Volume 15, Issue 1 February/March ConNotations 2005 The Bi-Monthly Science Fiction, Fantasy & Convention Newszine of the Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society

A Conversation with Featured Inside SF Tube Talk Special Features Quinn Yarbro & Suzy McKee Charnas All the latest news about A Conversation with By Catherine Book Scienc Fiction TV shows Quinn Yarbo & Suzy McKee Charnas I had the rare opportunity to chat with on the dominant male. Quinn laughingly 24 Frames by Catherine Book both Quinn Yarbro and Suzy Charnas ventured that she’d love to see a romance All the latest Movie News during the last World Fantasy convention where the male and female stop and look When Worlds Collide: in October 2004. I asked them to interview at one another and say “This is a bad Pro Notes The G4TechTV Channel with an emphasis on their vampire idea. I’ll see you later,” and walk away. By Shane Shellenbarger characters and stories. It seemed to me a ‘Course it wouldn’t publish well… Suzy News about genre authors and fans perfect opportunity to talk about the role of explained that in most vampire stories, In Memoriam sympathetic female vampires in today’s the focus is on social and economic Costume Closet Will Eisner literature. Who better to have an opinion dominance, which has never been Kelly Freas Articles Covering Topics of interest Michael Mason in the constuming field June Patton

ReAnimation An American in England Reviews of Anime Part 3 on DVD and VHS by Jeffrey Lu

Screening Room Plus our Regular Features: Reviews of current theatrical releases Aliens of the Deep CASFS Business Report The Incredibles Event Calendar In Our Book Area events, TV premires, Reviews of New SF/F Books DVD & Movie releases

NonGenre By Genre FYI Non SF/F books by SF/F Authors News and tidbits of Fletcher Pratt interest to fans than these two women? Quinn didn’t think familiar ground for female characters. Club Listings it was easy to do a highly sexualized Plus the fact that our culture is still Convention List & resistant to the idea of women in posi- sympathetic female in any fiction. Even in Generic Registration Form romances, she says, the focus tends to be Continued on page 8

ConNotations Non-Profit Org. Central Arizona Speculative Fiction Society US Postage PO Box 62613 PAID Phoenix, AZ 85082 Permit 839 Phoenix, AZ

Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 1 Pick up your copy of ConNotations at the following locations In This Issue Who’s Who This Issue BOOK STORES Atomic Comics News & Reviews Managing Editor: Stephanie Bannon Bent Cover 1120 S. Country Club, Ste. 105, Mesa, AZ Editor’s Assistant: Gary Swaty CASFS Business Report 2 Graphics Editor: Craig L. Dyer 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85029 85210 (480) 649-0807 SF Tube Talk 3 Film & Video Editor: Barry Bard (602)942-3778 4537 E. Cactus, Phoenix AZ 85032 24Frames 3 Proof Readers: Catherine Book & Bob Book Adventure (602) 923-0733 Pro Notes 6 LaPierre & Gary Swaty 660 N. Gilbert Rd, Suite B, Gilbert AZ 3029 W. Peoria, Suite CC, Phoenix, AZ Calendar Editor: Open 85234 (480) 892-2120 85021 (602)395-1066 Non-Genre by Genre 9 Reporters: Barry Bard, Craig L Dyer Book Connection 3155 W. Chandler Blvd #5, Chandler AZ In Memoriam 10 Staff Writers: Pam Allen, Barry Bard 6434 S. McClintock, Tempe AZ 85226 (480)940-6061 Screening Room 11 Catherine Book, Craig L. Dyer, Michael (480) 820-2953 Retro Rocket FYI 14 Griffin, Brandon Huigens,Jeffrey Lu, Sean 1917 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ Costume Closet 17 Martin, Shane Shellenbarger, Gary Swaty, Book Exchange Tom Tuerff, Lee Whiteside, Randall 4320 N. Miller Road #F, Scottsdale, AZ (480) 970-0706 ReAnimation 17 Whitlock, Mike Willmoth 85251 (480)990-8380 Samurai Comics In Our Book (Book Reviews) 19 Layout & Design: Stephanie L. Bannon Book Gallery 5024 N. 7th St, Phoenix AZ (602) 265-8886 Advertising: Catherine Book 3643 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix AZ Stalking Moon Comics & Collectibles Special Features Keeper of the Mailing List: Craig L. Dyer 85018 (602)468-0400 5775 W. Bell Rd #B-6, Glendale, Arizona A Conversation with Quinn Yarbo & Contributors: Book Rack (602) 896-9992 Labeling Crew for Volume 14 Issue 6: Suzy McKee Charnas Stephanie L Bannon, Craig L Dyer, Bob 3539 W. Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053 by Catherine Book 1 LaPierre, Marguerite Murray, Gary Swaty (602) 843-3026 GAME STORES When Worlds Collide: The G4Tech TV About ConNotations: ConNotations is the Bookmans Game Daze Channel fan published newszine of the Central 1056 S. Country Club, Mesa, AZ 85210 2140 E. 5th St #11, Tempe AZ 85281 by Shane Shellenbarger 16 Arizona Speculative Fiction Society (480) 835-0505 (480)317-9181 An American in England (CASFS) an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 non- Bookmaster Game Daze #1: Paradise Valley Mall, 4550 profit organization. Circulation is by Jeffrey Lu 22 estimated at 7,000 readers for this issue, 2949 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ E. Cactus Rd, #422, Phoenix AZ 85032 including CASFS members and attendees 85251 (480) 423-0501 (602)494-4263 Convention & Fandom of recent CASFS conventions. 10818 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ Game Daze #2 Superstition Springs Center, Event Calendar 15 Subscriptions: The newszine is currently 85254 (480) 998-0606 6555 E. Southern Ave #2026, Mesa AZ sent free of charge to anyone who has Club Listings 23 Books 85206 (480)981-4850 attended a CASFS sponsored convention in Convention Listings 24 9201 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85021 Game Daze #3 Scottsdale Fashion Square, the last two years and to all CASFS mem- (602) 678-4576 7014 E. Camelback Rd #2117, Scottsdale Convention Registration Form 24 bers. Subscriptions are available. Cost for a six issue subscription is: USA: $15/bulk. AZ 85251 (480) 947-1101 The Bookstore Copyright: Articles, fiction, photos and 4230 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85013 Game Daze #4 Flagstaff Mall, 4650 N. artwork in this issue are copyright © of the (602) 279-3910 Hwy 89 #B2b, Flagstaff, AZ (520)645-0275 CASFS Business Report author/artist and cannot be reproduced in Borders Book Stores Game Daze #5 Park Place Mall, 5870 E. any manner without their written consent. 2402 E. Camelback, Phoenix, AZ Broadway Blvd #258, Tucson, AZ 85711 Salutations If no author or artist is credited the artwork (602) 957-6600 (520)745-0468 November 2004 or article is copyright ©of the Central Game Daze #6 Chandler Fashion Mall, ———— Arizona Speculative Fiction Society. 870 N. 54th St, Chandler, AZ Publication: Publications dates are 3111 W. Chandler Blvd #2416, Chandler, * Randall supplied us with final numbers on (480) 961-4915 the cost of the improved pipe-and-drape. He February, April, June, August, October & 1361 N. Alma School Rd., Mesa, AZ AZ 85226 (480)-8997406 went $3.40 over budget, which he’ll cover. December. Publication date of this issue is (480) 833-2244 Game Depot * Bob LaPierre proposed two Bylaw Amend- 01/26/2005; mailing date is 01/31/2005 4555 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ 3136 S. McClintock #11, Tempe, AZ 85282 ments. The first resolved a conflict between Advertising: ConNotations reaches (602) 953-9699 (480) 966-4727 two sections (A.9 S.3 and A.9 S.8) concerning approx. 7,000 science fiction, fantasy, gaming and horror fans throughout the 7320 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, AZ Game Master Games 1120 S. Gilbert Rd, who appoints temporary replacements for Convention Chairs and Bankers who resign or Phoenix metro area, the Southwest and (623) 487-9110 #114, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (480) 558-0750 are removed. The second amended A.9 S.3 to nationwide. Our ad rates are: $175/Back 699 S. Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ www.gamemastergames.com designate the Chairman of the Board as the cover, $120/full page; $80/two-thirds page; (480 ) 921-8631 Game Nightz Metro Center Mall default temporary replacement Convention $60/half page; $40/one-third page; $30/ Discount Book (602) 870-8501 Chair and the Corporate Treasurer as the one-fourth page; $20/one-eighth page. 3650 W. Glendale Ave, Phoenix AZ Imperial Outpost default temporary replacement Convention More information can be obtained by (602) 589-0188 4920 W. Thunderbird, Glendale, AZ 85306 Banker. The amendments had the required contacting Advertising, PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 Phone (602) 973- Hardcover Haven (602) 978-0467 number of signatures, and were accepted for voting next month. 2341; Email: [email protected] Leviathan Games 15440 N. 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85053 * Voted the customary $50 to support UFP’s Submission Info: Writers and artists are (602) 843-0845 3131 E. Thunderbird Rd (602) 996-6646 Christmas Angel donation. encouraged to submit work for publication. Jack Willard’s books-n-more Waterloo Games * Elected Wally Sanville as permanent While we cannot pay you for your efforts 2601 E. Bell #14, Phoenix, AZ 213 N. Gilbert Rd, Gilbert, AZ replacement Chair for CopperCon 25. your work will be seen by over 7,000 fans (602) 867-1018 (480)497-9554 * Had nominations for President, Vice across the Southwest and the country. You President, and three Board positions. will retain the copyright to your work for Mesa Bookshop future publication. To submit your work or OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS * For the first time in this recorder’s memory, 50 W. Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201 the regular end-of-meeting motion to adjourn for more information please write to: (480) 835-0757 McGurkee’s Sandwich Shop failed. After some additional announcements ConNotations; PO Box 62613, Phoenix, Poisoned Pen Bookstore 2822 N. 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ and amusing suggestions, a second motion AZ 85082-2613 or contact us via Email at 4014 N. Goldwater Blvd, Suite 101, Pop Cultures Paradise passed. [email protected] Scottsdale AZ 85251 (480) 947-2974 707 S. Forest Ave #A, Tempe, AZ 85281 Contact Information: ConNotations and its contributors can be contacted by mail at Thrifty Joe’s Books (480)557-6640 December 2004 ———— PO Box 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 6020 W. Bell Road, Glendale AZ 85308 Pop, The Soda Shop * It looks as though we will not be including or via email at [email protected] (602)547-2540 2015 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ data from LepreCon, Inc. in the ConNotations (480) 994-4505 mailing list. There’s an issue with ownership COMIC STORES Root Seller Gallery of the data and how this interacts with our non- All About Comics 1605 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ profit mail permit. (602)712-9338 * Both Bylaw Amendments from last month 5060 N. Central, Phoenix, AZ ConNotations (602) 277-0757 Toy Anxiety passed. * We re-elected Mark Boniece as President, ISSN: 1082-7765 10210 N. 32nd St, Suite B3, Phoenix AZ Ash Avenue Comics & Books Lee Whiteside as Vice President, and Jeff PUBLISHED: Six times a year 810 S. Ash, Tempe, AZ (480) 858-9447 85028 George, Ray Gish, and J.B. Talbott as Board BY: Central Arizona Speculative (602)308-0292 members. Fiction Society, PO Box 62613, * We authorized AniZona to use CASFS property for their convention. Phoenix, AZ 85082 ISSUE NUMBER: Volume 15 Issue 1 01/13/2005 * Adjournment proceeded smoothly. SUBSCRIPTION: $15 for 6 ISSUES No Longer the New Guy Page 2 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 special 90 minute episode Threads, Oma played by the actors who played them on SF Tube Talk Desala returns to offer Daniel Jackson 24 Frames TV. This has gotten Babylon 5 fans up in TV News & Previews another chance at ascension, while an old arms and they have started up a campaign enemy threatens the entire galaxy with Movie News to convince Warner Bros. to reconsider By Lee Whiteside annihilation. Meanwhile, General O’Neill By Lee Whiteside this. At press time, there has been no and Colonel Carter struggle with their official (or even unofficial) response to We’re right smack in the middle of the respective personal relationships. This is Babylon 5: The Memory of Shadows new episodes of almost all the current this other than “No comment” from scheduled to air on March 11th, and is moving towards production. Recent creator J. Michael Straczynski and genre series that I’ve got previews for. Atlantis and Battlestar Galactica will leaks have indicated that filming will We’ve got some exciting news about Executive Producer Adam W. Rosen. For start a half hour later that night on SciFi. begin in April, although nothing has still the latest info and where to write to, check Stargate’s next season (now to be Moebius ends the SG-1 season (but not been formally announced. A synopsis FarGate or is it Starscape?), the full blown the Keep Babylon 5 Alive web site at the series) with a two part story in which released with a casting audition call return of Doctor Who to the small screen www.keepb5alive.com . SG-1 travels back in time in a daring plan indicates that the movie will deal with (in the UK, at least) and some other things Superman is finally Up, Up and to steal a piece of Ancient technology Shadow technology left behind that used in the works for the future. Away! It looks like Superman is finally from Ra, the powerful Goa’uld who ruled by the technomages. The plot summary SciFi has officially announced that in ancient Egypt and when the time line is going to fly again on the big screen with both Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis released is : “The technology of the Superman Returns in 2006. With Bryan changed by SG-1’s actions in the distant ancient and extinct Shadow race is being will return for new seasons starting in past, an alternate version of SG-1 must Singer at the helm, there’s been a spate of July. The even bigger news on top of that unleashed upon the galaxy by an un- casting announcements as they get ready use the newly-discovered time ship to set known force, and Earthforce intelligence is that SG-1 will have a new crew member things right. According to writer/co- to start filming this summer. Superman officer played by Ben Browder, who you just executive producer Joseph Mallozzi “It’s will be played by relative unknown actor Diane Baker, whose brother was might remember from Farscape (John the time travel / alternate timeline story to Brandon Routh but other cast members recently killed in a mysterious explosion, Crichton). According to Stargate Execu- end all time travel / alternate timeline are a bit more known. Playing reporter tive Producer Brad Wright, Browder’s stories -- a story so full of twists and turns is out to find out who is behind the Lois Lane with be Kate Bosworth, most character (whose name has not yet been that one of the producer’s heads actually intergalactic conspiracy. Joining her in her recently seen as Sandra Dee in Beyond released) has played a major role in exploded trying to understand it.” investigation is Galen, a techno-mage who the Sea. Kevin Spacey has been signed previous Stargate events and is awarded According to Amanda Tapping, “Our has been charged with keeping the up to play Lex Luthor with Hugh Laurie the chance to join the SG-1 team. We’ll last two episodes are going to be quite technology out of the hands of those who (currently starring in House) as Perry see some of his past via flashbacks to help funny. You see a bunch of different would abuse it...” Also listed in the White, and James Marsden (Cyclops in bring him into the Stargate world. versions of us. There are alternate reality casting call is Earthforce marine Colonel The X-Men movies) as Michael White, Browder has been brought on in part to versions of Daniel and Carter, and Joss Morgan and the technomage Tyrell, fill in the gap left by the reduced role of who is related to Perry and also a love Michael and I had so much fun playing Galen’s rival, who has been developing interest for Lois. Richard Dean Anderson, who will likely that.” the ancient Shadow technology and have much less screen time in season nine The latest Crow movie, The Crow: Let’s not forget the Atlantis team still selling it to the highest bidder. Wicked Prayer, has finished filming and that he has had in season eight. Amanda stranded out in the Pegasus Galaxy. In Now we all know that Galen was Tapping (Samantha Carter) will also not will be released later this year. David Sanctuary, The team finds a paradise played in Crusade by Peter Woodward, be around much at the beginning of the Boreanz stars as Luc Crash, the leader of world (named Procul-Arum) that would but from the casting call it appears that next season with her baby being due a group of satanic bikers who, with the make an ideal sanctuary for those fleeing they are looking for a star name for the around the time that filming starts in help of his girlfriend Lola (Tara Reid) from the Wraith, but the local inhabitants role. Indications are also that other March. To fill in this gap, Claudia Black believe their goddess will not permit it. In kills an ex-con named Jimmy Cuervo will return for five episodes as Vala, a Babylon 5 characters (Sheridan, Londo (Edward Furlong) and his girlfriend, Hot Zone, several residents of Atlantis are Mollari, Delenn, Lochley, etc)may not be character first seen in Prometheus infected with a deadly nanite virus, Lily (Emmanuelle Chriqui). Jimmy is Unbound. The producers really liked her forcing a lock down of the city. Before I ( Continued on page 5 ) character and plan on having a lot of fun Sleep sees a woman with her and having her interact with found in suspended Browder’s character. They might even animation in Atlantis, get a bit of a ratings boost from wayward and the team is Farscape fans to boot. shocked to see that it is That’s enough about next season; Dr. Weir herself, who we’re into the final stretch of SG-1’s tells them of her trip eighth season and Atlantis’ debut season 10,000 years into the as we go through February and March. In city’s past. In The It’s Good to be King, SG-1 must save a Brotherhood, The world once occupied by the Goa’uld when team searches for a their former masters return to enslave valuable Zero Point them once again -- not knowing that their Module rumored to be king is Earth’s Harry Maybourne. In Full hidden on the planet Alert, relations between the U.S. and Dagan -- but their new Russia are strained when Russian military allies have motives of leaders claim that the U.S. government their own. Letter From has been compromised by hostile aliens. Pegasus has members In the two part episode, Reckoning, the of the Atlantis expedi- Jaffa Resistance assembles an army to tion composing video retake the holy city of Ta’kara, while the messages home to their System Lord Baal seeks help from Earth loved ones when they when he is faced with an enemy common have a brief opportu- to both of them. Cliff Simon returns as nity to send a data Baal and Issac Hayes guest stars as the transmission to Earth. rebel priest Tolok. In what sounds like an In The Gift, when she inventive and fun clip show, Citizen Joe is plagued by terrify- sees a barber from Indiana (played by ing nightmares, Teyla Dan Castellaneta - the voice of Homer begins to recall a time Simpson) confront Jack O’Neill, claiming when she and her that he has been seeing visions of SG-1’s missions over the last seven years. In the ( Continued on page 4 ) Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 3 SF Tube Talk ( Cont’d from page 3 ) violent group of thieves who have Columbia, Phlox is kidnapped and forced budget SciFi movie. Many of the locals planned their heist of the same bank for to help the Klingons deal with a grave were enlisted to help out in various father were captured by the Wraith and the same day. Sean Astin (The Lord of threat toward their species. Archer and manners as crew and extras. What they subjected to disturbing experiments. To the Rings trilogy) and Vinnie Jones Reed also get involved with the begin- saw happen was a very insane movie finish off Atlantis’ first season will be the (Snatch, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking nings of Section 31. Part two, called shoot with Shatner being very over the two part episode The Siege. With a group Barrels) star. Next is Alien Siege (Feb. Divergence, will feature a multiple top with a large entourage of crazy of Wraith hive ships on the way to 26). A hostile alien race demands millions starship action sequence and reveal more assistants played by improvisational Atlantis, the team searches for a place to of human lives be sacrificed in order to about the Klingons. Finally, the episode comic actors. At the end of it all, Shatner flee and a way to destroy the city. McKay save their species from a deadly virus. In In a Mirror, Darkly, will take a look at the revealed that they weren’t actually there leads a team to try and activate the exchange, they’ll provide humanity with Mirror Universe, complete with a mirror to shoot the movie, but were filming for a Ancients’ orbital weapons platform. vast knowledge and technology, effec- universe version of the opening credits reality series to show the town’s reaction When communications with Earth is re- tively ending hunger and disease and and the event that caused the split in the to their being invaded by strange beings established, a new military contingent solving that pesky power-supply problem. timeline. In a recent interview, producer from Hollywood. As a thank you to the from Earth is sent to take command of If Earth fails to comply, however, the Manny Coto indicated that for the end of townspeople of Riverside for being such Atlantis and defend it from the impending aliens will take what they want by force the season (and maybe the series), he good sports, Shatner presented town Wraith attack. and destroy our world down to the last plans for “the final story will be mankind officials with a $100,000 city service To round out SciFi’s Friday nights microbe. What if no one volunteers? Who overcoming its own prejudices, to begin contribution and the cast and crew will be the new Battlestar Galactica. decides who should be sacrificed? What if this process of [founding] the Federation. donated $12,000 to the Riverside Elemen- SciFi has already ordered six more the people chosen to die for the greater The last challenge will be our own solar tary School Book Fund. Riverside has episodes to continue the first season so good have other plans? A small group of system. The final obstacle will be our- long been touting itself as the future that they will have some new episodes renegades escapes and fights back - and selves.” birthplace of James T. Kirk on March 22, this summer. Upcoming episodes include finds itself locked in a life-or-death Smallville continues to further explore 2228 and has been having an annual Act of Contrition where a deadly accident struggle not just against the alien threat, the Superman mythos with new episodes Trekfest for many years. Shatner said on the hangar deck forces the Galactica to but against the rest of humanity - which that will see another of Clark’s friends that “I fell in love with the people of draft inexperienced pilots to fly Vipers -- might not be getting the great deal that it learn his secret and even bring Krypto Riverside. The hardest part of this whole and brings up painful memories for has been led to expect.... Brad Johnson into the mix. First is Accused, where Lana experience was containing my empathy Starbuck and Apollo. You Can’t Go Home (SCI FI Pictures’ Riverworld, the Left meets a mysterious man who tells her all for the individuals who listened to and Again sees Apollo and Adama stir up Behind movies) and Carl Weathers (the about Smallville before the meteor shower identified with the Hollywood dysfunc- controversy by conducting a search that Rocky films, Predator) star. and Clark is still dealing with Alicia tion that we played in front of them.” uses the fleet’s precious resources when The movie that everyone has been Baker, who has returned and is still Over in the UK, the BBC looks to start Starbuck is hit by enemy fire and goes waiting for (or is that dreading), Obsessed with him. In Recruit, Clark airing the new series of Doctor Who at missing. Litmus has a Cylon attack on Mansquito, will debut on March 12. It visits Metropolis University, which is the end of March. There is not yet any board the Galactica reveal that the enemy stars Corrin Nemec (Stargate SG-1) and trying to recruit him for their football announced outlet for the series in the agents can be indistinguishable from Musetta Vander (Dune) and is about a team. He finds out that one of their U.S., though. If something isn’t set up humans, prompting a tribunal inquiry that scientist who is trying to find a cure for current players is a meteor freak and is quickly, there will likely be a lot of puts Valerii and Tyrol on the spot. the West Nile virus. Unfortunately instead using his powers to help him win games. internet file sharing going on when the Number Six shows up on board the she turns herself and a junkie into mutant Another football player is killed and Lois series debuts. That has been an issue with Galactica posing as someone else, mosquito creatures, which, of course, is the prime suspect. In Krypto, following the new Battlestar Galactica, which prompting a crisis for Baltar when she wreak havoc. Finally, in a Xena reunion the events of Recruit, Lois is kicked out of started airing in the U.K. on Sky One in accuses him of being a traitor in Six of sorts airing on March 26th, Alien Metropolis U and temporarily stays with October, three months before it’s U.S. Degrees of Separation. Flesh and Bone Apocalypse has astronaut doctor Ivan the Kents. She also finds a stray dog that debut on the SciFi Channel. The British has Starbuck ordered to interrogate a Hood (Bruce Campbell ) and his fellow has been the subject of tests at press has been all over the series, with lots Cylon prisoner, who claims that he has astronaut Kelly (Renee O’Connor) LutherCorp. In Sacred, Dr. Crosby of interviews, location filming reports, hidden a bomb on board the Galactica. In returning from their mission in space, to (Margot Kidder) visits Clark and tells and rumors of a romance between the two Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down, Colonel find the world has been taken over by him that Dr. Swann has passed away and series leads. Tigh is stunned when his wife miracu- Aliens. Now Dr. Ivan Hood and Kelly that all of his records were destroyed at In charge of the whole series is lously turns up in the fleet, having must lead a revolution to free the human his request, except for the Kryptonian Executive Producer/Head Writer Russell escaped the Cylon attack and wishing to slaves from their Alien masters. It was key, which she gives to Clark. Lex, Lana T. Davies, who has won many awards for reconcile. The Galactica launches a daring written by Hercules, Xena and Jack of and Clark also end up in China during this his productions on U.K. television attack on a Cylon base in The Hand of All Trades veterans Josh Becker and episode (China?) following up on (including Queer as Folk and The God (based on the episode of the same Robert Tapert. something Lionel Luther has turned up. Second Coming). Davies is writing about title from the original series). Richard We’ve still got Enterprise going along During all these episodes, things progress half of the episode with others being Hatch returns as Tom Zarek in Colonial on UPN on Friday nights. Ratings have with Jason, Lex, Genvieve and Lionel as written by Mark Gatiss (co-creator of Day when the impending election of a been fair and the critical response has well, leading to who knows what but The League of Gentlemen), Steven new Vice President gives activist Tom been mostly good about their Trek likely some sort of big confrontation at Moffat (creator of Coupling), Paul Zarek an opportunity to make a move for mythology oriented storylines and the the end of the season. The next new Cornell (novelist and scriptwriter political power. In the spring finale, the current batch of episodes is no exception. episode will likely not be until April, including many Doctor Who novels), and two part Kobol’s Last Gleaming, the fleet The current mini-arc features United, where rumors are that we may meet Lois Rob Sheaman (scriptwriter of many discovers the planet Kobol and Cylon wherein Archer tries to unify the Lane’s sister Lucy. recent Doctor Who audio adventures). raiders shoot down a Raptor from the Andorians, Tellarites and Vulcans in a Elsewhere on the WB, following a Taking on the role of The Doctor is Galactica over Kobol. It is possible SciFi plan to capture a marauder ship threaten- near-Armageddon storyline that concludes Christopher Eccleston, who has had a may hold back part two for the summer. ing to destabilize the region. Following early in February, Billy Zane will guest wide range of roles in his career so far This episode is also based on the two part that is The Aenar where Archer visits star in three episodes of Charmed as a including the lead in The Second Com- episode from the original series, Lost Shran’s icy homeworld to find an poetry-spouting demon named Drake that ing, as well as roles in 28 Days Later and Planet of the Gods. Andorian subspecies called the Aenar, in seeks the sisters’ help. He made a deal other British films and television series. It wouldn’t be SciFi without those order to determine their connection to the with a sorcerer to be human for a year and Joining the doctor as companion Rose classic Saturday night movies (although at marauder destroying ships in the region. his time is almost up. Tyler will be Billie Piper, a former U.K. least one of them might just be worth This group also features the Romulans in William Shatner pulls one over on Pop Idol who has made the transition to catching, especially for Xena fans). some manner. Next up is a two part the future birthplace of Captain Kirk in acting much more successfully than First up is SlipStream (Feb. 12) A Klingon story, which may reveal the truth Spike TV’s reality miniseries “Invasion others. Guest stars for the series include scientist plots a bank robbery based behind the look of the original series Iowa” premiering Tuesday, March 29th respected British actor Simon Callow as around his newest invention: a time-travel Klingons, an event that Worf alluded to in and running nightly through Friday, April Charles Dickens, Anna-Louise Plowman gadget that will send its user 10 minutes the Deep Space Nine episode Trials and 1st. Last summer, Shatner and a film crew (Dr. Gardner/Osiris on Stargate SG-1) into the past. Everything goes according Tribbleations. In Affliction, while Enter- landed in Riverside, Iowa (population and Simon Pegg (Spaced, Shaun of the to plan - until he crosses paths with a prise visits Earth for the launch of 968), under the pretense of filming a low Dead). ( Continued on page 5 ) Page 4 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 SF Tube Talk ( Cont’ from page 4 ) episodes of Tru Calling’s second season. 24 Frames ( Continued from page 3) enced in his childhood bedroom and who, Coming up on Cartoon Network years later, reluctantly returns home to The new series will be an up-to-date starting March 26th will be the next brought back from the dead for revenge face his fears of a monstrous entity that contemporary production with modern installment of the animated Clone Wars. and to stop a ritual that would transform production values and special effects. It could be real or merely a figment of his These will air as five 12 minute segments Crash into a demon. will not be a series reboot or re-imagining, imagination. Produced by Sam Raimi and as opposed to the twenty 3 to 4 minute In remake news, Disney has hired though it won’t dwell on past history. It Rob Tapert (Xena & Hercules). Stars segments of the initial run of the series. screen writers Brian Klugman and Lee will be the ninth Doctor and it will Barry Watson, Emily Deschanel, Skye The new series will fully set things up for Sternthal to write a new version of Tron. introduce new monsters and villains, but McCole Bartusiak, Lucy Lawless, and SW Episode III, detailing a lot of the This time the computer programmer gets will also bring back some old foes, like Robyn Malcolm. It is directed by events that will be mentioned in the trapped in a cyberworld, representing the the Autons and The Daleks (and rumors Stephen T Kay. opening text scrawl of the movie. Accord- of another resurrection of The Master). internet. It will be interesting to see how Constantine - John Constantine ing to Animator Genndy Tartakovsky, Opening the series will be the episode they work email spam into it. (Keanu Reeves) is a world-traveling, “in these new ones, we have a lot of Rose, which introduces the new Doctor David Duchovny recently talked to mage-like misfit who investigates character and still a lot of action, but we and his first encounter with Rose Tyler. the press about the second X-Files movie. supernatural mysteries and the like, were able to really do some more acting It is looking to film late this year or early The Doctor will once again be dealing and relationship-building. Cartoon walking a thin line between evil and good. with The Autons, an alien intelligence that next year and instead of tying into the Network should also be airing more new Constantine teams up with a female police takes over inanimate objects, including whole alien mythology of the TV series, it episodes of Teen Titans, Justice League detective, Angela (Rachel Weisz), who some famous subjects in Madame will deal with Mulder and Scully investi- and Duck Dodgers during February. seeks Constantine’s help while investigat- Traussade’s Wax museum. Other early gating some sort of supernatural case. Shows recently announced as filming ing the suicide-like death of her twin James Cameron is getting ready to episodes include The End of the World or in pilot stages include Book of Daniel, sister. Does it have something to do with a which is an adventure at the end of time an NBC pilot that is described as a film Battle Angel 3-D, which is based on mysterious group called “The First of the on an alien space station, The Unquiet “darkly comedic drama that centers on an the Japanese manga series Battle Angel Fallen”? And what is it about Constantine Dead set on Christmas Eve, 1869, where Episcopalian minister and father who Alita, about a cyborg in the distant future. that puts him in a position where he is the Doctor will team up with Charles finds himself conversing with a hip, Cameron will utilize the digital 3D making deals with representatives from Dickens to save the world, and Aliens of modern Jesus who helps him navigate camera system he developed for Ghosts of both Heaven and Hell? Based on the London, a two parter where aliens have family problems, church politics and even the Abyss. He hopes that by early 2007, Hellraiser comic. invaded contemporary London. For lots his nagging reliance on prescription there will be enough digital capable more info and up to date information on Son of the Mask - The Mask of Loki painkillers.” I doubt if they will put it up theatres to present the film properly. the series, visit the new series news page has found its way into the hands of against Joan of Arcadia, though. NBC Joel Silver and The Wachowski at www.gallifreyone.com aspiring cartoonist Tim Avery, whose son has also ordered a pilot for Fathom, about Brothers will next tackle producing a [[Editor’s Note: The BBC is publish- is born possessing some of its spectacular mysterious creatures in the bottom of the movie adaptation of V for Vendetta, a powers. But when Loki comes to earth ing Doctor Who reprint novels on the ocean. They’re hoping it will be their futuristic comic series by Alan Moore net. Seven titles are available at this time. looking for his “son,” a power struggle of answer to Lost. SciFi’s two hour pilot and David Lloyd. Natalie Portman will epic proportions and cartoon-like contor- Serialized in weekly installments, the free movie for Painkiller Jane will star play the female lead, a young woman who tions ensues. Stars Alan Cumming, download features illustrations and Emmanuelle Vaugier (Dr. Bryce on becomes the ally of V, a mysterious Jamie Kennedy, Traylor Howard, Bob author’s commentary on each chapter. Smallville) in the title role. Based on a masked revolutionary. It is set in a future Hoskins, and Ben Stein. Check it out at http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/ comic from Event Comics, it deals with a Britain after a devastating war has Cursed - This one is finally being doctorwho/ebooks/]] young Marine officer (Vaugier) who ravaged the planet. No word yet on who There’s not much advance info on the released after having several previously acquires rapid self-healing powers after will play “V”. Filming begins in March rest of the broadcast network series. announced release dates. An estranged being exposed to a biochemical weapon. for a November release. NBC’s Medium with Rosanna Arquette For more schedule information, news brother and sister living in Los Angeles, Here’s what’s coming out in the debuted to very strong ratings in early and links, visit the Magrathea/SFTV mourning the recent loss of their parents, theatres in the next couple of months. January and looks to be a fixture for a Pages at www.sftv.org Contact Lee are brought together by a savage Boogeyman - The story tells the while. The series is based on a real life Whiteside at [email protected] werewolf attack, forcing them to fight for medium from Phoenix, Allison Dubois, haunting tale of a young man traumatized survival, against both the beast and the although obviously exaggerated for by memories of terrible events he experi- dramatic purposes. You can find out more ( Continued on page 6 ) about the real life medium at her website at www.AllisonDubois.com. Alias returned to strong ratings as well, now following J. J. Abram’s Lost on Wednes- day nights. They’ve reset the series some and plan to try to recapture the magic they had early in the series. Debuting on FOX in late January was Point Pleasant, with former Buffy producer Marti Noxon at the helm. It centers on a mysterious young woman, Christina Nickson (Elisabeth Harnois), who is the offspring of the devil and a mortal woman. The series deals with her finding out about her legacy and how her presence affects other people in the town. While Christina struggles to control the demon inside her (and the powers that come with it), the fight for her soul has begun and the town of Point Pleasant has turned into the ultimate battleground of good vs. evil. Also starring are Dina Meyer, and Richard Burgi. It looks like it might be worth checking out, but you never can tell with FOX. As of press time, FOX has yet to announce when, or if, they will eventually air the six produced Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 5 24 Frames ( Continued from page 5 ) late February for SheVaCon. but isn’t sure it suits how the book’s William Dietz turned up this month to turning out, so it may well change. For dangers of its virulent curse. Stars Pro Notes tell me that at the moment he’s in the those of you who’ve been following the Christina Ricci, James Brolin, Portia We have lots of new names this month middle of a two-book duology set about a NEWFORD stories over the years, this De Rossi, Jesse Eisenberg, and Shannon plus some returning faithfuls. million years in the future. The first, book focuses on Geordie and Jilly. Elizabeth. Wes Craven directed. We’ll start with a new name this time, “Runner,” is about a freelance runner And from just a bit further away (the Robots - Set on a world populated new to ProNotes but not new to us: Diana named Jak Rebo hired to deliver a boy UK) comes Brian Aldiss who is still entirely by robots, this is the story of a Gabaldon swears the only thing her fans predestined to become a major religious hopeful for his opera, “Oedipus on young genius, Rodney (Ewan want to know is when the next Claire & leader to a distant planet even as members Mars”, which his company, Avernus McGregor), who wants to make robots Jamie book will be done. Her answer: of a competing sect attempt to assassinate Media, has just published as a text. {see capable of making the world a better when she’s done writing it! But the good the youngster. “Runner” is due out in Oct more detail in Issue 14.3 of ProNotes} He place, but he finds his dream challenged news is that she is almost finished with “A 2005. The second book is still untitled but just completed his long ambitious novel, by a corporate tyrant and a master Breath of Snow and Ashes,” the 6th book, due the next fall. “Walcot”, on which he has been working inventor, Big Weld (Mel Brooks), while no publication date yet but maybe in 2005. Stephen Donaldson just published the for the last two years and will probably also being seduced by a sexy corporate The second thing everyone wants to know first of four books of the LAST take a much-needed vacation. Congratula- robot, Cappy (Halle Berry). is when there will be a movie. The book is CHRONICLES OF THOMAS tions, Brian! Two other novels will be Kung Fu Hustle - In Shanghai in the in negotiation for an option but that’s no CONVENANT but you probably already published, “Sanity and the Lady” from ’30s, times are dangerous and gangs rule guarantee. And, No, Diana doesn’t get to knew that. He is, of course, hard at work Peter Crowther’s outfit, and “Jocasta” the streets. The most notorious of these, say who plays Jamie. “Lord John and the on the next one. But just to keep his life from the newly established Rose Press. the Axes, strike fear into the hearts of Private Matter” was recently released in interesting, producers Mark Gordon Back home in Arizona, Judith Tarr honest citizens and inspire admiration in trade paperback. The significance of this (“Saving Private Ryan”) and Peter shared that “Rite of Conquest” (Roc, one young wannabe. One day, in a slum is that you get more for your money – the Winther (“Independence Day”) have October 2004), a fantasy about William on the outskirts of town, he wreaks havoc book includes the short story “Lord John acquired the rights, and are now seeking the Conqueror, got a starred review in when he recklessly poses as an Axe and the Hellfire Club,” never before financing, for a “Lord Foul’s Bane” film. Booklist--they called it “irresistible!” member and causes a veritable riot printed in the US plus the first three Of course, rights get acquired (optioned) (punctuation is theirs). She also has a between the real gang members and the chapters of “A Breath of Snow and all the time and they don’t always produce story in the anthology, “The First denizens of a housing project who just so Ashes!” a movie. But, hey, who knows?! Heroes,” that made #3 on the Amazon list happen to be strangely well versed in the I’m also real excited about introducing Well, I have news from other lands, as of Best SF of 2004. She has handed in art of kung fu. Directed by: Stephen ya’all to Charlaine Harris from Arkan- well. Nancy Kilpatrick wrote me from “King’s Blood” (sequel to “Rite of Chow sas. Charlaine writes a great series about Canada – her current book is on the Conquest”--about William Rufus) to Roc, The Ring Too - Rachel Keller moves southern vampires (see Aug/Sep ‘04 shelves, “The Goth Bible: A Compen- and it will be published in the fall of with her son to Portland after the events ConNotations for a book review of “Dead dium for the Darkly Inclined” (St. 2005. in Seattle, but when a copy of the sinister Until Dark”) that I just love. She tells me Martin’s Press – October ‘04). It’s a non- Caitlin Brennan’s “The Mountain’s videotape kills a boy and her son gets sick that she’s going over the page proofs for fiction look at the goth culture worldwide Call” (Harlequin LUNA, September with an unexplained ailment, she has to “Dead as a Doornail,” the next Sookie (and should probably be required reading 2004) has been getting plenty of attention dig deeper into the history of the girl that Stackhouse (book 5). DAAD has another for some parents). Also out in Oct of ‘04, from the romance side of the fence. It’s appears in the tape. Stars Naomi Watts, great Lisa Desimini cover. The book “Hellboy: Odder Jobs” which has the been nominated for the Romantic Times Simon Baker, David Dorfman, Emily should be on the shelves by May 1. She’s short story “Sleepless in Manhattan” Editor’s Choice Award for Best Fantasy of Van Camp, and Sissy Spacek. in the final rewrites of a new book (Dark Horse). She just handed in the 2004, and one of the amazon.com editors D.E.B.S. - To the outside world, the featuring Harper Connelly, a lightning novel “Jason X: Planet of the Beast” made a point of informing her LUNA D.E.B.S. look like picture-perfect, plaid- strike victim who makes her living by which will be published in ‘05 by Black editor that the book just missed the top 10 skirted, well-schooled young women. But finding bodies. The title is still a bit up in Flame (UK). And, she’s been contracted for Best Romance of 2004--it was in the really they are our nation’s first line of the air. The Harper Connelly books are to write another book in the JASON X top 15. (As her agent said, “But it’s not a defense. Their arch enemy? Lucy In The more mystery and less supernatural than world, which will come out in 2006. romance!” No, it’s a fantasy novel, but it Sky, a sexy, diamond-bejeweled bank the other series, and they’re far more noir Nancy and Nancy Holder have handed in seems the romance side of the Force likes robber so evil that no crime fighter has in tone. You’ll see this one in the stores in an anthology they’ve co-edited,” Outsid- it just fine.) She has handed in the sequel, faced her and lived to tell the tale - until the fall. In between books, she’s writing a ers: Stories on the Edge of the “Song of Unmaking” (which is slotted for the D.E.B.S. are ordered to take her short story for the P.N. Elrod anthology Fantastical,” to be published by Roc/ October 2005), and is working on a third down. Stars Jordana Brewster, Meagan “My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding.” NAL in 2005. As well, she sold the short novel in the series. Good, Devon Aoki, Jill Ritchie, and Lee Modesitt was at World Fantasy story “Our Lady of the Snows” to Tesser- For the SIME~GEN fans out there – Michael Clarke Duncan. when I cornered him and got him to agree acts 9. Currently, she’s working on Jean Lorrah (Kentucky) and Jacqueline Sin City - Based on the Frank Miller to contribute. His “Ordermaster” -- the “Mercedez—Day of the Dead” for Blue Lichtenberg (Arizona) told me that the comic series, Sin City is a violent city thirteenth RECLUCE novel -- is being Moon books in conjunction with VIVID. next SIME~GEN book, “To Kiss or To where the police department is as corrupt published by Tor this January, 2005, in Another Canadian, Charles de Lint, Kill,” has been turned in to Meisha Merlin as the streets are deadly. In this movie, we hardcover. In June 2005, the fourth book has an update on the 20th Anniversary for over a year, but they (Meisha Merlin) follow three stories, the central of which of the COREAN CHRONICLES – Edition of “Moonheart” (Subterranean have bought out another publisher and is Marv, a tough-as-nails and nearly “Alector’s Choice” -- will be out in Press, illustrated by Charles Vess) which completely rearranged their schedule. At impossible to kill street fighter who goes hardcover, also from Tor. In addition, in was supposed to be out in time for the the moment it’s not known when “To Kiss on a rampage of vengeance when a June, the first two books of the “ghost” World Fantasy Convention. Then it was or To Kill” will appear. It’s frustrating, as beautiful woman, Goldie, he sleeps with trilogy will be re-printed as a trade before the end of the year. Now it looks this is the first new SIME~GEN book in for only one night is killed while lying in paperback titled “Ghosts of Columbia.” like it will have a January release. Also over fifteen years, and the fans are bed with him. Stars Mickey Rourke, The reprinted version also contains a due very soon from Sub Press is “Quick- salivating to get their hands on it. “To Kiss Bruce Willis, Benicio Del Toro, Clive 3,000 word Afterword containing more silver & Shadow” the second of the early or To Kill” is all new, never before Owen, and Elijah Wood Directed by information about the background of the story collections. This one will have a published work. The long title novel is by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller. books. Then, in October, Tor will be cover by his wife, MaryAnn Harris. Jean, there is a short story about two of releasing in hardcover a new stand-alone Next up will be a small NEWFORD the supporting characters in the novel, science fiction novel, titled “The Eternity collection (as yet untitled) that will have also by Jean, called “Best of Fools,” and Artifact.” Lee will be a guest at the BYU one new story in it plus two previously there is a short novel by Jacqueline called symposium -- Life, the Universe and published but as-yet-uncollected stories. “Personal Recognizance.” In the mean- Everything [LTUE] in mid-February, and Charles is also hard at work on a new time, Jean is working on “Companions” then, traveling to Roanoke, Virginia, in novel for Tor tentatively called and Jacqueline is working on “The Farris “Widdershins.” He says he likes the title, ( Continued on page 7 ) Page 6 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 We have a report from our resident MIB, Jessie Foster: The winter has seen the release of several fantastic products from Steve Jackson Games. The new “hot” card game called “Burn in Hell” casts you as one of the Lords of the hottest place under the earth. A variety of the damned come to you for sorting into circles. What do Jim Jones, Lucrezia Borgia, General Custer, and Aleister Crowley have in common? It’s your job to find the commonality to score points before Hell freezes over. With artwork from Greg Hyland (of Munchkin Fu fame) and designed by Evil Stevie himself, this is surely a hot one! The GURPS 4th Edition line continues to flourish. The past two months have seen the release of Fantasy, everything you need to design and run your own fantasy game, and Magic, all your favorite spells from 3rd Edition and then some. By the time you read this, GURPS Infinite Worlds will be on the shelves. The long awaited “core setting” for GURPS puts you in the role of a member of the Infinity Patrol, a police organiza- tion monitoring travel between an infinite number of alternate worlds, or perhaps a refugee from one of those worlds. The possi- bilities are literally…infinite! The Issaries line just released “Men of the Sea”, exploring the oceans of Glorantha from the eyes of sailor heroes. Munchkin fans won’t be disappointed to see the expansion to last years chop sockey sequel to Munchkin in January. Munchkin Fu – “Monky” Business” New styles such as Fee Fi Fo Fu and Sna Fu, new weapons, the Tofu Tonfa, and new monsters like the Sex Gaki or Genghis Cong will put a new kiai in your Munchkin. By the time convention season starts up, you can look for “Space Pirate Amazon Ninja Catgirls…SPANC.” As always you can find out more informa- tion by going to our website, www.sjgames.com and if you’re running a convention or gaming event and would like to have the MIB ( Continued from page 6 ) mean there is no external action! Cheryl Ann Costa will be running a LARP Pro Notes demo Steve Jackson Games games there, Channel,” both under contract to Meisha Jacqueline named this subgenre years ago, based on the LIFEWAVE Novels using contact me at [email protected]. And Merlin. On a more personal note, in and they are trying to get the term her own original character and back- remember, next time we game, it’s your March, Jean will present a paper on recognized so that fans of this kind of ground. Find out more at http:// turn to bring the munchies! “Intimate Adventure: the Hidden writing--who are legion--will have a www.simegen.com/jl/kren/krenlarp/ It is a And, finally from our own Larry Genre” at the International Conference on category to ask for instead of just their first-hand live role-playing with a Vela, who runs Velavision – he tells me the Fantastic in the Arts. Intimate Adven- own list of authors they have laboriously character inspired from the LIFEWAVE that his Star Wars fan film that Velavision ture is the genre Jacqueline and Jean compiled who give them the particular Universe. It’s called “Washington Press has been working on so long is finally in write--works in which the internal conflict sense of wonder they are looking for. And Conference.” And this is a really different pre- production and they plan to film by is more important to the intended audi- Jacqueline had some exciting news about LARP. ence than the external--which doesn’t her LIFEWAVE series - in March 2005, ( Continued on page 8 ) Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 7 Conversation ( Continued from page 1 ) one time science fiction was written for chatted a few moments longer about the Pro Notes ( Continued from page 7 ) teenaged boys. Early science fiction didn’t (infamous) third Sisters of the Night book. tions of power…especially when they are even have many women or girls for a long Quinn confirmed that the book is done mid-February. The film will debut at supposed to be sympathetic. The vampire while. They made the publishers uneasy. and the manuscript was turned into the LepreCon 31 in the spring. And my in fiction is commonly portrayed as a rich, So too, the female vampire as an indepen- publisher back in about 1998. The column wouldn’t be complete without a powerful man who is able to do pretty dent, strong woman in a positive role, problem lay in publishing house mergers. report from the 501st Stormtrooper much anything he wants. Perhaps, I asked makes them uneasy today. The whole That was about the time Avon Books Legion/Dune Sea Garrison. Check out them, no one wants to read about a concept of vampirism is so tied up in merged with Harper Collins. Quinn their awesome rebuilt website at woman who dominates the man? Suzy sexual power that it makes the whole idea explained that whenever there’s a merger, www.az501st.com The 501st is very agreed, saying that readers expect the (of a sympathetic dominant female they sacrifice a whole bunch of editors to active in the community and fandom and woman to dominate only through her vampire) seem improbable. We all hoped the gods of publishing. Quinn never knew here are some of the events in which ‘womanly wiles.’ Quinn also pointed out for a gradual reformation and an advent of which editor had been given the book and they’ll be participating: Visit to the that a woman can be expected to be strong new writers willing to break down the the book subsequently disappeared. Due Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Feb or to protect her man and children. But, as stereotypical vampire role. to differences with the publisher, she isn’t March, 2005 Star Wars: Episode III: Suzy added, it is extremely difficult for a After a collective breath, I asked particularly disturbed by this event. Only Revenge of the Sith – AZ Line up & woman to take the role of the vampire Quinn how she keeps Saint-Germain the diehard fans miss it. Quinn regrets that opening night May 25, 2005 MS Walk on who travels about enjoying an indepen- honestly located in history. She admitted the fans are disappointed. the Wild Side in April. Star Wars dent, wealthy lifestyle and dominating the that she keeps a chronology so she always It was a lovely interview with two Celebration III on April 21 -24, 2005 in ‘made’ vampires in his world. There have knows where he’s been. A few mistakes very talented, friendly and charming Indianapolis, IN. They’ll also be coming been a couple exceptions to the rule; but have made it into her books and her fans women and I thank them again. out to play at our LepreCon 31 conven- overall, it is a very hard character to delight in finding and reporting them. tion on May 6-8, 2005. They’ll be create and most vampire writers don’t go Suzy doesn’t need to do that for Weyland providing: a Full Prop Replica/Costume in that direction. Quinn is, of course, a just yet. But her Holdfast stories require display, Panels on props & costuming, notable exception with her two female several timelines and outlines to keep possibly Workshops on RTV & Resin vampires, Olivia and Madelaine. She straight. From here, Quinn and Suzy casting and How to Build a Junk Gun. explained that it can be a real challenge to digressed into an intimate discussion of They’ll also host the Empire vs. Rebel- find a place in history where a woman can the state of their respective homes relative lion: The Great Debate and the Masquer- be slipped in, especially as an outsider. to the amount of paper amassed there. ade Half Time Show. And, since vampires are the ultimate Quinn declared that she destroys all her That’s it for this issue, watch for me ‘outsider’ this task is doubly hard, even notes after a book is finished, in an next June. And, as always - if anyone impossible. Since even Quinn hasn’t attempt to control the amount of paper but wants to contribute or knows someone written as many books with her female Suzy admitted that all her papers will still who knows someone…please write to vampires as with her male, Saint- be there when she dies. They’ll be ConNotations or email me at Editor Germain, I asked her what was the driving somebody else’s problem… @casfs.org – Catherine Book. force – publishers? Oh, yes, she replied. I was curious about their respective They don’t want that type of book. Her writing styles and habits. Some folks like last Madelaine book (In The Face of a tight outline and others keep adding to it Death) was an e-book for quite a while until the book is almost written. Did either before it finally published in soft-cover. of them have a similar penchant? Suzy’s Quinn has a fourth Olivia book proposal style is to start with a question and write but no publisher. (It is set in England with from the beginning to the end. For her, the Queen Elizabeth I. A very good time for adventure is finding the answer to the an independent woman of power as long question in the process. If she knew the as she doesn’t attract any interest from answer right off, she said, she’d be bored one of the Queen’s court…) with it (the process of writing.) Quinn Suzy brought up the fact that there is a likes to start with a short outline, 5-10 whole sub-genre of romance books about pages, but often departs from it; especially vampires and, with few exceptions, are all if a minor character speaks up and takes about the lovely heroine being seduced by over. She learned early on that if you, as the dark, sexy, dominant male vampire. the writer, believe you know what is It’s very hard to go against the cultural happening (in your story) but a character pattern at this time, she said. Suzy tells you that ‘no, that’s not what’s believes there should be a counter-balance happening” then the character is always happening by now; but, as she said, the right and you’re always wrong. She pattern ingrained in the cultural mind isn’t believes that this process is one of the hungry enough yet for this change. I harder things a new writer needs to learn: bemoaned that fact as I’ve been wishing to know when to get out of the way and for stories about woman like Madelaine let the character tell the story. Suzy agreed and Olivia. With vampires being so wholeheartedly. As she said, when she romantic and seductive in our literature, tried to make her characters do what she movies and TV, I think it’s just as impor- told them to do, the story went dead. She tant to have strong female role models simply couldn’t write past the blockage; there as anywhere else in our culture. It’s the blockage was the wrong direction. just one more barrier that needs to come Both of them emphasized that one needs down. Suzy consoled me with the idea to listen to one’s characters. I asked if it that it will happen eventually and Quinn wasn’t difficult to recognize when one added that it just won’t happen overnight. was at such a point. They agreed and I asked Suzy if she thought there could added that it comes with experience; ever be a female ‘Weyland’ character. She although, Suzy admitted that she occa- wouldn’t say never but thought it unlikely. sionally ‘forgets’ and finds herself The publishers, she said, are uneasy with banging her head against the wall. the idea. Although, she reminded us, at Suzy had to leave and Quinn & I Page 8 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 and Robeson Bailey, illustrated by Inga Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War. New What the Citizen Should Know about NonGenre by New York, H. Holt and Co. 1947 York, Norton [1953] 520 p. port., maps. Modern War [by] Fletcher Pratt. Illustra- The Marine’s War; an Account of the [ASU] tions by Andre’ Jandot. New York, W. W. Genre Struggle for the Pacific from Both The Third King. New York, Sloane [1950] Norton & company, inc. [1942] 184 p. American and Japanese Sources. New 313 p. maps, Subject: Valdemar IV Fletcher Pratt York, W. Sloane Associates [1948] Atterdag, King of Denmark, 1320 (ca)- [ASU] 1375. [ASU] 1897-1956 The Navy: a History; the Story of a War for the World; a Chronicle of Our Service in Action, by Fletcher Pratt. Fighting Forces in World War Ii. Fletcher Pratt was a marvelous writer Garden City, NY, Doubleday, Doran & Toronto, Glasgow, Brook & Co.; New of Fantasy and Science Fiction best company, inc., 1938. [ASU] York, United States Publishers Associa- known for his collaborations with L. The Navy Has Wings, with a foreword by tion c1950. [ASU] Sprague DeCamp in The Incomplete Rear Admiral J.S. Enchanter. Unknown to many he had a McCain, illustrated second career as an historian. He was also with photographs by author of books on space travel, a U.S. Navy. New York, cookbook and a book on codes and Harper, 1943. ciphers. Many of these can be found in Night Work: the Story local libraries. Those available at ASU are of Task Force 39, New indicated in brackets after the entry. York, H. Holt and All About Famous Inventors and Their Company [c1946] Inventions. New York, Random House [ASU] [c1955] 141 p. Preble’s Boys; Com- The Civil War. Garden City, N.Y., Garden modore Preble and the City Books [1955] Birth of American Sea The Battles That Changed History. Power. New York, Garden City, N. Y., Hanover House Sloane [1950] [ASU] [1956] Road to Empire; the Civil War in Pictures, Garden City, N.Y., Life and Times of Garden City Books 1957. 256 p [ASU] Bonaparte, the Gen- Civil War on Western Waters, New York, eral, New York, Holt [1956] [ASU] Doubleday, Doran & The Compact History of the United States company, inc., 1939. Navy. Rev. by Hartley E. Howe. Illus. by [ASU] Louis Priscilla New and rev. ed. New Description xxiii, 346 York, Hawthorn Books 1962, 350 p. p. front., illus. (incl. [ASU] maps, music) The Cunning Mulatto and Other Cases of Rockets, Satellites, and Ellis Parker, American Detective, by Ellis Space Travel, by Jack Parker told by Fletcher Pratt. New York : Coggins and Fletcher H. Smith and R. Haas, 1935. 295 p. Pratt. Edited by Willy Eleven Generals; Studies in American Ley. New York, Command. New York, W. Sloane Random House [1958] Associates [1949] [ASU] Secret and Urgent; the The Empire and the Glory; Napoleon Story of Codes and Bonaparte: 1800-1806. Illus. by Inga. Ciphers, by Fletcher New York, W. Sloane Associates [1948, Pratt. Indianapolis, c1949] [ASU] New York, The Bobbs- Empire and the Sea, illustrated by Inga Merrill Company, Stephens., New York : H. Holt and 1939. 282 p. [ASU] Company, [1946], 446 p. illus. (incl. A Short History of the maps, plans) [ASU] Civil War : Ordeal by Fleet against Japan, by Fletcher Pratt, Fire / by Fletcher Pratt, with a foreword by Admiral Nimitz. New New York, Pocket York, London, Harper & Brothers [1946] Books, 1948, 413 p., The Heroic Years; Fourteen Years of the maps, Includes index Republic, 1801-1815, New York, H. [ASU] Smith and R. Haas, 1934. 352 p. front., Twenty Thousand illus. (incl. music) plates, ports. U.S. Leagues under the Sea. History — 1801-1809 [ASU] By Verne, Jules. The Hail, Caesar! by Fletcher Pratt. With English version made illustrations by Da Osimo and relief maps from the French by by the author. New York, H. Smith and R. Mercier Lewis, with a Haas, 1936. 349 p. new intro. by Fletcher The Lost Battalion, by Thomas M. Pratt, and with hand- Johnson and Fletcher Pratt. Indianapolis, colored illus. by New York : The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Edward A. Wilson Los [c1938] 9 p. l., 17-338 p. front., plates, Angeles, Printed for the ports., maps, [United States. Army. members of the Infantry Regiment, 308th (1917-1919)] Limited Editions Club A Man and His Meals by Fletcher Pratt at the Plantin Press, 1956 Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 9 Frank Kelly Freas Michael Mason June Patton In Memoriam 1922-2005 1960-2005 1945-2005

