PO Box 656, Washington, DC 20044 - (202) 232-3141 - Issue #161 - Aug. 2003 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.lambdasf.org/

Spectrum Award Nominees The finalists are: The LSF Book reported by Rob Gates Best Novel Discussion Dance for the Ivory Madonna, by Don Group Sakers (Speed-of-C) The Fall of the Kings, by Ellen Kushner and Delia Sherman (Bantam If you’re interested in lively Spectra) discussions of F&SF books (with an Fire Logic, by Laurie Marks (Tor) emphasis on elements of interest to the Hominids, by Robert Sawyer (Tor) LBGT community), we invite you to join Lorimal’s Chalice, by Jane Fletcher the LSF Book Discussion Group. Each (Fortitude Press) month, we conduct fascinating round- Nightmare: A Novel of the Silent table discussions of works by significant Empire, by Steven Harper (Roc) F&SF authors. Solitaire, by Kelley Eskridge (Harper The LSF Book Discussion The Gaylactic Spectrum Eos) Group generally meets on the 4th Thurs- Awards, fandom’s pre- (continued on page 3) day of every month, starting at 7:00 PM. miere award recognizing works of special The next meeting will be held on August and positive interest to gays, lesbians, 21st. bisexuals and transgendered people, are Next LSF Meeting While Peter & Rob’s house is pleased to announce the finalists for - August 10th - undergoing rennovations, the LSF Book their 2003 Awards. The Gaylactic Spec- Discussion Group will meet at a new trum Awards, originally created and The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting venue: Brian & Sean’s condo: 1300 13th primarily sponsored by the Gaylactic will be held at James Crutchfield’s apart- St. NW #108 (Solo Piazza Building, on Network, are presented by the indepen- ment (1414 17th St., NW, #413) on Sun- the corner of 13th & “N” Streets). For dent Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Foun- day, August 10th. The business meeting directions or more details, call 202-968- dation. The awards are juried and final- will begin at 1:30 PM; and the social meet- 8737). ists are selected by the juries from a pool ing will begin at 2:00 PM. Please bring Here’s the schedule for the next of recommendations received through some munchies or soft drinks, if you can. few months: an open recommendation process. The following proposal will be - Aug. 21st (date change: 3rd Thurs.) - Regular awards will be pre- voted on at this meeting: Hominids, by Robert J. Sawyer; modera- sented in four categories for works I propose that LSF donate $100 toward tor: Carl. originally released in 2002: Best Novel, the running of the GLBT Fandom Suite at - Sept. 25th (back to regular 4th Thurs.) - Best Short Fiction, Best genre Comic the Toronto Worldcon which begins in Swordspoint, by Ellen Kushner; modera- Book/Graphic Novel, and Best Other August. Any donated funds left over from tor: Mike P. Work. To honor works released prior to running the Suite will be donated toward - Oct. 23rd - Queer Fear II, anthology the creation of the award in 1998, the jury the running of the GLBT Fandom Suite at edited by Michael Rowe; moderator: will also announce new inductees into the Boston Worldcon next year. Rob. the Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Hall of See you there! ΛΨΦ ΛΨΦ Fame.

