Winter 1999 ConNotations Volume 9, Issue 4 The Quarterly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society
simulator. Efforts are underway to SF Tube Talk attempt to have it picked up and com- 24 Frames In This Issue pleted by another company so it may still News & Reviews make it to the stores. Movie News & Reviews by Lee Whiteside Straczynski has been keeping busy SF Tube Talk by Lee Whiteside ...... 1 working on other projects since the Toy Story 2 - Digital All the Way The fall season is well underway with shutdown of Crusade. His comic series 24 Frames...... 1 only one major genre casualty so far with for Top Cow, Rising Stars, is underway, By now you know that Toy Story 2 is a FYI...... 2 even more new shows debuting mid- although not quite as on time as readers very good, fun and entertaining movie. It CASFS Business Report...... 2 season. would like. He’s penned a Murder She On the Babylon 5/Crusade front, the is also the first all digital movie to be Publishing On-Demand Wrote TV movie for CBS, and a script screened digitally. Last summer, Lucas- prospects of Crusade continuing are nil. for a radio adaptation of C. M. by Pat Connors...... 2 Ratings were fairly decent, especially film screened The Phantom Menace at a AZ Pro News Kornbluth’s “The Marching Morons” couple of LA theaters for a month. Disney considering the level of promotion TNT by Daryll Mallett...... 3 for NPR. He’s also been working on has decided to step up digital screenings did for the series, but the only other viable developing a new series that would be Musical Notes outlet, the SciFi Channel, just wasn’t and starting with Toy Story 2, they open- about 10% speculative fiction. He was by Tom Tuerff...... 4 interested in footing the bill for more. It’s ed the movie with digital theater screen- working with Chris Carter and 1013 ings including some outside of the Los The Gaming Arcade...... 5 unlikely that TNT will repeat the series productions to develop the series for Angeles area. So if you’re traveling over ConClusion...... 7 anytime soon and we’ll likely not see it CBS but that alliance ended when FOX again until TNT’s contract runs out and Studios decided that any future Chris Star Trek Wedding Experience Babylon 5 and Crusade move to SciFi, Carter shows would be solely created by by Lewis Geoffrey...... 8 who are interested in the show as a repeat him, which is what they blamed the How To Enjoy A Star Trek property. failure of Harsh Realm on. Convention by Lewis Geoffrey...... 8 There are still some Babylon 5/Crusade Straczynski is now looking for other Videophile (News & Reviews)...... 11 related works coming out in print. production partners for the series. In Our Book (Book Reviews)...... 14 According to one recent interview with Straczynski, he had Convention & Fandom been approached by Club Listings...... 17 some Trek producers about helping them out, Convention Listings...... 19 which he turned down. Convention Registration Form.19 Trek activities & non- activities Art Work Over in the Star the holidays to San Francisco, Hollywood, Sherlock...... 2,7,10,13,14,19 Trek universe, Voy- Burbank, or Irvine in California as well ager is still trying to as Plano, Texas and Orlando, Florida, make its way home, check the local movie listings for the Movie Reviews future movies are in theater and times. They will also be Toy Story 2 limbo, and ideas for a screening Bicentennial Man digitally Directed by Colin Brady & Ash Brannon new series are being when it opens in mid-December. Planned Voices by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen looked into. locations are Toronto and Vancouver, Pixar/Walt Disney There’s been various B.C. in Canada and Kansas City, Mis- Reviewed by Sue & Johanna Martin Straczynski has penned three short stories reports and rumors about the next Star souri, Chicago, Illinois, Cleveland, Ohio for the Amazing Stories magazine, one Trek series, but nothing has been and the Arizona Mills Harkins Theater in Let me say right out: this is just as good featuring Londo, and one featuring G’Kar announced or decided on as far as Phoenix, Arizona. as the first one. and Lyta that have already been published. anyone is willing to admit to. Rumors The digital projection made the images All your favorite toys are back: Mr. and A third story featuring the new Babylon 5 are that several ideas that Rick Berman for Toy Story 2 VERY sharp and VERY Mrs. Potato Head, Slinky dog, Little Bo crew should be published early next year. and Brannon Braga have pitched to colorful. The best way to describe it is a Peep, the timorous T-Rex, the Piggy There will also be some Straczynski Viacom have been rejected and that giant, high definition computer screen. Bank, and of course, Buzz and Woody. penned short fiction next year in the they’ve gone back to starting over. More You could really see the details in the The new characters are a cowgirl named official Babylon 5 Magazine. On the than likely, the next series will end up characters, especially the ones made of Jessie, Stinky Pete the Prospector and novel front, J. Gregory Keyes’ Bester on CBS due to the Viacom/CBS merger cloth. Having seen it already in a regular Bull’s Eye, Woody’s faithful companion/ Trilogy was recently completed and a currently in the works. On the movie theater, I could really appreciate the horse. Peter David penned Centauri trilogy has front, recent interviews with cast improved projection of the digital system. What a surprise: There are lots of just started. Following that will be a members and producers have indicated The resolution is high enough that the allusions and/or nods to the Star Wars Technomage trilogy featuring Galen by that nothing is currently in development, only time you really noticed any pixels universe, including the beginning bit with Jeanne Cavelos. A computer game that so it may be several years before we see was when a lot of text was on the screen. Buzz (very funny!), but this story is has been in development from Sierra another Star Trek movie. As a bonus, the trailers for Fantasia 2000 Woody’s tale, as the first one was about Online has been shut down due to budget On Voyager, after the holiday repeats and Dinosaur were also digitally pro- Buzz’s introduction into the world of cuts. It features scenes filmed with several we’ll get a string of new episodes jected and looked very impressive as well. Andy’s toys. cast members as well as a very good flight ( Cont’d on Page 9 ) - Lee Whiteside ( Cont’d on page11 ) Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 1 FYI CASFS Business Report Who’s Who This Issue Dear Faithful Reader, Author Guest of Honor.” Plus, HexaCon Book Discussion Groups Editor: Stephanie L. Bannon By the time you read this, we will have 10 is gearing up for a gaming convention We have two monthly book discussion Co-Editors: Craig L. Dyer & Sue completed another year’s worth of even better than the last one. Martin groups going, one at Glendale Public meetings in the merrily controlled chaos In financial news, ConNotations is Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer Library on the first Thursday of each that is CASFS. What have we done this getting close to being self-supporting. If Film & Video Reporter: Barry Bard month and another at Barnes and Noble Staff Writers: Pam Allen, Barry Bard, quarter? you run a business or a convention, please in Metro Center on the fourth Thursday Michael Griffin, Daryl F. Mallet, CopperCon 19 was successful-especially consider purchasing an ad to support the of each month. Here’s a schedule of Shane Shellenbarger, Tom Tuerff, Lee in the eyes of the lucky group that spent magazine. CASFS also managed to upcoming books: Whiteside, Randall Whitlock, Mike Friday night hanging out with our Author obtain its very own credit card machine, GLENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY: 1st Willmoth Guest of Honor, David Weber, in the which made its successful debut at Layout & Design: Stephanie L. Bannon Thursday of each month lobby. Brett Bass, the Artist Guest of CopperCon. Keeper of the Mailing List: Craig L. Jan 6: Scent of Magic - Andre Norton Honor, delighted all who stopped by the CASFS continues to recruit new fans Dyer and Doug Cosper February 3: Bimbos of the Death Sun - Contributors: Robert Barber, Pat art show with both his conversation and with our two monthly book discussions at Sharyn McCrumb Connors, Lewis Geoffrey, Johanna his insanely fast airbrush. Everyone who the Glendale Public Library and the March 2: Folk of the Air by Peter Beagle Martin, Gary Swaty bid on a blank canvas (and there were Barnes & Noble store at Metrocenter. We April 6: The Stranger by Mark Twain Labeling Crew for Volume 9 Issue 3: several) took home a stunning painting also plan to have another booth at the Stephanie L. Bannon, Mark & Danielle May 4: Firebrand by Marion Zimmer completed over the weekend. Phoenix Public Library’s Book Festival Boniece, Pat Connors, Craig L. Dyer, Ray Bradley CopperCon 20 has announced author on April 8, 2000. Mark your calendars & Pinkie Gish, Scott Glener & Friend, June 1: Paris in the Twentieth Century by Philip Jose Farmer, artist Vincent di Fate, and be sure to stop by! David & Angel Hungerford, Sue & Jo Jules Verne Martin, Bob & Lori LaPierre, Nick and musician Cecelia Eng as Guests of Have a happy holiday! For information on the Glendale group Schumacher, Gary Swaty Honor. Additionally, long-time fan and Until next time, contact Sue Martin at (623)939-7815 About ConNotations: ConNotations is local horror writer Adam Niswander has The Frantic Scribe BARNES & NOBLE METRO CEN- the fan published newszine of the Central accepted the brand-new position of “Local Arizona Speculative Fiction Society TER: 4th Thursday of each month (CASFS) an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 non- December 16: Harry Potter and the profit organization. Circulation is esti- Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling A New Wave: Publish-On-Demand mated at 4,000 readers for this issue, January 27: Something Wicked This by Patrick Connors primarily CASFS members and attendees Way Comes by Ray Bradbury of recent AZ sf/f conventions. Feb 25: Perseus Spear by Julian May In this issue of ConNotations, I re- One thing print-on-demand makes Subscriptions: The newszine is currently sent free of charge to anyone who has March 24: Time Enough for Love by viewed Peter L. Manly’s novel Dragon practical is custom bookbinding. I asked attended a CASFS or LepreCon sponsored Robert Heinlein Three Two Niner. In this article, I review about the availability of a set of pages and convention in the last two years and to all April 28: Forty Thousand in Gehanna by its publishing process. Why? It is end-papers for Dragon Three Two Niner CASFS members. Subscriptions are C.J. Cherryh published electronically. for the purpose of making a custom- available. Cost for a four issue subscription May 26: Hammer of God by Arthur Availability of this book is different bound copy, and have been informed this is: $10/USA (bulk); $15/Canada & Mexico Clarke than most. You can order it from the would not be a problem. (First class) or $23/Europe (airmail). Rates June 23: Snowbrother by S.M. Stirling www.scifi-az.com Web site either The ordering process could stand to be for other countries available upon request. Copyright: Articles, fiction, photos and For more information on the Barnes & electronically or as a soft-cover, using a better streamlined, but is typical of small artwork in this issue are copyright © of the Noble group contact Stephanie at print-to-order process. business over the Internet. SciFi-az.com author/artist and cannot be reproduced in (602)973-2341 I reviewed the electronic edition, which uses a third-party ordering system which any manner without their written consent. If If you would like CASFS to sponsor a is distributed as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf works well enough. I have, however, no author or artist is credited the artwork or book discussion near you, please contact format file. PDF stands for Portable heard reports of difficulty in ordering. It article is copyright ©of the Central Arizona Stephanie at the number above. Document Format, and it really is would serve all concerned well to place Speculative Fiction Society. Publication: Publications dates are cur- Upcoming Star Trek Event: portable. There are options a publisher the book on Amazon or Barnes and rently April, June, August & December. Creation can use to make one of these files easy to Noble, and to remember that Internet Publication date of this issue is 12/8/99; Source: WWW.Creationent.com read, and the publisher has done an access and ordering still has a long way mailing date is 12/13/99. Phoenix, AZ, Sat & Sun FEB 12th & excellent job in formatting the document to go before it’s universal - even among Advertising: ConNotations reaches 13th, 2000 Mesa Community Center for ease of use. However, there were more the science-fiction community. approx. 4,000 science fiction, fantasy, Star Trek & Sci-Fi Media Convention typographic errors than there should have gaming and horror fans throughout the with guests: Robert Beltran (Star Trek been. Phoenix metro area, the Southwest and nationwide. Our ad rates are:Back cover/ Printed copies of the book are made to Voyager’s Chakotay), Grace Lee $150, $100/full page; $70/two-thirds page; Whitney and Star Trek expert Richard order. The printed copies which I have $50/half page; $35/one-third page; $25/ Arnold. Other guests to be announced. seen from this press are good enough for one-fourth page; $18/one-eigth page. More a casual read, but still relatively primitive information can be obtained by contacting compared to even the cheapest paperback. Stephanie L. Bannon, Email: leigh- !!!!ATTENTION!!!! Presumably time, experience, and @primenet.com or [email protected] or advances in low-cost printing will Mail: PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082- This may be your 2613 Phone or FAX; (602)973-2341 improve the quality of the printed copies. Submission Info: Writers and artists are last issue of encouraged to submit work for publication. What is CASFS? While we cannot pay you for your efforts ConNotations. your work will be seen by over 4,000 fans If you have not attended an Arizona What is really behind putting on a convention? What the funds raised by a convention across the Southwest and the country. You will retain the copyright to your work for convention (LepreCon, HexaCon, used for? Why not attend a meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor of ConNotations, CopperCons, HexaCons, SmerfCons and other conventions. We are a charitable, non- future publication. To submit your work or CopperCon or TusCon) during the last profit organization that exists to further science fiction, fantasy and science fields in for more information please write to: two years this is your last issue of Arizona. CASFS currently meets at the JB’s Restaurant at 2560 W Indian School Rd in ConNotations; PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ ConNotations unless you are a paid Phoenix (NW corner of I-17 and Indian School). The meetings begin at 8PM and are 85082-2613 or contact us via Email at subscriber. Subscriptions are available held on the last Friday of the month Jan. Through Sept. And on the second Friday of the [email protected] for $10 for 4 issues mailed bulk, $15 month Oct through Dec. Everyone is invited to attend two meetings as a guest (non- Contact Information: ConNotations and for 1st class postage. Make check member). Membership rates are $12/year plus an initial $3 application fee and rates are its contributors can be contacted by mail at pro-rated for the amount of the year remaining. For more info Call: Stephanie L. Bannon PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 payable to ConNotations and mail to or via email at [email protected]. (602)973-2341 Webpage: www.casfs.org email: [email protected] PO Box 62613, Phoenix AZ 85082 ISSN: 1082-7765 Page 2 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 passed away. That was followed by the Forge and “Interlopers,” a contemporary writer Brio Burgess (Jacob’s Ladder PRO NOTES loss in September of Marion Zimmer dark fantasy, to Ace. Books); and “The Gargoyle,” another by Daryl F. Mallett Bradley, so, as usual of late it seems, Alan says he “spent a nice day with book he