Will Eisner Frank Kelly Freas passed away on Michael Mason was found dead in his Donna June Patton, the owner of The Kelly Freas January 2, at his Los Angeles home with apartment on January 4, 2005. He was 44 Bent Cover bookstore at 28th Drive & Michael Mason his wife Laura by his side. years old. Cactus, suffered a stroke Thursday night, June Patton Kelly was an eleven time Hugo Award Chaz Boston Baden writes of his January 13, 2005. It was a very serious winning illustrator known for his cover friend: stroke and there was no hope of recovery. and interior art for science fiction, fantasy, “Michael was in charge of the LASFS She was removed from life support Will Eisner as well as advertising, and MAD Maga- library for many years. Not a trained Saturday and passed very quickly after 1917-2005 librarian, he did what he could, and he that. June was 59 years old. had a love for the LASFS Library She is survived by her son, Richard Will Eisner passed away on January and his wife, Susan, and five grandchil- 3rd, 2005 at the age of 87 following dren, James Dean, Richard Thomas, Jack quadruple bypass heart surgery. The Riley Wyatt, Diantha June Gourdin and surgery was performed on December 22, Thomas Andres Schlagenhaft, and several and was considered successful at that time siblings. June’s top priority was to see her Best known for “The Spirit,” Eisner grandchildren taken care of and educated. was a pioneer in newspaper comics, If you wish to make a donation to June’s comic books and graphic novels for grandsons in lieu of flowers, the family nearly 70 years. His most recent graphic would greatly appreciate it. Donations can novel, Fagin The Jew, was published in be made to the Wyatt Children Education September 2003, and a final novel, The © Chaz Boston Baden Fund at Desert Schools Credit Union, Plot is scheduled for release this year nonetheless. LASFS used to purchase its account no. 1070249803. Her viewing Each year since its creation in 1988 he © Chaz Boston Baden NESFA Press books by way of Bruce was Monday, January 17th, from 5-8pm presided over the Eisner Awards, pre- zine. He had been involved with science Pelz, and when Bruce died Michael at Hanson Mortuary at 8314 N. 7th St, sented annually at the San Diego Comic- fiction from 1950 until weeks before his Mason joined NESFA expressly to Phoenix. The funeral was Tuesday at Con International. death. His illustrations were used for continue that arrangement. Now who will 10am at the same location. He will be buried next to his late stories by writers such as Isaac Asimov, buy our books? June touched thousands of people over daughter, Alice, who died in 1969. Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, A. E. Michael was a habitual Worldcon the years and will be desperately missed Surviving Will are his wife, Ann, and his Van Vogt, Poul Anderson, and Frederik attendee, and his collection of Worldcon by many. Last year she decided to clean son, John. Condolence cards may be sent Pohl. t-shirts was one he was proud of. He had up her store by sending books to our to the Eisner family at the following Kelly was a member of First Fandom enough to wear a clean Worldcon t-shirt soldiers in Iraq and had sent over 15,000 address: Will Eisner Studios, Inc., 8333 and the Dorsai Irregulars. His art work every day. He chaired Loscon a year ago, books. Several soldiers visited her while West McNab Road, Suite 131, Tamarac covered many fields, he was an official and “helped” with the Loscon program on leave to thank her. Many more sent FL 33321. Donations may be made to the NASA mission artist, his space posters most recently.” letters, pictures and t-shirts. She left a Cartoon Research Library at Ohio State hang in the Smithsonian, he designed the The funeral was held on Sunday, hole in space that cannot be filled. University, 27 W 17th Avenue Mall, Skylab I crew patch, he did album and CD January 9 at Mount Sinai Los Angeles Columbus, OH 43210. covers for Queen, he painted beautiful Memorial Park. A memorial ceremony women on the noses of World War II was held on Sunday, January 23, 2005 at The Spirit Goes On bombers and portraits of five hundred the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society (In memory of Will Eisner) saints for the Franciscans as well as clubhouse. If you would like to send a by Jeffrey Lu contributing to Mad Magazine character card or a note to his family please send Alfred E. Neuman them to: Michael Mason Family, c/o Los Comic book reader- His funeral was held on Monday, Angeles Science Fantasy Society, 11513 Graphic? January 3 in Canoga Park, California Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood CA Fantastic! followed by burial at Oakwood Memorial 91601 A first hero from the graveyard Park in St Bears the color red, white, and blue Chatsworth Fighting not only with fists California. But with head, heart, and home. He is survived by The man is a storyteller his wife of 16 Who goes beyond the pulp. years, Laura He influences generations: Brodian Freas; From readers a daughter, To writers. Jacqueline; a From artists son, Jeremy; To collectors. and six grandsons. He is gone but... Messages of The Storyteller gives us the tools. condolence The Storyteller shows us the techniques. and The Storyteller provides us the tricks. rememberence The Storyteller guides us the trades. may be sent The Storyteller still even now thrills us via his web For his Spirit moves on. site at www.kellyfreas.com