WHAT'S INSIDE? Minutes of the July LSF Meeting (pg. 2); Duck Soup Outing Report ( pg. 2); The Last Man (book review - pg. 3);The Hulk (movie review - pg. 4); Convention Addendum (pg. 4); Japanese Haiku Error Messages (pg. 5);Strider Pineo: Passing of a GSFS Member (obituary, pg. 5); Honored with GLAAD Award (pg. 5);About Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians & Con Calendar (pg. 6) 1 Minutes for the July LSF Meeting ΛΨΦΛΨΦ taken by Scott as good as the first two movies. The A beautiful day outside may producers of the “X-Men” movies are con- have contributed to the spare attendance sidering a “Fantastic Four” movie. (Will at today’s meeting. ; George Clooney be cast as Reed Richards, LSF Treasurer Rob Gates re- a.k.a., Mr. Fantastic ?) ported that the club’s current bank bal- Michael C., who lives near the ance is $2,080.40. recently refurbishedAmerican Film Insti- It was reported that there will be tute (AFI) Theater in Silver Spring, re- a GLBT fandom suite for four nights at the ported on the current Czech horror film upcoming WorldCon in Toronto festival being shown there. He also com- (TorCon). The Gaylactic Network is con- mented that the LSF Duck Soup outing tributing $200; and approximately $175 is faired well. being rolled over from last year’s TV Chatter: The new Tarzan TV WorldCon GLBT suite. Queer Continuum show is featured on one of the covers for Duck Soup Outing Report will be hosting an opening night party. the current TV guide. The guy who plays By Mike C. Rob made the following pro- Tarzan (Travis Fimmel) used to do under- posal: wear ads. (How’s that for a qualification?) On a hot Sunday afternoon, I propose that LSF donate $100 And it has been rumored that the daytime some LSFer’s converged on the AFI toward the running of the GLBT Fandom soap opera Port Charles, which includes Silver Theater (downtown Silver Spring) Suite at the Toronto Worldcon which vampire characters, may soon be canceled. for the surreal comedy classic Duck begins in August. Any donated funds left (Shades of Dark Shadows!) Soup, starring the immortal Marx over from running the Suite will be do- Rob passed around items received Brothers. nated toward the running of the GLBT in the mail at the LSF post office box. Shown in the theater’s outra- Fandom Suite at the Boston Worldcon Included were three issues of Sigma, the geously beautiful Art Deco main next year. Pittsburgh science fiction group newslet- auditorium, the film was a huge hit. Five [Ed. Note: This proposal will be ter. Rob also passed around fliers for LSFer’s attended; the showing was voted on at the August meeting.] TorCon and Interaction (the 2005 WorldCon well-attended but not packed. It was It was noted that Jack Frost still in Glasgow). nice to see parents bringing their has some unsold T-shirts from Mike P. read an entertaining Brit- children! The movie’s skewed view of 2000 that LSF could consider selling at ish commentary about 1970’s U.S. comic politics rang true as it told the story of a TorCon. book advertisements. We all had a great war between the fantasy countries of Cartoon chatter: On the Cartoon laugh! Freedonia and Sylvania; the “To War!” Network: A new Teen Titan cartoon (mi- Rob promoted theupcoming LSF scene was eerily reminiscent of recent nus Wonder Girl/Troia) and X-Men Evo- book discussions: Nightmare: A Novel of Congressional sessions. lution. On MTV, the new Spider-man the Silent Empire by Stephen Harris (July After seeing the film, we re- cartoon (with CG) receives a thumbs up. discussion); Hominids by Robert Sawyer treated to Mi Casa (a local Mexican Movie chatter: It was reported (Aug. discussion). restaurant) for a late lunch and con- that Finding Nemo is the highest gross- Rob is on the cover of a recent versation. ΛΨΦ ing movie for the summer. Many children issue of Metro Weekly – with a stack of foundThe Hulk movie boring. Great sword books in hand at Lambda Rising. (Whoo- fights in the Pirates of the Caribbean whoo! Can we get your autograph?) Rea- The thing I admire about movie (with Johnny Depp). Lots of bad son: Metro Weekly ran a story on GLBT leather queens is that, reviews from critics and fans for theLeague book discussion groups, including LSF’s next to Star Trek fans, of Extraordinary Gentlemen. (The char- group. (Thanks for the indirect promotion they are the most acter of Tom Sawyer did not add to the of the club, Rob!) prop-happy people in the plot. And how did Tom Sawyer automati- Rob reported that the Spectrum cally know how to drive the “car”?) While Award finalists have been announced mid- world, cheerfully lugging 28 Days Later has excellent characteriza- month. [Ed. Note: For a complete list of pounds of gear tion, American audiences have been un- the Spectrum Award finalists, see the wherever they go. sure how to react during the film. While article beginning on page 1 of this Bruce Villanch people who have seen Terminator 3 en- newsletter.] ΛΨΦ “Heathers in Leathers” joyed it, general consensus is that it is not (The Advocate, Aug. 19, 2003) 2 The Last Man Revelations. As with all by Jean-Baptiste François Xavier writers, he is a product of Cousin de Grainville his own time and experi- trans. by I.F. Clarke and M. Clarke ences. Grainville was an (Wesleyan University Press, 2002) ordained priest who left a review by Colleen R. Cahill that calling during the Terror of the French Revo- Many of us have read early raised with the birth of lution. The Last Man re- works of science fiction, even as old as Omegarus, the only child flects both his religious Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues born in Europe for over beliefs, which were in under the Sea or Mary Shelley’s twenty years. He is the opposition to the popular Frankenstein. What you might not last descendent of what philosophy of that day, know is that these classics have their Grainville considered the and his melancholy life, ancestors; and the Wesleyan University greatest French man ever which ended before this Press Early Classics of Science Fiction born, Napoleon. As a young man, Ome- book was published. The work gained series has done a great service of tracing garus is approached by the Guardian of much respect in the French literary these genre roots. One such release is Earth, a spirit who tells him that the community and was well enough known The Last Man by Jean-Baptiste François future rests with him. If he can complete across the Channel to have one pirated Xavier Cousin de Grainville. This apoca- a quest and find the perfect mate, all life English edition printed. It certainly lyptic story was originally published in can be saved. Eager to prevent the influenced other authors of that time. 1805; and until now only one, poor destruction of the world, he is joined by The Last Man includes an English translation was available. Called various companions; and they set sail informative introduction and additional the first “future fiction” end-of-the- for the last fertile area on the planet, materials by science fiction scholar I.F. world tale, The Last Man relates the Brazil. And it is here Omegarus succeeds Clarke. This adds to the work, providing decline of humanity and the final strug- in finding Syderia, a woman who is all he background and explanations of more gles of one man to prevent the inevitable. dreamed; but soon there is trouble, as obscure points in the text, as well as the For centuries, life on Earth has the two receive conflicting information world view of that time. For those who been waning. From crops to animals to on whether they should wed. enjoy modern works of apocalypse, you people, virility is fading and the popula- Grainville’s work is heavily should seek out this book, which is one tions are dying out. A flame of hope is influenced by the Bible, especially of the bones of science fiction. ΛΨΦ

