2006 Heinlein Awards To Be Given to Williamson and Bear In Anaheim at World Con The principal mailing address of The , a non-profit charitable corporation, is PO Box 1254, Venice, CA USA 90294-1254

JulyContents 2006

2006 Heinlein Awards ...... Pages 1 and 3

Secretaryʼs Report and Annual Notice Election of Directors...... Pages 2 and 3

Inaugural Heinlein Prize Awarded...... Pages 4 to 9

Notice of Bylaw Amendment...... Page 10

Owenby Obituary...... Page 10

New Directors Appointed...... Page 11 Greg Bear Committee Reports....Pages 12 to 19 Jack Williamson and Greg admired Heinlein as a writer and a Bear, two legendary authors of man, but also because he was a val- Book Reviews....Pages 20. 21 and 23 speculative fiction, have been ued friend,” said Williamson, wide- Membership Application...... Page 22 named recipients of the 2006 ly recognized as the dean of sci- Robert A. Heinlein Award for their ence fiction. The author of dozens A “few small things”...... Page 24 overall body of work. of novels and winner of both the The award, administered by the Nebula and Hugo Awards, in 1976 We Continue To Need Heinlein Society, will be presented Williamson was named a Damon A Newsletter Editor formally by Jerry Pournelle, a past Knight Memorial Grand Master by A successful applicant will need to be able to attend, on-line, one two-hour recipient, director of the Society SFWA — only the second author monthly board business meeting and initi- and a member of the Advisory so honored after Heinlein in 1975. ate articles of interest to membership, by Board for the Heinlein Award, at Williamson’s most recent novel is encouraging Society officers and members the World Conven- the world-hopping adventure The to prepare them, and by writing them him tion in Los Angeles, California, on Stonehenge Gate. or herself, and editing the results. Ability to use InDesign or the equivalent is useful. Thursday, August 24, 2006, dur- “Of course, it’s an honor and So, too, is ability to herd cats. This News- ing ceremonies surrounding the a privilege to receive the Heinlein letter is intended to issue quarterly. Until guest of honor speeches, which are Award this year, especially since we have that person volunteer, it’s unlikely scheduled to begin at 8 PM. I share the honor with one of my we’ll meet our goals to keep you informed. “I feel a deep appreciation favorites, one of the most influ- Email agplusone@heinleinsociety. org or telephone (310) 346-5669. for the award, not only because I ential writers in science fiction Contʼd on Page Three 1 The Secretary-Treasurerʼs The Heinlein Society Table and Reports Notice of Annual General Meeting And Voting Procedures

Board of Directors July 19, 2006 (1916-2003) Charles N. Brown Yoji Kondo Alan Milner Jerry Pournelle Michael Sheffield David Wright, Sr. Jane Silver, Secretary-Treasurer David M. Silver, President and Chairman P.O. Box 1254 Venice, California 90294-1254

Dear Members of The Society: Our by-laws, adopted by the Board of Directors in 2002, as amended, require that the board conduct an annual general membership meeting each year during the time and at the place of the annual World Science-Fiction convention, when held in North America, and It’s been pretty quiet. We’ve when not at a place in North America it shall determine. been very concerned for some time This the written notice of that meeting as required in our by-laws to each member en- titled or likely to be entitled to vote at the meeting. You will be entitled to vote only if you about some of our membership that are registered as a regular member and only if your dues are fully paid up and through the seem to have slipped through the current year of 2006 at the time of the meeting. An opportunity to make dues current will be afforded members prior to and at the beginning of the meeting. Supporting members cracks and gone away. Each busi- are not entitled to vote, but, subject to ruling of the chair, may address the meeting. ness meeting I report increases our This yearʼs meeting will be our Societyʼs fifth annual general meeting. It will be held at Anaheim, California, on Saturday, August , 2006, at 5:00 PM, PDT, in a hospitality suite numbers in new memberships but as yet to be assigned to The Heinlein Society by the Anaheim Marriott, 700 West Conven- those numbers have to be adjusted tion Way, Anaheim, California 92802 USA, Phone: 1-714-750-8000. L.A. Con IV, the annual World Science-Fiction convention, has not yet published its programming schedule, by the ones whose dues have and notice of this meeting may not be in its program. Check the front desk at the Marriott become past due by two or more for The Heinlein Society. You need not be a purchaser of L.A. Con IV membership to attend the meeting. The Anaheim Marriott is located directly south of the Anaheim Convention years. What to do? Center, across the street, where L.A. Con IV is being held. The hotel is a public venue, Perhaps I should give you open to non-L.A. Con IV members. Visitors are encouraged to attend, subject to ruling of the Chair. information that some of you may The regular order of business specified in the by-laws to be observed is that customary not realize. Each and every person for non-profit membership charitable corporations and will include, this year, election of three of the nine directors of The Society for the three senior non-exempt positions on the who is working for the Society Board for a term of three years, as specified in the by-laws. is a volunteer. From the Board of The two senior incumbents by length of service in their current term are Charles N. Brown and David M. Silver; additionally, newly-appointed director David Wright, Sr., on the Directors to the committee chairs, expanded board, has been placed in this three year tier for election. Any, or all, or neither, everyone does this for the love of may stand for reelection, as he each may announce at or before the time of the meeting. Mr. Brown has served as an original director of this Society since its formation and pre- it! Sometimes you wonder if this incorporation filings, in August 2000, and was reelected to a three-year term in 2003. Mr. is not a love/hate relationship. Silver was appointed in November 2000, and was reelected to a three-year term in 2003. Mr. Wright was appointed upon expansion of the number of directors this past June. Other There are many different opinions nominations may be made and accepted at the meeting. and ‘suggestions’ of how things Further business consistent with the by-laws will occur at the meeting. You may vote at the meeting in person, or by an assigned written proxy, if you are should be done. Any organization eligible to vote at the time of the meeting. All proxies must be written, signed, and run by committee has a tendency notarized, or accompanied by a clear and legible photocopy of a government-issued photo identification containing a signature for comparison purposes, to be valid. to bog down. I wonder sometimes, Further, they must designate in writing the person to exercise the proxy; and they frankly, if it is all worth it. Then I must be received by the Secretary of the Society by postal mail or in person at or be- fore the time of the meeting. If you mail your proxy to the Societyʼs postal address in remember why I got involved. Venice, California, please note that an officer of the Society will finally check that post I am related to the Chairman office box address on the afternoon of Monday, August 21, 2006, before he departs to Anaheim;, and it is solely your responsibility to ensure it arrives before his departure. and President. He is my older You may designate any natural person to attend the meeting and vote your proxy. brother, (clarification because some Further, the by-laws specify that failure of a non-attending member to designate a proxy shall constitute designation of the president as the holder of the proxy of the of you may think we are husband/ member not in attendance. wife). He was the Secretary-Trea- We all hope as many of the Societyʼs members as possible do attend the meeting. FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: surer when I offered to help with /s/Jane Silver ‘some’ of the clerical. I thought Jane Silver Secretary-Treasurer and Director Contʼd on Page Three 2 3 Heinlein Awards to Jack Williamson and Greg Bear -- Convention Center, hosted in The Contʼd from Page One Heinlein Society’s small hospital- history — Jack Williamson,” said for Mr. Williamson and Mr. Bear ity suite at the Anaheim Marriott Bear, a recipient of multiple Nebula after the awards and the Guest of hotel, across the street south of the and Hugo Awards. His most recent Honor speeches conclude at the Anaheim Convention Center. novel is the near-future thriller Quantico. “To carry on Robert Heinlein’s grand tradition of sto- rytelling, visioneering and general Do you have a new novel out? rabble-rousing is a real pleasure Do you market properly licensed — and a sobering responsibility. Thanks to all, and heartfelt con- Heinlein memorabilia? gratulations to Jack — who may Do you offer goods or services of actually have taught Mr. Heinlein a thing or two!” interest to Heinlein aficionados? This is the fourth year for the This might be the spot for an ad- Heinlein Award, presented for outstanding published work in hard vertisement that would help. science fiction or technical writings inspiring the human exploration of Contact [email protected] for space. Advisory Board members rates and terms. voting in this year’s selection were: Joe Haldeman, Yoji Kondo/Eric Kotani, Elizabeth Moon, , Pournelle, Spider Robinson, Secretaryʼs Report -- that we will need every member to Stanley Schmidt, Herb Gilliland, Contʼd from Page Two step up and support this endeavor. and John Hill. The last two advi- Robert A. Heinlein had some very We’ve gotten tremendous encour- sors are professors of English at interesting ideas on how one should agement and proffered support the U.S. Naval Academy, which is conduct a worthwhile life. from some of our Angels and you Heinlein’s alma mater and serves One goal, getting his dreams will read of that in other columns. as the home port for this award. and ideals back into primary educa- I sincerely hope that some of Robert Anson Heinlein (1907- tors’ libraries seemed a good idea. you, who may have been wonder- 1988) was arguably the most influ- So I pitched in. I have since learned ing what this membership is all ential writer in the science fiction that there are some very hardwork- about, will contact me or Pam genre. He received 4 Hugo awards, ing and dedicated people who are Somers, our Membership Services 3 retrospective Hugos, and the giving a lot of their precious time Chair, so we can help you answer first SFWA Damon Knight Memo- to The Heinlein Society’s goals. that question and see how you by rial Grand Master Award. His 31 To all of them, “Without your help volunteering can help us Pay It novels, and other collections, rarely the Society would not exist.” It Forward. out of print include Starship Troop- takes a special person with a lot of Please email to Secretary@hei ers, Stranger in a Strange Land, patience and talent to coordinate nleinsociety.org or Membershipser and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. all of the efforts and goals that this [email protected]. We will His widow, Virginia Heinlein, au- Society is attempting. be more than happy to answer any thorized the creation of this award Now we gear up for our Cen- questions; or just to say hello and prior to her death. tennial Year celebrations where we let us know what you think about Past awardees have included will need many of you throughout how we are doing our jobs. There Virginia Heinlein (posthumously), the country, and abroad, to help is always room for improvement Michael Flynn, Sir Arthur Clarke, Pay It Forward and bring to fruition (and other ever able volunteers!) Pournelle, and Larry Niven. events at venues far and wide. We Jane Silver, Secretary and Director [email protected] There will be a brief reception know that when the call goes out 2 3 First Heinlein Prize of $500,000 Presented to Dr. Peter Diamandis, Found- er of the Ansari X-Prize, by Robert A. and Virginia Heinlein Prize Trust HOUSTON, TX -- ics as an undergraduate at MIT. In ety board members Dr. Yoji Kondo, On evening, July 7, 1980 he founded the Students for chairman David Silver, and former 2006, Robert Heinlein’s 99th the Exploration and Development board member William Patter- birthday, at the St. Regis Grand of Space (SEDS), which has since son, whose biography of Robert Ballroom, in Houston, Texas, become the largest student-based Heinlein was recently completed the inaugural presentation of the space organization in the world. and commended especially by Mr. Heinlein Award of $500,000 was He went on to earn a Master’s Dula, who served as master of cer- made to Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, degree in Aerospace Engineer- emonies, during his presentation. M.D. before a gala crowd of about ing from MIT, concurrently with Mrs. Ursula Kondo and Mrs. 130 guests, at a formal dinner. Dr. a Medical Degree from Harvard. Andrea Silver accompanied their Diamandis was honored by receipt Dr. Diamandis, in acceptance of husbands. Mr. Dula graciously of the $500,000, a gold Heinlein the award, cited the influence of introduced Mr. Silver during the Medallion, and the Lady Vivamus Robert Heinlein’s work during his ceremony and noted the laud- Sword, and a Laureate’s Diploma. career, noting that he flew, as cargo able growth in membership of The presentations were made aboard SpaceShipOne, during the the Society from a few in 2001 to by the three trustees, Arthur Dula, winning Ansari X Prize on October nearly 700 at the present time. At