Page 10 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 have the depth of Red’s Dream or the forever changed by what he does next. To http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ Screening Room ending poke-in-the-funny-bone of Tin Toy find out what happens, race to your local incredibles/trailers.php Aliens of the Deep or Knick Knack, Boundin’ is still a delight macrotheatreplex now! http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2473523 The Incredibles for children of most ages. I found this movie a delight, one of the http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/ When The Incredibles begins, we’re most entertaining films of 2004, and I can http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ Aliens of the Deep treated to what appears to be an old inter- hardly contain myself waiting for the dvd incredibles/ 48 mins view of Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. release and the hoped for extras disc. With ?beg=0&int=169&creamcrop_limit=38&page=all Directed by James Cameron Nelson), at first fumbling with his micro- an estimated cost of $92,000,000.00 and a http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/ & Steve Quale phone and then bemoaning the tendency gross of $251,657,004.00 as of January r23431.htm toward chaos and entropy. “I just cleaned up 2nd, 2005, The Incredibles is a solid hit http://www.killermovies.com/i/ James Cameron, Academy Award this mess,” he says. Then we move to doing incredibly well. Just imagine the theincredibles/reviews/ winning director and adventurer, turns current times where we find a very busy dvd sales. http://www.moviecentre.net/ his talents in a new direction. In Aliens series of events to complicate Mr. http://www.pixar.com/ upcomingmovies/preview/202.php of the Deep he takes us to the depths of Incredible’s day: A bank robbery, a cat stuck http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/ http://www.moviecentre.net/ earth’s oceans to several hydrothermal in a tree (these events become linked), an incredibles/index.html upcomingmovies/trailer/202.php over-achieving fanboy, a holdup followed vent sites in the Atlantic and Pacific. by an unexpected assist from These violent volcanic regions are a another Super, a foiled suicide, a place where the interaction between coincidental encounter with a ocean and molten rock creates plumes super villain, a second (and of super-heated, chemically-charged portentous) encounter with water that nurture creatures unlike Buddy(Jason Lee), the fanboy, anything ever seen before. Cameron is culminating in a late arrival at his joined by a team of NASA scientists own wedding! An amazing first who study these creatures in order to few minutes. But, marital bliss is extrapolate on the types of life we might not to be Mr. Incredibles fate. He find in outer space not only on distant and all of the other super powered planets orbiting distant stars, but also in peoples must soon stop their aid our own solar system. to the common good. Are the The creatures found here in the Supers brought down by alien depths do not depend on sunlight to creatures, bent on subjugating live, unlike all other life on earth, in- mankind? Has a plague robbed stead competing with each other for just the Supers of their powers and the right spot in the super-heated water abilities? Alas, the greatest that will give them what they need examples of mental and physical without frying them. perfection the world has ever And these creatures are beautiful, known are defeated by lawyers. well one fish is kind of ugly but still Sued by the man who sought interesting. There was a breathtakingly suicide as a solution to his woes, beautiful transparent something, drifting Mr. Incredible hangs up his and floating in the darkness, as well as supersuit, a hero no more. Soon, pretty white worms with blood red the government places all of the plumes, yucky white crabs with no eyes, Supers in a form of the witness a truly gorgeous white octopus and a protection program, calming the weird blob of shrimp that latch on to the lawsuitmania and forcing “Jake” roving probe. anonymity on the former heroes. The 3D IMAX format makes this Flash forward fifteen years. film a treat though it was much shorter Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, now than I expected. I was disappointed known only as Bob and Helen there wasn’t more explanation of the Parr (voiced by Holly Hunter), creatures we saw and how they related their children, Violet (Sarah to potential life on other planets. Vowell), Dashell (Spencer Fox), Definitely go see this in the 3D and Jack Jack (Eli Fucile and IMAX format, the $9 ticket price is Maeve Andrews), live quiet lives worth it for the feeling of actually being in suburbia. Unbeknownst to his there that the 3D effects produce. family, Bob is living a quiet life Reccommended. - Stephanie L Bannon of desperation. He can’t stomach that the insurance company for More Animated Than Most: which he works is more con- The Incredibles is a Super Story cerned about the quarterly profit By Shane Shellenbarger statement than it is about the ruined lives of customers whose If you haven’t seen The Incredibles claims they constantly deny. One in a theatre by now don’t be disheart- day, Bob snaps, puts his boss, ened. As of this writing, the movie Gilbert Huph (voiced by Wallace about a very above-par family of Shawn, but looking like a superheroes is still playing at twenty- diminutive William H. Macy) in two theatres in and around the Phoenix the hospital, loses his job, and Metro area. Granted, it moved from the risks revealing his superpowers largest screen at Harkins Metro where I th and forcing another relocation on saw it on November 6 to the smallest his family. Just as he is about to screen at the same theatre when I saw it rd confess his dire state to his wife, on December 23 , but it was every bit Bob discovers a mysterious as enjoyable during the second viewing. envelope containing an invitation The Incredibles is proceeded by the to be a hero once more and the western short tale, Boundin’, an allegory promise of financial freedom for of a lamb, a jackalope, and ridiculing Bob and his family. Little does prairie dogs. While I didn’t care for the Bob know, but his life and the character design, and the story didn’t lives of all of the Supers will be Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 11 Anizona

Page 12 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 Anizona

Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 13 Arizona Book Festival Books For Soldiers arise in the future, and how, in reverse fashion, these transformations of SF have FYI April 2, 2005 Care Packages for the Mind led to reshaping of the conventional forms of narrative in recent SF novels and Jack Chalker Ill The annual free Arizona Book What does a soldier do with his down stories? Festival, now in it’s eighth year, will take time when he’s stationed in the Middle The conference will have four Author Jack Chalker, has been sections, organized around the following hospitalized for congestive heart failure place on Saturday, April 2nd at the East? If he’s lucky, he has a book to read. areas of investigation. since December 7. He has had several Carnegie Center at 1101 W. Washington What can you do? A donation of $5 The Astounding Age: The Past, Present St. in Phoenix, Arizona from 10:00 am to will send a box of 15-20 books to a and Future of Hard SF. Under consider- long periods of unconsciousness and is on ation here is the legacy of Astounding and off a respirator. He is permanently 5:00 pm. The festival is sponsored by the military person to read and share with his/ Arizona Humanities Council and as with her tent mates. A donation of $10 will Stories, and the way in which Astounding disabled but not fully retired. When his Stories altered the course of SF in its 75 condition permits he will be moved to a the previous seven book festivals, CASFS send a 25-pound box of books - and that’s years of existence. Also under consider- nursing home for further recovery. The and LepreCon will be exhibiting. CASFS a lot of books!! So far more than 7,000 ation will be how Astounding Stories will be presenting a one hour program books have been sent from The Bent influenced our scientific investigations status of his current book, Chameleon, and discoveries, if at all. and future writing is uncertain block and will be bringing in author Cover to military personnel in the Middle Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel’s Dart, East. Plus, the World Fantasy Convention From Analog to Digital and Sometimes Cards and letters may be sent c/o The Back Again: The SF World and Its Mirage Press, P.O. Box 1689, Banewreaker) to speak and sign during donated 954 books that were sent to our Tomorrows. This section deals with film, Westminster, MD USA 21158-1689 the festival. Other Arizona based science soldiers in Iraq plus the postage for all television, toys, video games, architecture, fiction and fantasy authors will also be on those books and ConKopelli donated 225 product design and other manifestations Donations to the Chalker Family of SF seen not merely as a type of writing Emergency Fund may be made via Paypal hand including Adam Niswander, books. Dennis L. Mckiernan, Jeff Mariotte, We need your help and your dona- but as a worldview. What have been the at www.evawhitley.net relations between non-literary forms and Eva Whitley adds the following, “I’ve Michael A. Stackpole, Michelle M. tions. Books and postage donations for classical written SF? How are the new established a site at Welch, John Vornholt and others. Books for Soldiers will continue to be forms of SF, multimedia or otherwise, LepreCon will be having some art demos accepted at The Bent Cover bookstore, likely to influence the writing of SF? www2.caringbridge.org/md/jacklchalker/ Remembrance of Things To Come: with news updates on Jack’s condition, and a display of Science Fiction and 12428 N. 28th Drive, Phoenix, (602) 942- Fantasy art. Future Histories and Alternate Histo- and hospital contact info.” 3778. ries. Examined here is the rise of future On the main stage presented by the and alternate history as an SF thought CASFS Book Discussions Arizona Humanities Council will be Luis The 21st J. Lloyd Eaton experiment, and the analysis of such Urrea, Brad Dimock, Lisa Michaels, experiments in present and future social Andrew Clements, and Linda Lael Conference On and cultural contexts. What purposes have The CASFS Book Discussion is held Miller. Many other authors of all genres Science Fiction, Fantasy and future and alternate histories served? What purpose can they serve? What can monthly at the Barnes & Noble bookstore will be speaking and signing at various Horror Literature at Metrocenter, 10235 N. Metro Parkway be learned from them? exhibitor booths throughout the day. Call for Papers The Frankenstein Century: The Age of East. We will be meeting on the third There will be stage presentations, panels, Biology. Under consideration is the oft- Wednesday of each month at 7PM expressed idea that the science of the new and multi cultural programs, rare and The 21st J. Lloyd Eaton Conference Books scheduled for discussion are: antique book appraisals, cook book century is that of biology. Under consider- On Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror ation will be questions of reproduction, February 16 - St. Patrick’s Gargoyle by demonstrations, and an entire area Literature will be held at the Science Katherine Kurtz, March 16 - Summon life extension and immortality, augmenta- devoted to children’s activities and Fiction Museum in Seattle, Washington tion, and guided evolution. How will the the Keeper by Tanya Huff, and April 20 costumed characters Check the book on May 5-7, 2005. stories of SF be influenced by the dra- - The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. Topic: Inventing the 21st Century: matic changes in actual science? festival’s official web site at http:// Many Worlds, Many Histories Please join us. www.azbookfestival.org for listings of We encourage potential speakers to Science fiction emerged in the 20th submit an abstract of their talk in a chosen For more information contact exhibitors and authors and the program- century as the literary, artistic and Catherine session by March 1, 2005, in order to ming schedule. cinematic genre that dealt with scientific obtain feedback on the appropriateness of For more details on the activities at the and technological advances and their their presentation. While full papers are relation to human institutions and aspira- Letters to the Editor CASFS and LepreCon booths, visit http:// encouraged, oral presentations, even with tions. It shaped the way we see and do added video, are acceptable. Please feel www.casfs.org/azbookfest. If you have things, the way we dreamt of things to Well, ConNotations fans - here’s your free to contact either Profs. Heath or any questions, contact CASFS & come. But what will be its role in the 21st Slusser with any questions. chance to be heard. We’d like to know LepreCon Arizona Book Festival Liaison century? What does a look at the SF of Finished presentations should be what you like and don’t like about our Lee Whiteside at [email protected] the last decade and events leading to it, delivered as 20-25 minutes papers publication. We’re in the throes of doing tell us about future directions and meta- (corresponding to 9-12 typewritten morphoses of SF? In a century where the pages). We hope to have the best papers lots of new things and we really need to WesternSFA Book Drive themes and icons of SF have moved from know what we’re doing right …or wrong. published in book form, as has been done for the literary origins to manifestations in all in past Eaton Conferences. Presentation You can address your comments to the areas of society and culture, what might selection and a complete program will be publication in general or to any particular Thomas Pappas School for be the future forms of SF? In other words, announced March 28, 2005. All corre- staff writer or contributor. Our Letters Homeless Children to paraphrase Gauguin, where is it coming spondence should be sent to either Robert from, what is it today, where is it going? Heath at [email protected], or George Editor, Catherine Book, will screen all The conference invites informed letters and direct them to the addressee or We are proud to announce that our Slusser at [email protected] or, by papers on development in SF over the last mail, at: relevant party for a response. Letters and fellow fen have been very generous to the century, both the scientific and cultural The J. Lloyd Eaton Collection responses will be printed, space permit- Western Science Fiction Association book developments that have been shaping SF, Tomas Rivera Library ting. So, please, take a moment to write drive for the Thomas J. Pappas School for and in the opposite sense, the develop- University of California, Riverside ments in SF that have been shaping Riverside, CA 92517 and let us know we’re being read. You homeless children. science and, more broadly, culture. can reach us at: Here are the counts for 2004: Conference Coordinators: Greg Bear Scientific areas of comparison and (SF Museum), Robert Heath (UCR), [email protected] LepreCon 30: 65 books speculation in which discussions are most Leslie Howle (SF Museum) and George or Westercon 57/ConKopelli: 180 sought are as follows: medicine, biology, Slusser (UCR). ConNotations CopperCon 24: 45 books nanotechnology, social engineering, Organizing Committee: Paul Alkon information science, virtual reality, space (USC), Gregory Benford (UCI), Howard PO Box 62613 World Fantasy: 340 books travel and terraforming, ecology and Phoenix, AZ 85082-2613 ConKopelli itself donated approxi- Hendrix (CSU Fresno), Daryl F. Mallett population biology, linguistics and alien (Prismic Publishing), Larry McCaffery mately 200 books. communication. One key question, (SDSU), Joseph Miller (USC), Toby We will continue our book drive for regardless of scientific field of specula- Miller (UCR) and Eric S. Rabkin (Univer- the Pappas school during our conventions tion, is the continued role of print SF sity of Michigan). (novels and stories) in all media, includ- in 2005. Look for the Harry Potter box. ing all the new multi-media and interac- tive forms of SF that have arisen, or may

