Volume 18, Issue 1 February / March ConNotations 2008 The Bi-Monthly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society

An Interview with Featured Inside John Ringo Regular Features Special Features by Chris Paige SF Tube Talk A Interview with John Ringo At TusCon, John Ringo was the All the latest news about by Chris Paige guest of honor. After a reading Scienc Fiction TV shows aloud from one of his upcoming by Lee Whiteside The Digital TV Cometh books, he took questions from his by Shane Shellenbarger audience, and this segued into 24 Frames our ConNotations interview. All the latest Movie News To BLU-RAY or Not To BLU-RAY Part of the Q&A happened the by Lee Whiteside by Len Berger next day at a table outside with by Bob LaPierre several other veterans. We Pro Notes talked military shop for hours. News about An Amercan in Australia What follows is only a small part genre authors and fans by Jeffrey Lu of those conversations, which were punctuated by a great deal Screening Room Plus of laughing. Reviews of current theatrical releases CASFS Business Report Q: Are you going to write any Costume Closet Editorials more Price Roger books? Articles Covering Topics of interest Our readers share their thoughts JR: That’s David’s series. The in the constuming field way it works is David sends me © John Ringo FYI an outline and I write the book. It takes In Our Book Centurion which is going to be News and tidbits of interest to fans about two years, one for sitting on it and Reviews of New SF/F Books marketed as fiction. It is set in the future writing and one for publishing, and I Club Listings and it is a very weird book. It reads like a haven’t gotten an outline. I have a few NonGenre By Genre blog. The first third of the book is one ideas for a story, but it’s not my series. For Non SF/F books by SF/F Authors Convention List & Ghost, I have enough in mind for about 14 continuous rant. People who’ve read it Generic Registration Form to 20 books total. I have started the next ask me, “Where did this come from?” Mike O’Neill book – actually, I have And I say, I have no idea. It’s like this CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT finished the next Mike O’Neill book; guy talked to me through a time machine that’ll be coming out sometime in 2008. and I wrote it in 9, 10 days, 120,000 http://www.casfs.org/ConNotations/ The books that are coming out between words. I’ve also got the third Cally book coming out. FOR UP TO DATE INFO AND MOVIE now and then are two more Vorpal Blade REVIEWS BETWEEN ISSUES books, and a stand alone called The Last ( Continued on page 8 )

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Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 1 Pick up your copy of ConNotations at the following locations In This Issue Who Is Who This Issue BOOK STORES Atomic Comics Managing Editor: Stephanie Bannon Bent Cover Bookstore 1120 S. Country Club, Ste. 105, Mesa, AZ News & Reviews Assistant to the Editor: Gary Swaty 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85029 85210 (480) 649-0807 CASFS Business Report 3 Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer (602) 942-5932 4537 E. Cactus, Phoenix AZ 85032 Film & Video Editors: Len Berger & SF Tube Talk 3 Craig L Dyer Book Adventure (602) 923-0733 24 Frames 3 Promotions Directors: Len Berger, 660 N. Gilbert Rd, Suite B, Gilbert AZ 10215 N. 28th Dr, #A1, Phoenix, AZ 85051 FYI 6 Richard Bolinski, Craig L Dyer 85234 (480) 892-2120 (602)395-1066 Pro Notes 9 Advertising: Catherine Book Book Den 3155 W. Chandler Blvd #5, Chandler AZ Editorials 10 Proof Readers: Catherine Book, Bob 15410 N. 67th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85306 85226 (480)940-6061 LaPierre & Gary Swaty Screening Room 12 Reporters: Craig L Dyer, Jeffrey Lu (623) 486-2529 Comics, Legends & Heroes Costume Closet 16 Staff Writers: Pam Allen, Nadine Book Exchange 13560 W. Van Buren, Ste. B102, Goodyear, Non-Genre by Genre 17 Armstrong, Stephanie L Bannon, Catherine 4320 N. Miller Road #F, Scottsdale, AZ AZ 623-932-3433 In Our Book (Book Reviews) 17 Book, Shane Bryner, Craig L. Dyer, M.L. 85251 (480)990-8380 Drawn to Comics Fringe, Michael Griffin, Bob LaPierre, Book Gallery 5757 W. Glendale, AZ 85301 Randy Lindsey, Jeffrey Lu, Christina Paige, Shane Shellenbarger, Gary Swaty, 3643 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ (623) 847-9090 Special Features Tom Tuerff, Lee Whiteside, Randall 85018 (602)468-0400 Gregg’s Comics 2722 S. Alma School Rd, Whitlock 50 W. Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 #8, Mesa, AZ 480-752-1881 An Interview with John Ringo Contributors: Michael Contos, M Wozny (480) 835-0757 Hero Comics by Chris Paige 1 Layout & Design: Stephanie L. Bannon Book Rack 3405 W. Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ Digital TV Cometh Keeper of the Mailing List: Craig L. Dyer By Shane Shellenbarger 14 Contributors: Michael Contos, M Wozny 3539 W. Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053 85053 (602) 843-6320 Labeling Crew for Volume 17 Issue 6: (602) 843-3026 Samurai Comics To BLU RAY or Not To BLU RAY Len Berger, Richard Bolinski, Cathy & Bookmans 5024 N. 7th St, Phoenix AZ (602) 265- by Len Berger 15 Ron Book, Shane Bryner, Craig L Dyer, 1056 S. Country Club, Mesa, AZ 85210 8886 by Bob LaPierre 15 Mike Griffin, Bob Lapierre, Jeffrey Lu, (480) 835-0505 10720 W. Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ An American in Australia Marguerite Murray, Gary Swaty th CN Mascots: The Four CopperCon Kittens 8034 N. 19 Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021 (623) 872-8886 by Jeffrey Lu 15 About ConNotations: ConNotations is the (602) 433-0255 Stalking Moon Comics & Collectibles fan published newszine of the Central 1930 E. Grant Tucson, AZ 85719 5930 W. Greenway #23, Glendale, AZ Convention & Fandom Arizona Speculative Fiction Society (520) 325-5767 85306 (602) 896-9992 Club Listings 23 (CASFS) an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 non- 6230 E. Speedway Tucson, AZ 85712 profit organization. Circulation is Convention Listings 24 estimated at 7,000 readers for this issue, (520) 748-9555 GAME STORES Convention Registration Form 24 including CASFS members and attendees Bookmaster Game Daze 2140 E. 5th St #11, Tempe of recent CASFS conventions. 2949 N. 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Page 2 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 who are actually watching it), the last Upcoming Movies for February & SF Tube Talk episodes of season four of Stargate 24 Frames March. TV News & Previews Atlantis (which finished filming before the writer’s strike started), and the first Movie News We’ve got the usual horror/thriller By Lee Whiteside half of season four of Battlestar Galactica By Lee Whiteside movies including a couple of Hong Kong (which was shut down by the strike) that remakes, several YA novel adaptations, a With the writer’s strike still on, the will start in late March. Beyond that, The on-going writer’s strike has ghost comedy, a superhero spoof, and a number of new genre shows to watch has Eureka likely can’t start filming until the slowed down movie development in few other original movies to partake in been dropping. With most of the shows strike is over and other than Doctor Who, Hollywood; but there’s still a lot of this spring. that started the fall season no longer a British import, Scifi doesn’t have any movies in the pipeline for now. having any episodes left, we’re down to other drama series in the pipeline. Filming is well underway for the J.J. The Eye (Feb 1) In a remake of the British imports and the few shows that Stargate Atlantis will finish off its Abrams directed remake of Star Trek, Hong Kong film “Jian Gui,” Jessica were planned to air in mid-season. Once fourth season in the next two months, with the teaser trailer having been Alba plays Sidney Wells, an accom- we get through those shows, there won’t with the start of the fifth season somewhat released with the debut of Cloverfield plished concert violinist despite having be much left until the strike is resolved. in doubt due to the writer’s strike. It is (after press time) Various online sites have been blind since a childhood accident. As of press time, there hasn’t been much possible that the Canadian writers may be been reporting on location filming When she gets a double corneal transplant progress made and even if things do get able to write the scripts and keep produc- (especially www.trekmovie.com) and the and gets her sight back, she starts seeing settled soon, it will pretty much mean that tion on track. First up in February is rest of the cast as well as a number of the shadowy and frightening things that may there likely won’t be much new stuff until Outcast, where John Sheppard and Ronon guest stars are now known. Here’s a or may not be real. As she sees more and late summer or early fall in the way of visit Earth and discover that a human- rundown of the entire cast as is known so more horrific images, she and her family scripted drama series. There will still be a form replicator engineered by scientists is far. Chris Pine is James T. Kirk, Zachary start to doubt her sanity, or did the few new things in the next couple of on the loose. Midway will feature a guest Quinto is young Spock (with Leonard anonymous eye donor open her vision to a months, so enjoy it while it lasts. appearance by Christopher Judge as Nimoy as a not-so-young Spock), Karl terrifying world? Directed by David For cable networks, SciFi still has Teal’c when several of the Atlantis team Urban as Leonard McCoy, John Cho as Moreau and Xavier Palud, it also stars some first run drama left with the remain- visit the Midway space station. Teal’c has Sulu, Simon Pegg as Scotty, Anton Parker Posey, Alessandro Nivola, and ing episodes of Flash Gordon (for those been asked to counsel Ronon, who is up Yelchin as Pavel Chekov, Zoe Saldana as Tamlyn Tomita. for review by the I.O.A. Things get dicey Uhura, Bruce Greenwood as Christopher Over Her Dead Body (Feb 1) Taking a CASFS Business Report when some Wraith show up at the station. Pike, Winona Ryder as Amanda Grayson lighter tone in the horror genre, Eva November……. Trio finds McKay, Carter, and Dr. Keller (Spock’s mother), Ben Cross as Sarek, Longoria stars as Kate, who is crushed *CopperCon 26 is closed. trapped in an underground chamber with Eric Bana as the major villain Nero, and and killed by an ice sculpture on her *CopperCon 27, no wrap up meeting is no apparent means of escape or rescue. Tyler Perry as the head of Starfleet wedding day. Her fiancé, Henry (Paul set yet. Academy. There will likely be others *CopperCon 28 Guests are lined up, Jewel Staite’s Dr. Keller really comes Rudd) consults with a psychic, Ashley conformations will happen when the date into her own in this episode. In the two- announced as they are signed up for small (Lake Bell), and he begins to fall in love and site are finalized. parter, The Kindred, a mysterious illness roles including a likely cameo by J.J. with her. However, Kate is still around as *CopperCon 29 is looking for a hotel site. sweeps through the Galaxy, afflicting a Abrams co-hort Greg Grunberg and a ghost and haunts Ashley because she *HexaCon 18 No date set until good number of the Atlantis crew. It also maybe even Jennifer Garner what has doesn’t want to see her fiancé rebound hotel set. said she’d love to play a Klingon in the *HexaCon 19 is hotel searching. Sponsors features the return of a thought dead with the psychic. are set. comrade, Dr. Beckett, as well as Connor movie (assuming there are any Klingons). Jumper (Feb 15) Hayden Christo- *Database is just over 711 addresses. Trineer as the Wraith Michael. For the Various rumors have been going around in pher stars as Davey in this adaptation of More data for ConCom and staff are season finale, The Last Man, Sheppard regards to the plot of movie and until Stephen Gould’s novel of the same name. needed to keep their addresses on the list. returns from a mission only to find Paramount releases an official plot When Davey discovers he has the ability *ConNotations is at the printers, label summary, it is all just speculation. next Friday. Atlantis deserted and sitting in a desert. In to jump anywhere he wants to, he *Quartermaster has paperwork to place a post on his blog, Executive producer Filming has just started next (currently discovers others have the ability as well into shed. Joseph Mallozzi had this to say about the untitled) James Bond movie, with Daniel and that there are those trying to hunt *ConNotations funding approved for one season finale: “I joined Marty G. and Paul Craig returning as James Bond. The them down and kill them. Also stars more year in the current format for 2008. for a special screening of ‘The Last Man’ “Bond Girl” for the new movie is Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Bell, Diane *UFP receives $75 for Christmas Angel Ukranian model Olga Kurylenko who purchases. director’s cut. A great season-ender (and a Lane, and Rachel Bilson as Davey’s *Nomination for officers opens with bit of a tearjerker -- I defy you not to cry plays the “dangerously alluring Camille.” girlfriend Millie Palmer. Directed by incumbents’’ re-nominated for current or feel sad or pity or slightly dizzy) with a Also appearing is British actress Gemma Doug Liman from a screenplay by David positions. final shot that will have fandom buzzing Arterton as MI6 agent Fields and S. Goyer, Jim Uhls, and Simon Kinberg. Mathieu Amarilic as villain Dominic December from final fade to the opening shot of The Spiderwick Chronicles (Feb 15) ……….. Greene, a leader in the evil organization *CopperCon 27 wrap up meeting this season five.” Doubling up that weekend on adaptations Sunday at Bookmans, Phoenix. The final episodes of Flash Gordon revealed in Casino Royale. Returning to of YA novels is this adaptation of the *CopperCon 28, CopperCon 29, HexaCon will see Flash getting involved with a the series will be Judi Dench as “M” and Holly Black & Toni DiTerlizzi’s The 18 and, HexaCon 19 are looking for a revolution on Mongo as Ming getting Jeffery Wright as CIA agent Felix Leiter. Spiderwick Chronicles series of kids hotel sites together. more treacherous and evil. Flash works to Solomon Kane, based on the pulp novels. When they move into the *Database and Website are current and novels of Robert E. Howard is getting active. destroy the rift generator to sever ties Spiderwick Estate, twin brothers Jared *Report of Christmas Angel purchases by between Mongo and Earth, while Zarkov ready to film. James Purefoy stars in the and Simon Grace find a book left behind UFP. 3 children will receive “scifi” is seduced by the dark side, and Dale movie which has started filming in by their great uncle, Arthur Spiderwick, presents this year. wants to tell the world about what is Prague. Also starring are Max Von that opens the door to a world of fairies *ConNotations Staff will have their next Sydow, Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel th going on. The series will end with a big and other creatures not so nice. Along meeting on Tuesday Feb 5 at Bookmans Hurd-Wood, Alice Krige and Mackenzie Phoenix 7pm. cliffhanger, which, based on the ratings with their sister Mallory they must fight to *Book discussions 7pm at Bent Cover the show has gotten so far, will likely Crook. Michael J. Bassett will direct his keep the book out of the hands of the ogre Books: never be resolved. own script about a 16th century soldier Mulgrath (voice of Nick Nolte). Freddie Tuesday Jan 17 Restoree by Anne Coming back in late March on SciFi seeking redemption for his past deeds by Highmore plays both brothers and Sarah McCaffrey. fighting a sinister threat to the kingdom. Eye of the World will be Battlestar Galactica for the first Bolger plays Mallory. Also starring is Tuesday Feb 19 by They have a trilogy planned if the first Robert Jordan. half of its final season. In He That Mary-Louise Parker as their mother, *Election results: Believeth in Me, the season opener, we one does well. Helen, David Strathaim as Arthur President Mark Bonice pick up where the last season left off, with Spiderwick with Seth Rogen, and Martin Vice President Gary Swaty Lee greeting Starbuck and realizing she Short providing voices for some of the Board members Jeff George creatures. JB Talbot ( Continued on page 4 ) ( Continued on page 5 ) Mike Contos. Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 3 SF Tube Talk NBC did give a full season pickup for his true love is nearby and he needs to trying to steal the KITT technology. Ford ( Continued from page 3 ) Chuck, but opted not to pick up Journey- find her. Also a regular is Stephen is partnering with the producers to supply man for any additional episodes. ABC Henderson as Omar, the owner of a jazz the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR Hero thinks she’s only been gone for six hours. gave a full pickup for Pushing Daisies, nightclub and the only person who knows car that will be used for KITT. The four newly realized Cylons also try to although only nine episodes were com- John’s secret. Each episode will deal with ABC has brought back Lost for eight find out if Kara is the fifth or determine if pleted before the strike. The CW ordered a current crime that needs solving, with episodes on Thursday nights and has eight she can recognize them as Cylons. additional scripts for Reaper, but did not John’s long term knowledge of New York episodes of the planned sixteen finished Coming up there will be another death or give it a full season pickup. They suppos- sometimes coming into play along with a that will air. Joining Lost on Thursday two, the beginnings of a cylon civil war, edly have a couple of new episodes left flashback to an event from John’s past. In nights is Eli Stone, a legal drama with a and the Cult of Baltar. and The CW plans to keep running it on the first episode, while dealing with a case psychic bent. Johnny Lee Miller stars as USA Network at this point appears to Tuesday nights, and then will move it to of sexual asphyxiation at a private school, Eli Stone, a lawyer who starts having be done with genre shows, having Thursday nights after Smallville, which we also learn about an inter-racial visions, who’s unsure if he is really officially not renewed either The 4400 or still has a number of episodes left, at the relationship John had in the 1940’s. In the prophetic or if it is just his brain acting The Dead Zone for next year. Of their end of February. CBS ordered additional second episode, John investigates the up. One unique part of the series is that recent announcements of shows in scripts for Moonlight, but it looks to be murder of a Park Avenue psychologist and George Michael (the singer) will guest development, they seem to be sticking done with new episodes for now. It and flashes back to when he was a field doctor star and they will make heavy use of his more to the private eye/spy mode than Ghost Whisperer will likely continue to in the Civil War. Episode three deals with music for the soundtrack, even titling the anything with a SF or fantasy element. air on Friday nights in repeats for the time a serial rapist in the present and a rape of episodes after Michael’s songs. In the Over on BBC America, they are being. Finally, Heroes was able to a woman he was involved with in 1813. episode Father Figure, Eli represents a definitely getting more aggressive in the complete its initial story arc, “Genera- Episode four’s past events have John mother in a child custody case who is genre area having recently aired Jekyll, tions”, but only has parts of episodes running a night club and being a drunk in fighting in Iraq while his visions take him Life on Mars, Hex, and Afterlife. With filmed for the second half of the season, the early 1960’s and how he got into to World War II. In Wake Me Up Before the debut of Torchwood last fall, they dubbed “Villains”. Alcoholics Anonymous and the present You Go-Go, Eli represents a man who has have their highest rated drama series ever. FOX debuted Terminator: The Sarah day deals with a murder mystery of just come out of a coma. However, the For the second season of Torchwood they Connor Chronicles in mid-January to someone he knows from his AA days in man keeps appearing differently to Eli. wasted little time in airing it and at the good ratings and has nine episodes total to the 1960s. The show obviously seems to CBS has the seven episodes they end of January started airing season two air, concluding its run with a two hour have a lot in common with Highlander ordered of Jericho to air on Tuesday of Torchwood on Saturday nights, only finale on March 3rd. After that, FOX then and various vampire shows but intends to nights starting February 12. CBS is now ten days after the episode airs in the UK has seven episodes of New Amsterdam to put its own spin on immortality in its probably wishing they had ordered more on BBC2. The BBC in the UK will also air that will take over the Monday night limited run. episodes but unlike most of the other be airing an edited version of the show slot following the completion of Termina- NBC aired the remaining couple of shows with shortened seasons, the seven more suitable for families and kids to tor. Terminator: The Sarah Connor episodes of Chuck in late January, and episodes of Jericho are all that were watch. Kicking off the season is Kiss Kiss Chronicles stars Lena Headey as Sarah has nine episodes of Medium currently planned and they will have a short but Bang Bang with James Marsters guest Connor, Thomas Dekker as John Connor, airing on Monday nights that will take very intense story arc for the shortened starring as Time Agent Captain John, who Summer Glau as Cameron (a good them to the beginning of March. Medium season. It picks up where the first season has a history with Jack Harness and also terminator), and Richard T. Jones as FBI returned to its original Monday night time finale left off, showing the results of the has a message for him that may serve as agent James Ellison. Following the events slot in early January and did well in the impending battle and then picking up two an ongoing issue for the second season. In of the opening episode, Sarah, John and ratings. Introduced in the second episode weeks later. Joining the cast is Esai Sleeper, a burglary turns lethal and the Cameron are on the run in 2007, trying to of the season is Ameritips investigator Morales, who plays Major Beck, who Torchwood team investigates when it figure out how to stop Skynet from Cynthia Keener, played by Anjelica comes in to help Jericho rebuild after the appears there is alien involvement. As coming into being. Ellison is following Houston, who reportedly will be in up to battle. He brings in the perspective of they learn more, they realize there’s more them, and as he learns more about what is six episodes of the series (possibly fewer someone who knows what happened and going on and the whole planet may be in going on may end up helping in the end. due to the strike). Alison and Joe are left what has been happening in the rest of the danger. In To the Last Man, a soldier from The producers plan to focus on the core dealing with the aftermath of the last country. According to producer Karim World War I falls through the rift and the family group, Sarah, John and Cameron, season, with Alison no longer working for Zeik, they plan to deal a lot with the team must get him back to his own time. with them searching to find clues about the D.A. and Joe out of a job. show’s mythology. “Who was behind the Adam sees a memory thief uncover secrets Skynet and keeping themselves safe to be NBC also has a two hour pilot movie attacks? How did they go about pulling from the Torchwood team including some able to prevent Judgement Day. There’s for a new Knight Rider series that will air them off? What was Hawkin’s role in all secrets from Jack’s childhood. In a also going to be lots of action as well. on Sunday, February 17th at 9 pm ET/PT. this? Is he really telling the truth? What is crossover with Doctor Who, Martha Jones Once the nine hours of Terminator are Justin Bruening stars as Mike Tracer, his involvement in this town? Why shows up for three episodes, starting with aired, with a two hour season finale on Deanna Russo as Sarah Graiman, Bruce Jericho?” All of those questions should be Reset in which two team members March 3rd, FOX will bring on New Davison as Charles Graiman, Sydney answered in the seven episodes which will experience an alternate reality, learning Amsterdam, previewing the first two Tamiia Poitier as FBI Agent Carrie Rivai, provide a fast paced continuation of the what might have been if they had taken episodes on Tuesday March 4th and and David Hasselhoff makes a guest series that wouldn’t die. different paths. Jack calls in Martha Thursday March 6th following American appearance as Michael Knight with Will The CW has a handful of Supernatu- asking for her help. Next up is Death Idol and then settling into the Monday 9 Arnett providing the voice of KITT. The ral and Smallville episodes left that will Comes to Torchwood where Martha helps pm ET/PT time slot on March 10th. movie follows on from the original series take them through February sweeps. out when a Torchwood team member Nikola Coster-Waldau stars as John with the new version of KITT being Following the events in Gemini, Lex is experiences a traumatic event and a series Amsterdam, who was given the gift of developed that is capable of a lot more now in charge of the planet, the Daily of mysterious deaths happen in Cardiff. immortality 400 years ago for saving a than the original, being able to shift shape Planet editor is a clone, Braniac’s back, And in Day in the Death of... we see an native Indian girl from death when he was and color and with an artificial intelli- and Bizarro Clark has been impersonating alien species taking interest in Martha a Dutch soldier in the New Amsterdam gence that is ideal for fighting crime. the real Clark, who is