Issue 108 Editor-in-Chief: Jean Martin August 25, 2010 Editor: España Sheriff email: [email protected] Compositor: Tom Becker
Contents Editorial...... España Sheriff...... 2 NASFiC Report...... Chris Garcia...... 4 It Takes a Village Villain: A Comic-Con Masquerade Story...... Cordelia Willis...... Photos by Cordelia Willis...... 7 What Con Were You At?...... Thad Gann...... Photos by Thad Gann...... 14 Letters of Comment...... Jean Martin...... 18 BASFA Minutes: Meetings 1042-5...... 21 Bay Area Fannish Calendar...... España Sheriff...... Photo by Lucy Huntzinger...... 26
Art Credits Cover Looking south from Pacifica Pier by Lucy Huntzinger Page 3 by Kate Kelton
Science Fiction/San Francisco is the monthly news zine for the San Francisco Bay Area. All issues can be found at www.efanzines.com. Except as noted, all articles and photos are copyright 2010 by the original creators. Used with permission.
1 Editorial
By España Sheriff worthy podcasts out there that do not. discussing and explaining how to vote, Editor Many are fiction only, others contain a the cost, deadlines, etc. And for the mix of content that is harder to shoehorn cynical, this is not a result of the ballot. Thanks to the handy online voters into an existing slot on the ballot, and I Over the past few years, podcasts have package I got my Hugo ballot in as think it’s vital that we start to recognize done tremendous work promoting complete as any I have ever submitted, their contributions to the field. Worldcon and the Hugos, with onsite including in the usually difficult Best Categorization issues aside, the fact coverage of the convention, discussion Related and Not A Hugo categories. is that the podcast field is easily the of the nominees (including some great One of categories causing talk and a most exciting area in Fandom right now, analysis of the Semiprozine scuffle), and little controversy (and what would the and not just in fandom but in SF. live coverage of the nominee Hugos be without an annual Podcasts are proliferating and announcement at Eastercon. controversy?) is Best Fanzine, usually communicating back and forth in the The Escape Artist family (Escape hardly a blip on the radar for most way fanzines once did—spurring Pod, PodCastle and SteamPod), voters. This year, the inclusion of a conversations forward and showcasing StarShipSofa and The Sofanauts, podcast caused grumbles from a lot of some amazing stories, some of which Clarkesworld, Beware the Hairy people. I’ve made no secret of my are reprinted from magazines and Mango… I listen to all of these with the support for StartShipSofa in general but anthologies. But a lot of original fiction excitement and anticipation I feel I specifically for its inclusion on the too as well as art and illustrations (check should get from the print magazines but ballot, but now that voting is done for out the Sofa covers on their website), never quite found there on a consistent this year I think it is time to take a interviews, historical documents (Robert basis. SFSignal just threw its hat in the serious look at getting a Best Podcast Silverberg’s 1970 Worldcon GOH ring as well and doubtless will go on my category. speech on the Time Traveler Show) and list soon. And that isn’t even counting For starters while the Sofa does fit in analysis (Amy H. Sturgis on the Sofa). ones I listen to sporadically, such as the the fanzine category in spirit, containing Not to mention enthusiastic Odyssey Writer’s Workshop, Spider on pretty much everything I love about a encouragement of participation in the the Web, Jon Armstrong’s ecclectic If solid fanzine and differing solely in the Hugo voting process by showcasing all You’re Just Joining Us or the half dozen delivery method, there are many other of the short fiction nominees as well as or so Doctor Who and Comics ones.
2 While I’m sure adding a category will cause some grumbling as well, I truly think that podcasting is currently more important to the genre’s vitality Kate Kelton that several of the already-listed by categories. I wouldn’t want to drop any of the ones already on there but there is really no excuse for ignoring this huge part of modern Fandom and the genre. Whether the Sofa takes the rocket in Melbourne or not, the fact is that with the advances in mp3 players and mobile phone apps, podcasts are here to stay and likely to become more popular rather than less. We have to decide now whether to give them their rightful place on the ballot or force interested fans to struggle with where to fit their favorites every year, and then deal with the subsequent fallout when noses are understandably bent out of shape by other folks working in whatever category they sneak in under.