Spectrum Award Nominees continued from page 1 Queer Fear II, edited by Michael Rowe (Arsenal Pulp)(anthology) Best Short Fiction Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Willow and Wired Hard 3, edited by Cecilia Tan “Bugcrush”, by Scott Treleaven (Queer Tara: Wilderness, by Amber (Circlet Press)(anthology) Fear 2) Benson & Christopher Golden The 2003 Gaylactic Spectrum “For the Mortals Among Us”, by Robert (Dark Horse) Awards will be presented at the World Knippenburg (Mind & Body) Green Lantern: Hate Crime (issues 154 Science Fiction Convention in Toronto “Night of the Werepuss”, by Michael & 155), by Judd Winnick (DC) from August 28 - September 1. Thomas Ford (Queer Fear 2) Murder Mysteries, by & For more information about the “Polyphemus’ Cave”, by David Nickle Craig Russell (Dark Horse) Gaylactic Spectrum Awards, including a (Queer Fear 2) Uncanny X-Men (414), by various complete listing of all nominated works, “Three Letters from the Queen of (Marvel) you can visit their website at: Elfland”, by Sarah Monette X-Statix (1-5), by various (Marvel) http://www.spectrumawards.org (Lady Churchill’s Rosebud or send email to: Wristlet #11) Best Other Work [email protected] “Till Human Voices Wake Us”, by Ste- Buffy the Vampire Slayer: “Seeing Red”, - - - - phen Dedman (Queer Fear2) by Joss Whedon et al (TV) Gaylactic Network Spectrum Awards “Unspeakable”, by MCA Hogarth Eyes of the God: The Weird Fiction and c/o Lambda Sci-Fi (Strange Horizons) Poetry of R.H. Barlow, edited P.O. Box 656 by ST Joshi, Douglas Ander- Washington, DC 20044 Best Genre /Graphic Novel son and David Schultz (Hippo- - - - The Authority (issues 28 & 29), by campus Press)(academic work) The Gaylactic Network various (Wildstorm/DC) Mind & Body, edited by Cecilia Tan P.O. Box 127 (Circlet Press)(anthology) Brookline, MA 02146 ΛΨΦ 3 to cover up any shortcomings in the SFx The Hulk and let the movie-goer’s imagination fill movie review by in the rest. However, once the Hulk THE BIG E moves outside to the desert in full day- Starring Kevin Tyrrell favorite (GSFS) light, all bets are off. To Lee’s credit, I Box must say that he had me so engrossed in the movie by that point, that I let go of my analytical side and just had fun going Just got back from an opening along for the ride. day matinee of The Hulk, the other So all in all I give the film a “Bruce Almighty” movie of the summer. thumbs up: better than Daredevil, but ;) I checked the Rotten Tomatoes movie chologically-complex superheroes ever nowhere near as good as either of the X- site when I got home and, as of this created, seeing as it borrows heavily Men flicks or Spider-Man (still the best writing, the movie scored a 67% from the Jekyll-and-Hyde architype. But of the crop). freshness rating with critics (http:// Eric Bana doesn’t pull any of that range I haven’t read The Hulk comic www.rottentomatoes.com/m/TheHulk- of emotion for me. The CGI Hulk is more books in years, but was Bruce Banner’s 1123219/). This will change as other emotionally expressive than Bana! (A dad ever a geneticist and was it ever reviews come in. I would have to agree quick aside, I heard they spent $20 revealed that Bruce, in fact, was a latent that my personal rating is about 6 out of million extra in the late stages of mutant awaiting the gamma radiation to 10 (that’s 2½ stars, using that rating production just to do all the close-up CGI induce his metamorphosis into the Hulk? scale). This review is relatively spoiler- work with the Hulk. I must say, it pays Or is that completely made up for the free; I may add some juicer bits down off.) Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly film? And what was up with that below, but will indicate them as such. does a great job as Betty Ross; and climactic battle with Bruce’s dad? It was The movie was very uneven for although I never would have thought of very murkily shot and almost unintelli- me. It starts out reaaaaally slow, and it Sam Neil as General “Thunderbolt” gible. Yeah, I get that he overdosed his was difficult to sustain my attention. I Ross, he also turns in an admirable dad with gamma energy, but I think actually nodded off for a few seconds in performance. My favorite was Nick that’ll get lost on most casual audience the first half hour. By the time the film Nolte, whose barely-contained crazy of movie-goers. And why did Ang Lee really got moving during the main Hulk father of Bruce Banner is worthy of some think that a giant green blobby marsh- sequences, I was very engrossed and of Nicholson’s crazier roles. mallow would look particularly menac- lost myself in the story. But then the As a comic book fan from way ing? I heard more than one “Huh?” from climax and denouement proved unsatis- back (over 30 years if I must date myself), around me in the theater. Oh, oh, my fying as well. So although I recommend I thought the writers took more liberty geeky, over-analytical side is reasserting the film overall, it had a bell curve shape: with this mythos than the any of the itself.... must contain.... not lose con- didn’t like the beginning and end, loved previous Marvel films. Although the trol.... urgh... argh... ΛΨΦ the middle. familiar names were all there -- General I’ve always been amazed at Ross, Betty Ross, Glenn Talbot, and director Ang Lee’s versatility. It’s hard Bruce Banner himself -- other than that, Convention Addendum to imagine the same guy directed they were loose interpretations of the (not enough room on page 6) everything from the gay comedy The originals. The origin story was com- Wedding Banquet to the British costume pletely retooled; but I suppose in the drama Sense and Sensibility to the post-Cold War world, that’s understand- Oscar-nominated Crouching Tiger, Hid- able. More about the story specifics in Sept. 2-6, 2004NOREASCON 4 (The 62nd den Dragon. His artistry and cinematic the spoilers section. World Science Fiction Convention). eye are evident in this movie. It’s And now for the question I’m Hynes Convention Center & surrounding beautifully shot, with many interesting sure that’s on everyone’s mind: did the hotels (Boston, Mass.). Pro GoHs: Terry an innovative camera shots. For this Hulk look fake? That’s the single Pratchett & William Tenn. Attending film, Lee experimented with a comic- biggest complaint I heard from people membership: until 2/28/03, $140 for at- book-frame look, similar to what the TV after viewing the trailer. Your mileage tending adults (will go up!) Membership show 24 often uses. It’s clever and may vary, but I thought the CGI Hulk form on-line; registration also available involving at first, but its overuse generally worked. Early in the film, Lee on-line. Make checks payable to becomes annoying later in the movie. (Ang, not Stan) used a lot of shadows "Noreascon 4" and send to: Noreascon Still, the visual tapestry Lee constructs is and other effects to keep you from over- Four/MCFI, PO Box 1010, Framingham, my favorite part of the movie. scrutinizing the special effects. Then MA 01701-1010. The acting is as uneven as the again, film makers have used this effect For general questions: [email protected] plot. The Hulk is one of the most psy- forever: use short, quick, shadowy shots Website: www.noreascon.org 4 Japanese Haiku Error Messages Green Lantern Honored (passed to Carl in an e-mail from a friend on the West Coast) with GLAAD Award info passed along by Kendall, In Japan, they have replaced the impersonal and unhelpful Microsoft error from the Comics Continuum messages with Haiku poetry messages. They’re used to communicate a timeless message, often achieving a wistful, yearning and powerful insight through extreme brevity. Here are 16 actual error messages from Japan:

