Volume 19, Issue 2 April / May 2009 ConNotations FREE The Bi-Monthly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society

A Conversation with Featured Inside James Alan Gardner Regular Features Special Features by Chris Paige SF Tube Talk An Conversation with James Alan Gardner All the latest news about by Chris Paige James Alan Gardner is the author of seven Scienc Fiction TV shows novels and a short story collection, by Lee Whiteside Vidi, Vidder: I Came, Gravity Wells. Asimov’s Science Fiction published his “The Ray Gun: A Love I Saw, I Videoed Story” in February, 2008. Each novel is a Gamers Corner By Shane Shellenbarger stand-alone, but there are recurring New and Reviews from An Amercan in New Zealand characters. The titles are Expendable, the gaming world Ascending, Commitment Hour, Vigilant, by Jeffrey Lu Hunted, Trapped, and Radiant; they are an Screening Room eclectic mix of character development, In Memory adrenaline-pumping adventure, comedy, a Reviews of current theatrical Kelly “The Sarge” Sabucco bit of horror, and speculative imagination releases grounded in hard science. In a space- Plus faring future, humanity is the new kid on In Our Book the interstellar block. Each species does CASFS Business Report pretty much whatever it likes; including Reviews of New SF/F Books meddling with other species, but the © James Alan Gardner FYI League of Peoples monitors the goings- Musty Tomes News and tidbits of interest to fans on. ugly or ridiculous person dies. So Reviews of Classic Genre books If you Google Gardner, you will find a they’re ‘expendable.’ Your main Club Listings web page and some posted interviews character, Festina Ramos, makes the detailing, among other things, how being a Convention List & point that even fellow Explorers have Canadian affects his writing. Generic Registration Form ... this reaction to the death of one of their own: “That’s what being ‘Expendable’ Chris Paige: The ground premise for your means.” Did you base this premise on novels is that every member of Earth’s CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT actual documented studies? space Explorer corps is smart, competent, James Alan Gardner: Over the years, www.casfs.org/ConNotations/Index-CN.html and well-equipped, but also deformed in I’ve read studies leaning in this direc- some embarrassing way. The reason given tion. For example, “ugly” people get FOR UP TO DATE INFO AND MOVIE is that group morale plummets when a REVIEWS BETWEEN ISSUES handsome person dies, but not when an ( Continued on page 5 )

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Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 1 Pick up your copy of ConNotations at the following locations In This Issue Who Is Who This Issue Managing Editor: Stephanie Bannon BOOK STORES COMIC STORES News & Reviews Assistant to the Editor: Gary Swaty SF Tube Talk 3 Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer Bent Cover Bookstore All About Comics In Memory 7 Film & Video Editors: Len Berger & 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85029 5060 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ FYI 8 Craig L Dyer (602) 942-5932 (602) 277-0757 Gamers Corner 10 Promotions Directors: Len Berger, Screening Room 10 Richard Bolinski, Craig L Dyer Book Exchange Ash Avenue Comics & Books Advertising: Catherine Book 4320 N. Miller Road #F, Scottsdale, AZ 810 S. Ash, Tempe, AZ (480) 858-9447 Musty Tomes 12 Proof Readers: Catherine Book, Bob 85251 (480)990-8380 Atomic Comics In Our Book (Book Reviews) 13 LaPierre & Gary Swaty CASFS Business Report 19 Reporters: Craig L Dyer, Jeffrey Lu Book Gallery 1120 S. 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Page 2 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 overly happy about. It is likely the series one of who is a long time Smallville audience that has experienced 9/11. SF Tube Talk will finish its run but unless FOX is really veteran. Reports are that all of the Morena Baccarin has been cast as the in need it is not likely to get a renewal. regulars in season eight will be returning alien leader Anna. Robert J. Sawyer’s TV News & Previews The first episode in April, Echoes, will for season nine. Coming up on Super- Flash Forward novel is in the works for a By Lee Whiteside give viewers a large amount of back- natural is The Monster at the End of This series for ABC with Brannon Braga and ground on Echo including learning how Book where the demon Lilith hijacks the David S. Goyer producing. It chronicles We’re getting into the home stretch of she became involved with the Dollhouse body of a dental hygienist to wreak havoc the chaos that ensues after everyone in the broadcast season and entering a dry to begin with. By the end of the season on the Winchesters. In Jump The Shark, the world blacks out for two minutes, 17 spell for the cable networks. We’ve got we will find out who Alpha is and will be the series hopefully doesn’t do what the seconds and has a mysterious vision of the scoop on the upcoming season (or given some clues as to his identity. title implies. The plot point that likely the future that changes their lives forever. series) finales as well as some news on Whether the series will get a chance to inspired the title is that Sam and Dean Cast includes John Cho, Joseph Fiennes what’s coming up this summer on the continue will be up to FOX. After a discover they have a brother, Adam, of and Christine Woods. Another attempt is cable networks. month or so break, Fringe will be whom their father never told them about. being made to turn The Witches of NBC is struggling with the ratings for returning on Tuesday nights in April on Needless to say, Adam’s life gets turned Eastwick into a weekly series. David all of their shows with the genre shows FOX, ramping up the ongoing storylines upside down when he meets his brothers. Nutter is executive producing and being no exception. Heroes has been well and likely revealing who the Observer is. In the final batch of episodes, Dean and directing the pilot and Jaime Ray under prior seasons ratings but NBC has Fox did cut the shows order to 20 Bobby stage an intervention for Sam, Newman, Rebecca Romjin, Lindsay tentatively given the go-ahead for a episodes from 22 and indications are they who has become addicted to demon blood Price, and Veronica Cartwright star. fourth season in large part due to the will see how it does when it comes back and it ends up in a big fight between Sam ABC is also adapting the recent British strong adult demographics the show still before deciding to continue it or not. Not and Dean. Reaper has returned to the CW sitcom No Heroics about a group of b-list draws. Chuck has held steady for the much specific is known about the final and while there’s not much episode superheroes who hang out in a bar. most part and Medium has done the best episodes aside from one bit of leaked info specific information available, we will FOX is making an adaptation of the of the three shows on Monday night. that one of the characters will become meet The Devil’s son Morgan (played by DC Comics property Human Target, Knight Rider has ended and, as of press pregnant by the end of the season (and it Armie Hammer) who is jealous of the about Christopher Chance, a mysterious time, Kings is about to debut with no real may not be a female character!). attention Sam is getting from his father. freelancer who takes on a different sense of how the viewing public will ABC has ended Life on Mars, but did Reaper executive producer Michele identity each week to help those in respond to it. Coming up on Heroes is the give the producers enough notice that the Fazekas has promised that they will danger. Mark Valley stars as Christopher culmination of the Fugitives arc where finale, airing on April 1st, may give an divulge Sam’s origins by the end of the Chance, with Chi McBride as Winston. we’ll see how the Heroes manage to answer as to what is happening with Sam season. McG and Jon Steinberg are executive survive being hunted, find out who Rebel Tyler. ABC has debuted the new take on The networks do have a number of producers. FOX is still considering is, and also set up the next arc, titled Cupid, airing in the last hour of prime genre shows in development and by mid- Virtuality from Ron Moore and Michael Redemption. Upcoming episodes include time on Tuesday night. As with the May we may see some of them picked up Taylor about Earth’s first space mission Turn and Face the Stranger where we previous series form Rob Thomas, for the fall season. In the works are a new to a distant solar system and how the will learn more about The Hunter’s Trevor Pierce (Bobby Cannavale) is take on “V” for ABC. It looks to be a lives of the crew are affected by the dislike of those with powers. 1961 where someone who may or may not be the fairly straight updating of the show virtual reality environment they use to we will find out more about the begin- Roman god of love, Cupid, sent to earth making it more contemporary for an nings of The Company seeing teenage to bring 100 couples together before he is ( Cont’d on page 4 ) and early 20’s versions of many of the allowed to return to Mt. Olympus. Trevor older characters (Bob Bishop, Angela, is under the care of psychiatrist and self- Chanda Suresh, Linderman, and possibly help author Dr. Claire McCrae (Sarah others). Next is I Am Sylar which Paulson) who is also helping to unite promises to bring to a head the current lonely people with their soul mates. It is issues with Sylar and in the season finale, not promising that ABC cut the series Sylar and Claire will have a conversation order from 13 to 7 episodes, so don’t get about immortality and possibly a big too attached to this one. As for Lost, it showdown with the President’s life in the will continue to baffle and surprise balance. On Chuck, things are progress- viewers with all sorts of revelations as it ing with Chuck’s life as he realizes that it runs up to the series finale. has changed and it likely isn’t changing On The CW, we’re into the home back, and that if he’s going to survive, he stretch for both Smallville and Super- needs to be a better spy. More will natural, both of which have been happen with regards to Fulcrum with renewed by The CW for another season. Arnold Vosloo playing a badass Fulcrum Also, Repear has returned for its second agent and we’ll also see Tricia Helfer, season on Tuesday nights. Coming up on who plays a hot agent that seduces Smallville is Eternal, which focuses on Captain Awesome, Chevy Chase as Ted the origins of Davis Bloome/Doomsday, Roark, a technology mogul, and Scott showing how Davis got tied up in the Bakula as Chuck’s father. Medium will events of the original meteor shower. see Allison DuBois hand off her power to We’ll see a young Davis and a young Lex someone else so that Patricia Arquette in the flashbacks. In Stiletto, Lois creates can take a break for an episode. Joining a new superheroine, Stiletto, hoping to the show as her replacement will be bring the red/blue Blur out of hiding. Jeffrey Tambor, who will take on a case Beast sees Chloe harboring Davis Over on FOX, Terminator: The Bloome and having nightmares as a result Sarah Connor Chronicles will finish out and Davis takes Oliver prisoner in the its season (and likely the series) in early Talon basement. Injustice sees the April with the episodes Adam Raised a formation of an Injustice Gang led by Cain and Born to Run (interesting to see Tess with Plastique, Leech, Fallout and them use two Bruce Springsteen titles Voltage. Clark also discovers that Oliver for the last two episodes). No real has Lex’s Kryptonite ring. This all leads specifics on the episodes other than that into the season finale which promises the the producers have indicated there will be big showdown with Doomsday, possibly some closure to the series. Joss a return in some form of the Legion, and Whedon’s Dollhouse debuted to OK reportedly the deaths of two characters, numbers, but nothing to make FOX be Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 3 SF Tube Talk ( Cont’d from page 3 ) that the use of the “they have a plan” story possibilities, yet also forces us to (Christopher Lloyd) recruits a foursome slogan was mainly a marketing gimmick. adopt a very different approach toward to save Mirabilis, the human vigilante escape from the boredom of space flight. So, it looks like we will finally find out alien encounters and planetary investiga- John Serragoth (David James Elliott), Also still a possibility for FOX is Boldy what the Cylon’s plan was to begin with tion. Twin themes mentioned over the the elf bounty hunter Perfidia (Natassia Going Nowhere, a sitcom about life on and how it fell apart as things progressed. course of today’s conversations: survival Malthe), the goblin Ber-lak (Dru an intergalactic spaceship and its crew. SciFi has committed to the spinoff and sacrifice.” Viergever) and the young conman Adric NBC only has one genre project with series Caprica, which is planned to start As for more TV/DVD movies (Christopher Jacot) who become the Day One from Heroes producer Jesse airing early next year. However, the two featuring the first two Stargate series, Knights of Bloodsteel! They set out to Alexander which chronicles life of the hour pilot film for Caprica has been there are indications that they would like find The Crucible, supposedly the source survivors after a devastating global event completed and an extended version will to do more Stargate SG-1 movies and of all bloodsteel, and must find it before cripples society. The CW has one genre be released direct to DVD on April 21st follow up on Stargate Atlantis, but Dragon Eye and his army find it first. project with The Vampire Diaries about a to give fans something to chew on for a currently nothing has been announced. At In the works for a likely December tragic young heroine who is the object of while until the series debuts in early the end of March and early April, SciFi miniseries on SciFi is a new four hour passion for two vampire brothers - one 2010. SciFi’s press release describes the has aired the two SG-1 movies that had miniseries based on Philip Jose good, one evil - who are at war for her series as “The Twelve Colonies are at been released on DVD last year. If those Farmer’s Riverworld, this time scripted soul and for the souls of her friends and peace, 51 years before the reimagined do well, SciFi might be willing to commit by Robert Hewitt Wolfe for production family. Created by Kevin Williamson series, when an act of religious terrorism some funds towards more movies in the by RHI. Filming on the Riverworld and Julie Plec with Nina Dobrev and sets the worlds of the Adamas and the Stargate universe. miniseries is expected to start in April Steven R. McQueen as the leads. Finally, Graystones onto a collision course. Coming up immediately on SciFi in with Stuart Gillard directing, so we CBS has nothing in the works with a Brought together by the grief over their April and May looks to be not much of should have some casting to report next genre element, not even something with a lost daughters, prominent civil liberties anything new. With the end of Galactica issue. According to Wolfe on exisle.net, weak one (ala The Mentalist). lawyer Joseph Adama, father of future on Friday nights, SciFi has been rerun- this miniseries has no connection to the The SciFi Channel has announced a Battlestar commander William Adama, ning episodes from Moonlight and in previous Riverworld TV movie aired on name change, to SyFy, with the new and Daniel Graystone, a wealthy tech- early April will start airing episodes of SciFi six years ago and that it is an “an all slogan “Imagine Greater”. No, this is not nologist, find they are both struggling to Primeval which have already been new take with (mostly) different charac- an April Fools joke. According to the keep going. Obsessed, Daniel sets his screened in the U.S. on BBC America. ters and situations.” According to Wolfe, associated their press release, “ the new considerable wealth and sprawling SciFi will debut the four hour miniseries SciFi did not like how the last movie brand broadens perceptions and embraces industrial corporation to the singular task Knights of Bloodsteel on Sunday April turned out, but it did decent ratings a wider and more diverse range of of bringing the girls back to life. After 19th and Monday, April 20th. In the initially and in repeats and they have imagination-based entertainment includ- experiments with startling breakthroughs world of Mirabilis, bloodsteel is a rare been looking at reviving it. Wolfe and ing fantasy, paranormal, reality, mystery, in robotics and AI take a questionable metal that is the source of all magical Hans Beimler did a one hour pilot script action and adventure, as well as science turn, Joseph becomes a vehement power, and it is running out. The evil three years ago and Wolfe adapted some fiction. It also positions the brand for opponent of the path Daniel starts down.” ruler Dragon Eye descend on Mirabilis to of that work into the four hour miniseries future growth by creating an ownable Eric Stoltz stars as Daniel Graystone, take control of the remaining supply of script. Wolfe has indicated it is not a trademark that can travel easily with Esai Morales as Joseph Adama, Paula bloodsteel. The elf wizard Tesselink ( Cont’d on page 5 ) consumers across new media and non- Malcomson as Amanda Graystone, Polly linear digital platforms, new international Walker as Sister Clarice Willow, channels and extend into new business Alessandra Toreson as Zoe Graystone, ventures.” The new name will go into and Sina Najafi as William Adama. affect on July 7th to coincide with the Remi Aubuchon wrote the pilot and will debut of the new series Warehouse 13 be the show runner for the series with and the return of Eureka. Ron Moore and David Eick as executive On SciFi, they’ve just finished the last producers. half of the final season of Battlestar With the end of Stargate Atlantis, the Galactica, but we’re not quite done with next chapter in the Stargate franchise, that universe. As a coda to the series, Stargate Universe, has started filming in we’ve got the Battlestar Galactica movie Vancouver. The main cast will be Robert The Plan, written by Jane Espenson, Carlyle as Dr. Nicholas Rush, Justin coming up sometime in June on