James Miller Vaughn, Jr., and 4, 2004, his own personal copy of breakfast the following morning, Buckner Hightower, who adminis- the Heinlein novella, The Man Who Colonel Aldrin joined others that ter the Prize Trust fund established Sold the Moon. evening who offered to Mr. Silver by the Estates of Robert A. and Initially, Diamandis wished to to assist the Society in its goals. Virginia Heinlein, to honor the be a NASA Astronaut. That dream A highlight of the evening was memories of Robert and Virginia inspired his education at MIT and presentation of Lady Vivamus, a by substantially rewarding accom- Harvard. Dr. Diamandis’ subse- replica created of the weapon car- plishments in commercial space by quent activities has been extensive. ried by Heinlein’s hero Oscar in individuals, which may be made Keynote addresses at the the novel ; and Oscar’s annually to those who best inspire awards ceremony were made by description of it was read at the commercial space development. Apollo 11 Astronaut Edwin “Buzz” ceremony of presentation to Dr. Diamandis is best known as Aldrin, and representatives of a Diamandis: “... and found there Founder of the X PRIZE Founda- worldwide board of advisors to the the blade that suited me the way tion, whose $10 million Ansari Heinlein Prize trustees. Excalibur suited Arthur ... the blade X PRIZE sparked the birth of the Among dignitaries from aero- was faintly curved and razor sharp personal spaceflight industry. space, academia, literature, pub- on the edge ... a point as deadly Diamandis’ contributions to the lishing and other organizations as a rapier ... The guard was a bell commercialization of space began present, were several Heinlein curved back around the knuckles while studying molecular genet- Society members, including Soci- into a semi-basket ... It was the sort 4 5 Above: Trustee Arthur Dula, Kristen and Peter Diamandis (Peterʼs the one with sword) and Colonel Ed- win “Buzz” Aldrin. At left: Mr. Dulaʼs private collection of Heinlein novels published in many countries. Photographs by James McLain (above) and by The Heinlein Society (at left) of sword that feels as if it were an ciously distributed with the gifted and Professor Li Furong, who is extension of your body.” books membership applications for a Heinlein Society member and It was jointly presented by all the Society to each attendee. representative from China, after those present who had seen Earth’s The dinner, nicely prepared recounting some of the past year’s disk from space. Eleven astronauts and presented by the staff of the accomplishments in Asia, gra- in all were present. That made quite St. Regis, was served during the ciously invited those in attendance a line across the front of the room. ceremonies and included wine and to attend next year’s ceremonies in Diamandis promised to bear the redfish and beef filet entrees, and a Beijing. sword and use other award compo- delightful dessert. Also present (among the many nents in honor befitting the author During the evening, several other unnamed in this report who created and whose estate representatives of the Trust from Heinlein Society members and sup- established it. Asia and Europe recounted accom- porters) were Dr. Amy Baxter, the During the reception before plishments and next year’s plans Heinleins’ “adoptive” granddaugh- dinner, guests circulated among by the Trust’s “Robert A. Heinlein ter, with her husband Dr. Louis several displays of current ac- Flight into the Future Project Con- Calderon; Mrs. Eleanor Wood, tivities of the Trust, the Estate’s test,” a competition to encourage literary agent to the Heinlein trusts; continuing publication of Heinlein young international students and and James Cunningham, a trustee works, and the Society and oth- researchers in space exploration of the Bulter Library trust, with his ers associated to Paying Forward and promote innovative projects by delightful wife Lela. Mrs. Tamea the legacy of Robert and Virginia those researchers. Dula, Arthur’s wife, was as gra- Heinlein. A number of recent pub- The next presentation by the cious to all as her husband while lished works were used as table Trust of a Heinlein Award may helping him to serve as host. Mrs. decorations and given as gifts to occur in Beijing, China, in 2007, Dula is one of the author’s dedica- each attendee. The Trust also gra- on Robert Heinlein’s Centennial, tees to the novel Friday. 4 5 Below: Bill Patterson and Eleanor Wood, the estateʼs literary agent, hopefully giving Bill good news from a publisher concerning his just-completed biography. Photograph by The Heinlein Society

Above: One of fifteen tables during dinner. Mrs. Andrea Silver is at far right. Next to her (back) is an actor who played D.D. Harriman. Photograph by The Heinlein Society

Right: Dr. Yoji Kondo and Art Dula, chat during the reception before dinner. Photograph by The Heinlein Society