imprisoned in the because of her travels with The Doctor. In settlement. He will not age until he finds However, certain people want to get their Fortress of Solitude. Coming up on the episode The Wedding, Gwen and Rhys his one true love. 400 years later, he’s still hands on it. When Sarah Graiman, the Smallville is Persona, where another get married! Of course, things don’t go looking for that love and is a homicide daughter of KITT creator Charles Kryptonian turns up, Dax-Ur, played by very well when some dangerous wedding detective in New York City. Zuleikha Graiman, escapes an attempt to abduct Marc McClure (Jimmy Olsen in Super- crashers show up. Robinson is Amsterdam’s detective her, she gets a message from KITT man Returns). Dax-Ur has been turned On the broadcast networks, shows like Alexie Heroes, Reaper, Chuck, Pushing Daisies, partner, Eva Marquez, and warning her that her father is in grave human, not unlike The Doctor no longer Gilmore is Dr. Sara Dillane, who is danger. Sarah contacts her childhood being a Time Lord. It isn’t long before Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight, and surprised when he revives after pronounc- friend, Mike Tracer, a 23-year old ex people notice that “Clark” is acting a bit Journeyman are for the most part out of ing him dead from a massive heart attack. Army Ranger, and enlists his aid in strange, though. Next up is Siren, which episodes at this point, or have a couple John believes the pain he felt was because finding her father and discover who is left that their networks are holding back. ( Continued on page 5 ) Page 4 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 point they will also meet up with Agatha woolly mammoths and saber tooth tigers. SF Tube Talk ( Continued from page 4 ) 24 Frames ( Continued from page 3 ) Christie and visit Pompeii. At mid-season, Doomsday (March 14) After the brings back Justin Hartley as Oliver Martha Jones will come back into the George Romero’s Diary of the Dead deadly “Reaper Virus” devastates Great Queen/Green Arrow and also introduces Doctor’s orbit, we’ll have some interac- (Feb 15) For the older crowd is the latest Britain and the infected area is walled off Alaina Huffman as Black Canary (aka tion with U.N.I.T. and before the end of George Romero zombie movie. A group and quarantined for 30 years, the virus Dinah Lance). Dinah has been working as the season we may see some other of students are making a horror movie in appears to be resurfacing and a team of a vigilante for Lex and the Justice League familiar faces back in the TARDIS. the woods when they encounter real operatives journey into the quarantined has been thwarting her and Lex’s plans. On the animated front, Kids WB still zombies! George Romero directs with area in the hopes of finding a cure. Stars Needless to say, the Canary and the Arrow has a number of The Batman and Legion Shawn Roberts, Joshua Close, Scott Rhonda Mitra as Eden Sinclair, Bob meet up when Lex gives her the task of of Superheroes episodes to air. The Wentworth, Michelle Morgan, and Joe Hoskins as Bill Nelson with Adrian capturing the Green Arrow. In Fracture, Batman will continue to feature other Dinicol. Making cameos as newsreaders Lester, Alexander Siddig, Sean Pertwee, Lex is shot (again) and we get to journey superheroes building to a big season (or at least their voices) are Wes Craven, Adrian Lester, and Emma Cleasby. once again into his psyche, with Lex’s finale. Kids WB will also have The Simon Pegg, Stephen King, Quentin Horton Hears a Who (March 14) The mother Lillian playing a role. We also see Spectacular Spider-Man series as well, Tarantino, and Guillermo del Toro. new adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss an amnesiac Kara, who goes by the name debuting in early March. This new series The Signal (Feb 22) A mysterious tale is being done in CGI instead of live of Linda. In Hero, Sam Jones III returns will take place during Peter Parker’s transmission takes over TV, radio, and cell action. Guest voices include Jim Carrey as Pete Ross, who has developed the junior year in high school, after he’s spent phones, turning ordinary people into as the voice of Horton, Steve Carell as power of stretching (Holy Elastic Lad). the summer practicing with his newfound killers. The film is told from three the voice of the Mayor of Who-ville. However, he doesn’t really like the powers. Expect to see a lot of familiar different perspectives with three different Others providing voices include Carol changes that have happened since he left Spider-Man villains and cohorts in the directors (David Bruckner, Dan Bush, Burnett, Seth Rogan, Will Arnett, Smallville, especially how many other series. and Jacob Gentry) who each wrote their Laura Ortiz (Jessica), and Selena people know about Clark’s secret. For the On the Direct to DVD front, the first own segments. Stars AJ Bowen, Scott Gomez (Mayor’s Daughter). last two episodes of the season (assuming of two Stargate DVD Movies, The Ark of Poythress, Anessa Ramsey, Justin Funny Games (March 14) Director/ there’s no quick resolution to the writer’s Truth, is released on March 11th. It Welborn, and Michael Sahr Ngaujah writer Michael Haneke remakes his own strike), Traveler and Veritas, look for a lot finishes up the Ori storyline that was left along with a large cast of random bodies 1998 horror/thriller movie about a middle- of the Smallville mythology to come into unresolved in Stargate SG-1’s final and dead people. class family on a vacation that runs into a play. In Traveler, Gina Holden plays season. The first Futurama direct to DVD Penelope (Feb 29) Christina Ricci pair of psychopaths. Stars Naomi Watts, Patricia Swann, the daughter of Dr. movie, Bender’s Big Score, was released stars as Penelope, a young woman who Tim Roth, Brady Corbet, Devon Swann who has kept in touch with Clark late last year with three more in produc- has been stricken by a family curse Gearhart, and Michael Pitt. since Dr. Swann’s death. However, an tion. Their titles are Futurama: The Beast decides to fight it so she can find love and Shutter (March 21) Another Hong alien-phobe named Pierce (played by with a Billion Backs, Futurama: Bender’s her true self. Richard E. Grant and Kong film remake (the original also Aaron Douglas of Battlestar Galactica) Game, and Futurama: The Wild Green Catherine O’Hara are her parents, who named Shutter) sees a young photogra- captures Clark and holds him in a special Yonder. Look for the second one to come are trying to find her the right, true-blood, pher finding ghostly images in his prison. In Veritas, we get Braniac, out later this year. In the DC Comics suitor (i.e. “of her own kind”). Also pictures as he and his new wife honey- Genevieve Teague, the Luthors, Patricia direct to DVD line, the next release is starring are James MacAvoy as Max, moon in Tokyo following an accident in Swann, and Oliver Queen all involved Justice League: The New Frontier being Reese Witherspoon as Annie, and Peter which a young girl is killed. Stars Rachel with a story revealing past history released on February 26th. It takes the Dinklage as Lemon. Originally an- Taylor, Joshua Jackson, David between all of them. Darwyn Cooke series from a couple of nounced for last August, it is finally Denman, James Kyson Lee, and Maya Coming up on Supernatural is Witch years ago that sets the beginnings of the turning up in February. Hazen. Hunt, where when the brothers investigate Justice League during the Cold War. They 10,000 B.C. (March 7) Roland Superhero! (March 28) David Zucker a group of witches, they find out one is have an interesting voice cast for this film, Emmerich directs this tale of the early (Airplane!) directs this spoof on recent really a demon. Ruby joins in with including Kyle MacLachlan as Super- days of man as seen from the perspective superhero movies. Expect to see recent helping them out and we learn a lot about man, Jeremy Sisto as Batman, Lucy of a young mammoth hunter (Steven movies such as Batman Begins and The her backstory and motives. In Dream a Lawless as Wonder Woman, Neil Patrick Strait) fighting for the survival of his Fantastic Four lampooned. Stars include Little Dream Sam and Dean investigate Harris as The Flash and David Boreanaz tribe. Also stars Camilla Belle, Marco Leslie Nielsen (of course), Sara Paxton, the death of a university professor that as Green Lantern. Khanlian, Cliff Curtis, Timothy Drake Bell, Brent Spiner, Jeffrey had been doing a sleep study and find a Barlow, Omar Sharif, and some CGI student with the power to enter people’s ( Continued on page 6 ) dreams and find themselves trapped in their own nightmares. Jus in Bello sees FBI Agent Henriksen capture Sam and Dean, locking them up in a small town jail. When they are attacked by Demons, the boys are blamed for it and it’s up to Ruby to save them. Also in the works, but possibly not finished before the strike, is Mystery Spot, which is a Groundhog Day-like episode where Sam keeps waking up and it’s the same day and Dean keeps getting killed at the end of it for something like 150 days in a row! Getting back to the British front, the BBC is likely to start airing the new season of Doctor Who in late March or early April. There’s been lots of rumors and speculation about the new season with only a limited amount of official news from the BBC. Kicking off the season, Catherine Tate, Donna from The Runaway Bride, will join up with the Doctor, running into The Ood and the Sontarrans for returning villains. At some Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 5 24 Frames ( Continued from page 5 ) aviator could not easily manage any sort Science Fiction Book Group of estate, nor raise a family, nor go into Feb 12, 730pm Tambor, Marion Ross and many more. FYI society to any real extent.” For the one Mar 11, 7:30pm What you can look forward to for the rest CASFS Book DiscussionBent chosen by the hatchling (and a dragon Apr 8, 7:30pm of the year now that the major studios Cover Books won’t let just anyone harness him), it Barnes & Noble, Eastside Tucson have announced their planned release 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix would mean “the wreck of his career.” dates (as always, subject to change). 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm, in the Coffee Bar Naturally, it is the heroic Capt. Laurence AUTHOR SIGNINGS April Prom Night has a remake of Sponsored by whom the dragon picks. And who is this (Apr 11) and not much else. Central Arizona Speculative Fiction dragon? “A pure, untinted black from May Iron Man Dana Stabenow, hosted by Diana will see (May 2), Society (CASFS) nose to tail . . . [with] large, six-spined Speed Racer The Chronicles of Gabaldon (May 9), email questions to [email protected] wings like a lady’s fan,” he is a Celestial, Narnia: Prince Caspian Feb 15, 7pm (May 16), a Chinese dragon bred for emperors alone. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull Poisoned Pen bookstore We are a small, friendly group of science Laurence names him Temeraire, and it’s Starship Dave Feb 16, 10am (May 21), and (Nov 30). fiction/fantasy literature fans who like to Novik’s characterization of the dragon, June The Incredible Hulk Peoria Public Library unleashes get together to talk about our favorite who speaks in perfect 19th-century Get Smart (June 13), (June 20), and the books. We welcome potential new English, that makes the book hum. No Wall-E Orson Scott Card and Michael A. latest Pixar movie for Disney, friends. ancient wisdom for him, just a voracious (June 27). Stackpole will be intelligence that demands bedtime doing a reading/signing at the ASU July sees Hellboy II: The Golden February 19 - Eye of the World by readings on such subjects as mineralogy Writers Conference Army (July 11), The Dark Night (July Robert Jordan. Three teenage boys — (dragons do like gems, you know) and on Friday, Feb 22nat 7:30 pm. Tickets 18), and the second X-Files movie (July Rand, Mat, and Perrin — from the quiet historic battles. are $10. More 25) village of Emond’s Field find themselves April 15 - Man in the High Castle by August The Mummy: details at http://www.asu.edu/piper/ kicks off with watched by a spooky man in black, a Philip K. Dick. It’s America in 1962. Tomb of the Dragon Emperor conference/2008 (Aug 1) Fade. Soon after Trollocs, huge Slavery is legal once again. The few Jews Dragonball and continues with (Aug 15) subhuman creatures, attack. Two who still survive hide under assumed Babylon A.D. Jim Butcher and (Aug 29). strangers — Lady Moiraine, an Aes Sedai, names. In San Francisco, the I Ching is as September Clive Barker Pre- Apr 2, 2pm has a woman who can wield the One Power, common as the Yellow Pages. All because sents: Hellraiser , Punisher: War Poisoned Pen bookstore (Sept 5) and her Warder partner, Lan — tell the some 20 years earlier the United States Zone (Sept 12), Death Race (Sept 26), boys they must leave for the safety of all, lost a war—and is now occupied jointly Charlaine Harris and Nowhereland (Sept 26). for the boys are being sought by the evil by Nazi Germany and Japan. May 9, 7pm October wouldn’t be complete Dark One. They depart in the night on May 20 - Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart Poisoned Pen bookstore without a couple of horror remakes with horseback joined by Thom Merrilin, a (avail in paperback) In my humble Scanners Motel Hell (Oct 17) and (Oct traveling entertainer, and Egwene, an opinion, this is the best treatment of the Saw SPECIAL BOOK RELEASES 31) as well as another movie (#5 on adventurous girl. They travel through Arthur/Merlin legend ever... Oct 24). places the boys have only heard of in June 17 - Hominids by Robert Sawyer. November Madagascar: The “Coraline” has stories, barely ahead of Trollocs and An engrossing story encompassing Crate Escape James Bond #22 by Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean (Nov 7). worse. The boys are pieces of the Pattern. science of alternate universes, evolution Harry Potter and the Half Signed, ltd edition (Nov 7), They are ta’veren, around whom the and sexual identity. The beginning of the Blood Prince The Curious Subterranean Press (Nov 21), and Wheel of Time weaves surrounding life Neanderthal Parallax trilogy. Case of Benjamin Button (Nov 26) threads. Others, such as the young “wise “Backup” by Jim Butcher December sees a likely release of woman” from their village, Nynaeve, BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS Coraline (date unknown), a remake of become entangled in their plight. Signed, ltd edition The Day the Earth Stood Still (Dec 12), March 18 - His Majesty’s Dragon by A new Dresden Files story Fantasy/Sci-Fi Discussion Group The Tale of Despereaux (Dec 19), and Naomi Novik. The novel begins when the Subterranean Press 4th Wed, 7pm Star Trek will be delivered on Christmas H.M.S. Reliant captures a French ship Borders, Glendale day. carrying a dragon egg that is primed to Tim Powers’ Fisher King Trilogy hatch. A substantial prize, it puts Signed, ltd edition Path of the Craft Discussion group Laurence — the Reliant’s captain — and Subterranean Press discusses Neopagan theories inspired by his officers — gentlemen and aspiring both fiction and non-fiction books gentlemen — in a difficult position: One “Memorare” by Gene Wolfe about magic, nature, mythology, and of them must become the creature’s rider new novella, Signed, Ltd edition spirituality. when it hatches. The prize then would Wyrm Publishing or Camelot Books 4th Sunday, 6pm become a deadweight, bringing to an end Borders, Phoenix Camelback “any semblance of ordinary life. . . . An “Future Fantasia” by Ray Bradbury Ray’s first published work, collected in Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Club hardcover 2nd Thursday, 7pm Camelot Books Changing Hands/Wildflower Bread Company “Masks” by Ray Bradbury 5 never-before-published stories plus Manga Bookclub “Masks” 1st Tuesdays, 7pm Ltd edition, possibly signed Borders, Chandler Camelot Books

Manga Bookclub “Worlds of Weber: Ms. Midshipwoman Feb 16, 7pm Harrington and Other Stories” Mar 15, 7pm by David Weber Barnes & Noble, Goodyear Signed, Ltd edition Subterranean Press or Camelot Books Graphic Novel Book Club 2nd Sunday, 8:30pm Four Peaks Brewery, Tempe ( Continued on page 7 ) Page 6 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 ( Continued from page 6 ) does not exclude one from believing in preschoolers about our planet and solar “The Who’s Tommy” movie screening FYI evolution. system. Call for reservations. Feb 22 & 23, 10pm “Shadow Kingdoms” Feb 15 3rd Mondays, 930am-1130am “Army of Darkness” movie screening by Robert E. Howard Women in Science: Various Issues and Jupiter – Space Foods, Feb 18 Feb 29 & Mar 1, 10pm st 1 vol of collected work from pulp Viewpoints “Wings to Fly” Loft Theatre, Tucson magazine Weird Tales A mathematician and the director of the A program to encourage young women Free tickets at Bookmans, Speedway & Wildside Press Kovalevskaia Fund will discuss issues aged 11-19 to pursue careers in aviation Grant locations, Tucson surrounding the attraction and retention of and aerospace. women in science and technology fields. Mar 8, 8am-5p BOOKMANS, MESA GAMING EVENTS The Kovalevskaia Fund is a non-profit foundation for the encouragement of MOON SOCIETY MEETING Psychic Saturdays, 1230pm BOOKMANS MESA women and girls in science, technology Chompies on University, East of Rural Hero-Clix-Super Hero Gaming Night! and medicine in Asia, Africa and Latin Road 3: PM Beginner Bellydancing Sundays, 6pm America. For more info contact Craig Porter at Thursdays, 7pm Dungeons and Dragons RPG Night! Mar 21 [email protected] Mondays, 6pm What Do You Think About a Technology BOOKMANS, PHOENIX You Can’t Even See? PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, Across plus Anime Club BOOKMANS, PHOENIX Enjoy an informal sit-down with natural TUCSON Sundays, 7pm Dungeons & Dragons Night and social scientist, and understand why New Volunteer Orientation 1st & 3rd Mondays, 5pm it’s so hard for people to know what Feb 9, 9:30am-11:30am Arizona Browncoats Shindig “nanotechnology” really is. Then discuss Mar 8, 9:30am-11:30am 1st Saturday, 7pm BOOKMANS, SPEEDWAY TUCSON what citizens want versus what scientists Apr 12, 9:30am-11:30am Rteam Gamers Family Game Day want from it. Lecture: “Shadow Craft-A World of Scimitar-talon Feb 2, 12pm Apr 18Global Climate Change, free Secret Flight” is a group of people wanting to enjoy Mar 1, 12pm lectures series: Feb 21, 5p-7:30pm recreating portions of the middle ages Apr 5, 12pm “Disease and Society” plus the film Space Shuttle Endeavour Crew Lands prior to 1600 AD. Classes on Medieval “Breathless in L.A.” Mar 1 Arts and Sciences. DRAWN TO COMICS Feb 13, 7pm Easter Bunny Lands… 1st Saturday, 130pm-230pm Comic Release Party for Superworld “What’s Ahead” plus the film “Oil on Mar 23, 1pm—4pm Presents, a new comic premiere Ice” Pima Air & Space Museum, 30th Bellydance lessons with Morgiana Prizes, original artwork, the creators will Mar 5, 7pm Anniversary, 2:30pm Sundays except the first Sunday, 1pm be on hand for signings “Designing Policy Responses” plus the Titan Missile Museum, 20th Feb 23 films “Power Shift” and “The Climate Anniversary, 10:30am Beginner Bellydancing Heroclix, open play of Change” Apr 13 2nd & 4th Fridays, 5pm Every Saturday, 2pm-5pm Apr 9, 7pm Check website for locations MechWarrior Tournaments Materials Science Workshops BOOKMANS TUCSON - GRANT Sundays, 1pm These workshops provide fun hands-on TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM TOURS Arizona Browncoats Get-together experiences to help participants Reservations only Feb 23, 1pm GAME DEPOT understand how materials scientists The only publicly accessible Titan II Heroclix Tournament manipulate the properties of various missile site in the nation. Tour the BOOKMANS TUCSON - SPEEDWAY Every Wednesday, 5:30pm-7pm materials to create the products that we underground missile site. See the 3-ton Metaphysics Group UFS use in our everyday life. blast doors, 8' thick silo walls and an 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7pm Thursdays, 6p-9p Check website for dates and topics actual Titan II missile in the launch duct. Visit the launch control center, experience BORDERS AVONDALE IMPERIAL OUTPOST GAMES ASU a simulated launch, and more. Metaphysical Wednesdays Discussion Federation Commander BEYOND, a pioneering internat’l Feb 23, Mar 22, Apr 26, May 24, and Wednesdays, 7pm 2nd Saturdays, noon center at ASU presents free lectures: more RPG Scientific Revolutions that Shaped BORDERS GLENDALE 1st & 3rd Sundays History PIMA LIBRARY: SOLAR POWER Metaphysical Mondays Discussion Boardgames & Demo Nite Feb 21, 7:30pm, Sandra Day O’Connor LECTURE SERIES Mondays, 7pm Thursdays, 6pm School of Law, ASU Tempe Mar 13, 6pm-8pm, Valencia Branch The God Delusion Library, Tucson Check the web sites for confirmation, SCIENCE EVENTS Mar 6, 7:30pm, Gammage Auditorium, Apr 16, 6pm-8pm, Nanini Branch location and more information. ASU Tempe Library, Tucson http://www.borders.com ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER Workshop on SETI “The Sound of May 14, 6pm-8pm, Joel D. Valdez Main http://www.poisonedpen.com “Dinosaurs: Giants in the Desert” Silence” Library, Tucson http://www.bookmans.com exhibition Feb 5-7 http://www.library.pima.gov http://www.barnesandnoble.com Feb 2 opening ET, Where Are You? http://www.changinghands.com Arizona Science Center IMAX movie Feb 7, 7:30pm, Galvin Playhouse, ASU SETI Institute’s Weekly Science Radio http://browncoats.lagemann.org theatre Tempe Program http://www.imperialoutpost.com ‘Titanica” Mondays, avail as podcast http://www.azchallenger.org Mar 14 only CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER, http://radio.seti.org http://www.samuraicomics.com “Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric PEORIA http://podcast.seti.org http://www.drawntocomics.com Adventure” Stargazing Game Depot, 480-966-4727 Mar 14 only Starlab Planetarium OTHER GENRE-RELATED http://www.library.pima.gov “Grand Canyon Adventure 3D” Check website for dates and times EVENTS http://www.novaspace.com/Spacefest/ March 22 opening http://www.seti.org The Space Place is a 2-hour interactive “The Big Lebowski” movie screening Lecture Series: program for little ones with big Feb 8 & 9, 10pm Evolution and Faith: Room for Both imaginations! Designed for children ages “Eraserhead” movie screening A biologist, a philosopher and a devout 3 through 6, the program features age- Feb 15 & 16, 10pm physicist will discuss how religious faith appropriate activities designed to teach Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 7 Conversation ( Continued from page 1 ) Pagan;” that’s the one I always think generally it’s all there: story is there, Terry Pratchett. I read non-fiction. Q: Why is Cally such a ditz, pining for about with my dad. pathos is there, tragedy is there, humor is CP: In Emma Bull’s new book, some guy to love her? CP: Have you any unpublished stories, there. But every now and again I have to Territory, there is a character named JR: I don’t think Cally is a ditz. She has juvenalia? sit down and go, “Okay, what am I going John Ringo who is at odds with Wyatt some issues. Lot’s of smart people do – JR: The only thing of mine that hasn’t to do here?” Earp. Any relation? look at Bill Clinton. But we should have been published in The Voyages of King, CP: Do you prefer to write fantasy or sci- JR: Yes! And yes, he was a cattle rustler. done a better job with the end of Cally’s Arthur. There are actually references to fi? Meanwhile, his cousin, another Ringo, War. At the end of the book the guy in him in There Will be Dragons. I have JR: I write what I want to write. It’s never was a lawman. the bar is Stewart. He’s alive, he faked his multiple ideas for unwritten stuff. I only hard for me to write - whatever it is. I CP: Do you get mail from soldiers own death. So Cally is not bereft; it was write when the story is driving me, but always have ideas for new series and I saying, “Thank you for writing this, it Stewart, but apparently we did not make when I write, I write very fast. I have have to force myself to stay with the old really meant a lot to me”? that clear enough. 15,000 word days. One time I did 25,000. ones. I do fantasy with the Dragon series, JR: All the time. I was a mediocre Q: I liked the book Hero, but there are CP: Do you like collaborating? I do techno-thriller and I do science soldier, I was never great, I was never a discrepancies between it and other books JR: Yes. Collaboration is a lot of fun. fiction. They all have similar themes, but super-soldier. And these guys who in the series. Can you explain these? There are as many different ways to they are very different genres. I would contact me just amaze me, and I feel very JR: Hero is officially non-canon now. I collaborate as there are collaborators, and never have written Ghost as science honored but I feel more humbled than had particular ideas for the Mike O’Neill I have done most of the different ways fiction, because the triple X would offend anything. books that just didn’t work any more. that you can do. David Weber sends me a lot of my readers – which it did. People tell me, “Dude, I’ve read your CP: How do you write? 30,000 word ‘outlines.’ Some of the stuff CP: What do you think of e-publishing? stuff and I like it more than Heinlein,” JR: Usually I use a laptop, but sometimes I’ve done with Kratman is Kratman from JR: (Laughs) First of all, all of my books and I’m just… I’ve been reading this stuff I use a desktop. I have actually dictated beginning to end, and the only thing I’ve are released as e-books in addition to hard since I was a kid. Just people mentioning then transcribed, but generally I use a done is a certain amount of tweaking, and cover. They come out in various ways as my name in the same breath as Heinlein laptop. I really don’t feel my name should be on e-books. Sometimes I finish a section and or Asimov, it’s incredible. I see myself CP: Do you have a favorite time for there. Kratman is okay with it; I’m not, send it to my publishers, and they post it more as H. B. Piper or Poul Anderson. writing? particularly. With Julie Cochrane, for as an unproofed advanced copy. I have no Q: You’ve done female characters that JR: Primarily in the winter. I write better Honor of the Clan, we sat down and sort issues with e-books at all. Jim Baen, once I’ve really enjoyed and female characters when it’s cold. I write best between 54 of talked about what we wanted to do. I he started to realize what was going on that I just wanted to strangle – degrees and 24. I ‘ve written in as low as had certain themes that I wanted in there with e-books, was kind of funny. One day JR: And in some cases it’s the same minus 6. I have a condition called and she had certain things she wanted to we were talking and he said, “Johnny, it’s character. A lot of female readers tell me I hypergraphia, which just means writing a do and we worked out a plot together. like watching sheep try to fleece write great female characters. A lot of lot, but when I am working, I actually feel Julie is more character development themselves!” female writers tell me I don’t! the region of my right cerebrum heating oriented and I’m more plot oriented, but Jim loved science fiction, he loved the CP: Is that because they haven’t been in up. we both contribute to both aspects. In industry, but he was very much a business the military? CP: Do you work outside? Von Neuman’s War with Doc Travis it man. Any way that he could find to make JR: That’s a big part of it. I got into it JR: Yes I do, and that minus 6 was in was Doc’s idea; it was about half his more money, as long as it wasn’t too with Janny Wurts a few years ago about New Hampshire. The truth is, I kind of writing and half my writing. He wrote much more work for Jim, he’d go with it. writing females in combat. One of the take late spring, summer, and early fall off about 5000 words and I went in and did a We’d come out with CDs for my books, interesting things I have noticed is that and have a life. Once the writing kicks in, lot of editing and went in and added stuff for free. When they came out sales on all now that we have no s..t combat, and now there are periods, month, month-and-a- and rearranged stuff and sent it back to my titles jumped, because people could that we have females in non-combat half periods, where I write, sleep, eat, him, and he had at it, and sent it back, listen to them on their computer, and positions who just happen to get stuck in write. I was talking to my kids a while which is actually a very difficult way of they’d say, “Wow, this is a really great combat, truck drivers, MPs, female pilots, back, and I told them, you may have working and that’s why we haven’t done book!” and they’d go down to their etcetera etcetera, is that there are females dreams, and it may turn out you really a sequel. In the Blades books we are library which would be out of them. I in the military who have low self-esteem suck at them. But it may turn out that doing I pretty much write the whole book think science fiction writers who have who become human mattresses. But I you’re very, very good at something else. and leave spaces and Doc goes in and issues with e-books are kind of like have found females in the army who are I had my overall plan: I was going to be a adds pure science and I go back and edit. doctors who don’t believe in MRIs. For real in your face fighters are very sexual, colonel – I was going to go back to school CP: When you write, it is more plot SF authors, this is a technology that just but they are sexual like soldiers. They are and get a Ph.D. – and I was going to die in driven or character driven, or what? happens to impact them; you ought to be warriors. Writing women characters... I combat. Instead, I’ve written over 100 JR: They are thematically driven. Theme, able to get over it. It’s a wave. I spent a know a lot of women. I just cheat. I file books. My brother has the Ph.D. then plot, then character. Actually, theme, lot of time growing up in Florida and I did off the serial numbers and suddenly I CP: Do you agree with Asimov that there then story, then character, plot will come body surfing and I learned something have my character. is an aesthetic to writing, do you enjoy the out by itself. You’ve got to have it about waves. You can fight them, and CP: A lot of the guys in my unit hated actual process? significantly character-driven, because they’ll destroy you. You can let them go that there were females in the army, and JR: No, God, no! Hell no. I’m a control that’s what readers get attached to. So by, but then you’re just bobbing on the gave them a very hard time. Do your freak and I like to make my characters do main characters cannot be static. Main ocean. Or you can try to ride them. If you stories help change the perspectives of things and go through stuff. I like to mess characters have to change in the course of ride them just right they carry you to soldiers who are fighting with females? with people’s brains. I know people are the story. In fact, I think that is the shore. And e-books are the same way. JR: There’s a book coming out called going to read it and go through the problem I have with Princess of Wands, How it is going to pan out is not exactly The Politically Incorrect Guide to the emotions I am pouring into the book. But because I haven’t figured out how to clear. I have a lot of readers who are e- College Campus, and one of the things it I hate doing the freaking trim on the change her effectively. I’d written 40,000 book pure. I make a fair chunk of change talks about is that guys give guys a hard books. It’s one of their weaknesses, words of Queen of Wands and then went off of e-books. Do I make as much as I time, all the time. So when women first actually. I do not write artistically. I write back and got rid of 20,000, because I make on hard covers? No, but e-books got in to the work force, and still today, purely to tell the story. hated it. have the feel of becoming the wave of the there’s a lot of “This is a hostile working CP: What’s your favorite Rudyard CP: Chris Claremont, writing The X- future, and I’m not going to let that wave environment.” Well, this is what guys are Kipling? Men, once said that his approach to pass me by. like all the time. They’re not being JR: God, there are so many good ones! writing is to ask himself, “What is the CP: Have you read the 1632 books by particularly hostile to you, they’re just One of my favorites is “M.I.” - it’s about worst thing that can happen to this Eric Flint and company? freaking hostile. And one of the problems the Mounted Infantry in the Boer War. character?” and then make that happen. JR: I read 1632. It’s great, I loved it, but I of females in the military is that there are My favorite that I just kind of roll out is Do you ever do that? haven’t read anything else in that so many human mattresses, or girls who the “Ballad of Bo Da Thone.” It is JR: Yes. I think Bujold does that too. I do universe. I don’t actually read a lot of use sex as a weapon, making false hilarious. [Recites large swatches that when I think about it. Generally I just science fiction now. For one thing, I am accusations, using sex to get ahead – thereof.] Another one would be “Chant write by the seat of my pants and too afraid of stealing stuff. Mostly I read ( Continued on page 9 ) Page 8 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 permission. Secondly, they may yet Conversation ( Continued from page 8 ) is reprinting lots of his older stuff. They short story to a Kevin Anderson-edited appear in novels – with the serial number have a beautiful package of his Fisher anthology for HWA; the story’s called CP: In our unit, girls would be told, “If filed off. But if you want to hear more, King stories: “Last Call,” “Expiration “An Evening with Al Gore.” She and you want to take this class you have to and you ever go to a Con he is attending, Date” and “Earthquake Weather.” Toni Kelner have a new anthology, sleep with me before I’ll sign off your set aside a couple of hours for Moving up the coast to Washington, “Wolfsbane and Mistletoe,” which will paperwork.” conversation, and be sure to attend his Elizabeth Ann Scarborough says feature a Sookie story. And she’s about JR: That sort of thing happens too, yes, panels too. He is one of the most that “Maelstrom,” the second in the to start the next Sookie novel. She’d definitely. The problem is that so many accessible, down-to-earth GOHs it has TWINS OF PETAYBEE series, will be hoped to be able to give us a start date for guys who are straight arrows, and they’re ever been my pleasure to meet. – Chris released in paperback in Feb 2008, and in “True Blood,” the HBO series based on not going to do that, have had so many Paige April 2008 “Deluge,” the third in the the Sookie Stackhouse books, but the experiences with girls that are an issue, TWINS series, will be released in writers’ strike has called filming to a halt. that when they do run across a female hardback. Meanwhile, via Teknobooks, Charlaine is deeply disappointed and who is a soldier, they have a huge time she’s sold several short stories for online hopes to have better news soon. accepting that. Not because of Pro Notes publication through Sony for their new Jacqueline Carey in chilly stereotyping, because of past experiences. Hello from sunny (always!) Arizona. reading machine. She’s looking into Michigan reports that “Kushiel’s Mercy,” The smartest thing is to just not have We’re past the holiday frenzy and it all converting her backlist titles to digital the last volume in the IMRIEL trilogy, women in the military. The second choice looks calm on the horizon. Our next form for ebooks too. She and Anne comes out in June 2008. She’s hard at is Tom Kratman’s choice. He wrote a convention in Arizona is LepreCon in McCaffrey have turned over “Barque work in the first volume of a new yet- story about that called “The Amazon’s May – look for an ad elsewhere in this Cats,” the first in a new proposed series untitled D’ANGELINE trilogy. This story Right Breast.” The third choice is what we publication. they’ve been working on, to their agents will take place a few generations later – are doing, which is muddling through. A Responses were still slow this month, for marketing and Elizabeth Ann is no details yet until after “Kushiel’s lady of my acquaintance who was in I guess our authors who were swept up in currently working (solo) on a sort of Mercy” is published. She will be a guest Panama was able to overcome the the holiday craziness are back at work – fantasy mystery. of honor at LunaCon in Rye Brook, New resistance… She actually said there at least we all hope so. Then, all the way over to the Midwest York in March. Shortly afterward, she should be no women in the army. There One new face this month, but we’ll to Charlaine Harris in Arkansas. leaves for a trip to China and Tibet, can be females, but no women. start off right here in Arizona with which will include a good deal of There are some characters I can’t write. Jennifer Roberson who is currently She told me that the next Sookie research. And continuing east to Maine, I For example, I know there are intelligent working on the third volume in the Stackhouse novel, “From Dead to heard from James Hetley. “Dragon’s liberals. I do. I can carry on a KARAVANS universe, titled “The Wild Worse,” will be out in May 2008. She just conversation with them and they are Road.” (The second, “Deepwood,” completed a novella for Ace, which will Teeth” {see the review in our Issue 17.3} functional and they have some points, appeared in hardcover in April ’07). She appear at some point in a three-in-one came out on schedule (now available in okay. But I can’t write the character. I try, sold a fourth in the universe to DAW a called “Must Love Hellhounds” which mass-market) to good reviews, but the but I can’t write the freaking character. while back, and also recently made a deal features two of her more interesting sales figures haven’t entranced his And I can’t write really weak women. with DAW for two more novels in the subsidiary characters from the Sookie publisher into buying either “Ghost Most of the women in my life have had SWORD-DANCER series, though these story: Clovache and Batanya. No pub Point” or “Signatures.” Those manu- significant issues, but nevertheless have will focus on the children of Tiger and date on that yet. She has contributed a ( Continued on page 10 ) been strong people. Del. In November of 2008 a collection of CP: If you could go to Iraq, would you? twenty of her short stories, called JR: If I were 20 years younger. “Guinevere’s Truth and Other Tales,” will CP: I meant with the USO, to meet be released by Five Star Books. Her troops. three historicals, two based on the Robin JR: Oh, in a heartbeat. I’ve been trying to Hood legend, and one set in 17th-Century arrange it, but the USO doesn’t know who Scotland, have been reissued by John Ringo is. I do sign books that get Kensington with new covers. In October sent to soldiers. of 2008, she will be a member of the JR: If you open up to gays in the faculty for a 1-week workshop on military… first of all, if the military was speculative fiction writing in Anchorage, drawn primarily from California liberals sponsored by the Alaska Writers Guild. there would be no issue with gays at all. On March 15th, Jennifer will be a It’s not. It’s drawn primarily from rural participant in the Sedona Symphony areas, especially in combat arms. Those League’s annual Authors’ Luncheon at kids are just not acculturated to accepting the Sedona Radisson. And our own gays. They weren’t acculturated to Diana Gabaldon has announced that accepting blacks either – blacks or women she has a working title for the next Jaime – but, with blacks, you’ve got a potential & Claire novel which will probably 25%, at one time even 35% increase in publish in 2009. It is “An Echo in the potential force level. With women, we’re Bone.” She is also excited about the working with a 12% increase; arguably graphic novel she’s working on for Del 15%. With gays, you have a much smaller Rey. It is, potentially, told from increase for the morale problem. Murtagh’s point of view while he’s It’s the same argument against females in waiting for Jaime to return to Scotland, the infantry. There are certain segments of and the fulfillment of a vow made years the military which are quietly very before. {I saw an advance drawing of homosexual-friendly. I am not a racist, I Claire and she’s beautiful and perfect!} am not a homophobe, I’m not even a The graphic novel is scheduled for 2009, xenophobe; I am a culturalist. I believe in as well. basic tenets of western society. Some of Tim Powers, who lives in Califor- the alternatives are terrible. nia, is working on a new novel for Harper I would include more of Ringo’s military Collins which will take place in Victorian anecdotes, but there are two reasons I England, and a story for Charnal House refrain. Most of them involve other people which will take place during the Greek as well, and I do not have their Revolution in 1825. Subterranean Press Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 9 Pro Notes ( Continued from page 9 ) for other things to keep him busy all musician George Hrab’s “Geologic through 2008, and into 2009, including a Podcast”, popular webcomics podcast Editorials scripts are making the rounds of other second collaboration with Mike Mignola, “Gigcast”, and X-Files/Lone Gunmen publishers, via his agent. They sold (The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints and some things that might surprise alum Dean Haglund’s podcast about an expressed by the author of this article do not French language rights to “Winter Oak,” longtime readers. indie filmmaker’s perspective on Holly- necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and and the French publisher made a sub- And, our new face this month is wood, “From the Heart of Hollywood”. viewpoints or official policies of the Central rights sale for a mass-market French Catherine Asaro from Maryland ... It’s a small sample of FarPoint Media’s Arizona Speculative Fiction Society, the edition of “Summer Country.” James is frigid Maryland. Catherine’s been commitment to quality entertainment, and ConNotations editor or staff.) now working on “Powers,” another keeping warm by working on lots of just one small feature of why FPM is The Editors Note - Last issue we neglected to contemporary fantasy about amnesiac books, both science fiction and fantasy. Indie Podcast Network... and is still attach the name of the person who wrote the gods and an ancient Solomon’s Seal tied This January saw the publication of “The growing. FarPoint Media’s “Zombie editorial “No more CopperCons..”. The to the decline of miracles. {Good luck – I Ruby Dice,” the latest of her SKOLIAN Channel” project made a splash at the editorial opinion was written by Michael sure I hope to see more of your work Contos. We regret the omission. EMIRE novels. It’s a science fiction International Horror and SciFi Film soon.} adventure about two warring empires and Festival in November, and our XM A Response to the Opinion in Volume Christopher Golden who resides the struggles of their leaders to come to Satellite Radio flagship show, “Slice of 17 Issue 6 in Massachusetts, is a very busy man. terms with the centuries of antagonism. SciFi”, will be at the Phoenix Comicon at by Mark Boniece {Much thanks for his input.} He has Also just out is her SF novella, “The the end of January, gathering interviews several reprints coming out. In January, Space-Time Pool,” which is the cover and fan feedback and other news. Local I can’t agree more with Mr. Contos’ Bantam will publish a mass market story of the March 2008 Analog. Due out AZ podcasters who have joined FarPoint sentiments expressed in his letter to the edition of “The Borderkind, the Second in July from Luna Books is “The Night Media are “Game Zone Radio” (video editor in the last edition of ConNotations. Book of the Veil.” {See the review in our Bird,” a fantasy novel with a big scope, games), “Love Long and Prosper” (love, He correctly points out that a large source Issue 17.6} In February, they’ll bring out adventure, a sensual young mage who is living and Star Trek), and “The Pulp of the problems that CASFS has are mass market editions of “The Boys Are swept away from her home. In February, Gamer” (board games, card games, role- related to a lack of people willing to help Back in Town” and “Wildwood Road,” the anthology LACE AND BLADE from playing games) In the Friends of out running the conventions. He was both never before available in that the Leda imprint of Norilana Books will FarPoint Media department: Mur absolutely correct in his assertions that format. In March, the Third Book of the include a short fantasy romance of hers Lafferty’s “Geek Fu Morning” and “I nobody wants to chair the conventions Veil, “The Lost Ones,” arrives in trade called “The Topaz Desert” that takes Should Be Writing” shows are amongst any more because of the literally night- paperback, completing the trilogy. In place in the LOST CONTINENT uni- the most popular in the FarPoint Media marish quality of doing that. I have May, he and Tim Lebbon have their first verse for Luna Books. Between now and network, but another separate project chaired nine conventions in the Phoenix collaborative effort, “Mind the Gap: A then, Catherine will be doing appearances she’s launched is a podcast novel. area, and I can only agree that problems Novel of the Hidden Cities.” Then, later at cons, possibly a signing or two, and at “Playing for Keeps” is a look at the lives with staffing have gotten orders of in the year, he’s returning to young adult home, coaching the Howard Area of the regular and underpowered folk magnitude worse in the last few years. fiction for the first time in a while. Homeschoolers, a dynamite group of who get caught in the crossfire between The entire body of what has been Delacorte will publish “Poison Ink” in math students, in competitions. She superheros and supervillains. It’s gotten traditionally referred to as “fandom”, has July, and MTV Books will publish invites all her readers to come by her a lot of attention with the podcasting decreased substantially in the past ten “Soulless” in October, just in time for email group and say hello. It’s at http:// crowd, and the novel has a print edition years. The people who run the conven- Halloween. Also in the fall, Roc will be groups.yahoo.com/group/asaro/ that’s available from Lulu.com. See tions, are simply a segment of the group publishing a brand new trade paperback Almost finally, is news from Jody relevant links below. of people that enjoy and attend the edition bringing back into print “The That’s it for this month. I hope you conventions. The model has been that we Ferryman,” with a brand new introduc- Lynn Nye. Back in June, she published enjoyed yourselves. And, as always - if take turns running the conventions, so tion by Charles de Lint. Early 2008 will the first half of an epic fantasy duology anyone wants to contribute or knows everyone can enjoy them. This model has also see the publication of a new comic from TOR Books entitled “An Unex- someone who knows someone…please broken down. book series with his friend Tom pected Apprentice.” It’s a beautiful write to ConNotations or email me at My feeling is that the main force of Sniegoski called THE SISTERHOOD. hardcover book with a really special Catherine Book. [email protected] – change that has caused the marked It’s a three issue miniseries from Archaia cover (see her website, decrease in the size in the fan community Studios Press, and the film version is in www.jodynye.com.) The second part is DragonPage links: is Al Gore’s invention: The Internet. development now, with Sniegoski and at TOR Books right now and expected to http://www.farpointmedia.net People say we have been unable to recruit Christopher producing. Once the WGA publish in December 2008. The title is http:// younger people into the fan community. strike is over, he and Mike Mignola will yet undetermined. “Myth Chief,” the www.callsforcthulhu.com The fact is that the younger people don’t be completing work on their screenplay fifth novel she and Bob Asprin have http:// want to be in the fan community. Tradi- for BALTIMORE, OR, THE STEAD- collaborated on in the MYTH ADVEN- www.geologicpodcast.com tionally, conventions have a main purpose FAST TIN SOLDIER AND THE VAM- TURES series, is being turned in in the http://www.thegigcast.com of providing a venue for fans to network PIRE for New Regency Pictures. In next couple of days (how’s that for recent http:// with other fans. The Internet allows this limited editions, 2008 will see a number news?). It will be available from Wildside www.fromtheheartofhollywood.com to be done with much greater efficiency, of them, though several he can’t talk Press in trade and hardcover editions by http://www.zombiechannel.com th over a much wider area than a local about just yet. They include his first March 26 . The cover is by Phil Foglio. http://www.sliceofscifi.com convention can do. If someone is short story collection and the Earthling “Myth-Gotten Gains,” the fourth collab, http://www.gamezoneradio.com enamored with something that only six Modern Classics edition of comes out in mass-market paperback this http:// other people in the world like, they now “Strangewood,” with an introduction by spring from Ace Books. She and Bob www.lovelongandprosper.cm have the ability to target this area directly, Graham Joyce and a Foreword by will be the literary guests of honor at http://www.pulpgamer.com and network with their six buddies, and Bentley Little. Christopher and James A. MarCon in Columbus, OH, over Memo- http:// dispense with all the other crap they don’t Moore have made a new deal for the two rial Day weekend in May. They are also www.playingforkeepsnovel.com like. Plus they don’t have to spend money novella sequels to “Bloodstained Oz,” planning to attend DragonCon. Previous ProNotes columns and book and (spasm of fear) interact with people though when they’ll get started on those And, finally, news from those reviews are posted on our website at: face-to-face. is still up in the air. All of those things DragonPage folks: FarPoint Media http://www.casfs.org/ConNotations/ Large conventions are on a different are already complete, of course. As to has grown to include 70 current and in- plane entirely, and have the money and what the future holds beyond those development podcasts, with an impres- influence to get prominent guests, and things...he is working with Tim Lebbon sive array of talent in both audio and have gigantic dealers rooms that have the on “The Map of Moments,” the second video formats. Notable additions include feel of street bazaars in New Delhi. HIDDEN CITIES novel, and starting his the hit video series “Calls for Cthulhu” Attendees like being swallowed up in the next solo novel for Bantam, “The Ocean (special video guest at the 2007 HP Dark.” There are already plans in place Lovecraft Film Festival), independent (Continued on page 11 ) Page 10 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 Editorial ( Continued from page 10 ) A few years ago, a group of people does not have a track record (especially 5. Myth: If we gave free memberships came into the organization from the now), and getting the 501(c)3 tax up front for volunteers like Phoenix enormity of it all, and experiencing Renaissance Festival, and had lots of status is much harder to get than it used Comicon does, it would fix the anonymity that comes with the masses. new ideas, new people and volunteers to be. Also if CopperCon would cease, volunteer problem. Small local conventions cannot manage to do the legwork. They wanted to someone else would snap up that date this type of scale, and so the potential virtually take over the organization, slot in an already congested calendar Fact: Our