edited, by Gary Lovisi (Gryphon there has been much sorrow in our little Arthur C. Clarke in Colombo, Sri Books). He is currently working on an The End of the ’90s... But Not of the family this year. Go hug those you love! Lanka in January Sri Lanka’s a beautiful online support desk document for NOW! Millennium Thankfully, Rick Cook is doing well in place, so long as you ignore all the mili- Internet Tools; a business plan; and recovering from his heart surgery! tary activity due to the ongoing civil war. numerous essays for St. James Press’ Well, folks, here’s the last column for After that, it was on to Potrero, CA and Went diving in the Maldives. Was GoH International Directory of Company the 1990s. It is NOT, however, the last Sierra Vista and Sonoita, AZ for SCA at the New Zealand National SF Conven- Histories and Vocational Biographies. column of the century/millennium...that, events, and COMDEX-Las Vegas in Nov- tion in Auckland in March. Drove the Appearances scheduled include Estrella as all of us educated people know, is ember, where I saw Jerry Pournelle length of the country and visited with War (Queen Creek, AZ) in February ’00. NEXT December 2000). I know no one checking out all of the latest technology. Murray & Pam Ball (author of the great Daryl’s writing website is at truly cares, and everyone’s going to party Kevin J. Anderson reports that the “best comic strip Footrot Flats) in Gisbourne. www.geocities.com/Area51/1295 and like it’s...well...1999, but PLEASE help news is that my Dune prequel,” House Went diving in the Cook Islands. In Aug- www.bluefiretech.com is his business site. debunk this common misconception! Atreides,” is currently on its third week ust was a guest at Star Wars Night in Jack McDevitt appeared in November Save the world! Educate others! But on The New York Times bestseller list Dortmund, Germany, after which visited at the Camden County Library in Geor- enough about Y2K... (and on Publishers Weekly, The Wall friends in Vienna. Also stopped off in gia. On 25 Jan 00, he will appear in an Travel since last time included my Street Journal, USA Today, and just ab- Prague, Cracow, and Bratislava. A busy online chat with Paul Levinson, spon- annual trip to Two Harbors, MN to sit on out every other list). Just finished a two- travel year, yielding much excellent sored by Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction the shores of Lake Superior with friends week book signing tour of the western material for future work. “ Magazine and
The album kicks off with “Five Years,” presidents for this one. shows off the odd side to feminine
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Page 4 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 player level you will be given a code to DRAKAN - Order of the Flame games as well. “Nations” went in without The Gaming Arcade play as one of 16 wacky citizens, includ- Psygnosis, Mature (ages 17+) a problem even though I installed to a ing Starvin Marvin, Big Gay Al, and Reviewed by Craig L. Dyer different drive than recommended. A Visit to South Park: Officer Barbrady. “Panzer Elite” gave me some fits and Review of the Nintendo 64 game The game also contains a Multi-Player This game is one of the best 3D crashed my system when I tried to install By Shane Shellenbarger match mode that allows two to four Graphic playing adventures I have seen to a different drive. I am not sure that it players to choose from up to twenty in a long time. I enjoyed playing so much ever installed properly, because whenever If you haven’t heard about these foul- characters plus a weapon only available that I was forced to limit my playing my tank was destroyed, the game kicked mouthed, frequently flatulent, grade in the Multi-Player Mode: the Alien time each day other wise I wouldn’t have me out to my desktop. school gang of boys from South Park, Dancing Gizmo which will have your quit. The more you play it the more you In “Nations WWII Fighter Command”, Colorado, then you’ve probably been able enemies doing an uncontrollable boogie. are hooked on it. This is not a easy game you can fly for Britain, Germany or the to avoid other pop culture icons like the The look of the game is similar to the to play, it takes skill, brains and guts to U.S. in a choice of four aircraft represent- Power Rangers, Star Wars: The Phantom show, but the N64 program has more of a play. ing each country. The planes are the Menace, and Poke’ Mon. three-dimensional, computer animation The story line follows Rynn, a warrior- obvious choices for each nation. The “South Park” is the paper cutout appearance. The voices of the characters heroine and Arokh, a dragon, as they set ME109, Fw190, ME-262, and the ME- animation brainchild of Trey Parker and are straight from the show, with all of the forth on a quest to rescue Rynn’s little 163 Komet to fly missions for Germany, Matt Stone who met at the University of wisecracks and occasionally bleeped out brother from an evil sorcerer. The the Spitfire, Hurricane, Typhoon, and Colorado. While in the film program at curse words. The music is somewhat adventure takes place on 11 massive Mosquito for the British, with the P40 the U of C, the two students created repetitive, but not annoying. The sound levels encompassing four fantasy sce- Warhawk, P51 Mustang, P47 Thunder- “Frosty vs. Santa Claus” which was effects are appropriate and interesting. narios with realistic weather effects, bolt and P38 Lightning representing the remade into “The Spirit of Christmas” The weapons are in keeping with the interactive characters, and over 50 hand- United States. The type of missions as where in the “South Park” gang looks on sensibilities of the South Park Four: held weapons to choose from. There are well as the choice of aircraft will keep as Jesus and Santa Claus battle for Snowballs, Dodge Balls, Toilet Plunger several experience levels (three I believe) you busy for quite a long time just ownership of Christmas. Their controver- Launcher, Terrance and Phillip (you and it also offers multi player games for looking at the beautiful renditions of the sial movie, “South Park: Bigger, Longer, should excuse the expression) Fart Dolls, up to 8 players via LAN or Internet. If aircraft in this game. Flying them is and Uncut” was the talk of this summers Foam Dart Launcher, Super Sniper you are a Game player this is one of the “I something else. Each is given an histori- moviegoers. Chicken, Dr. Mephesto’s Warpo Ray, the must have it” games. cal cockpit with the gauges showing what Cow Launcher, and the aforementioned Drakan requires a Minimum of a P166, is happening to the aircraft. The gauges Alien Dancing Gizmo. Power-ups include 320MB, 4MB 3D Graphics card or better. (13 to 16 gauges per plane) are small and Snacky Cakes and Cheesy Poofs for Check out their web site www.drankan- hard to read, at least on my monitor, and health, Weight Gain 4000 for temporary game.com to get a downloadable demo of you need to know what they mean and invulnerability, Football Pads help protect Drakan plus artwork, press releases and which key on your keyboard affects them. you for a few attacks, Lighting Bolts will screen snapshots. I flew a number of training missions (a raise the fire rate of your weapons for great idea considering the complexity of awhile, Mr. Hankey Attack Turd spreads “Nations WWII Fighter Command” the game) without accomplishing my himself thin acting as an orbital shield, “Panzer Elite” goals for the mission. Simple things like and Zipp! Cola will give you a short burst Psygnosis target practice takes on a whole new of speed. Reviewed by Robert Barber dimension when you find you can’t turn The game play is pretty standard, without stalling your aircraft or even take somewhat like a bright and sunny Quake off and climb to altitude without remem- in a city with surrounding countryside. The latest games from Psygnosis are a bering to change your flaps and raise your The enemies attempt to overwhelm you, history buffs dream. Both are full of landing gear. attacking in waves of three, six, and details about the aircraft and tanks that The game comes with three settings for sometimes even ten at a time. The fought in WWII. However from a gamers’ play, relaxed, realistic, and ultra realistic. enemies aren’t especially brilliant, but standpoint they are cumbersome and I never got off relaxed and I crashed they can be fast and they are persistent. unwieldy. Both have the potential to be every time. In my own defense, I don’t You won’t be able to make the gymnastic favorites, if you can make it through usually play fighter aircraft kinds of moves of Laura Croft, but I only found learning how to play. games, mostly for this reason. The com- one section at the bottom of a canyon First things first, the recommended plexity of trying to operate three devises The Nintendo 64 version of “South where I needed to develop my jumping settings for the games are a P II 300MHz (you need at least your keyboard and a Park” is as irreverent and nearly as vulgar ability in order to extricate myself. The processor, 64Meg RAM, 8MB Direct3D mouse to play and a joystick is recom- and prone to potty humor, as is the best skill to develop is sighting in a Compatible video card, Direct Sound mended) will tax your eye-hand coordina- Comedy Central cable series. The object distant target, especially when fighting Compatible sound card, and a 16 speed tion and your memory. The keyboard of the game is to protect South Park from the final Boss: The Ultra Mega Mega CD drive with Windows installed and commands are a two column list a page Dastardly Turkeys, Evil Clones, The Man. about 800MB of space on your hard and a half long. The mouse is used to Alien Visitors, Stampeding Cows, Evil To sum things up, I found the game drive. My system meets all recommenda- show you your instruments and to look Robots, and other villains. Their appear- interesting, but not addictive. Viewers of tions or exceeds them. Despite this I had around, the same functions minus the ance is due to the convergence of a full South Park will probably enjoy the in- troubles with both games in the graphics instrument panel is covered on the key- moon on Friday the 13th during a solar jokes and characters in the game more department. During movement in both board and joystick if you have a POV eclipse as the “Bad Luck Comet”, than would a player unfamiliar with the games, the graphics can have distortions button. A pull out list of commands Colossal Shoo Bop Titan Behemoth 299 show. Parents might not enjoy the and blank areas that appear. This is a would have been nice to include in the returns after 666 years. vocabulary their children pick up from greater problem for “Nations WWII game. Cartman, Kyle, Stan, and Kenny are all exposure to this game. Hardcore gamers, Fighter Command” than “Panzer Elite”. After a great deal of practice I was able available as characters for first person used to first person shoot ‘em ups like “Nations” would get small lines running to fly reasonably well though I still play, although you need to meet (capture) “Doom”, “Quake”, and “Resident Evil”, through it in the direction you were couldn’t fight. The choice of views the other boys so that you can switch to will find the action a bit slow. flying, this looked exactly like what you available is excellent and a real saving their characters/weapons when you come “South Park” is rated M for mature see when an enemy plane is firing on you. point to the game for me. The standard upon them. The game not only features audiences and is also available for PC’s. Not a good thing to ignore. “Panzer view is from the cockpit with most of the four sixth graders, but Chef also Elite” had a tendency to go flat and lose your instrument panel showing, this acts as their advisor during the cut its’ three dimensional aspects when obstructs your view to the front of the scenes. As you complete each single moving. Installation was a different story for both ( Cont’d on page 6 ) Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 5 The Gaming Arcade (Cont’d from page 5 ) are replaced with burned out and col- from Quakes I and II is that Quake III Macintosh, and Linux at http:// lapsed rubble even if just clipped by a does not have a story line threading www.quake3arena.com/demo/ . For more plane. Changing the view to outside of tank going by, troops have a weird lope through the murderous mayhem. The information on the Quake community, go the plane gives a much less restricted and look fuzzy. For realistic feeling it has action is single, multiple, and team to http://www.gamecenter.com/Re- view and shows you the aircraft you are to be said it is true to form from the attacks on other opponents. In the single sources/Action/Quake3/ . Happy hunting. flying. The aircraft have been beautifully interior views of the tank but unlike the player mode, you are pitted against other done and are the real stand out to the aircraft in “Nations” the tanks are not free agents controlled by the computer It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane: Superman 64 game. While you can only fly twelve of well detailed and the poor graphics will whose goal is to rack up the most kills. Video Game Review the planes, you get to see twenty-two keep most people from committing the The multiplayer mode can be played on a Reviewed by Shane Shellenbarger more during your missions. time to learn control and get full use out Local Area Network, over a server, or on The missions include ground support, of this game. the Internet. This allows for team play or The public at large became aware of the fleet interceptions, dogfights, and bomber “Panzer Elite” will be favored by those a free-for-all, everyone-for-themselves Man of Steel when he made his first interceptions. Being in a ME-109 diving gamers who are looking for realism in game that can get as frantic as a shark appearance in the June 1938 issue of into a formation of B-17’s brings a new their games even at the cost of playability. feeding frenzy. Action Comics #1. In that issue, author, level of respect for the bomber crew and With forty scenarios, three campaigns to Jerry Siegel, and artist, Joe Shuster, gave the fighter pilots who had to face the real be played from either side and with us the origin of Superman, strange visitor thing. I hope the time I put into this game different tanks anytime you want, there is from another planet. Since that begin- will payoff with my being able to fly a plenty here to look at. Time to learn and ning, the powers and abilities of Super- real mission and survive before Christ- play will take longer, but when you have man have undergone an evolution, from mas, even if I don’t make it, the journey learned, you will know what it was like to being able to leap tall buildings in a will be fun. be a tank commander. single bound, to being faster than a “Panzer Elite” is another story. The speeding bullet, to out racing a beam of game has promise on several levels, but I Sci-Fi Pinball light. Superman has appeared on radio, was unable to experience that promise Fox Arcade, Rated E, $29.95 on television, in the movies, in novels, due to the number of technical difficulties Reviewed by Stephanie L. Bannon and in several animated series. In recent I encountered. The game did not install years, Superman’s god-like powers have as easily as “Nations” did and I had to System requirements: Windows 95/98 been scaled back and his recent appear- reinstall the game several times to correct with DirectX 6.0 (or higher); Pentium The playing fields begin with a simple ances in the animated adventures have problems with the video and sound 166MHz; 16 Mb RAM (32 Mb recom- series of areas: In Arena Gate you have a brought him full circle to his origins, portions of the game. I never did solve mended); 100 Mb free Hard drive space courtyard, hallway, and small hall. Then complete with lesser powers. that kept throwing me out of the game (250 Mb for full install); 4x CD rom; the area shifts location and expands: The character of Superman has always and back to my desktop when my tank DirectX compatible graphics card sup- Temple of Retribution contains stairs, been a highly marketable commodity: was destroyed. I can’t imagine that the porting High Color (16-bit) at 800x600 bounce points or jump pads, bridges, Pajamas, radio premiums cereal boxes, game is supposed to play that way. resolution; DirectX