SciFi Louis as Colonel Everett Young, David (and likely quickly to DVD like was done Blue as Eli Wallace, Brian J. Smith as with Razor). According to Jane Lieutenant Matthew Scott, Jamil Walker Espenson, the movie shows things from Smith as Master Sergeant Ronald Greer, the Cylon point of view from the time Alaina Huffman as Master Sergeant before the opening miniseries into some Tamara Johansen, Elyse Levesque as part of the second season. Not all of the Chloe Armstrong, and Lou Diamond Galactica regulars will be in it, but we Phillips as Colonel Telford. The series will see Edward James Olmos as will launch with a three part episode, Admiral Adama (and he is also directing titled “Air”, which will bring the crew the film), Aaron Douglas (Chief Tyrol), together on the Ancient ship The Destiny Michael Trucco (Sam Anders), Dean and set them off on an ongoing series of Stockwell (Brother Cavil), Tricia Helfer adventures as they travel on the ship (No. 6), Grace Park (Boomer/Athena), through new territories. In a post on his Rick Worthy (Simon), Matthew blog reporting on the start of breaking Bennett (Doral) and Callum Keith down the initial batch of episodes, Rennie (Leoben). SciFi’s description of executive producer Joe Mallozzi de- the film is “In the beginning, the Cylons scribed Stargate Universe as “a series had a plan, but it didn’t account for one that draws on established mythology yet thing: survivors. During the chaotic blazes a bold, new path for the franchise. aftermath of the destruction, two power- It’s definitely more character-centered ful Cylon agents struggle with plots and and intimate in its exploration of the priorities on the human ships that got interpersonal dynamics that will drive a away, and among the resistance fighters lot of the shipboard developments (and, who were left behind.” Ron Moore has no, I’m not talking about romance). The even admitted that they didn’t really premise of this ship hurtling through know what the plan was to start with and uncharted territories offers up unbounded Page 4 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 SF Tube Talk ( Cont’d from page 4 ) Torchwood will return in the summer A Conversation( Cont’d from page 1 ) developed and why they persist. Those for the week long event Children of paid 9% less than average while attractive prejudices are cruel to the exceptions, but direct adaptation of the novels, but that “I Earth. According to BBC America, they people get paid 5% more. In the future, they’ve never been so wrong that they have preserved much of the tone, philo- are planning to show it the same week as where I believe genetic selection and were bred out of the species. sophical underpinnings, sense of adven- the BBC does in the UK. The overall manipulation will be more common (not But in the past century or so, things have ture, and existential angst of the original story concerns a deal the government to mention cosmetic surgery), I thought changed. A hundred years ago, you novels. And told a good yarn that fits into made with aliens in the 1960’s that now that unattractive people would stand out didn’t develop ability unless you were four hours, sets up a possible series and threatens all the children on Earth, who even more and be subject to extreme healthy enough to survive bouts of includes enough contemporary characters become immobile. The Torchwood team distaste. serious childhood disease. But now, the to hook a modern audience. But it’s more is still down to Jack, Ianto and Gwen ... correlations are breaking down. You can look good even if you don’t have great of a Ron Moore BSG type re-imagining following the events of season two, with CP: What does this say about human genetics. You can survive to do impor- than a ‘film the book’ approach. “ As for Gwen’s husband Rhys helping out. Also nature? Isn’t the preference for beauty who or what we’ll see in the minseries, offset by an appreciation of character and tant things even if you’re in lousy shape. appearing are Katy Wix (Rhiannon, There are going to be more and more Wolfe has promised “a River, a riverboat, ability? Ianto’s sister), Rhodri Lewis (Johnny exceptions to the beauty-health-ability a certain post-bellum Southern author and Evans, Ianto’s brother-in-law) and Lucy JAG: In evolutionary terms, what we consider beautiful is strongly linked with linkage, and it will be interesting to see an assortment of conquistadors, courte- Cohu as Alice, Jack’s 30 something where society goes with that. sans, codgers and contrarians. One of the daughter (!). health. You’re more likely to reproduce if you choose a healthy mate, so we’re In my books, I decided that Technocracy worst people in history. One of the best Primeval returns to ITV in the UK for society would be even more shallow than (said author). A half-dozen or so way its third season at the end of March. At psychologically biased to find healthiness attractive. Our instincts aren’t perfect, we are today; many of the non-Explorer cool historical figures (including two the start of the season, Cutter’s team will and they can also get twisted into knots characters are almost infantile. These from the novels) plus some contemporary discover a sun cage at a museum that by cultural factors—for example, back in people have such easy lives, most of them point-of-view types. “ RHI is also holds an anomaly and with its help they don’t develop character and ability, and working on two other miniseries for the 1950’s simply being blonde out- are able to predict future anomalies. As weighed a lot of negatives, and today they can’t recognize it in others. SciFi, Alice, a contemporary re-telling of ... the series progresses, the team will some people value skinniness far too Alice in Wonderland (as was done for the CP encounter Helen Cutter and end up being much—but historically, beauty has : What are some of the main influ- Wizard of Oz with Tin Man) and a project caught in a trap and transported into a correlated well with health. And health ences, strong or subtle, on your ideas? JAG adapting The Phantom for TV. dangerous future. has correlated well with character and : I love comedy—funny writing of From across the pond there’s several Returning to UK TV screens over ability. A sickly body has difficulty all kinds. I read Terry Pratchett’s books series heading their way to BBC America Easter will be Red Dwarf in a set of three sustaining a strong brain. You can find the instant they come out, and I soak up with a third season of Primeval and the specials being broadcast on the cable plenty of exceptions, but they are humor from anything else I can get my debut seasons of Survivors and Being channel Dave (formerly known as UK exceptions. There’s only one Stephen hands on. (I consider myself a comedy Human (both of which have been picked Gold 2). After several attempts to make a Hawking; there are many other people writer, although my editors never let me say that.) I’m also very fond of Christo- up for a second series by the BBC). Red Dwarf movie have fallen through, with the same condition who are perfectly pher Brookmyre, a Scottish writer who The first of four Doctor Who specials, Doug Naylor has brought the regular cast decent folks but who are never going to Planet of the Dead, will air on BBC1 be Fellows of the Royal Society. Good does black-comedy thrillers. In addition, I back together for a set of specials titled grew up reading comic books, first DC, over Easter weekend. It features Michelle health contributes to character and “Back to Earth”. At the start of the then Marvel. Comic book concepts Ryan guest starring as Lady Christina de ability...and character/ability can also specials we catch up with the crew nine underlie almost everything I write, Souza. The Doctor and Christina join up years after we last saw them and things contribute to good health, since “smart” people tend to take better care of them- especially great sweeping visions of for an adventure that takes them to a are pretty much normal until Lister cosmic destiny. desolate planet via a double decker bus realizes that there is a dimension hopping selves. So throughout evolutionary history, ... and not via the TARDIS. Also appearing leviathan in their mile long water tank. CP beauty has been tangled up with health, : Many of your stories take a turn into is Noma Dumezweni as Captain Erisa Also, a new hologram appears, Katerina which has been tangled up with ability. extreme violence. Where does this Magambo, who was seen in the episode (played by Sophie Winkleman), who Our prejudices are based on real statisti- predilection for mayhem come from? Turn Left. The plot appears to have was a Red Dwarf science officer who JAG: I like action. I like adventure. I something to do with some alien picto- cal likelihoods, which is why they aims to replace Rimmer. As part of (Cont’d on page 6 ) graphs that Lady Christina and The Katerina’s plans to replace Doctor are investigating. According to Rimmer, the Red Dwarf is producer Russell T. Davies, it features brought back to Earth - in two different alien races not before seen 2009! Returning are Chris in Doctor Who. After that, the remaining Barrie as Rimmer, Craig three specials are expected to air around Charles as Lister, Danny Christmas and the New Year, leading up John-Jules as Cat and to a very exciting and emotional “death” Robert Llewellyn as Kryten. and regeneration for The Doctor. For the 2009 Red Nose Day, BBC viewers were treated to a special episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures featuring comedian Ronnie Corbett and produc- tion is gearing up for a third season of the show. Also in the works is a new K9 spinoff series being filmed in Australia. The series will not have any direct connection to Doctor Who since K9 itself was co-created by Bob Baker who will be overseeing the new series. Reportedly, the series is set in 2050 London and features 14 year old characters Starkey and Jorjie along with a Professor Gryffen, and 15 year old Darius who runs errands for Gryffen. Professor Gryffen is experi- menting with space-time portals in which a deadly alien appears shortly followed by K9 Mark I who helps save the humans and continues to provide help in protect- ing Earth against alien threats. Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 5 A Conversation ( Cont’d from page 5 ) culture. What factors do you see driving CP: You occasionally attend conventions. CP: In Commitment Hour the characters SF towards fantasy and away from What have been some of your favorite grow up alternating between male and miss the pulp-tinged feel that science science? convention panel discussions? female, experiencing the range of male fiction used to have, and I want to bring it JAG: Science fiction has serious accessi- JAG: I love creative ones...like im- and female potentials, then choosing back. So I’m writing the sort of books bility problems. How many modern promptu world-building or plotting. It’s which to be for the rest of their lives at that I like to read and that I wish other science fiction books could a 12-year-old fun to get a set of writers to brainstorm age 21. A few, a very few make the hard people were writing. understand? The science is too difficult, on how they’d build a story around a choice to choose neither, and opt to be ... and the demand for “something new” is a particular theme, scientific discovery, etc. ‘neuts,’ even though this leads to ostra- CP: Even though the League of Peoples real barrier. After all, suppose you want ... cism. What kind of feedback have you prevents interstellar wars in your SF, the to write a time travel story. After decades CP: What questions are you never asked, gotten from readers? Explorer Corps is still a military organi- of other time travel stories, experienced that you’d love to answer? JAG: Some readers love the fantasy of zation. Have you ever been in the science fiction readers won’t be satisfied JAG: Grammar questions. I love putting alternating genders: really knowing how military? If not, what are your resources with simple time paradoxes, but new words together. I love writing sentences. the other half lives and being able to for portraying the mindsets and proce- readers can’t follow anything too convo- When new writers pick my brains, they choose which way you’ll go. The idea is dures? luted. This makes for a lack of “entry- always want help with ideas...but often liberating, and it’s interesting to think JAG: I’ve never been in the military, but level” stories: ones that can be read by what they really need help with is how it would be to live that way. Other my father-in-law was in the Canadian people (especially 12-year-olds) who are constructing interesting sentences. readers are drawn to the idea of neuts—to armed forces for most of his life. bright but not necessarily well-versed in ... have it both ways, to be (in a sense) ... the niceties of molecular biology and CP: True! You also write some of the complete. CP: You have a background in martial neuroscience. funniest dialogue it has been my pleasure ... arts. What do you practice, and how does Contrast this with fantasy. The prerequi- to read and make literary jokes. In CP: You get right into your characters’ it affect you? sites are low. I’m not saying that fantasy Ascending, you manage to make light of dark stuff: their fears, remorses, rages, JAG: I have a second-degree black sash is simpleminded—a lot of it is quite “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” and frustrated longings. What scares you in Shaolin Five-Animal Kung Fu. First sophisticated—but you can pick up (one of my favorite poems), in a passage – what’s your dark stuff? of all, it keeps me from turning into a almost any fantasy book and understand discussing the danger of eating peaches JAG: When I was a kid, I was scared of puddle of lard who does nothing but sit at what it’s saying, without any academic that may actually be your alien host’s basements and second floors—something a computer. Second, it helps give me background or prior reading in the field. nephew in chrysalis form. If you could to do with ghosts and monsters. These background for writing fight scenes. Science fiction desperately needs entry- time travel, when and where would you days, I’m most afraid of losing my mental Third, it keeps my brain awake—there’s level books...and of course, that’s what I go? edge. nothing like a kick in the stomach to try to do in my own writing. While I use JAG: I’ve actually written a story about ... teach you not to let your mind wander. nanotech and space stuff and aliens, one this (for a con chapbook). What I’m CP: What would you like to accomplish ... of my main goals is accessibility. I want attracted to is messing around with before you die? CP: You have a talent for writing the kind to be read by 12-year-olds...and by people’s heads—leaving a cell phone in JAG: Many more books (and ones that intriguing context-details that Zelazny people with the hearts of 12-year-olds. Tutankhamen’s tomb, that sort of thing. I’m proud of). used to scatter throughout his novels. In ... This is now espoused by the Society for ... Radiant, for example, you mention the ‘5 CP: That helps explain the PG rating, as Creating Anachronisms (“creating” not CP: What is a good death, by your lights? Worthy Themes of Cashling city design: far as intimacy goes. When your charac- “creative”) but I had the idea thirty years JAG: One you can stay awake through. water, mirrors, shadow, illusion, and ters have relationships, these happen off ago. ... knots.’ stage. Does Festina ever get lucky? She’s ... CP: In many ways, your novels strike me JAG: The five worthy themes are what I so lonely. CP: There is an archetypal component to as wake up calls. You make some astute call “serendipity fodder”. All SF writers JAG: Yes, she does. I have a whole story your stories. Is that deliberate? comments and observations, not just must suggest that there’s more to their plotted in which the main character is the JAG: I like archetypes; I think they about individuals, but about trends. Has worlds than is shown on the page. man she is meant to be with. It won’t be provide much of the energy for fiction. anyone ever told you that your stories Sometimes you actually work out details; easy for them, of course. But it’s important to realize that arche- made a real difference in their lives? that’s important on the basics like how ... types are surrounded by great snarls of Have any sleepers awakened? societies feed themselves and how they P: What are the antecedents of your most personal and cultural connotations. JAG: I can only hope. survive. But sometimes you just throw in mysterious character, the Pollisand? They’re powerful precisely because they cool details for the heck of it: window JAG: The Pollisand comes from an make so many different connections dressing that may or may not mean unpublished book about the youngest inside our brains. I have no qualms about anything. I just put the themes out there Spark Lord. (The Spark Lords appear in using them deliberately. in case they became useful later in the Commitment Hour and Trapped.) ... book. I deliberately didn’t flesh them out (on the page or in my head) so that they’d Roughly be adaptable if I decided to use them later speaking, he’s on. an immensely ... powerful being CP: And what of the grandiose names of who’d love to the two Cashling spacefarers? What are be a deus ex the footnote explanations of the names machina but Lord Ryan Ellisander Petrovaka LaSalle isn’t allowed and Lady Belinda Astragoth Umbatti to. Various Carew? I love to know the stories circumstances behind names, and if felt to me that there prevent him was more to these than mere parody. from providing JAG: A friend of mine named Belinda actual help to loved to make up extravagant names for mortals, so he herself when she was young. Later on, just shows up when I was writing Ascending, she and makes married a guy named Ryan...so the names himself a pain are a sort of wedding present to the two in the ass. of them. Kind of like a ... professor CP: While there is no lack of new and looking over sometimes very good fantasy literature, your shoulder there seems to be less and less science in when you’re SF these days – you are one of the sweating over a exceptions to this trend, with plenty of final exam. nanotech and space hardware and alien ...

