PO Box 656, Washington, DC 20044 - (202) 232-3141 - Issue #180 - March 2005 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.lambdasf.org/ The LSF Book I claim this Discussion birthday cake Group in the name of Mars!!! If you’re interested in lively discussions of F&SF books (with an emphasis on elements of interest to the LBGT community), we invite you to join Happy 15th Birthday, LSF!!! the LSF Book Discussion Group. Each month, we conduct fascinating round- US Right Attacks table discussions of works by significant SpongeBob Video F&SF authors. info passed along by Kendall The LSF Book Discussion (from an article in the online BBC Group generally meets on the 4th News, World Edition) Thursday of every month, starting at 7:00 PM, at Peter & Rob’s home: 1425 “S” US conservative groups are up St., NW -- for directions or more details, in arms over a music video featuring call 202-483-6369. The next meeting will children’s TV heroes, including the be held on March 24th. Here’s the sche- cheerful cartoon character SpongeBob dule for the next couple of meetings: SquarePants. Focus on the Family and March 24th - Frankstein by Mary Shel- other groups say the video – a remake of ley (Yes, the classic!); moderator: Scott. the Sister Sledge hit “We Are Family” – April 28th - The Salt Roads by Nalo is a vehicle for pro-gay propaganda. Hopkinson; moderator: Krista. The video’s makers plan to mail ΛΨΦ it to US schools in the spring to promote apparently because he regularly holds tolerance and diversity. The video also hands with his sidekick Patrick. Sponge- - Next LSF Meeting - features children’s favourites like Bob Bob’s creators deny that he is gay. March 13th the Builder and characters from Sesame SpongeBob is, of course, not Street and The Muppet Show. the first such character to cause con- The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting James Dobson, founder of troversy. Back in 1999, conservatives will be held at James Crutchfield’s apart- right-wing Christian group Focus on the claimed handbag-carrying Teletubby ment (1414 17th St., NW, #413) on Sun- Family, singled out SpongeBob at a Tinky Winky (an import from the UK) day, March 13th. The business meeting black-tie dinner in Washington in the was a bad role-model. will begin at 1:30 PM; and the social meet- run-up to President Bush’s inaugura- Nile Rodgers, who wrote the ing will begin at 2:00 PM. Please bring tion, the New York Times said. song, is the founder of the We Are some munchies or soft drinks, if you can. SpongeBob (Nickelodeon) is seen as an Family Foundation (WAFF), which See you there! ΛΨΦ icon for adult gay men in the US, (continued on page 2) * * * * WHAT'S INSIDE? 32nd Annual Annie Award Winners (pg. 2); Shortlists for 2004 British Science Fiction Assn. Awards Announced (pg. 3);Short List for Arthur C. Clarke Award Announced (pg. 3);Minutes for the February LSF Meeting (pg. 4);The Adventures of ConBoy (a cartoon by Chris Browning - pg. 4);Jack L. Chalker (obituary - pg. 5);About Lambda Sci- Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians &Con Calendar (pg. 6) 1 32nd Annual Annie Award Winners info passed along by Kendall