DirectSound compat- parapets, hidden passageways, and areas board games, costumes, and toys of every The game allows you to command from ible sound card. Installation was simple of apparent sacrifice. In The Longest shape, size and type have all been big one to five tanks of American or German and I opted for the minimum install to Yard, the battlefield takes place in a black sellers. In one form or another, Superman make in three different theaters: North save hard drive space. limbo with a series of platforms, direc- has appeared on pinball machines, video Africa, Italy, and Normandy. Again the This pinball game offers several sci-fi tional jump pads, and transporters. The arcade games, and home video systems details are overwhelming. You can view based tables; The Fly; Predator; Alien final level is The Proving Grounds, a since the 1970’s. His most recent incarna- the action from any crew position in the and, my personal favorite, Buffy The tournament level that allows for a hit- tion has been in the Titus tank and from outside the tank as well. Vampire Slayer. It offers Novice, Regular and-run strategy with quick entry and exit (www.titusgames.com) produced game, Better go for the outside views as the and Arcade levels with up to four players from prime powerup rich locations. SUPERMAN for the Nintendo 64. In this inside views are very claustrophobic and allowed. You can use a mouse, gamepad One of the fascinating options is the game, Superman enters Lex Luthor’s limited. I was killed a number of times or the keyboard to play. I chose the key- ability to become a spectator in the Virtual Metropolis to save Lois Lane and without ever seeing who hit me. board and found the controls easy to use. multiplayer mode. You can either wander Jimmy Olsen. With powers and abilities Being able to see from every position in On the Buffy table some shots and around the playing field, invisible and that come and go, Superman must do the tank also means having to set controls target combinations trigger mini-games. intangible to the other players, or you can battle with Dark Shadows (cybernetic for the crew. You have choices of ex- According to the box there are also cool see the game through the eyes of the other soldiers created by Luthor), robots, mine perience levels and competence settings animations, score jackpots and film clips players. This feature can enrich your droppers, para-demons (created by the for your men and they must be matched to but I’m such a lousy player I haven’t experience and allow you to witness first Parasite) Mala, the Parasite, Brainiac, their positions in the tank. Control of really gotten to see too many of these yet. hand the strategy of other players. Metallo, Darkseid, and (behind the your own tank is hard enough at first; Obviously I’m going to have to improve Another addition is the ability to control scenes) Lex Luthor. trying to control another tank or platoon my game since the small glimpses I’ve Bots, fellow fighters of a robotic nature. In Luthor’s Virtual Metropolis, Super- of them as well is madness. There are had of these additions have made me Bots can guard your back, patrol a given man is a shadow of his former self. three and a half pages of keyboard eager to see more. I haven’t tried the area, and secure a valuable weapon. Powerups are temporary and need to be commands to accomplish all of this on other tables since I am already, after five replenished. They include Superhealth, top of a mouse tank and a joystick if you minutes, hooked on the Buffy table. I look Superbreath, Superspeed, X-ray Vision, have one. forward to spending more time going and Heat Vision. In addition to having a Once you learn how to move the tank deeper into the game to find out just what time limit, not all powerups will work on combat can begin. Here “Panzer Elite” else is waiting in the background. This all items: X-ray vision doesn’t work on has the edge on playability over “Na- would be a great Christmas gift for the organic material, Heat Vision doesn’t tions”, you can set the defaults to make Buffy fan on your gift list. melt most inanimate objects, and yourself invulnerable. This isn’t a total Superbreath won’t freeze many things give away as you can still flip over due to Quake 3: Arena beyond people, villains, and tornadoes. terrain or be buried in mud or have Adrenaline Addiction The ability to fly and pound steel with his buildings collapse on your tank. The Reviewed by Shane Shellenbarger bare hands is always available. There are game can be set at Beginner, Advanced, twelve levels available in the single and Expert levels, giving you multiple I may be jumping the gun by reviewing player mode and two modes in the layers of realism. Invulnerability is set a demo test version of QUAKE III: multiplayer game of up to four players: separately from the same menu. ARENA, but I am so impressed with the Q3 ARENA Demo Test is addictive, fight and race. Multiplayer fight allows The graphics are not as good as in four levels contained within the demo violent, and suggested for mature you to select a villain and fly a ship “Nations” Movement and terrains are that I wanted to share the information. audiences. Downloadable versions are jerky and flat. Buildings disappear and The main difference in this test version available for Windows 32 95/98, ( Cont’d on page 7 ) Page 6 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 The Gaming Arcade (Cont’d from page 6 ) We arrived in Melbourne in the morn- called Apollo: 30 Years After and it went ConClusion ing of Wed Sep 1, having “lost” a day pretty well.We discussed what had hap- through three levels. You attack the other crossing the International Dateline. An pened since then, where we were when player(s), attempting to collect the most WorldCon 1999 Review Irish fan was supposed to meet us outside Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, and in- energy. The Multiplayer race is a game of by Mike Willmoth customs to car pool to the convention vited the audience to add input to the tag with players trying to stay in the lead centre hotels, but we couldn’t find him. experience.After it ended I wandered and to eliminate their opponents This year’s World Science Fiction By the time I found the Airport-Down- around to figure out where everything Convention (aka WorldCon) was held in town bus it left before we could get our was located. . Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - Septem- luggage to it. So, we resorted to a taxi. The MCC is multiple floors with the ber 2nd thru 6th. Guests-of-Honor were They had to call a station wagon taxi for first level the Loading Dock and George Turner (deceased), Gregory all our luggage (3 wks packing), so it’s Brasserie.The second has some small Benford, Bruce Gillespie and J. Michael probably good we didn’t find the other function rooms (Otway Suites for Pro- Straczynski. guys. We arrived at the Grand Hotel late gram Ops and Green Room, Howqua We started planning to go to Australia morning, but there was no problems Suites for Press Room, Virtual Worlds since hearing about Melbourne’s bid for checking in early. The only odd thing was Room, Parties, General Programming and WorldCon six years ago. They ran pretty the training on how to use the plastic bob Kaffeklatches) and the hotel entrance on much unopposed, won and called their on the key ring. It turns out you have to the other end; it also has the upper access event AussieCon 3.The two previous insert it into the receptacle with the light to the LaTrobe Theatre. The next level up Aussie Worldcons have also been in switch in order to operate the lights! It the escalator or elevator was where Reg- istration was located, to the right. You In general I enjoyed the game, but I Melbourne. Sydney bid for 1991, but lost seems power over there is really expen- could also enter the lower entrance to the wish that Titus would have added a few to Chicago. This year’s WorldCon was sive, so they don’t want you walking out Batman Theatre (John Batman, that is, touches such as having Superman’s the 57th World Science Fiction Conven- without shutting the lights off. The where the Hugos and Masquerade were misses having a negative effect on Virtual tion. Hard to believe it’s been running hallways were huge, the two bedroom scheduled) to the right of Reg or behind Metropolis or allowing Superman to be that long. suite was huge, and we commandeered the escalator. To the left of Reg were superdestructive: Melting lampposts, Earlier this year we tried to get reserva- the bedroom with a double bed. The place various programming rooms (You Yangs toppling buildings, freezing rivers. His tions at the hotel next to the Melbourne had two bathrooms; one was toilet and 1-5 for General Programming and Child- superrampage could have been incorpo- Convention Centre, the Centra on Yarra sink, the other shower/tub and two sinks. ren’s Programming) and the Hall where rated into a hidden level where Superman (Yarra River runs through Melbourne), Another oddity all toilets have two flush is on a world where he is the villain and but couldn’t get a quad. We tried numer- options; one for half flush and one for full Gaming and the fan tables were located. Lex Luthor is the superhero. Something ous alternatives, but apartments seemed flush. I leave it to the reader to distin- This is where you voted for World on that I truly missed was the title music like the only option or fall back to double. guish the reasoning. 2002 (San Jose beat Roswell) or chatted from the animated series that this game is By the time we tried a double, the Centra Jean & I crashed until our friends with future bids. Since it was around the based upon. While every sound effect was full. We then used our travel agent to arrived from their stay in Sydney. Tim corner from everything there wasn’t a lot from Superman’s leap into the sky to the book a non-con hotel nearby when we and Sam (another con chair, from of traffic unless you looked for it. use of his heat vision was faithfully booked our airfare. It seems United, the Alabama) got in without incident. Sam Upstairs (Level 4) was the upper transferred from the show, the music was con airlines, was also holding a super took one of the twin beds in the other entrance to the Batman Theatre and the absent. summer saver discount of 25% off vs the bedroom upstairs while Tim used the Bellarine rooms (1-7) for General The game is rated for play by everyone 18% convention discount. Plus, it was rollaway bed downstairs. Since the suite Programming, Fan Lounge, Video Room, and an official strategy guide is available less restrictive. So, for a little over $900 had a kitchen, dining table, office area, Child Care, Art Show, Exhibits, Lounge from Brady Games at per person we booked our travel and living area, etc. there was plenty of room. (Internet), Dealers Room, and Book www.bradygames.com accommodations. Shortly afterward we We all went out to a sandwich shoppe up Signs. heard from a friend in Tennessee, Uncle the hill for lunch before heading to the While Jean waited to use the Internet Timmy (runs LibertyCon in Chatta- MCC for pre-registration. We had to walk computers I sat down with Tim, Sam and nooga), and he had some folks cancel on across the street and under train tracks to Mark to play spades at a table nearby. his hotel room. Since they had room for get there, but it was signaled safely. The While playing an Aussie fan stopped and us at the Grand Hotel (across the street main entrance had an escalator or stairs, watched us play, so we brought her up to from the MCC) in their two-bedroom then a big lobby area. If you went to the speed on the rules and became friends suite, we canceled our hotel and opted to left, you had the registration desk for the with her. Allison McGaw was at her first share with him. Centra Hotel. We went to the right, up convention and didn’t know what to do or Because of our pre-con schedule we ran another escalator, and to the left before where to go. So, we took her under our out of time (yet again) to get everything finding the pre-reg stuff I was on pro- wing and showed her a good time by done and had to rush to the airport. gramming this year, so I got my schedule going to lunch at the Casino Food Court Fortunately, we found close-by parking and we chatted with folks before return- across the river from the MCC, touring and checked in. We left Mon Aug 30 for ing to the hotel. Our final roommate, the maritime museum nearby, and Los Angeles (1 hr flight), then caught our Mark (yet another con chair, from introducing her to the various events at leg to Auckland, New Zealand. This leg Pennsylvania), arrived from his consult- the con. (12 hours) was actually NZ Air and was ing tour and we walked downtown for By the time we were through she was really nice. We can recommend them dinner. There we found McDonalds (they filking until the wee hours and enjoying anytime! The seats were farther away in all liked cheap food, we found out) and a the Masquerade Contest. We later visited front of us than US airlines and they had 24-hour Cole’s Market. It was 6 blocks with her in her home town of Brisbane little footrests to kick down for when you from the hotel, so it wasn’t terribly post-con where she introduced us to lean back. The video display, when not convenient. But, where else can you find Lamingtons, the Aussie national dessert. showing movies, had a Global Position- Vegemite in little packets at McDonalds! I never made it into the Art Show since ing System display. There was a plane (If you have to ask what that is, you they wouldn’t let me take my knapsack in icon and the land displayed. It showed haven’t experienced it.) and I didn’t have anyone with me to leave where we were relative to LA, then over The convention started on Thursday it with. The Dealers Room was mostly the ocean near Hawaii, then near Fiji, and first thing, so we wandered over early. books and, boy, are they expensive over finally New Zealand. As we left LA it My first (and only event) was at 10am there! I didn’t spend any money this year zoomed out at various times and zoomed with Hugh Gregory, space flight historian there. Gaming was pretty small and in as we neared Auckland. They did the from Vancouver (BC), and jan howard underutilized by our standards. There was same thing on the leg to Melbourne on finder (aka The Wombat), big name fan no Voodoo Board until Filthy Pierre put the ~4 hour flight there. and space enthusiast.Our panel was ( Cont’d on page 8 ) Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 7 ConClusion ( Cont’d from page 7 ) (Lady of Situations) and Crap Australian converted into a Minbari, bonehead and How to Enjoy a Star Trek SF Movies. all. Another had one of them dress in a one together. Once he did I managed to Saturday brought Modern Vampire, Fan trenchcoat while the other shot at him Convention meet up with a fellow from online who Fund Auction, An Hour with Robert with the bullet running down the clothes- By Lewis Geoffrey lives there and we did lunch, compared Silverberg, SF & Disability, SF Poetry line. The first leaned back Matrix-style so notes, etc. I didn’t see as many American and Slash Fiction. Programming was held that it would pass by him. The Brits Space, the final frontier? fans as I expected to, but still got to see in around 10 locations 60 minutes apart nearby were almost as entertaining, That’s what I thought when I went to my many that don’t make it to Phoenix starting at 8am each day and ending at having consumed vast quantities of beer, first Star Trek convention, early this much. The bid parties were different. midnight. and were laughing so loud and hard they decade. Because of some contract thing with the Sunday had Virtual Selves: Survival in could scarcely stay seated. I later realized that, like space, these convention they couldn’t be held in Cyberspace, FanHistoricon 9.5 with We didn’t stick around for Monday, but conventions can be enjoyable if you know regular suites, so had to be on Level various international fan groups partici- flew out to Cairns in the northeast what to do. 2.This meant they had to purchase all pating, more signs, Posthuman SF: A instead. We snorkeled the Great Barrier Here is my advice on a Star Trek Conven- their food and drink from the hotel. By Symposium, Classics of the Slush Pile, Reef, toured the Rowunda Rainforest, tion: the time I got to ConJose’s WorldCon