Page 14 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 Calendar of Events - February/March 2005 To have your event or meeting listed please email [email protected] - Deadline for April/May Submissions - March 15, 2005 (This is a free service. All release dates are tentative)

February February 16 - Wednesday March March 19 -Saturday February 1 - Tuesday Book Discussion: 7PM at Barnes & March 1 - Tuesday Meeting UFP Meeting - Taco Bar & Noble Metro Center. Info: Calendar Planning www.u-f-p.org DVD-TV: Charmed Season One, [email protected] Wonderfalls Complete Series, The Brak DVD-TV: Lost in Space Season Three, March 22 - Tuesday Show Volume One, SeaLab 2021 Season February 18 - Friday Volume One, Wonder Woman Season Two Two, Doctor Who: The Visitation, Doctor DVD Movies The Grudge Event: Fannish Open House at Craig & Who: The Green Death DVD-TV: Star Wars Clone Wars #1 Stephanie’s place - Info: DVD Movies Exorcist: The Beginning February 2 - Wednesday [email protected] March 25 - Friday March 5 - Saturday Meeting: ConNotations Staff Meeting - February 18-20 - Friday-Sunday Meeting: CASFS - 8PM at JBs at I-17 & 7PM at JB’s I-17 & Indian School Info: Meeting: UFP Meeting - Kartchner Indian School Info: [email protected] [email protected] Event: Sixteen Swashbucklers of Movies D.E.B.S. Gallifrey One, Van Nuys Calif - Caverns www.u-f-p.org February 4 - Friday www.gallifreyone.com March 8 - Tuesday March 25-27 - Friday-Sunday Movies Boogeyman February 19 - Saturday DVD-TV: Xena Season Six Event: Anizona - Phoenix, AZ - February 5 - Saurday Meeting UFP Meeting - Boating at www.anizona.org Tempe Town Lake www.u-f-p.org March 11 - Friday Meeting: UFP meeting - Video Produc- Movies Constantine, Son of the Mask March 29 - Tuesday tion www.u-f-p.org Movies Robots February 22 - Tuesday DVD-TV: The Lone Gunmen Complete February 6 - Sunday Series Upcoming Events: DVD-TV: Stripperella Season One March 15 - Tuesday Meeting: LepreCon Inc- 7PM at JB’s I-17 & Indian School Info: February 25 - Friday DVD-TV: La Femme Nikita Season Two, [email protected] The Pretender Season One, Red April 1 - Friday Meeting: CASFS - 8PM at JBs at I-17 & Dwarf Seasons Five and Six Movies Sin City February 8 -Tuesday Indian School Info: [email protected] DVD Movies Star Trek First Contact Movies Cursed Special Edition April 2 - Saturday DVD-TV: Greatest American Hero Season One, Highlander Season Six February 26 - Saturday March 18 - Friday Event: Arizona Book Festival - DVD Movies Shark Tale www.azbookfestival.org Event: ConRunners 10 From 8:30AM to Event: Fannish Open House at Craig & February 12 -Saturday 6PM at Embassy Suites North, I-17 & April 3 - Sunday Greenway. Info: Stephanie’s place - Info: Meeting: WesternSFA Quarterly Meet- [email protected] [email protected] ing: Craig’s house Info: Meeting: ConNotations Labeling & [email protected] February 27 - Sunday March 18-20 - Friday-Sunday Potluck - Stephanie’s house Info: [email protected] February 15 - Tuesday Meeting: HexaCon 15 Committee Event: IceEscape www.iceescape.com Meeting 5PM at JB’s I-17 & Indian Movies Kung Fu Hustle, The Ring Too DVD-TV: Angel Season Five School Info: [email protected] See FYI for detailed information DVD Movies Saw Meeting: CopperCon 25 Committee on Book Discussion Groups, Meeting 6PM at JB’s I-17 & Indian School Info: [email protected] Signings, Writer’s Groups or other events Ongoing Events

Wednesdays New Comics Arrive! Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Hero Clix Tournamets Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Mech WarriorTournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm L5R CCG Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com Magic, The Gathering Tournament Pop Culture Call for details, 480-557-6640 Thursdays 6pm Camarilla Anarch Game Kiwanis Park www.titheofsouls.com 6pm Mechwarrior Dark Age Tournament Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com 6pm Magic ThG type 1.5 Tournament Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com 6pm Warmachine League Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com Fridays 6pm Magic the Gathering DCI Sanctioned Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 7pm HeroClix Tournament Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com 7pm Magic: The Gathering Tournaments Game Daze 2140 E 5th St #11, Tempe AZ 85281 Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament Pop Culture Call for details, 480-557-6640 Saturdays* AllDay Warhammer Fantasy & 40K Imperial Outpost, 49th Ave & Thunderbird www.imperialoutpost.com Noon Hack Tournament Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com Noon Duel Masters Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 3pm YU-GI-OH Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Anime Club Meeting Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com Hero Clix tournament Pop Culture Call for details, 480-557-6640 Sundays* Noon YU-GI-OH Tournaments Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 3pm Dragonball Z CCG Tournament Samurai Comics, 7th St & Camelback www.samuraicomics.com 6pm Dragon Page Live Fire SF/F Radio Talk Show - KFYI 550 www.dragonpage.com Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 15 When Worlds Collide: The to have the printer ruin each envelope you better, that the hosts (Leo) would return or JUDGEMENT DAY: I find Victor Lucas try to run through it. Ask the person who not leave (Pat) when Comcast fired all of to be a fairly solid host (he should look at G4TechTV Channel is trying to copy a one-of-a-kind audio the San Francisco staff and moved the his interviewee more and into the camera By Shane Shellenbarger cassette to a cd only to have the tape production South to Los Angeles, but I less) and Tommy Tallarico varies from wrinkle in the deck, or the MP3 recorder guess I was just kidding myself. Judging barely acceptable to coarse, crude, and not I have always been a bit of a gadget stop for no reason one minute before the by the crop of G4 hosts and advertisers worth watching. freak. I bought a used Panasonic reel-to- end of the tape, or they discover that they (primarily the Army and The Indifferent: reel video tape recorder for $250.00 from recorded in the WMA format and their YOUFILLINTHEBLANK Computer FUTURE FIGHTING MACHINES: I’m a friend by painting his house when I was conversion software doesn’t convert Graphic Design School), G4TechTV not a military-type, so I don’t watch this 17 and 1-hour tapes each cost $15.00. At WMA’s into MP3’s. Ask the person who doesn’t have any interest in an audience show. the time, I was so green that I didn’t know wants to save digital pictures to a DVD, older than 29. One source claims that ROBOT WARS: Radio-controlled that the recorder required a separate spends hours on the placement of thou- before the merger, G4 was viewed in 15 lawnmowers leave me cold. television tuner that would set me back an sands of stills and then discovers that the million homes and TechTV was seen in 43 The Fondly Remembered: additional $350.00. All of my income as a finished DVD won’t stop at each still, but million homes. I think that Comcast is INVENT THIS!: A good show, a bit grocery store bagger was going into my must be viewed with a preset delay. backing the wrong horse. quirky, but always interesting. The last new passion: video tape recording. The Technology constantly frustrates me. The The Good: new episode aired on 07/05/2004. machine wasn’t cutting edge technology, gap between what I want to use technol- ICONS: Jake Steele is the unseen narrator. NERD NATION: I enjoyed the diversity but it allowed me the freedom to time ogy for and the ease with which technol- I love the history and the behind-the- of what’s considered nerdy. The last new shift programs: I could finally see Harlan ogy can be used is a gulf the size of the scenes material on this show. episode aired on 06/05/2004. Ellison interviewed by Tom Snyder on the Grand Canyon. FRESH GEAR: I do love the gadgets, the EYE DROPS: Weird, wild, wacky, and Tomorrow Show. When Sony offered Given that level of frustration, I was hosts, Stephanie Siemiller and Chris worthwhile. The last new episode aired on their SL-7200 Betamax videocassette excited when I happened upon a sampler Leary . . . not so much. This show is not 08/20/2004. recorder for sale on February 18, 1976, I of a show named Call For Help on a currently scheduled, which is rarely a CALL FOR HELP and THE original was ready. I’d been saving for months and channel called Tech TV. Later, I caught good sign. SCREEN SAVERS: Where have you I was prepared with the $1000.00 (whole- The Screen Savers and I noticed that the CHEAT: I watch and enjoy this show for gone, Leo and Pat? Our nation turns it’s sale) for the tape deck and an additional host was the same guy, Leo Laporte, a the game tips and tricks, but I could do lonely eyes to you (woo, woo, woo) $120.00 (again, wholesale) for a case of jovial, intelligent, humorous guy who can with less of the supposed comedy skits on twelve K-60 tapes. What a difference 29 make the most complex technology the part of host, Cory Rouse. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TechTV years can make. Now you can buy a Sony understandable to the densest dilettante. X-PLAY: Good, but Adam Sessler and http://www.betainfoguide.com/ VHS videocassette recorder for under My regret is that I didn’t immediately take Morgan Webb need to cut back on the so- Tidbits.htm#timeline $80.00 and Sony VHS tapes for as little as the necessary steps to get Tech TV. One called comedy skits and concentrate more http://www.colortini.com/index2.html $0.46 each. thing after another delayed me and it on the reviews. http://www.tiscali.co.uk/technology/ VCR’s weren’t the only arena for my wasn’t until February 2004 that I forked ELECTRONIC PLAYGROUND: Victor timeline/1972.html gadget passion. My video game purchases out the bucks to bring a digital box into Lucas, Tommy Tallarico, Julie Stoffer, http://www.ieee.org/organizations/ go back to (but aren’t limited by) the Atari my home and allow me to become a Tech Geoff Keighley, and Jade Raymond history_center/sloan/DAR/timeline.html 2600, I bought a Sony Walkman in 1980, TV Junkie. I was hooked. Little did I conduct interviews with industry insiders http://www.transistor.org/collection/sony/ I bought a Sony FD-20A Watchman know that storm clouds loomed on the and while the talent acts silly, the industry sony31.html (portable black and white TV) in 1983, a horizon. people are serious enough that the http://www.makeyougohmm.com/ Sony WM-F10II Walkman that was as By the end of March of 2004, Comcast finished product is actually quite good. pivotblg/entry.php?id=779 wide as a Compact Cassette when closed announced that it was buying Tech TV THUNDERBIRDS: Originally aired on http://news.designtechnica.com/ and opened up one inch wider to accept from Vulcan Ventures (who had com- Saturday 2nd October 1965 and the last talkback37.html the tape. In 1997, I bought the Sony pleted the purchase of ZDTV from Ziff- time it was seen on terrestrial British TV http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/ Minidisc bundle consisting of the MDS- Davis Publishing on January 21, 2000) screens was in 1993 (BBC 2) The replaytv/default.asp JE510 and MZ-E40. CD players, Laser and that Comcast’s gaming channel, G4, interesting difference is that the episodes http://www.leoville.tv/radio/ disc players, DVD players, MP3 players would combine with Tech TV to create that air on G4TechTV have been given the http://www.g4techtv.com/ (both flash memory and hard drive-based G4TechTV. Well, that shouldn’t be bad, I Pop-Up Videos treatment with tidbits http://pages.prodigy.net/dianamorris/ units), Replay digital video recorders (no like video and computer games, maybe about the series. tech_tv.htm I don’t have a TiVo . . . not that there’s this will be a good thing. Alas, it was not The Bad: http://grc.com/media.htm anything wrong with that.), a Commodore to be. ARENA: Lee Reherman and Kevin http://www.thunderbirdsonline.com/site/ Vic 20 and a C64, an Amiga 1000 and Oh, for those “Good Old Days” when Pereira often seem bored, disinterested, http://www.compukiss.com/populartopics/ 3000, a Power Mac, and Windows 98, The Screen Savers had content worth can’t wait to cash their checks. For me, a tech_gadgetshtm/article1184.htm ME, and XP’s. I haven’t always been a watching. Hints, tips, help for computer show like this should include more user of bleeding edge technology, or even problems, material that was meaningful to critiques of play style and the interviews cutting edge technology, but I do consider the viewer. In those G.O.D’s, the on-air with the winners should concentrate on myself as much of a gadget geek as talent (primarily Leo Laporte and Patrick how the gamers achieved their win. anybody you’d find at the Consumer Norton) would kid each other, but the FILTER: Diane Mizota is attractive Electronics Show (I’ve been there three attempts at humor were light and the enough and she reads the script well times). viewer never felt as if the hosts were enough. If G4 would remove the lists and So we’ve established that I’m a trying out for the 3:30 a.m. slot at The add more interviews, they’d have a show technology nut, a gadget gourmet, a . . . Comedy Store or practicing for the Bat worth watching. This is another of the well, you get the picture. Therefore, I Mitzvah gig they’d wrangled for the supposed comedy skit shows. keep my eyes and ears open for all things weekend. In those oh, so fondly remem- G4TV.COM: Tina Wood and Laura Foy that feed my hunger for more ways to bered G.O.D’s, bands like LIT (which I’m are good at questioning callers, but they frustrate myself with technology. You guessing isn’t short for LITERATURE) often interrupt guests and need to listen heard right I said frustrate, because as would be on a show dealing with rock and more. technology gets more complex, as you roll or heavy metal in games, not filling The Ugly: attempt to use that technology in new and time to keep the commercials from SWEAT: Horses sweat . . . ‘nuff said different ways the software and hardware slamming together. about this show. will find new and different ways to I can’t believe that G4 bought TechTV PLAYERS: Why would I care what game frustrate you. Just ask anybody who has just to run the channel into the ground. I some overpaid so-called celebrity likes to spent an afternoon trying to make a had hoped that the shows would get play? birthday card on his or her computer only Page 16 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 friends will see it one-on-one. network and later on Kids WB and the *** Sakura Wars Competing Up Cartoon Network. To my mind, this is the GENEON, 85 mins, 13 up Once you have put all that time and best treatment Batman has ever received DVD $29.98 effort into building a first-rate stage on any screen. At last, people who really costume, it would be a pity to show it only understood the character and his foes The Description: “The Imperial Fighting once. Hence masquerade competitors series had first-rate writing, famous voice Troupe is called again to defend Tokyo follow a tradition called, “Competing actors, thoroughly integrated background against the demons. However, this time, Up.” A successful costume that has been music and a uniquely dark look obtained the Douglas-Stewart Company is selling a presented at a local convention (like by painting the backgrounds on black superior fighting machine that will CopperCon) might be shown again at a paper revolutionize Japan’s defense and make regional convention (like Westercon) and The series was inspired by the first the Flower Division obsolete. However, thence at a national or worldwide conven- two Tim Burton-directed Batman films, the girls suspect something may be wrong tion (like Worldcon), much as plays can but goes far beyond. The fuzzy time when members of their team begin to Some thoughts on Stage be tried out in regional theaters before setting (with steam trains and high-tech vanish But what can they do when their going to Broadway. Costumes that have computer networks) and odd architecture division has been placed on indefinite Costumes won awards at larger conventions are not of Gotham City are retained from the stand-by status?” by Randall Whitlock generally entered in competition at movies. Eventually the influence went the The animation is superb. Unfortu- smaller conventions. This is more a matter other way, with the Mr. Freeze story nately the translation of the dialogue I began the Costume Closet column of sportsmanship than an actual, written created for the animated series incorpo- seems to have gaps and I found the story two years ago with a discussion of “Hall rule. Costumes from large masquerades, rated into the Governator’s portrayal of was hard to follow since I had not seen Costumes,” which are those worn by con- however, are often shown out of competi- the character in Batman and Robin. The the TV series and thus was not familiar goers to any and all convention events for tion (also called “For Display Only”) at story continuity that began with this series with the characters. As a movie there their own fun and amusement. The smaller masquerades. continues today in Cartoon Network’s should have bee some sort of explanation reciprocal of the hall costume is the Stage Presence Justice League Unlimited. of the characters and their motivations so “Stage Costume.” Stage costumes are The most successful masquerade Commentary and documentary that it could stand alone. I’d say this is worn for presentation at a convention presentations are those where the contes- features included in the boxed set relate good for a fan of the series but it wasn’t masquerade. tants plays a character, rather than simply how Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, too much fun for me. - Stephanie L What is a Masquerade? acts as a walking coat rack. This can be confident from the success of Tiny Toon Bannon To the SF convention culture, the very, very subtle. You don’t need a lavish Adventures, produced a short demo film masquerade is a costume competition, sketch or dance to show your costume on to show the network executives what *** Bionicle 2 - Legends of Metru Nut usually held on Saturday evening of a the stage — a fashion show walk-across could be done. This film is included in the Buena Vista, 70 mins, PG convention, on a stage in the hotel across is plenty — but the audience and collection, as well as audio commentary DVD $29.99 ballroom. The stage is surrounded on one judges will pick up your body language. on two episodes. or more sides by the audience. The layout Practice moving in your costume until it Volume Two should be available by Bionicle 2- Legends of Metru Nut is not unlike a fashion show. Competitors feels natural. Let the costume help you the time this review hits the press. - follows 2003’s Bionicle: Mask of Light enter the stage, show their costume, and project the air of being an entirely Randall Whitlock continuing the Lego movies series exit. The presentations are introduced by a different person! designed to promote their line of toy robot master of ceremonies and accompanied by warriors. This is actually a prequel to as much technical support as the conven- ( Continued on page 18 ) tion can provide, which may include ReAnimation music and lighting effects. The costume ***** Batman The Animated Series presentations are rated by a panel of Volume One judges, with the best in various categories awarded ribbons or other prizes. At *** Sakura Wars smaller cons, the masquerade may be *** Bionicle 2 - combined with a dance or other evening Legends of Metru Nut events. At the largest cons, the masquer- *** Ikki-Tousen Vol 1 - ade can last all evening. Legendary Fighter The 20-Foot Rule *** Ikki-Tousen Vol 2 - A stage costume will be seen by a Historic Battles seated audience at some distance. Few, if *** Kim Possible - The Villain Files any, of them will be close enough to see ***** RahXephon Vol 1 Threshold the fine details of your costume. To make ***** RahXephon Vol. 2 - a good impression, your costume should Tonal Pattern have bolder, broader lines and features than most hall costumes. This is called the **** RahXephon Vol. 3 - Harmonic rd “20-foot rule.” Anything that can’t be **** Lupin the 3 Volume 3 - seen clearly from 20 feet will not register Family Jewels with the audience. **** Lupin the 3rd Volume 4 - The bigger the masquerade, the more Thieves Paradise this rule of thumb applies. For a huge **** Winnie The Pooh 1-2-3 - masquerade, like Worldcon, your whole Discovering Numbers & body may not be big enough. Many Counting presentations at giant masquerades ** Winnie The Pooh 1-2-3 - compensate by making the costume Discovering Letters & Words outlines broader and taller with wings or other features. Other presentations include many persons performing together. Lots ***** Batman The Animated Series Volume One of motion in your presentation can help to Warner Brothers, 625 min, NR fill a large stage. Just because your first audience will DVD $44.98 not see the details is not a reason to skimp I usually hate spam e-mail, but when on them. Most masquerades give awards for workmanship. You’ll have your Amazon.com notified me that the first 28 episodes of Batman The Animated Series chance to show fine features of your were available as a DVD boxed set, I costume to the judges in a close-up interview. A retired stage costume often jumped on it. Batman The Animated Series was becomes a hall costume, where your broadcast from 1992 to 1995 on the Fox Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 17 ReAnimation ( Continued from page 17 ) *** Kim Possible - The Villain Files secret weapon, the RahXephon, despite watched half of the episodes and this has Disney, 87 mins, G the reluctance of its pilot. Lost in time and been great. But now I have to go out and Mask of Light, and tells the origin story DVD $19.99 trapped in a world he thought had been buy the next 4 DVD’s. - Craig L Dyer of the Toa, young people in the city of destroyed, Ayato must confront both a Metro Nut who are chosen to be trans- From the back cover: “The world’s new wave of Dolem and his suspicions Lupin the 3rd formed physically in order to protect their coolest teen crime fighter is at it again as that he is only a pawn in a much larger **** Volume 3 - Family Jewels home. she and her trusted sidekick Ron Stop- game. The mysterious advances of the girl ****Volume 4 - Thieves Paradise I borrowed my 9 year old nephew for pable keep the world safe from more known as Quon and the reappearance of a GENEON, 125 mins each, 13 up this one since he is a fan of the toys. He seriously wacko bad guys in Kim Pos- supposedly dead friend are only a few of DVD $24.99 each was entranced and watched it four times sible: The Villain Files. It’s big-time fun the many mysteries that must be unrav- over that weekend. The story didn’t really as Kim Possible takes on Duff Killigan, eled in the second collection of Family Jewels Description: “Lupin hold my interest but the animation was Senor Senior Sr., and a host of other RahXephon.” and his pals run afoul of fake gems, beautiful. My suggestion is to get this for archenemies in this super series of Contains episodes 6 thru 10. This cursed jewels and rare stones in their the youngsters in your family but if there adventures. volume has more character development latest capers! Fujiko nearly gets married, are no kids in your family you can Experience four awesome Kim even as the plot thickens. zombies come out to play and just for a probably give this one a pass. - Stephanie Possible missions, including a never- So far this series is great. But I would switch, someone’s impersonating Lupin! L Bannon before-seen episode starring the dreaded watch them in order. - Craig L Dyer From San Francisco to Jamaica, Inspector Dr. Drakken as he unveils his plot to take Zenigata is determined to capture Lupin, *** Ikki-Tousen Vol 1 - over the planet. In other action, Kim tries **** RahXephon Vol. 3 - Harmonic whether he committed the crimes or not!” Legendary Fighter to predict her perfect mate and finds ADV Films, 100 min, 15 Up Thieves’ Paradise Description: GENEON/Pioneer 100 min, 16 Up herself in humiliation nation when she DVD $29.98 “Lupin is such a nice guy, but everywhere DVD $29.98 literally almost dies of embarrassment. he goes, he runs into trouble! After It’s way cool action you don’t want to From the back cover: “Just when “appropriating” a birthday present for From the back cover: “Once again miss.” Ayato thought he had finally learned the Fujiko, helping Goemon avenge his slain blood flows in the streets of Kanto. The I borrowed my 7 year old niece for truth, the walls between the world of the mentor, and accepting a challenge from eternal fate that has been handed down for this one, she loved it and while I was not Mu and our own “real” world begin to the world’s leading safe manufacturer, over 1,800 years is now being fought by as enthralled the stories were cute and the crumble once more. With the enigmatic Lupin, Jigen and the rest end up on in a ancient warriors who have been reincar- animation is excellent. While I am Quon and Reika as guides, he must paradise filled with beautiful women - nated into the students of the seven top unlikely to sit down and watch it on my discover the truth of his own nature or be who are all out to kill Lupin:” schools. own it was a good choice to share with forever trapped inside a prison of his own These two volumes are from the One such student, Hakufu Sonsaku, my niece. A good addition to your kid’s dreams. Reality and fantasies intertwine in second season of the TV series. The series arrives on the scene and is rumored to be DVD collection or a really nice gift idea nightmarish rhythm, but the ultimate follows our hero Lupin, the world’s the legendary Shou Haou (the one who is for the younger kids in your family. - horror is yet to come as the fabric of time greatest thief, and his cohorts, crack shot said to be the one to defeat many in Stephanie L Bannon and space itself begins to unravel in the Jigen, super-samurai Goemon, and sexy battle). But can this blonde air-head with third volume of RahXephon!” Fujiko, as they travel around the world, the overly-endowed assets actually be the ***** RahXephon Vol 1 Threshold Contains episodes 11 thru 13. This pulling off incredible heists and impos- legendary Shou Haou?” ADV Films, 125 min, 15 Up series is directed by Yutaka Izubuchi who sible escapes. Even though they never Contains episodes 1 thru 4 of 13. Well DVD $29.98 is known for the Patlabor series. manage to actually hold onto the loot they the plot is poor, but the fighting is so-so This is one of the most interesting and always manage to escape their nemesis, good. Too many sex shots, way over done From the back cover: “The city of intriguing anime series I’ve seen. I have Inspector Zenigata of Interpol. .This was done for Japanese TV in 2003. Tokyo has been overthrown, taken over ( Continued on page 19 ) It has very good English dubbing and by the Mu, invaders who have devastated audio sound tracks. The scripting is very the rest of the planet. Within the domed well done. - Craig L Dyer walls of the city, however, time flows in a different path, and none of the citizens *** Ikki-Tousen Vol 2 - Historic Battles even know they’ve been conquered. GENEON/Pioneer 75 min, 16 Up Outside Tokyo, the remnants of the DVD $29.98 human race have fought a desperate 15- year war against the Mu, knowing only From the back cover: “After her defeat that the key to victory lies within the by the honorable Taishigi, Hakufu takes it occupied city. But no one has been able to upon herself to fight even harder to reach get into Tokyo-until Ayato Kamina, a the top. Even as the tournament’s battles young resident fleeing a horrifying attack rage on, the head of each school plots to on the city, unwittingly breaks out. An defeat the others by manipulating their extraordinary mystery unfolds as Ayato pawns into battling each other. Will confronts a world he has never known, Hakufu become an unwitting tool, or will and begins to learn the horrifying secrets she be able to control the warrior spirit of RahXephon, a humanoid super weapon growing inside her?” which apparently only he can control.” Ikki-tousen is based off of the book This volume contains the first 5 of 26 Romance of the Three Kingdoms, but does episodes. RahXephon has been acclaimed not do it justice. This DVD covers for its innovative music and animation as episodes 5 thru 7. There is more fighting well as its complex plot and character on this DVD. All the actor’s voices fit development. The animation is crisp and their roles well. The plot is slow and the clear and the mechas are very original in crude jokes are just as bad. The fighting design. You will need to pay close of the girls where their clothes are cut attention to the action because if you away is just badly done. Definitely earns don’t you will lose some of the plot and it’s 16 up rating. character development. Well worth Maybe the next 6 episodes will get buying. - Craig L Dyer better? I would rent this one first. - Craig L Dyer ***** RahXephon Vol. 2 - Tonal Pattern ADV Films, 125 min, 15 Up DVD $29.98

