery, www.sfinsf.org Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event Alemany Library followed by 7PM lecture in Donations and bar proceeds benefit Variety that celebrates the DIY mindset. It’s for Angelico Hall. Book is Yiddish Policemen’s Children’s Charity. creative, resourceful people of all ages and Union by Michael Chabon. 7 p.m. Free backgrounds who like to tinker and love to 5 p.m. make things. Thursday, May 13 $25 Saturday, May 1 Thrillville The Courts of Faerie Ball Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge Saturday-Monday, May 28-31 PEERS Event, www.peers.org 1304 Lincoln, Alameda Kublacon Masonic Lodge of San Mateo www.thrillville.net The Hyatt Regency Burlingame 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo Thrillville presents Comic Book Superhero 1333 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame The Unseelie King and Queen of the Fae Nite! Featuring movies, prizes, costume www.kublacon.com honour May Day and resign their crowns for contests and live surf music by The Deadlies Gaming convention six months to the blessed Seelie King and 8 p.m. Free $40 (till April 15) Queen. Fantasy, fairy, or fairy tale costume from any tradition is admired, not required. Thursday, May 20 Saturday-Monday, May 28-31 Period costume (authentic or creatively Thrillville Baycon “mixed”), vintage evening dress, or modern Vine Cinema The Hyatt Regency Santa Clara evening dress is also welcome. Masks, either 1722 1st St., Livermore 5101 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara worn or hand-held, are strongly recommended. www.thrillville.net www.baycon.org While wings are very welcome on our Faerie Thrillville’s Shatfest: Tribute to William GOH Peter Beagle, Colleen and Steve creatures, be sure to wear wings you can dance Shatner. Featuring Impulse (1974) and his Savitzky, Toastmaster Tadao Tomomatsu. in. Live music by Avalon Rising. Intermission legendary role as twin half-breed Indians – one Special Guests: Mercedes Lackey & Larry entertainment includes dance performances and good, one evil – in the cult western White Dixon romantic DJ dance music for the insatiable Comanche (1967). $65 (till May 8) dancers. Complimentary light refreshments will 7:30 p.m. $10 be served throughout the evening and, as usual, your potluck contributions are very welcome. 7 p.m. $15 (till April 24)

42 Saturday-Monday, May 28-31 June 30-July 25 Wednesday, July 14 Fanime Young Frankenstein Thrillville San Jose McEnery Convention Center Curran Theater Camera 3 Cinema 150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose 455 Geary Street, San Francisco 288 S. 2nd Street, San Jose www.fanime.com www.shnsf.com/shows/youngfrankenstein www.thrillville.net $60 Based on the 1974 Mel Brooks film, Young Thrillville’s Tribute to Bob Wilkins! A Frankenstein is a re-imagining of the Mary complete Bob Wilkins”Creature Features” Saturday, June 5 Shelley classic. When Frederick Frankenstein, show reassembled by Tom Wyrsch, first The Golden Anniversary Victorian Ball an esteemed New York brain surgeon and broadcast on July 14, 1974, featuring Bob’s PEERS Event, www.peers.org professor, inherits a castle and laboratory in interview with Forrest J. Ackerman, original Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Transylvania from his grandfather, deranged 70s commercials, and the feature film The 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo genius Victor Von Frankenstein, he faces a Creature Walks Among Us (1956). With special Please join us in celebrating the 50th birthday of dilemma. Does he continue to run from his guest, “Creature Features” host/author John Mr. Fezziwig, the most gracious party host in family’s tortured past or does he stay in Stanley. all of Dickens’ London. Live music by Bangers Transylvania to carry on his grandfather’s mad 8 p.m. $10 & Mash. Late Georgian Regency, Victorian, or experiments? modern evening dress is admired but not Check website for tickets and showtimes Thursday-Friday, July 15-16 required. Punch, cake and a light Old English San Francisco Symphony: Music from Final buffet will be served (Potluck contributions to Thursday-Sunday, July 1-4 Fantasy Mrs. Fezziwig’s kitchen would be most Westercon 63: Confirmation Davies Symphony Hall welcome). Pasadena Hilton 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco 7 p.m. $15 (till May 29) 168 S. Los Robles Avenue, www.sfsymphony.org Pasadena 91101 Award-winning conductor Arnie Roth returns Sunday, June 6 www.westercon.org to the San Francisco Symphony for two SACCON This year Westercon is combining with concerts of music from the video game Final Scottish Rite Center ConChord 23, the Southern California filk Fantasy, including the North American 6151 H Street, Sacramento convention. Your membership gets you both premiere of Final Fantasy IX: Prima Vista and www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html conventions. music from the upcoming CD Distant Worlds Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. Westercon GOH: Rudy Rucker, John D. Berry, II. 10 a.m. $6 Mark Schirmeister, 8 p.m. $30-$105 ConChord GOH: Seanan Maguire. Interfilk Guest: Stone Dragon. Toastmaster: Paul Kwinn $60 (till May 31)