Above: Eleven Astronauts Join Trustee Arthur Dula to award Peter Diamandis the Glory Road word.“Dum Vivimus, Vivamus!” Apollo 11ʼs Aldrin, wearing the decoration, is the second man from the left. Photograph by The Heinlein Society 6 7 A LETTER FROM AMY Amy Baxter, the Heinlein’s and go on his own ships. If the need bookstores and cleaned them out of “adoptive” granddaughter, also isn’t sufficient, he’ll create the need, Heinleins before the event. It is a tes- wrote a sprightly little note about then fill it. Apropos of a wedding tament to the longevity of Heinlein’s the Prize Award ceremony, for her (and for some reason reminding me of ideas that 150 place settings were circle of friends, which we extract the Sesame Street “this is your life” accommodated by only three book- here with her permission: spoof), slides and videos from Dr. sellers. At the evening’s conclusion “… The ceremony was elating; a Diamandis’ life preceded the award. a most entertaining jockeying and more appropriate culmination and be- Snapshots of a slightly younger Dia- shuffling of books took place, with afi- ginning to Heinlein’s life work would mandis in an MIT dorm room showed cionados trying not to duplicate their be difficult to imagine. A stylized ice the undergraduate who wanted to collections or pushing more appropri- sculpture from Rocketship Gallileo join a student group for future spac- ate titles on the few novices present. graced the entry way, and darned if ers. There wasn’t one, so he created (“OOhhh, I woudn’t start your 14 year Oscar the Spacesuit wasn’t draped it. He had testified before a senate old on . How about in a welcoming pose next to teach- subcommittee that, just as Lindbergh’s this one?”) ing materials from Have Spacesuit flight was in response to a contest for “… Astronauts were graciously —Will Travel. Throughout the hall private aeronautics groups, contests photographed, as was Dr. Diamandis, were tables of Heinlein’s books, dis- breed originality faster than govern- and the night was over. plays of recipients of smaller Heinlein ment contracts can. There hadn’t been The prevailing mood was a jubilant Prizes (primarily in China and Russia) a space contest, so he had created it. … Dignitaries from all countries and … He wished there were a university walks of life were mingling; I wished dedicated to the study of sciences and people wore “Hello, My Context Is” arts which would be needed in space tags. Old friends greeted each other, ... and created it. … but everyone seemed eager for new “Back to the awards ceremony. introductions as each brought fascinat- Buzz Aldrin spoke, then all cosmo- ing back stories. The stunning model nauts and astronauts present came to turns out to be an engineer; the long the front of the room. An astounding haired eccentric scientist cameraman 11 humans who had seen the earth as turns out to have dual PHD’s in Phys- a bluegreen globe with their own eyes ics and Chemistry. The guy in the suit came to the front. A passage from turns out to be the world’s foremost Heinlein’s Glory Road was read de- Drs. Diamendis, Baxter, and her copy of The Man Who Sold the Moon. expert on pterosaur flight, and one of scribing the sword Lady Vivamus, … Photo supplied by Dr. Baxter Granma Heinlein’s best friends for de- Dr. Diamandis accepted it, brandished assurance that commercial spaceflight cades. And the guy in the kilt (!) bow- it in the name of space exploration, for everyone was truly around the cor- ing to the man in the kimono turns out then someone hastily grabbed it back ner, and that the people in that room to be . When pressed, so he could give his no doubt moving were the catalyzed thrust behind the he admits to being the Great Lorenzo acceptance speech. I was bawling at dream. Smythe … but he proffers business this point, but assume it was really in- “I have known that the Heinleins’ cards for both identities. spirational. The evening wrapped up goal was to fund a “Nobel-calibre” “One of the guests introduced him- after a few more comments. I think I prize to promote commercial space- self as DD Harriman, The Man Who finished my creme brulee. flight since I was around 14. There Sold the Moon. As we were leaving “Before leaving the scene, I should have been times when neither Granma the house for the airport, I had grabbed describe … the tables. At each place nor I were sure it would happen, and I my old Signet copy of the short story. setting was a folder about the Heinlein am so profoundly grateful to Art Dula. Turns out Dr. Diamandis had the same Prize, the Heinlein Society, a DVD He made this happen, he did so grace- book shipped as cargo on the win- called “Rocket Science” (“Best docu- fully, and balanced the fiery Diaman- ning Ansari X flight (and graciously mentary chronicling the space pro- dis with stalwart explorers, financiers, signed my copy). … The man wants gram EVER”), and a smorgasboard scientists, and the touch of whimsy of to space. If the governmental astro- of Heinlein paperbacks. Art Dula, which Heinlein would have approved. naut route won’t suit, he’ll fill the the organizer and primary Trustee of Wish you could have been there.” population’s need through enterprise the Heinlein Prize, had gone to three “Amy” 6 7 Above: “A stylized ice sculpture from Rocketship Gallileo graced the entryway….” At right: “The stunning model turns out to be an engineer” (Which one?) Photographs by The Heinlein Society

More Heinlein Prize Dinner Photos

“… and darned if Oscar the Spacesuit wasnʼt draped in a welcoming pose next to teaching materials from Have Spacesuit -- Will Travel.” Photograph by The Heinlein Society

8 9 Above: “The prevailing mood was a jubilant assurance that commercial spaceflight for everyone was truly around the corner…” At left: “And the guy in the kilt (!) bowing to the man in the kimono turns out ot be Laza- rus Long. When pressed, he admits to being the Great Lorenzo Smythe … but he proffers business cards for both identities.” Photographs by The Heinlein Society Yet More Heinlein Prize Dinner Photos

“At each place setting was a folder about the Heinlein Prize, the Heinlein Society, a DVD called “Rocket Science” (“Best documentary chronicling the space program EVER”), and a smorgasboard of Heinlein paperbacks.” Photograph by The Heinlein Society

8 9 NOTICE OF BYLAW AMENDMENT

The following Bylaw change meeting, a quorum of five of the unanimous consensus of the will be in effect at the Society’s seven directors being present, it board to appoint Mr. Michael General Membership Meeting on was regularly moved, seconded, Sheffield and Mr. David Wright, Friday, August 26, in Anaheim, and without objection, carried Sr., as new board members to fill California. See Notice on page two unanimously, that the board of the positions created by recent for details of place and time. directors be increased from seven amendment. to nine, and the classes modified Copies of the newly-amended On March 27, 2006, the as specified in the president and Bylaws may be downloaded in President and Chairman gave the chairman’s prior notice. .PDF format from our website, following written notice: Membership, since Mrs. from the link for bylaws at http: Heinlein incorporated The Society //www.heinleinsociety.org/ TO the Board of Directors, The in late 2000, has increased from contact.html or by writing to the Heinlein Society about thirty to more than 600 Secretary at the Society’s postal registered members by the end of mail address. Pursuant to Article IX, March 2006. The last increase in The Heinlein Society Amendment of Bylaws, Section number of directors had been in PO Box 1254 1 “Amendments, how effected” November 2000, when Dr. Owenby Venice, CA 90294-1254 notice is hereby given at today’s and Mr. Silver were appointed. USA regular meeting of March 27, In November 2005, Mr. Silver, Obituary the president and chairman, 2006, of a chair’s motion to the PHILIP H. OWENBY - age suffered his first heart attack. Board to amend the Bylaws as 54 of Knoxville, died Friday, More recent events, a second follows: July 14, 2006, in Chattanooga. heart attack in May 2006, and a Phillip was a combat veteran of heart by-pass operation to Mr. To Article IV, Board of Vietnam, serving as a medic in Silver; two hip replacements to Directors the U.S. Army. He was a de- another officer, committee chair voted and loving husband and Lindalee Stuckey; and a further Section 1. Number and term of father. heart by-pass operation to yet directors. CHANGE “seven” to Survivors include: his wife, another officer, committee chair “nine” Vicki Owenby; daughters, Jo- and corporate counsel Lester N. hanna and Kristen Owenby; his Collier, demonstrate that illness Section 3. Classification of mother, two brothers, and four and affliction can strike us at any directors. CHANGE “three sisters. Mr. Owenby was cre- time. classes of two members each” mated and a memorial service For these reasons, the board to “three classes of three was held in Maryville/Seymour, deemed it expedient to expand the members each” Tennessee. number of directors. Dr. Owenby was a director of In fact, there were no meetings Under Article IX, the proposed the Heinlein Society from 2000 of the board in May or early June, Bylaws Amendment will to 2002. He wrote his Ph.D. dis- because of cancellations due to Mr. be voted upon at the next sertation on Robert Heinlein’s Silver’s second heart attack. regularly-scheduled board views on adult education. On June 26, 2006, at the member that will be set for The Society’s Secretary has Board’s duly re-scheduled and Monday, April 17, 2006. already sent our condolences to noticed meeting, a quorum of four Phil’s family and will forward of seven directors being present, On April 17, 2006, at the further condolences she receives Mr. Silver, as Chairman, reported Board’s duly scheduled and noticed to the family.