Page 6 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 In Memory of Kelly “The Sarge” Sabucco

Kelly “The Sarge” Sabucco Sarge 1967-2009 (In memory of Kelly Sabucco) We lost a member of our by Jeffrey Lu family this past weekend— Kelly Sabucco, aka “The Security and sensitive, Sarge”. He left us at 5:30am Fan for life, on Saturday, March 7th, Deep-rooted Sith, 2009. He was 41. He leaves Humorous storyteller behind his mother Nancy and Are samples of what I a daughter, Jonna-Rae. remembered about him. He was the one-man “Brute Squad” for ROCKY He was big HORROR security, a lifelong But honest. fixture at Phoenix-area He was loud science fiction conventions But soft with friends and and other fandom events family. (SCA, Corsairs, etc), the guy He was Sarge. who provided all the free posters at Chandler Cinemas, And so, and the man who had not paid I did not see it coming to see a movie in almost ten To hear his last laugh in years (because he always saw one discussion the sneak previews!). He was Echoing throughout a true comrade, a gentle giant, Phoenix ComicCon 2008: and a gentleman. His love of life. His mother is not planning any services, but has given So, farewell Sarge. her blessing for his friends to With a drink raised high, do so. He will be missed and I remember thee. mourned by so many of us, in I sip and sit all the different social scenes To a really cool guy. that he moved within—and which he helped network between, and glue together. A memorial page can be found at http://azrocky.com/ index_files/Page385.htm and © Len Beerger his Myspace profile is at death. Kelly was way too young to Sarge’s swag. She was smiling as www.myspace.com/itsthesarge attendee at the con. What I did not pass and we will miss him forever. she left the room carrying the Matthew Yenkala know was another side of Kelly – his minister side. Shortly after his - Len Berger. horror movie promotion. At first, this huge guy may seem Memories of Sarge death I found out he was a licensed minister. One of his favorite lines ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ intimidating. When one got to know him, he had a wicked sense I first met Kelly (Sarge) at a was “I never married my I saw him last at Phoenix of humor but also a fan for life. He movie screening. He was the one daughter’s mother but I married ComicCon’s Sunday Barry Bard’s was and always will be a cool guy. giving away posters without asking my daughter’s mother” (not quite a Memorial Movie Preview. He was His friendship and humorous for anything in return. Since then I direct quote but close enough). happy to let other people know stories at the local conventions have seen Kelly to be one of the Yes, Kelly performed the about the free promotional posters were always a delight. Others will most generous people I have met in ceremony when his daughter’s that he got from work. His voice miss him. I do and am sad to find the screening and fandom worlds. mother was married to another boomed about his work at him gone at a young age of 41. He Kelly gave away most of the prizes man. Then, at the Rocky Horror Chandler Cinemas. Sarge was cool was a presence that will be hard to he won with many going to his memorial I learned that countless people were helped, even saved, by in giving his swag so others may fulfill. - Jeffrey Lu daughter. Kelly helped with the have a chance to grab some cool poster tables and the trailer Kelly. It was really touching to hear the stories – I only wish I had movie stuff. One girl was presentation forums and asked for overjoyed in snatching one of nothing more than any other known this side of Kelly before his Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 7 PS Publishing SCIENCE EVENTS family event, May 9 “Harsh Oases” by Paul DiFilippo Simplifying Complexities: FYI “The Bridge” by Zoran Zivkovic ASU Understanding Autism, Jun 5 CASFS Book Discussion “Shrike” by Quentin S. Crisp Archeo-Astronomy, June 13, Ray Bradbury Gift Set Science lectures and news: http:// Planetarium Bent Cover Books asunews.asu.edu/news/science Moon Mission Apollo, Jul 18, 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix PYR Publishing Planetarium 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm, in the Coffee Bar “Always Forever: Age of Misrule 2” by ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER Mars, What’s New (part II), Aug 15, Sponsored by Central Arizona Mark Chadbourn Planetarium Speculative Fiction Society (CASFS) “Blood of Ambrose” by James Enge New Rock Wall opened Feb 16th, email questions to [email protected] “Crossover” by Joe Shepherd climbers aged 8 and above CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER, “Stalking the Dragon” by Mike Resnick “U2: A Digital Dome Experience” show PEORIA Come do some face-to-face interaction times on website. with your fellow readers and SF/Fantasy Subterranean Press Materials Science Workshops Adventures in Space Summer Camp, fans! Haven’t read the book? Don’t “The Steel Remains” by Richard Morgan These workshops provide fun hands-on Jun 8-Jul 31, ages 5-14 worry, there’s no quiz or anything. You “Metamorphosis” by James P. Blaylock experiences to help participants Family Fun day, Apr 25, May 30, 10am- can use the rest of us as your personal “Marionettes, Inc.” by Ray Bradbury understand how materials scientists 4pmStargazing. Starlab Planetarium. book reviewers to see if it’s something “Wild Thyme, Green Magic” by Jack manipulate the properties of various Check website for dates and times you’d like. We start out with the book Vance materials to create the products that we The Space Place is a 2-hour interactive discussion, but the conversation can go “Trips” by Robert Silverberg use in our everyday life. program for little ones with big anywhere. The get-together is held in the “The City and the City” by China Mieville Check website for dates and topics. imaginations! Designed for children ages coffee shop of Bent Cover Books near “Fool Moon” by James Butcher Nanotech, Apr 3-5 3 through 6, the program features age- 28th Drive and Cactus Road in Phoenix. “The Other in the Mirror” by Philip Jose The Search for Life of Mars, Apr 3, appropriate activities designed to teach We welcome potential new friends. Farmer Planetarium preschoolers about our planet and solar May 19, 2009 - Tarzan of the Apes by And too many more to mention…. Through the Eyes of the Hubble, Apr system. Call for reservations. Neptune: Edgar Rice Burroughs 11, Planetarium. Apr 13-14, 930am-1130am. Pluto: May June 16, 2009 - Wyrd Sisters by Terry Wildside Press It’s Easy Being Green, family event, Apr 11-12, 930am-1130am. Pratchett “Best New Paranormal Romance” ed. 11 ASU Meteorite Exhibit Paula Guran Learn about Volcanos “There She Columbia Shuttle Memorial Display BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS “Jade Tiger” by Jenn Reese Blows!”, family event, Apr 25 Iridium Satellite Model “Myth Fortunes” by Robert Asprin & Invisible Forces That Shape the Lowell Observatory Display Fantasy/Sci-Fi Discussion Group Jody Lynn Nye Universe, May 1, Planetarium Journey Thru the Space Program 4th Wed, 7pm “Science Fiction: The Best of the Year: Astronomy day-24 hour event, May 2, Atlantis Space Shuttle Model Borders, Glendale 2006” ed. Rich Horton Planetarium “The Strangeling” by Saskia Walker “Have You Used a Mineral Today?” “Unveiling the Sorceress” by Saskia Path of the Craft Discussion group (Cont’d on page 9) discusses Neopagan theories inspired by Walker both fiction and non-fiction books about magic, nature, mythology, and GAMING EVENTS spirituality longest-running pagan book group in Phoenix. -4th Saturday of the DRAWN TO COMICS month at 6pm Heroclix. Tuesdays 4pm-7pm. Fridays, Borders, Phoenix Camelback 8pm-11pm. Saturdays, 3pm-6pm Star Wars Miniatures. Sundays, 1 – 4pm Manga Bookclub Sit-and-Sketch with local artists. 3rd 1st Tuesdays, 7pm Saturday, 6pm-8pm Borders, Chandler GAME DEPOT Manga Bookclub HeroClix & MechWarrior - April 18, 7pm Wednesdays, 530pm May 16, 7pm Magic, The Gathering - Barnes & Noble, Goodyear Thursdays, 6pm-9pm Monsterpocalypse. Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group Wednedays, 5pm Apr 9, 7pm Pirates – CCG Fridays, 5pm. Changing Hands Bookstore IMPERIAL OUTPOST GAMES SPECIAL BOOK RELEASES Federation Commander - 2nd Saturdays, noon This listing is to introduce you to RPG - 1st & 3rd Sundays smaller publishing houses that offer Boardgames & Demo Nite - exclusive or limited edition books that Thursdays, 6pm you wouldn’t be able to find at your local chain bookstore. SAMURAI COMICS (check website for correct store location) Borderlands Press Heroclix Tournament, Fridays, 6pm “Black Wind” by F. Paul Wilson Mechwarrior Tourney, Wednesdays, 6pm “Dark Ride” by Michael Laimo Yugioh Tournament, Sundays, noon Anime Club, Sundays, noon Cemetary Dance Publications Pokemon, Sundays, 2pm “Screamplays” edited by Richard Chizmar & Martin H. Greenberg SPAZDOG COMICS “Hell Hollow” by Ronald Kelly Heroclix Tournaments, Fridays, 7pm Pokemon League, Saturdays, 3pm

Page 8 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW editing capabilities of my Sony SLHF- Thomas Monson: September 2-5, 1977. FYI ( Cont’d from page 8 ) Showing each Saturday at Midnight. 900 & 1000 (with flying erase heads) and It was “Hailing Frequencies Open” at the Chandler Cinemas, the graphic/titling abilities of my Amiga Statler Hilton Hotel in New York City, MOON SOCIETY MEETING www.midnitemoviemamacita.com 1000 & 2000. Unlike today when you can NY for the Star Trek America Conven- go on the internet, type a song title and tion. It was scheduled as a half-hour 3 PM at orders Book Store, 1361 S. Alma Check the web sites for confirmation, the word “lyrics” into Google, and you’d Multimedia Slide show with special School Rd. (Alma School and Southern) location and more information. have the song in its entirety, I’d listen to effects set to music). Mesa. . For more info contact Craig Game Depot, 480-966-4727 the song over and over again while ... Porterat [email protected] http://www.azchallenger.org writing down the words. I’d then try to SS: What was the song and subject? TM: http://azscience.org match the actions, emotions, or concepts I used multiple Science fiction/ PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, portrayed in the songs to the available fantasy pop songs, with the themes of http://www.barnesandnoble.com TUCSON clips from the television or movie video Star Trek, Futurism, and NASA’s Space http://beyond.asu.edu tapes I had available to me. Remember Program. Let’s see, I remember using http://www.bookmans.com New Volunteer Orientation. Apr 11, DVD box sets and Netflix were decades STYX-Come Sail Away, KLAATU- http://www.borderlandspress.com/ May 9, Jun 13, 930am into the future. Calling Occupants of Interplanetary http://www.borders.com Easter Bunny Fly In, Apr 5, noon-2pm Of course, some fans were itching to Craft, Loneliest Creature in the Universe, http://www.browncoats.lagemann.org Space Day, May 1, 1pm-430pm. Build be creative before video recorders were Hope, INTERGALACTIC TOURING http://www.cemeterydance.com your own balloon, learn about helicopters. available to consumers-at-large. Credited BAND-Silver Lady, DAVID BOWIE-A http://www.changinghands.com Space Sundays: how to build and fly with creating the genre of the fannish Space Oddity. There were many more I http://www.drawntocomics.com rockets, May 31, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 30, synchronization of music and slides in can’t remember by various artists. http://www.imperialoutpost.com 11am-3pm 1975, Phoenix fan, Kandy Fong, took ... http://www.library.pima.gov Titan Missile Museum Tours. filmstrips purchased from Gene SS: Which of those songs were your http://www.loftcinema.com/showtimes Roddenberry’s company, Lincoln personal favorites? Reservations only http://www.novaspace.com/Spacefest/ Enterprises, made slides from them and TM: I’d have to say Klaatu’s – Hope for The only publicly accessible Titan II http://www.pimaair.org choreographed slide shows at Star Trek “Hailing Frequencies Open” show was missile site in the nation. Tour the http://www.poisonedpen.com conventions. One projector became two closest to my heart. underground missile site. See the 3-ton http://www.pyrsf.com/catalog.html in order to better to co-ordinate the audio ... blast doors, 8’ thick silo walls and an http://www.samuraicomics.com transitions from one idea to another. Fong SS: Do you have a favorite Video/ actual Titan II missile in the launch duct. http://www.seti.org and her friend (and sometime collabora- Presentation created by someone? Visit the launch control center, experience http://www.spazdogcomics.com/ tor), Linda Brown, were invited to TM: None comes to mind. a simulated launch, and more. Top to http://store.pspublishing.co.uk/ contribute to this piece, but had not ... Bottom Tours: Apr 14,17,18,25, May http://www.subterraneanpress.com/ responded by press time. SS: What equipment and software have 12,16,22,23, June 9,20,27. More dates http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/ I was able to contact New York area you used to create your Video/Presenta- avail on website.-8pm fan, Thomas Monson, who performed a tions? http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/ multi-media presentation in the late 70’s. TM: Let’s see, I had slide projectors http://www.wildsidepress.com/ SETI Institute’s Weekly ... utilizing a cross-fader, a neon laser with Shane Shellenbarger: Tom, thanks for motorized diffraction disc, a 60’s style Science Radio Program Vidi, Vidder: I Came, I Saw, talking to me. When did you do your first Mondays, avail as podcast I Videoed Music Video/Presentation? ( Cont’d on page 10 ) http://radio.seti.org http://podcast.seti.org By Shane Shellenbarger

OTHER GENRE-RELATED EVENTS I was listening to National Public Radio the other day and heard the story of ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER vidders, movie and television fans that The Star Trek Exhibit - opened Nov 16 make unauthorized underground videos using audio and video clips. That brought BOOKMANS, PHOENIX back a few fond memories because in the Arizona Browncoats Shindig. 1st 1980’s I was one of those fans. Saturday, 7pm Of course, we didn’t think of our- Scimitar-Talon is a group of people selves as vidders, we were just fans wanting to enjoy recreating portions of inspired by songs that took video clips the middle ages prior to 1600 AD. Classes and made music videos. Serious, adven- on Medieval Arts and Sciences.. 