From the back cover: “As the Mu launch a succession of attacks against the free world, TERRA is forced to use their Page 18 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 ReAnimation ( Continued from page 18 ) ****Winnie The Pooh 1-2-3 - ing Numbers & Counting Christopher Discovering Numbers & Counting Robin has a party and informs his friends In Our Book The animation is crude by today’s **Winnie The Pooh 1-2-3 - that they must each count out 10 items in standards but this is still a favorite of mine Discovering Letters & Words order to attend. Pooh and Roo get upset Rite of Conquest for the humor and the characters. Defi- Buena Vista, 30 mins each, NR because they do not know how to count so by Judith Tarr nitely a good addition to my collection. - DVD $19.99 each Owl teaches them with a song that tells Roc Fantasy; 375pp, $16 Stephanie L Bannon them “Every number has its own name, This fabulously rich and intriguing These two titles are aimed at kids and each number has to be in the right historical fantasy deals with the life and under 6 though based on my test audience order.” The rest of the gang join in and times of William the Conqueror and his only the younger ones, 18 months to 3 soon Pooh and Roo can count. wife Mathilda of Flanders. years, will enjoy it. Older kids may find This worked well with the younger It’s a wonderful magical look at how them boring. kids and they wanted to watch it over and William of Normandy became the In Winnie The Pooh 1-2-3 - Discover- over all afternoon. They seemed to be Conqueror and King of England. picking up the idea Since this is fantasy, Ms. Tarr has a of counting so in that great deal of fun developing the events respect it also that led to the Battle of Hastings. And worked as a teaching they are so deliciously steeped in magic aid as well as and ancient rituals along with the more entertainment. contemporary rituals of the Catholic In Winnie The Church of the time. This is one of things I Pooh 1-2-3 - find I like best about Ms. Tarr’s take on Discovering Letters history: that Christianity and the Old & Words autumn has Ways could blend together for the benefit come to the Hundred of all, and that the Old Ways were not the workings of the Dark. (Unless of course Acre Woods ,and it we are dealing with dark magic.) That is a perfect time for archbishops of influential bishoprics are Christopher Robin to frequently, in her histories, more than just read the ABC book titular heads of the Church. to Pooh. But when And of course, in this particular Pooh borrows the novel, that a King-to-be is more than a book it gets blown mere Duke of Normandy. away so he and his William of Normandy was born with a friends decide to great deal of magic having been con- rewrite the book ceived on a midwinter’s night beneath an themselves. oak sacred to the Druids. As Ms. Tarr has This one seemed Mathilda say when she meets him: “You to work OK as are goddess-born, the year-king’s child.” entertainment but I You don’t get much more magic than that. question it’s educa- However magically conceived and tional value since thus imbued with strong magic, William’s only five letters are life is not an easy one. But his trials of covered (P, R, T, O, course just temper the steel of his spirit, E). readying him for his fateful confrontation Both are good with King Harold at Hastings in 1066. additions to your And Mathilda is his inner heart and child’s video strength, and according to Ms. Tarr’s collection, though notes, theirs was an unusual marriage in they will need that they apparently were openly in love something else to with the other, something that was very help if you want uncommon at the time, especially in high them to learn the born marriages. This connection makes it easier for whole alphabet. - Mathilda as she becomes his teacher in Stephanie L the Old Ways so that when he confronts Bannon the bound magic of England, and Harold at Hastings, he is ready. Oh, the magic that is weaved through this tale, the spirits and kobolds, sprites and the Horned King and the Guardians of Gaul and England. The “straight lines” which are magical roads from here to there and back again, slipping easily through time and weather. There’s a little of everything here to delight you: battles, romance and magic. - Sue Martin

Polaris By: Jack McDevitt Ace, 370pp, $24.95

In the far distant future, two stars collide in one hell of a great fireworks show. The Polaris is one of many ships sent to record and view the event. The Polaris is notable as it carries 6 dignitaries of galaxy level importance to view this event. After the event the ship does not return. A search and rescue operation