43 Thursday-Sunday, July 22-25 Saturday, August 7 Saturday, September 4 San Diego Comic-Con Jane Austen Picnic Dance The Gilbert and Sullivan Ball San Diego Convention Center PEERS Event, www.peers.org PEERS Event, www.peers.org www.comic-con.org Lincoln Park Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Preview night July 21. Weekend passes sold 1450 High Street, Alameda (Near the Rose 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo out, see website for pre-reg. Garden) Mr. and Mrs. William S. Gilbert request the Our guests are invited to bring their own honour of your presence at a fancy dress ball Saturday, July 31-Sunday, August 1 period-style picnic lunch and to make their honouring the musical achievements of their The Great Pan-Kinetic Exposition picnic site look as period as possible (Please colleague, the recently knighted Sir Arthur Vallejo Waterfront note that the event is not a potluck. Our hard- Sullivan. Guests are welcome to attend either in www.pankineticexpo.com working catering staff will be taking a well- “normal” evening dress of the late 19th century The Great Pan-Kinetic Exposition is a deserved holiday!). Suggested costume for the (1860-1900) or in costumes inspired by the historical re-creation of the famous World Fairs event is late 18th century or Regency summer operas of Gilbert and Sullivan (Costumes are, that once thrilled the nations of the globe, in afternoon dress (1780-1818), but, as usual, as usual, admired but not required, at the ball). which science, art, theater and history meet costumes are admired, not required. Live music Live music by Bangers and Mash and under one roof! will be provided by Bangers & Mash. This intermission entertainment includes a $12 event is a thank you to all of our devoted fans, performance of song and dance excerpts from and we will not be charging a fee for Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. As usual, Friday-Monday, August 6-9 admission. Donations for our brilliant and hard- punch and a light snack buffet will be served Costume College working musicians will be gratefully accepted, throughout the evening (Mrs. Gilbert will Warner Center Marriot however, both before and during the event. gratefully welcomes your potluck contributions 21850 Oxnard St, Woodland Hills 11 a.m. Free to the buffet). www.costumecollege.org 7 p.m. $15 (till August 28) A three-day educational conference on all subjects relating to costuming and clothing. Saturday-Sunday, September 24-25 Check website for details and registration. From the Land Beyond 3 Scottish Rite Center 6151 H Street, Sacramento www.fromthelandbeyond.com Horror & Sci-Fi con.