The Web site you seek A crash reduces Cannot be located, but Your expensive computer Countless more exist. To a simple stone.

Chaos reigns within. Three things are certain: Reflect, repent, and reboot. Death, taxes and lost data. Order shall return. Guess which has occurred. On May 31, Green Lantern was honored for the second consecutive Program aborting: You step in the stream, year with the GLAAD Award for Close all that you have worked on. But the water has moved on. “Outstanding Comic.” The award was You ask far too much. This page is not here. given for the storyline “Hate Crime,” from issues #154-155, in which Kyle Windows NT crashed. Out of memory. Rayner’s assistant, Terry Berg, became I am the Blue Screen of Death. We wish to hold the whole sky, the victim of a vicious attack. No one hears your screams. But we never will. “More than anything, I was proud that we put the issue of hate Yesterday it worked. Having been erased, crimes out there,” writer Today it is not working. The document you’re seeking said in his acceptance speech. “The Windows is like that. Must now be retyped. media never seems to cover the issue unless someone is attacked, beaten or Your file was so big. Serious error. murdered. In our case, we put out a It might be very useful. All shortcuts have disappeared. comic-book story, and it was in the New But now it is gone. Screen. Mind. Both are blank. York Times and picked up by the AP. Hate crimes got national coverage Stay the patient course. because of a few comics. Of little worth is your ire. “Green Lantern’s ‘Hate Crime’ The network is down. ΛΨΦ story comes from myself, artist Dale Eaglesham, our editor Bob Schreck, the folks at DC Comics who backed us 100%, and of course our readers. The support ---- STRIDER PINEO ---- we’ve received has been an inspiration.” Passing of a GSFS Member Winick also won the “Out- information passed along via e-mail 7/1/2003 standing Comic” award in 2001 for his by Lars Colson, President GSFS graphic novel Pedro and Me. “This storyline has meant so It is with sadness that I show Dr. Frankenfurter could be much to myself, Judd and Paul Levitz, have to announce the passing of a played by Straight vs Gay vs Bisexual who supported us from the very member of the Gaylaxians: Strider actors. It fueled John Dumas’ beginning,” Schreck said. “The greatest Pineo. The announcement that I determination to have a group where reward is knowing that perhaps, in some received is included below. such gender analysis could be done. small way, this story has helped - - - - Strider was active in local someone, somewhere. This award is a Strider Pineo is credited conventions and was an active mem- cherished reminder of that fact, and with one of the events that started ber in the Gaylaxians for several years. we’re very honored.” the Gaylaxians back in 1986. It was While his other commitments later The storyline is collected in the he who had a group of people at a took up more of his time, he still Green Lantern: Brother’s Keeper.... con talking about The Rocky Horror enjoyed being in touch with GSFS and ΛΨΦ Picture Show and whether the floor the greater Fandom community.