bid and SF & Social Issues: The Law and drove to Airlie Beach to tour the 1) Be Prepared- This sounds simple but party it was bleak. I only spotted two fans Difference. Whitsunday Islands, then Brisbane and many things can go wrong. You will that I knew, virtually no food or drink to Monday finished with Electronic finally Sydney. Between the last two I need money, ticket(s), and other things experience. I left quickly. Publishing, Solo Reading by Robert managed to use the binoculars I bought in for the whole day. If you plan, you can The party situation was spread out Sawyer, Masquerade Review, SF and Melbourne along with the star atlas also reduce the headaches in staying the whole between the other hotels nearby, but I Music, and an Interview with JMS. bought there to locate the Magellanic day for the Star Trek convention. didn’t make it to them. The Hugos went pretty well, but Clouds for the first time! These are 2) Be Early- If you do not have the Some of the other events offered on shocked me when The Truman Show won irregular galaxies just outside the Milky tickets, you will have to wait for a crowd. Thursday were the Newcomer’s Guide to Best Dramatic Presentation over Sleeping Way, but gravitationally bound to it. They If you do have the tickets, you will have WorldCon, SF and Education, Building in Light (Babylon 5 season 5 last are only visible from down under, along the advantage in being early in the the Perfect World, Science & Terror: episode).JMS took it in stride. One fellow with Alpha and Beta Centauri and a host dealer’s room for that special deal or Close Shaves in the Lab, Loose Canons, accepted an award for Bob Eggleton and of other neat stuff. While in Sydney we item(s) that you’re looking for. the Origins of Melbourne SF Club, Y2K: mimicked him so accurately the audience saw the Opera House was 10,000 angles, 3) Be Ready- If you want to be in the A Space Idiocy, Other Tales of Horror: lost control with laughter. toured the vast harbour by ferry and costume contest, you will need to find Running A Convention, and Opening The Masquerade was much better than catamaran, took several bus tours of where and when the contest takes place. Ceremonies. A banquet was offered the Netherlands in 1990 (ConFiction at downtown and the various beach areas, The judges are usually the fans’ applause. Friday evening, the Hugo Awards The Hague), but much more disappoint- visited the aquarium and watched sharks 4) Get the Schedule- This is the map of Saturday and the Masquerade Sunday. ing than San Francisco in 1993 swim overhead while we walked below, where and what is going on. You can Other Friday events included Terra (ConFrancisco).It had its moments. There and witnessed everyday life in the red choose what you want to do for that day. forming, Business Meeting, From were two MCs entertaining the audience light district near our hotel. Best foods 5) Be Happy- You are among family, Canberra to Norstrilia - The Australian between entries. After opening to filkers, were the Shakespeare Pie Shop in fans, and friends in the Star Trek Uni- Adventures of Cordwainer Smith, Sweet they ran around crazily and did stupid Sydney, Lone Star Steakhouse in verse. Anything can happen in this Candy for the Eye - Flashy Computer stuff that occasionally came off funny. Brisbane (where we taught them how to convention. Even some surprise guest Graphics, Fandom and the Internet, One skit had Wil Robinson and Dr. say y’all and brew iced tea), and Tim’s appearances. Ticonderoga Publications Book Launch Smith from Lost in Space where Wil Restaurant in Cairns (where you are On my journeys, I found out there are dared to finish their meals - I did both many types of conventions. Here are a times).Steak is generally not as tender couple: Lasers, Phasers, and Erasers: Information on a Captain’s there, hot tea with cream is the norm, you I. Creation ( www.creationent.com) is one say g’day mate when meeting someone, of the big fan conventions. They will have Wedding at Star Trek: The Experience, Las Vegas Hilton. instead of Good For You, you say one in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday and By Lewis Geoffrey (nasally) Good On Ya’, and no worries Sunday Feb 19-20, 2000 at Mesa Com- instead of no problems. munity Center. The guests will: Robert I’ve been fortunate to been at the grand ‘His and Hers’ Official Star Trek watches Next to Canada, it is the easiest place Beltran (Star Trek Voyager’s Chakotay), opening of Star Trek: The Experience. from Latinum Jewelers for Americans to travel. They just have Grace Lee Whitney and Star Trek expert Yet, I’ve been bugged by fellow fans and Brass Plaque recognition of your wedding funny accents and drive on the other side Richard Arnold. Other guests to be friends on the wedding information for date on display in Quark’s Bar & Restau- of the road. And they are incredibly nice, announced. From experience, I usually the past few months. rant. friendly, and wonderful to be around. get the preferred or golden circle in order Luckily, I have acquired the following Tickets to the Voyage through Space and I could go on, but that would take to get autographs from the Star Trek facts on the Captain wedding at History of the Future Exhibit for your hours. We had a wonderful time, both guests. General admission does not www.StarTrekexp.com under weddings. wedding party (up to 15) during the con and afterwards. We took guarantee an autograph. This is what it generally says: $2,000. lots of photos and are still getting them II. Slanted Fedora ( www.sfedora.com) is “Captain’s Wedding: Note: Ceremony is limited to 30 guests.” developed. Our friends used digital another big fan conventions. The Complete arrangement of wedding If you can go beyond the expenses where cameras and uploaded them every night reserved admission is higher but they do services at Star Trek: The Experience- a few has gone before, there are addi- we could get a connection. When we guarantee an autograph. I recommend One hour on the Bridge of the USS tional options to shake a stick at a returned they burned us a CD complete buying the dinners with the stars. You Enterprise 1701-D for rehearsal and Ferengi. There is a wedding upgrade to with all their photos. We plan to scan our will have a photo opportunity to meet ceremony. Admiral. Also, there is more information best in and E-mail them for inclusion on your some of the Star Trek stars at your Wedding photography which includes in regarding to wedding receptions in the next one. table. Also, there will be an after dinner two rolls of film plus negative. Quark’s Bar & Restaurant. Another, But, if you haven’t been to Oz, you show by some of the Star Trek cast. Intergalactic floral bouquet and bouton- additional choices for the wedding can should go. Avoid 2000 since the Olym- These are my some of my gems for niere for the bride and groom. help make that day more special. Look at pics are taking over, but after that you’re enjoying a Star Trek convention. Official to perform ceremony. the wedding section under ok. And have a bonzer time! Live Long and Prosper in many Star Trek Two Star Trek: The Experience Charac- www.startrekexp.com for more data. Call conventions! Till Then, Lewis Geoffrey. ters of your choice to be present at your (702) 697-8751 to book your wedding at wedding: Klingons, Ferengi, or Starfleet Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Officers Vegas Hilton. Commemorative Star Trek: The Experi- ence Wedding Certificate Page 8 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 SF Tube Talk ( Cont’d from page 1 ) with child abduction and snakes, lots of final episodes until late January, when the apocalypse America. UPN should start through the February ratings sweeps. snakes according to set reports. Finally, two half-hour replacement series debut airing Secret Agent Man sometime early They’ll be pulling out all the stops with a we’ll get another episode written by with faces familiar to Hercules and Xena in the new year. They held it back from three part Borg story as well as a guest William Gibson, who has described it as viewers. The one I’m looking forward to debuting in the fall to give the show more appearance from the World Wrestling “The episode takes place in a video game the most is “Jack of All Trades” which production time to get the gadgets Federation’s “The Rock”. In “Fair design studio that’s struggling to meet a will star developed and more episodes in the can. Haven”, Tom Paris’s latest holodeck deadline on a Final Fantasy VII-type Bruce “Autolycus” Campbell as Jack SciFi Stuff creation is a 19th Century Irish village project when the programmers begin Stiles and Angela Dotchin (Nautica in Over on SciFi, we’ll be getting the final with a bartender who Janeway takes a dying off. The culprit? An avenging Hercules and Soraya in Xena) as Emilia. episodes of the first season of Farscape fancy to. In a later episode, some of the angel - Lara Croft gone bad - who’s using The show is set in the French East Indies in January (second season to start in villagers will begin to achieve sentience. virtual reality to even the score.” in the mid-18th century and is about the March), the final episodes of Sliders last In “Blink of an Eye”, Voyager investi- The WB exploits of Jack Stiles, a James Bond-like season, the U.S. debut of Lexx, the gates a planet running on a time scale so Over on the WB, the one-two tandem of spy in the British Secret Service. Entirely second season of First Wave and a new fast that civilizations rise and fall within Buffy and Angel has been pretty success- a man of his time, Jack believes a take on The Invisible Man. minutes. “Tsunkatse” has DS9 recurring ful so far, with The WB giving Angel a woman’s place is in the home — ideally In the final four season 1 episodes of stars J.G. Hertzler (Martok) and Jeffrey full season pickup after only a couple of his home fulfilling his every desire. He is Farscape, Moya will give birth and we’ll Combs (Weyoon & Brunt) guest starring episodes had aired. Buffy and crew have therefore completely unprepared when he meet a new alien enemy, who will along with the WWF wrestler “The been adjusting to college life while we’ve discovers that his boss on this mission is continue into the second season, stalking Rock”. Hertzler is a Hirogen hunter been teased about the overall story for this Emilia, the French Governor’s niece. them through space, and forcing them to who kidnaps Seven of Nine and forces season. They have written Oz out for a Disguised as a British dragoon, Jack travel deeper into the Uncharted Territo- her to fight a Pendari alien (The Rock) in time so that Seth Green can film a teams up with Emilia on secret missions ries. a Tsunkatse gladiator contest run by the movie. It is still up in the air if he’ll to prevent the evil governor from spread- Lexx is a weekly series that follows on gamekeeper Penk (Combs). In “Vir- come back as a regular, though. James ing his tyranny across the New World. from the four TV movies produced for tuoso”, The Doctor introduces music to a Marsters (Spike) has returned to be a They overcome their foes through an Showtime that aired in the U.S. as “Tales planet that has never had any musical semi-regular, in his neutered condition. array of ingenious gadgets built by Emilia from a Parallel Universe”. Its about the culture, becoming a celebrity in the Things should progress with The Initia- and Jack’s convincing way with a sword. adventures of the crew of The Lexx, a process. The three part Borg mini-arc tive and Buffy and Riley’s relationship The other half hour show is Cleopatra living ship with the power to destroy will deal with a group of Borgified will grow, including their learning about 2525, which stars Jennifer “Amarice” children who have become separated from each others secret identities. Look to see Sky as an exotic dancer who gets cryo- the collective who are attempting to the Hellmouth reopen when an earth- genically frozen in the year 2001 and is rejoin The Borg at any cost. quake happens and for Faith to make an awakened in 2525 by two warrior women, X-Files/Harsh Realm appearance during February sweeps. played by Gina Torres (Nebula on The new season of the X-Files finally Other rumored re-appearances are Hercules) and Victoria Pratt (Cyane on got underway in November, somewhat Ethan Hawke and Amy Madison. Xena). Also appearing as Creegan is resolving the mystery of the writings on Over on Angel, we’ve got the ongoing Joel Tobeck (Strife). She learns that the alien spaceship and at least getting villains with the evil law firm popping Earth is now under the control of evil Mulder back to his “normal” self. How up occasionally and some mystery about robots and mankind is now living much things really advanced in the Doyle’s past which is pretty much moot underground. While the two warriors, overall story line is hard to tell, though. since he’s been written out of the series. Cara and Sarge, educate Cleopatra in the Supposedly, these threads will be picked Rumors are that before he sacrificed ways of war, she likewise introduces them back up in a two-part story in February himself he was able to pass along his to the customs she left behind. worlds that has been taken over by a sweeps. Until then, we’ll be getting psychic “gift” to Cordelia. Other New Series misfit crew. In control of the Lexx is mostly standalone episodes through Also look for the former watcher Starting on NBC in on Saturday nights Stanley Tweedle, a former security guard December and January. Although, with Wesley to turn up as well as a new female in February will be the “The Others”, a and traitor. With him is Xev, a house- “The Kiss” in the Millennium episode, demon who has the hots for Angel and its supernatural series about “ghosts, spirits, wife that was transformed into a love fans will be watching to see what likely that Kate’s role will expand some. and communication with the dead”. It is slave, but the love slave programming happens between Mulder and Scully on a Elsewhere on The WB, Roswell has created by Steven Spielberg for went into a robot head, 790, who is in personal level as well as their investiga- done quite well so far and has garnered a Dreamworks and will be executive love with Xev. Joining them is Kai, a tions. loyal fan following pretty quickly with its produced by Glen Morgan and James former assassin who was killed 2000 alien mysteries and teen angst. Wong (X-Files, Millennium, Space: years ago and is kept functioning by proto Charmed has added more music to its Above and Beyond). It stars Julianne blood. If you haven’t seen the original story lines, featuring real-life bands at the Nicholson, Gabriel Macht, Melissa movies, I’d suggest you track down at show’s nightclub. Crider, Kevin J. O’Connor, John least the first one, “I Worship His Xena, Hercules, Jack and Cleopatra Aylward, and Bill Cobbs. The Others Shadow”. The first series has already 2525 centers around a society of ordinary screened in Canada and is a very offbeat Xena and Gabrielle didn’t stay dead people who experience otherworldly take on the standard sci-fi ship in space long and since then have been dealing phenomena and who possess strange series. Most of the time they get in with Xena’s pregnancy, working Lucy powers. trouble because either Stanley or Xev Lawless’s real-life pregnancy into the These “others” meet regularly to help thinks they can get laid. The first story line. When new episodes resume in support one another and to determine episode, Mantrid, introduces a recurring We’ll see a sequel to Season’s 2 late January, we’ll finally learn who the how they can battle the forces of evil. villain who as the season goes on is “Irresistible” with Donnie Phaster father of Xena’s child is and bring the Also likely to turn up on FOX sometime destroying the entire universe. I’m glad having escaped from prison and going baby into the world. During February in the spring is the James Cameron to see that SciFi has finally picked it up after Scully as well as dealing with the sweeps we’ll have episodes dealing with series “Dark Angel” which stars Jessica and I’d suggest you check it out.The prison priest who helped Donnie and the child and it’s father. (And yes, it will Alba as Max, a genetically-enhanced Invisible Man series will star Vincent other convicts to escape. Another will be be a quick-to-grow-up child). In other human prototype hunted by her former Ventresca (“Prey”, “Maggie Winters”) as a lighter episode dealing with the death of episodes we’ll have Gabrielle turned into military handlers through the edgy, a small-time thief named Darian who a magician. We’ll see Mulder & Scully a mermaid, we’ll meet Joxer’s gay underground street life of 21st century avoids a prison sentence by undergoing investigate a fire and brimstone church brother, Jace, and we’ll also have another San Francisco. Eighteen-year-old Max is an experiment that allows him to become that has some strange things going on, musical episode of sorts. aided in her quest by Logan Clarke, an temporarily—and often accidentally— they’ll take on a soul-sucking Asian With Hercules having completed its run idealistic cyber-journalist battling invisible. While an evil scientist tries to woman, and another episode will deal in November, we’ll have repeats of the repression and corruption in post- ( Cont’d on page 10 ) Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 9 SF Tube Talk ( Cont’d from page 9 ) the movie. It has gotten a rough start, Pro notes cont’d from page 5 As always, he is the editor of Bloody however, because of production prob- Muse