10 11 SHEFFIELD AND WRIGHT APPOINTED AS DIRECTORS

Michael Sheffield was born in in Long Beach, California. Mike ments, and always accomplishing San Diego, California, in 1960. He has a predilection for wearing kilts, what they’ve set out to do. served four years in the U.S. Air much like Lazarus Long. The Board is gratified that each Force as an Electronic Warfare Sys- A native of Atlanta, Georgia, has accepted an appointment as a tems Specialist with the 37th Tacti- David Wright, Sr. lives in North- director and is certain their steady cal Fighter Wing “Wild Weasels”. west Georgia. He is married to the record of devotion to the goals of At the end of his service in 1985 former Jennelou Earnhardt and this Society will continue. On be- he began working at TRW Space has two sons. He holds a B.A. in half of the Board of The Heinlein, & Technology (now Northrop German from The University of Welcome Aboard! Grumman Space Technology) The South, an M.A. in Linguistics David M. Silver, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors where he has been for more than from Indiana University and an 20 years. During his time there he M.S. in Computer Science from has worked in several departments, The Georgia Institute of Technol- including Quality Assurance, Satel- ogy. He is also a graduate of the lite Integration, Test and Launch Russian Program of the Defense Language Institute, (formerly The Army Language School), in Mon- terey, California and taught Russian at Georgia State University after his Army service and before enter- ing graduate school. He worked as a programmer/systems analyst for several corporations, ran his own computer service for several years, and worked as Programmer/ Analyst for the Health Department Michael and Sharon Sheffield. of the State of Georgia, and retired David Wright, Sr. Photo by The Heinlein Society on July 1, 2006 with 21 years of Photo supplied by Mr. Wright and his current position as a Soft- service. He has published in The ware Engineer in Ground Systems. Heinlein Journal and is writing a He began organizing SF conven- book about Alfred Korzybski and tion blood drives at Conucopia, the General Semantics in the works 1999 NASFiC in Anaheim, Califor- of Heinlein. He was appointed to nia, and has been involved in every the board of directors in June 2006 blood drive since then. to fill one of the positions in the He joined The Heinlein Society in newly expanded board. He is cur- September 2001 and later that year rently serving as Webmaster for the became the chairperson of their Heinlein Society Website. blood drive committee, where he Both Mike and David have de- continues today. He was appointed voted hundreds of volunteer hours to the board of directors in June to The Heinlein Society since join- 2006 to fill one of the positions in ing, David in late 2000, and Mi- the newly expanded board. In June chael just before our first SF World of 2004 he married his wife, Sha- Con in 2001. Both have proved ron, who is one of the most brilliant themselves always reliable, accept- people he has ever met. They live ing all manner of volunteer assign- 10 11 Academic Committee •World-as-Myth Social Activities Report •The juveniles Committee Report •Defining humanity in sf context •Cultural contexts •Popular culture and science fic- tion •The space program •Short stories and novels •Social structure •Critical analysis of Heinlein’s works, characters, and themes Lisa DʼAmico at Cascadia Con. Since Heinlein’s works encom- Photograph by The Heinlein Society pass many fields of study, Heinlein CALL FOR PAPERS Studies is not limited to science th Keith Kato at Conkopelli. 2007 marks the 100 anniver- fiction or literary themes only. Pre- Photograph by The Heinlein Society sary of Robert A. Heinlein’s birth. sentations are encouraged from all NO AWARDS DINNER Centennial events and celebrations academic areas. PLANNED AT 2006 WORLD SF will take place throughout the year. Artwork can be representational CONVENTION Select papers presented at the 2007 of (or inspired by) Heinlein-related The Heinlein Society usually PCA/ACA conference will be pub- themes, characters, works, or other sponsors its Awards Dinner during lished in special Centennial issues aspects of the Heinlein universe. the World Science Fiction Conven- of The Heinlein Journal. The con- Artists will present and discuss tion. ference will be held in Boston this their work at the conference. For L.A. Con IV, the 2006 coming year, at the Boston Marriott Visit www.rahstudies.org for WorldCon in Anaheim, California, Copley Place, April 7-10. See, http: more information and updates lead- the Board of Directors of the So- //www.rahstudies.org/boston.html ing up to the conference. Other ciety have concluded it would be for details. The Heinlein Studies opportunities for scholarship will highly impractical, both for finan- Area invites papers, panels, art- be posted on the website as they cial and scheduling reasons, to hold work, and multimedia presentations become available. Also, please the Awards Dinner or even a Lun- related to Robert A. Heinlein, his visit the Heinlein Society website cheon this year. The banquet menus works, and his influences. Presen- (www.heinleinsociety.org) for more available at both the Hilton and tations from a variety of academic information. Marriott hotels housing WorldCon and critical perspectives and dis- Lisa D’Amico, Academic Commit- attendees ask the inordinately high ciplines are welcome and should tee Chair [email protected] or prices one expects for a captive be suitable for a 15 to 20 minute [email protected] clientele, plus state tax, a “service reading presentation time limit. Please Email inquiries or 250-word abstracts and working bibliography (optional) to Lisa N. D’Amico, Heinlein Studies Area Chair, using [email protected]. Deadline for abstracts and proposals is October 15, 2006. Prospective panelists will be contacted promptly via E-mail. All submissions will be acknowl- edged upon receipt. Suggested topics of exploration include (but are not limited to): •The Human Diaspora •The Future History