5 * * INFORMATION ABOUT LAMBDA SCI-FI: DC AREA GAYLAXIANS * *

Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians (LSF) is an organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans- gendered (GLBT) people, and their friends who are interested in science fiction, fantasy, horror and related genres in all forms (SF/F/H). LSF’s primary goals are to have fun, to provide a community, and to: • promote SF/F/H, with particular attention to materials of interest to GLBT people and their friends; • provide forums for GLBT people and their friends to share their interest in SF/F/H; • promote the presence of GLBT elements within SF/F/H and within fandom; and • promote SF/F/H within the GLBT community. Annual membership fees are $10, for which you will receive an e-mailed this monthly newsletter and a membership directory. (Hard copies of the newsletter cost an additional $15 per year.) Newsletter submissions are always welcome. Meetings are usually held on the second Sunday of each month at a private residence. The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting will be held on Sunday, August 10th, at James Crutchfield’s home: 1414 17th St., NW, #413 (near DuPont Circle) - 1:30 PM for business meeting; 2:00 PM for social meeting. Please bring some munchies or soft drinks, if you can. Hope to see you there! Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians is an affiliate ofthe Gaylactic Network, an international organization for gay people and their friends who are interested in science-fiction and fantasy.

Con Calendar by Carl, Peter, and Rob Aug. 28 - Sept. 1, 2003 TORCON 3 (The 61st World Science Fiction Convention). Metro Toronto Convention Centre & surrounding hotels (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Guests of Honor: George R.R. Martin (author), Frank Kelly Freas (artist), Mike Slyer (fan), Spider Robinson (Toastmaster). Membership: $185 US for attending adults (valid as of 1/16/2003 -- will go up!). Make checks payable to "Torcon 3" and send to: Torcon 3, PO Box 3, Station A, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5W 1A2. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.torcon3.on.ca

Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2003THE 29TH ANNUAL WORLD FANTASY CONVENTION. Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (Washington, DC). Author GoHs: Brian Lumley & Jack Williamson; Artist GoH: Allen Koszowski. Membership: $120 until 7/31/03. Make checks payable to "World Fantasy Convention 2003" and send to: WFC 2003 Registration c/o Jerry Crutcher, PO Box 1096, Rockville, MD 20849-1096. Website: www.worldfantasy2003.org

Nov. 21-23, 2003CAPCLAVE 2003. Hilton Silver Spring (Silver Spring, MD). Guest of Honor: William Tenn. Membership: $30 thru 9/15/2003; $35 thru 11/1/03; $40 at the door. Make checks payable to "Capclave" and send to: Capclave 2003 Registration, c/o Cathy Green, 3003 Van Ness St. NW, Apt. W527, Washington, DC 20008. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.capclave.org

Dec. 12-14, 2003 PHILCON 2003. Marriott City Center (Philadelphia). Guest of Honor: Jack McDevitt; Artist Guests of Honor: Greg & Tim Hildebrandt; Special Guest: Peter David. Membership: $40 until 1/31/2003 (will go up). More details to follow. Website: www.philcon.org

April 8 - 11, 2004 GAYLAXICON 2004 - SAN DIEGO. The annual national GLBT science-fiction/fantasy/ F horror/comics/gaming convention. Red Lion Hanalei Hotel (San Diego, CA). Author Guest of Honor: David E Gerrold; Artist Guest of Honor: Joe Phillips. Membership: $40 until 7/31/2003; then $45 until 12/21/2003; then $50 until 2/29/2004; and $60 at the door. Make checks payable to "Gaylaxicon 2004 - San Diego" and send to: Gaylaxicon 2004 - San Diego, 1010 University Ave., PMB #946, San Diego, CA, 92103-3395. Membership forms available on-line. Information at: www.gaylaxicon.org/2004 E-mail: [email protected]

July 1- 4, 2005 GAYLAXICON 2005. Boston, MA. Introductory membership rate: $35. Make checks F payable to "Gaylaxicon 2005" and send to: Gaylaxicon 2005, PO Box 1059, Boston, MA 02103. (More E information as it becomes available.) Website: www.gaylaxicon.org

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