non-profit business model is customer goes onto the Internet, and gets and they were allowed to! There were (since hotel rates go up dramatically different, and our most critical lack are what they want, either from discussion a couple of real dynamos in this group, after Labor Day) and put any new the committee level people that usually groups, or items from Ebay or specialty and we all had very high hopes about convention in the position of having get in free anyway. Comicon usually sites. what they could accomplish. They problems finding a date. As stated in manages to get what they need to run Since Contos’ piece came out in ended up dropping out a few at a time #2 above, anyone that wants to run a the convention with only a very small ConNotations, I have spoken to several over the following several years, new or re-invented convention is free core staff that are paid. We can’t offer fans that have told me why they or their because they had personal problems, to do it within CASFS. monetary compensation to committee friends don’t get involved in running the relationship problems, or found out members. Most fans are only vaguely conventions. The basis appears to be some how much thankless work was 4. Myth: There is a perception that aware of the people that are actually misconceptions that break roughly into involved, and decided to quit, or go off certain individuals in the fan commu- running the conventions. They don’t five categories: and do their own thing. Ivan was the nity are in extreme conflict with each realize that there is a big distinction last of these people. On several other, and that long-term grudges have between the committee level volunteer 1. Myth: There seems to be a percep- occasions the group has voted to formed, and closed off communication that has to spend two years planning tion out there that CASFS destroys dispense with rules, procedures and channels. This has supposedly created their activities, and the at-con volunteer everything it touches, and they point to processes to allow someone new to try large groups of people who won’t get that helps only with the execution the recent failure of Anizona as a what they will. My point is that the involved because of their animosity phase. Previous efforts show that at- prime example. notion of a small inner group of “Uber towards one person or another. The con volunteering can be stimulated by Fans” not allowing things to change is thought goes “Well, just get rid of offering various non-monetary incen- Fact: CASFS has nothing to do with nonsense. Budgetary constraints and certain individuals, and everything tives like raffle tickets for donated Anizona. I was surprised to hear this legality are the only limitations. If you would be fine again, and the fans prizes. from a very prominent individual in want to change things, come down and would stream back to volunteering, and for-profit convention circles, as well as do it! all of our staffing problems would be We need to solve our staffing prob- others that had obviously heard this solved..” lems, yes. But there are larger problems “on the grapevine”. The organizations 3. Myth: Some people feel that there of getting into areas where we can get are completely separate corporations is no need for two local sci-fi conven- Fact: This simply lacks credibility. In new people involved. People don’t read with separate missions, and separate tions in the valley. They think that one any community, there are always books as much as they used to; people can groups of people involved, with the 900 person convention would beat two people who don’t get along, this is a see artwork online or other places. What only exception being a small handful 450 person conventions. fact of life. If the “trouble” individu- are the hot areas? Anime’ is very popular of people that overlap involvement in als were to quit or be forced out, and in the United States, although it seems to both. The failure of Anizona, is Fact: There is no logic to this asser- the hypothetical rush back to volun- be waning a bit in Japan. Manga (graphic entirely a result of lack of follow- tion. The fact is the attendance for teering doesn’t occur, we’re in worse Novels) and comic books have had a through from individuals that have CopperCon and Leprecon has been in trouble than ever. All of the conven- resurgence in recent years. TV stars and nothing to do with CASFS whatsoever. rough parity for the past few years, tions have a labor pool problem, with media-related guests are big, but require The recent failure of HexaCon is with mostly the same people attending the possible exception of DarkCon big money, unless you are very lucky. an unrelated issue, but sometimes both. If one of the conventions were which has a built-in pool of committed LAN (networked computing) parties comes up in this discussion. This not to occur, there is considerable volunteers that few organizations can where the participants bring their own happened because of some very poor evidence that indicates we would just match. It is simply much harder than it computers and play games are huge. decisions that were made a few years end up with one 450 person conven- used to be to find reliable people that Non-Computer gaming is still big if done ago, that precipitated an early launch tion. Why eliminate half of the fun? will actually do what they promised to correctly. So-called “fringe” areas like of Con Games, which took place at a I’ve also heard an argument that do. Existing people are tired and UFOs, paranormal phenomena, con- date proximity to HexaCon that goes roughly, “Well, just let CASFS burning out. spiracy theories, etc. have had a gigantic effectively put it out of business. This fail, and if there is a place for another upswing in the past few years. Narrowly was a failure of individuals, not the convention ( Continued on page 12 ) group as a whole. organization in this area, one will 2.Myth: There is perception that a arise out of the small group of “Uber Fans” run dust with new CASFS, and won’t listen to any new people and new ideas, won’t let anyone else get into vigor”. I don’t the decision making loops, and quash think this ap- any new ideas that may laboriously proach would struggle to the surface. accomplish anything. There Fact: Anyone that feels they can are considerable inject new ideas, wants to run a difficulties in convention, or even remake the entire starting up a new organization into something new and organization to different is welcome to “come on run conventions, down” and do it. There is, of course a even if you board of directors, but they function disregard the lack only to make sure IRS and non-profit of experience organization requirements are being issue. For followed, and to make sure the example, the business processes flow smoothly, they hotels will not are NOT in the business of censuring deal with an ideas. organization that Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 11 Editorial ( Continued from page 11 ) als from all the attendees “like a wed- Cloverfield Screening Room ding”. Jason could care less about this but Running Time: 90 minutes targeted conventions such as Dr. Who, Cloverfield - he convinces Hud (played by T.J. Miller) Rated: PG-13 Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc. are Release Date: January 18, 2008 to take the camera. Hud starts filming Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, successful. Hard science and technology, Sweeney Todd - with a dedication to the task without T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David biotechnology, etc., if done right has Release Date: December 21, 2007 which there would be no Cloverfield film. Director: Matt Reeves worked well. Film festivals are big. And I Am Legend - Rob has a thing for Beth (played by Produced by J.J. Abrams and Bad of course get-rich-quick schemes (just Release Date: December 14, 2007 Odette Yustman) – in fact they slept Robot kidding). The Golden Compass - together recently. Because of Rob’s Distributed by: Paramount Pictures Attempts to regroup after the failure of Release Date: December 7, 2007 impending trip to Japan he really didn’t HexaCon have so far been unsuccessful. Enchanted - want to get too involved, but his love for Wow. What can I say about this movie This is very unfortunate. If we still had Release Date: November 21, 2007 Beth was strong. that wouldn’t give away any plot points? those revenues, we would not be in the Beowulf - The attack starts with a loud series of I saw Cloverfield on the big screen (Cine mess we are in, and we would have a lot Release Date: November 16, 2007 rumbles and the scene (shown in the Capri) and can say definitively that it more time to solve any problems. Our trailer) with the Statue of Liberty’s head needs that screen to give it enough room current large difficulties in finding Cloverfield rolling down the street near the party. to be appreciated. If you have read any of suitable hotels does not help things either, Runtime: 84 minutes Hud keeps rolling to document the the hype then the ending won’t be a but this problem is showing signs of Rated: PG-13 for violence and terror events. Nobody quite knows what has surprise. abating in the near future, when hotel Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, happened but everyone is afraid. The premise is well thought out and capacities are at an excess again as a T.J. Miller, Michael Stahl-David, Mike We see glimpses of the petite, pretty fairly well executed. The movie was an result of all the new hotels being built.. To Vogal, Odette Yustman and friendly monster (oops for some interesting take on the traditional monster give us more time to regroup under the Director: Matt Reeves reason Casper just popped into my head) movie. I liked the view from the position present circumstances, we may need to Reviewed by: Len Berger – anyway this guy (person to be politi- of the poor sap running from the monster restructure or cancel some events in (ConNotations Film Editor) cally correct) is huge, ugly as hell and (yelling “Gojira!!!”) but filming just in addition to re-addressing the about as friendly as a shark in search of a case. I imagine that if the military hadn’t ConNotations funding issue. Cloverfield is the long anticipated meal. Our group wants to get the hell out gotten their hands on it several of the In conclusion, our problems can be New York City monster movie produced of the city but it’s not that simple as a call shots could have been sold for huge solved by branching out into some new by J.J. Abrams. The movie was shot from Beth to Rob interrupts their escape. amounts of money. Given that this won’t areas that will not replace, but supplement documentary-style which helps bring the The overriding friendship, love and be seen until early February I will say the our current activities, coming up with new audience into the action and horror. dedication to one another are what made monster reminded me of the bugs in ways to motivate volunteers, and restruc- The film begins with the US Govern- the film so enjoyable. Hud’s dedication to Starship Troopers. turing ourselves past the hotel crises. This ment reviewing a tape from a camcorder the job of taping the going away party Minor problems abounded, such as will put us onto a road into the future that found in NYC’s Central Park after the continued through the most horrific distances traveled in the dark including will be filled with possibilities, instead of attack. The tape begins with a surprise events he and his friends encounter. Most over fifty flights of stairs up and down in disinterest, conflict, misconceptions and party for Rob Hawkins (played by horror / terror films do not have this level less than seven hours, unlikely to be “small” thinking. We just need to survive Michael Stahl-David). Rob is leaving for of interaction between the characters. successful, especially given that these 2008, and 2009. 2010 will offer new Japan and his friends want to wish him Just sit back, grab your significant people were drinking heavily at the opportunities. We will need to make good luck and goodbye. Lily (played by other and enjoy the attack on NYC. beginning of the film. The head of the some difficult decisions to survive. Jessica Lucas) wants the event captured Please note that it appears no tripods statue of liberty is thrown down a street Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE needs on tape and asks Jason, Rob’s brother, or steady-cams were used during the by a creature with limbs that look to help. This all talk, and no action stuff (played by Mike Vogal) to tape testimoni- shooting of the film – if you are prone to incapable of gripping. The camera has a must end NOW. We can do this! sea-sickness I would not sit in the front lens that only seems to attract blood never dust despite the amount all over row. still falling. This film is what J.J. I would have liked a small report from Abrams fans expect. the military tacked on to explain the During the lulls in the circumstances in which the film was attack, the film has the found and the current state of affairs in viewers waiting with NYC and the rest of the country. The anticipation. Once movie was short enough that a fifteen again, the emotions and minute epilogue would have been dedication of the appropriate and appreciated. characters help make Four Stars out of five - Bob LaPierre this film stand out. I rate the film a “B”. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Running Time: 117 minutes Rated: R Dir. Tim Burton; Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Jamie Campbell Bower, Jayne Wisener, Ed Sanders

Sweeney Todd is an operetta by Stephen Sondheim, the writer of A Little Night Music, Assassins, and Into the Woods. He also wrote the lyrics to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He is strong on clever lyric- writing if not traditionally melodic in his ( Continued on page 13 ) Page 12 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 Screening ( Continued from page 12 ) crudely obvious she is a prostitute; The stars were a surprise and a stroke Smith’s acting. compositions. Hollywood tones this down, although the of genius. Johnny Depp was astounding. I had a few problems with the film, The movie opens with a ship sailing pox marks on her face tell the story. Given the current sound technology his such as the state in which we find New into a London harbor, and a sweet-voiced This marks the sixth outing for Tim somewhat weak voice worked well. York city only three years after the young sailor singing about how wonder- Burton and Johnny Depp, and a reunion Helena Bonham Carter was astonishing catastrophe. Already much of the city has ful London is. Then another voice cuts in, with Helena Bonham Carter from The as the mad keeper of the pie shop. The been reclaimed by nature, giving it a quieter, lower, venomously describing Corpse Bride. Neither Depp nor Carter two of them made you believe in the wonderful post-apocalyptic feel to it, but London in harsher terms. This singer has operatic pipes, but they don’t need story. doing nothing to explain why there are thanks the young Anthony (Jamie them here. Their duet as they sing of The wonderful Gritty Fleet Street set huge herds of deer running through Campbell Bower) for rescuing him and serving the lords of London is the lyrical was London as we knew it from descrip- Central Park. And if the city streets are in names himself Sweeney Todd (Todd is high point for anyone who enjoys word tions in Dickens. The opening scene in such a state of disrepair, why do we still the German word for death) before he play, puns, and double-entendres. Johnny the pie shop with the rats and roaches sets have buildings covered in canvas where sets off down familiar streets. He comes Depp wielding razors is like seeing the tone wonderfully. the material is still in good shape? Or to a shop that sells “The Worst Meat Pies Edward Scissorshands finally corrupted Burton built up the horror of the abandoned vehicles with fully aired tires in London” according to the proprietress by the ugliest of emotions. When Depp is situation without causing the audience to and dust free windshields. Mrs. Lovett, a widow, who serves on screen, the sets are in shades of black lose their supper. Nevertheless please However, these criticisms are minor. Sweeney inedible slop while she sings. and grey, except for the colorful competi- note that the film is not for the tender of The action in interesting. Smith is Todd asks her about the history of the tion scene, so that the splashes of arterial stomach nor for the faint of heart. interesting. The story line is interesting. I building and its former tenants. She tells blood are vivid contrast. The younger Recommended – Gary Swaty recommend the movie. And when you a sad, sad story about a handsome young characters occasionally enjoy slightly finish watching it, run down to your local barber, his pretty wife and their baby brighter backgrounds, although Joanna’s I Am Legend video store and rent The Omega Man and daughter. They were happy together until lyrics suggest that she is too blighted to Runtime: 100 minutes The Last Man On Earth and see how they the powerful Judge Turpin (played by live a happy life. Rated: PG-13 compare. - Randy Lindsay Alan Rickman) saw and coveted his Alan Rickman is always good; Carter Starring: Will Smith, Alice Braga, neighbor’s wife and had the barber is whimsical, Wisener is haunting as Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok The Golden Compass brought up on false charges and deported Johanna; and young Ed Sanders almost Director: Francis Lawrence Running Time: 118 minutes to an Australian penal colony. Once he steals the show as the urchin Toby. I was (Constantine) Rated: PG-13 was out of the way, Turpin raped and put off by Bower’s pouty lips and pretty Director: Chris Weitz abandoned the wife, and appointed boy looks – I wouldn’t want to elope with Last issue I wrote a review on the Starring: Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue himself guardian of the baby girl him myself, but I’m not 16. novel, I Am Legend by Richard Richards, Daniel Craig Johanna. Overcome by grief, the wife Sweeney Todd is either Aristotelian Matheson. I wanted to read the original took arsenic, “Poor Thing,” Mrs. Lovett tragedy or the blackest of comedies, prior to the movie coming so that I could Instead of a cast of thousands, The sings, but her sympathy is somewhat depending on your sensibilities. Todd’s compare the two. Lawrence has given us Golden Compass has a crew of thou- dismissive. Todd, who is, of course, the strongest emotions, despair and fury, lead an updated version of the story, which sands. I know because I sat through the returned husband, arranges to rent the to irrevocable violence. The few survi- originally took place in the mid 50’s, and roster to verify that it was indeed Kate upstairs space to open a barber shop. His vors are burned as if by acid by his blended in elements from The Omega Bush singing the song “Lyra.” The film is original set of barber’s razors is still passing. We, the audience, get to enjoy Man – an earlier film based on the same gorgeous: wonderful graphics, particu- there, and he swears vengeance as he the catharsis, or the bloodbath. If you are book. larly with the cityscapes, the daemons, holds them. Mrs. Lovett had been wondering if this is suitable for under In my mind Lawrence has taken the and the panserbjorne, the armored ice carrying a torch for the handsome young seventeen, my observation is that kids best elements of both the book and the bears. Some of the acting is also quite barber for years; she is all to glad too who play videogames or RPGs involving previous film to give us something more good. That being said, I did not enjoy the assist him and comfort him for the loss of death, or who wear shirts from Hot satisfying than either. film thoroughly, because decisions were his wife. Topics, have prepared themselves to The film opens with a series of made to keep things nice for a kid First he has to make a name for enjoy the macabre. – Chris Paige television interviews in which the cure friendly rating, and these PC moments himself as a barber to attract high custom, for cancer is announced. By turning palpably weakened the story. Worse, so he challenges a local mountebank to a Sweeney Todd: viruses to mankind’s benefit they have numerous portions of the book’s storyline shaving competition which he wins The Demon Barber of Fleet Street had a 100% effectiveness in treating were changed, sometimes radically, handily, using his silver razors. Unfortu- Running Time: 117 minutes those affected with cancer. The celebra- sometimes chronologically, and some- nately, the mountebank recognizes the Rated: R tion is short-lived as they discover that times pointlessly for unnecessary ‘height- razors and stops by the next day to Directed by Tim Burton virus eventually mutates the host, killing ened drama.’ indulge in a spot of blackmail. Sweeney Starring Johnny Depp, Helena those who are infected 90% of the time. I hadn’t read the book when I saw the turns the business end of his razors on his Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Worst yet, the virus has started affecting film, so I was unaware of these sins of tormentor instead, which presents a Timothy Spall, Jamie Campbell Bower, those not treated for cancer and is omission and commission until I asked problem: what to do with the body? Mrs. Jayne Wisener and Sacha Baron. spreading unchecked. (One assumes that the young persons in attendance with me Lovett remarks that what with the price of it has mutated in some aspect, but if this their opinions. I was expecting paeans meat these days, it seems a shame to let it The movie production of Sweeney is explained in the film I missed it.) and eulogies, and was surprised by their go to waste. Todd is interesting in two unexpected Robert Neville (Will Smith) is the last reactions. They were outspoken and loud And so it begins. Todd dispatches his ways. First the closeness and narrowness man on Earth. Or so he thinks. He in their displeasure. They supplied me clients, who become grist for the pie- of the view presented to the audience and wanders the streets of New York by day, with explanations of how very, very bad maker’s wares. Her meat pies become secondly the choice of players none of searching for food, searching for a cure the movie was compared to the book. In famous. They are assisted by the whom are noted as musical stars. for the disease so that he can reverse its full cry they detailed the enormity of the mountebank’s former assistant Toby. The view presented to the audience effects in those already mutated by it, and discrepancies for me. I inferred that they Todd almost fulfills his revenge early, but was a sharp contrast to the broad brush playing golf on the docks while he waits felt about this movie the way I felt about an untimely interruption sets other events required by a musical stage presentation. for anyone to respond to his distress The Lion, the Witch, and the Ward- in motion. Anthony has fallen in love Most musical movie versions of Broad- signal. robe movie: every departure from the with the judge’s pretty ward, and wants to way Plays attempt to duplicate this and Smith does an adequate job of book jarred and felt like a betrayal. I was elope with her, but tells his plans to thus do not take full advantage of the film showing a man too long absent from intrigued to find out that all the moments Sweeney in the judge’s hearing. When medium. In Sweeney Todd Tim Burton human contact. As this is a pivotal aspect that I thought were weak were instances Johanna refuses to marry her guardian, chose to defy tradition, thus taking of the early portions of this story I think it of departure. she is sent to an insane asylum. Observ- advantage of the broad brush when could have been done better, but the So now I am reading the book, and I ing and commenting on all this is a needed and the closeups allowed by the writing and directing are probably more love it. I still recommend the movie, but beggar woman. In the original play, it is different medium. responsible for this short-coming than ( Continued on page 14 ) Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 13 Screening (Continued from page 13 ) wedding dress hanging from a fire escape boasting and bellowing, a bawdy song for (multi-images) and cleaner sound with ladder outside a casino with a castle which I want the lyrics, and a gentle less distortion. Unfortunately, while it seems to me that filmmakers should decal. He is reluctant to have anything to Dane woman harp song for contrast. analog signals degrade linearly from a really consult a group of avid kids who do with her once she has her feet back on If you are a Gaiman reader, or if you clear signal all the way to snowy, digital have actually read and loved a book the ground – strictly in a literal sense. read the Datlow & Windling anthologies signals can go from sharp to a midpoint before deciding to ‘improve’ on it. - But she ends up asleep on their couch of fantasy and horror, you can guess where the sound is intermittent and the Chris Paige before he quite knows what is happening. where the movie goes when it skips off picture develops blocky errors. The final No good deed goes unpunished in the the path of the original poem. Even with degradation is no sound and usually a big, bad city. Giselle’s presence is these variations, this movie is much truer Enchanted blue screen. In addition, digital television understandably misconstrued by Robert’s to its source than the usual Hollywood Running Time: 108 minutes does not necessarily mean HDTV. DTV Rated: PG girlfriend, Nancy; and later on her well- fare. It follows the entire course of the meaning interference gets him in trouble epic, from the slaughter in the hall and comes in many flavors: Instead of a single Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick analog channel, a broadcaster may have Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy at work. As for what she does in his Beowulf’s arrival, through his fight with one High Definition (HD) channel, a Small, Susan Sarandon, Idina Mendez, apartment, I am not going to spoil it – it is Grendel, the revelation of Grendel’s with voice over by Julie Andrews toooo good. The previews give you a vengeful mother, on to an aged Beowulf’s couple Enhanced Definition (ED) Director: Kevin Lima glimpse – ‘nuff said. final confrontation with a devastating channels, or multiple Standard Definition Words and Music: Stephen Schwartz Enchanted is about the discrepancy dragon. The only issue I had with the (SD) channels making use of the same & Alan Menken between romance and happily ever after, tweaks to the storyline is that now it is spectrum space once used by the single expectation and reality. In some ways, harder to recognize Beowulf’s dragon as analog channel. This allows the broad- No studio does self-referencing humor the most interesting character is the the source for Smaug in The Hobbit. casting station, for example, to digitally as well as Disney, and Enchanted has one queen’s henchman. Robert has to get The c-g animation is mesmerizing, transmit SD versions of the news on inside joke after another for the delecta- over his emotional deep freeze; Giselle with gorgeous storms and golden sunsets channel 13.0, the weather on channel tion of its older audience members; for and Edward have to get over their and wavelets over pebbles, plus a 13.1, sports on channel 13.2, etc. This the younglings, of course, it is all new naiveté; but the henchman has to get over humorously tantalizing sequence when can also mean that DTV can allow for being a stooge and a pawn and a patsy. Beowulf opts to fight Grendel naked. and fresh and straightforward. The movie data services and interactive video Some of the cleverest scripting is the set Some movies entertain superficially; this theatre was packed for the preview in previously unavailable with analog up for his epiphany. one gets inside and changes you. Highly Tucson, mostly families with a mean technology. average of 2.3 children, whose ages The script writers also deserve recommended. – Chris Paige commendation for how well they justify Now for some Good news/Bad news. ranged from drooling infant to sulky teen, If you are currently paying a subscription and everybody seemed to have a good the song and dance numbers. This is not to a satellite/VDSL/cable, you will not time. the era of big musicals when a song was The Digital TV Cometh need any new equipment because your The story goes as follows, competent its own raison d’etre. Ordinary New By Shane Shellenbarger but wicked step-mother queen of cartoon Yorkers do not usually sing and dance, service provider has done the work for but for this film we need to believe they you and will not be required to transition Andalasia wants to prevent Prince You have probably seen them by now, Edward from marrying and taking over can and will. So one song is set in a park, until 2011, at the earliest. However, if the propaganda pieces in public-service- the throne. Prince Edward is kept busy where it is possible for street musicians to you are receiving your television as a free, announcement-clothing touting the hunting ogres under the watchful eye of riff on a songline from Andalasia. The over-the-air broadcast, the party is over. the queen’s henchman, and this activity resulting big number does demand coming of the golden age of digital Since the government is requiring this keeps him away from the company of suspension of incredulity, but it’s en- television and ringing the death knell for program be implemented the government ladies, until an ogre he is apprehending chanting. The other occasion is entirely analog television. The news is good, bad, has provided a coupon program to defray menaces a beautiful forest maiden. She legitimate: a costume ball is the perfect and ugly and just over one year away. I the cost of eligible digital-to-analog setting for the partners: Robert with has the red hair of Ariel, the sewing skill will attempt to clarify the details of the converters. Each household can request Nancy, Giselle with Edward, respectively of Cinderella, the winsome ways of Snow transition. two $40.00 coupons. Manufacturers White, Princess Aurora’s ability to dream representing Mundania and Andalasia in First, a bit of history. In 1996, a kind of cultural cross-pollination. Darn estimate the costs at between $50-$70. true, Belle’s confidence, and the social Congress authorized the allocation of an Once the coupon has been issued, the circle of adorable creatures that all that old queen for coming and spoiling it additional broadcast channel to each full- all with a poisoned apple. Susan coupon holder will have 90 days to utilize Disney heroines enjoy. After he rescues power broadcast TV station so that they Sarandon has so much fun being bad, and the coupon or it will expire. More her, maiden Giselle and Prince Edward could start a digital broadcast channel she has such great lines, she deserves her information is available at the FCC’s sing a charming duet to show how in love while simultaneously continuing their with love they truly are, and arrange to own tee-shirt promo. special website, www.dtv.gov, or call 1- Another point in this movie’s favor: analog broadcast channel. The federal 888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322). wed the very next day. But step-mother government proposed the shift to digital queen is devious and subtle. Wearing a the daughter is portrayed as a kid. She is There are likely to be a few hiccups television in mid-2005 as a way of freeing disguise, she lures Giselle from the path not annoyingly precocious; she is not and stumbles as the United States transi- up the VHF frequencies of 54-216 MHz to the palace to a magic fountain, and wise beyond her years; she is a sympa- tions to the digital format, but it probably sends Giselle to “a place where there is thetic, nice kid who loves her father and and the UHF frequencies of 470-890 will not be as bad as many of us initially no happily ever after” – New York City. is puzzled by the adult machinations all MHz. This will allow the government to feared. Do you remember the computer Fortunately for Giselle, her faithful about her. But she understands cutting up use a portion of the spectrum for emer- transition terrors of Y2K? companion, the chipmunk Pip, sees this curtains to make clothes. – Chris Paige gency responders and sell the remainder and tells Prince Edward, so he sets off to to the highest bidder for an estimated $15 https://www.dtv2009.gov/ rescue her again. Pip follows, and then Beowulf billion dollars to offset the government’s http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html the queen sends her henchman to New Running Time: 113 minutes deficit. Many broadcasters have been http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/ York, promising him the reward of her Rating: PG-13 simulcasting in analog and digital for the http://www.dtvanswers.com/ favor if he does away with Giselle. Pip, Starring: John Malkovich, Anthony past year. As of March 2007, manufactur- http://www.news.com/Broadcasters-get- Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn, who could speak in Andalasia, is reduced ers of televisions, VHS recorders, DVR/ leeway-on-digital-TV-switch/2100-1041_3- Angelina Jolie 6224251.html?tag=item to chittering and pantomiming in New PVR (TiVo, etc.) were required to York, but he does his valiant best to http://www.fcc.gov/ What a year Neil Gaiman is having, discontinue placing analog tunes in sets. http://www.news.com/Feds-unveil-digital-TV- thwart the henchman and guide the However, they were not required to clueless Prince. Marsden, who was the first Stardust, now Beowulf. I hope he subsidy-details/2100-1028_3- implement digital tuners so many consum- 6166416.html?tag=st.nl brooding Cyclops in the X-Men movies, gets an Oscar, maybe two – one for best ers were surprised to find that their new http://www.benton.org/index.php?q=node/ plays Prince Edward with wonderful original, one for best adapted screenplay. DVD/VHS recorders had NO tuner and 1257 abandon, like a dark-haired Cary Elwes. Start looking up superlatives, because you’ll want them for this film. It is dark, needed to be connected to a satellite/ http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/ Meanwhile, Giselle is having adven- showthread.php?t=807018 tures. Patrick Dempsey plays Robert, a twisty, sexy, and the 3-D version had the VDSL/cable tuner box. audience gasping as spears, branches, So, what are consumers gaining from http://techguylabs.com/radio/ShowNotes/ divorce lawyer with a six-year old Show401#toc2 blood, and bodies seemed to approach, this transition? Digital television can daughter. They are taking a taxi home http://leovilletownsquare.com/fusionbb/ pass, and even pierce us. There is when they see a girl in a poofy white mean sharper pictures with less ghosting showtopic.php?tid/21300/ Page 14 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 To BLU-RAY or not to desires the best home theatre experience An American in Australia The replica, owned and managed by available: Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Both the Australian National Maritime BLU-RAY will give you outstanding picture and Part One: Hello, Sydney at Museum, is maintained in the peak of That is the Question sound but at this time Blu-ray costs a bit Darling Harbor condition and ready to put to sea at any more. Twice as many Blu-ray players are time.” I went through this ship and Blu-ray demo review by: Len Berger sold vs. HD-DVD and 75 % of the movies By Jeffrey Lu smacked my head against the ship’s beam, purchases are Blu-ray. Blu-ray has over a few times. To say the least, the place ConNotations was invited to attend 170 companies supporting the format and Sydney was wet. Natives have told me was cramped even at my size of around 5 a Blu-ray demonstration booth and of the eight major Hollywood studios six that this was odd. Sydney was going ft 9 inches. interviewed one of their experts, John support Blu-ray (Disney, Fox, Lionsgate, through a drought like Phoenix, Arizona. Second, I went aboard HMAS Grantham. Personally, I was a MGM, Sony and Warner). (Ironic, but true.) Vampire destroyer. This was a gun ship Betaphile and yes, I still have a Beta We all have to make our own decisions Hard to believe, I thought this place built between 1952 and 1956. This was VCR and a few tapes so this was surely on when to purchase the “next” generation had a harbor. Let alone, an ocean. commissioned in Royal Australian Navy an eye opener for me. of technology. If you are looking to So, I went to Darling Harbor and from 1959 to 1986. I enjoyed sitting in the The Disney Blu-ray tour (sponsored upgrade your home theatre, Blu-ray will looked at three boats: HMB Endeavour, captain’s seat. by Panasonic) was showing Pirates of not disappoint you. the destroyer HMAS Vampire, and Last, I had to go down a ladder by the Caribbean clips as well as some submarine HMAS Onslow. backing first down in HMAS Onslow. Disney animation clips on a large A Second Opinion First, I looked at the wooden ship, This had WWII and wire-guided prop screen plasma TV. There were also by Bob LaPierre HMB Endeavour. To sum it up, the torpedoes. What was interesting that this demos showing the interactive nature brochure said, “This beautiful constructed diesel submarine had two periscopes. of Blu-ray such as Liar’s Dice (from High Definition DVDs are beginning to ship is hailed as one of the world’s most Also, this was used in the first Gulf war. Pirates). make their presence known and as with accurate maritime reproductions. After the ships, the rain began to pick I was blown away by the Blu-ray every advance in video technology there James Cook sailed the original up. I ship-shaped back to my hotel. The picture quality from both afar and are two choices Blu-Ray and HD DVD. Endeavour into history when he navigated next day, I saw the famous opera house. close-up. The colors were amazing as I was invited to a demonstration of the converted English collier to Tahiti No fat lady was singing… was the clarity. The picture was Blu-Ray. They have been running a demo then continued on to circumnavigate New Next in American in Australia Part Two: extremely stable and I did not notice kiosk in malls throughout the country. The Zealand and explore the east coast of A Volcano in Melbourne any breakups or pixel issues during the quality is incredible and even on a non-HD Australia. several playbacks I watched. John television the difference is remarkable. The indicated during the interview that he displays were showing various Disney and had not seen any stability issues with Pixar titles. Talking to several of the the playback during the entire six people gathered around the displays, I was month tour. told that the difference was visible without We now break for some Blu-ray even seeing a non-high definition display technical information. On a 1080P TV to compare it to. After watching for ten or the picture quality is up to 6 times the so minutes, I have to agree. resolution of a standard DVD. Blu- On a high definition TV the picture is ray’s disk capacity is 50 GB which is 5 almost like looking through a window times the capacity of a DVD and 66 % rather than looking at an image. The sound more than HD-DVD. Blu-ray releases is better also. The colors are truer, the may contain several related movies on blacks are deeper, and the whites look the same disk saving storage space. freshly bleached (provided you remember Blu-ray players are downward compat- to keep your screen clean). ible with DVD’s (actually improving Currently the offerings seem to be the quality of the playback) but will not limited to recent releases and special play my Beta tapes. Lastly Blu-ray editions. However a look at the upcoming disks have a special hardcoat layer that releases shows some older materials being helps protect the disks from damage. released. The best news is that the units are When a decision is made to backward compatible. I don’t know about upgrade from DVD there will be some anyone else but I can’t afford to replace significant costs. To get the most out everything I own. of Blu-ray you will need a 1080P Hopefully now that there are a large plasma TV for screens over 42”. number of companies producing them the However, when shopping I would cost of both the units and the DVDs will certainly test the various TV technolo- come down. Current prices and the gies available to determine which extremely limited offerings are not the works best for you based on cost and only reason I haven’t invested in either quality. A very good sound system will format. be required to get the full home theatre Blu-Ray has a decided advantage in the experience. Blu-ray supports up to 7.1 high definition wars. Several studios channels of surround sound. You must including Disney and HBO have signed use a HDMI cable to keep the interface exclusive contracts to put out movies on digital all the way. Blu-ray movies Blu-Ray Discs. As of the writing of this generally run around $25 to $30 but article Warner had announced for Blu-Ray, there are often 2 for 1 sales, etc. so Paramount is the largest studio still check your Sunday paper ads. supporting HD-DVD. And lastly you will need a Blu-ray I own a Betamax. If I buy one unit, player. Sony Playstation 3 includes the then without fail, the other will be the new capability to play Blu-ray movies so if standard. I’m looking forward to seeing you have one you are well on your way some of the special effects in many of the to a quality home theatre system. new SF movies and the details in anime. Concerning the future of Blu-ray, But until a decision is made I will hold off phase-2 will allow gaming while on buying. Check out the format and start watching a movie which might prove saving money, in five years you won’t taxing for a baby boomer like myself know how you got along without it. but would be a breeze for the gaming generation of today. There are two competing technolo- gies for the home theatre customer who Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 15 skull-mounted steam whistle, pressure Goggles are practically the universal How would Alexander Graham Bell have gage, and riveted eye guards, could be a badge of steampunk. It’s no accident that designed a cell phone? If the TV com- considered a steampunk creation. My one of the most popular steampunk web mercials are to be believed, it has been fevered imagination now sees Planters sites is named www.brassgoggles.co.uk. fashionable to apply rhinestones to cell trademark “Mr. Peanut” as a mad science Wear your goggles around your hat, phone casings. Why not take the same collaboration between Doctor Moreau across your forehead, around your neck, idea and use classic steampunk materials? and George Washington Carver. hanging from a pocket, or (if you’re A PDA case could become a brass and Steampunk, best described as an really daring) over your eyes. hardwood cigar case. A backpack might aesthetic rather than just a fiction genre, My grandfather had a pair of safety be made to look as though it is about to is a rich and rising field for sculptors, goggles from when he worked in a farm fly away under its own power. How about prop-makers and home decorators. machinery plant converted to defense an MP3 player decorated with a tiny Exploring Steampunk Steampunk is particularly well-suited to work during World War II. These had needle and turntable or a player piano by Randall Whitlock SF convention costumes. screw-in hardened glass lenses, steel roll? My digital camera is carried in a with special thanks to Mike Contos, How do you build a steampunk mesh sides, black rubber eye cups, a ball vest pocket on a chain and watch fob. My Libby Bulloff, Mike Elliot and costume? First off, imagine a persona or chain bridge and a rubber strap. I played camera monopod becomes a walking Kevin Roche character. You can re-create a character with them a lot when I was a kid. Gads, stick when not in use. Someday I may from your favorite film/comic/prose story but I wish I knew what became of them! mount one of those chrome skull gear or build an original character. Libby Goggles can be modified with shift knobs on its top. Imagine alternate worlds where the Bulloff (Steampunk Issue 2, linked additional swing-in lenses and other Larger Props. Some of the most industrial revolution played out a bit below) describes four basic steampunk doodads to imply they are some kind of beautiful steampunk sculpture involves differently. Perhaps our sciences of character archetypes: the inventor/ sophisticated scientific instrument or reworking functional modern appliances electronics and internal combustion were tinkerer, the street urchin/chimney sweep, night-vision device. Alternate eyewear into the aesthetic, such as Richard Nagy’s outpaced by steam power and clockwork the explorer, and the dandy/aesthete. might be built around wire-rimmed or rebuilt keyboards, flat-panel monitors, taken to their ultimate expression. Queen These names are well chosen and I can pince nez spectacles. Historical reproduc- and laptop computer casings seen at http:/ Victoria may or may not rule, but her think of at least one literary or film tions that can be fitted with your prescrip- /datamancer.net. influence is felt strongly in the culture. character to fit each. Mix and match or tion are available. Perhaps life is now imitating art? The Fair and foul, these are the worlds of disregard these archetypes as your Brass and bronze, especially with lots laudable One Laptop Per Child (http:// “steampunk”. imagination guides you. of protruding rivets or bolt heads, work laptop.org) project’s computer designs According to Wikipedia, the term Your base clothing should suggest the well in the aesthetic. If actual metal isn’t can incorporate a crank, pedal or pull- “steampunk” was coined by author K.W. nineteenth century in some way, but does practical for your project, its luster can be cord so they can be used where electricity Jeter in 1987 to describe contemporary not have to be completely governed by it. simulated with painted papier mache or is not available. novels by himself, James Blaylock and This is an alternate timeline, perhaps an plastics. Links. In conclusion, here are a few Tim Powers. The roots of steampunk, alternate future. The most nitpicking Clockwork. Put gear trains and links to explore with the however, go much further back. authenticity maven in the world can’t say springs wherever they would look cool. If autotelegraphical capabilities of your Steampunk stories are arguably the your clothing isn’t period for a period not actual gears, these can be gear shapes personal electrodynamic computational logical extension or reinvention of the that never existed (though some may try). embroidered or appliqued onto garments. engine: works of 19th and early 20th century Good historical pieces for your Hardwood. Victorian furniture was masters such as Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, costume might include top hats, bowlers lavishly carved into scrolls, flowers and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk Robert Louis Stevenson, Mary Shelley, or flowery bonnets up top; frock coats, those unforgettable clawed feet. Why not This is an excellent overview of the Edgar Rice Burroughs and Arthur Conan- double-breasted vests, ruffled shirts, work this kind of carving into the handles literary genre, with many more links. Doyle, told with the kind of perspective corsets, or riding habits in the middle; and flat areas of your tools and props? available only in hindsight. high-waisted trousers with suspenders, Walk through an antique store for www.brassgoggles.co.uk Ancestral steampunk imagery can be knickerbockers, jodhpurs or full skirts inspiration. “The Lighter Side of Steampunk,” this seen in films based on these works, such and bustles lower down; and riding boots, Tools. If your costumed persona is an site features FAQs, blogs, forums, news as Disney’s rendition of “20,000 Leagues granny boots or spats at ground level. inventor, he’ll certainly have tools at and images of many steampunk-related Under The Sea” and George Pal’s “The Influences from other cultures, such as hand in a pocket vest, a leather or rubber art projects and events. Time Machine.” The idea of retrofitting turbans, saris or mandarin caps could add apron, a shop coat, a tool belt, etc. Those modern tech into the 19th century was some spice. brass tools used in the gas industry would www.steampunkmagazine.com well established by the 1960s TV series This is one of those problems you look particularly cool in your pockets if This is an entire magazine dedicated to ”The Wild Wild West” and continued to really can solve by throwing money at it. you can find them. steampunk. Three issues have been develop in more recent years with “The Here in Arizona, wild west reenactment is Armor. Ceremonial swords, helmets produced so far. You can purchase paper League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” very popular. You can walk into Wild and gorgets were part of military dress editions or download free Acrobat (Personally, I liked the comic better than West Mercantile or stroll the sutlers’ row uniforms through the Victorian period. editions in several layout formats. Of the film). “Briscoe County Junior” and at a western festival to purchase a Why not take these features and gin them particular interest to costumers is Libby “Legend” (featuring a pre-Stargate complete outfit. up a bit with strange technologies? Pith Bulloff’s “Steam Gear: A Fashionable Richard Dean Anderson) may have been If you’re on a budget, there is a helmets were standard gear for explorers. Approach to the Lifestyle” in Issue 2. ahead of their time. The recent film “The wealth of sewing patterns available to Gauntlets, vambraces and pauldrons Issue 2 also includes Rachel E. Pollock’s Golden Compass” contains some of the build your costume from scratch. Duster could be used to suggest a cyborg arm. pattern for a Lady Artisan’s Apron, useful visual elements of steampunk, but puts coats are easy to make. Out of style, too- Perhaps you’ve been hired to test around the lab, forge, or barbecue. Issue more story emphasis on metaphysics and big suits or prom dresses from a thrift Professor Invulnerable’s nearly bullet- 3 includes Rachel A. Pollack’s pattern for fantasy. store can be altered to emulate Victorian proof vest? Spats and Juli’s pattern for an Aviator Once you become attuned to it, you lines. A simple operation can convert Weapons. I’ve seen some fantastic Cap. begin to see steampunk manifestations in almost any suit coat into a swallowtail things done by altering soft dart guns and http://etheremporium.pbwiki.com the most unlikely places. I’ve particularly coat. Cut the pointy bit off the front of a water guns, or by merging various This site includes an eclectic mix of links, noticed them in classic children’s stories. men’s vest to give it a more 1890-ish recycled parts. Please be careful not to wiki, interviews, etc for the steampunk Tik Tok the clockwork man from the Oz waistline. Buy the vest a few sizes too big frighten the muggles if your results are community. books is a prime example. Think of the and you can reset the neckline to make it too real-looking. I strongly suggest improbable musical instruments found in double-breasted. leaving the orange muzzle ring in place http://datamancer.net Whoville or the wonky machinery in The real fun begins when you on any altered toy. It’s there to signal the This is Richard R. Nagy’s showcase of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. accessorize your semi-historical duds difference between a prop and a deadly beautiful steampunk-inspired gadgetry Corporate steampunk? Cereal with some retro technology. Here are weapon. and art projects, including customized spokesmonster “Frankenberry,” with his some possibilities: Disguises for Personal Accessories. (Continued on page 17) Page 16 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 covets Gwynedd, Wencit of Torenth. The working against terrible odds. Costume ( Continued from page 16 ) In Our Book book opens with the aftermath of a And best of all, Morgan finds he loves computer screens, keyboards and a treacherous raid on loyalists by members Richenda, the wife of the traitorous baron. Coyote Road – Trickster Tales clockwork electric guitar. of a ragtag army of a religious zealot who But they do nothing about it but share edited by Ellen Datlow & feels that Deryni are the spawn of the their feelings. Terri Windling Devil and should be eradicated (and The book, impossible to put down, http://www.youtube.com/ Viking, 517 pp, $19.99 anyone supporting them, of course, moves along at a spanking pace with lots watch?v=Gg7fVMiwCvY should be, too). Just to complicate things. of treachery, magic and Deryni Youtube video of a Wall Street Journal One of the highlights of TusCon was Morgan and his cousin the Deryni- yumminess from Alaric—as well as listening to Will Shetterly read aloud article on Mr. Nagy and his inventions. priest Duncan McLain on an errand for Duncan and Kelson and members of the “Black Rock Blues,” one of the 26 tales in the king, come upon a young wounded mysterious Camberian Council—a Deryni this anthology. This is a collection of new rebel with a broken sword in his thigh. In regulating body. http://steampunkworkshop.com fantasy by such writers as Pat Murphy the last book, Morgan found he has the The ending is good and well thought Hieronymus Isambard “Jake” von Slatt – (author of There and Back Again), gift of healing; a Deryni power long out. Proprietor Charles de Lint, Patricia McKillip, Ellen thought disappeared. So he and Duncan (To be honest—I am not sure what all Kushner, Jeffrey Ford, Holly Black, and Here are many more how-to projects take care of the soldier without revealing has been ‘revised and expanded.’ The Kij Johnson, with tricksters from around who they actually are. small essay by Lin Carter in the original which involve creating useful gadgetry the world gifting and testing and Don’t you just love them? 1973 version is gone and in its place Ms. from common materials. His piece on tormenting mortals – and immortals. Anyway—of course the war- Kurtz has written an “Interlude.” The electrolytic etching of brass and copper is Coyote is well represented, as several mongering and battles escalate. In the flyleaf does not say—but heck—who particularly useful. Gotta love the contributors are residents of the midst of this, Morgan’s aide Lord Sean cares!!) Southwest. Hermes gets some good computer monitor with claw feet. Derry is kidnapped by Wencit and one of Now—all Ms. Kurtz has to do is write coverage as well, most directly in Nina Kelson’s previous loyal baron’s defects to the story of Morgan and Richenda which I Kiriki Hoffman’s “The Listeners.” In the other side, leaving his wife and young have waited years and years for! - Sue www.girlgeniusonline.com addition to the stories, the volume son at the mercy of what have now Martin This is Phil and Kaja Foglio’s massively includes an erudite introductory essay by become his enemies. entertaining online comic following the Windling, lists of recommended reading, Ahh—it’s a wonderful collage of tense and gorgeous illustrations by Charles adventures of “Girl Genius” Agatha confrontations and nastiness from the bad ( Continued on page 18 ) Vess. guys; with the good guys manfully Heterodyne in an alternate world overrun In “Wagers of Gold Mountain,” by with mad inventor “sparks”. You can Steve Berman, the Chinese trickster view the entire series online for free. You goddess squares off with a deified P. T. can purchase the comics on paper or as Barnum, but they both get outwitted by a young human. Monsieur Brumeux is the downloadable acrobat files through disciple-descendant of Daedalus and DriveThru Comics at http:// maker of “The Other Labyrinth” in the comics.drivethrustuff.com. The Girl story by Jedediah Berry. A kitsune helps Genius web site includes a photo gallery an American teenager come to terms with of fan-made costumes. There’s even an his alien status in Japan in the story “Realer than You” by Christopher Berzak. audio podcast of Girl Genius plays Delia Sherman’s “The Fiddler of Bayou performed at SF conventions. Teche” concerns an albino girl whose companions are the loup garous, the http://pics.livejournal.com/kproche/pic/ werewolves of Cajun story-telling. 0009z0z3/g79 Against her will she is involved in a bet between Murderes Petitpas, the dangerous Kevin Roche documents his project to fiddler, and his five sons. One of the most create a costume of Vanamonde Helio- original stories is “A Tale for the Short trope, a character from Girl Genius. Days” in which a trickster god tries to Kevin is an International Costume Guild reverse the industrial surges that encroach Lifetime Achievement Award winner and on his bailiwick. Richard Bowes wrote of his story, “Thinking about old gods in Chair of Costume-Con 26, to be held in godless times, I wondered if they had lost San Jose, California on April 25-28, their powers or were just less and less 2008. www.cc26.info able to understand the modern world and its technology.” This is one of the most refreshing anthologies I have read in a donkey’s age. Please go buy a copy, so Non Genre by Genre that all these nice writers will receive Anne Rice royalties and more anthologies will be printed. Perhaps there will be sequels. - Chris Paige Three years ago Anne Rice stunned the world with a novel of the Life of Christ. High Deryni by Katherine Kurtz So far as I can tell this is her only major Ace Books, $24.95; 449pp departure from the World of Fantasy. Her web site says of the book: This is the final book in a series that “Having completed the two cycles of has remained one of my all time favorites. legend to which she has devoted her I just LOVE the whole world of the Deryni. And this book, expanded and career so far, Anne Rice gives us now her revised from the original 1973 version is most ambitious and courageous book, a the smashing conclusion to the first three novel about the life of Christ the Lord books of this ongoing saga; Deryni Rising based on the gospels and on the most and Deryni Checkmate. respected New Testament scholarship.” I have always been in love with Alaric Morgan, the Duke of Corwyn, the King’s CHRIST THE LORD: Out of Egypt Champion and all around blond hottie! Knopf | Fiction, November 2005, (and I usually go for brunets!) (Once the Hardcover, $25.95 film came out, I have always sort of – Gary Swaty pictured Morgan looking a lot like Sting in the film “The Bride.”) He usually wears black, is skilled in many areas and urbane and just well—very swoonable! So the tale so far is the young king Kelson, just barely 15 or so, has to take on an evil Deryni king from the East who Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 17 into Hollywood tells a tale of a writer Deadstock sets out to find out what happened to him In Our Book (Continued from page 17) drawn into Hollywood’s vortex and how by Jeffrey Thomas and get revenge, if necessary. They are Dreamsongs Volume I & he managed to escape from it. Ace Books, $7.99, 414 pp able to track him down to a set of Dreamsongs Volume II Surprisingly, it was his novel abandoned luxury apartments and are by George R. R. Martin Armageddon Rag which opened the door This is the sixth book in the Punktown immediately set upon by what appears to Spectra Hardcover $27.00 per volume to Hollywood, having been read by setting. As far as I can tell, the other be statues that occupy a space along side producer Phil DeGuere and optioned for a books deal with different characters and each apartment. Now they are trapped and This two volume set was originally film which never happened. However, situations. must find a way to escape. published in a single-volume limited when Phil was putting together the new In Deadstock, Jeremy Stake is a Both story-lines are connected in a edition from Subterranean Press as Twilight Zone he invited George to private detective who has the ability to way that doesn’t become clear until much GRRM: A Retrospective. If you missed submit a script for it and that lead to a change his shape to mimic anyone he later in the novel. There are also out on that edition but still want to have a staff writing job on The Twilight Zone, a looks at long enough. He has no control flashbacks to Stake’s days in the military good career retrospective for George R. showrunner gig on Beauty and the Beast over this ability making it both a blessing and a love affair he had with one of the R. Martin, you’ll want to give this two and the chance to create his own series, and a curse. enemy. This is connected to his current volume collection a good look. Before Doorways, which was not picked up and He is hired by Mr. Fukuda to find his affair and pays off in an interesting Martin had his big success with the “Song ended his stint in Hollywood. He includes daughter’s doll. However, this is no observation into the main character. of Ice and Fire” fantasy series, he was a one of his Twilight Zone teleplays, The ordinary doll; it is a bio-engineered life The first couple of chapters gave me very successful, award winning author Road Less Traveled, and tells how the form. It is unique and quite valuable, some trouble, I found the text a little with his short fiction, having success in episode ended up ruined as The New making the suspect list fairly large. awkward at times, but Thomas tightens it science fiction, fantasy, horror, and as a Twilight Zone’s run on CBS was ending. Number one on the list is Krimson up and the rest of the book really hooked TV writer. The stories collected in these He also includes the first draft of the pilot Tableau. Besides a petty teen-age rivalry me and prodded me to keep reading. volumes are grouped under different episode for Doorways, a different version between the girls, their fathers are What really stood out for me was the topics and each topic has a lengthy than what was filmed as a pilot. The next competitors in the Deadstock industry. feel of the book which reminded me of introduction and commentary by Martin, to last section details his Wild Card Deadstock being the term for bio- Bladerunner. That is not to be mistaken as talking about his career at that time and anthology series and how it came to be, engineered food animals that exist without a charge that this story is a copy of the about the stories collected. Sprinkled how it has been resurrected a couple of heads or legs – just the meaty goodness Bladerunner plot or even necessarily the throughout the introductions are many times, and includes a couple of examples the customers want. world described there, but its essence is anecdotes about things that happened to of Martin’s work in that anthology series. Of course, it isn’t a simple matter of the same. We have a futuristic setting, Martin, some funny, some sad, but all of The final section of the collection has as talking to Krimson and finding out if she heavily influenced by Asian culture, dark them interesting, especially when Gardner its introduction an essay on writing took the doll, because she is missing too. and gritty, corrupt, and dealing with Dozois is involved (who also wrote the fantasy and science fiction and it collects And according to her friends they have manufactured life forms. Whereas introduction to the set). Each story also various stories that he classifies as “Weird heard her over their Ouija phones. The Bladerunner is the tale of the humans left has an illustration done by Michael Kulata Stuff” along with The Hedge Knight, a Ouija phones are popular with the kids in back on a decaying Earth, this story is that helps to make the collection more prequel novella to his Song of Ice and Punktown as they are reputed to allow one about that portion of humanity that has special. Fire series. to talk with the dead. As it turns out, fled to the stars. But make no mistake, The first volume collects stories from Overall, these two volumes serve as an Krimson’s friends have been in contact Thomas has injected so much more of his the early part of his career starting with expansive (over 1400 pages total) with her since shortly after her own invention into the milieu - the Ouija some examples of his earliest work sampling of Martin’s career over the disappearance. phones for instance. writing for comic fanzines in the late 60’s. years, including many of his award Running concurrently with this plot This was more than a good read, it In this section’s introduction, Martin tells winning and nominated stories along with line we follow the Folger Street Snarlers; was a story that I wanted to keep on of how he got into writing and how it all a wealth of autobiographical information a local gang. One of their members is reading until I was done. It made me started because of a fan letter he had giving the reader insight on Martin’s life killed in the opening chapter and the gang interested in reading more of the published in issue #20 of Marvel’s and career so far. But what really makes ( Continued on page 19 ) Fantastic Four comic. The next section the collection stand out are the introductions and commentaries that go covers his earliest published work and in Lee Whiteside the introduction details how he got started with the stories. - as a professional author and how his Cybermancy earliest sales almost didn’t happen, by Kelly McCullough especially his first sale to Galaxy. Once he was established and became a regular in Ace/Roc Paperback $6.99 Analog and other magazines (including a hilarious anecdote involving Gardner Cybermancy is the second book in an Dozois about what happens when you urban fantasy series about Ravirn Lacher - become a member of the Analog Mafia), computer hacker, systems engineering he started to garner awards including his student, magician, and descendant of first major award, a Hugo for the A Song Lachesis, one of the Three fates from For Lya novella, included in section three, Greek mythology. Ravirn is in trouble for which Gardner Dozois threw Martin with his family for various reasons that out of the Hugo Losers Club. Martin are explained in book one. Magic is used recounts his inspiration for his early by accessing an otherworldly analogue to fantasy stories, a turtle castle he had as a the internet, using devices that are both kid, in the fourth section, and samples technological and have magical personae, stories like The Ice Dragon and In the called Webgoblins. This book centers Lost Lands. However, in the 1970’s there around Ravirn’s determination to rescue wasn’t much of a market for fantasy- his friend and cousin Cerice’s webgoblin tinged fiction, so he stuck to science Shara from Hades, complete with fiction for the most part. To close out the Cerberus and Charon, before her Ph.D first volume, he details his excursions into dissertation is due. Assorted shenanigans horror-tinged work including Meathouse happen. Urban fantasy is pretty ubiquitous Man, The Pear-Shaped Man, and the these days, but this, mercifully, was a Hugo and Nebula winning Sandkings. different take on it, utilizing various Volume two starts off with a section about mythologies, mainly Greek rather than the his various attempts to start a series and standard vampires or demons. Don’t be how the only one that really got going put off by the computer references - you were his stories about Haviland Tuf, the definitely do not need to be well-versed in ecological engineer, and the series of computer science to enjoy this. It’s an stories that were collected in Tuf easy read that would be great for a time Voyaging, two of which he includes here when you want to read an enjoyable story including the original version of “A Beast that’s fast-paced and fun. Teens would For Norn” which was revised for the enjoy this as well. The book read well as a collection. He also talks about his novels stand-alone, although I would have liked as well, Fevre Dream, and The to have read the first one to find out in Armageddon Rag, which did not sell as greater detail about the specifics of well as was expected and led to a third Ravirn’s problems with his family. Book novel that was never sold. The 3 in the series will be out in May. - introduction to the section on his foray Nadine Armstrong Page 18 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 blob and glass spires. At story’s end, surrounding Ninette do their best to The stories are uplifting and enlighten In Our Book ( Continued from page 18 ) Parrish is still not cured of her infection. thwart the troll. the spirit. I was unfamiliar with all of the Punktown novels and I believe I will. I She has a deeper mission, to stop media And the cat proves to be not only a authors but one; however she is familiar highly recommend this book. - Randy factions that are secretly working The valuable ally but much more than he to me as a “Filker” not an author. The Lindsay Tert. Part three will surely follow. seems. For Ninette finds she is not just tales are well written and the message is If you like Dark Angel, Aeon Flux, merely mortal but has a touch of magic in clear. I would have liked the message to Dancing With Werewolves Tomb Raider, or Resident Evil, here’s her veins as well. have been delivered a little less heavy by Carole Nelson Douglas another action babe for you, with story A really delightful tale. - Sue Martin handed; my priest used parables that Juno, $6.99, 394 pages told in the first person. You know, I’ve relied less on the obviousness of the watched all of those shows but had no Parallel Worlds Book1: church and more on the basic goodness of This is the first book in a new st interest in reading their books or playing Paraworld Zero the lesson. paranormal series set in a 21 century their games. In contrast, I want to read By Matthew Peterson If you want your science fiction with a Earth that is just a tad off from ours. about Parrish, and would follow her in Blue Works: The Young Adult Division heavy dose of morality this book is Y2K brought the revelation that other media, too. - M.L. Fringe of Windstorm Creative, Port Orchard definitely for you. I will watch to see what vampires and all sorts of other things that Washington, 2008, 251 Pages, Trade else these authors do. - Bob LaPierre go bump in the night are actually real. Reserved for the Cat: Paperback, $16.95. Delilah Street is an investigative reporter An Elemental Masters Novel When All Seems Lost in Kansas. In rapid order she loses her by Mercedes Lackey As this book came to me directly from by William D. Dietz job, her dog dies and her house gets DAW Books, 328 pp $25.95 the author, I took a look at the publisher at Ace Books, $24.95, 342 pp. flattened by a weather witch. With HTTP://www.windstormcreative.com to nothing to hold her in Kansas, Delilah I have quite enjoyed this series of see if they were a substantial publisher. Dietz’s new book furthers along his packs up and heads to Las Vegas to novels about protective wizards and Their web site was fascinating. They have Legion of the Damned series about our investigate why a corpse on CSI Las elementals, pixies and brownies and those an extensive booklist in SF, Fantasy, favorite type of military unit: the unit Vegas, the latest entry in the long running with partial magical abilities set in an Shared world SF, Mysteries, Historicals, that’s expendable, unorthodox, and franchise, is her exact double, down to the alternate world, usually England. This is Non-fiction, Music, Gaming etc. They resourceful, the one that gets sent topaz stud in her nose. the fifth book in the series and takes place seem well worth checking out. unofficially to accomplish the impossible, Once in Las Vegas Delilah manages, during Edwardian times and is set mostly The book takes a slightly different whose soldiers know that neither glory in short order, to find a body, get hooked in the port of Blackpool, England. tack on how to travel to the various nor recompense await them if they up with a mysterious ex-FBI agent, And even more fun, it concerns a parallel universes. The heroine arrives on survive, and the politicians will piss away acquire a wolf-hound, move into an ballerina named Ninette Dupond who Earth using a para-transmitter powered by any advantage they manage to buy with enchanted cottage owned by a mysterious starts off as a talented coryphée at the Electro-Magical Energy. Electro-Magical their blood. But that’s better than taking movie mogul and, oh yes, she goes on a Paris Opera. Energy and Spells are utilized throughout orders from yahoos and having to say date to see werewolves dance. And in grand melodramatic fashion, the Paraverse to accomplish most tasks. “Yes, Sir!” “No, Sir!” “Oh, Sir!” and This is an exciting new world filled the prima ballerina injures herself right The energy is used to power nearly “Please, Sir!” This time Antonio Santana with a host of fascinating supernatural before her afternoon matinee of La everything. A traveler can become and his team have to rescue the President creatures from the familiar vampires, Sylphide. And it just so happens that little trapped if he or she lands in an EMless of the Confederacy himself, who has been zombies and werewolves to new, CinSims Ninette has been an understudy. universe. captured by Ramanthians in the ongoing which are basically characters ripped from Of course she is a great success and Tonya, a native of Paraworld 4329, is galactic war. The Ramanthians don’t old black and white films and brought to even the critic of Le Figaro notices. a beginning student at The School of know he’s the president, and he wants to “life”. I almost put the book aside when So, this is Ninette’s big chance to Magical Learning. She arrives on Earth preserve his anonymity to deprive them of Delilah’s small dog died and, while I am advance---but no—to assuage La accidentally blundering into the troubles leverage. So along with the “lucky” glad I finished the book I find the current Augustine, the prima ballerina Ninette Simon Kent, an orphan of unknown thousands who weren’t killed in the attack habit of so many authors to introduce a replaced—the coryphée gets fired. origins, is having with bullies from his or the subsequent purges, President pet just to kill it in order to show how But instead of starving or becoming a High School. She saves him and they both Namkool is sent to a hard labor prison alone and sad our protagonist is to be member of the demi-monde (a prostitute) flee into the Para-stream dragging with planet. His bodyguard, Christine unnecessary and distasteful. While there her…cat helps her to England, to them one of the bullies who takes Tonya’s Vanderveen, happens to be Santana’s is enough closure of events in this book to Blackpool. And how does the cat tell her Para-transmitter and vanishes leaving former girlfriend, so Santana has a strong make it a satisfying read, there are also of his plans—why he speaks to her them to fall blindly through para-stream personal motivation for winning this one. enough loose ends to make for a second mentally, of course. until they emerge into a high-tech world The major obstacle to this mission is that, and third entry in the series. Having survived on the edges of entirely lacking electro-magical energy. oddly enough, the Vice President seems Recommended - Stephanie L Bannon poverty, Ninette is no fool. So despite her Once established on the planet Pud, less than anxious to recover the man who understandable misgivings, she LISTENS Tonya and Simon find evidence linking a sits in the big seat and calls the shots. The Parrish Plessis series to the cat and takes his advice. past catastrophe with the onset of new I have a lot or respect for Dietz; he by Marianne de Pierres: And sails off to Blackpool danger to the planet. The planet has built a was active duty himself as a medic with Nylon Angel, And there her adventures really begin, social system involving enslavement of the Navy and the Marines, so he knows 2005, ROC Pub, 297 pp., $6.99 because the cat decides to give Ninette a the formerly magical Big Puds by the whereof he writes. I can see this as a book Code Noir, boost to her career. She needs to pretend Small Puds. Oddly the catastrophe also to have a strong following with the 2006, ROC Pub, 308 pp., $6.99 she is a Russian ballerina who is the only seems to be linked to Simon. Since fellowship of active duty and prior service survivor of a yacht-wreck. And the local arriving on the planet he finds he can personnel. From a sheerly literary point of Two cover blurbs describe this series elemental mages rescue her. Among them perform Magic in spite the lack of EM. view, I found the writing clunky; but I perfectly: “blend of Mad Max and Dark is a local theater owner who is delighted Saving the planet seems to be impossible. loved the chapter headings, a mixture of Angel” and “a kick-ass cyberpunk to have a Russian ballerina named Nina Only a concerted effort of all and Simon’s historical and novel quotations that set the heroine.” The scene is future Australia, an Tchereslavsky to add to his performers. Magic has any chance of success. tone for the action that follows. – Chris outlaw zone called The Tert, as in tertiary, And Ninette, thrilled with the theater And there is more. It seems that Simon Paige a toxic outskirts connected by train line to owner’s generous offer of her own may be important to the survival of the the less polluted Vivacity. While super- apartment and new clothes, decides to go entire Para-Verse. But more about that in The High King’s Tomb city governments still exist, with their law along with the feline’s scheme. future books. Look for Parallel Worlds by Kristen Britain and order, the net media dominates the The cat’s plans prove fruitful and Book 2: The School of Magical Learning DAW Books, 679pp, $25.95 world. Their own helicopter gunships and Ninette, now