3 NASFiC Report
By Chris Garcia discount codes for SuperShuttles or the of death from above. I did watch a bit of Editor Emeritus like. It would be really helpful. the fun, then ducked into the Marriott. The flight had gone on the south side The Raleigh Marriott might have the This could have been Nolacon. It was of a lightning storm for about an hour. It nicest, most understanding staff for any totally possible that ReConstruction and was really cool looking, it was at least hotel I’ve ever been to. I walked in and TorCon could have been synonymous. It 25 miles away, but at the same time, it decided I’d check out where the Fanzine was totally possible. Instead, what we meant that the air wasn’t entirely Lounge was going to be set-up. It was got was a small con with a few smooth. I was white knuckling a bit on huge. I turned on the lowest level of hiccoughs and a lot of great fun. It was, the trip, but we made it. I took the car light and the space seemed to be in some ways, like the Vegas Westercon, into town, it was around 12:45 a.m., and shrouded in fog. I couldn’t see the back which was miniscule but highly checked into the Sheraton, where I was wall. I looked around and a Hotel entertaining. sharing a room with Boston film critic, Security Guard showed up. Getting into Raleigh was sad; before prof and all-around good guy Dan “You here for the convention?” he I even got into my transfer at Vegas, I Kimmel. I somehow managed to get my asked. lost my cell phone. Now, this has far- stuff in, brush my teeth, change and set- “Yeah, I’m just checking the set-up.” reaching implications because I can’t up my CPAP without waking him up! It I answered. replace it anytime soon and I’ve not got was a miracle. After about an hour and a “Aw-right. You just hollar if you need a house phone. This could get messy. half of kicking about, I got up, got re- anything.” He said and wandered off. Luckily, I’ve had some Internet back at dressed and headed out into the night for That’s a good thing. the old homestead, so I’m not a bit of a walk. I finally headed back, managed to not completely out of touch. The flight was Now, you’ll remember that there was get struck by lightning and finally good, my boss was on the same flight, a lightning storm as we were flying in, managed to fall asleep. which was unexpected. He was going to no? Yeah, well, they don’t just stay in I set-up the Lounge with the zines the Outer Banks, so there was no chance one place, so as I walked, I discovered and such early on Thursday, after a stop of sharing one of the expensive rides that there was a lightning storm at the Chick-fil-a. I love Chick-fil-a and into town. It’s something for cons to surrounding me and that I could be we lost the only one we had anywhere start thinking about: getting coupons or killed at any moment by 1.21 jigawatts near me about a decade ago. It was great. I then headed off to the Marriott
4 and saw the cavernous room again. We bunch of folks I rarely see, like George and 2 dozen Hush Puppies. Warren and I were sharing with the Southern Fan Wells, The Lynches, Warren Buff and said that we’d be trying it on Monday. Confederation Southern Fan History more. It was a fun place and it was low- Sadly, I wasn’t fully packed, so I didn’t Archives, which was nice. They brought impact. We had hours of good have the time, plus I started thinking that tons of zines. I wish I could have spent conversation, and a bunch of new folks perhaps a change of air pressure would more time reading them, but I did get a dropped in to chat. I love chatting! cause a guy with so much in him to look at a lot of the stuff that was new to The party scene was dead on ‘plode, but Warren gave it a shot. It was me. I’d only done a couple of Southern- Thursday, but Friday and Saturday were a LOT of food! James and I ended up ish cons and this was great to see. pretty amazing. The London party was there three times over the weekend. It The Lounge wasn’t quite as busy as fantastic, a busy party both nights and was that good. the BayCon or Westercon Lounges, and they got a ton of pre-supports, On Thursday, James, Lynda Rucker, since I was helping with the London in something like 1-in-5 attendees joined Kim Kofmel, Toronto Evelyn and I went 2014 Bid Party, I couldn’t do a night up. Chicago had an amazing smoothie to Zydeco, a Cajun place a few blocks lounge. There was a steady flow of