On January 30th, Disney/Pixar’s Animated Feature Production (Kevin Character Design in an Animated Televi- The Incredibles soared to victory for O’Brien). Brad Bird (as the voice of Edna sion Production Best Animated Feature, as well as taking Mode) won for Voice Acting in an Patrick Matè - Father of the Pride the nine other categories it where it Animated Feature Production — one of Directing in an Animated Television received nominations — including three the other nominees for that award was Production personal achievements trophies to Brad Samuel L. Jackson, the voice of Lucius Shaun Cashman & Phil Cummings - Bird for Writing, Directing, and Voice Best/Frozone. The Grim Adventures of Billy & Man- Acting. The Nickelodeon series, Sponge- Hilarious emcee for the evening, dy “Attack of the Clowns” Bob Squarepants, won as the Best Ani- Tom Kenny (the voice of SpongeBob), Music in an Animated Television Pro- mated Television Production. [Ed. Note: was especially delighted to see his series duction It beat out both Star Wars: Clone Wars win the award for Best Animated Tele- Robert J. Kral - Duck Dodgers (Cartoon Network Studios) and The vision Production after the recent flack Production Design in an Animated Batman (Warner Bros. Animation). from a “Focus on the Family” spokesper- Television Production Go figure.] son calling the yellow sponge who lives Richard Daskas, - Samurai Jack “Sea- Comic book legend Stan Lee under the sea a gay character. Kenny son of Death” was especially pleased to hand out the pointed out that this is a ridiculous Storyboarding in an Animated Televi- Best Animated Feature award to The accusation — and an incredible display sion Production Incredibles, which features superhe- of intolerance — when one considers Wendy Grieb - Disney’s Dave the roes. The Incredibles predictably bested that SpongeBob is a fictional character Barbarian “The Maddening Sprite of the other nominees in that category: and a little kid — plus the fact that the Stump” Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (Go Fish sponges are asexual and therefore have Voice Acting in an Animated Television Pictures, DreamWorks Animation),Shrek no sexual orientation. Production 2 (DreamWorks), and The SpongeBob Besides its shared wins with Brittany Murphy - Voice of Luane Squarepants Movie (Peanut Worm Pro- Pixar, Disney had other big victories, Platter - King of the Hill “Girl, You’ll ductions, Paramount Pictures). The including Lorenzo for Best Animated Be A Giant Soon” Incredibles also won for Character Short Subject and The Lion King 1½ for Writing in an Animated Television Design in an Animated Feature Produc- Best Entertainment Home Production. Production tion (Tony Fucile), Animated Effects Some of the other awards given were: Etan Cohen - King of the Hill “Ceci (Martin Nguyen), Character Animation Best Animated Television Commercial N’est Pas Une” (Angus MacLane), Music in an Ani- United Airlines Interview - Acme For complete listing of all award mated Feature Production (Michael Filmworks categories, nominees, and winners, go to Giacchino), Production Design in an Best Animated Television Production their website: http://annieawards.com/ Animated Feature Production (Lou SpongeBob SquarePants - Nickel- 32ndannieawardwinners.htm Romano), and Storyboarding in an odeon ΛΨΦ

SpongeBob Video continued from page 1 released the new video. He says the includes a recognition of tolerance of Razors pain you; video is intended to help teach children sexual identity. “We see the video as an Rivers are damp; the values of co-operation and unity. insidious means by which the organiza- Acids stain you; “We believe that this is the essential first tion is manipulating and potentially And drugs cause cramp. step to loving thy neighbor,” he said. brainwashing kids,” Paul Batura, a Guns aren’t lawful; “And the fun and exciting format makes spokesman for Focus on the Family, told it a lesson that’s easy for children to the New York Times. Nooses give; learn.” WAFF spokesman Mark Gas smells awful; But conservatives see the video Barondeso told the newspaper that You might as well live. as a cunning attempt to promote homo- anyone who thought the video pro- sexuality. They point to the fact that moted homosexuality “needs to visit -- Dorothy Parker -- WAFF is linked to a pledge being their doctor and get their medication (Résumé, 1927) promoted by some liberal groups which increased.” ΛΨΦ

2 Shortlists for 2004 British Science Fiction Association Stephan Awards Announced Martinièère’s cover for info passed along by Kendall Newton’s Wake by Ken MacLeod The BSFA Awards are pre- River of Gods by Ian McDonald (Simon (Tor US) sented annually by the British Science and Schuster) Fiction Association, based on a vote of Stamping Butterflies by Jon Courtenay BSFA members and – in recent years – Grimwood (Gollancz SF) members of the British national science (There are six novels on the fiction convention (Eastercon). shortlist this year because there was a tie The shortlists for the 2004 in the number of nominations received.) “Iguana” awards were announced on January Best Short Fiction photo by 23rd, compiled from nominations submit- “Delhi” by Vandana Singh (So Long Sebastiao ted by BSFA members. The awards will Been Dreaming: Postcolonial Vi- Salgado be presented on March 26th at Eastercon ions of the Future, ed. by Nalo Hop- (Hinckley, Leicestershire, UK). As usu- kinson and Uppinder Mehan) al, attending members of the 2005 “Mayflower II” by Stephen Baxter (PS Eastercon as well as BSFA members will Publishing) be eligible to vote. “Point of No Return” by Jon Courtenay “The Millau Bridge” – photo by Eric The shortlists for the 2004 Grimwood (New Scientist, Christmas/ Cabanis/AFP/Getty BSFA Awards are as follows: New Year) Cover for Newton’s Wake by Ken Best Novel “The Faery Handbag” by Kelly Link (The MacLeod (Tor US) – Stephan Century Rain by Alastair Reynolds Faery Reel: Tales from the Twilight Martinièère (Gollancz SF) Realm, ed. by Ellen Datlow & Terri Cover for The Algebraist by Iain M Forty Signs of Rain by Kim Stanley Windling) Banks (original photo credited to Robinson (HarperCollins) “The Wolf-Man of Alcatraz” by Howard NASA!) Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Waldrop (Scifiction, 22 September) Cover for The Year of Our War by Steph Susanna Clarke (Bloomsbury) Best Artwork Swainston – Edward Miller Newton’s Wake by Ken MacLeod (Orbit) “Iguana” – photo by Sebastiao Salgado ΛΨΦ