Page 12 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 24 Frames ( Cont’d from page 11 ) when they discover an unusual bea-con (two moles), Sydney, a thespian fringed- comes across a boatload of Viking on the surface, a rescue mission is quickly neck lizard, Humpty a koala whose warriors. While in their camp, an The Stephen King novel, The Green launched to find out what hap-pened. It is speech reminds me of Bob Newhart and emissary from another Viking king comes Mile, is brought to film with Tom Hanks supposed to be a more cere-bral movie Jabiro, a Tasmanian Devil. to ask for help to defeat an ancient enemy starring as prison guard Paul Edgecomb. and not a slam-bang action film. They have simple adventures with clear that has returned which is rumored not King kept watch on the movie to make Movies in production updates. moral point at the end: being good to be human and an eater of the dead. sure it followed the novel closely. Be The X-Men is currently filming with friends, sharing, team-work, etc. An old fortune teller has told the warned that the execution scenes are the following cast: Patrick Stewart There is always a decent song or two with Vikings that thirteen warriors are needed pretty graphic. (Professor Charles Xavier/’Professor X’), some diggerydoo sounds. And the tales to confront this evil, and the thirteenth Also in December is The Bicentennial Ian McKellen (MaxLensherr/’Magneto’), all take place in the dry Outback some- must not be a Viking. That is how Ibn Man, based on the Asimov short story Famke Janssen (Jean Grey), James Mars- where. Fahdlon, a poet, learned to be a warrior. and starring Robin Williams and Sam den (Scott Summers/’Cyclops’), Hugh “I thought they were really good, “ says This is an exciting adventure and well- Neill. Its about an android who grows to Jackman (Logan/’Wolverine’), Tyler Johanna, “because I like Victoria; she’s worth seeing. There are subplots that be more and more human over the 200 Mane (Victor Creed/’Sabertooth’), Anna funny. The lizard is funny because he start, but go nowhere, giving the whole year span of the story. On a technical Paquin (‘Rogue’), Halle Berry (Ororo does funny voices, like Elvis. I liked it thing an unfinished feeling. But, this is note, Harkins theatres will have a digital Munroe/’Storm’), Rebecca Romijn- when Jabiro was a pirate. And Humpty still recommended for anybody that wants screening of the movie in Phoenix. Stamos (‘Mystique’), Bruce Davison because he talks weird (see, I told you!). to see an exciting action adventure. Opening at the beginning of the year (Senator Scott “Frank” Kelly), Ray Park And I like Jingaroo because he plays Nudity, some language, violence. - exclusively in IMAX theatres will be (Mortimer Toynbee/’Toad’) and Matthew soccer and helps people.” Barry Bard Disney’s Fantasia 2000. It will feature Sharp (Henry Gyrich). Look for it to open Anyway, your young kids will like these almost all new segments with only “The the weekend before July 4th. as they are simple and colorful..and most Something Wicked This Way Comes Sorceror’s Apprentice” remaining from New Line Films formally announced important, set in a different country. - Sue Anchor Bay, 94 min; PG the original Fantasia. It will be exclusive the cast for the first of the three Lord of and Johanna Martin Stars: Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, to the IMAX theatres and may never be the Rings movies. Official cast is Elijah Dianne Ladd, Pam Grier released to regular theatres. Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Sam Gam- Teen Sorcery Other movies opening up over the gee), Sean Bean (Boromir), Cate Blan- Pulse Pounders/Full Moon, 90 min, PG Based on the Ray Bradbury story, this holidays of some interest to fans are Man chett (Galadriel), Orlando Bloom Stars; A.J. Cook, Lexa Doig film was originally released in 1983. It on the Moon, starring Jim Carrey in the (Legolas), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Brad has now been digitally remastered and is biopic on the life of comedian Andy Dourif (Wormtongue), Ethan Hawke This is a light comedy adventure for a widescreen presentation being marketed Kaufman and Stuart Little, the story of a (Farimir), Sir Ian Holm (Bilbo), Christo- female teens. as a collector’s edition. mouse who is raised by the Littles, a hu- pher Lee (Saruman), Sir Ian McKellen A new student at the high school, Dawn I must confess here that I had not read man family played by Geena Davis, Jon- (Gandalf), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), (A.J. Cook) is having problems with the story this is based on, nor had I athan Lipnicki, and Hugh Laurie with as John Rhys-Davies (Gimli), Uma Thur- Mercedes (Lexa Doig), the prom queen. previously seen the film. Stuart being voiced by Michael J. Fox and man (Eowyn), and Liv Tyler (Arwen). Dawn is especially troubled by the fact Dark’s Pandemonium Carnival, a Nathan Lane voicing Snowball, the cat. Stuart Townsend was announced to play that those who oppose Mercedes have strange, shadowy traveling show, comes Opening early in the year is Supernova, Aragorn, but has since been replaced by “strange’ things happen to them. to Green Town. What price would you which has been delayed, had its director, Viggo Mortensen. The look of film will pay to have your dreams come true? One Walter Hill, quit, and Francis Ford be close to what we’ve seen in Tolkien by one the townspeople find that the price Coppola was brought in to complete the illustrations since the conceptual artists they are paying is too high. When two editing. It’s about a deep space medical are Alan Lee and John Howe, who have young boys discover Mr Dark’s secret ship and its six-member crew who answer done many Tolkien illustrations. they turn to the town librarian for help. an emergency distress signal. They soon MOVIE RELEASE DATES Hidden strengths are discovered and good find themselves in danger from the mys- Dec 10 - The Green Mile triumphs over evil. terious young man they rescue, the alien Dec 17 - Bicentennial Man, Stuart This is a typical Disney production, artifact he’s smuggled aboard, and the Little nothing too scary for children, but well gravitational pull of a giant star about go Dec 22 - Man on the Moon crafted enough to hold the interest of supernova. It stars James Spader, Angela Dec 25 - Galaxy Quest adults. It lacks the spectacular special Bassett, and Lou Diamond Phillips. Jan 1 - Fantasia 2000 (IMAX) effects of recent years and that actually In February, Scream 3 hits the theatres, Jan 14 - Supernova works to the story’s advantage. The dark supposedly concluding the horror trilogy. Feb 4 - Scream 3, Lost Souls atmosphere is spooky without overpower- Neve Campbell returns with a host of new Feb 11 - Pitch Black ing the story. - Stephanie L Bannon characters to be killed off. Mar 3 - Mission to Mars Lost Souls, with Winona Ryder, Ben May - Battlefield Earth, Gladiators, Dawn and her friends discover ( Cont’d on page 10 ) Chaplin, and John Hurt has the devil Dinosaur, The Sixth Day, The Haunted Mercedes is using black magic. With a coming to Earth yet again, with an atheist House, Mission Impossible 2 little magic of their own, Dawn and her journalist being the portal for him (or June - Tomb Raider, Red Planet, Titan friends set out to stop her.
something like that). Pitch Black is a A.E, X-Men, Chicken Run This adventure has time travel to the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ low budget scifi/horror flick about a ○○○○○○ Middle Ages, dragons, knights, magic transport crew marooned on a sun- and a brave prince. At the end everyone scorched alien world who realize that the Videophile lives happily ever after—except inhabitants of the planet are nocturnal, Jingaroo 1 and 2 Mercedes. savage beasts who never emerge into Beckett Entertainment. Enjoyable, but best if you are under 18. sunlight. However, every sixty years the Both tapes 30 minutes or less No nudity, no language, and almost no sun is eclipsed and the entire planet turns violence. Good for kids on a Saturday dark, and the lifeforms emerge from their Johanna and I watched two new videos afternoon. - Barry Bard dark slumber to feed. for kids called Jingaroo, undoubtedly an March sees the first of two Mars mo- Australian TV show for kids, completely The 13th Warrior vies. Mission to Mars stars Gary Sinise, computer generated. Buena Vista, 103 min, Rated R Tim Robbins, Don Cheadle, Kim De- Jingaroo is a soccer-playing kangaroo Stars: Antonio Banderas, Omar Sharif laney and Jerry O’Connell and is directed surrounded by an interesting band of by Brian DePalma. After all contact with mates: Victoria, I believe she’s an emu, A traveling ambassador from an Arab the first manned mission to Mars ends possibly a peahen, the Groote brothers country, Ibn Fahdlon (Antonio Banderas) Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 13 The Car I liked this one. It’s a weird, quirky tale Sailing to Sarantium Anchor Bay, 96 mins, PG In Our Book about teenager Kaspian Aaby (‘like the by Guy Gavriel Kay James Brolin, Kathleen Lloyd prince, with a ‘K’ he constantly explains) HarperPrism; 438 pp. $24 Full Tide of Night who, spiritually adrift, a trial to his ultra- Again this is a digitally remastered, by J.R. Dunn religious stepmother (and without the I’m just going to do a quicky here about widescreen presentation in Anchor Bay’s Avon Eos Books, 312 pp., $5.99 much needed buffer of his father who Guy Gavriel Kay’s latest book. Collector’s Editions. died when he was a kid) and a puzzle to I really, really enjoy this man’s writing. James Brolin stars as Sheriff Wade It’s no trade secret that the three main the public school system, finds himself in It’s literate, intelligent, spiced with dry Parent in the small New Mexico town of sources for modern storytellers are Shake- an experimental school, sponsored by a wit and a wonderful sense of the magical. Santa Ynez. Out of nowhere comes a speare, the Bible, and classical mythol- wealthy cattle baron who is trying to sell I loved Tigana and Song for Arbonne, strange black car. First it runs down two ogy. Dunn has sort of used all three in the idea of schools as franchises to a etc. He develops characters and worlds bicyclists, then a hitchhiker, who will be this novel. The cover blurbs note that the Congresswoman from North Dakota. (only slightly off from this planet) that next? No one knows where the car came inspiration for this book is Shakespeare- Soul weary of his inability to feel con- are rich and human. And in this novel his from or who (or what?) is driving it. They influenced play ‘The Duchess of Malfi’, a nected to anything, Kaspian decides one skills are once again put to good use. only know they must destroy it before it revenge tragedy by John Webster, written evening to take a literal hike from the Sarantium (aka: Byzantium) is the destroys them. circa 1613 (Webster was the snoopy kid scheduled curriculum and head off on his capitol of an empire with flucuating This was originally, I believe, a made- with the mice in the movie ‘Shakespeare own into the Main woods....(what IS it edges, like most empires. The emperors for-TV movie, or at least TV is where I in Love’). There are occasional Biblical about the Maine woods? Among others, rise and fall, sometimes helped by first saw it. While it isn’t great art, it is allusions and new Judeo-Christian sects they’re Stephen King’s favorite hang-out) assassination. Sarantium is the center of kind of fun watching Brolin battle the car on this 24th-century colonized planet. And there he has an Experience: an ‘X- the Roman-esque civilisation people with into submission. - Stephanie L. Bannon And some villians Dunn has modeled files’ type of encounter with little people Senators and artisans and military men of after the mythic Furies, and even given and a white angel type woman who does the rugged centurion mold. Timelock them the same Latin-Greek name: Erinye. an examination of him against his ability Into this glittering decadence comes MTI Home Video and EGM Film But the main villians are the Rigorists, an to resist..... Crispin, a mosacist from the outlands, a International, Inc. amalgam of every collectivist ideology Are they aliens? Little people? (the descendant of a tribe of people who once Directed by Robert Munic that has commited mass murder in mod- others he meets are strange little men) were as powerful as the current Sarantine Starring: Maryam D’Abo, Arye Gross, ern times: communists, fascists, ethnic Figments of an awkward teenager? Empire. He takes on his master’s name Jeffery Meek, Jeff Speakman cleansers, Jacobins of the French Revolu- He has no idea exactly what’s hap- (Martinian) to gain entry into Sarantium tion. Dunn expertly portrays the psychol- pened, but when this experience is over, because the master dosen’t want to leave This direct to video artifact begins with ogy that goes into such ideologies, and he finds four days have passed and he’s his home town and Crispin decides to go our heroine, Maryam as a pilot and Ayre the motivations of various movement sleeping on a ‘fairy rock’ some 60-70 in his stead. And take the Imperial offer as a petty thief she is transporting to leaders. There is Fredrix, the epilectic miles away. he simply can’t refuse: laying mosaic in a Alpha 4, an escape proof asteroid prison. Rigorist; Danil Cardanale, the academic Unwilling to talk about his experience, cathedral of awesome particulars (mod- There is, it seems, a plot to release from scholar who helps the Rigorists; Tony his life just goes on downhill from there. eled no doubt on Hagia Sophia in cryofreeze, a really serious Perin, the leader of the agricultural And even gets worse, because he meets Istanbul). felon(Speakman). His half brother aided rebels; the Lady Amalfi, matriarch of the up with the white angel woman one more Crispin comes to Sarantium after by an inside traitor are set to release him world, who has been overthrown by an time, has a vivid sexual experience with having some amazing adventures, (and and take over Alpha4. They scheme, not alliance of rebels and Rigorists. And her, after falling asleep in the school’s one with an ‘old’ god in a dark wood), only to escape, but also to deal a serious Cariola, Lady Amalfi’s artificial intelli- chapel. One of the school counselors and immeadiately gets plunged into the blow to civilization in the process. gence computer, has its own hidden finds him, in a pool of broken stained convolutions of Imperial politics and rival It is left to our intrepid pilot, aided by agendas. There is also an approaching glass. Of course the administrators factions of charioteers. the petty thief to save the universe from starship which may contain the Erinyes. believe he broke the window (They But once he sees where he’s going to this evil. The film has action, humor, Most of all, this is a tale of paramilitary neglect to notice the interesting detail use his artistic skills, he is swept into the moderately good sets and better acting warfare, while the Lady Amalfi is under that the glass is broken into the chapel emperor’s vision. than the hackneyed plot deserves. It is not house arrest, the conquering alliance un- and not laying outside in the grass). And so, dear