12 13 charge,” and substantial hourly fees Convention Programming ment, sustain a free society in which to flourish. for bartenders and servers. The area Coordinatorʼs Report surrounding the two hotels also As we approach the Centennial reveals a lack of quality restaurants anniversary of Robert Heinlein’s within short walking distance. Far- birth, the membership of the So- ther away is Downtown Disney. ciety founded by his loving wife, Despite an abundance of restau- Virginia, is preparing suitable of- rants, a separate dining room for ferings and exhibitions for display the Society’s use cannot be rented at various venues all across the during peak hours at an accept- United States and beyond. Beyond able price. Ultimately, the Board the commemorations and celebra- of Directors was unwilling to ask tions, RAH’s expression of the in excess of $80 per diner, hence Alec Iorio, “sitting in the sun.” “pay it forward” concept is inform- Photoraph by The Heinlein Society the decision not to hold an Awards ing our communal operations. This Dinner this year. “PAY IT FORWARD” WITH portion of our communal pay it for- The Society will have some HEINLEIN SOCIETY CON- ward operation is beyond the abili- lower profile events at L.A. Con IV VENTION PARTICIPATION ties of any one person and presents that are still in the discussion and This first quotation you will wonderful opportunities for each of planning stages. There is a recep- likely recall from Robert A. us members to increase our partici- tion for Heinlein Award winners Heinlein’s 1951 juvenile novel, Be- pation in the Society’s efforts. Jack Williamson and Greg Bear tween Planets: There are conventions being Thursday night in the Heinlein At the offices of the New Lon- scheduled right now throughout the Society hospitality suite at the Mar- don Trust & Investment Company, United States and we have mem- riott. An expedition to 8777 Look- New London, Venus: bers in localities adjacent to many … The banker reached into the out Mountain Avenue in the Laurel of these. We are soliciting active folds of his gown, pulled out a single membership participation in these Canyon hills just north of Beverly credit note. “But eat first-a full belly Hills, and lunch in the nearby West steadies the judgment. Do me the hon- enterprises. Up the ante in your Hollywood or Valley area is being or of accepting this as our welcome to personal pay it forward schedul- considered. This house is signifi- the newcomer.” ing. Get online and look up the His pride said no; his stomach cant to Heinlein students, as it was convention(s) nearest your home said YES! Don took it and said, “Uh, — or where you’d like to vaca- owned by Robert Heinlein during thanks! That’s awfully kind of you. the 1930s and 40s. There will be I’ll pay it back, first chance.” tion. There’s an excellent listing of readings other nights. Details for “Instead, pay it forward to some many of these at the Locus maga- these and other Society activities other brother who needs it.” The zine website along with convenient banker touched a button on his desk, at the Worldcon will be available links for obtaining more informa- then stood up. tion on those that appeal to you. at the Society’s fan table within Don said goodbye and left. Together we strive to bring the Convention Center itself, or by This second quotation is from knowledge and appreciation of the telephoning the Society’s suite at an essay by Mr. Robert Wilfred seminal works and philosophies of the Anaheim Marriott. Ask for Da- Franson: vid Silver’s room telephone if they Pay it forward — that’s a vital com- Robert Heinlein to the current read- don’t recognize the Society’s name ponent of the Heinlein philosophy. ership of speculative fiction. We when you call. We cannot possibly repay all those have many currently undeclared we owe for who we are and what we The Society’s Annual Meet- co-appreciators and many more have — our culture, our free insti- potential friends and fellow travel- ing, at L.A. Con IV, will be held at tutions, the essential childraising — 5 PM, Saturday, August 26, in the and Heinlein surely places freedom ers to whom we should extend our Society’s hospitality suite. We hope ahead of banknotes. We cannot ad- friendship with an offer of Hein- to see you there! equately pay back the dead heroes leinian hospitality. Every conven- Keith G. Kato, Social Activities and philosophers and frontiersmen, tion meeting, panel discussion or Committee Chairman even our immediate ancestors; but costume party is another fresh, new [email protected] we can pay forward to those in need of a banknote to steady their judg- opportunity. “Shucks,” to quote Contʼd on Page Seventeen 12 13 Blood Drives made last year, as well as her post- drive. I’m sure we would have had Committee Report ing on LiveJournal, they had an as many this year had there been Things have been a bit slow even dozen “nurses” of both sexes someone to work. since September. We were unable this year encouraging folks to roll Which raises a point that I’ve to mount drives at Orycon and up their sleeves. After each donor made in previous newsletters; we Philcon this past year, though we was off the table, they made a big really need volunteers to make still hope for the future. Neverthe- show of presenting each with their our blood drive efforts a success. less, we’ve run drives at several old cloisonné pin, which brought fur- I can’t emphasize this strongly and new venues. ther attention to the cause and gave enough. Every member of the soci- On the weekend before Thanks- donors the applause they deserve. ety needs to step up and volunteer giving (Nov. 17-20) we ran our The following weekend we their time as well as their money, second annual drive at Gen Con in were finally able to have our first if not at a blood drive, then to sup- Anaheim, California. The turnout drive at Chattacon in Chattanooga. port another project. We all have was not as good as last year, de- Last year’s drive was cancelled at busy lives, but anyone can make spite better weath- the time to pay it er and moving in- forward in some side rather than us- way. All the com- ing a bloodmobile. mittees have proj- The problem was ects that require lower attendance varying degrees of at the con, or that time and effort, so we were just not as there is work to fit visible, but we had any schedule. By fewer than 20 do- working to make nors, only half as the world a better many as last year, place, you benefit and collected only yourself as well as a dozen pints. Any others. blood is useful, but We also need it may be difficult your thoughts, to convince the ideas and inspira- Red Cross to come tion to help us back this year with move forward. such a low turnout. Natalie’s naughty Thanks to THS nurses have been a members James great boon to our Leonard, Tim Morgan and Keith the last minute due to mechanical Arisia blood drives. The conven- Kato for helping staff the table. problems with the bloodmobile. tion has a ‘Rocky Horror Picture On the weekend of January Unfortunately, I was unable to find Show’ each year on Friday night; 14-16 Arisia hosted their third an- anyone to work this drive; and and they are there and get up on nual Robert Heinlein blood drive in numbers suffered as a consequence. stage to tell entice people to come Boston. This was a rousing success We had only six donors, better than and donate with lines like “Get- as always, and grew again this year nothing, but still was disappointing. ting drained...is sexy,” “Giving it to 65 donors and 61 pints collected. Last year, when David Wright was up...is sexy,” “Your hot blood...is Thanks as usual to John Hodges, there to take signups and provide sexy.” Then Nat takes the mike who has honchoed this drive from visibility, there were considerably and explains about the drive and the beginning, and to Natalie Seals more signups prior to the day of the the tradition that Heinlein started. I and her Naughty Nurses, who have Above: Mike leads by example at want expand to other conventions, really been bringing in donors. Cascadia Con. implementing similarly imaginative Thanks to the great impression she Photograph by Sharon Sheffield ideas. Balticon and are 14 15 More Blood Drives the standards of the collection or- lected 50 pints, with nine of those Committee Report ganizations. We get about the same being double red donors. Thanks also doing great things and bring- percentage of attendees donating to Vaughan Spencer for running ing in large numbers of donors. as at many large cons, but eleven things there. The con and the Red Over Easter weekend we had is just not enough for the organiza- Cross are looking forward to doing it again next year. Our 2nd Annual drive at Kublacon (Burlingame, May 26- 29) also turned out well. I found out fairly late that Stanford Blood Center had dropped our drive for a larger one that Sunday, but the Stanford rep suggested I contact Blood Center of the Pacific, and they stepped in and did a great job. We had targeted for sixteen pints, about what we got last year, and they came prepared to handle as many as 25. They exceeded their expectations, ran out of time and supplies, and had to turn away sev- eral people. They already have us on the books for next year; and the convention may be able to move us our second annual blood drive at tions. inside rather than using the blood- Minicon in Minneapolis. The drive By contrast, our first blood mobile, which will probably boost was held on Saturday, April 16 and drive at Marcon (Columbus, Ohio, At left, above: The “Naughty brought in 30 donors who gave 21 May 26-28) was a great success, Nurses” at Arisia. pints of blood. Thanks to Jim Yount Photograph by John Hodges and Otto Tennant for running the drive for us there. The Leprecon (Phoenix, May 5-7) blood drive was, unfortunate- ly, even less inspiring than our pre- vious outing two years ago, despite a great effort put forth by local art- ist Mark Greenawalt and Richard Madden who ran the sign up table for THS, as well as good support from the con. Mark did a special body painting session recreating James Warhola’s cover of I Will Fear No Evil and sent out press releases about the drive, but to no avail. We got only fourteen donors and collected eleven pints, not enough to entice United Blood Ser- vices to return next year. I believe even though the attendee/donor Above: “Naughty Nurse” Natalie the convention is just too small to ratio was about the same as Lep- Seals and some prime prospec- have a drive judged successful by recon. We had 72 donors and col- tive donors at Arisia. Photograph by John Hodges 14 15 Yet More Blood Drives annual drive at Gen Con (India- donor pins to Origins (a gaming Committee Report napolis). Scott Hann, Mike Urban- convention in Columbus, Ohio, donation even more. ski and Jennifer Bernstein will be June 29 - July 2). They have had a The Balticon (Baltimore, May there to run the drive as they did blood drive there for a few years 26-29) blood drive keeps improv- last year. now and one of the organizers was ing every year. This was our 4th Last week I delivered the usual at Kublacon, donated a pint, and annual drive there, requested pins and we got 38 to give out their pints of blood from blood donors. He 52 donors present- likes the Heinlein ing. Thanks go to Society’s work Pam Somers and and wants us to be her husband Bob involved with their Preisinger and J.J. future drives. Brannon for again I received and doing a wonderful email earlier this job there. month from Lisa Next up was Turpin, a represen- Conzilla, the 2006 tative of the Inland Westercon (San Northwest Blood Diego, July 1-4). Center (Spokane Mike Mahoney area) about do- ran the convention ing a blood drive for us there with next year. Beethka help from his wife; Hendrix, a THS and Jerry Munger member, had con- and Paul and Terry tacted her to set Brussel-Gibbons up a drive to cel- were available to ebrate Heinlein’s assist for part of centennial year. the time. It went The drive will well. There were take place at one 29 donors present- or more of their ing, and 22 pints donor centers in were collected. the Northwest. We The San Diego don’t have exact Blood Bank was dates set yet. I pleased, and put hope to encourage us in their book more THS mem- for our next local bers and Heinlein drive which will fans to take simi- be at ConDor (Mar lar initiative and 2-4, 2007). Thanks organize centen- to Mike Mahoney. nial tributes of this He will be running ConDor too. complement of blood drive pins for sort. I’ve E-mailed Beethka to offer After that is Demicon (Des the Comic-Con blood drive in San my thanks and any necessary sup- Moines, July 28-30). Sheril Harper Diego (July 20-23). This is their port. will again be running the blood 30th year of doing a blood drive Ginny Heinlein donated cop- drive there as she did last year. there. They usually greatly exceed ies of Robert’s works to donors at August 17-20 will be our 3rd 100 donors. I’ve also sent blood the two World SF Con drives that 16 17 And, Finally, More Blood cial use of members at the up-com- release of the book is September Drives Committee Report ing 64th World Science Fiction 19, 2006 -- just a couple of weeks occurred after formation of THS Convention (WorldCon) to be held following the convention. Once while she was living--in Philadel- in Anaheim, California during the again, the Society will offer bever- phia in 2001 and San José in 2002. week-end of 23 - 27 August, 2006. ages and comestibles. The bonho- This year I’ve written to the Prize The exact number of the suite will mie which will be in evidence will Trustee and asked him to emulate be available at the Anaheim Mar- be the provision and responsibility her kindness and encouragement. riott as well as at the Society’s of the attendees. I hope to see you all donate at fantable once the convention be- See you there? L.A. Con IV. If you cannot donate, gins but we know now that the Pay It Forward! please help out, some way. suite will be at the Anaheim Mar- Alec Iorio, Programming Coordina- riott one of the two official hotels tor We need people for these [email protected] events and more. If you can help of the convention. In this venue, out, or if you know someone reli- the Society is planning to enhance Fundraising Committee able that can, I need to hear from the WorldCon program offerings Report you soon. If there is a convention by presenting special readings from in your area that would be a good TWO new books which are of in- venue for a blood drive let me credible Heinlein-specific interest. know. We can work together to set On Wednesday, August 23 at 7: it up. 30 PM in the Society’s suite, to cel- I never had the good fortune to ebrate the evening of the first offi- meet Robert Heinlein, but I believe cial day of the convention, Heinlein that he would be pleased to know Scholar, Bill Patterson, will be that we are following the course reading selections from Volume that he laid in for us and paying it Two of his soon-to-be-published forward. biography of Robert Heinlein. Fol- Mike Sheffield, Blood Drives Chair lowing the reading, there will be an and Director Alan Milner at Cascadia Con opportunity for a “Q and A” ses- Photograph by The Heinlein Society [email protected] sion with the author/reader which Convention Programming will be fueled by bonhomie, bever- SOCIETY ANNOUNCES Coordinatorʼs Report ages and comestibles supplied by CENTENNIAL READER Contʼd from Page Thirteen the Society. COMPETITION a Venerian acquaintance, is there On Friday, August 25, also at Robert A. Heinlein was born even one fan of Robert A. Heinlein 7:30 PM, the Society will sponsor 99 years ago, in Butler, Missouri, who doesn’t enjoy talking about a reading from the opening chap- on July 7, 1907. her/his opinion(s) of RAH and his ters of Variable Star by Robert A. Beginning on July 7, 2007, works and influences? Heinlein and Spider Robinson. millions of devoted Heinlein fans So, don’t just sit there! Contact For the Heinlein fans who are not will commemorate his life and a Con near you and ask how you aware of this new publication, this works with a year-long series of can participate! Offer to set up a new work is based on an outline events and activities at science fic- discussion panel — if you need and character notes RAH created in tion conventions and other special some assistance or suggestions, 1955 and put aside in favor of other events around the world. send us an email. The THS website projects. Following its discovery in As part of this Centennial Cel- includes a page of contact links for the Heinlein Archives, the Heinlein ebration, The Heinlein Society is your convenience. We’ll respond Trust contacted Spider Robinson (a planning to publish a commemora- to your questions and suggestions well-known Heinlein admirer and a tive volume of Heinlein apprecia- expeditiously. first-class science-fiction author in tions of Heinlein’s life and work. OYEZ! OYEZ! OYEZ! his own right) and made arrange- “Critical Mass: A Heinlein The Heinlein Society has, as ments with him to “complete the Centennial Reader,” scheduled for usual, reserved a suite for the spe- work.” The announced publication release on July 7, 2007, will be Contʼd on Page Eighteen 16 17 Fundraising Committee the feedback. Editing is optional, Membership Service Report of course, but a positive response Committee Report Contʼd from Page Seventeen to feedback may affect the vot- compiled from essays submitted to ing. While readers will be able to the Society through a specially-de- “vote” for their favorite articles in a signed website. “popularity survey”, the final selec- “Anyone can submit articles tions will be made by the member- to the competition,” explained ship of The Heinlein Society, who Alan Milner, the Chairman of the will make their selections from the Society’s Fundraising Committee, top vote getters in each category. who is coordinating the Centennial The public review period will Reader project. “This isn’t reserved end on May 1, 2007. From May 1 for academics or professional to June 1, when the members of the writers. We want to see a real cross Society will read and vote on all of section of Heinlein readers re- the articles that have been nomi- sponding to this opportunity.” nated by the public for inclusion in “We are especially interested the Centennial Readers. The voting in first-person articles from people period will end on June 1, to allow who knew Robert, or corresponded us the time required to edit, proof, with him, as well as essays from and prepare the volume for publi- people who never met Robert, but Pam Somers at Cascadia Con cation. Photograph by The Heinlein Society whose lives have been affected by The Read- Summer is well upon us and Heinlein’s philosophy and social er will be published in three forms, WorldCon is only weeks away! commentaries.” as an e-book, as a hard cover book WorldCon is the place that old The long-time board member in standard library binding, and members have the chance to renew also pointed out that appearing in in a limited edition leather-bound acquaintances and new members the Centennial reader would be a version. We are experimenting with have the chance to make them. real step up for aspiring writers, a Print On Demand system that For myself, I always look forward because the book is destined to promises a seven day turnaround to greeting old friends and meet- receive wide distribution within the period. The Reader will be of- ing new ones. The Society will (as science fiction community. fered through Amazon.com and the always) open a hospitality suite on All of the materials submitted Society’s website, but will not be most evenings in the President’s to this competition will be posted available from retail stores except digs at the Marriott. If you’re at- on the Centennial Reader website, by special order. tending WorldCon this year, I cer- where they will be subjected to All proceeds from the sales of tainly hope you will drop by. public review and comment, but the Centennial Reader will be ap- We will have our usual fan only the members of the Society plied to the charitable activities of table at WorldCon and again this can vote on the submissions. the Society, but each of the authors year we are seeking volunteers to Each submission will be will receive a complimentary copy help man the table for at least a reviewed by a member of the of the Reader. couple of hours each day. Check Heinlein Society for appropriate- For more information on how the program schedule and fit us in ness and decorum. Once submis- to submit articles, please visit: http: between panels! You can talk to me sions pass the sniff test, they will //www.ratesifters.com/Heinlein/ any evening in the hospitality suite, be posted on line on the CRITI- heinlein1.htm CAL MASS web site for public Alan Milner, Fundraising Chair or Email me in advance, or sign up review and comment. Editorial and Director each morning at the fan table—or comments will be passed along to [email protected] just drop by the fan table and grab the authors, who will be responsi- a chair. Whether you can stay or ble for amending and resubmitting “Pay It Forward--” not, please be sure to locate and their articles in accordance with Twice Would Be Fine stop by the fan table so we can give