Short List for Arthur C. Clarke Award Announced info passed along by Kendall

The Arthur C. Clarke Award is given annually for the best British science fiction novel from the previous year. It has been conferred every year Every once in a while, since 1987. It is a juried award, with jury members (writers, critics, academics, declare peace. scientists, and fans) drawn from the It confuses the hell Award’s supporting organizations: the out of your enemies! British Science Fiction Association, the The Short List Science Fiction Foundation, and the Ian McDonald, River of Gods (Simon & Science Museum. Schuster) -- 76th Ferengi Rule of Acquisition -- Previous winners include: The China Miéville,Iron Council (Macmillan) (cited in the DS9 episode Separation by Christopher Priest (2003); David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas (Sceptre) "The Homecoming") Perdido Street Station by China Miéville Richard Morgan, Market Forces (2001); and The Sparrow by Mary Doria (Gollancz) Russell (1998). Audrey Niffenegger, The Time The short list for 2005 has been Traveller’s Wife (Cape) announced. The winner will be an- Neal Stephenson, The System of the nounced in May. World (Heinemann) ΛΨΦ 3 Minutes for the February LSF Meeting a cartoon by taken by Rob Gates Chris Browning ΛΨΦΛΨΦ

Light turnout. Only business was an FYI about the Capital Pride celebration in June. Looks like Pride costs are the same as 2004: $165 for information only, $195 if we want to sell things. One idea is to sell books (used), in addition to T-shirts and CDs. Give it some thought; we’ll discuss at the March meeting.

For every force in the Universe... there is an opposite.

On to lighter fare. A little nat- tering about Gaylaxicon 2005, which is in the ratings, and is getting critical computer analytics, and all with the now only months away. They may have raves. Folks at the meeting who’d seen it obvious help of a healthy shot of an announcement about Artist GoH agreed with the raves. It’s maintained whatever booze tickles your fancy) got shortly and will hopefully soon be listing dramatic tension amongst the cast and together and perpetrated a sting opera- addi-tional guests. Watch their website: has not taken the easy way out of moral tion on one of the larger “vanity presses www.gaylaxians.org dilemmas. It’s already been renewed for masquerading as legitimate publishers,” On the movie side, we dis- a second season. Other genre shows are PublishAmerica. Each author wrote a cussed the Oscars briefly and pondered also doing well. Carnivale (on HBO) is chapter; none shared their work with whether a streak of conservatism ham- rolling quickly through Season 2 at a each other; names, events, etc. changed pered the film Kinsey from garnering much faster story-pace than Season 1. from chapter to chapter; a couple of nominations. No blockbusters this year, Lost continues to shine as one of the chapters were written by authors and and no easy picks (except for Best Actor, most original new dramas in a while, with their kids; and one chapter was written which seems a lock for Jamie Foxx). We mysteries aplenty. Two new shows got by a computer. The chapters were all bemoaned the fact that what may have very different responses: Medium has placed in the order received, with one been *the* best film of the year - The In- gotten relatively positive reviews, while chapter intentionally missing, and other credibles - was left out of the Best Point Pleasant was roundly panned by grand problems. The completed “manu- Picture race. the folks who saw it. The new Fox script” was submitted to PublishAmerica On current films, Boogeyman animated series, American Dad, which is by the author, “Travis Tea”. Thus was was surprisingly unslasher-like, accord- premiering in May, got mixed reviews all Atlanta Nights born. PublishAmerica, ing to people who saw it – but it was still by itself. While it had moments of which claims that only 30% of the works disappointing. Various trailers are also amusement in its special preview epi- submitted are accepted for publication, popping up: the very Clockwork Or- sode, many questioned whether it would offered a contract and then revoked the ange-like new Willy Wonka, The Fan- have the ability to be funny for the offer *AFTER* the sting/hoax was tastic Four, Hitchhiker’s Guide. We longer haul. Of course, the big TV news broken in publishing circles. One of the also learned that they apparently made a was the official announcement of the end most amusing sidebars to the story is sequel to Trekkies. [Ed. note: Yep – of Star Trek: Enterprise. It appears the that more copies of Atlanta Nights have Trekkies 2. Saw it on either HBO or cash cow has stopped lactating. been sold (as a fundraiser for SFWA’s Showtime.] In book and publishing news, a Emergency Medical Fund) than are TV news was plentiful. Battle- group of genre authors (some with the copies of most PublishAmerica novels. star Galactica has been doing very well help of their kids, some with the help of (continued on page 5) 4 February LSF Minutes continued from page 4