readers, are we. great cinema, but it is fun. The action ravels. Dunn gets in historical, political, Seen as incorrigible, he is sent away to Sail to Sarantium, and enjoy the ride! - caries you along and you finish the movie and military analyses in his tale, too. All the model of the school franchise pro- Sue Martin smiling. What more can you ask? - Gary of the characters except Cariola are gram in Virginia, the cattle baron’s pride The Prophecy Swaty human beings, and this is a novel that and joy. Kaspian meets some other out- by Sharon Green explores real human nature. The evil ones casts of course, whom he gets along with, Avon, 405 pp, $6.50 are the ideologues who have unrealistic including a troubled young woman, views of human nature to impose on the Charity, with whom he falls in love. The book “The Prophecy” is the last world. In their warped minds, this jus- The story is likeable because Kaspian’s book in a series of five books called the tifies deceit, treachery, mass murder, tor- trials seem believebale, even with their Blending. It is a book that brings together ture, and war. Lots of that in this book, unbelievebale trappings and settings. He the Powers of the Earth and the Spirit and it’s still science fiction. pulls you along into the story, stumbling world to unite with Destiny. It is the I especially like the touches where and alternately confused and insightful perfect conclusion to a powerful series famous people and sayings from Earth about his predicament. and for those of you who have read the history are misquoted or only half- We even get a interesting explanation first four books of this series, this book is remembered. it gives me a real sense of from one character about the nature of everything you have been waiting for. - the future, ensconced in the problems of Kaspian’s other-worldly experiences. Karen Lantz (Jeff George’s 15-year-old any time. - Michael Griffin And the book’s resolution is satisfying. niece) Grant’s writing style is also quirky and Kaspian Lost flavorful, especially his dialogue. So, if Memoranda by Richard Grant you are in the mood for a moody teen- by Jeffrey Ford Spike/Avon Books, 320 pp. $24 ager, lost, as they say, ‘in his own private Avon, 230 pp.; $12 Idaho..” I’d pick this one up. - Sue I haven’t read any Richard Grant for Martin “Memoranda” is the second volume of a awhile. He wrote Rumors of Spring which series that began with “The Physiogomy,” I liked and Views from the Oldest House World Fantasy award winner. A third which I didn’t much. volume is in the works. ( Cont’d on page 15) Page 14 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 The Repository commentary. It’s all sort of Siddhartha meets up with In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 14 ) by Adam Niswander Most significant in the coverage of the Gene Wolfe’s “Shadow of the Torturer” Cley, the former physiogomist, has fled Meisha Merlin, 291 pp.; $14 book is a whole segment on the SF that is series. the “well built city” with his friends and lost to most of today’s fans: The SF pulp To put it very mildy, this is a wildly established an agrarian community This is about as classic a tale of Good and digest magazines. Robinson traces colorful and eccentric bit of business. without technology or cruelty. Vs. Evil as you’ll find on the market the history from its earliest form (the now McAuley has a wonderful antique store Master Drachton Below’s evil ambi- today. rather brittle pulp magazines ... so called kind of creativity: odd bits and pieces of tions were not destroyed with the explo- The Fellowship of Magic has waged a because of the cheap paper used) and the the old and new; the unknown and the sion of his dark social experiment. centuries-long tug-of-war with Satan and digest-sized magazines that are still cobbled-together. All wrapped up in a Though subject to his own sleeping his minions. The Fellowship gives their around today. fascinating quilt of images, peoples, plague, Below unleashes it on the all to maintain a balance and to keep The books chosen are by no means a landscapes, cultures, clothing and ancient community. Cley must return to the Satan from getting the upperhand. complete list of the most significant ruins. The one other book of his I’ve illusionary dream world of Below’s mind Lee Randall, a child of two mages in publications in the field, but I’d have a read, “Pasquale’s Angel” is very similar to obtain the antidote. He must also the Fellowship, who are, alas, undone by tough time arguing with most of those he in richness, though set in a Renaissance- survive to bring the antidote home. the machinations of the evil Urthane chose to include. Many are still available flavored world. This is a complex Quest taking place in LaVoisin, is raised in an orphanage, in in reprint forms or used book stores today Confluence itself is a straight stick of a the stygian depths created in Below’s Virginia, ignorant of his heritage. and I’d recommend most to a new reader world, divided lengthwise by the Great dreaming. In saving his neighbors, Cley He’s extraordinary abilities manifest ... though some are rather heavy fare for a River and seemingly millions of years also saves Below. But, in giving the themselves very early and those adults novice in the field. old. It is peopled with human-seeming antidote, he turns the community into around him (all members of the Fellow- The one area that I’d argue with is its races—with strange bits of animals crime-ridden drug addicts, a plan of the ship), encourage and train his skills somewhat limited interpretation of SF. thrown in—all developed by the revered evil master. When the compassionate without revealing themselves until the That is, the book mostly excludes fantasy Preservers, the center of the worlds demon After Misrix returns to detox him, time is right. and horror (except mostly-horror cross- religion, who disappeared one fine day they must leave to find new lands in the And that time comes when his uncle overs, such as Frankenstein because of its into a black hole called, funnily enough, uncharted wilderness, (and set up Volume Josiah (who had organized his life so far) scientific experimentation nature, and “The Eye of the Preservers.” Are they Three). The tale seems most like Franz is killed by the wiley, centuries-old other such mixed themes). While it’s not gone for good—a milion years defunct? Kafka giving birth to a child with John LaVoisin, plunging the young mage Lee too tough to define SF as only that which Or will they return some day? Gardner. The character of Misrix reminds into the adult world of no-holds-barred includes science, it rather excludes some And Yama, steadfast and goodhearted, me of Gardner’s Grendel. magic, fast. good books written by many authors in remains true to his desire to discover his The story, though complex, is not His Destiny, according to his fellow the field. purpose and his people, no matter how difficult to follow in its allegorical style. mages, is to confront, and defeat I’d recommend this book as both a folks try to disuade him. Can he prove he Not an easy read, but well worth the LaVoisin once and for all, and keep Satan coffee-table reference that’s impressive to is truely one of the Builders, the first effort. - Pam Allen from running the planet. view and as a guide to help you find what people of Confluence, as so many believe, Niswander lays all this out in a straight- to read for the coming year. Well worth especially his arch-nemesis, Dr. Dismas? We forward manner. the money! — Bruce Farr Is he a messiah to lead the people into a by Yevgeny Zamyatin He brackets the third person narrative new age? These are the ideas he wrestles Avon Books, 256 pp, $5.99 with notes from Ambrose Bierce, who is Ancients of Days: with throughout the book. He trusts writing down the sequence of events for Book Two of Confluence strangers on the road instinctively, but is This is a reprint of a historical volume Lucifer’s edification: one Tall Tale teller by Paul McAuley equally repelled by the endless parade of which has had great impact on the writers to another. Bierce admits, of course, to Avon/Eos, 386 pp.; $16 nasty bureaucratic characters who want to of this century. some poetic license as he wasn’t there for use him for their own ends. Penned by a disaffected Russian citizen every turn of event. As this is a second volume in a series, I Throughout his travels, Yama also only three years after the 1917 Revolu- Niswander surrounds our hero with decided to read Book One: “Child of the acquires a motley cadre of loyal followers tion, it accurately portrays how the initial interesting characters. One of the most River,” which I enjoyed very much. I who do their best to help and protect him excesses of Socialism can expand to interesting being LaVoisin’s “Igor,” her recommend you do the same as the book’s and, who follow him to the ends of the become a totalitarian society. assistant in her heinous deeds, richness will be pretty much terra earth, literally. This is one of the books used by George Torgrimson. He is a huge, hulking, toad- incognita in Book Two. And this is where McAuley leaves us in Orwell to research parts of his outstand- like being—but once human. His is “Ancients of Days” continues the story Book Two. Book Three will take us over ing novel, “1984” which was actually undoubtedly an interesting tale, like the of Yamamanama, known as Yama, a the edge, no doubt! - Sue Martin written in 1948. The reader will see many pumpkin-headed kid in Niswander’s child found floating on the Great River as The Gilded Chain: A Tale of the King’s parallels in the structure of society “The Sandwellers.” a baby on the breast of a ghostly white, Blades between these two books, but the authors’ My one quibble is: Egyptian magic, dead woman. by Dave Duncan writing styles and character portrayals Druidic magic, Voodoo, Medieval magic He is raised by the Aedile of Aeolis as Avon/Eos; 396 pp.;$6.99 differ vastly. and even the Black Arts are mentioned as his son, and though motherless, has a Zamyatin’s protagonist starts out as a sources of study for the Fellowship, but happy childhood , shared with his This is the start of another high fantasy well-adjusted (for his society) worker there is no mention of Kabbalistic stepbrother, Telmon. adventure series from Duncan, writer of with a rather pleasant lifestyle—just what esoterica, or any Eastern magics, other But once he is a young man, everything the Great Game series. the Socialists promised. He has food, than ancient Egypt. changes. The tale follows the adventurous life of shelter, a job and friends in a modern, But this is just a small quibble. - Sue You see, of all the shaped races on one of the King’s Blades, Durendal technological, well-regulated and Martin Confluence—a construct of the sainted (named for a famous Blade of the past). peaceful society. But some of his friends and long absent Preservers—Yama’s A King’s Blade is bound through an have original and independent ideas. Science Fiction of the 20th Century bloodline is unique. He is the only known arcane ritual to a ward, a person he is These ideas are not considered illegal or Frank M. Robinson member of his people. sworn to protect and serve above all else, anti-social, but rather the symptoms of a Collectors Press, 256 pg, $59.95 hb So, he leaves his happy home, sent above his own life and even above the disease that needs to be “cured” in an ostensibly by his stepfather to the big city king’s life. ailing comrade—-for his own good, of Science Fiction of the 20th Century is a of Ys to be a clerk, but Yama, driven by Durendal’s career as a Blade, finds him course. The plot becomes obvious from superbly illustrated tour of science fiction his need to know himself, and unsettled first sworn to the weak and wishy here on but the details of how the pro- in literature and film. The author, Frank by his companions, decides he doesn’t Marquis of Nutting (get it?) which, tagonist wends his way through the M. Robinson, well known among SF want to be buried in paperwork in a huge though unbearable, gives him some ultimate Socialist State are in the reading. fandom for his knowledge of the litera- machine of a bureucracy. He leaves his valuable life lessons. He eventually ends And it’s quite an adventure. Pete Manly ture, displays his wide knowledge of the entourage and sets off to discover who he up as the Blade for the much admired and history of the field throughout his is and his destiny. ( Cont’d on page16 ) Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 15 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 15 ) it. On her way to look for the cat, she is and colorful as the Bayeaux Tapestry. apprentice magician Owyn, and the lead to the Otherworld. There she meets Edward the Confessor’s career as king is mysterious Patrus add to the roster of blustery King Ambrose IV, and his life is Bast and her evil sister Sekmet. Bast tells shown from mid-reign. He is presented as Midkemia characters. never the same. Vedela that she will give her the ability to prissy and settled into his absorption with The book does betray its computer RPG I enjoyed reading about his five-year heal her tribe and also to give them a his relationship with God—and only origins, however, with a lot of the char- mission to mysterious Samarinda with his warning; the Romans are coming and her spottily interested in the rank and file of acters moving around the kingdom on own Blade, Wolfbiter, where the two of tribe will be conquered. Vedela then re- England and the struggles for the future. various quests and reaching decision them discover a horrible immortality turns to her own world, starts healing her Harold is straightforward as he can be, points where they list their possible ritual that has taken in one of their fellow tribe and gives them Bast’s warning. The whether dealing with fractious brothers, courses of action before deciding which Blades, and eventually proves a downfall tribe takes the warning the wrong way, loud Welsh kings taken with their own one to take. for many of the high and mighty. I thereby setting the stage for the rest of the legend or the bullish concerns of William It is still a good read, maybe not up to enjoyed his character and his abilities, book. of Normandy. He is admirable, warm- the best of the overall series, but a worthy especially how he handles the king. Sarah Isidore has done her home work hearted and clever and deeply loved his addition to it. Of course, what would a high adven- and now I know where some expressions hand-fasted wife Edith—whom the The new novel, Krondor: The Assas- ture, swords-flashing hero be without his come from. The cat was relatively Church wouldn’t recognize when he sins, is not directly based on the original tenacious nemesis? Kromman is unheard of in Northern Europe at the became king. So once crowned, he had to game or its sequel, Return to Krondor, Durendal’s constant thorn: an evil, time of the Druids, so the inspiration bow to expediency and “marry” some one but takes place between the two games, crooked Inquisitor who dogs his career. came from her own cat. else. But he loved Edith all his life and bridging the events of the two. Thus it There is obviously lots of swordplay, The pace of this book is pretty staight- Godwin says, it was she and not the reads more like a regular novel, not and wordplay, battles in close quarters, forward, although at times it seems to queen who was there at Hastings when having as heavy an RPG background as hair-raising rides and lots and lots of branch out, but the “branches” all come the battle was over. the first novel. A third novel, Krondor: political manuevering in this novel. together again, making for a interesting Godwin is a steady, wonderful writer— Tear of the Gods, will be released next And it is fun...BUT, Duncan used a read. I, for one, am looking forward to much the same as Guy Gavriel Kay. His year that adapts the events in the second literary device that was not only confus- Sarah Isidore’s next book. - Helen fiction is suffused with a deep glow and a game to print form. ing but unnecessary. He starts the tale off “April” Rice welcome underabundance of exclamation Krondor: The Assassins focuses on with Durendal a sullen young lad talking points and hysteria. But don’t think it is three of the major characters, giving us to the Grand Master of Ironhall (where Dragon Three Two