18 19 you a Heinlein Society ribbon to our members with practical advice Library Committee Report add to your badge. We want folks to help place Robert’s works in to know who we are! your local school libraries and pub- The upcoming WorldCon got lic libraries. Your dues help support me to thinking about our annual this, too. membership meeting -- and that got To thank our paid-up mem- me to thinking about our members bers this year, we are planning -- and that got me to thinking about an exciting benefit to be awarded how much of what we do is invis- during the membership meeting at ible to our members. I thought this WorldCon. Every paid-up mem- might be a good time to remind ber will be entered in a drawing our members about the activities for one of ten signed first editions our dues are supporting. You know of Heinlein Board Member Jerry Lindalee Stuckey at 2005 about our blood drives, of course— Pournelle and Larry Niven clas- Nebula Awards our blood drive chairman, Mike sics, Lucifer’s Hammer, The Mote Photograph by Keith Stokes Sheffield, gives us a report in every in God’s Eye, or Footfall -- or for I am recovering from total hip newsletter about blood drives held one of three signed first editions of replacement. The good news is I and blood drives planned. But, did Heinlein Board Member Joe Halde- am now free of most of the pain. I you know we gift man’s classics am down from nine pain pills a day each blood do- Mindbridge, All to one at night. So far I can handle nor with a small My Sins Remem- a walker and am beginning to use heart-shaped bered, or Buying a cane. I can get in and out of bed pin, designed by Time. myself but I have to move every Robert Heinlein Most excit- two hours which affects my sleep. for the earliest ing … with gra- I’ve written the AR tests for blood drives, as cious cooperation the Heinlein juveniles, some are well as a “blood of the Heinlein in final form, others nearly there. donor” ribbon Estate, we will We’re cooperating with a project to be attached to be awarding a by AboutSF.com, letting them use their convention facsimile of the our tests as samples for others badge? We’re original manu- to emulate in creating certifica- proud to continue script of Robert’s tions of other SF books suitable the tradition Robert began so many first novel,For Us, the Living. for K-12 teaching. See, http:// years ago. Your dues help support To be entered in the drawing, www.aboutsf.com/wiki/index.php/ these things. all you need to do is be sure your AR:Heinlein_AR_Tests th I attended Balticon this past 2006 dues reach us by August 15 . Thank you all for the great May, and several people stopped That’s it! If you’ve already paid response to my plea for funds for to talk to me about ways to have your dues, you’re entered. If you this project. Heinlein books placed in school haven’t yet paid your dues, don’t I have plane tickets and a hotel libraries. Many of them com- wait any longer. If you aren’t sure, reservation for WorldCon. My doc- mented to me that they would love drop us an Email and we’ll check tor gave me clearance to go. I have to see that happen, but don’t know for you. asked the airline for wheelchair as- where to begin to make it happen. You don’t have to attend the sistance as O’Hare is a lot of walk- Our Library Chairman, Lindalee con to be a part of the drawing. But ing. I am contacting the convention Stuckey, has dedicated many hours I hope you do – I’m looking for- for handicapped access for events. to producing and assembling all the ward to seeing you at L.A. CON IV! I am looking forward to meet- material necessary to have Robert’s Pam Somers, Membership Services Chair ing Heinlein people at WorldCon. books placed in school libraries. Lindalee Stuckey, Library Com- She’s always available to support [email protected] mitte Chair [email protected]