Nina becomes a big favorite in January of 2009 – Gary Swaty killer robots support journalists, making and both she and the theater thrive. Well, I dove into this, knowing full the news to get higher ratings. The Tert is Well, of course all is not that simple! Infinite Space Infinite God well it was the third book in the series perfect cannon fodder for this, especially You see, there is a REAL Nina Edited by Karina and Robert Fabian (with more to come). I was told I’d get it when a celebrity anchorwoman is killed Tchereslavsky who was absorbed by a Twilight Times Books; $18.95; 280pp. because it was a stand-alone tale. and the suspects flee there. Enter the rogue troll. A troll wh,o over a couple of Well, not exactly. There is a load of bodyguard Parrish Plessis, who sees it as centuries, has enjoyed “absorbing” people This volume of short stories shows the material, characters, events and places an opportunity to free herself from a Tert (kind of a physical vampire. Not blood so incredible influence of the Catholic that are alluded to in this novel that I have crime boss. much but well, the whole person/animal) Church in and on Science Fiction. The no clue about, so it did make In Code Noir, she is trying to free and has no intention of being caught by stories are divided into sections based on understanding the whys and wherefores a herself of an alien virus that infected her any mage. different aspects of the church. I was bit difficult. But nevertheless, I was able in Nylon Angel. A cabal of shamans, So Ninette’s masquerade as Nina is intrigued by the prospect of having the to read this in about three days. deformed mutant children, and spirit threatened by the troll who eventually various doctrines of the church Basically, we have the extremely guide animals help her in a war against an finds out that she’s being impersonated expounded upon by these authors. At the plucky heroine Karigan G’ladheon who evil voodoo woman and various human- and comes to Blackpool to confront the beginning of each section is a brief from humble origins has become a Green machine monsters. The story continues to “imposter.” explanation of the doctrine and a blurb of Rider—a member of an elite (and slightly an amazing battle as part of the polluted So the bulk of the novel concerns the the story or stories within and how they magical) troop of King’s Messengers who Tert grows out of control, biowaste and troll/Nina trying to kill off or absorb the apply. (Continued on page 20) nanotech combining into a lethal mix of masquerading Ninette. The mages Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 19 from being overwhelmed by evil and start at the beginning of this series so all nevertheless attract and be attracted to In Our Book ( Continued from page 19 ) darkness. the players and events are clear in your holders and wielders of power. Katie fulfill assignments and errands above and Because this is such a big book, there head. The other thing you should know--- Elder has it; she recognizes it in others beyond what a simple messenger or are three major story threads to follow: it might be some years until the next book and her own forms a glamour about her. soldier would handle. Karigan and apprentice Green Rider because book one “Green Rider” was Wyatt Earp is a sorcerer, self-made; he Karigan is sent hither and yon Fergal and their adventures, Grandmother published in 1998 and book two “First mines it in others and uses it as a currency throughout Sacoridia (the land in which (shudder!) and her band of secret Rider’s Call” was published in 2003 for buying power for his family. all this takes place) in search of a magical supporters of the Second Empire (bad, (these are the hardback pub dates)! Then there is Jesse Fox, who is on his book which will hopefully make clear the bad, bad) and Alton, Dale and Merdigen With all THAT said: the story was way through Tombstone until he meets up nature of the D’Yer Wall—a barrier that who are dealing with the breaches in the pretty darn interesting, convoluted, but with his sometime friend and mentor fundamentally keeps evil out of the lands D’Yer Wall. There are a few subsidiary compelling. Britain has created some Chow Lung, who is a physician in ruled by King Zachary. And behind which characters storylines: Lord Amberwell interesting evils, gods and her version of Tombstone’s Chinatown. Jessie has a very evil king/sorcerer’s spirit named (and his alter-ego The Raven Mask), Lady elves called Eletians. The land of strange dreams and experiences he can’t Mornhavon is bound. And the D’Yer Estora (soon to be Queen) and King Sacoridia is very well-thought out and the explain, and he doesn’t want to hear what Wall is falling apart. Zachary and Green Rider Beryl and her details are fascinating. Chow Lung has to say about it. Another Karigan was the one who facilitated capture and torture by Grandmother. If I can find a copy of the earlier sorcerer is in competition with Wyatt Mornhavon’s binding, saving the land So, be forewarned. You really should books, used, I shall probably read them. - Earp, and Jessie Fox ends up tangled in Sue Martin their threads. Even his friendship with Chow Lung wouldn’t be enough to slow him in his tracks if his wishes were all that Territory mattered, but newspaper woman and by Emma Bull widow Mildred Benjamin exerts a Tor Books/Tom different pull, and he stays. Doherty Associates, This book is the first of several about 318 pp, $24.95 this time and place and these people. There was one point of slight confusion Territory is set in for me, but it would be a spoiler to explain Tombstone, but not it here, and the author says that it will be only has that title been spelled out in the next book. Emma is used more than once, clearly enjoying this new series: her face the point of the title lights up when she gets to discuss it; and here is not to specify a my enjoyment as a reader lit up mine. location but to tell the There were moments when I was laughing reader what’s at stake, out loud, and people nearby asked me what people are laying what I was reading. I love the moment of claim to, fighting for, utter jolt when Wyatt Earp acts like a and shaping by their sorcerer, departing from the familiar desires that some ways script. The other aspects of this book that run together but more render it truly novel are Emma Bull’s often clash. consideration of the women in the Emma Bull’s IQ territory, particularly the Earp wives, and must be several the world of the Chinese immigrants. I standard deviations have never read a book that so clearly above the 100 point showed the differences between the men average. (Is ‘standard and the women, even in books when those deviation’ an differences are the focus of the story. oxymoron?) It’s not (Ursula LeGuin, Sherri Tepper, take just that she checked note.) her facts and did her If this review reminded you at all of research; she brings Will Shetterly’s The Gospel of the Knife, Tombstone to life well, Bull and Shetterly have been again, and anyone members of the same writer’s circle of interested in this pocket friends since forever, and collaborators on of history, or anthology projects for almost as long, so comparable ones, such an overlap of themes is one of those as Deadwood fans, occurrences that makes reading SF and have a treat in store. fantasy literature a coherent pleasure. - Here they are: the Chris Paige tubercular Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp The Search for the Red Dragon and his three brothers, (The Chronicles of the Katie Elder, John Imaginarium Geographica) Ringo, rustlers, by James A. Owen stagecoach robbers, Simon & Schuster Childrens salon keepers and kept Publishing Hardcover $17.99 ladies, settlers, drifters, and the denizens of a In this sequel to Owen’s first YA small Chinatown. Of novel, Here There be Dragons, the story course there’s a twist. picks up nine years after John, Jack, and Silver ore was the Charles had their first adventure as underlying wealth of Caretakers of the Imaginarium Tombstone; the silver Geographica. They embark on a new that underlies and runs adventure, bringing them into contact through this story and with the Lost Boys, the Titans of Myth transfigures it is and other inspirations for the fantastic sorcery, available to stories they later created. As with the first some, used by a few, book in the series, there are many comprehended by even references to famous literary works and fewer. The real story creators over the ages with a heavy here is, who has the emphasis on Peter Pan and what happens power, how well do when you grow old. The Search For the they understand it, and Red Dragon is a well-written and fast- how do they use it? moving adventure that should keep a Doc Holliday has young reader interested as well as give an power but he is one older reader plenty to enjoy, especially the who will not or cannot use it; he will ( Continued on page 21 ) Page 20 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 In Our Book far too long. It’s an eclectic publication, with gonzo journalist visiting an artists’ colony ( Continued from page 20 ) The most interesting thing I learned is fiction, poetry, an advice column, art, planet where no children are ever born. references to other fantastic literature and that two things integral to our idea of the comics, essays and useful lists. The book, “The Last Day of the War, with Parrots” their creators. I would recommend that werewolf originated in the 20th century, the first (but hopefully not last) collection, is an eerie blend of rock video and alien you start with the first book if you haven’t namely the bite of the werewolf inducing includes some of all of it. It also details artifacts. “Reaper” anticipated – or read it already since knowing what was lycanthropy and the vulnerability to silver. the history of its creation, Gavin looking perhaps inspired – the TV show Dead revealed at the end of the first book adds The history of the interaction between into the window of a travel agent’s office, Like Me; “Hardware Scenario G-49” is to the enjoyment of the second. - Lee films and literature in modern times is and upon seeing an advertisement for a another media-prescient story, published Whiteside totally gripping. cheap weekend in the Caribbean in 1991, years before Matrix, in which The book has an extensive saying,”300 bucks? Why would I go there humans exist in a virtual reality Curse of the Werewolf bibliography which any lover of the genre when I could start a ‘zine!”. He and Kelly supervised by AIs, and procreation must By Chantal Bourgault Du Corday will find interesting. The index is useful proceeded to create it on the rest of the be attended by some analogue experience I.B Taurus, London/New York, 2006, making possible the easy location of walk home. The rest is history. It’s worth in VR for optimum results. So a hardware Trade Paperback, Non Fiction, 224 interesting tidbits. I loved this book and noting that many of the stories from store clerk dons a knight’s attire to rescue Pages recommended. It can be gotten from LCRW have appeared in many Year’s an Amazonian from a dastardly villain so ASU’s Hayden Library via Interlibrary Best collections since it began publication they can be coupled; he takes as his coat Curse of the Werewolf is a well- Loan. – Gary Swaty in 1996. There are some wonderful stories of arms a hammer and screwdriver with written book discussing the Werewolf in including my particular favorite, the Le the motto, My Iron Stands the Test. Those mythology, literature and film. It covers The Best of Lady Churchill’s Guin-esque “Fishie.” “Dear Aunt who have any interest in Tarot decks or the evolution of the werewolf from his Rosebud Wristlet Gwenda” by writer Gwenda Bond persona poetry should turn to “Lesser folk roots to the werewolf as we know Kelly Link and Gavin Grant Eds. provides a mix of hilarity and deep truths. Figures of the Greater Trumps.” “The and love him today. Del Rey trade Paperback $14.95 “Dear Aunt Gwenda, why aren’t all books Young Person’s Guide to the Organism” The flow of the book suffers from an as good as Geoff Ryman’s ‘Air”?” is the prequel story to all his galactic excessive emphasis on the influence of Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet is “Because not all books are by Geoff novels, a description of first contacts by psychoanalysis on the movies and the Hugo-nominated ‘zine published by Ryman, therefore most suck.” There are three generations’ worth of humans with literature. The influence existed and Nebula winner and Hugo nominee Kelly also useful lists, and a wonderful essay an orchestral representation of their needed to be mentioned. The discussion Link and Gavin Grant, named for the about Scotch and how to appreciate it by motivations and personalities. of the beast within was relevant and tattoo on Winston Churchill’s mother. Gavin Grant. If you’re looking for If you aren’t already familiar with fascinating, but she went on about it for something slightly off beat with great Gardner, look for Expendable, one of the writing, this is for you. By the way, best peripheral-military SF books ever subscriptions include chocolate. No, I’m written. Most of his novels are stand alone not kidding. - Nadine Armstrong sequels to Expendable, set in a future where whatever you do on your own The Watcher planet is your business, but all interstellar by Jeanne C. Stein adventuring is monitored by the League ACE, $7.99, 291 pages of Sentient Beings, who simply do not allow non-sentients off planet. Their This is the third book in the Anna definition of non-sentient includes Strong, Vampire series. While it would murderers and those from whom add to the reader’s enjoyment to have read preventable negligence allows atrocities to the first two books in the series it is not happen. This provides a moral necessary in order to follow this story. accountability framework for all the Anna is a bounty hunter, as well as a stories, but what makes the series so vampire who moonlights as a bounty brilliant is its historically accurate hunter/executioner for the Watchers, a premise: morale in any unit plummets group that keeps supernatural miscreants when a good-looking member dies; it is in line. This book follows Anna as she less affected if the deceased was ugly or battles an evil witch who is determined to unpopular. Since interstellar warfare is raise a demon and then there are the usual non-existent, the only dangerous line of bail jumpers and drug dealers to deal work is performed by the Exploratory with. Corps; to be an Explorer, you must be Overall I found the story enjoyable born intelligent – and deformed in some and engrossing up until the author decided purely cosmetic way. These deformities to describe the evil witch and her demon render Explorers ridiculous and raising, black magic wielding, human unappealing, so that no one, not even a sacrificing coven as “Wiccan”. This kind fellow Explorer, mourns when they go of inaccuracy with detail annoys me no “Oh, sh_t!” Expendable is a tale of end and spoiled what was, until then, a political skullduggery and the Explorer good book about a strong and interesting who uncovers the truth and discovers that female heroine. I’ve taken a look at the her deformity, a wine-dark birthmark that first two books in the series and overall it mars her face, is also her birthright. seems like a promising series, I just hope Most of Gardner’s protagonists are there won’t be more errors like the one in strong-minded females. Some of his The Watcher. Recommended - Stephanie descriptions are like the vivid dreams you L Bannon wish you could remember in perfect clarity. He wields the ironic scalpel with Gravity Wells deftness, and he recently demonstrated a by James Alan Gardner flair for Asimovian limericks in Radiant. EOS 2005, 344 pp; $15.95 The most unusual of his novels is Commitment Hour; a tale of gender James Alan Gardner is one of my variability. On the planet Tober Cove, favorite writers, but his short speculative every person grows up alternating male fiction is hard to find, since publishing and female, changing each year on their venues range from Ron Hubbard Presents birthday. At age 20 you get to choose, and to Amazing Stories. Here are 14 of his that choice becomes your permanent stories, with one of those prefaces that is form. Speculative fiction indeed! – Chris actually worth reading, in which he Wozny explains that “One of the great formative influences in my youth was the Captain’s Fury (Codex Alera, Book 4) Dangerous Visions anthology edited by by Jim Butcher Harlan Ellison.” That explains several Ace Hardcover $24.95 aspects of Gardner’s fiction, particularly the tendency to take a sudden turn into Jim Butcher is best known for the violence. But if Ellison was the major Dresden Files, but his foray into fantasy influence of Gardner’s style, I detect an with the Codex Alera series shows that he occasional ripple of LeGuin as well. (Continued on page 22) “The Children of Crèche” describes Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 21 In Our Book (Continued from page 21) The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror Thirteen and herself, she’ll have to choose sides. 2007: 20th Annual Collection by Richard K. Morgan And maybe become what she hates--a can write more than just Harry Dresden. Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Del Rey Hardback $24.95 killer.” In the fourth book of the series, Butcher Grant, Eds. What can I say? This fourth entry in picks up a couple of years after the third St. Martin’s Griffin Trade Paperback I was very ambivalent about this book the Kitty Norville series was well worth novel with his two main characters both $21.95 to start with - the topic and themes of the the wait. The characters grow and the thrown into difficult situations. Tavi has novel-race, genetics, and the roles they reader grows more involved with them been in charge of the First Aleran Legion, This is the twentieth anniversary of play in society, interested me greatly, but with each entry in the series. We learn but under an assumed name, and has been these collections, originally edited by the only other Richard Morgan book I had more about Ben and Cormac’s past, more holding off an incursion by the Canim Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. Terri read, Market Forces, I disliked intensely. about the vampires in general and the race. Politics take charge however, Windling has since retired from editing However, once I began reading it, it was ones in Denver specifically and more starting off a campaign that Tavi doesn’t and passed the fantasy torch to Kelly Link obvious that Morgan had learned a lot about the pack members Kitty left behind agree with and a new leader that wants to and Gavin Grant, with Ellen still handling since then. Genetic engineering is when she ran from Denver. I read this in take Tavi out of the picture. Tavi is the horror. These collections are really the commonplace - governments use it all the one sitting and cannot wait for book five relieved of command, charged with gold standard for all the other “Best of’s” time to create people to fulfill specific and the promised book six to be treason and has to embark on a covert out there. This year’s was no exception. tasks. Carl Marsalis is one of these. Carl, published. Read this book. Read the mission to prevent the campaign from Ellen Klages’ wonderful “In the House of in fact, is that most dreaded engineered whole series, it is wonderful. Buy a ending in disaster. In all of this, he also the Seven Librarians” is here, as is Nebula variant type of all - a Thirteen. Thirteens second set and give it to a friend. Highly finds out his true heritage as the grandson and Hugo-nominated ‘Pol Pot’s Beautiful are supersoldiers, created to be recommended - Stephanie L Bannon of the First Lord of Alera, which puts him Daughter’. Of course, Ellen Datlow has superstrong sociopaths, many of them, out in even more danger if it were known by been one of my most trusted sources for of governmental control, have wreaked so Shadowbridge his enemies. Meanwhile, Cursor Amara recommendations for years, and her much havoc that they have been largely by Gregory Frost embarks on a dangerous mission with the judgment gets better with time. As for exiled to Mars. Oh, and Thirteens have Del Rey Trade Paperback $14.00 First Lord himself and her husband, Count Kelly and Gavin, their ‘zine ‘Lady one other thing in common: they are all Bernard, in enemy territory. They have to Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet’ has been an Black (the U.K. Title was Black Man). This is the first book of a duology, set travel and survive without using their mainstay of well-written fantastic fiction Carl Marsalis is an exception. He has been on the world of Shadowbridge. furycrafting powers which makes things for years,. Kelly has served, among other working as a hit man, quietly trying to Shadowbridge has no continents, or many much more difficult. Butcher does a good things as Ellen’s reader, and Gavin has become something other than the monster landmasses at all. It is an ocean world; job with his main characters, Tavi and been a World Fantasy judge. What I love he has been labeled. When a rogue criss-crossed by huge bridges with cities Amara, and has a good supporting cast, about these particular collections is all Thirteen escapes from Martian exile, he is built onto, into and through them. Most of both good and bad, as well as some here-the ever-reliable judgement of the hired to find and kill him. This novel the people live on them, with a few people working both sides of the fence. He’s put editors, the depth and breadth of them, works very well in some ways, not so well ekeing out a living on the few small together an interesting fantasy world with and the essays about the best in fantastic in others. Carl Marsalis’ character is one islands there are. Leodora is a young politics rooted in the Roman Legions and film, music and comics from some of the of the best things about the novel; his woman who has escaped from a dreary he keeps things moving through the whole best minds in the industry. This really is biology has, literally been his destiny. His life on just such an island to follow in her book, not giving his characters much of a the best place to find the best of the year struggle against that is well-written and father Bardsham’s legendary footsteps as chance to catch their breath. - Lee 2006 in fantastical short fiction. If you’re very moving at times. The book is also a puppeteer, traveling along the bridges Whiteside looking for a lot of great stories in one great at forcing the reader to examine his and giving performances in the cities. place, or are looking for a good overview own prejudices and ideas. It lights up These puppet shows are the means of The Down Home Zombie Blues of the field in 2006, this book is your best some fairly grubby corners in First World transmitting myths and history, as well as By Linnea Sinclair bet. - Nadine Armstrong attitudes, and it does so very well. Morgan being popular entertainments. Leodora Bantam Books, 2007, Science Fiction has also learned a lot about writing travels with her troupe, a young musician Romance, Mass Market Paperback, Breath and Bone effective prose; the clunkiness and cliches mysteriously blessed by the gods, and her 516 Pages, $6.99 by Carol Berg that I remembered from Market Forces technician, who used to travel with her Roc, 447 pp, $15,00 were largely gone, and the first chapter is father, and taught her the craft. She must Alien patrol machines have amazing; you are sucked right in to the do so in disguise, however, as she is a malfunctioned and are traveling the Breath and Bone, is the sequel to story from the get-go. His plotting, woman; a very big cultural trespass, and Galaxy destroying any civilization they Flesh and Spirit. however, still leaves something to be extremely dangerous for her should she be encounter. Their creators send Diviners have said that rebel pure- desired. Effective thrillers are not easy to caught in some cities. And now, the gods undermanned and underfunded blood sorcerer Valan will find his doom write, and this one bogs down at the end. have gotten involved. commandos to seek them out and destroy in water, blood and ice... If he lives that It seems as though Morgan got to a This book follows a recent trend in them. A team of Commandos under long. It is highly probable that with certain point in the story, and just couldn’t fantasy - using myths, legends and history Commander Jorie Mikkalah, is sent to everyone in the kingdom of Navronne figure out how to make all the from non-Western cultures for the Earth because one of their observers has after his hide including his family, he misdirection work for him. But, I still background. A very welcome trend; t isn’t failed to report in. may not. The kingdom is at war. A recommend this book pretty highly. It that Western culture is uninteresting or Meantime, Sergeant Theo Petrakis of murderous priestess wants his contract tackles some difficult issues head-on, unimportant, but it’s nice to see some the Bahia Vista, Florida Police Dept. has which is held by one of the warring effectively and with grace and it gets different stuff. Frost has used elements of arrived at a weird murder scene. The princes who steals dead men’s eyes. Oh props for that. It also has some great Burmese and Sri Lankan folklore here to victim looks extremely old and is yes, the Danae, guardians of the earth, characters, aside from Carl. The science is create the stories that Leodora tells so mummified. His driver’s license shows a hate him worst of all. also quite good. If you’re looking for a well. The descriptions of the cities, and young man. They follow standard Addicted to an enchanted drug, bound hard SF thriller, or for a book that takes a the gods that interact with Leodora owe procedures, remove the body and call the by his oaths that he won’t forswear, Valan good look at topical