1st turesome, and humorous songs inspired us. For example, I took “Shades of Gray” Saturdays, 130pm-230pm with music by Barry Mann and words by Across Plus Anime Club. Sundays, 6pm Cynthia Weil as performed by the Monkees and turned it into the loss-of- BOOKMANS, GRANT RD, TUCSON innocence story of Luke Skywalker’s (as Free Tarot Readings with Pandora, portrayed by Mark Hamill) growth from Wednesdays, 6pm moisture-farming callow youth to older and wiser Jedi. The performance of Tom BOOKMANS SPEEDWAY TUCSON Jones singing the title song for the James Meet the Inventor of Biosphere 2, Apr 2, Bond film, “Thunderball,” with music by 4pm John Barry and lyrics by Don Black inspired me to tell the tale of Star Trek’s BORDERS AVONDALE Khan Noonien Singh (Richardo Metaphysical Wednesdays Discussion Montalbán.) Hamill reappeared in Wednesdays, 7pm “Yoda,” the “Weird Al” Yankovic parody of “Lola,” a song written by Ray Davies LOFT THEATRE, TUCSON and performed by The Kinks. In that Screenings of movies, many SF genre. song, the line “I’ll be playing this part ‘til Check website for times and listings. I’m old and gray . . .” was conveyed by using a clip of Hamill as an old hermit/ Northern Arizona Book Festival collector from the 1986 Steven Spielberg Apr 24-25, 9am-10pm television series “Amazing Stories” http://www.nazbookfest.com/new/ episode “Gather Ye Acorns.” I made my videos with the help of the Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 9 Vidi Vidder ( Cont’d from page 9 ) frequently going down a corridor you Warhammer Marhias Thulmann artifact in the palace of the plague lord. moving colored oil disc projector, an didn’t, attracting the attention of monsters Witch Hunter He will not only have to face a dragon optical colored glass special effects while you are casting healing spells, and by C.L. Werner and a plague lord but also his own team projector, a speaker with rubber mem- generally wasting his hit points as fast as Black Library Publications, $13.99, mates. brane and mirrors attached with a high you replace them. 761 pages A good read. Betrayal galore. Recom- intensity spotlight (produced an oscillo- Now the magic items. Items come in mended to Warhammer and dark fantasy scope- type projection effect). For the four basic forms, non-magical (base These are the stories of Witch Hunter readers. - Jeffrey Lu audio portion I had a Quadraphonic Reel- item), magical (some small power), Mathias Thulmann and his henchman, to-Reel tape deck, Quad Amplifier, 8 unique (named item with multiple Streng, in their pursuit of the enemies to Warhammer 40,000 Imperial Guard speakers paired x2 in each corner of the powers), and artifacts (major named the Empire- vampires, zombies, Chaos, Omnibus: Volume One hall. items, strong powers). To this is added mutants, and other dark creatures. Even by Mitchel Scanlon, Steve Lyons, and ... several other conditions: socketed (has a though Mathias will have to obey orders Steve Parker SS: That sounds like an awful lot of place or places for gems to be added), from his own political rival, Thulmann Black Library Publications, $13.99, work. It must have been a bear to set up elite (needs higher reputation to use), will not stop pursuing an evil doctor 768 pages. and tear down. When was your most superior (works better then normal items named Weich. recent Video/Presentation? IE: higher damage or better armor This omnibus contained three novels, In this volume, there are three main TM: Never did another one. protection), and legendary (a combination “Witch Hunter,” “Witch Finder,” and stories about the imperial guard of the ... of superior and elite with some extras “Witch Killer.” It also has two short future. One is how long a regular With the advent of digital editing on thrown in.) stoires, “A Choice of Hatreds” and “Meat Imperial trooper survives in battle. The software programs such as Adobe’s Crafting items is an exercise in luck. Wagon.” This also has an introduction to second one is where elite jungle fighters Premier Elements and Microsoft’s Gems do specific things so when added the author’s creation to this series. have to fight literally a world gone mad. Windows Movie Maker, video editing they do what you expect. Other enhance- Enjoyable. This is a similar vein to Third and last, how politics and firefights and synchronization to audio is easy ments are added by either the local H.P. Lovecraft’s witch hunter creation, do not always work together. enough that I might even jump back into the editors’ chair. enchanter (you pay him and hope he rolls Solomon Kane. A definite read for dark This book contains the novels- well and adds things) or finding a magic fantasy readers and Warhammer fans. - “Fifteen Hours”, “Death World,” and http://www.npr.org/templates/story/ anvil in the dungeon (same as the Jeffrey Lu “Rebel Winter.” This also fills with three story.php?storyId=101154811 enchanter but without spending any short stories- “Knee Deep,” “Better The http://www.youtube.com/ gold). Major drawback is sometimes the Warhammer 40,000 Cain’s Last Stand Devil,” and “The Citadel.” Another watch?v=Ee1ggme_- item is cursed (example -20% to your by Sandy Mitchell factor is this tome includes an introduc- Ww&feature=related mana) or even drained of magic. Black Library Publications, $7.99, 409 tion by Dan Abnett, writer of eleven http://www.youtube.com/ I would recommend that you use pages. Imperial Guard books of Gaunt’s Ghosts. watch?v=VElA3PQ8UKo headphones and take a cat companion the Good reading. The short stories http:// first time, the purring is soothing even Hero Ciaphas Cain is a retired clarify some things in the novels. mediacommons.futureofthebook.org/ when strangely set. I have noticed that the commissar who is now teaching his new Recommended to Wahammer 40,000 fans videos/2007/11/19/celebrating-kandy- cats always seem to purr immediately students at a school in the planet Perlia. and dark sci-fi war readers. - Jeffrey Lu fong-founder-of-fannish-music-video/ after you kill a monster that has attacked Little does he know that he will need to them, try it and see. bring his charges to the real experience of I like the game. I have put over 5 days war against aliens and a new Chaos Black Screening Room Gamer’s Corner (120 hours) into it already and will likely Crusade. Some of these students will not Fate put another 5 before you read this. My survive. Monsters vs Aliens Wild Tangent one request would be a manual. Every- This is fifth book of Commissar Knowing Fate $19.99 thing I learned was through trial and Ciaphas Cain’s adventures. Race to Witch Mountain Undiscovered Realms $19.99 error. It was still fun but instructions Loved it! Dark but entertaining. Watchmen would have saved me the first thirty or so Recommended for Warhammer 40,000 This column’s game comes as a result deaths. readers and dark sci-fi war readers. - Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D of my computer having to have a com- 4.5 Stars out of 5 Jeffrey Lu Voices by: Reese Witherspoon, Seth plete system restore done to it. When I See you next time. Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Kiefer first set up my system I immediately Bob LaPierre Warhammer Blood for the Blood God Sutherland removed all of the Wild Tangent games as by C.L. Werner Directors: Rob Letterman, Conrad I didn’t need/want the games to distract Warhammer Gotrek and Felix Black Library Publications, $7.99, 416 Vernon me. Upon restoring the system I was The First Omnibus pages. Running Time: 94 minutes bored and wanted to try some of them. by William King Rated: PG Fate was the first I tried. I have since Black Library Publication, $10.99, 767 A bloody champion of Khorne, Produced by Dreamworks Animation bought the game and it’s sequel. pages. Skulltaker, arises again. He is stalking Distributed by: Dreamworks The game seemed, at first, to have eight Chaos chiefs in their domains. Will Distribution nothing much to separate it from any Here is a fantasy volume of an these clan chiefs unite against a common Release Date: March 27th, 2009 other dungeon delve. In fact, many unusual pair: Gotrek one-eyed berserker foe or will they perish all together by people who have watched me play have dwarf, and Felix, an educated human Skulltaker or by themselves? Wow what a rush, this was a surprise thought it one of numerous other games. fighter. They faced perils together against Interesting. Betrayal galore! Liked it. for me. I went expecting this to be an However, the things that make it different undead, rat men, and other monsters in Recommended for Warhammer and dark hour and a half of mindless fluff, I was are the companions you take and the order for the dwarf’s final quest- a fantasy readers. - Jeffrey Lu wrong. The story, though silly and trite, magic items you find/make. glorious death in battle. On the other was very well thought out and, a very fine First the companion - you bring your hand, Felix swore an oath to fight with Warhammer Palace of the Plague Lord homage to fifties science fiction books pet; specifically, either a dog or a cat. Gotrek and to record the dwarf’s death in by C.L. Werner and movies. There are ways to transfigure your pet an epic poem. Yet, will both of them Black Library Publication, $7.99, 410 The general W.R. Monger (Kiefer into other creatures for differing amounts survive the odds against infinite mon- pages. Sutherland) was strait out of those fifties of time depending on the item you use. sters? stories and would have been perfectly at Mostly these are various types of fish, but This omnibus contains the novels Einarr, a warrior, is the last survivor home in any pulp magazine of the era. in the UR there are two potions you can “Trollslayer,” “Skavenslayer,” and of his village. He becomes a champion Ginormica (Reese Witherspoon) is a use. Pluses: he cannot die – when he “Daemonslayer.” for Chaos after killing a “god-like” perfect update of the “50' Woman” except would die he merely flees and runs wildly What a hoot to see the difference monster. Afterwards, Einarr will decide to she’s taller. All of the others are around the area, he can carry as much as between humans and dwarves. Gives a go on a quest for a Chaos god’s favor- consistent with the movies of the time as you can, and he can go to town to sell new definition to “battle-brothers.” return back in time before the creature well. everything he is carrying and bring the Highly recommended to dark fantasy and destroys his home and love. With eight gold to you. Minuses: he tends to wander, Warhammer fans. - Jeffrey Lu others, he will go on a quest for a stolen ( Cont’d on page 11 ) Page 10 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 John tries to warn the authorities about planet. Their space ship is seen by the US your sister that reading minds is very Screening ( Cont’d from page 10 ) the next prediction but they treat it like a Government entering earth’s atmosphere rude”. And when Sarah befriends an The story is simple, Susan (Reese) is joke so John takes matters into his own and the US will spare no expense to find attack dog she tells Jack that the dog getting married. On the day of her hands. John does what he can to protect the kids so that the US Government can “Wants a bone or a meaty treat”. Oh boy, wedding a meteor strikes her causing her his son from the bad news that he strongly do what they do best with aliens of any was Jack thrilled to find that out. to glow and later to grow. The U.S. Army suspects will occur. His son has other race, finger count, color, creed or number Race to Witch Mountain is an very takes her to a secret location, where she problems such as being stalked by some of antennae – treat them like honored enjoyable family film. There are some meets the other monsters, B.O.B. (Seth dark and mysterious folks who hand out guests (right!). violent scenes that might not be suitable Rogen) a blob of blue goo, Dr Cockroach black rocks. Yes, black rocks which seem On the lam they enter a Las Vegas cab for the really young ones. (Hugh Laurie) a super intelligent like a pretty strange gift to me. driven by Jack (played by Dwayne Race to Witch Mountain is rated “B“. cockroach, The Missing Link (Will Nicolas Cage’s acting is superb as are Johnson) who is asked to take them to a Arnett) a 20,000 year old fish-ape hybrid, the three young children played by Lara location far away from Las Vegas. Jack Watchmen and Insectosaurus a 350 foot tall grub. A Robinson (playing Lucinda and her asks if their parents know where they are Starring Malin Akerman , Billy diabolic alien mastermind (description on granddaughter Abby) and Chandler but takes them on their quest anyway. On Crudup , Matthew Goode his card) named Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) Canterbury. The disaster sequences are the way several large vehicles give chase Director: Zack Snyder wants the material the meteor was made impressive and exciting. and Jack falsely assumes that the people Running Time: 162 minutes of so he sends a giant robot to retrieve it. Knowing is an intriguing thriller / sci- chasing him are the thugs he once worked Rated: R Enter the monsters, chaos ensues with fi film whose story is unique. There are for. Little does he realize that the kids are Produced by Warner Brothers, Susan coming to grips with her enormous some violent disaster scenes that might the target of the chase vehicles? Eluding Paramount Pictures, Legendary potential and defeating the robot. not be suitable for the really young ones. the vehicles proves difficult until Seth and Pictures, Lawrence Gordon Gallaxhar comes to Earth and the real Knowing is rated “B-“. Sarah help with some supernatural Productions, and DC Comics battle begins. I haven’t laughed so hard at abilities of their own. Distributed by: Warner Brothers a movie in years. Race to Witch Mountain Like any good action adventure film Pictures (USA) This movie is a lot like a huge ice- Starring: Dwayne Johnson, there is that really bad guy in the form of Release Date: March 6th, 2009 cream sundae, you wait with anticipation, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, an armored up alien. You would think that you thoroughly enjoy it (brain freeze and Carla Gugino any race that can create a space ship that OK let us talk firstly of what this all), and then when it’s over you are ready Director: Andy Fickman can fly across the universe could create a movie is not. It is not a kiddie comicbook for another. Runtime: 99 minutes device that can shoot straight, but not superhero movie. It is not something to Don’t just see it, buy it when it comes Rated: PG for some violence here. kill time and shut down your mind. It is a out, and watch it with your kids, someone Release Date: March 13th, 2009 Wouldn’t you know it – there is a finely crafted, dark, sinister look at what else’s kids, or with your childish friends. Reviewed by: Len Berger UFO Convention in Las Vegas where the world might have been if people had Five stars out of five - Bob LaPierre (ConNotations Film Editor) Jack finds seeks out Dr. Alex Friedman tried to become costumed heroes when we (played by Carla Gugino) to help him and needed them. Knowing “Race to Witch Mountain” follows the the kids. It takes some doing but she It starts with the murder of the Starring: Nicolas Cage, Chandler 1975 film “Escape to Witch Mountain” finally realizes that her lifelong dream to superhero called the Comedian. Then it Canterbury, Lara Robinson and the 1978 film “Return From Witch meet an alien has come true and joins goes into a long stroll through the past Director: Alex Proyas Mountain”. Seth (played by Alexander Jack, Seth and Sarah. fifty years to the tune of “The Times, Runtime: 122 minutes Ludwig) and Sarah (played by The humor in the film helps break the They are a Changin”. The story follows Rated: PG-13 for disaster sequences AnnaSophia Robb) are two alien kids who tension at times. Jack muses to Seth “Tell three main tracks, Rorshach’s and some language come to earth on a mission from their investigation of the Comedian’s death, the Release Date: March 20th, 2009 triangle between Silk Spectre Reviewed by: Len Berger II, Dr Manhattan, and Nite (ConNotations Film Editor) Owl, and the life and career of Comedian, as shown through Knowing starts some 50 years ago at a flashbacks. celebration ceremony for a new There are plenty of things I elementary school where students were could say about this movie, but asked to draw a prediction as to what the the best things would reveal too future holds. Their predictions were much of the plot. I will say this placed into a time capsule. Lucinda much, if it didn’t drive you to (played by Lara Robinson) did not draw a question your opinions of picture of the future but instead wrote a superheoes and current politics long series of numbers that seemingly then you were asleep through were communicated to her. the whole thing. The time capsule is unearthed at the And remember “I’m not schools 50th anniversary and each student locked in here with you, you’re is given one of the envelopes from the locked in here with me” capsule. Caleb (played by Chandler Four and a Half stars out of Canterbury) received Lucinda’s envelope, five - Bob LaPierre finds the contents a bit strange and brings it home. Caleb’s father John, an MIT professor (played by Nicolas Cage), is upset that his son took the envelope home instead of returning it to the teacher as instructed. However, John eventually notices a familiar date within the long series of numbers and determines that the series contain the dates and death counts of all major disasters within the last 50 years. The series also contains only three more future dates and death counts. Will they occur? How are Caleb and John involved? “What happens when the numbers run out?” These are the questions asked in Knowing. Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 11 whole world could be so interesting. ments, and a storyline that spans millen- class of homegrown T’swa: 594 twelve- Musty Tomes Reminds me that many of the world’s nia, it has been endorsed by both Spider year-old boys, all “warriors born.” But wars have been just that: ultimate Robinson and C. J. Cherryh, and it’s a Varlik and his associates are concerned Empire of the East: contests to save the whole world from good bet Bujold fans will like it also. about a large number of social misfits – The Broken Lands (1968) great evil. Is that why we like tales of The premise is that the marginal teenaged trouble-makers. It turns out that The Black Mountains (1971) space wars, or pure fantasy wars like planet, Tiss, has only one export: merce- when tested against the Matrix, over 70% Ardneh’s World (1973) Tolkien’s? It’s our history. There’s still naries – but very unusual mercenaries. of these boys are also “warriors born,” by Fred Saberhagen my nagging question about space, They only hire out as independent units; but they preceded the school’s recruit- Tor Books, 1979. though. Now that the big war in they require a contract that defines their ment and training period. So they have Saberhagen’s future is over, will they turn objective, and they decide how that the souls of T’swa, but lacking the I sometimes wonder how much of their attention to other things? I wonder objective will be fulfilled; they never education and grounding, they are wild science fiction would remain if there what kind of space exploration they could replace fallen comrades – when a unit is cards: “An unprecedented bunch of little were no tales of war in outer space. Think do with their combination of magic and to decimated to function, it is retired; and warriors have gotten themselves born, of it: no Star Trek, Star Wars, Stargate, science. Maybe someone could make a each soldier has the equivalent of a PhD with nowhere to fight.” A special military Doc Smith, space opera, military scifi, movie like that. If there were no wars or in applied philosophy and practical training school is started just for them, much of the pulps. Then I wonder: is this violence, would anyone want to watch it? psychology. Scattered throughout the under the guidance of retired T’swa, why the public has tolerated no manned - M.L. Fringe books are explanations of the life and survivors of old campaigns, and the new space exploration for 40 years since we death philosophy of the T’swa warriors, wave of Confederation T’sel psycholo- abandoned the Moon? Because the Beyond the Blue Event Horizon including the chart of the Matrix of T’sel. gists, some of whom are no older than the average person thinks, “All our future in by Frederik Pohl It’s kind of a cross between Maslow and recruits. One of the worst of the recruits, space is good for is bigger and better an Orb Trade Paperback Zen. Romlar, has an epiphany that turns him wars. To hell with that. – who needs it?” published by Tom Doherty Associates In the first book, Varlik Lormagen is a around. Romlar becomes a commander of Have all of the aforementioned stories $14.95, 320 pp. reporter who gets imbedded with a T’swa The White Regiment. Several romances backfired and had the opposite of their mercenary unit, which has been hired by develop: one between another Regiment intended effects? Please tell me I’m Wow! A rerelease of one of my one side of a planetary insurrection. leader, Jerym Alsnor, and a journalist wrong. You can argue that the future on favorite books. And it’s not even my Konni Wenter is a rival reporter who does named Tain; one between Romlar and Earth will have terrible wars that don’t go birthday. camera interviews. Both reporters Jerym’s sister, Lotta. out into space. Civilization may be When this novel was first released I become acquainted with fractal-fragments The Regiment’s War pits two merce- destroyed merely by the machines to stop was a poor high-school student that read of the Matrix, and they reinterpret their nary units of T’swa against each other. atomic missiles, and humanity may everything at the library. This novel and lives in terms of it. Varlik becomes the Romlar has to figure out the politics of rebuild only to have more wars. Then Larry Niven’s “Ringworld Engineers” first T’swi warrior not from Tiss, discov- war, all the while fighting against friends give me an example such as Saberhagen’s were the only two books I can recall ering a brotherhood that renders almost and former mentors. Furthermore, there is trilogy. buying that year. The following year I all aspects of his former life trivial; his a wrongness to the situation, beyond the Each of these three novels has one would be introduced to many other closest relationships with people from his whole I-am-killing-guys-I-went-to- piece of old technology as its focus of authors but this was one of the first SF home world, however, are only deepened. school-with that is giving him night- interest, although it serves merely as a novels I actually purchased. As a result of his experiences, and the mares. Eventually he has a presentment platform for the saga to unfold. What is The story is about a family that agrees reports he and Konni send back to the that a galactic war is in the offing, and the so amazing about this series is the to fly by rocket to an ancient Heechee Confederation of Worlds, Varlik becomes Confederation will need all the T’swa it blending of magic and science. Oh, it’s device and attempt to bring it back to an ambassador of sorts, and the Confed- can muster. common now for any tale of magic in our earth. Their problems on the way and the eration of Worlds begins a social and For the full story, you will also need time to coexist with our mundane reality, situation on earth makes for a very scientific renaissance. The story ends to track down The Kalif’s War and The and thus technology. But this tale is set in thought provoking read. The “fever” that with Varlik dreaming of one of his fallen Three-Cornered War, in which Romlar’s a post-apocalyptic far future, when hits earth approximately every 14 days, comrades, with the promise that they will premonition is proven. All the books are atomic war destroyed civilization, the the lack of food, the general poverty, the meet again. readily found on Amazon.com, if your remnants rebuilt, and discovered new fact that those with the money get full Volume two, The White Regiment, is a local bookstores cannot oblige. – Chris magics that worked. So all of the com- medical (and thus are essentially eternal) great book for adolescents and young Paige mon devices of magic from most fantasy and those without get basic medical are, adults. The entire population of Tiss is stories never DID work – our world went with the exception of the “fever” very dark-skinned, almost obsidian black. on just as it is until it ended. Humanity is real possibilities with just a little change Varlik was the first Euro-descendant to now at the stage of armies on horseback, to our current situation, makes it all the become T’Swa; decades later, a Confed- medieval warfare, and an evil tyrant more poignant to our current lives. eration world is about to graduate the first who’d conquer the world. He sits at the gistsThe wish old they ones will make anthropolo- top of a hierarchy of equally evil war- were real, and the lords, main opponents in each novel. solution to the food The good guys have ancient artifacts problems may still to recover in their war for survival. The be achievable by first novel’s is an atomic-powered army the idea Pohl used. tank. The second is a medical Lake of 4 out of 5 stars Life, which heals the mortally wounded. - Bob LaPierre The third and final item is the sentient computer complex that handled missile The Regiment: A defense for North America. Its mind was Trilogy an unforeseen product of its complexity, by John Dalmas perhaps a common idea in scifi, but what Baen Books, 747 this one does is unique for a computer. It pp develops psi powers, finds other comput- ers with psi powers, and then finds the Whether you other dimensions where magic works and get the separate evil spirits roam. Those spirits want our paperbacks on this world, and the tyrant is their ally. Each hardcover edition, novel builds up to grand armies battling, the Regiment series with talking eagles on the good side is well worth against winged dragons on the bad side. discovering. Full of Think Tolkien, only written as scifi, with action, humor, none of the pseudo-fairy tale tones, but surprising develop- instead a hard-hearted simple realistic style. Darn, I didn’t know that high fantasy ultimate good-vs-evil to save the Page 12 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 An American in New When we got there, there was a lone of the population is off earth. Justin Cord maintaining his moral high ground sentry in one of the top room of WETA. It is the ‘one free man’ left in the system. despite the growing riots and deaths, Zealand Part Four: Lord of was an Orc dummy. But is that freedom everything he thought cannot accept that the current system is the Ring Second Blunder- After finishing that day, I knew I had it was? Was his society really free? How the best thing to ever happen to mankind. a great day. I may not have gone to where free is the bum on the street pushing a This was a very enjoyable read; as I Wellington Choice Taken the elfish land was filmed but I knew I cart, wondering where his next meal is? said earlier, very Heinlein-esque. I could by Jeffrey Lu can always go that route at another time. I And how free is the corporate executive almost see Lazarus and Jubal. It was a choose this road and found out one place who wears Armani but who works very well-thought-out plot, and good There are times in life when one has will be gone, one person who may not be eighteen hours a day? characterizations. The pacing was good to choose one path or the other. I had a there again, one cloak place not bought, In this world, everyone is free of for most of the book; although there was chance to see the elvish lands or be able and one lifetime chance to see WETA. hunger and fear; and they believe they are some time in the middle when I thought to visit four areas- meeting with Daniel One American enjoying the second tour the first truly free society in human the authors indulged in a little too much Reeve who was an artist for Lord of the of four LOTR in one stop at Wellington, history. Taxes has become a foul word exposition. I look forward to their next Rings movies, eating at the Chocolate New Zealand. and everyone expects Justin Cord to effort. - Catherine Book Fish Café, go to Stansboruough Fibres Next: Ice Cream and Art Deco at become incorporated. But in his heart, he where they made the elven cloaks for Napier, New Zealand cannot. To him, this society is a breath Keeper of Light and Dust LOTR, and seeing WETA, the production away from slavery and he refuses to own by Natasha Mostert company by Peter Jackson. I decided to In Our Book anyone. Dutton Penguin Group, $25.95, 299 pp go for WETA and maybe purchase an So the stage is set: the system against elven cloak. The Unincorporated Man Cord. The system, represented by the I did not want to put down Keeper of First, there was a hotel stop. I got off by Dani Kollin and Eytan Kollin most powerful corporation and its Light and Dust, and I did not want it to the bus and went in. With me was a SciFi/Tom Doherty, $25.95, 479pp Chairman, fighting against the growing end. Well-written – British writers usually crowd of at least fifty people going into anarchy, is trying to protect the billions have a good command of Queen’s an exclusive ballroom. There sat a man This is a debut novel and a very who view Justin Cord as a romantic hero. English and irony – and masterful, here is interesting effort, very reminiscent of Justin Cord, who feels justified in who was an artist of LOTR. ( Cont’d on page 14 ) To be honest, I had no idea who Heinlein. Justin Cord is a time traveler – Daniel Reeve was. Instead of words, he he put himself into a cryogenic suspen- told everyone in the room to look at the sion in our century when he found artwork and mentioned most were for himself dying. But Justin didn’t manage sale. I took a look and realized I’ve just that feat in the ordinary way; Justin was made a big blunder- he was the artist who far from ordinary himself. Since he was did not only all the maps but also the extremely wealthy, he contracted for his calligraphy in the movies. In other words, own design and then hid himself in a Dan made the famous elvish letters on the cavern. Because of this, he survived for ring. He also taught Elijah Woods how to 300 years, missing a huge societal write in Frodo’s journal for the movie. collapse. By the time he was found by a After the meeting, I purchased a few prospecting miner, he was easily revived items including a Bilbo Baggin’s invita- to good health and a younger body; but tion for myself. into a world he couldn’t accept. The Second, we had lunch at the “Choco- collapse was so bad, the world had turned late Fish Café.” This was a place that all to a radical idea to save itself. the actors ate. Strange but this was The authors postulate the idea that generally an entirely vegetarian restau- since capitalism only works for those on rant. I had the mint pea soup. A potential top and we still have the starving masses; blunder, I thought I was going to be sick and communism takes away individual- when I saw the soup. Surprisingly, the ism; then we need something in-between. dish was fresh and delicious. I ate it up. And what they came up with is a world For desert, I had a chocolate fish- a where every living person is incorpo- chocolate marshmallow in a shape of a rated. What this means is that you are fish. I found out later this place will be born owning a specific number of shares. relocated due to the landlord’s raising the Your parents retain a percentage; possibly rent. They will close to relocate for a few the hospital where you are born retains a months. Sad to see it go. percentage, and the government retains Third, the group including me went to the standard 5%. As you age and have a the Stansbourough Fibres. This is the need for higher education, you sell off place where they literally make the your shares to pay for that, and a car, and famous elvish cloaks for LOTR. Another a new computer, and so on. From then on, blunder for me. This was a cloaking you work for the benefit of your share- factor. I thought one cloak would cost me holders. People aspire to buy back their around $100. Instead, the price tag was shares and reach a majority when they $700. Sure, the cloak was made from a have more control over their lives. For rare breed of sheep combined with example, if you wanted to go sky-diving another animal’s wool. But $700 for a but your shareholders object since they blanket? No, I don’t think so. Instead don’t want their investment to be dam- bought two balls of yard for around $20 aged, then you don’t get to go sky-diving. each. (Can’t afford it. Instead, I hope to You also lose control over certain other make myself a scarf, one day.) choices – job, place of residence, and Last, our bus went near a building even what you eat or drink. But what is with huge posters draping on its wall, gained is unprecedented in human history “Lovely Bones.” This was what the next – no one is hungry, no one is unem- Peter Jackson movie. Unfortunately, there ployed. And this is because everyone is was no access to WETA studio unless one responsible to everyone else. We care was an employee. The tour guide men- about each other because they are our tioned that there were thousands of income. And, there are no taxes. people from all over the world applying Into this brave new world comes a for a job in WETA. There was a security man who stands outside the system. And checkpoint. The bus had to go to the back we’re talking about a really huge system of the WETA building. – mankind has left for the stars and most Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 13 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 13 ) becomes his guide. Allen Carpenter is Made to be Broken If this is the final installment, it brings skeptical of the whole thing; at first he Kelley Armstrong the series to a satisfactory moment, with a story about one man’s hunt for eternal hypothesizes that the place is a construct, Bantam Dell, $6.99; 400 pp enough resolution that we can trust the life crossed with the lives of professional a high tech ‘Inferno-land.’ Slowly he protagonists to fare well. The last line is fighters, plus the presence of a young changes his mind as evidence presents Well, it seems that sometime when I lovely. -Chris Paige woman who is a hereditary Keeper: one itself. Along the way, he meets many wasn’t looking, Ms. Armstrong started with the esoteric power to safeguard the denizens of Hell who were part of another series, this one about an assassin. Hope’s Folly warriors under her protection. American culture and history. Carpenter No ghosts, necromancers, or werewolves; by Linnea Sinclair The man whose avatar goes by the comes to the conclusion that, however just an assassin, her bed and breakfast, Bantam Books, Mass Market paper- name of Dragonfly has used many names much any one deserves to go to hell, and her friends. back, $8.99, 430 pp as he travels and befriends pugilists, each anyone who makes the choice and sticks Nadia (or Dee to her current employ- of whom dies mysteriously several days to that resolve can escape Hell. But he ers) has her own idea of right and wrong. This book is the third novel in an after a major fight. To keep himself decides to stay behind and help others She is an ex-cop working as a hitman for excellent series by that Mistress of SF young and powerful, Dragonfly steals find the way out. a New York crime family. But in this Romance, Linnea Sinclair. The other two their energy, their heart, their chi, using So now, in Escape from Hell, Carpen- volume her main concern is that her told the story of Chaz and Sullivan. This techniques developed centuries ago by a ter is the guide. young employee Sammi has disappeared one settles the love life of Chaz’s ex- Chinese physician, Zhang Sanfeng. With great difficulty he frees the poet and noone seems to care. The title seems husband, Philip Guthrie who has been Nick is a 30 year old kickboxer Silvia Plath from the forest of suicides. to refer to rules, both societies and given Command of Hope’s Folly, an training for a fight, when he isn’t running Their reminiscences and conversations Nadia’s. antique warship rescued from a career as his popular network site with the assis- become the main vehicle for exploring I don’t know how much of this is a fruit hauler. On his way to his new tance of a young techno-wizard named the sense, the purpose of Hell. Traveling revealed in the first volume but in this command he encounters Rya, the daugh- Flash. He is also trying to transition from together, they are joined by NASCAR one you get snippets of Nadia’s past. ter of one of his old commanders. the friend category to lover with Mia. racer Oscar White, evangelist Aimee Including how her past affects her Assassins are out to kill Philip and the Mia owns a small tattoo studio in McPherson, and others, including Carl dealings with the local cops and others in two have their cut out for them just to London, in the neighborhood where she Sagan. Niven writes from the heart here, town. reach Hope’s Folly.” There they find the and Nick grew up as childhood pals. because Sagan had been a huge influence Ok gotta go, I need to find the first ship is afflicted by non-functional They both train at Scorpio’s, he with the on his thinking and writing. If you ever volume now. 4.5 out of 5 stars - Bob equipment and the battered cat Folly after hard-hitting grunts, she with the vogues, wondered how Niven could go from LaPierre whom the ship was named. Plus it is attaining perfection of form with the warning about an incipient ice age in pursued by well-equipped military ships. katas of martial arts. A triangle forms Fallen Angel to grappling with global The Sharing Knife: Horizon Survival is in doubt, romance is in the air with the arrival of the enigmatic Ash. warming in Venus, the Carpenter-Sagan Lois McMaster Bujold and the adventure begins. During the day Ash helps Nick get into conversations lay it out. Harper Collins, $26.99, 453 pp The fate of the rebellion is in doubt. the best fighting shape of his life; at night But the paradigm of Hell is changing The Folly must be brought to a repair he is getting an elaborate tattoo and radically. Many souls have heard about Bujold has already established these station. Philip must find out who leaked making seductive moves on an intrigued the guide who knows a way out of Hell, characters and the storyline, so volume his itinerary and the location of the ship. Mia. so they are actively seeking Carpenter. four tells us What Happened Next for 19 The characters are vivid, the situation This is the third book I’ve reviewed Furthermore, in the wake of the Vatican II year old Fawn and her Lakewalker believable and the good writing carries recently with a heroine who is presented judgment that you do not have to be husband Dag, a Malice-hunter turned the story forward. Recommended. — with a choice between the best friend as Catholic to go to Heaven, souls are Maker and healer. A Malice is an entity Gary L. Swaty lover and an alluring, dangerous, and entitled to a Review, and Hell is becom- which drains life energy from animals, worldly paramour. Interestingly enough, ing a processing bureaucracy. To people, even the land itself in a bid for Busted Flush Mia makes a dual choice on different Carpenter’s chagrin, many of the souls he immortality and mastery. The only thing A Wild Cards mosaic novel levels, rather like the protagonist in The tries to guide out of Hell opt to become that kills a Malice is a Sharing Knife, Edited by George R.R. Martin Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley. There’s part of the staff instead. Others make the prepared by a Maker from the bone of TOR Books, $24.95, 398 p. this life, and then there is the life to same choice he did – they will be one Lakewalker and the heart-blood of come. Her ultimate affinity with Ash is bodhisattvas, although that word is never another. Busted Flush continues the adventures subtly foreshadowed by chapter quotes used, going back to offer help to other Fawn and Dag are a mixed marriage, of next generation of Wild Cards, with a and occasional passages. souls. Much of the suspense of the story the first formal one between Farmer- few of the originals in pivotal roles. All If you already know something about lies in who chooses what, and why. settlers and Lakewalkers. They are of them are survivors of the deadly alien Chinese medicine, martial arts, and Niven & Pournelle have had a hell of hoping to show that their precedent is a Joker virus that triggers strange deformi- quantum physics, you will recognize a lot of fun bringing Inferno up to date, workable alternative to the misunder- ties and powerful abilities, and most of some of the territory; if you don’t, you peopling it with politicians who were standing and hostility that lead to whom work for various governments as will get quite an education embedded in asleep at the wheel in New Orleans, or tragedies. It’s bad enough that tabu- authorized superheroes or weapons. It’s engrossing story-telling. Keeper of Light who profited from the 9-11 attack; defying lovers come to grief and half- set in a 10 degree variant universe, and Dust is SF at its best. Strongly putting molesters in their place; and breed children are ostracized; worse, wherein American Hero is a Survivor- recommended. – Chris Paige depicting suicide bombers as spiritual Malices come to power in the places style show for testing/recruiting new anti-matter. They pay special attention to where Lakewalker patrols are thin and Wild Cards, the U.S. President is named Escape from Hell falsifiers of scientific research, with good Farmers are ignorant. Then hundreds of Kennedy, the Attorney General is Hilary by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle reason. And an entirely new nether region farmers are killed or enslaved, and their Rodham, and fuel from the Mideast costs Tor Books, $24.95, 325 pp is opening up for people who abandon families blame the very Lakewalkers who 300 dollars a barrel, so not many people themselves to the distractions of techno- fight and die in their defense. are driving cars; and evidently our They did it! They wrote it! Here, after logical escapism. (If you do not see a In their travels, Fawn and Dag have politicians are still clueless and ineffec- 33 years, is the sequel to Inferno, which possible destination for yourself some- befriended farmers, rivermen, and tive, because no one is producing ethanol in 1976 was a bestseller, nominated for where along the route, you’re a better Lakewalkers, and Fawn’s brother, Whit, from hemp. If only Arizona could send both Hugo and Nebula awards. man than I am, Gunga Din.) Throughout has married river-captain Berry. Best of Leslie Fish to the Senate. Never read Inferno? Agnostic SF the book, the authors provide the kind of all, they have found that along the river, The “Double Helix” pieces are by writer Allen Carpenter is at a convention biting cultural analysis that Dante gave in cooperation between settlers and Melinda Snodgrass, who wrote The Edge dominated by a more popular, successful the original. And I bet they are smacking Lakewalkers is more accepted. They of Reason last year. Teleporting hermaph- writer – a thinly veiled Isaac Asimov – their heads that they sent this to print begin to have hopes for a home and a rodite British Interpol ace Noel leads a where he tries to impress a dwindling before the financial bailouts gave new family of their own. duplicitous life as a double-agent. As circle of fans with a stunt. This goes candidates for the circle of Hoarders and Dag even finds a sorely needed assassin Bahir, he spies on/works for/ badly; he ends up dead, and comes to his Wasters. teacher, the old Healer Arkady, to help sabotages the United Arab Emirate’s senses in the Hell of Dante’s Divine I am so very, very glad Niven & direct his emerging talents. But a beauti- Prince Siraj, the man who sets the prices Comedy. Carpenter wasn’t a bad man, but Pournelle lived to write this book. ful Lakewalker, Neeta, becomes deathly on oil. As Lilith, she spies on/works for/ he is trapped like a djinn in a brass bottle Thanks, guys. – Chris Paige. jealous of Fawn, and a powerful Malice is sabotages the Committee, the organiza- in the Vestibule where the souls of battening off an unwatched trade route. tion which directs superhero activities of ditherers wind up…until he asks for help. Aces on this side of the pond. Lilith is A mysterious fellow releases him, offers to show him the way out of hell, and ( Cont’d on page 16 ) Page 14 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 A NEW Gaming Convention comes to Arizona

WHY? WHEN? WesternSFA is pleased to help May 8-10, 2009 Fabien Badilla bring the gamers of Arizona their own event. If WHERE? your club or group is interested in The Grace Inn, 10831 S 51st St participating and helping to make Phoenix, AZ 85044, RandomCon a convention that is (480) 893-3000 truly for gamers and run by www.graceinn.com gamers please contact us. Rates are $75 S/D, $85 T, $95 Q

WHAT? HOW MUCH? RPGA - plans include Living $20 Jan 1 to April 30, 2009 Forgotten Realms, Arcanis and $25 at the door Pathfinder. (tentative) Pay on-line with Paypal

Amber Diceless - In the tradition CONTACT of AmberCons across the World, RandomCon RandomCon brings you the PO Box 67457 Phoenix AZ 85082 Chronicles of Amber in www.randomcon.org roleplaying form in a variety of [email protected] games Guests, Participants & Demos A WORD FROM OUR John Wick will be demo-ing his Eric J. Boyd will be demo-ing The CONVENTION CHAIR PLUS --- Card Games, Board BIG game: Houses of the Blooded, Committee for the Exploration of CONVENTION CHAIR Games, Miniature Gaming, Mysteries, his storytelling game of a wonderful Role-Playing Game We've decided to call this new LARPs, and much more! that puts narrative control into the Victorian era adventure, as well as gaming convention RandomCon players' hands! Also, look forward playtesting House of Cards, a for two chief reasons. ALSO to Houses of the Blooded LARP quick-play heist game he is Consuite, Dealer Room on Saturday night! (Find out more designing! (Find out more about The name ties in with the random Surprises! this local creator and his games element of many games we've about John Wick and Houses of the known and have yet to play. Blooded here, http:// here, http://ericjboyddesigns.com ) Combined with a pair of dice, it Special Events housesoftheblooded.net ) works very well to invoke the on Thursday night, May 7, for The Guise Knights will be very idea of gaming. Pre-registered members ONLY Eric Torres, who will be demo-ing running two tables worth of games around the clock, offering you a Secondly, I am very fond of the and selling his new Card Game, Amber Diceless roleplaying GAME MASTERS & Iconica (find out more about Eric wide variety of games and running game. It was my first VOLUNTEERS Torres and Iconica, set in the Open Gaming for your late night introduction to role-playing Event Coordinator/GM benefits World of Rynaga here, http:// insomnia at the con! (Find out games and it's inspired by a book (Run 3 games OR 12 hours www.rynaga.com/?p=230, http:// more about the Guise Knights here, series I will probably continue to worth of gaming events): http://guiseknights.com ) read constantly. Earlier in 2008, www.rynaga.com/?cat=20 ) armed with a handful of helpers and GMs, as well as many, many * Get your Membership for $10. Todd VanHooser will be present SAGA (the Southern Arizona printed character sheets, we * Get access to the meals and and his crew will be running role- Gamers Association) will be organized the first AmberCon drinks of the Staff Lounge. playing games based on his running the Open Game Library in Arizona event at CopperCon, as * Free Membership for the the open gaming room, offering part of their gaming event. Since popular book: The Barren Twelve CopperCon will not be RandomCon 2010 (from the Laughing Moon you a wide array of Board Games, happening again in 2009, we've Chronicles). The game, entitled Card Games and more, for your decided to tie in our love for the Volunteer benefits Adventures under the Laughing enjoyment! (Find out more about game with this new Gaming (Help out at or before the Moon, takes you on a journey to SAGA, http://sagagamers.com ). Convention. Although the game convention for 12 hours): itself is diceless, the name the world of Mythren. Come meet Random is not without meaning: the Author and discover the rich Across Plus will be hosting a it is the name of the Royal * Get your Membership for $10. world he has created! (Find out console gaming room with xBox, Amberite who becomes King of * Get access to the meals and more about Todd VanHooser and Wii and PS2 games such as Dance Amber. King Random. drinks of the Staff Lounge. The Barren Twelve, http:// Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, * Free Membership for the next Kung Fu Panda and others So, for very selfish reasons you toddvanhooser.com ) now understand, I give you the RandomCon 2010 first RandomCon! - Fabien Badilla Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 15 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 14 ) danger. Add in a group of TV Paranormal for graphic sex and/or violence. All the Jason is a scam artist, a grafter, and on investigators, a curse, and a demon hunter stories are magnificently written by the pretext that he is trying to make up sexy and snarky; Bahir is, by turn, who is also a vampire with plans of his Willingham, and the many illustrators with his sister, he plans a major scam that respectful and flippant with authority own and we have yet another rip-roaring include Lan Medina, Alex Maleev, Mark will end with his sister holding the bag figures; but Noel is trying to cope with a installment in the Kitty series. Buckinham, and Steve Leiahola – who with her dead hands. His scam brings in a dying dad and accumulated self-loathing. Highly recommended. I picked it up makes the Snow Queen look fine. (He did vegetable magic sorcerer and his mush- “Could, Would, Shoulda,” penned by to read a few chapters before bed and the a lot of work on the X-Men in the Chris room god to Felsport invading the city, at Caroline Spector, follows the activities of next thing I knew it was daylight and I Claremont days.) the same time. This is a bad trip if Marla Bubbles, who has PTSD from her rescue had read the whole book. I can’t wait for This is the ongoing graphic novel can’t stop him and stay alive as well work in Egypt and a troubled relationship the next one. - Stephanie L Bannon series to look for when you have reread This is a fast-paced, action-filled with her girlfriend, but still has the heart Watchmen enough times to memorize it. I thriller featuring the hardcore to visit young jokers and aces kept in Fables – A Graphic Novel Series simply cannot say enough good things otherworldly monsters( Continued versus the on pagepunk 18 ) hospitals or other holding facilities. She by Bill Willingham about it. With 12 volumes in print, and sorcerer with a major chip on her shoul- befriends a Wild Card named Niobe, after Vertigo – DC Comics more are on the way (Yes!), it is one of der. Pratt’s thrillers keep getting wilder the Greek queen who grieved inconsol- the treasures of comicdom. -Chris Paige and more fun. Get the plastic out. You ably for the death of all her 14 children. The premise of Fables is that certain know you want to. Pratt’s fans will love Niobe births fully activated Wild Cards characters from fairy tales, nursery Spell Games this, and if you haven’t met her - you every time she breeds, but all her children rhymes, and classic children’s literature by T.A. Pratt should. - Pam Allan die in a matter of days. are living sub rosa in New York, either in Bantam Spectra, $6.99, 336 pp Niobe also shares the “Political Manhattan, if they look human, or upstate Science” storyline with 13-year-old on The Farm, if they would attract undue Spell Games is a continuation of the Blake, who mysteriously survived a attention in the Big Apple. Why are they Marla Mason series which includes nuclear explosion in a two-bit, played-out in Mundania? They had to flee their Poison Sleep and Blood Engines. oil town in Texas. Blake’s reaction to the respective Homelands as these were Felsport has a bunch of new problems Joker virus is just emerging, and when it conquered by a merciless Adversary who for its chief sorcerer, and they come proves to be out of control, he’s slated for only offers two options: surrender to die. generated by her own brother Jason. ( Cont’d on page 17 ) termination. Niobe and her children bust (The Adversary’s identity is revealed Blake out, but they inadvertently release eventually.) But some escaped through some of the most dangerous criminal portals. Jokers on the planet, and the Committee The cover of the first volume, sends some of its finest to clean up the Legends in Exile, shows Snow White in ensuing mess. John Jos. Miller gets to tell running shoes racing to catch a subway part of that story with “Mortality’s Strong crowded with characters, including Hand.” Beauty and the Beast, Bluebeard, Prince Ian Tregellis and Walton Simons write Charming, and