18 19 juveniles for classroom work— an essay, you will want to reread BOOK REVIEWS they contain a wealth of references the juvenile if you’ve read it before to influences or subjects alluded to and read it for the first time if Heinlein’s Children: The by Heinlein in passing, Heinlein’s you’ve never done so. You may or- Juveniles famous “info dumps” that make the der it from the usual retail purvey- by Joseph T. Major juveniles fascinating reading for ors or directly from the publisher, with an introduction by Alexei adolescents and adults alike. Advent:Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box Panshin Sometimes Joe is flat out wrong A3228, Chicago, IL 60690. Advent 5.5” x 8.5”, 535 pp., 2006 about what he thinks Heinlein also makes available The Science ISBN 0-911682-34-1 Cloth, might have been thinking on a Fiction Novel, introduced by Basil $25.00 subject referenced—for example, Davenport, and Of World Beyond, “Mr. Major’s study of Heinlein’s there’s a web-published rebuttal by edited by Lloyd Arthur Eschach, juveniles emphasizes plot develop- ment and incident, considers what David Wright to some points Joe each of which contain important es- Heinlein was trying to do in each critiques about General Semantics, says on SF by Robert Heinlein, and story and how well he succeeded, and but his mistakes are honestly rea- others. See, http://www.nesfa.org/ also points out possible influences soned and contain his best consid- press/Books/Advent/ from other sources. erations. David M. Silver “Major does not waste the reader’s time trying to “deconstruct” stories At Left: Joseph Major with his first royalty check to make political points about our November 29, 2002 own times. The closest he comes to Photograph provided by Joe Major that is in considering the contro- versy that exploded around Star- Variable Star ship Troopers (1959) and why the by Robert A. Heinlein and book was denounced as militaristic Spider Robinson and fascist by some critics (many 5.5” x 8.5”, 320 pp., 2006 of whom understood little about the ISBN 076531312X, Hardbound, military and even less about fascism). $24.95. Scribner’s published the first twelve “When Joel Johnston first met Jin- of Heinlein’s juveniles, but balked ny Hamilton, it seemed like a dream at —too much red come true. And when she finally meat for young readers, apparently— agreed to marry him, he felt like the so Heinlein sold the last two of his luckiest man in the universe. juveniles to Putnam’s. “There was just one small prob- “This book is introduced by Alexei The new materials are chap- lem. He was broke. His only goal in Panshin, whose own … books … ters on Starship Troopers and life was to become a composer, and reflect a quite different way of analyz- he knew it would take years before ing the works of Robert A. Heinlein.” , not juveniles he was earning enough to support a -- from the dustjacket exactly, but marketed as such when family. I received a reviewing copy of first published, some light revisions of other chapters, and an introduc- “But Jinny wasn’t willing to wait. Joe Major’s hard cover printing of And when Joel asked her what they tion by Panshin that I actually en- the series of essays he’s labored were going to do for money, she gave over for years on all the Heinlein joyed reading, for a change, unlike him a most unexpected answer. She juveniles late last year. It’s quite most writings by him which make told him that her name wasn’t really worthwhile. Joe is a long-time fan me want to sneer. Panshin liked Jinny Hamilton—it was Jinny Con- of SF with quite an unique view- the juveniles and his recital of their rad, and she was the granddaughter point, but one that is intelligently influence on his youth is warm. He of Richard Conrad, the wealthiest rational and supportable, almost had to be a fan first, and he was, man in the solar system. “And now that she was sure that always. These essays, some quite before he became a frustrated critic Joel loved her for herself, not for entertaining, are works that I’ve of Heinlein. I recommend Major’s work her wealth, she revealed her family’s recommended over the years to plans for him—he would be groomed teachers considering using Heinlein highly. You will find after reading 20 21 for a place in the vast Conrad empire may be disappointed that the book is bearing bad tidings gets follow- and sire a dynasty to carry on the incomplete, being all journey and no ing his tribute to the Grand Master family business. arrival.” published in Tiger Kondo’s Requi- “Most men would have jumped at —From Publisher’s Weekly. em in 1992. the opportunity. But Joel Johnston This is going to be a controver- In 1955, Robert Heinlein created wasn’t most men. To Jinny’s surprise, sial novel. It is an experiment by an outline of at least eight pages, and even his own, he turned down the literary executor to determine her generous offer and then set off together with a series of notes on whether today’s authors, as heav- the three by five pale blue cards he on the mother of all benders. And ily influenced by Heinlein’s writ- woke up on a colony ship heading out often used, that might have grown ings as his aficionados, can make into space, torn between regret over to become the juvenile novel his rash decision and his Heinlein’s magic continue to work Variable Star, although determination to forget originally he entitled it The Jinny and make a life for Stars Are a Clock and then, himself among the stars. among other possibilities, “He was on his way Doctor Einstein’s Clock, to succeeding when his but never settled on a final plans—and the plans of title. He stopped writing billions of others—were shattered by a cosmic the outline for some rea- cataclysm so devastat- son and, perhaps as former ing it would take all of UC Santa Cruz Heinlein humanity’s strength and Scholar William Patterson ingenuity just to survive.” suggests, after discussing it —From publisher’s pro- with Ginny Heinlein, wrote motional material. at her suggestion instead “… Robinson … the juvenile novel about the plants both feet firmly twins Pat and Tom Bartlett in Heinlein territory that became Time for the with this mostly credible Stars, a novel that address- pastiche of a Heinlein young adult novel circa es some, but not all, themes 1955. Working from an outlined by Dr. Einstein’s unfinished outline and Clock, the abandoned out- notes, Robinson tells the line that continued on into coming-of-age tale of our future in a drawer of Joel Johnston, who flees orphaned ideas that Ginny a broken romance … . once told me that she kept, Joel and his companions even after Robert’s death, demonstrate the odd mix- reading over them occa- ture of innocence and sionally. sexual experimentation I haven’t read enough of that Heinlein employed, … . But the strain of a Robinson to be a fan, only contemporary author trying to fit to support the trust he set up to a few of his essays including some his sensibility about the future (in fund mankind’s flights into space. he wrote for the Globe and Mail, which nonaggression is a way of life, Mr. Robinson earned the incred- Canada’s leading newspaper, less for example) into Heinlein’s more ibly difficult first shot at this effort than a handful of the Callahan’s notably militaristic mindset leaves by his essays and efforts on behalf Saloon novels, and none of his col- its traces on the characters and plot, of Heinlein’s writings these past laborations with his wife Jeanne. with some unexplained role reversals. nearly two decades and more since The Callahan stories seem affable Nostalgia for Heinlein’s early work Heinlein’s death in 1988. He suf- amusements to me, somewhat lack- may pique interest in this posthumous fered from critics and fair weather ing in gravitas, plainly intended to collaboration, but old Heinlein hands fen the onus that every messenger express a laudable and kindly tol- Contʼd on Page Twenty-three 20 21 Board Of Directors Virginia Heinlein [1916-2003] Charles N. Brown Yoji Kondo Joe Haldeman A Non-Profit Corporation Alan Milner PO Box 1254 Jerry Pournelle Venice, California 90294-1254 Michael Sheffield www.heinleinsociety.org David Wright, Sr. Jane Silver, Secretary-Treasurer David M. Silver, Chairman

Dear Prospective Member:

The Heinlein Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the intellectual and literary concerns, and social legacy, of Robert A. Heinlein. In addition to his main reputation as a science fiction writer and futurist, Heinlein during his lifetime tried to give worthy social causes a boost. The best way we can show our appreciation for his legacy is to PAY IT FORWARD. Some examples of projects already proposed for the Society (now pending tax-exempt charity status) are: continuing the series of blood drives he started; developing an educational curriculum using Heinleinʼs writing; sponsoring educational programs such as essay contests; keeping his books in libraries; sponsoring scholarly and literary work on Heinlein; and doing our best to promote space exploration. A complete list of the working sections already started is in the information part below. We will want to add more worthy projects as time goes by. Membership in the various working sections is not mandatory, but it is certainly encouraged. Also we want your ideas for working projects in the future! An annual Supporting Membership level is provided for students and those on fixed incomes who wish to support the work of The Heinlein Society. If you are interested in joining us in continuing the good work Robert Heinlein started, please fill out the application form below and mail it to The Heinlein Society, P.O. Box 1254, Venice, CA 90294-1254. Or visit our web site at http://www.heinleinsociety.org, where you may apply for membership by an online application form. For further information, please contact the Society at the above postal address or Internet E-mail via “[email protected].”