issues, or you’re something to both cultures, while the cybersquad to pick up a strange laptop. risks body and soul to rescue one child, looking for something with a different puppets Leodora uses owe far more to They fail to show even though Petrakis get justice for another, and bring the kind of main character, pick this up. - Burmese traditions than it does to Western waits several hours. It is late so the rightful king to the dying land even if he Nadine Armstrong puppetry. More importantly, Frost uses Sergeant takes the laptop and heads back; is not sure whether the rightful king is a this stuff well; it’s woven in with more stopping off at home to grab a sandwich. monster. No one is what they seem, and Kitty and the Silver Bullet Western concepts, and he’s blended Jorie and the Zombies arrive there his quest takes him from Abby to dun- by Carrie Vaughn everything in a seamless fashion. simultaneously both tracking the geons to alien shores and into the world Grand Central Publishing, $6.99, 352 Frost has always had well-drawn malfunctioning T-MOD device the of the Danae to find he isn’t who he pages characters, and those in Shadowbridge are Sergeant was carrying. Jorie just manages seems to be as well. Only in the heart of no exception. Leodora is funny, smart and to save the Sergeant and the T-MOD. She the world can he find the redemption of Back cover: “Kitty’s radio show is as her struggle to make a life for herself leaves a destructive trail and beams them himself and his world. popular as ever and she has a boyfriend despite the handicaps of her gender and away to her ship in a nick of time. This is a book that needs to be in who actually seems to understand her. her upbringing really engages the reader. The fat is in the fire. Zorie must get a every fantasy fan’s library. Tightly Can she finally settle down to a normal Diverus, the musician, while having a handle on the Zombie infestation without plotted, the action is nonstop in a vividly life? Not if this is just the calm before the horrific early life, is never allowed to Earth becoming aware of them or her drawn and populated by characters you storm. When her mother falls ill, Kitty become just an object of pity for the team. She persuades the Sergeant to help. come to know and care about. I’ll be rushes back to Denver--and right back to reader. Finally, Soter, her technician and They find each other attractive, but can surprised if there isn’t an award nomina- the abusive pack of werewolves she teacher, comes over as more than just a there be a future for them? tion in its future. - Pam Allan escaped a year ago. To make matters drunken caricature. We see his devotion The story is engrossing, the romance worse, a war is brewing between the city’s to Leodora, and to the memories of her is steamy, the characters believable. I two oldest vampires, threatening the parents, and his determination to give her recommend it. whole supernatural community. Though the opportunity to become even greater – Gary Swaty she wants to stay neutral, Kitty is again than her father. Finally, I really like the drawn into a world of politics and prose here. It’s spare, rather than lush, but violence. To protect her family, her lover, ( Continued on page 23 ) Page 22 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1 advertise their own gatherings. We have no http://www.crofters.org We meet in Tempe at convention, or community service that you In Our Book (Continued from page 22 ) set genre of games and play anything from the Pyle Adult Center SW corner of Rural and would like to have official Steve Jackson the descriptions of the world, the stories strategy games to first-person shooters to Southern on the 2nd Saturday of every month, Games representation at, please contact the Leodora tells are evocative and lovely. driving/flying simulations. No annual phone number (480)350-5211. The Board MIB Arizona Cell Even though it’s early in the year, I’m membership is required and admission to an meeting will be at 2:00 pm with the General Leader at [email protected]. We are also fairly sure that this will be on my Hugo event ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage meeting starting at 2:30 pm. recruiting new MIBs in some areas of ballot next year. - Nadine Armstrong for current events. Email: Arizona. If you’re interested, contact us. You [email protected] Web: THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) An can find additional information about the Child of a Dead God www.lanparty.com/all/ VoiceMail: 602-306- organization formed for the expression and Arizona MIB at our website http:// by Barb and J.C. Hardee 9339 exploration of various cultural themes members.cox.net/mib.6361/ ROC, 407 pp, $24.95 including, but not limited to, the Dark Ages ARIZONA PARANORMAL and the Renaissance through forms of art MVD GHOSTCHASERS—The MVD Child of a Dead God is a novel of The INVESTIGATIONS We are a highly including, but not limited to, painting, Ghostchasers are a paranormal team Noble Dead trained, non-profit paranormal investigation drawing, writing, photography, spoken word, established in 1995. This band of ghost For many months, Magiere and Leesil group, registered with the state of Arizona, and acts of characterization. 2) a member of hunters conducts regular investigations of providing service to Arizona and the this organization. 3) Information available at haunted, historical locations throughout have sought an artifact dating back to the Southwest since 1994. Having served the www.darkones.org Arizona. They also research and investigate earliest times. Everyone wants it and to public for 12 years, we are one of the oldest, “house call” hauntings for the public. The prevent others from having it, Magiere most respected paranormal investigation THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND MVD Ghostchasers lead Spirit Photo must keep it from her murderous vampire groups in Arizona. We are primarily science STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and Workshops/Tours to various haunted locations brother who wants it for power. based and don’t go on an investigation Steel specializes in the general recreation of across Arizona. These workshops give ghost Traveling with her and Leesil are looking for ghosts, we go looking for the culture of the Middle Ages including all of hunters, paranormal team members and folks Wynn, a scholar, their Canine Fay answers. There is never a charge for an the Art Forms, Events (Feasts, Tournaments, wanting to learn the art of ghost hunting a protector, Chap. And two Elven assassins investigation. Contact us at by e-mail at Ceremonies and Wars) and Combat Arts chance to work and learn techniques together. sworn to them. But another group have [email protected] or covering the years of 800AD up to 1650AD The MVD Ghostchasers team are guest been sent to kill them and take the artifact visit our website at: http:// and any location within Europe or its explored speakers at many venues and have appeared and kill them all. Magiere is drawn, nay, www.arizonaparanormalinvestigations.com/ territories. For more information contact on TV news reports and the subject of several obsessed, with following the voice Leonard Byrd (Tucson) (520)742-2432 Web: newspaper stories. For more information leading her to the icebound castle. THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, is a www.galandor.org contact: Westrial, the un-dead brother, and his general sci-fi appreciation group that meets MVD Ghostchasers—Debe Branning, feral Vampires follow as do a set of elves once a month for discussion of various sci-fi A GATHERING OF PLAYERS-Find Your Director—480-969-4049 Web page: bent on taking all. And what is the voice news regarding several mediums to include: Adventure www.mvdghostchasers.com or leading them on? television, movies, video, books, comics, Our club is running into our fourth year. Join [email protected] The Hardees have put together magazines, collecting, and so forth. The us for games and adventure set in the protagonists who are conflicted and meetings are comprised of news, review and Dungeons and Dragons realm. We offer ORANGE COUNTY SCIENCE FICTION engaging, while coping with non-stop comment, BBS/computer news and help, Living Greyhawk and Xen’drik Expeditions. CLUB meets last Wednesday of every month action. Their plotting keeps the meeting new members, video presentations, Visit http://www.warhorn.net/gathering, to see (except Dec.) in Fullerton. The meetings are excitement high and fast moving. This is games, and socializing fun! Food and drinks what we have coming up. built around guest speakers. We’ve had vampire writing at its best. Hey, vampire are provided, via a $3 munchie fee (per We will have character creation sessions to authors such as Octavia Butler and Greg fans, I hope you kept some money this meeting) to compensate the host. (No other get you started and answer all questions. Our Benford. Non-members are welcome. For Holiday season for your own gift. - Pam fees are involved.) The electronic home of the group has been together, and growing, for details of current events and location see our Allan Away Team, is the Lightspeed Space Station four years. We’re a good group of friends that website www.ocsfc.org or email BBS at (520) 325-6674.... Member ages for believe in gaming fun first. Our member [email protected] the group range from 13-40-something with group’s ages range from 13 to 49. both male and female members. Other We welcome both new and experienced PAReX is a non profit organization dedicated Club Listings activities include null-modem link gamefests, players. to building and promoting Autonomous ACROSS PLUS - So you live in North group theater movie viewings, convention 10:00 a.m. Character Creation - We will have robotics. The club has been in existance since Phoenix and are interested in anime? Well trips and more. Have sci-fi fun in a relaxed, a session to create characters for all of the 1998. Meetings are currently conducted twice there is a club out there available for you low-structure environment. NO RUBBER campaigns we run. AGoP will have all books a month at two different Phoenix, Arizona people. EARS ALLOWED!! For questions, you can available for reference. We encourage you to locations., http://www.parex.org/ Across Plus is a social club that discuses call the BBS, or write to: LSS c/o R. Martin; purchase the books if you like the game. All meetings.shtml. Club dues are on an annual anime, video games, manga, other animation, 2522 N. Sparkman Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716 character materials are provided; character basis: Regular members $20 Student members and the Japanese culture. We meet at sheets, master item logs, adventure records, $15 Of course visitors are always welcome Bookman’s on 19th Ave and Northern on BASFA Local Tucson science fiction group etc. Dice will be loaned to you if you don’t because we know you will eventually become Sundays at 7:00pm until 9:00pm. that puts on TusCon. Contact us at PO Box have any yet. In other words, all that is a member anyway Web page: http:// In general, we explore anime, manga, and 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 or needed for the first day is for you to join www.parex.org/ E-mail Contact: John other styles of animation, creative educative [email protected] us and have fun. Kittelsrud, [email protected] demonstrations, participate in interactive our website at http://home.earthlink.net/ If you have any questions email us at discussions, attend local Arizona conventions, ~basfa/ [email protected]. THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM SOCI- and make cosplay. ETY A Phoenix based club interest-ed in the We are willing to gain any new members out CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULATIVE THE JEDI KNIGHTS (Founded 1977) entire realm of SF, Fantasy and Horror film. there who are interested. Our members are FICTION SOCIETY, INC. (CASFS) The Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of each month. PFFS has been in existence for 30 years, very friendly, respectful, and fun. We non-profit corporation that puts on For more information call Carol Alves, meeting every 6 weeks in member’s homes. welcome any and all. CopperCon conventions, SmurfCons, Publicity, (760)244-9593 or write Jedi Dues are $10 per year. Membership includes For more information, contact Shane Bryner HexaCons, occasional regional cons, and Knights, c/o Carol Alves 8038 “I” Street, newsletters, an annual film awards and at [email protected] publishes Con-Notations. Best described as Hesperia CA, 92345-7066. various outings. For information, contact SF/F generalists with a strong bent towards PFFS, P.O. Box 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and renais- literary SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at 8pm LEPRECON, INC. One of the two Phoenix call David Storck at (602) 274_7404, e-mail: sance recreationist club. Sword-fighting, arts, on the last Friday of each month in January area corporations that put on yearly conven- [email protected]. banquets, masquerades, dances. meets every thru September and the second Friday in tions. Best described as SF/F generalists with Wednesday night from 7-10pm at Encanto October, November and December at JB’s a main thrust into SF/F art. Guests are RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST A Park. All are welcome. Free. Restaurant, 2560 W. Indian School in welcome. The meetings are quarterly on the Live Action Theatre Troupe based out of the Phoenix, AZ. For information: write PO Box second Saturday of February, May, August & ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is dedicated to AERIAL MIRAGE JUGGLERS. Meets 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 or email November unless otherwise notified. August the game Werewolf: The Apocalypse by Wednesday 7-10pm in Encanto Park, 15th [email protected] Web www.casfs.org is the annual meeting where board positions White Wolf publishing. Contact Mike Avenue, south of Encanto. No dues, everyone are deter-mined. For more information, write McLaughlin at (602)461-5842 or write 1730 welcome. All levels skill exchange in many *****C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285; call Mike W Emelita Place #2025, Mesa AZ 85202- areas of object manipulation Dave Davis Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based Willmoth, 480-945-6890, Email 3144 or [email protected] , 602-955-9446; Reenactment group specializing in the [email protected] Webpage: or Ron Harvey , 480- western European renaissance. We research www.leprecon.org RAW GAMES (Role-players & 775-4690 for more info or impromptu lifestyles and trades concurrent with the Wargamers, Inc.) Role-players & juggling sessions. Celtic Peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD. MIB The Men in Black is the official global Wargamers, Inc. is the Valley’s oldest role- We emphasize Scots, Irish or Welsh crafts and organization of field operatives for Steve playing and wargaming club. Currently ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE A do Celtic re-enactment. We open participation Jackson Games. We attend local conventions meeting at 8159 W. Weldon in Phoenix every collaboration of computer gaming enthusiasts, to anyone with an interest in period crafting to demonstrate and promote products of Steve Sunday from 12noon-5pm (except during the Arizona LANbashers League throws and entertainment. Demonstrations occur at Jackson Games. We also schedule demos in conventions and other special events). Open quarterly LANparty events. Between parties, the Highland Games, Scarborough Fair, and local gaming stores as well as community to new members - call (623) 849-9515. support is given to local groups who wish to the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Web page service events. If you have a gaming store, ( Continued on page 24 ) Volume 18 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 23 Club Listings Harry Stine Memorial Rocket Launch every Stormbringer NCC-74213, attached to ( Continued from page 23 ) October. Visit www.sssrocketry.org for Division 31, Starfleet Covert Operations, on membership information, directions to the 10/31/98. As of 11/29/98 there were 32 SHIELD OF ALMOR The Shield of Almor launches and meetings, and to read the members. There are no dues other than the HELP WANTED is a RPGA club located in the greater Phoenix monthly newsletter, “Newton’s Minutes.” $15 for joining Star-fleet Intl.. Members are area. If you are interested in Living Greyhawk scattered world wide but the primary clusters Do you enjoy CopperCon? catch one of our meetings the 1st Sunday of TARDIS is a Phoenix-based General SF/ are in Tucson, AZ and Plano, TX. They don’t every month at Imperial Outpost Games Fantasy Fan Club, specializing in Interna- meet on a regular basis since they are a HexaCon? Any of the other local (www.imperialoutpost.com) in Glendale. If tional media SF/Fantasy since 1983. TARDIS correspondence chapter. Their web site is: volunteer, fan-run conventions? you are interested in Living Arcanis or Living meets every two weeks at different locations http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9505/ CopperCon and HexaCon and Spycraft catch us on the 3rd Sunday of every around the valley. Activities include watching and their contact/CO is Capt. Dave Pitts, month also at Imperial Outpost Games. The videos, discussions, parties, games, and [email protected] the others are staffed completely Shield of Almor hosts RPGA events at the occasional outings with more to come now by unpaid volunteers, from the local Phoenix conventions. For more that Doctor Who is returning from hiatus. Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. We information visit us at Many members maintain an active presence at maintain a mailing list for news and get- chair person to the volunteer that games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AZ_RPG/ or conventions. You can contact us at 2243 W togethers of fans of the X-Files living in helps for only one hour. you can sign up for games at Wagon Wheel Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85021, Voice Arizona. We get together in both the Phoenix www.nyrond.org. Or you can just stop by the Mail at (602) 864-0901, E-mail TARDIS- and Tucson areas. To subscribe, send an If you enjoy our events and want 1st Sunday of the month. Meeting starts at [email protected] or visit us at http:// empty message to z-philes- 10am. Hope to see you there. members.cox.net/tardisaz/tardis.html [email protected] them to continue then please consider helping any or all of THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE WESTERN SCIENCE FICTION ASSO- TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by the ANACHRONISM The kingdom of Atenveldt CIATION (WesternSFA) Arizona’s fan run events. series’ production companies and the USA A non-profit doth lie in the state of Arizona. Within the fair Network! It is THE information conduit corporation that sponsors AniZona, the kingdom can be found six Baronies: between the fans and the series! Fan club ConRunners seminars, Across Plus Anime For information on available Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Twin Moons, membership will bring you the following 1) Club and sponsored the 2004 Westercon. SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr and Ered Sul. For CopperCon positions please subscription to the info filled Tek Informer Dedicated primarily to educational activities more information on any of these or for newsletter; 2) official TekWar Fan Club relating to literature, music, and visual and contact us at general information on contact the Kingdom membership card and kit. Membership is by performing arts, especially in the genres of [email protected] or Seneschal. Email: [email protected] regular mail only and the newsletter and Anime, science fiction, fantasy, costuming, Web www.atenveldt.com www.coppercon.org materials will not be reproduced electroni- gaming and science. Applicants for member- cally. To join the action and initiate your ship in WesternSFA must be sponsored by a SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S GUILD The annual membership, make check or money current active WesternSFA member. Dues are For information on available Southwest Costumers Guild is a loose order out for $12.50 to: Official TekWar Fan $10 yearly plus a $5 non-refundable applica- organization of persons interested in all facets HexaCon positions or to Club (Membership section), 2522 N tion fee. General Meetings are held on the of historical, cultural, science fiction, fantasy, Sparkman Blvd., Tucson AZ 85716-2417 first Friday of February, May, August and volunteer to run a game please and humor costume. Members are often seen November, at the Bookmans located at 19th on stage and behind the scenes at local and contact us at T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science fiction and Ave. and Northern in Phoenix Guests are regional Science Fiction Convention [email protected] or fantasy club. Weekly meetings are held on the welcome. For more info contact Craig Dyer at masquerades. They meet on the last Sunday of Arizona State University campus, with dates WesternSFA, PO Box 67457, Phoenix AZ www.hexacon.org each month at various members’ homes in the and places to be announced after the semester 85082 Email: [email protected] Webpage: greater Phoenix area. For details. Southwest starts. For more information, Email www.westernsfa.org Costumers Guild, PO Box 39504, Phoenix, Our parent organization, the [email protected] Web AZ 85609 or Randall Whitlock at www.themonline.org Central Arizona Speculative [email protected] or Convention www.southwestcostumersguild.org Fiction Society (CASFS) is also TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail Address looking for new members. Check is [email protected] or Listings SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space Access our web site at www.casfs.org for Society’s sole purpose is to promote radically [email protected] AniZona 4 (March 21-23, 2008) CAN- cheaper access to space, ASAP. We think it’s information on meetings and UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOENIX A CELED For more info www.anizona.org possible within ten years, with a little luck upcoming events or contact us at and a lot of hard work. Join us and help us Phoenix area Star Trek and general SciFi fan club. We are a social club that meets every World Horror Convention (March 27- [email protected] make it happen! SAS membership is $30 for two weeks at various locations around the 30, 2008) Radisson Hotel, downtown one year, which gets you emailed Space Access Updates the instant they pass final Phoenix area. The UFP has been meeting for Salt Lake City, Utah. Guests include: over 30 years of continuous activity. Dues are edit, plus discounts on our annual conference Dennis Etchison, John Jude Palencar, $15/per year prorated when you join; no on the technology, politics, and business of Simon R. Green, Dr. Michael R. Collings, radically cheaper space transportation, restrictions. Membership includes member- Mort Castle and Jeff Strand. Website: ship roster and monthly newsletter. Come to featuring leading players in the field. Email any two meetings at no obligation. For www.whc2008.org us at: [email protected] Web page: www.space-access.org/ information, write the UFP at PO Box 37224, Phoenix, AZ 85069, or call Jim Strait at (602) LepreCon 34 (May 9-11, 2008) Fran- cisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort, Casa SUPERSTITION SPACEMODELING 242-9203. Web page: http://www.U-F-P.org What is CASFS? or Email to [email protected] Grande, AZ SOCIETY is Arizona’s club for builders of Artist Guest: Howard What is really behind putting on a model and high-power rockets and those who Tayler; Author Guests: Emily & Ernest USS STORMBRINGER The Stormbringer is convention? What are the funds raised by love to see them fly. Launches are held on the Hogan; Local Artist Guest: Liz Danforth; a convention used for? Why not attend a second Saturday morning of each month in a correspondence Star Trek fan club chapter Special FX/Makeup Guest: David Ayres of Starfleet, Intl. based out of Tucson AZ. meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor Rainbow Valley. SSS hosts the annual G. The chapter was commissioned as the USS Memberships: $25 thru 8/31/07, $30 thru of ConNotations, CopperCons, Hexa- 10/31/07 Info: LepreCon 34 PO Box Cons, SmerfCons and other conventions. Generic Convention Registration Form 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285 (480) 945- We are a charitable, non-profit organiza- 6890 tion that exists to further science fiction, Email: [email protected] web: http:// fantasy and science fields in Arizona. Name:______www.leprecon.org CASFS currently meets at the JB’s Restaurant at 2560 W Indian School Rd Badge Name:______DENVENTION / WORLDCON 66 in Phoenix (NW corner of I-17 and Address:______(Aug 6-10 2008) Colorado Convention Indian School). The meetings begin at Center, Denver, Colorado. Guests: Lois 8PM and are held on the last Friday of City/State/ZIP:______McMaster Bujold, Rick Sternbach, Tom the month Jan. through Sept. and on the Whitmore; TM Wil McCarthy. Rates, second Friday of the month Oct through Phone:______Email:______accommodations, etc: see website — Dec. Everyone is invited to attend two http://www.denvention3.org/ meetings as a guest (non-member). Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for Membership rates are $12/year plus an ______convention. World Fantasy Convention 2008 (Oct initial $3 application fee and rates are pro-rated for the amount of the year 30-Nov 3 ’08) Calgary, Alberta, (See individual convention listing for mailing address) remaining. For more info: Webpage: Canada. More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other Info: website: www.casfs.org Email: [email protected] www.worldfantasy.org Page 24 ConNotations Volume 18 Issue 1