( Continued on page 20 ) Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 19 levels. The technique works very well. in the thefts and sets out to invade and to the family. But she is equally important In Our Book ( Continued from page 19 ) The characters are cleanly drawn and teach them a lesson. Of course, the We’re to others, outside of the family; who are finds the ship, but nobody is left onboard are not cut from stock templates. The five Here navy doesn’t know of the arrival of aware of her potential and need it for their her. They simply seemed to have van- cadets, Helen Zilwicki, Paulo D’Arezzo, the 34th FIST which adds a bit of unex- own family. ished. Aikawa Kagiyama, Ragnhild Pavletic and pected trouble to their invasion plans. In It is not, unfortunately, a perfect book. That was 60 years ago; the mystery of Leopold Stottmeister, are real to you the end, the 34th FIST is triumphant over I did not care for how Ms. Bergstrom what happened is one of the great ghost having talents and flaws to match. We all adversaries. structured her story-telling. There is a stories of the time. During a celebration have Helen, daughter of a certified For those who enjoy military based confusing prologue where Richard is event and auction to sell off items military hero and a super spy. Next is the stories this is a fast paced enjoyable book. introduced but by his childhood name – recovered from the ship a bomb goes off. magnificently handsome Paulo, geneti- The military background of both authors Dickie – which gave me some small Right after this, everyone with items from cally engineered to be a pleasure slave. provides realism to the story. They really confusion trying to place the characters. I the ship starts having things happen to The other cadets are equally captivating. show that it is the people in the service couldn’t see the use for the prologue; I them. It seems somebody does not want The villains are equally wonderful. that make the military what it is. Semper don’t think it added anything to the story. this event to resurface. The maniacal Agnes Norbrandt, leader of Fi – Mark Phillips The critical facts could have been given to In our story, humanity has spread out the Kornati Freedom Alliance leaves the reader more simply. She gives Richard to populate a great number of worlds. One bodies and debris scattered across her Nocturne a voice through most of the book but such world, “Rimway” is the setting for home planet without a qualm.. The by Elaine Bergstrom often tripped me up by changing voice to most of this book. While this book conscientious Steve Westman, leader of Ace Fantasy, 377 pp, $6.50 his twin, Patrick. She did give warning in contains a space backdrop, most of it the Montana Independence Movement is the chapter heading but I would get so happens on this planet and this book quite different. Upon meeting him you I wouldn’t normally pick up just any caught up in the story that I ignored the could have just as easily been done in a wonder if he belongs where he is. The old vampire story but this one seemed chapter headings. Patrick was treated as a modern setting here on Earth. delightfully slippery Firebrand, agent the different and I am so glad I took a chance. walk-on character and I would have At the heart of the book is a mystery, Solarians is worthy of much study. He is Ms Bergstrom is quite a bit edgier than enjoyed reading a parallel story to get to and our leading characters Alex Benedict your quintessential amoral servant of the Yarbro and a lot less grim than Rice. This know him better. and his associate Chase Kalpath are akin state. There are many more and varied is a wonderfully complex story with fully- This book is part of several books to an amateur Sherlock Homes and Dr. villains and heroes. developed characters that seem to take about the Austra family who left Romania Watson. The story is told as if Chase is In the military there are two delight- over the story. to find lives within human society. One of writing her memoirs, and thus allows you fully drawn head honchos, Captain Aivara In “Nocturne”, we meet Richard and my strongest criticisms about sequels or to see inside her head and feel what she is Terekhov of the HMS Hexapuma and Patrick, twins, who are the first children serials is that once past the introductory experiencing throughout the book. Admiral Augustus Khumalo, Command- born to the Austra family in decades. first novel, the author depends on what My only complaint would be that this ing Officer of Talbott Station. Khumalo is Their mother was once human and chose has gone before and the new reader book is a bit predictable, but I thought it your bureaucratic administrative type with to change to her husband’s life – the life jumping into the middle is lost. Ms. was a good read nevertheless. It also little initiative. You don’t expect much of vampyr. Richard seems fated to meet Bergstrom doesn’t do that. I didn’t realize portrayed a good view of a society that from him. Terekhov is your dedicated and love Irena, a gifted operatic soprano until deep into the novel that I was in the has so many high tech toys you barely talented officer from whom you expect who is a refugee from Romania. There are middle; she gave me all the background need to do anything yourself. Again, if much. He delivers; but whether the enemy enough secrets and strange family and information I needed in a very you’re looking for a great science fiction will be deterred effectively depends on relationships in this story to impress a smooth, sophisticated manner. I will novel this may not be it, but it does bridge Khumalo. Mafia family. Irena has the potential to happily read more about the Austra the gap between sci-fi and mystery, and The novel is compelling and I recom- make the same change as Richard’s family. – Catherine Book overall the story holds interest until the mend it though Mr. Weber includes his mother and be capable of bearing children end. - Ivan C. Erickson usual wealth of extraneous detail and his (Continued on page 21) excessive historical parallels. When I The Shadow of Saganami recognize the parallel he is using I am By David Weber fascinated, when I do not ... Anyway The ConRunners 10 Baen 2004 Hardcover, 735 pp, $26 book is excellent. I will continue reading him in spite his failure to write exactly as Mr. Weber has begun a new series in I would have him do. – Gary Swaty February 26, 2005 the Honor Harrington Universe which he calls “The Saganami Island series.” The Starfist: A World of Hurt Shadow of Saganami, the first of the by David Sherman and Dan Cragg Embassy Suites Phoenix North series, is a stand alone novel, not a piece Del Ray, 312 pp, $19.95 of a super novel though there are elements 2577 W Greenway Rd, Room 3005 which will allow a continuing story arc While this is the 10th book in the involving many of the same basic villains military SciFi Starfist series, the authors Registration opens at 8:30AM and heroes. take the time at the beginning of the book This book continues development of to develop the characters so that a first Morning Session Lunch 1PM-2PM. the drama caused by Jordin Kare’s time reader of the series can immediately 9AM-1PM: discovery of the new Lynx Terminus of grasp what is occurring. the Manticore Wormhole Junction. This The book runs two story lines that We plan a round table discussion Afternoon Session opened up a new trade route to the edge converge on a single planet, Maugham’s to focus on topics of interest to 2PM-4PM of the Solarian Federation. Complicating Station. The 34th FIST (Fleet Initial Strike AniZona staff.. Among topics to matters is the renewed war between Team, aka Marines) is sent to the planet to We will play “If I Ran The Z/o/o Manticore and the Republic of Haven. deal with what they think are the alien be covered are “Proper Staff Con” a con running choose your Resources are stretched thin. The invaders, (Skinks) first encountered in a Response to Security Problems”, Solarians plot with corporations and own path adventure game. previous volume. A number of the “How to Deal with an Irate Con interstellar slavers to wipe out the under inhabitants of Maugham’s Station have strength Manticoran garrisons at Lynx and been killed in unexplored regions of the Attedee”, “Help! Our Guest of the nearby Talbott Cluster. They back planet by something that uses acid to Honor Went Shopping and No We will provide coffee, tea, political movements in the Talbott cluster dissolve the flesh from the bodies. The One Knows Where He Is”, and, some soda and light snacks seeking to undermine support for the Skinks are the first intelligent and hostile plebiscite asking for admission to the Star force that humans have encountered in “HELP! We have Room for 900 Kingdom of Manticore. They build up the their expansion across the galaxy, and Attendees and There Are 2000 military of an ambitious local republic. they use jets of acid as weapons, hence The Fat is in the Fire. The story is the reason to send in the Marines. People in the Registration Line”. built from many different viewpoints. We At the same time this story is unfold- see things through the eyes of the newly ing, the authors create an almost humor- Membership $15. graduated Saganami Island Cadets on ous secondary tale of the “mighty” We’re their Midshipman Cruise, through the Here navy. The We’re Here navy is For more info Stephanie eyes of the Solarian political operative chasing pirates that are stealing ore from a www.westernsfa.org known as the Firebrand and through the planet that We’re Here feels is under their eyes of operatives on both sides at all influence. The We’re Here admiral thinks PO Box 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082 that Maugham’s Station is up to their ears Page 20 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 20 ) in Absolution Gap is complex and Hela where “salvation” awaits. first 50 pages. I was surprised when I bounces back and forth between multiple Meanwhile on Hela, Quaiche has seen determined that the numbers on the sub- Dragon’s Kin times and settings. There is a planet what he feels is a miracle when he chapter headings were, in fact, dates and by Anne & Todd McCaffrey Ararat, with a sea full of organisms that witnesses the planet’s sun disappear for a not just astrological locations. I enjoyed Del Rey, 292 pp, $24.95 can take over the minds of humans, home brief instant. He has formed a religion the story and was interested in where it to a refugee colony of humans; an airless based on moving giant vehicles, “cathe- was heading; but, if you don’t know what I am, of course, a die-hard Pern fan; I world, Hela, where people either live drals,” to keep them under the planets gas Ultra, baseline human, pig, inhibitor or couldn’t turn down a Pern book anymore underground or in self-sustaining moving giant in hopes of again seeing the miracle conjoiner are, then you should think of than I could turn down good chocolate. buildings, and a spaceship captained by a of the disappearance. reading the other volumes of this series But I was a bit ambivalent – I admit it – cruel “woman” looking for lost artifacts. Also, on Hela a young woman, before opening this book. – Mark about reading a Pern novel written by And, if this is not enough to keep the Rashmika, is trying to reach the cathedrals Phillips someone other than Anne so it sat on my reader absorbed, the author introduces in an effort to find her brother and to shelf for a bit. I should not have worried other characters and causes throughout the determine the truth of the miracle. Hybrids so. I also wondered what more could be book. Rashmika has unusual powers and by Robert Sawyer said about Pern and dragonkind. The basis for the story is that the includes the ability to tell if someone is Tor, 396 pp, $24.95 Anne and Todd leave the weyrs and spread of humans into space has precipi- being truthful. Her search brings her into go down into a coal mining settlement tated attacks by machines that are de- contact with the power of Quaiche and his “Hybrids” is the third in The Neander- with common folk for this story. But there signed to destroy any civilization that has “religion.” thal Parallax series, preceded by “Homi- is an uncommon boy and girl living in this advanced enough to go into space. Great The author weaves the stories between nids” and “Humans.” In the first book we particular settlement. Tragedy strikes (as battles rage in space, entire worlds are time and space till finally they all con- are introduced to Ponter, a Neanderthal it tends to do on Pern); the boy, Kindan, destroyed and humanity is fighting for its verge on Hela for the conclusion of the scientist who, with his partner, was loses his entire family and turns to the very existence. saga. I felt that the author left the ending working on a quantum-computing Camp’s Harper for security. The girl, The humans on Ararat have existed on somewhat vague, leaving much to the experiment involving alternate universes Nuella, is the daughter of the Camp’s the planet for 20 years while hiding from imagination of the reader and, of course, when their quantum computer found and leader and due to her handicap is hidden the killing machines, but times are as an opening for additional books along accessed our universe. Ponter fell through by her father lest she bring shame and changing and they are forced to once this same line. and the gateway closed. Ponter’s presence distrust to him and his plans to make the again flee. They are given instructions by I had not read the first two volumes of in an underground secure facility caused Camp a true Crafthold. In the middle of an unborn child who has powers to see this story and found myself somewhat lost no end of questions until an expert on this is a story of what exactly is a watch- into the future, and head for the planet as to what was happening for about the wher. As it happens, knowledge of why ( Continued on page 22 ) watch-whers were bred and for what purpose was lost as was so much other ancient knowledge. Folk like the miners, use the watch-whers without truly understanding their nature. But since the only person in their camp who had any understand- ing of the watch-wher (Kindan’s father) is dead along with the watch-wher as well, it is now up to Kindan to train a new watch- wher. For Kindan, the process is one of trial and error for both him and his baby watch-wher. However, with Nuella’s unique insight the two of them are in a singular position to see the watch-wher’s true potential without the handicap of condi- tioned ignorance. They have no one watching over their shoulder to tell them that something won’t work. This is a fine young-adult novel that manages to keep to the tradition of Pern stories. My single criticism is that I was unable to date the story in the Pernese chronology. I would have appreciated more references so I could place the story within other stories occurring at the same time elsewhere on Pern. The writing was seamless; I did not feel any moment of change or dislocation when a different writer picked up the pen. I look forward to seeing what Todd can do on his own – “Dragonsblood” is due out next Spring. – Catherine Book