“I think the Heinlein Society is a fine idea. Robert would be proud of the way his Children have grown up.” -- Virginia Heinlein, October 2000. Detach Here for Application

Name: ______E-mail Address: ______

Street Address: ______Home Telephone: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip:______Work Telephone: ______

Annual Membership Dues Check Enclosed Regular Membership $35 ______*Supporting Membership: $15 ______[*Supporting membership is available only to students enrolled for a degree or certificate, or persons retired and on a limited income. It confers no eligibility to vote or hold Society office.]

I wish to join and work on the following projects (check as many as you wish): ______Membership ______Library support ______Scholastics-Academics ______Blood Drives ______Fund-raising ______Education (K-12 grades) ______Centennial Celebration of Robert Heinleinʼs Birth ______Aerospace Outreach

Other Projects I would like to see the Society become involved in: ______

______

Other Comments: ______

______22 23 love, the same way Joe Haldeman BOOK REVIEWS novel that Dr. Einstein’s Clock Contʼd from page twenty-one became, after the reevaluation, in resolves Major Mandala’s in The Forever War, and Heinlein again so erance for all the forms of human Heinlein’s typewriter in 1955, is resolved Dan Davis’ plight in The eccentricity, but not every vampire, my least favorite juvenile so far Door Into Summer. talking dog or alien merits toler- as tone is concerned. The major I think you will appreciate the ance, or even much interest. character development theme it dis- “arrival” that resolves the journey This defect of superficiality is not plays is the most difficult to handle. of Variable Star and Spider Robin- present in his recently completed There is a certain quintessential son’s renewed tributes to the Grand Variable Star. “Variable Star is the sadness to it because it concerns Master in it. story of a young man so unlucky in distancing and loss. Tom Bartlett Think what Clifford Russell and love that it drove him clear out of is going to lose everything, except PeeWee would have done had the the solar system, ... and then that himself. Tom’s lesson-to-learn is verdict of his tribunal gone the turned out to be the good news,” to distance himself. First, from other way. There is little difference Robinson said in a recent interview his family as the Lewis and Clark in the final analysis between Iunio, with SciFi.com. leaves earth, then from his telepath- Clifford and us. “All right, take There is an “arrival” to the story, ic twin brother as he comes to real- away our star—You will if you can. contrary to the reviewer who writes ize how he had been dominated by I guess you can. Go ahead! We’ll for Publisher’s Weekly. Heinlein Pat, then more slowly from crew- make a star! Then, someday, we’ll very often tipped the story by mates who are lost to illness and come back and hunt you down—all choosing particular names for his accident, then from his uncle who of you!” protagonists, and either he in his dies a hero because Tom cannot The tone of the novel is dark and outline or Robinson in emulation of throw a rope far enough and whose challenging; but it is worth buying him has done so here. Read, Book advice has long since taken the and reading, more than once. Rob- of Joel, 3:3-5, and 4:1-21 [in 2:18 place of that of a father who never through 3:21, of the King James Ver- seemed very concerned about Tom. inson’s effort merits that reward. sion].* Then comes the distancing from all The Prize Trust should be en- This is not an affable juvenile his remaining mentors, and finally couraged to look again among Robinson has written. The outline from the Captain of the Elsie her- the drawerful of orphans Vir- broke off, lacking an ending, and self, when Tom Bartlett commits ginia Heinlein maintained to read Robinson has chosen to conclude his de facto mutiny. Heinlein was thoughts from her deceased hus- the plot with a theme Heinlein to say, under other circumstances, band’s mind occasionally. once recounted to Robinson, tell- as Joseph Major, in his recent I recommend you buy and read ing him John Campbell talked him Heinlein’s Children (also reviewed Variable Star. David M. Silver out of writing a novel containing it. this issue), points out, “the theme [*A minor numbering difference be- Heinlein on other occasions men- of the story (referring to the not-a- tween today’s Protestant and Catholic tioned that theme as major reason juvenile Podkayne of Mars) is that versions of the Bible going back to enough for man to seek expansion death is the only destination for all translation of the Septuagint in the 3d to the stars. “It is important for the of us and the only long-range hope century B.C.E. when Greek translators combined the Hebrew Books 2 and 3.] human race to spread out into space for any adult lies in the young--and for the survival of the species,” the that this double realization consti- Associated Press recently quoted tutes growing up, ceasing to be a astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, child, and putting away childish who echoes Heinlein’s point. “Life things.” Grumbles, letter of March on Earth is at the ever-increasing 10, 1962. risk of being wiped out by a disas- Near the end, Tom stands totally ter, such as sudden global warming, alone aggravated by the knowledge nuclear war, a genetically engi- that he can never truly go home neered virus or other dangers we again, ever. Joel finds himself in have not yet thought of.” the same situation. , the juvenile Heinlein resolved that plight with “Pay It Forward--” 22 23 “Two times to think, on … a few small things …” I thought I’d inflict on you a membership—you and me, to do it. with our regular committees, and photo my wife Andrea likes that Over the next ten months, we’ll members willing to organize local she took while I was in rehab after make visits to various venues, SF groups to support all the Society my first heart attack last Veterans’ conventions and others, such as does or should do in your locales. Day. The good news was the stent spaceflight conventions, with a ma- We need help with blood they put in which allowed me to jor object of arranging with them drives, expanding them, and main- build up physically well enough for a celebratory program after the taining the ones we have. We need that, later, when it can time for a Centennial proper begins on July 7, local convention programming bypass this May I managed to sur- 2007. To do that effectively we will help. Programming directors are vive it too. I’m probably in better need local contacts from among not responsive unless there is a shape today than I’ve been the past our membership to help favorably local demand, and that can only be several years—thanks to a hand- influence and persuade chairman created from within organizations ful of pills the VA’s doctors insist I and programming directors that that themselves host conventions. take twice a day to keep my heart one or two ninety minute panels We need help getting Heinlein that way. Thanks for all the good is little enough to celebrate the books into libraries and schools. wishes. The bad news was the ugly Centennial of the greatest SF writer We need help both at the K-12 and goatee I grew—when you come out and inspiration for space explora- college or university levels. Your of the hospital with a month’s-old local schools and libraries to begin. beard, why waste it? But you’re And we need fundraising capabili- safe; she made me shave it off after ties. We need members to help all the bypass and says I cannot grow the fine people who serve as our it back until it’s time to put it on committee chairs. Volunteers get for the photo on back of the book tired and discouraged when they jacket of the novel I’ll write one must work alone. Don’t let ours day. Real safe. burn out. If you’re retired as I am and Don’t wait until I come find your only “business” interest is you—you might not like it when keeping a promise to an old lady to I call. Instead, drop me a note at keep a little charity going that she [email protected], or started to preserve the memory of call, any reasonable hour, at 310- David Silver doing “Rehab” her dead husband, two heart attacks Photograph by Mrs. Andrea Silver 346-5667. Tell me what you can gives you time to reflect how well tion of the 20th century. And, we’ll do, and more important, what the promise-keeping is going. need membership help the next you’d like to do. We’re going to need some re- year, 2007, to man displays and It’s been a fascinating past ally substantial help this next year panels. Not everyone thinks a panel six years, with this little idea of from old and new participants. We is an easy thing to do—but think Ginny’s. It can give you as much have quite a program for Robert again: if you’ve taught anything in gratification as it gives me. Heinlein’s Centennial in planning. your life, Sunday school, furniture PAY IT FORWARD! We’re going to put on ten or so refinishing, plumbing, academ- I’ll see you at your next con- educational programs at conven- ics, handicrafts, law, or, goodness vention, for as long as Andrea lets tions throughout the United States sakes, SF writing, you can prob- me keep getting on those airplanes. and Canada, and at least one else- ably hold your own on a panel Thank you for all you can give where, in Japan for WorldCon, and where you know the subject as well to us, “and (always) to Ginny.” possibly others in Asia and Europe, as you know Heinlein’s writings. Remember, “The Lieutenant if, and only if, we get your help to Expect me to be in touch, per- expects …”. do it. David M. Silver sonally, at times late this and next President and Chairman We need two things: money— year. I’ll be looking for volunteers. “The Lieutenant expects our dues and contributions, and We also need ongoing help your names to shine!”

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