44 Saturday, September 26 Sunday, December 12 Wednesday-Sunday, August 17-21, 2011 The Handcar Regatta SACCON Worldcon: Renovation Railroad Square, Santa Rosa Scottish Rite Center Reno Sparks Convention Center handcar-regatta.com 6151 H Street, Sacramento 4590 South Virginia Avenue, Reno, NV Erasmus P. Kitty Presents: The 2nd Annual www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html Reno, Nevada 2009 Great West End & Railroad Square Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. www.renovationsf.org Handcar Regatta & Exposition of Mechanical 10 a.m. $6 The 69th World Science Fiction Convention. & Artistic Wonders. GOH: Tim Powers, Ellen Asher, Boris Vallejo, Free Friday-Sunday, March 4-6, 2011 Charles N. Brown. Potlatch 20 $140 (till April 30) Saturday, October 2 The Domain Hotel The Evil League of Evil Villains’ Ball 1085 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale Sunday, December 11, 2011 PEERS Event, www.peers.org www.potlatch-sf.org SACCON Masonic Lodge of San Mateo $45 (through April 30) Scottish Rite Center 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo 6151 H Street, Sacramento Guests are invited to attend as their favorite Sunday, March 6, 2011 www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html Evil character – historical, fictional, or original. SACCON Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. Live music by Avalon Rising. Costumes may Scottish Rite Center 10 a.m. $6 be historical, science fiction/fantasy, modern 6151 H Street, Sacramento evening dress. The event includes musical www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html performances, a no-host (cash) bar, and a light Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. snack buffet. Potluck contributions to the buffet 10 a.m. $6 will be greatly appreciated. 7 p.m. $15 (till September 26) Sunday, June 5, 2011 SACCON Friday-Sunday, December 3-5 Scottish Rite Center SMOFcon 28 6151 H Street, Sacramento Sainte Claire Hotel www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html 302 South Market Street, San Jose Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. www.smofcon28.org 10 a.m. $6 SMOFcon is an annual convention for people who run science fiction conventions. $50 (till May 1st)

45 Ongoing Sakuramento Anime Society Mondays and Wednesdays Rancho Cordova Library Daily 9845 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova Silicon Valley Boardgamers Meets every Sunday to watch old and new Mountain View Community Center Cartoon Art Museum anime and anime music videos, play collectible 201 S. Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View 655 Mission Street, San Francisco card games, practice artwork and make AMVs. www.davekohr.users.sonic.net/svb www.cartoonart.org 3-7 p.m. Group meets regularly to play mostly German- 11-5pm $6 (Closed Mondays) style strategy boardgames such as Settlers of Mondays Catan; also multi-player Avalon Hill-style, San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour historical war games, and others. Begins: Queen Anne Hotel Bay Area Science Fiction Association 6:30 p.m. $2 1590 Sutter at Octavia, San Francisco Coco’s www.sfghosthunt.com 1206 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale Tuesdays Closed Tuesdays. www.basfa.org 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. $20 8 p.m. Free MGI Boffers & Outdoor Games Codornices Park VIZ Cinema Dukefish 1201 Euclid Ave, Berkeley 1746 Post Street, San Francisco Jake’s of Sunnyvale mgisciaf.angelfire.com www.newpeopleworld.com/films 174 E. Fremont Avenue, Sunnyvale groups.yahoo.com/group/MGIFamilyclub VIZ Cinema is a 143-seat underground cinema games.groups.yahoo.com/group/dukefish Bad weather: we meet the same time at 33 inside NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Its Group meets weekly to play German-style Revolutions Record Shop & Cafe, El Cerrito programming focuses on the latest and hottest strategy board games such as Settlers of Catan, for boardgames. films from Japan, as well as classics, favorites, Carcasson and other games, plus an occasional 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Free documentaries and anime. game of bridge breaks out. Meet up at 8:00 Please check theater for showtimes and tickets. p.m., figure out who wants to play what, and Wednesdays typically start playing games no later than 8:30 Sundays p.m. Bay Area Role-Playing Society 8 p.m. Free Go-Getter’s Pizza MGI SF&F/Horror/Speculative fiction 1489 Beach Park Boulevard, Foster City Writing Group www.BayRPS.com Personal Residence (email for details) Hosts a weekly game night. For club and game Emeryville night details email [email protected] groups.yahoo.com/group/MGISFFWriters 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Free 7:30 p.m. Free