Buzz about the sting and Publish- America’s acceptance-then-rejection of the manuscript have been making the news rounds. These guys need to talk to the Daily Show. You can download a copy of the book electronically for free - or buy a printed copy - or just learn more about the sting - on the official Travis Tea website: www.sfwa.org/members/travistea/

Jack L. Chalker 1944- 2005 On February 14th, F&SF author Jack Chalker died of kidney failure – in the city of his birth, Baltimore. Chalker was the author of more than 60 science fiction and fantasy novels. His 1977 novel Midnight at the Well of Souls (about a walking, talking plant with brains in its feet) sold hundreds of thousands of copies. His career began in his early teens with a In other “news” news, the literary magazine, Mirage, that he Baltimore Science Fiction Society produced on an electric mimeograph (BSFS) was granted validation of their machine and assembled with friends. One of Chalker's tax-exempt status, based on their Mirage earned the 14-year-old Chalker Less Well-known Works services providing literary, artistic, or his first nomination for the Hugo Award. (Mirage Press, 1974) educational value to the community. Over the years, he worked as a An earlier ruling by a Maryland official professional typesetter, a sound engi- In fannish circles, he wrote for had sought to strip them of their status neer for outdoor rock concerts, an audio and edited several fanzines. He was also (which is important for them to be able and computer reviewer, a free-lance a regular attendee of a number of East to maintain their clubhouse); but this editor, a publisher, a book packager, an Coast F&SF conventions, as well as judge overruled that. See, we *are* Air National Guard information director, Worldcons and World Fantasy Conven- important! a new and used book dealer, and a tions. Finally, there was the usual history teacher. He was the founder – Two LSF members had the chatter – buzz about Marcia Cross and eventually sole owner – of The following to say about Chalker: Said Rob (Desperate Housewives) being ques- Mirage Press, Ltd. (an F&SF small Gates: “He may not have been a great tioned by Barbara Walters about her press). and earth-shattering writer, but he was a sexuality; a heads-up from Michael Chalker had been living off his *good* writer, and a true fan of the about a “yellow peril meets red F&SF writing since 1978 – for which he genre. He’s been a major presence on menace” pulp novel called The Slayer received numerous awards, including the East Coast fan circles for many many of Souls by Robert Chambers (available the Daedalus Award (1983), the Gold many years – supportive of cons, clubs, as a free e-book online); thumbs-up on Medal of the West Coast Review of and fandom in general.” Said Kendall: “I two recent genre-related events, the Books (1984), the Skylark Award (1985), haven’t read his recent stuff, but re- annual Poe’s birthday celebration and the Hamilton-Brackett Memorial Award member very fondly his first ‘Well a recent comic book show in DC; and (1979). He was also nominated twice for World’ series, Lords of the Diamond, various handouts and pass-arounds the John W. Campbell Award and four and a couple of other odds & ends.” from the mailbox. times for the Hugo. ΛΨΦ Then... like Enterprise... it ended. ΛΨΦ 5 * * INFORMATION ABOUT LAMBDA SCI-FI: DC AREA GAYLAXIANS * *

Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians (LSF) is an organization for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans- gendered (GLBT) people, and their friends who are interested in science fiction, fantasy, horror and related genres in all forms (SF/F/H). LSF’s primary goals are to have fun, to provide a community, and to: • promote SF/F/H, with particular attention to materials of interest to GLBT people and their friends; • provide forums for GLBT people and their friends to share their interest in SF/F/H; • promote the presence of GLBT elements within SF/F/H and within fandom; and • promote SF/F/H within the GLBT community. Annual membership fees are $10, for which you will receive an e-mailed this monthly newsletter and a membership directory. (Hard copies of the newsletter cost an additional $15 per year.) Newsletter submissions are always welcome. Meetings are usually held on the second Sunday of each month at a private residence. The next Lambda Sci-Fi meeting will be held on the Sunday, March 13th, at James Crutchfield’s apartment: 1414 17th St., NW, #413 (near Dupont Circle) - 1:30 PM for business meeting; 2:00 PM for social meeting. Please bring some munchies or soft drinks, if you can. Hope to see you there! Lambda Sci-Fi: DC Area Gaylaxians is an affiliate ofthe Gaylactic Network, an international organization for gay people and their friends who are interested in science-fiction and fantasy.

Con Calendar by Carl, Peter, and Rob

May 27 - 30, 2005 BALTICON 39. Wyndham Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel (Baltimore, MD). GoHs: Steven Barnes & Tananarive Due; Artist GoH: Bob Eggleton; Special Guest: E.E. Knight (2004 Compton Crook Award Author). Membership: $48 from 3/1 until 4/30; $55 after that & at the door: Make checks payable to "Baltimore Science Fiction Society" and send to: Balticon, PO Box 686, Baltimore MD 21203-0686 Website: www.balticon.org E-mail: [email protected]

July 1- 4, 2005 GAYLAXICON 2005. Hyatt Regency Cambridge (Boston, MA). Guest of Honor: Lois FEMcMaster Bujold; Fan GoH: Star Trek: Hidden Frontier. Membership: $50 (more at the door!). Make checks payable to "Gaylaxicon 2005" and send to: Gaylaxicon 2005, PO Box 1059, Boston, MA 02103. (More information as it becomes available.) Website: www.gaylaxians.org/gaylaxicon2005

Aug. 4-8, 2005 INTERACTION (63rd World Science Fiction Convention). (Glasgow, Scotland, UK). Guests of Honor: Greg Pickersgill, Christopher Priest, Robert Sheckley, Jane Yolen. Membership: $195 from 12/1/04 (will go up!). Make checks payable to "Interaction" and send to: Interaction, PO Box 58009, Louisville, KY 40268-0009 Website: www.interaction.worldon.org.uk Email: [email protected]

Sept. 3-6, 2005CASCADIA CON (NASFiC 2005). SeaTac Airport Hilton (Seattle, WA). Author GoH: Fred Saberhagen; Artist GoH: Liz Danforth; Editor GoH: Toni Weisskopf. Membership: $85 until 11/30/04 (will go up after that). Make checks payable to "Seattle NASFiC" and send to: Seattle NASFiC, Box 1066, Seattle, WA 98111. URL: www.CascadiaCon.org

Nov. 25-27, 2005DARKOVER GRAND COUNCIL MEETING XXVIII. Holiday Inn, Timonium (Timonium, MD). Guest of Honor: C.S. Friedman; Artist GoH: TBA; Spcial Guest: Katherine Kurtz; Musical GoH: Clam Chowder. Membership: $40 until 11/1/2005 (after that & at the door: $45). Make checks payable to "Armida Council" and send to: Armida Council, PO Box 7203, Silver Spring, MD 20907 Website: www.darkovercon.com

Aug. 23-27, 2006L.A.CON IV (64th World Science Fiction Convention). (Los Angeles, CA). Author GoH: Connie Willis; Artist GoH: James Gurney; Special Guest: Frankie Thomas (Tom Corbett, Space Cadet). Membership: $150 thru 12/31/2004 ("will go up after that"). Make checks payable to "L.A.Con IV" and send to: L.A.Con IV, c/o S.C.I.F.I., Inc., PO Box 8442, Van Nuys, CA 91409 Website: www.laconiv.com For more info: [email protected]

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