a Flying Monkey. This this story arc. first story arc is a tribute to film noir, with “Just Cause,” by Carrie Vaughn, a humanized Big Bad Wolf as the sheriff, follows Committee members Ana, Kate, called on by a frantic Jack to solve the and Tinker, who specialize in mitigating murder of his girlfriend, Rose Red. Since natural disasters. Kate is involved in a Rose is her estranged sister, a distraught romantic triangle with her boss, John Snow White involves herself in the “Fortune” Tipton-Clarke, and fellow Ace investigation. The seductive but impecu- Michael, aka Drummer Boy, who gets his nious Prince Charming also shows up, own storyline in “Dirge in a Major Key” which raises Bigby Wolf’s hackles, by Stephen Leigh. because his own nostrils are wide open Kevin Andrew Murphy’s “The Tears for Snow White. of Nephritus” follows the senior Ace, Animal Farm introduces the wilder Ellen, who can channel the memories and elements, as Snow White runs for her life abilities of others if she has something of from an uprising of disgruntled Fables. theirs to hold onto. Too bad for Ellen – When Reynard the Fox isn’t making the she’s in love with a ghost. moves on her, Shere Khan is trying to Victor Milan writes the other sections, make a meal of her. A murderous, gun- giving each its own title. These are the toting Communist Goldilocks leads the darkest, since his focus is the politics of rebellion. genocide and power plays, featuring the Storybook Love brings the Bigby seemingly indestructible shadow Ace, Wolf-Snow White story arc to a crisis, The Radical. while Bluebeard and Goldilocks connive George Martin edited but did not to take over Fabletown. actually write any of the storylines that In volume four, March of the Wooden are woven together to make up Busted Soldiers, Fabletown is threatened with Flush, which I will only forgive if he is exposure by an observant journalist, and working on another Tuff Voyaging story. it becomes apparent that the Adversary That being said, his touch at the helm is plans to bring the war to Fabletown. The sure, and the actual authors do this series rest of the series divides between follow- fantastic justice. It’s the literary equiva- ing the Snow White-Bigby Wolf saga, lent of The Traveling Wilburys -Chris and the unfolding epic of the war for the Paige Homelands, in which a most unlikely hero emerges. Along the way are back- Kitty Raises Hell ground material stories, such as Mowgli’s by Carrie Vaughn mission to win Bagheera’s freedom and a Grand Central Pub, $6.99, 336 pp visit to the Arabian Nights realm to win allies in the war against the Adversary. Following directly on the heels of the Jack goes to Hollywood to make himself action on Kitty and the Dead Man’s the most popular, and thereby the most Hand, this installment finds Kitty and powerful, of all Fables. That’s a funny Ben back in Denver. It soon becomes storyline. There is considerable humor clear that the problems they had in Vegas throughout, and more character develop- have followed them home and now not ment than any review can summarize. At only they, but all their friends, are in the same time, some segments are R-rated Page 16 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 In Our Book (Cont’d from page 16) Northern Protectorates guarded by the Mirrored Heavens crisis mounts, the lives of everyone will spell-warping barrier called the Wrath. by David J. Williams converge in a startling finale that will Foxfire Intended to protect humanity from the Random House, $6.99, 401 pp rewrite everything they thought they by Barbara Campbell Soul Eaters, the barrier is weakening and knew. Daw, $7.99, 628 pp the ancient enemy is returning. Mirrored Heavens begins a new This is a powerful rapid fire adventure In the High Kingdom, the monk series. with lots of action. Cyberpunk may have Foxfire is Volume 3 of Trickster’s Salvator Aurelius claims the throne of his In the 22nd century, the wonder of the been its granddaddy but it makes Game. slain father, and brothers, but abjures the world is the Phoenix Space Elevator built Neuromancer seem like early Jules Verne. Exiled from their tribe, after Keirith’s power of the Magisters. To the North, a by the US and the Urasian Coalition This is a bonanza for hard SF fans. Enjoy. rescue, the family and their closest dying queen accepts immortality but at following a second cold war. And it has - Pam Allan. friends found a new home hidden from the price of losing her humanity, and just been totally destroyed. Claire Haskell former allies and the invading Zherosi.. paving the way for the return of the Soul and Jason Marlowe are counter-intelli- But with lands of their birth being Eaters. Now, they have allies. Things gence agents, possibly former lovers or devastated by the invaders, and Darek’s become exceedingly interesting. maybe constructs designed by their own daughter leading the rebels trying to Friedman is a master of dark fantasy. handlers. They can trust no one. As the reclaim their home, trouble is on its way. Her characters are real and haunting, and The greatest danger may be Rigat, the her plots complex and youngest son. Gifted with greater powers engrossing. Lots of than Keirith’s forbidden talents, Rigat is action with complex only controlled by his mothers love and issues of ethics and the his desire for his fathers approval. But use of power. This is a when he learns he is the son of the book worthy of getting Trickster God, The Trickster God leads out the plastic. You’ll him onto the path to chaos. The world want to read it again. - will change for everyone. Pam Allan Foxfire is great fantasy with well- drawn characters that you care about, a Evil Ways plot that moves fast enough for action by Justin Gustainis lovers. It’s hard to put down so don’t take Solaris, 334 pp, $15.00 it to work to read on break. You, like I, will be hunting for the first 2 volumes for Evil Ways continues a complete set. [Heartwood and the series of supernatu- Woodstone ] - Pam Allan ral thrillers starring Quincy Morris and Mortal Coils Libby Chastain by Eric Nylund Supernatural Tor, $14.95, 606pp investigator Quincy Morris, and his partner, Mortal Coils begins a new epic series white witch Libby by the author of the Halo series, and A Chastain, are together Game of Universe. again. Quincy is Nothing exciting ever happened to blackmailed by the FBI fifteen-year-old twins Eliot and Fiona to investigate the occult living in the strict oppressive household end of child murders of their grandmother. But unknown to where the organs are them, they are the children of a goddess removed while they are and the Prince of Darkness. still alive…and it’s To settle the epic custody battle that happening all over the ensues between the two families, the country. After a botched fallen angels {Infernals} create three murder attempt on diabolical temptations, and the gods Libby, she discovers [Immortals]whip up three heroic trials to someone is killing all test the twins. Fiona and Eliot must learn the white witches and it how to use their emerging talents quickly is soon obvious that the in order to survive and determine who two investigations are they are in the shifting politics of the related. Dying billion- secret world they have entered. aire, Walter Grobius is This looks like an exciting new series, fascinated by evil mixing urban fantasy, and supernatural dating back to biblical horror with political intrigue and a touch times and plans a ritual of mystery. The writing is good, the to summon the Devil to characters well-drawn, if not always give him life. What’s likable. I had trouble putting it down. more - he is involved This is one that crosses subgenres with with a sick scheme for delightful impunity. I look forward to the white supremacy. next one. This series is shaping up as Morris, Chastain, FBI Keeper with a capital K - Pam Allan agents Fenton and McDonnell, and the Wings of Wrath Sisterhood of white by C. S. Friedman witches will have a lot Daw, $25.95, 406pp to undergo to prevent the apocalypse from Wings of Wrath is Volume Two of the being unleashed. Magister Trilogy. Is it dark fantasy, or Against all odds, a peasant woman has supernatural thriller? proven string enough to master the You decide. But you’ll sorcery of the Magisters, draining the enjoy reading it to soulfire of others without dying for it. But make up your mind. now her survival rests in fleeing to the Enjoy. - Pam Allan Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 17 EARS ALLOWED!! For questions, you can is the annual meeting where board positions RAW GAMES (Role-players & call the BBS, or write to: LSS c/o R. Martin; are deter-mined. For more information, write Wargamers, Inc.) Role-players & Club Listings 2522 N. Sparkman Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716 PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285; call Mike Wargamers, Inc. is the Valley’s oldest role- ACROSS PLUS - So you live in North Willmoth, 480-945-6890, Email playing and wargaming club. Currently Phoenix and are interested in anime? Well BASFA Local Tucson science fiction group [email protected] Webpage: meeting at 8159 W. Weldon in Phoenix every there is a club out there available for you that puts on TusCon. Contact us at PO Box www.leprecon.org Sunday from 12noon-5pm (except during people. 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 or conventions and other special events). Open Across Plus is a social club that discuses [email protected] MIB The Men in Black is the official global to new members - call (623) 849-9515. anime, video games, manga, other animation, our website at http://home.earthlink.net/ organization of field operatives for Steve and the Japanese culture. We meet at ~basfa/ Jackson Games. We attend local conventions SHIELD OF ALMOR The Shield of Almor Bookman’s on 19th Ave and Northern on to demonstrate and promote products of Steve is a RPGA club located in the greater Phoenix Sundays at 7:00pm until 9:00pm. CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULATIVE Jackson Games. We also schedule demos in area. If you are interested in Living Greyhawk In general, we explore anime, manga, and FICTION SOCIETY, INC. (CASFS) The local gaming stores as well as community catch one of our meetings the 1st Sunday of other styles of animation, creative educative non-profit corporation that puts on service events. If you have a gaming store, every month at Imperial Outpost Games demonstrations, participate in interactive CopperCon conventions, SmurfCons, convention, or community service that you (www.imperialoutpost.com) in Glendale. If discussions, attend local Arizona conventions, HexaCons, occasional regional cons, and would like to have official Steve Jackson you are interested in Living Arcanis or Living and make cosplay. publishes Con-Notations. Best described as Games representation at, please contact the Spycraft catch us on the 3rd Sunday of every We are willing to gain any new members out SF/F generalists with a strong bent towards MIB Arizona Cell month also at Imperial Outpost Games. The there who are interested. Our members are literary SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at 8pm Leader at [email protected]. We are also Shield of Almor hosts RPGA events at the very friendly, respectful, and fun. We on the last Friday of each month in January recruiting new MIBs in some areas of local Phoenix conventions. For more welcome any and all. thru September and the second Friday in Arizona. If you’re interested, contact us. You information visit us at For more information, contact Shane Bryner October, November and December at JB’s can find additional information about the games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AZ_RPG/ or at [email protected] Restaurant, 1818 W Montebello in Phoenix, Arizona MIB at our website http:// you can sign up for games at AZ. For information: write PO Box 62613, members.cox.net/mib.6361/ www.nyrond.org. Or you can just stop by the ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and renais- Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 or email 1st Sunday of the month. Meeting starts at sance recreationist club. Sword-fighting, arts, [email protected] Web www.casfs.org MVD GHOSTCHASERS—The MVD 10am. Hope to see you there. banquets, masquerades, dances. meets every Ghostchasers are a paranormal team Wednesday night from 7-10pm at Encanto *****C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of established in 1995. This band of ghost THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE Park. All are welcome. Free. Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based hunters conducts regular investigations of ANACHRONISM The kingdom of Atenveldt Reenactment group specializing in the haunted, historical locations throughout doth lie in the state of Arizona. Within the fair AERIAL MIRAGE JUGGLERS. Meets western European renaissance. We research Arizona. They also research and investigate kingdom can be found six Baronies: Wednesday 7-10pm in Encanto Park, 15th lifestyles and trades concurrent with the “house call” hauntings for the public. The Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Twin Moons, Avenue, south of Encanto. No dues, everyone Celtic Peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD. MVD Ghostchasers lead Spirit Photo SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr and Ered Sul. For welcome. All levels skill exchange in many We emphasize Scots, Irish or Welsh crafts and Workshops/Tours to various haunted locations more information on any of these or for areas of object manipulation Dave Davis do Celtic re-enactment. We open participation across Arizona. These workshops give ghost general information on contact the Kingdom , 602-955-9446; to anyone with an interest in period crafting hunters, paranormal team members and folks Seneschal. Email: [email protected] or Ron Harvey , 480- and entertainment. Demonstrations occur at wanting to learn the art of ghost hunting a Web www.atenveldt.com 775-4690 for more info or impromptu the Highland Games, Scarborough Fair, and chance to work and learn techniques together. juggling sessions. the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Web page The MVD Ghostchasers team are guest SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S GUILD The http://www.crofters.org We meet in Tempe at speakers at many venues and have appeared Southwest Costumers Guild is a loose ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE A the Pyle Adult Center SW corner of Rural and on TV news reports and the subject of several organization of persons interested in all facets collaboration of computer gaming enthusiasts, Southern on the 2nd Saturday of every month, newspaper stories. For more information of historical, cultural, science fiction, fantasy, the Arizona LANbashers League throws phone number (480)350-5211. The Board contact: and humor costume. Members are often seen quarterly LANparty events. Between parties, meeting will be at 2:00 pm with the General MVD Ghostchasers—Debe Branning, on stage and behind the scenes at local and support is given to local groups who wish to meeting starting at 2:30 pm. Director—480-969-4049 Web page: regional Science Fiction Convention advertise their own gatherings. We have no www.mvdghostchasers.com or masquerades. They meet on the last Sunday of set genre of games and play anything from THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) An [email protected] each month at various members’ homes in the strategy games to first-person shooters to organization formed for the expression and greater Phoenix area. For details. Southwest driving/flying simulations. No annual exploration of various cultural themes ORANGE COUNTY SCIENCE FICTION Costumers Guild, PO Box 39504, Phoenix, membership is required and admission to an including, but not limited to, the Dark Ages CLUB meets last Wednesday of every month AZ 85609 or Randall Whitlock at event ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage and the Renaissance through forms of art (except Dec.) in Fullerton. The meetings are [email protected] or for current events. Email: including, but not limited to, painting, built around guest speakers. We’ve had www.southwestcostumersguild.org [email protected] Web: drawing, writing, photography, spoken word, authors such as Octavia Butler and Greg www.lanparty.com/all/ VoiceMail: 602-306- and acts of characterization. 2) a member of Benford. Non-members are welcome. For SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space Access 9339 this organization. 