Nine all pastoral or intelectual ruminating, more insight into what made them into one trains to be a Blade) , and then in the by Peter L. Manly there is plenty of action, and character the characters we see in the Serpentwar next chapter, we’re suddenly dealing with 169 pp, $15.00 + $2.50 shipping development. Saga novels. The main focus is on Jimmy Durendal as a old man. He switches be- orelectronic edition, $5.00 (pdf file) at This fateful tale begins where it ends: the Hand, the former thief who is now a tween the young Durendal and the old www.scifi-az.com/manly that awful night, long after sunset on the squire to Prince Arutha. Also featured is only a couple of times, and then drops the battleground of Hastings. The inevitable William, Pug’s son, who has elected to switching back and forth and just pro- Princess Irulana is a bit of an over- has happened, and William has con- become a soldier instead of a magician, ceeds on with the events of Durendal’s achiever. A licensed dragon pilot, magi- quered. much to his father’s dismay. life. cian and messenger for her father the What a hellava a ride. - Sue Martin The other major force in the novel is It took me a while to figure this out, King, she rides Georgine the dragon all Prince Arutha, who has to deal with the because, early on, we find out there was over her country on errands. Gradually, Krondor: The Betrayal threats to Krondor, making use of ANOTHER Durendal, a legendary Blade, she discovers a dark plot to unseat her Avon/EOS, Paperback, 418 pp, $6.99 Jimmy’s skills and William’s trust to ages ago, the greatest swordsman of his father and the situation gets Really and resolve them. time, etc., etc. All those around the Interesting. Krondor: The Assassins Krondor: The Assassins follows on current Durendal thought he had a lot of This pleasant, easy reading juvenile Avon/EOS Hardback, $25.00 directly from the events in Krondor: The nerve naming himself for this larger- novel is an expansion of three stories by Raymond E. Feist Betrayal, with Arutha returning to than-life hero...but its a moot point, which have appeared in _Con Notations_. Krondor to find that there has been a because, he becomes a larger-than-life I particularly liked the flying sequences, These two books are the latest adven- series of seemingly random murders. hero himself and quite lives up to the which draw heavily on the author’s tures in Raymond E. Fiest’s long running Jimmy discovers that a new force has name. piloting experience for an authentic feel. fantasy series set in the land of pretty much wiped out The Mockers, This aside, the book was still fun and Though Manly has no current plans for Midkemia, under the umbrella title of Krondor’s thieves guild and works to find peopled with stalwart men and women, more stories in this world, the world is The Riftwar Legacy trilogy. the connection between the various interesting evils and a slew of curious drawn well enough to allow for other Krondor: The Betrayal is based in large murders. To make things worse, a rituals. stories. - Patrick Connors part on ideas and adventures that Feist visiting Duke is a target of these assassins The second volume of this series, “Lord Lord of Sunset developed for a computer role playing and after a near successful attempt on his of the Fire Lands” has just been published by Parke Godwin game Betrayal at Krondor for Sierra life, Jimmy, Arutha and William have to in hardback. - Sue Martin Avon; 566 pp.; $6.99 Online that is considered one of the best work together to find out who or what is computer RPG’s ever produced. In fact, behind it all. The Daughters Of Bast The Hidden As elegant a novel as “Sherwood,” the hardback edition of Krondor: The Feist really makes the characters come Land Parke Godwin has once again swept the Betrayal came with a CD-ROM that alive in this novel, especially Jimmy. by Sarah Isidore reader into the early days of Norman contained the game. Fiest has done much Since the focus is on fewer characters, the Avon Books, 369 pp, $6.50 England with smooth and graceful more than just adapt the game to novel reader really gets a chance to identify writing. form, and familiarity with the computer with them. Its not as sprawling an “The Daughters Of Bast: The Hidden I ‘ve always been a fan of Godwin’s. “A game is definitely not a requirement. adventure as some of the other novels in Land” is a historical fantasy that prom- Truce with Time” is exquisite and “Wait- However, having read the novel could the series, keeping most of the action in ises to be the first in a series of novels. ing for the Galactic Bus” and “The Snake help out with the game. Krondor or nearby. It definitely keeps the Vedela is a young girl born to one of the Oil Wars” were fall-down hysterical. Krondor: The Betrayal covers a lot of reader’s interest as the story develops. It six tribes of Belgae, who lives by the river With this novel, we follow the last of territory in the Midkedemia universe. is relatively self-contained, but does offer Rhine. Her aunt, or “foster mother,” is the Saxon kings—Edward the Confessor Dealing with a threat from the moredhel an epilogue that serves as a teaser for the one the most powerful Druids of her tribe. and Harold Godwinesson—Harold II— to the kingdom and ending with a next novel in the series. Vedela is sent to capture a animal, a cat, the king who met William the Conquerer confrontation at Sethanon over the What I like most about these novels is for a healing spell for a plague decimat- that day at Hastings. Lifestone. Familiar characters such as the the development we see in the characters ing her people. She lets the cat go, much Godwin follows the facts of Harold’s magician Pug, thief turned squire Jimmy that we first met in the Riftwar Saga and to the displeasure of her aunt, who tells life, much as they are succintly laid out in the Hand, squire Locklear, and Prince say goodbye to in the Serpentwar Saga. her that the animal was a gift from Great the Encyclopaedia Britannnica and then Arutha all play major roles. New charac- There was a lot that happened to them Mother Anu, and that she must recapture embroiders the story with prose as earthy ters such as the moredhel Gorath, the ( Cont’d on page 17 ) Page 16 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 16 ) original novels in the Omnibus volume, BASFA Baja Arizona Science Fiction Partners in Necessity in February 2000. Club Listings Association, a non-profit organization. between those two series and it’s enjoy- Two prequels in a volume titled Pilot’s Puts on TUS-CON Convention annually. able to see more about them in print. - (To have your club listed or to correct your Choice are expected in 2001. listing please contact the editor in writing.) Lee Whiteside Additionally fans can look at CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULA- www.korval.com for more about the ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and TIVE FICTION SOCIETY, INC. Dust Liaden Universe. - Gary Swaty renaissance recreationist club. Sword- (CASFS) The non-profit corporation that by Charles Pellegrino fighting, arts, banquets, masquerades, puts on CopperCon conventions, Harper, 450 pp, $6.99 A Signal Shattered dances. meets every Wednesday night SmurfCons, HexaCons, occasional by Eric S. Nyland from 7-10pm at Encanto Park. All are regional cons, and publishes Con- Science fiction fans as a group have Avon, 378 pp, $23.00 welcome. Free. For details, call Notations. Best described as SF/F seldom shied away from literature whose (602)582-6990. generalists with a strong bent towards fabric was thickly interwoven with A Signal Shattered is a sequel to Signal literary SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at theoretical concepts which underpinned to Noise. It would appear to have at least ARERIAL MIRAGE JUGGLING 8pm on the last Friday of each month in the action of the text. And Dust, an one sequel more to come. It can stand CLUB International Juggling Associa- January thru September and the second apocalyptic novel by Charles Pellegrino is alone. tion affiliate club meets 7-10pm Wednes- Friday in October, November and just such a work of fiction. In Signal To Noise, The Earth has been day evenings at Encanto Park. No dues, December at JB’s Restaurant, 2560 W. Certainly there are flesh munching dust destroyed by the offices of the alien trader everyone welcome. All levels skill Indian School in Phoenix, AZ. Write PO mites, crazed mobs hunting scientists known only as Wheeler, [through the exchange in many areas of object ma- Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 or through burning laboratories in the dark unknowing help of Jack Potter, Mathema- nipulation. Devils’ Club meets Fridays call Stephanie L. Bannon (602)973-2341 of night and enough nuclear explosions to tician and cryptographer] Jack has 5pm north of the Hayden Library on the for information. Web www.casfs.org spell out ‘Lime Jello here’ in Morse code managed to save himself and a few others ASU campus. For more info, call (602) to the folks on Aldeberan. But these are through instantaneous transmission to a 585-7623, or write 2326 E. Electra Lane, THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) only secondary within the book to a base on the moon. Along with Jack, and Phoenix, AZ 85024. An organization formed for the expres- presentation of interesting, and disturb- his few survivors, also saved are Isabel, sion and exploration of various cultural ing, speculations about the fragility of life and Zero, Jack’s former friends and ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE themes including, but not limited to, the on Earth. The author presents these in a partners. No one trust anyone else. A collaboration of computer gaming Dark Ages and the Renaissance through well crafted narrative which moves the Someone is sabotaging their survival enthusiasts, the Arizona LANbashers forms of art including, but not limited to, reader briskly along as the ecological mechanisms and Wheeler wants Jack to League throws quarterly LANparty painting, drawing, writing, photography, disaster unfolds leaving one turning page join him or be destroyed. and Zero has events. Between parties, support is given spoken word, and acts of characterization. after page to see what will happen next. infected them with an enzyme that makes to local groups who wish to advertise 2) a member of this organization. 3) At the end, after finishing the fictional them smarter but fragments their minds their own gatherings. We have no set Information available at (602) 978-9314. tale, the author includes two extra past coherence. Will the remains of the genre of games and play anything from sections. The first confirms as present day Human race survive and wend their way strategy games to first-person shooters to DAYSTAR HOLT Arizona’s first and reality many of the disturbing signs of free of their fragmenting minds. driving/flying simulations. No annual longest-running Elfquest fan club. civilization’s impending fall. The second Does Mandelbrot seem an artist? Do membership is required and admission to Daystar meets to talk about EQ and is a bibliography of texts for those who virtual reality, fractals, and fragmenting an event ranges from $5-$15. See our related stuff, develop characters, publish would want to learn more about planetary minds hod a fascination? You’ll love this webpage for current events. Email: stories in our ‘zine Playelf and create an ecology and the cycle of mass extinctions novel. But even I, the mathematically [email protected] Web: http:/ annual calendar. Other common interests which seem to occur every 33 million challenged , found myself pulled in and www.gibbed.com/all VoiceMail: 602- include music, bellydance, camping and years. following the permutations of this 306-9339 of course, SF. Membership is free (18 or In many ways Dust is the best type of challenging book. Though not an easy over) and is attained by group vote after science fiction. Not only entertaining as read, it is worth the effort - Pam Allan THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, you attend two meetings or holt-related literature it engages the speculative is a general sci-fi appreciation group that get-togethers. Meetings are usually the curiosity of the reader about many aspects The Stone And The Maiden meets once a month for discussion of first Saturday of each month; for more of the natural world they might not yet by Dennis Jones various sci-fi news regarding several info, call Tom or Janice at (602) 581- have considered. Avon, 421 pp, $23.00 mediums to include: television, movies, 2258. They have a website up at http;// A definite recommended read in the video, books, comics, magazines, collect- users.aol.com/daystarelf/daystar.htm hard science fiction category. - Bruce The Stone And the Maiden is classic ing, and so forth. The meetings are Saul Fantasy. A sequel is in the works for a comprised of news, review and comment, DESERT LURKERS Tucson based Plan B series titled The House of the Pandragore. BBS/computer news and help, meeting Babylon 5 fan club. Meets and communi- By Steve Miller and Sharon Lee The Tathers, barbarian hordes abetted new members, video presentations, cates via listserver over the Internet. Meisha Merlin, 336 pp, $14.00 by the Black sorcerer Erkai of the Chain, games, and socializing fun! Food and Anyone with e-mail access can subscribe have cut a bloody swath through the drinks are provided, via a $3 munchie fee to the Desert Lurkers by sending e-mail Now available from Amazon.com or Ascendency and are on the verge of (per meeting) to compensate the host. to [email protected] and putting Mark Ziesing is Steve Miller and Sharon winning the war. Erkai’s chain consumes (No other fees are involved.) The elec- “subscribe” (minus the quotation marks) Lee’s “Plan B” published by Meisha the life force of the captured and grows tronic home of the Away Team, is the in the subject line. Interested people can Merlin stronger with every one it takes. The only Lightspeed Space Station BBS at (520) contact Alexander Goodrum at E-mail Plan B is the long awaited sequel to hope is the Signata, a talisman of deep 325-6674.... Member ages for the group address: [email protected] Miller and Lees 80’s Trilogy. The series magic, which appears different to every range from 13-40-something with both was incomplete and at long last in their one and whose location is unknown. male and female members. Other activi- EARTHLINK SCI-FI CLUB SF inimitable style the authors have provided Mandine Dascaris, heiress to the throne, ties include null-modem link gamefests, generalists with some focus on comics rip roaring answers to many of the and Key Mec Brander of Elthame are group theater movie viewings, convention and environmental issues. Meets at questions about events in the wonderful chosen by the god and goddess to save the trips and more. Have sci-fi fun in a various conventions and occasions. Liaden Universe of Conflict of Honors, world if they can. The price of success relaxed, low-structure environment. NO Publishes a quarterly newsletter called Agent of Change and Carpe Diem. could be their lives. RUBBER EARS ALLOWED!! For Cosmic Wavelengths. For information The authors have maintained the comb- This book transcends the usual epic questions, you can call the BBS, or write contact them at 8508 E. San Lorenzo, ination of dramatic action and humor in fantasy confines with good characters, to: LSS c/o R. Martin; 2522 N. Sparkman Scottsdale, AZ 85258, or call Nohl Rosen the original tales and have preserved their and strange twists. It is hard to put down. Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716 at (602) 991-8847. original flavor. { a real Page turner} A must read for A Really Good read. fantasy lovers - Pam Allan Meisha Merlin is reprinting the three ( Cont’d on page 18 ) Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 17 Club Listings ( Cont’d from page 17 ) THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM Bird of Prey, roming the desert looking STARBASE TUCSON Tucson Arizona SOCIETY A Phoenix based club inte- for battle. Are the Fed’s too soft, looking based Star Trek club. For info call Geof THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND rested in the entire realm of SF, Fantasy for combat, feel the call to glory. This is Wood at (520) 746-1822 or write Starbase STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and Horror film. PFFS has been in the ship for you. Membership in the Tucson ; 3314 E. Benson Hwy ; Tucson and Steel specializes in the general existence for 25 years, meeting every 6 SFCOM is free! To join DSSF or the Sto- AZ 85706. Email:[email protected] recreation of the culture of the Middle weeks in member’s homes. Dues are $10 Vo-Kor a nominal fee for the national Ages including all of the Art Forms, per year. Membership includes newslet- clubs involved and uniforms. For further STONEHENGE BBS Enjoy over 60 Events (Feasts, Tournaments, Ceremonies ters, an annual film awards and various information contact President John online games including TradeWars 2002, and Wars) and Combat Arts covering the outings. For information, contact PFFS, Nelson at (602) 409-7169 or on the StarFight, The Pit, Dirty Play, Usurper, years of 800AD up to 1650AD and any P.O. Box 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or internet at; [email protected] or LORD, and Battle Grid (new, like location within Europe or its explored call David Storck at (602) 274-7404, check out our web site. http:// Battletech). Topical message boards, E- territories. For more information contact e-mail: [email protected]. members.aol.com/bnelson502/index.html Mail, and Network Echoes. 1000’s of Bart Smith (Phoenix) (602)937-6995 or files to download: utilities, games, GIF Leonard Bird (Tucson) (520)742-2432 PHOENIX JAPANIMATION SOCI- SFACE (Speculative Fiction And pictures, & more every day! Stop by and ETY Local chapter of Japanimation/ Computer Enthusiasts) Phoenix College’s give us a try at Stonehenge BBS (602) INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD general animation oriented fans - meets one and only connection to the worlds of 947-2223, FidoNet 1:114/120, 300- OF JEDI KNIGHTS Members of the monthly. Membership is free, though speculative fiction, including science 9600bps, V.32/V.42bis, 24 hours a day. Tatooine Base have revised the Interna- optional monthly newsletter is $5/year or fiction, fantasy, and horor as well as table tional Brotherhood of Jedi Knights, a not- $.50 per month. Call Tom Perry at (602) top, live action and internet gaming, TARDIS TARDIS is a Phoenix-based for-profit fan club dedicated to Star Wars. 996-2196 or write 3241 E. Altadena, SFACE also serves as a guide through the General SF/Fantasy Fan Club, specializ- Membership is $8.00 U.S. and/or $11.00 Phoenix, AZ 85028. Internet - both teaching basic use and ing in International media SF/Fantasy (Canada/foreign) and includes a member- utilizing as a source of speculative fiction. since 1983. TARDIS meets every two ship packet consisting of a one year RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST For more info, contact weeks at different locations around the subscription to The New Jedi Times A Live Action Theatre Troupe based out [email protected] valley. Activities include watching (published 6 times a year), membership of the ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is videos, discussions, parties, fund-raisers, card, IBOJK charter & bylaws informa- dedicated to the game Werewolf: The SHADOWKEEP BBS Intelligent auctions, games, camping trips and tion on Jedi studies and a free gift. Apocalypse by White Wolf publishing. conversation, awesome graphics, stupen- outings. We also maintain an active Checks should be made to either Patty Contact Mike McLaughlin at (602)461- dous door games, unworldly filebank, presence at local conventions. TARDIS Vance or Elizabeth Laignel. For further 5842 or write 1730 W Emelita Place RPG forums, QWK message system and publishes a monthly informative newslet- information send a self-addressed, #2025, Mesa AZ85202-3144 or email to online RPG BBS-moderated games! Our ter, The Index File, with a national stamped envelope to: The I.B.O.J.K.; P. [email protected] BBS is mainly RPG oriented and we offer circulation which is included with O. Box 5459; Glendale, AZ 85312-5459; many services to GMs and players. No membership. Annual membership is just or call either Patty or Lilly at (602) 843- RAW GAMES (Role-players & fees necessary for users who post intelli- $12.50. You can contact us at P.O. Box 8303. May the Force show you the way of Wargamers, Inc.) Role-players & gent messages! $5 in credits to new users. 63191, Phoenix, AZ 85082-3191, Voice the Jedi! Wargamers, Inc. is the Valley’s oldest Over 20 conferences and 10 doors to Mail at (602) 864-0901, E-mail TARDIS- role-playing and wargaming club. choose from! Shadowkeep BBS - [email protected] or visit http:// INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION Currently meeting at Carrow’s Restaurant PCBoard 15.2/M - US Robotics 28.8 www.primenet.com/~jgeorge/tardis.html COUNCIL Meets every 1st and 3rd at 7th Street & Monte Vista in Phoenix Modem. Phoenix, AZ (602)245-0919; Saturday of the month. Meeting at the every Sunday from 3pm-9pm (except Connect at 2400-28800 TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by Westridge Mall (75th Ave. and Thomas during conventions and other special the series’ production companies and the Rd. Phoenix, AZ. The IFC is regimental events). Open to new members - call THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE USA Network! It is THE information (Using Ranks and structured simmialrly (602) 849-9515. ANACHRONISM The kingdom of conduit between the fans and the series! to ST) but has social events as well. Atenveldt doth lie in the state of Arizona. Fan club membership will bring you the Attends local Creation And Trek Produc- ROLE PLAYING GAMES CLUB Within the fair kingdom can be found six following 1) subscription to the info filled tion Cons, and ST Movie premiers. POC (RPGC) The official gaming club of Az. Baronies: Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Tek Informer newsletter; 2) official for IFC is A/Fleet Admiral John Nelson State University. Activities include: live- Twin Moons, SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr TekWar Fan Club membership card and (602) 934-3987 or by voice mail (602) action roleplaying games, tabletop and Ered Sul. For more infor-maton on kit. Membership is by rgular mail only 409-7169 or c/o P.O. box 14370 Phoenix, gaming, conventions, parties, etc. any of these or for general information on and the newsletter nad materials will not AZ 85063-4370. E-Mail: Bnelson502 General meetings are open to the public thy past tomorrows thou mayest contact be reproducd electronicaly. To join the @aol.com Membership Approx 35-50. and are held every Friday at 6pm in Mistress Myrddina o Dolwyddelan (Terry action and initiate your annual member- The Bi-Monthly newsletter is Cactus Log. ASU’s Memorial Union. Dues are $5/ Schwartz) PO Box 584, Sonoita AZ ship, make check or moneyorder out for semester. For more info, contact Michael 85637 (520)455-5835 Email: $12.50 to: Official TekWar Fan Club THE JEDI KNIGHTS Meetings are the McLaughlin, 1730 W. Emelita #2025, [email protected] www.atenveldt.org (Membership section), 2522 N Sparkman 3rd Sunday of each month. For more Mesa, AZ 85202-3144, or call (602)464- Blvd., Tucson AZ 85716-2417 information call Carol Alves, Publicity, 3144; [email protected] THE SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S (760)244-9593 or write Jedi Knights, c/o GUILD The Southwest Costumers Guild T.H.E.M. T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science Jim Lowerre, 12291 Meade Street, SCIENCE FICTION CONTINUUM is a loose organization of persons fiction and fantasy club. Weekly meetings Garden Grove, CA 92841-3629 The Science Fiction Continuum: An interested in all facets of historical, are held in the Memorial Union, with Independent Star Trek and Sci-Fi club in cultural, science fiction, fantasy, and dates to be announced after the semester LEPRECON, INC. One of the two Phoenix, AZ. The SFCOM is an active humor costume. Members are often seen starts. For more information, contact Phoenix area corporations that put on club that participates in Local Phoenix, on stage and behind the scenes atmost Becky Fox at E-mail [email protected] or yearly conventions. Best described as SF/ and Southwestern Star Trek and Sci-Fi local and regional Science Fiction phone 863-1543 To subscribe to our F generalists with a main thrust into SF/F conventions and movies. The SFCOM Convention masquerades.They meet on listserve, send a message to them- art. Guests are welcome. The meetings has three different divisions. The SFCOM the last Sunday of each month at various [email protected]. are quarterly on the second Saturday of itself, a free group where fun is the name mmbers’ homes in the greater phoenix February, May, August & November of the game. The Deep Space SolarFlare area. Call, write or email for details. TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail unless otherwise notified. August is the (DSSF) an active member club in the Southwest Costumers Guild, PO Box Address is [email protected] or annual meeting where board positions are International Federation of Treker’s 39504, Phoenix, AZ 85609 or call [email protected]. determined. For more information, write (IFT). This group is based on DS9 (a Randall Whitlock at (602)995-7514, PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285 ; call space station). And the IKV Sto-Vo-Kor email [email protected] or Website: Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. Mike Willmoth at (602) 945-6890 or (Independent Kilngon Vessel). A Klingon http://members.aol.com/souwesgld/ We maintain a mailing list for news and Email: [email protected] guilg.html get-togethers of fans of the X-Files living Page 18 ConNotations Volume 9 Issue 4 in Arizona. We get together in both the and many more. Memberships are $45 CopperCon 2000 (Scottsdale, AZ) Phoenix and Tucson areas. To subscribe, until Jan 31st and $50 at the door. Info: September 8-10, 2000 Holiday Inn send an empty message to z-philes- Gallifrey Conventions, PO Box 3021, Sunspree Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona [email protected] North Hollywood, CA 91609. Phone: Author Goh: Philip Jose Farmer, Artist (818) 752-3756 http:// Goh: Vincent Di Fate, Music Guest: UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOE- www.gallifreyone.com or email Cecilia Eng. Memberships $20 thru 12/ NIX A Phoenix area Star Trek and [email protected]. 31/99 $25 thru 5/31/00, $30 thru 8/26/00, general SciFi fan club. We are a social $35 at the door. Kids 7-12 half price, 6 & club that meets every two weeks at Arizona Book Festival (Phoenix, AZ) under Free with adult membership. various locations around the Phoenix April 8, 2000 Margaret T Hance Deck Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 7601 E. area. The UFP has been meeting for over Park, 1221 N. Central. 10 am to 5 pm. Indian Bend Road (480) 991-2400, 20 years of continuous activity. Dues are Free Admission. 3rd annual festival with Rooms $65 S/D/T/Q For more informa- $10/per year prorated when you join; no lots of authors, exhibits and booksellers tion: call (602) 973-2341 write Copper- restrictions. Membership includes including CASFS and LepreCon, whose Con 2000, PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ membership roster and monthly newslet- booths will feature local authors and 85082-2613 http://www.casfs.org/cucon, ter. Come to any two meetings at no artists. Book Fest info: (602) 257-0335, email [email protected] obligation. For information, write the http://www.azbookfest.org Casfs & UFP at PO Box 37224, Phoenix, AZ LepreCon Booth info: http:// BATS 2000 (Radisson Edwardian Hotel, 85069, or call Jim Strait at (602) 242- www.casfs.org/events.html Heathrow, London, England) Oct 27-29, 9203. Web page: http://www.U-F-P.org 2000 The multimedia Halloween conven- or Email to [email protected] LepreCon 26 (Scottsdale, AZ) May 19- tion of 2000! With guests from the 21, 2000 Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, various facets of the horror genre. Bats UNITED WHOVIANS OF TUCSON Scottsdale, Arizona. Artist GOH: Lubov, 2000 is now being organized by a com- A well-informed and very active Dr. Who Author GoH: TBA, Local Artist GoH: mittee of six with limited experience but club. $15 yearly membership includes Larry Vela; Filk Guest: Marilyn Miller, lots of determination and stamina! All four issues of their fanzine - TARDIS More Guests TBA; Memberships $25 proceeds go to charity. Web: http:// Time Lore - written by semi-pros and until 1/1/00, $30 until 5/01/00 and $35 at www.burble.com/bats2000/ Email: other dedicated fans. For more informa- the door. Kids 7-12 half price, Kids 6 and bats2000 tion, contact The United Whovians of under Free. Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Tucson at P. O. Box 13541, Tucson, AZ 7601 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ TusCon 27 (Tucson, AZ) Nov 10-12, 85732-3541. Also, you can contact the (602) 991-2400. Standard Rooms $72 + 2000 at the Executive Inn. GoH: TBA, president at [email protected] or the tax S/D/T/Q, Suites $125 + tax S/D/T/Q Artist GoH: Liz Danforth, TM: Ed vice-president at [email protected]. Info: LepreCon 26, PO Box 26665, Bryant. Panels, Readings, Meet the The web page for the club is located at: Tempe, AZ. 85285 Phone: (480) 945- Authors, Art Show, Children’s’ Zone, http://www.azstarnet.com/~hgadlng/ 6890 or Email: [email protected] Video Room, and Con Suite. Artists uwotclub.htm or [email protected] interested in panels should contact Webpage: www.leprecon.org Rebecca (520) 293-1455 immediately! Dealers contact Cristi at (520) 881-3709. AgamemCon IV (Burbank, CA) June More info: TusCon 27, PO Box 26822, 23-25, 2000 Hilton Burbank Airport. Tucson, AZ 85726 Webpage: http:// Convention Membership $45 until May 31, 2000 www.azstarnet.com/~basfa Listings Website: www.agamemcon.org HexaCon 10 (Scottsdale AZ) July 14-16, 2000 Arizona’s Largest Gaming Conven- The Eleventh Hour of Gallifrey One tion held at the Holiday Inn Sunspree (Gallifrey 2000), (Van Nuys, CA) Resort. 24 hour NON-STOP gaming, America’s annual Doctor Who and SF Magic and other CCG tournaments, television convention, is February 18-20, RPGA, LARP, Computers, Miniature 2000 at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Los Painting Contest, Used Game Auction, Angeles (Van Nuys), California. Peter Full Consuite and more. Special Thurs- Davison (the Fifth Doctor) is the guest of day evening events for pre-registered honor. Additional Doctor Who guests members only. Membership $15 until include Terrance Dicks (former script June 15, 2000; $20 at the door. editor); Stephen Cole & Justin Richards Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 7601 E. (BBC Books editors); Gary Russell & Indian Bend Road (480) 991-2400, Generic Convention Regestration Form Jason Haigh-Ellery (Big Finish Produc- Rooms $65 S/D/T/Q (plus tax) For more tions); Philip Segal (1996 film producer); information: call (602) 973-2341 write and Dr. Who novelists Kate Orman & Name:______HexaCon 10, PO Box 62613, Phoenix, Jonathan Blum, Paul Magrs, Dave Stone, AZ 85082-2613 Webpage: www.casfs.org Badge Name:______Mike Tucker, Keith Topping, Jon Miller email [email protected] and Paul Cornell. Other guests include Address:______Gary Graham, Michelle Scarabelli and Chicon 2000, the 58th Worldcon City/State/ZIP:______Eric Pierpoint (Alien Nation); Erin Gray (Chicago, IL) August 31-September 4, (Buck Rogers); Peter Woodward, Carrie Phone:______Email:______2000 (Hyatt Regency, Chicago) GoHs: Dobro, David Allen Brooks and Maggie Ben Bova, Bob Eggleton, Jim Baen, TM: Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for Egan (Crusade); Andrew Prine (V); Bob Harry Turtledove. Memb.: $135, higher May (Lost in Space); Tiny Ron (Deep ______convention. later, $40 supporting. Info: P.O.Box Space Nine); J. Michael Straczynski (See calendar for mailing address) 642057, Chicago, IL 60664 E-Mail: (“Babylon 5” creator); SF novelist John More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other Infobot address: [email protected], DeChancie; producer Bill Baggs (BBV); [email protected] and http:// celebrated SF artist Frank Kelly Freas www.chicon.org/ Volume 9 Issue 4 ConNotations Page 19
© Sherlock ConNotations Non-Profit Org. Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society US Postage PO Box 62613 PAID Phoenix, AZ 85082 Permit 839 This may be your last issue. Phoenix, AZ See notice on page 2.
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