46 East Bay Strategy Games Club SF Games Biweekly EndGame Muddy’s Coffeehouse 921 Washington, Oakland 1304 Valencia Street, San Francisco PenSFA Party www.michaeldashow.com/eastbaystrategy/ vax.hanford.org/dk/games The Peninsula Science Fantasy Association home.html SF Games is a collective name for a bunch of meets every two weeks for a party at the home 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Free people who get together and play board games of one of their members. They also host parties and card games every week. Also has a regular at local conventions. Email Fanboy Planet Podcast cards night at Atlas Café, 20th and Alabama [email protected] for information on Illusive Comics and Games Streets, Tuesday nights from 6:30-10. attending. PenSFA standard party rules: bring 2725 El Camino Real, Suite 105, Santa Clara 7 p.m. to midnight Free something edible or drinkable to share, or pay www.fanboyplanet.com the host $2. Don’t smoke in the house without Live from Illusive Comics and Games, it’s the Fridays-Mondays checking with the host first. Normal start time Fanboy Planet Podcast with your host, Derek is 8 p.m. but may vary depending on the host. McCaw. Haunted Haight Walking Tour 6 p.m. Free Meets at Coffee To The People Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers’ Group 1206 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco Borderlands Books Wednesdays and Saturdays www.hauntedhaight.com 866 Valencia Street, San Francisco Reservations required. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each Hayward Collectibles Show 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. $20 month at 6 pm. Contact Jade Livingston at 22300 Hathaway Ave (rear bldg), Hayward [email protected] for more information. www.toysandbaseballcards.com Fridays and Saturdays Wednesdays 3 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Vampire Walking Tour Free Meets corner of California and Taylor, San Francisco Fridays www.sfvampiretour.com Led by Mina Harker. Tour is canceled if there FyDy SyFy is heavy rain. Eclipse Lounge, Hyatt Regency 8 p.m. $20 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco Casual meetup in the atrium lobby bar. 5:30-7:30

47 Monthly QSF&F Book Club SF Browncoats Borderlands Books Cafe Murano Dorkbot-SF 866 Valencia, San Francisco 1777 Steiner Street, San Francisco www.dorkbot.org/dorkbotsf/ www.qsfandf.com www.sfbrowncoats.com Dorkbot hosts regular forums for artists, Meets the second Sunday of the month. SF Firefly/Serenity fans usually meet up on the designers, engineers, students, and other people 5 p.m. Free second Saturday of the month. doing strange things with electricity. Noon Free Free, donations welcome East Bay Star Wars Club Central Perk Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club Foothill Anime 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito Borderlands Books Building 5015, Foothill College 510-558-7375 866 Valencia, San Francisco Los Altos Hills www.ebstarwars.com www.borderlands-books.com Monthly event where people can get together to Meets the second Friday of every month. Meets the third Sunday of the month. Please watch anime and meet like minded others. 7:30 p.m. Free contact Jude at jfeldman@borderlands- Usually meets the first Sunday of every month books.com for more information. at noon. Fantastic Frontiers 6 p.m. Free 12 p.m. Free www.freewebs.com/fantasticfrontiers/ Social club for Sacramento County sci fi/ Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club Silicon Gulch Browncoats fantasy fans usually meets the second Saturday Clayton Books Various locations (see website for details) of the month. Check website for meeting times 5433 D Clayton Road, Clayton www.silicongulchbrowncoats.org and locations. www.claytonbookshop.com Silicon Valley fans of Firefly/Serenity meet up Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month. on the first Saturday of the month. No-Name Anime 7:30 p.m. Free Noon - 2 p.m. Free Saratoga Library 13650 Saratoga Avenue USS Defiance Rocky Horror Picture Show Saratoga 5026 Don Julio Blvd, Sacramento The Clay, 2261 Fillmore Street San Francisco/ www.nnanime.com 1566 Howe Ave, Sacramento The Guild, 949 El Camino Real Menlo Park Anime screenings usually take place on the www.myspace.com/d2121978 www.bawdycaste.org second Saturday of the month. Star Trek fan group meets the third Friday of The Bawdy Caste presents the classic midnight Free the month. movie the first Saturday of the month, 7 p.m. Free alternating between the Clay in San Francisco and the Guild in Menlo Park. Midnight