3) Information available at details of current events and location see our Society’s sole purpose is to promote radically www.darkones.org website www.ocsfc.org or email cheaper access to space, ASAP. We think it’s ARIZONA PARANORMAL [email protected] possible within ten years, with a little luck INVESTIGATIONS We are a highly THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND and a lot of hard work. Join us and help us trained, non-profit paranormal investigation STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and PAReX is a non profit organization dedicated make it happen! SAS membership is $30 for group, registered with the state of Arizona, Steel specializes in the general recreation of to building and promoting Autonomous one year, which gets you emailed Space providing service to Arizona and the the culture of the Middle Ages including all of robotics. The club has been in existance since Access Updates the instant they pass final Southwest since 1994. Having served the the Art Forms, Events (Feasts, Tournaments, 1998. Meetings are currently conducted twice edit, plus discounts on our annual conference public for 12 years, we are one of the oldest, Ceremonies and Wars) and Combat Arts a month at two different Phoenix, Arizona on the technology, politics, and business of most respected paranormal investigation covering the years of 800AD up to 1650AD locations, http://www.parex.org/ radically cheaper space transportation, groups in Arizona. We are primarily science and any location within Europe or its explored meetings.shtml. Club dues are on an annual featuring leading players in the field. Email based and don’t go on an investigation territories. For more information contact basis: Regular members $20 Student members us at: [email protected] looking for ghosts, we go looking for Leonard Byrd (Tucson) (520)742-2432 Web: $15 Of course visitors are always welcome Web page: www.space-access.org/ answers. There is never a charge for an www.galandor.org because we know you will eventually become investigation. Contact us at by e-mail at a member anyway Web page: http:// SUPERSTITION SPACEMODELING [email protected] or A GATHERING OF PLAYERS- Find Your www.parex.org/ E-mail Contact: SOCIETY is Arizona’s club for builders of visit our website at: http:// Adventure [email protected] model and high-power rockets and those who www.arizonaparanormalinvestigations.com/ Our club is running into our sixth year. Join love to see them fly. Launches are held on the us for games and adventure set in the THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM SOCI- second Saturday morning of each month in THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, is a Dungeons and Dragons realm. We offer ETY A Phoenix based club interest-ed in the Rainbow Valley. SSS hosts the annual G. general sci-fi appreciation group that meets Living Forgotten Realms and Pathfinder entire realm of SF, Fantasy and Horror film. Harry Stine Memorial Rocket Launch every once a month for discussion of various sci-fi Society. We welcome both new and experi- PFFS has been in existence for 30 years, October. Visit www.sssrocketry.org for news regarding several mediums to include: enced players. Visit http://www.warhorn.net/ meeting every 6 weeks in member’s homes. membership information, directions to the television, movies, video, books, comics, gathering, to see what we have coming up. If Dues are $10 per year. Membership includes launches and meetings, and to read the magazines, collecting, and so forth. The you have any questions email us at newsletters, an annual film awards and monthly newsletter, “Newton’s Minutes.” meetings are comprised of news, review and [email protected] various outings. For information, contact comment, BBS/computer news and help, PFFS, P.O. Box 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or TARDIS is a Phoenix-based General SF/ meeting new members, video presentations, THE JEDI KNIGHTS (Founded 1977) call David Storck at (602) 274_7404, e-mail: Fantasy Fan Club, specializing in Interna- games, and socializing fun! Food and drinks Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of each month. [email protected]. tional media SF/Fantasy since 1983. TARDIS are provided, via a $3 munchie fee (per For more information call Carol Alves, meets every two weeks at different locations meeting) to compensate the host. (No other Publicity, (760)244-9593 or write Jedi RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST A around the valley. Activities include watching fees are involved.) The electronic home of the Knights, c/o Carol Alves 8038 “I” Street, Live Action Theatre Troupe based out of the videos, discussions, parties, games, and Away Team, is the Lightspeed Space Station Hesperia CA, 92345-7066. ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is dedicated to occasional outings with more to come now BBS at (520) 325-6674.... Member ages for the game Werewolf: The Apocalypse by that Doctor Who is returning from hiatus. the group range from 13-40-something with LEPRECON, INC. One of the two Phoenix White Wolf publishing. Contact Mike Many members maintain an active presence at both male and female members. Other area corporations that put on yearly conven- McLaughlin at (602)461-5842 or write 1730 conventions. You can contact us at 2243 W activities include null-modem link gamefests, tions. Best described as SF/F generalists with W Emelita Place #2025, Mesa AZ 85202- Wagon Wheel Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85021, Voice group theater movie viewings, convention a main thrust into SF/F art. Guests are 3144 or [email protected] Mail at (602) 864-0901, E-mail TARDIS- trips and more. Have sci-fi fun in a relaxed, welcome. The meetings are quarterly on the [email protected] or visit us at http:// low-structure environment. NO RUBBER second Saturday of February, May, August & members.cox.net/tardisaz/tardis.html November unless otherwise notified. August ( Cont’d on page 19 ) Page 18 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2 the Online Academy, the member becomes a Club Listings ( Cont’d from page 18 ) RandomCon brings you the Chronicles of CASFS Business Report Commissioned Officer aboard the Leonidas. Amber in roleplaying form in a variety of The chapter does not have dues as of yet. The games. Houses of the Blooded - John Attendance at the CASFS Bookclub TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by the dues to be a member of STARFLEET and Social is increasing with six or more series’ production companies and the USA International are $15 a year. Wick’s new ‘big game!’ Come try out Network! It is THE information conduit No newsletter, but members do receive an this new system that puts narrative at our discussion of Starship Troopers and between the fans and the series! Fan club activities E-mail update. No web site yet. control in the players hands! Eric Torres, Old Man’s War. Don’t miss the membership will bring you the following 1) Contact : Jonathan Krieger, 480-677-0269, will be demo-ing and selling his new discussion of The Incomplete Enchanter subscription to the info filled Tek Informer [email protected] in March on that greenest of days, March Card Game, Rynaga Todd VanHooser newsletter; 2) official TekWar Fan Club 17 at the Bent Cover in the Coffee Shop at membership card and kit. Membership is by USS STORMBRINGER The Stormbringer is will be present and his crew will be 7 p.m. regular mail only and the newsletter and a correspondence Star Trek fan club chapter running role-playing games based on his The Strategic Planning Committee materials will not be reproduced electroni- of Starfleet, Intl. based out of Tucson AZ. popular book: The Barren Twelve (from cally. To join the action and initiate your The chapter was commissioned as the USS presented its SWOT Analysis of CASFS’s annual membership, make check or money Stormbringer NCC-74213, attached to the Laughing Moon Chronicles). Eric J. strengths and weaknesses and order out for $12.50 to: Official TekWar Fan Division 31, Starfleet Covert Operations, on Boyd will be demo-ing The Committee CopperCon’s strengths and weakness at Club (Membership section), 2522 N 10/31/98. As of 11/29/98 there were 32 for the Exploration of Mysteries, his the January Meeting. CASFS Sparkman Blvd., Tucson AZ 85716-2417 members. There are no dues other than the storytelling game of Victorian era STRENGTHS were delineated as Book $15 for joining Star-fleet Intl.. Members are T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science fiction and scattered world wide but the primary clusters adventure, as well as playtesting House Discussions, ConNotations and fantasy club. Weekly meetings are held on the are in Tucson, AZ and Plano, TX. They don’t of Cards, a quick-play heist game he is CopperCon. CASFS WEAKNESSES Arizona State University campus, with dates meet on a regular basis since they are a designing The Guise Knights will be were Low Membership, Publicity/ and places to be announced after the semester correspondence chapter. Their web site is: running two tables worth of games Advertising [ Perhaps Personal referral by starts. For more information, Email http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9505/ around the clock, offering you a wide attendees and Chat rooms on the net], No [email protected] Web and their contact/CO is Capt. Dave Pitts, United Fund raising [Need sponsors and www.themonline.org [email protected] variety of games and running Open Gaming for your late night insomnia at fund raising events]. CASFS THREATS – TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail Address WESTERN SCIENCE FICTION ASSO- the con! SAGA (the Southern Arizona Threats to CASFS are Loss of exclusivity is [email protected] or CIATION (WesternSFA) A non-profit Gamers Association) will be running the as a source of SF information and content [email protected] corporation that sponsors AniZona, the the web text media, the current economic ConRunners seminars, Across Plus Anime Open Game Library in the open gaming room, offering you a wide array of Board climate, Hotel rate increases. UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOENIX A Club and sponsored the 2004 Westercon. COPPERCON ANALYSIS: Many people Phoenix area Star Trek and general SciFi fan Dedicated primarily to educational activities Games, Card Games and more, for your club. We are a social club that meets every relating to literature, music, and visual and enjoyment! PLUS Console Gaming, don’t know about CopperCon. We are in a two weeks at various locations around the performing arts, especially in the genres of Card Games, BoardGames, Miniature programming rut. We need innovation. Phoenix area. The UFP has been meeting for Anime, science fiction, fantasy, costuming, We have too few Core workers. Our Core over 30 years of continuous activity. Dues are gaming and science. Applicants for member- Gaming, LARPs, and much more! There is hidebound and resistant to new ideas. $15/per year prorated when you join; no ship in WesternSFA must be sponsored by a will be a consuite and a small dealer We fail to capitalize on our two year lead restrictions. Membership includes member- current active WesternSFA member. Dues are room. Cost is $20 Jan 1 to April 30, 2009 time. Dragon Con takes away some ship roster and monthly newsletter. Come to $10 yearly plus a $5 non-refundable applica- and $25 at the door. Pay now via Paypal any two meetings at no obligation. For tion fee. General Meetings are held on the members. Hotel costs are up Fans don’t information, write the UFP at PO Box 37224, first Friday of February, May, August and on our web site at www.randomcon.org like the high outside temperatures. Tasks Phoenix, AZ 85069, or call Jim Strait at (602) November, check our website for meeting or mail check or money order to need to be spread out to more people and 242-9203. Web page: http://www.U-F-P.org location Guests are welcome. For more info RandomCon, PO Box 67457, Phoenix AZ over the full lead time. or Email to [email protected] contact Craig Dyer at WesternSFA, PO Box 85082. Check our web site for updates In the light of the SWOT Analysis 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082 Email: or contact us at [email protected] CASFS is attempting to define what it USS LEONIDAS The Leonidas is a member [email protected] Webpage: of Region IV of STARFLEET International. www.westernsfa.org wants to do with itself in times to come. The chapter is an opportunity for those that http:// Change seems to be needed. Vigorous share a love of Star Trek to have fun and help Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. We www.adventurecon.comFiestaCon discussion ensued at the February meeting the community at the same time. The maintain a mailing list for news and get- (Westercon 62) ( July 2-5, 2009) Tempe of the organization. Mark Boniece Leonidas stresses uniforms or other costumes togethers of fans of the X-Files living in Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ. 60 East Fifth presented a spread of options for to have the ability to participate actively in Arizona. We get together in both the Phoenix CopperCon ranging tiny literary cons to various events as they present themselves but and Tucson areas. To subscribe, send an Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 Artist GoH: they are not required. empty message to z-philes- Todd Lockwood, Author GoH: Alan Dean huge media cons and everything in In an effort to expand membership the USS [email protected] Foster, Editor GoH Stanley Schmidt, Fan between. No consensus was reached. Leonidas has assisted in the formation of a GoHs: Jim and Doreen Webbert, Toast- More discussion next time. Come in to the High School Star Trek club called the next meeting. Acquire the Handout on STARFLEET Science and Tactical Academy. masters: Partick and Teresa Nielsen Convention Hayden. FiestaCon is also hosting the Convention types. Join the discussion. Students participate in a wide range of This is important. The one thing we activities with the hope that they will become 1632 Minicon with Eric Flint. Member- interested in Star Trek and join STARFLEET agreed on was that while money is not our Listings ships $70 thru 12/31/08, $75 thru 3/31/ prime motive we must work to have the as officers. 09, more later. Phone: 480-945-6890 The USS Leonidas has a crew of 30. Starfleet RandomCon (May 8-10, 2009) a NEW conventions cover their own costs, those Science and Tactical Academy has 52 cadets. Write: FiestaCon, c/o Leprecon, Inc., PO of the organization, seed for future Members age from 14-65 years old. Average gaming convention to be held at The Box 26665 Tempe, AZ 85285, Email: Grace Inn, 10831 S 51st St, Phoenix, AZ conventions and continuing publicity. age is 20-25. [email protected] web: Publicity must be improved. Participation Club meeting locations vary due to scheduled 85044, (480) 893-3000, ww.graceinn.com www.fiestacon.org away missions and such, but usually meet in a Our rates are $75 S/D, $85 T, $95/ Q. For of members in these discussions is important. classroom at Apache Junction High School. our games we plan to have RPGA - plans Membership with Starfleet International is North American Discworld Convention required. www.sfi.org Upon joining include Living Forgotten Realms, Arcanis (Sept 4-7, 2009) Tempe Mission Palms, What is CASFS? STARFLEET a member is a Cadet. Upon and Pathfinder. Amber Diceless - In the Tempe, AZ. 60 East Fifth Street, Tempe, What is really behind putting on a passing the Officer’s Training School Exam at tradition of AmberCons across the World, Arizona 85281 Guests: Terry Pratchett, convention? What are the funds raised by a Diane Duane, Peter Morwood, Esther M. convention used for? Why not attend a Generic Convention Registration Form Friesner and Bernard Pearson. Member- meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor of ships $80 thru 3/31/09, more later. Phone: ConNotations, CopperCons, HexaCons, 480-945-6890 Write: NADWCon, c/o SmerfCons and other conventions. We are Name:______a charitable, non-profit organization that Leprecon, Inc., PO Box 26665 Tempe, exists to further science fiction, fantasy Badge Name:______AZ 85285, Email: [email protected] and science fields in Arizona. CASFS Web: www.nadwcon.org currently meets at the JB’s Restaurant at Address:______1818 W Montebello in Phoenix The Saboten-Con (Oct 30-Nov 1, 2009) meetings begin at 8PM and are held on the City/State/ZIP:______Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa, 1011 West last Friday of the month Jan. through Sept. Phone:______Email:______Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210. The and on the second Friday of the month Oct special Saboten-Con room rate is $109 through Dec. Everyone is invited to attend Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for for a single/double or junior suite. two meetings as a guest (non-member). Guests: Vic Mignogna with more to Membership rates are $12/year plus an ______convention. initial $3 application fee and rates are pro- come. Tickets: $35 Membership capped rated for the amount of the year remaining. (See individual convention listing for mailing address) at 1500. For more info More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other For more info: Webpage: www.casfs.org www.sabotencon.com Email: [email protected] Volume 19 Issue 2 ConNotations Page 19 Page 20 ConNotations Volume 19 Issue 2