Absolution Gap by Alastair Reynolds Ace Books, 565 pages, $24.95

This is the final volume in Reynolds’s trilogy and completes the story of Revelation Space, and Redemption Ark. The story Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 21 In Our Book ( Cont’d from page 21 ) fascinatingly – could our ability to Rowan is that when the dead choose to fleshed out as the series progresses, their imagine ‘higher beings’ such as gods be speak, he hears their whispers. Compelled friends and family react to the events and Neanderthal DNA, Mary, was called to physiological? {Mr. Sawyer is our guest to listen, he is left with no choice but to Rowan’s religion, in a totally believable determine what he really was. Once she at the next CopperCon this coming help, and that is when things start to manner. The plots are fulls of twists and pronounced him Neanderthal the game September. I will make sure there is a happen. Character driven and filled with turns that are guaranteed to keep you changed. Now he was no longer a panel to discuss these books. So, read ‘em action, these novels are an entertaining eagerly turning the page to see what potential terrorist but a media marvel. and bring your arguments and outraged blend of dark, police procedural thrillers happens next. I did figure out the villain Meanwhile, in his universe, his partner is sensibilities and we’ll have a place to with actual Pagan dynamics and concepts- in Perfect Trust before Rowan did but the charged with murder even though a body vent.} – Catherine Book And, of course, a healthy dash of suspense still held due to the interaction can’t be found. The book entertained and Magick.” between Rowan and the dead cheerleader. romanced me so easily that I immediately The Orpheus Industry The series begins with Harm None The author’s skill has clearly grown as the picked up the next book and dove right in. by Jennie Kermode which introduces us to most of our regular series has continued and he didn’t fall into In “Humans”, Sawyer explores the Double Dragon Publishing, 234 pages, characters, Homicide detective Ben the comfortable rut of letting an insane growing romance between Ponter and $5.99 Storm, Rowan Gant, a practicing witch, murderer, Eldon Porter, be Rowan’s Mary and the confusing familial relation- www.double-dragon-ebooks.com and his wife Felicity, Detective Carl constant foe. Hopefully he will also avoid ships of the Neanderthal culture as Ponter Deckert and FBI Agent Constance having let Lt Albright become a cliche foe introduces Mary to his family. Ponter and Oscar MacIntyre is a young Scottish Mandalay. There has been a murder in St as realistic as her reactions tp his faith are. his partner discover a way to keep the rock guitarist and songwriter. Some things Louis and finding “occult” overtones Ben My only complaint, and it is a minor one, gateway open which gives easy access are the same everywhere, even in a world turns to Rowan for advice. It turns out the is I got tired of the word “gelid” repeat- between the universes. Both universes are still ruled by the close presence of the victim was a former student of Rowan’s edly being used to describe the cold eager to trade ideas and technology. gods of classical Greece. There are always and now she speaking to Rowan in an atmosphere. Sawyer paints a vivid picture of our Earth those who will exploit a rising talent for attempt to help find her murderer before I can’t wait for the next one in the under the care of the Neanderthals. The their own purposes. As he grows accus- he strikes again. series. - Stephanie L Bannon theory is that some 40,000 years ago the tomed to the trappings of fame, Oscar Never Burn A Witch is the second universe diverged. In one universe, homo finds himself caught in a love triangle entry in the series and introduces Eldon sapiens achieved awareness or true between sun-god Apollo, who holds his Porter, a foe who is determined to stamp intelligence and in the other, the Neander- recording contract among other things, out the non-believers of St Louis. He is An American in England thals won the lottery. In each, the other and Persephone, the recently dethroned following the Malleus Maleficarum that Part Three: Theatre and species died out. On the surface, the goddess of spring and the dead. In the was used by the Inquisition and recreating differences seem simplistic: we became an meantime he manages to accomplish some their methods of torture and execution. Tea in England agricultural society and destroyed much serious drinking. The story literally goes Once again Rowan is contacted from by Jeffrey Lu. of our environment in an attempt to to hell about three-quarters of the way beyond but the ties this time are not just to control it. The Neanderthals never through, but that’s where the pace really the dead but to those who are Eldon’s Temptations- ice cream or ice coffee? developed agriculture and remained a picks up. current victims putting both Rowan’s life After a death in the family, I needed a hunter/gatherer society. Their need to I found the novel difficult to get into at and sanity on the line. break. But where? Where Shakespeare protect and conserve their resources led to first because of the language. Not the F- Perfect Trust in the third book in this acted? Where T.S. Eliot worked? a less exploited environment. In their bombs (though there are plenty of those), series. Rowan hasn’t completely gotten Where Samuel Johnson’s House still universe, there is no pollution from fossil but rather the sentence fragments and over the events of the previous book, in stands? England! fuels; all the species that homo sapiens other sloppy grammar. A few chapters fact he finds he is sleepwalking and even I decided to join a college summer hunted to extinction still exist. The into the story, I came to see this as a ends up at a murder scene without Neanderthals realized several generations tour group because I did not know deliberate device to define character. Our knowing how he got there. Rowan keeps England well. I wanted to taste the sights earlier that population control was Hero is simply not very bright. The story channeling the dead cheerleader who absolutely necessary (only so many of London but have no clue where and is imaginative and I see good things ahead seems to be more in control than Rowan is what to do. hunters to so many acres), so their world for the author, though I recommend the and ll the while the body count rises. We is under-populated. And yet, the differ- Yet, the two-week tour consisted services of an experienced editor. meet Ben’s sister Helen in this book, a around ten days for the group in watching ences run much deeper. Sawyer blends To my mind, the book is to be rated a woman who may be more than she seems stories and events from each universe to plays. A good portion were Shakespeare. hard “R” for language and strong ambulo- at first glance. Some shows were modern. Some were explore the cultural and sexual differences sexual content (This is my new word for a The Law of Three has the return of not. Some were very good. between these fundamentally different, character who will mate with anything Eldon Porter who is out for revenge on yet both human, societies. He discusses that moves). the man who got away, Rowan Gant. My first show, a muscial named, some fascinating ideas of why we do what The Orpheus Industry is distributed Catching him is complicated by the new “Anything Goes,” was at Theatre Royal at we do. as an electronic book by Double Dragon person in charge of the Major Case Drury Lane. The program can to be In the third novel, “Hybrids”, the title Publishing, which offers a wide variety of Squad, one Lt. Barbara Albright who purchased for 3 pounds (around $6). itself suggests the story’s direction. Ponter titles. Some books are priced as low as almost seems more sympathy for Eldon Being early, I bought one and went to the and Mary have proclaimed their love but one dollar. The e-books can be down- than she does for the victims. theatre’s bar. despair of ever having a child since their loaded in most of the common formats, Crone’s Moon, the fifth entry. In the I ordered English Breakfast from an physiologies are incompatible. However, including Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft months since the climatic confrontation elderly matron. the discovery of a proscribed device give Reader. - Randall Whitlock between Eldon Porter and Rowan, life has Without thinking, I drank the hot tea. them an unprecedented opportunity. Now been quiet. Rowan begins to hope his Like Agatha Christie’s novel, a scream they can actually “design” the perfect The Rowan Gant Series psychic connection to the other world has came out of nowhere. child with the best attributes of each by M. R. Sellars passed. But his hope is in vain as he starts Startled, I looked around. Nothing but species. Sawyer does use a clichéd Harm None having seizures... a murder victim is me and a lady. storyline to give his novel somewhere to Willowtree Press, 380 pp, $8.95 calling him to the scene of the crime and The English matron apologized for her go while he discusses his scientific Never Burn A Witch this time it is not just his life and sanity outburst. She told me that usually people theories. A homo sapien male sees the Willowtree Press, 380 pp, $8.95 that is at stake. put cream and/or sugar in their tea. She device as an opportunity to exploit the Perfect Trust While this series is technically a had never seen anyone drinking the Neanderthal’s “Garden of Eden” and Willowtree Press, 369 pp, $8.95 mystery series, as opposed to fantasy or Mary, Ponter and friends have to race boiling tea, straight up. The Law of Three science fiction, the supernatural themes of I grinned and told her this was okay. against time to stop his nefarious scheme. Willowtree Press, 327 pp, $12.95 psychic powers, victims that speak from But I didn’t mind – really! I usually hate I’ve been drinking tea like this when I Crone’s Moon the grave and magick are ones that will was a kid. Hearing warning bells for the authors who use their stories to preach Willowtree Press, 332 pp, $12.95 appeal to our readers. I saw Harm None their favorite theories from a soapbox. But musical to open, I left quickly for my seat. advertised on Amazon.com and contacted During the intersession, two women Sawyer is so charming while he’s about it, The synopsis of the series from the the author for a review copy. He quite that I not only didn’t mind, I truly enjoyed came with trays. Curious, I went forward web site states: “The series follows the generously sent me the entire series, I am to see what they were carrying. They were the lectures. The science is not so dense life of Rowan Gant, practicing Witch and so glad he did. From the first page of the selling cups of ice cream for 2 pounds. I that I couldn’t follow it; in fact, he self-employed computer consultant; his first book to the last page of the last one I bought one. explained his ideas so smoothly that I freelance photographer wife Felicity; his read them straight through.... they are could clearly understand the logic. What I best friend Ben Storm, a homicide gripping. Each book, while being a self- After the wonderful muscial, I went want to know is: how much of what he detective for the city of St. Louis; and a contained story, also builds on the back to my hotel. told me is actually possible… does any of host of other colorful-- and true to life-- previous ones and gives hints of more to Next issue, An American in England this technology exist yet… and, most characters. The unfortunate thing for come. The characters are becoming more Part Four: Wandering in Westminster Abbey Page 22 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1 *****C.R.O.F.T. Celtic Reenactment of about 5 miles north of Disney-land. For AZ 85609 or Randall Whitlock at Fellowship and Trades is Phoenix based more details ph. Greg at [949] 552-4925 or [email protected] or Club Reenactment group specializing in the send a message to our listserve www.southwestcostumersguild.org western European renaissance. We research [email protected] lifestyles and trades concurrent with the SPACE ACCESS SOCIETY Space Access Listings Celtic Peoples from 400 BC until 1746 AD. PAReX is a non-profit, just for fun organiza- Society’s sole purpose is to promote radically ADRIAN EMPIRE A medieval and renais- We emphasize Scots, Irish or Welsh crafts and tion dedicated to the proliferation of robotics cheaper access to space, ASAP. We think it’s sance recreationist club. Sword-fighting, arts, do Celtic re-enactment. We open participation as a hobby. Monthly meetings will be held possible within ten years, with a little luck banquets, masquerades, dances. meets every to anyone with an interest in period crafting and will be announced under the Meeting and a lot of hard work. Join us and help us Wednesday night from 7-10pm at Encanto and entertainment. Demonstrations occur at Information page, http://www.parex.org/ make it happen! SAS membership is $30 for Park. All are welcome. Free. the Highland Games, Scarborough Fair, and meetinfo.htm. All interest-ed persons are one year, which gets you emailed Space the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Web page invited to participate. We are currently in the Access Updates the instant they pass final AERIAL MIRAGE JUGGLERS. Meets http://www.crofters.org We meet in Tempe at process of getting organized and becoming an edit, plus discounts on our annual conference Wednesday 7-10pm in Encanto Park, 15th the Pyle Adult Center SW corner of Rural and official organization with tax status. Web on the technology, politics, and business of Avenue, south of Encanto. No dues, everyone Southern on the 2nd Saturday of every month, page: http://www.parex.org/ E-mail Contact: radically cheaper space transportation, welcome. All levels skill exchange in many phone number (480)350-5211. The Board John Kittelsrud, [email protected] featuring leading players in the field. Email areas of object manipulation Dave Davis meeting will be at 2:00 pm with the General us at: [email protected] , 602-955-9446; meeting starting at 2:30 pm. THE PHOENIX FANTASY FILM SOCI- Web page: www.space-access.org/ or Ron Harvey , 480- ETY A Phoenix based club interest-ed in the 775-4690 for more info or impromptu THE DARK ONES (Dark-wunz) n. 1) An entire realm of SF, Fantasy and Horror film. SUPERSTITION SPACEMODELING juggling sessions. organization formed for the expression and PFFS has been in existence for 30 years, SOCIETY is Arizona’s club for builders of exploration of various cultural themes meeting every 6 weeks in member’s homes. model and high-power rockets and those who ARIZONA LANBASHERS LEAGUE A including, but not limited to, the Dark Ages Dues are $10 per year. Membership includes love to see them fly. Launches are held on the collaboration of computer gaming enthusiasts, and the Renaissance through forms of art newsletters, an annual film awards and second Saturday morning of each month in the Arizona LANbashers League throws including, but not limited to, painting, various outings. For information, contact Rainbow Valley. SSS hosts the annual G. quarterly LANparty events. Between parties, drawing, writing, photography, spoken word, PFFS, P.O. Box 34023, Phoenix, AZ 85067 or Harry Stine Memorial Rocket Launch every support is given to local groups who wish to and acts of characterization. 2) a member of call David Storck at (602) 274_7404, e-mail: October. Visit www.sssrocketry.org for advertise their own gatherings. We have no this organization. 3) Information available at [email protected]. membership information, directions to the set genre of games and play anything from www.darkones.org launches and meetings, and to read the strategy games to first-person shooters to RAGE ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST A monthly newsletter, “Newton’s Minutes.” driving/flying simulations. No annual THE EMPIRE OF CHIVALRY AND Live Action Theatre Troupe based out of the TARDIS is a Phoenix-based General SF/ membership is required and admission to an STEEL, INC. The Empire of Chivalry and ASU campus in Tempe, AZ. It is dedicated to Fantasy Fan Club, specializing in Interna- event ranges from $5-$15. See our webpage Steel specializes in the general recreation of the game Werewolf: The Apocalypse by tional media SF/Fantasy since 1983. TARDIS for current events. Email: the culture of the Middle Ages including all of White Wolf publishing. Contact Mike meets every two weeks at different locations [email protected] Web: the Art Forms, Events (Feasts, Tournaments, McLaughlin at (602)461-5842 or write 1730 around the valley. Activities include watching www.lanparty.com/all/ VoiceMail: 602-306- Ceremonies and Wars) and Combat Arts W Emelita Place #2025, Mesa AZ 85202- videos, discussions, parties, games, and 9339 covering the years of 800AD up to 1650AD 3144 or [email protected] occasional outings with more to come now and any location within Europe or its explored that Doctor Who is returning from hiatus. THE AWAY TEAM: The Away Team, is a territories. For more information contact RAW GAMES (Role-players & Many members maintain an active presence at general sci-fi appreciation group that meets Leonard Byrd (Tucson) (520)742-2432 Web: Wargamers, Inc.) Role-players & conventions. You can contact us at 2243 W once a month for discussion of various sci-fi www.galandor.org Wargamers, Inc. is the Valley’s oldest role- Wagon Wheel Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85021, Voice news regarding several mediums to include: playing and wargaming club. Currently Mail at (602) 864-0901, E-mail TARDIS- television, movies, video, books, comics, THE JEDI KNIGHTS (Founded 1977) meeting at 8159 W. Weldon in Phoenix every [email protected] or visit us at http:// magazines, collecting, and so forth. The Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of each month. Sunday from 3pm-9pm (except during members.cox.net/tardis-info meetings are comprised of news, review and For more information call Carol Alves, conventions and other special events). Open comment, BBS/computer news and help, Publicity, (760)244-9593 or write Jedi to new members - call (602) 849-9515. TEKWAR FAN CLUB Sanctioned by the meeting new members, video presentations, Knights, c/o Carol Alves 8038 “I” Street, www.rawgames.org series’ production companies and the USA games, and socializing fun! Food and drinks Hesperia CA, 92345-7066. Network! It is THE information conduit are provided, via a $3 munchie fee (per SAMURAI OTAKU ANIME CLUB The between the fans and the series! Fan club meeting) to compensate the host. (No other LEPRECON, INC. One of the two Phoenix Samurai Otaku is a group of fans of anime, membership will bring you the following 1) fees are involved.) The electronic home of the area corporations that put on yearly conven- manga, and Japanese pop culture. Meetings subscription to the info filled Tek Informer Away Team, is the Lightspeed Space Station tions. Best described as SF/F generalists with are held every Saturday night at 6pm at newsletter; 2) official TekWar Fan Club BBS at (520) 325-6674.... Member ages for a main thrust into SF/F art. Guests are Samurai Comics, 5024 N. 7th St.. Members membership card and kit. Membership is by the group range from 13-40-something with welcome. The meetings are quarterly on the discuss anime and manga, work on a web regular mail only and the newsletter and both male and female members. Other second Saturday of February, May, August & comic, discuss fund raisers, and schedule club materials will not be reproduced electroni- activities include null-modem link gamefests, November unless otherwise notified. August events. After each meeting the club views cally. To join the action and initiate your group theater movie viewings, convention is the annual meeting where board positions selected anime DVD’s and plays games. Open annual membership, make check or money trips and more. Have sci-fi fun in a relaxed, are deter-mined. For more information, write to new members. Contact Moryha Banks— order out for $12.50 to: Official TekWar Fan low-structure environment. NO RUBBER PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ 85285; call Mike (602)265-8886, Email: Club (Membership section), 2522 N EARS ALLOWED!! For questions, you can Willmoth, 480-945-6890, Email [email protected] Sparkman Blvd., Tucson AZ 85716-2417 call the BBS, or write to: LSS c/o R. Martin; [email protected] Webpage: 2522 N. Sparkman Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716 www.leprecon.org THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE T.H.E.M. is ASU’s science fiction and ANACHRONISM The kingdom of Atenveldt fantasy club. Weekly meetings are held on the BASFA Local Tucson science fiction group MIB The Men in Black is the official global doth lie in the state of Arizona. Within the fair Arizona State University campus, with dates that puts on TusCon. Contact us at PO Box organization of field operatives for Steve kingdom can be found six Baronies: and places to be announced after the semester 2528, Tucson AZ 85702-2528 or Jackson Games. We attend local conventions Atenveldt, Mons Tonitrus, Twin Moons, starts. For more information, Email [email protected] to demonstrate and promote products of Steve SunDragon, Tir Ysgithr and Ered Sul. For [email protected] Web our website at http://home.earthlink.net/ Jackson Games. We also schedule demos in more information on any of these or for www.themonline.org ~basfa/ local gaming stores as well as community general information on thy past tomorrows service events. If you have a gaming store, thou mayest contact Mistress Myrddina o TUCSON FAN ALLIANCE E-Mail Address CENTRAL ARIZONA SPECULATIVE convention, or community service that you Dolwyddelan (Terry Schwartz) PO Box 584, is [email protected] or FICTION SOCIETY, INC. (CASFS) The would like to have official Steve Jackson Sonoita AZ 85637 (520)455-5835 Email: [email protected] non-profit corporation that puts on Games representation at, please contact the [email protected] Web CopperCon conventions, SmurfCons, MIB Arizona Cell www.atenveldt.com USS STORMBRINGER The Stormbringer is HexaCons, occasional regional cons, and Leader at [email protected]. We are also a correspondence Star Trek fan club chapter publishes Con-Notations. Best described as recruiting new MIBs in some areas of SOUTHWEST COSTUMER’S GUILD The of Starfleet, Intl. based out of Tucson AZ. SF/F generalists with a strong bent towards Arizona. If you’re interested, contact us. You Southwest Costumers Guild is a loose The chapter was commissioned as the USS literary SF/F. Guests welcome - meets at 8pm can find additional information about the organization of persons interested in all facets Stormbringer NCC-74213, attached to on the last Friday of each month in January Arizona MIB at our website http:// of historical, cultural, science fiction, fantasy, Division 31, Starfleet Covert Operations, on thru September and the second Friday in members.cox.net/mib.6361/ and humor costume. Members are often seen 10/31/98. As of 11/29/98 there were 32 October, November and December at JB’s on stage and behind the scenes at local and members. There are no dues other than the Restaurant, 2560 W. Indian School in ORANGE COUNTY SCIENCE FICTION regional Science Fiction Convention masquer- $15 for joining Star-fleet Intl.. Members are Phoenix, AZ. Write PO Box 62613, Phoenix, CLUB meets last Wednesday of every month ades. They meet on the last Sunday of each scattered world wide but the primary clusters AZ 85082-2613 or call Stephanie L. Bannon (except Dec.) We frequently have author month at various members’ homes in the are in Tucson, AZ and Plano, TX. They don’t (602)973-2341 for information. Web guest speakers. You’re all welcome to come greater Phoenix area. For details. Southwest meet on a regular basis since they are a if you’re in the area. We meet in Fullerton, Costumers Guild, PO Box 39504, Phoenix, www.casfs.org ( Continued on page 24 ) Volume 15 Issue 1 ConNotations Page 23 Club Listings ( Cont’d from page 23 ) Knows Where He Is”, and, “HELP! Phoenix ConGames (Phoenix AZ) July What is CASFS? 21-24, 2005 Hilton Phoenix East. For What is really behind putting on a We have Room for 900 Attendees and correspondence chapter. Their web site is: more info www.iceescape.com http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9505/ convention? What the funds raised by a There Are 2000 People in the Regis- and their contact/CO is Capt. Dave Pitts, convention used for? Why not attend a tration Line”. Lunch 1PM-2PM. [email protected] meeting and find out? We’re the sponsor Afternoon Session 2PM-4PM during HexaCon 15 (Tempe, AZ) August 507, of ConNotations, CopperCons, HexaCons, 2005 Tempe Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ, which we will play “If I Ran The Z/o/ Z-PHILES are the ariZona x-PHILES. We SmerfCons and other conventions. We are Gaming starts on Friday and runs 24 maintain a mailing list for news and get- a charitable, non-profit organization that o Con” a con running choose your hours until Sunday 4PM. Planned events togethers of fans of the X-Files living in exists to further science fiction, fantasy own path adventure game.We will include RPGA, LARP, LAN Party, CCG, Arizona. We get together in both the Phoenix and science fields in Arizona. CASFS provide coffee, tea, some soda and Battletech and much more. Also Anime and Tucson areas. To subscribe, send an currently meets at the JB’s Restaurant at empty message to z-philes- 2560 W Indian School Rd in Phoenix (NW light snacks. Membership $15. For and a full consuite. *THURSDAY [email protected] corner of I-17 and Indian School). The more info: ConRunners, PO Box EVENTS for pre-registered members only include Barry Bard’s Movie Pre- UNITED FEDERATION OF PHOENIX A meetings begin at 8PM and are held on the 67457, Phoenix AZ 85082 Phoenix area Star Trek and general SciFi fan last Friday of the month Jan. Through Web: www. westernsfa.org views and Giveaways. Memb: $15 thru Sept. And on the second Friday of the club. We are a social club that meets every Email: [email protected] 12/31/04; $20 thru 6/30/05, Hotel: Tempe two weeks at various locations around the month Oct through Dec. Everyone is Mission Palms, Tempe, AZ (800) 547- invited to attend two meetings as a guest Phoenix area. The UFP has been meeting for 8705 Room Rates: $91 S/D/T/Q, Info: (non-member). Membership rates are $12/ ICE ESCAPE 2005, (Phoenix AZ) over 25 years of continuous activity. Dues are www.hexacon.org or 623-773-1816 $15/per year prorated when you join; no year plus an initial $3 application fee and March 18–20, 2005. Author/Publisher restrictions. Membership includes member- rates are pro-rated for the amount of the Convention at the elegant Wyndham year remaining. For more info Call: CopperCon 25 (Phoenix AZ) Sept 9-11, ship roster and monthly newsletter. Come to Hotel in the heart of downtown Phoenix. any two meetings at no obligation. For Stephanie L. Bannon (602)973-2341 2005 Embassy Suites Phoenix North, More info www.iceescape.com information, write the UFP at PO Box 37224, Webpage: www.casfs.org email: Phoenix, AZ Guests Authors Greg Keyes, Phoenix, AZ 85069, or call Jim Strait at (602) [email protected] Robert J. Sawyer; Ghost GoH. Harry 242-9203. Web page: http://www.U-F-P.org AniZona (Phoenix AZ) March 25-27, Stine; Music Escape Key Memberships or Email to [email protected] 2005 Embassy Suites Phoenix North, $25 thru 12/31/04, $30 thru 5/30/05 Hotel Phoenix, AZ Arizona’s First Anime WESTERN SCIENCE FICTION ASSO- Convention rates $89 S/D, $99 T/ $109 Q (plus tax) Convention Guests Colleen CIATION (WesternSFA) A non-profit (602) 375-1777 CopperCon 25, PO Box Listings Clinkenbeard, Aaron Dismuke, Hide-san, corporation that sponsors the ConRunners 62613, Phoenix, AZ 85082, Phone(480) seminars and sponsored the 2004 Westercon. and Katie Bair Memberships $35 until 3/ The Sixteen Swashbucklers of Gallifrey 945-6890 [email protected], Dedicated primarily to educational activities 1/05, $40 at the door Membership limited One (Van Nuys, CA) Feb 18-20, 2005. Web www.coppercon.org relating to literature, music, and visual and to 850. Hotel rates $99 S/D, $109 T/ $119 performing arts, especially in the genres of Airtel Plaza Hotel, Van Nuys, CA Guests Q (plus tax) (602) 375-1777 science fiction, fantasy, costuming, gaming include Nicholas Courtney, Caroline www.anizona.org, Email and science. Applicants for membership John, Richard Franklin, Terrance Dicks, in WesternSFA must be sponsored by a [email protected] current active WesternSFA member. Dues Barry Letts, new series writers Mark Mailing/Subscription are $10 yearly plus a $5 non-refundable Gatiss, Steven Moffat, Rob Shearman, application fee. General Meetings are Paul Cornell, plus David Gerrold, Marv Arizona Book Festival 2005 (Phoe- Information held on the first Friday of February, May, Wolfman, Len Wein and more. Member- nix, AZ) Saturday April 2, Carnegie August and November, usually at the ships $50 to Dec 31, $55 to Jan 31, $60 at Center, 1101 W. Washington St., home of a member. Guests are welcome. ConNotations is sent free of the door. www.gallifreyone.com; Phoenix, AZ. Hours are 10:00 am to For more info contact Craig Dyer at charge to those who have WesternSFA, PO Box 87457, Phoenix AZ Gallifrey Conventions P.O. Box 3021, 5:00 pm. Admission is Free. Authors 85082, (602) 973-2341, Email: North Hollywood, CA 91609 appearing at the CASFS booth include attended a CASFS sponsored [email protected] Webpage: convention in the past two www.westernsfa.org Jacqueline Carey, Adam Niswander, ConRunners 10 (Phoenix AZ) February Dennis L. Mckiernan, Jeff Mariotte, years (currently 2003/2004). 26, 2005 - At the Embassy Suites Phoenix John Vornholt and others. Festival Attendees of CopperCon 23, North, 2577 W Greenway Rd, Room features two hundred local and CopperCon 24, HexaCon 13 3005. Registration opens at 8:30AM - national recognized authors, many Morning Session 9AM-1PM: We plan and HexaCon 14 will receive booksellers and other exhibitors. Visit a round table discussion to focus on ConNotations Volume 15 http://www.azbookfestival.org for topics of interest to AniZona staff.. Issues 1 thru 6. general details about the festival and Among topics to be covered are www.casfs.org/azbookfest for details “Proper Staff Response to Security about signings and activities at the ConNotations updates it’s Problems”, “How to Deal with an CASFS and LepreCon booths. mailing list each December. Irate Con Attedee”, “Help! Our Guest of Honor Went Shopping and No One LepreCon 31 (Carefree AZ) May 6-8, Individual subscriptions are 2005 - Carefree Resort, Carefree, AZ available for $15 for 6 issues. Generic Convention Registration Form Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention with an emphasis on art Artist GoH Dave Dorman; Author GoH Kevin J. Anderson; Some non-CASFS groups give Name:______Special Artist Guest Bear Burge; Music their membership lists to GoH Mitchell Burnside-Clapp. Local CASFS and purchase a bulk Badge Name:______Artist GoH Sarah Clemens; Room corporate subscription so their Address:______Rates$89 S/D, $99 T, $109 Q (plus tax attendees may also receive City/State/ZIP:______and $9 resort fee per room) (480) 488- 5300 or (888) 488-9034 Memberships are ConNotations Phone:______Email:______$30 thru 12/31/04; $35 thru 04/15/05 ; Kids 7-12 half price, Kids 6 & Under Currently these groups are: Enclosed is $______for ______memberships for Free (with Adult membership) Write WesternSFA - If you attended ______convention. LepreCon 31, PO Box 26665, Tempe, AZ Westercon 57 you will receive (See individual convention listing for mailing address) 85285, Phone (480) 945-6890, More info on __ Masquerade __Art Show __Volunteer __ Other [email protected] Web Volume 15 Issues 1 thru 6 www.leprecon.org/lep31 Page 24 ConNotations Volume 15 Issue 1