48 Micro Gods, Inc. Religion & SF Book Club USS Augusta Ada Berkeley Public Library, West Branch First United Methodist Church Round Table Pizza 1125 University Ave, Berkeley 1183 “B” Street, Hayward 3567 Geary Blvd, San Francisco mgisciaf.angelfire.com Meets the 4th Sunday of the month. Please trek.starshine.org groups.yahoo.com/group/MGIFamilyClub/ contact Rev. Randy Smith at Augusta Ada is both a chapter of Starfleet Family Club for fans of Science Fiction, [email protected] for more information. International and a Linux and *BSD user Fantasy, Movie, Anime & Manga. Meets every 7 p.m. Free group. Usually meets the fourth Saturday of 3rd Saturday, please check Yahoo group for every month. updates. Other Realms Book Club 1 p.m. Free 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Free Books, Inc. 1375 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame Veritech Fighter Command ONE-THREE USS Northern Lights www.booksinc.net/localinterest/291027 Round Table Pizza Contact [email protected] for Meets the 4th Wednesday of the Month. 4403 Elkhorn Blvd, Sacramento specifics. 6:30 p.m. Free 916-338-2300 sites.google.com/site/ussnorthernlights Anime/cosplay group usually meets the last ‘Lights is a chapter of Starfleet International Legion of Rassilon Saturday of the month at 1800 hours. and a swell group of science fiction fans. We Carl’s Jr. 6 p.m. Free do more than Trek. Usually meets the third 2551 N 1st St , San Jose Saturday of the month, with social event TBD. www.legionofrassilon.org 7 p.m. Free Doctor Who fan group usually meets the fourth Friday of the month: Episodes of Doctor Who, news, discussion of recent movies, and a raffle. 7:30 p.m. Free

49 Badlands by Lucy Huntzinger 50 Bay Area Fannish Calendar Ð April 2010

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

MGI SFF/H Writing BASFA MGI Boffers BA Role-Playing Soc FyDy SyFy Sakuramento Anime Dukefish E.Bay Strategy Games SF Games SV Boardgamers Fanboy Planet Podcast SV Boardgamers 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 Ball of Justice: Pulp La Legion Fantastique: Fiction Dance Party Steampunk Ball WonderCon (thru Sun) Silicon Browncoats The Last Unicorn Rocky Horror Uncensored (thru Sun)

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Foothill Anime SF&F Writers’ Group Dan Wells Salon Fantastic Frontiers SF in SF: Rudy Rucker No-Name Anime East Bay Star Wars SF Browncoats

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 QSF&F Book Club SF in SF Double Feature: Thrillville USS Defiance SF in SF: Gail Carriger Charles Beaumont: The and Blake Charlton Short Life of Twilight Micro Gods, Inc Zone’s Magic Man and USS Northern Lights The Circus of Dr. Lao

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SF/F Book Club Clayton SF&F Book SF&F Writers’ Group Robogames (thru Sun) Peter Beagle’s 71st Club Legion of Rassilon Birthday Party USS Augusta Ada Veritech Fighter Cmd 13

25 26 27 28 29 30 1 Aqua Teen Hunger Peter Pan One Book One Marin The Courts of Faerie Force Live! (thru July 29) VIP Reception Ball Religion & SF Other Realms

Science Fiction/San Francisco #103 – March 31, 2010 – SF/SF is the monthly news zine for the San Francisco Bay Area – www.efanzines.com. 51