bar, and I love smoothies! There was a from the hotel. It was really good, folks, there were few periods where the Baen Party, which was OK, and there especially the delightful Jambalaya I place was empty, but we were never was a really fun little party for New had. It was lovely spicy. We finished it packed. I don’t think we could have Orleans, which had Sazeracs. All in all, and it turned out when we were walking been packed if every attendee of the con good parties. out that a downpour had started. Not just showed up to hang out. The food, as expected, was amazing. a downpour, a heavy rain that we may And maybe that’s what this NASFiC Warren took me to a place called have seen in Biblical times. It was will be remembered for. The idea was, Coopers, just down the way from the amazing. We were standing under the for a good while leading up to the con, hotel. It was a small store and it was full overhang, waiting to go and get dessert was that there’d be at least 1,000 or so of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. It was at an Italian place called Vic’s. We sent folks, and they ended up with vinegary and delicious and amazing. I Kim ahead to scout the way, so she was somewhere in the range of 700. That’s a loved it, and Warren and Steven Silver running in the rain. About ten seconds very small number for a NASFiC, but on and I started off with the Chopped Pork, after she left into the deluge, a guy from the other hand, it was a great crowd, but James Bacon and I went back twice Zydeco came out. many of the bigger names in Fandom, more over the weekend. Warren and I “Y’all wanna umbrella?” he said. and we had a great time. Folks who noticed that they had a challenge. It was “Sure.” We said. hung out in the Lounge were some of a pound of chopper pork, ribs, a whole About a minute later, he arrived with the usuals, like Joe Major, John Hertz, friend chicken, a pint each of slaw, an umbrella of the kind that you see at Steven H Silver, and the like, and a banana pudding and Brunswick Stew, restaurants with outside seating during
5 the summer. It was about seven feet I was lucky to get to meet some folks the subtext of the proceedings. I think across. We grabbed it and started I’ve known through the Internet. you can find all sorts of info on the bids running through the streets. The Emmett Davenport of the Clockwork on John Hertz’s Facebook page. sidewalks were too narrow for the Cabaret was one I’d most wanted to There was so much more going on. umbrella. We ran and got a little lost, the meet. I’ve been listening to her show for The fact is that most of the folks there water lapping over our ankles. We at least three years and she was really were long-timers, very few newbies, finally made it, all of us laughing cool. I got to meet the legendary Arthur which means that there wasn’t much of a heavily and Kim looking like she was Hlavaty, whom a friend of mine claimed new vibe, but it was still a good time. dying at the restaurant from laughter. It must be me from a future timeline. John Hertz said that we were a group was great. We then had amazing There were tons of Southern fans I’d who already all spoke the same desserts, especially the cannoli I got. never met. NASFiCs aren’t quite language. It was a good point, and it The programming was good, though WorldCons for drawing folks from all makes it easier to have a good time, but there were many panels where there over, but it helps. I got to chat briefly for the future of Fandom, we need those were very few folks in the audience. I with Juanita Coulson, whom John Hertz new folks. The few I met were good was on a panel called “Worst Panel kindly introduced to me. I also had a people, had a good time and I’ll be Ever,” which was all about telling horror lovely time hanging around with Lynda happy to see them in the future. stories from panels we’ve done. I was Rucker, who was also helping James and Good con. Strong con. Small con. late. About 15 minutes. I entered and as co. with the UK bid party. So many I’m all for another Southern convention, soon as I sat down I said “Worst panelist good people. I met a couple of folks like this one showed the kind of good time ever!” Danielle who was at her first con and is you could have. Sadly, the lead-up to the The panel was really funny, horror also a BArea local. convention was weak, with lots of balls stories (I got to tell my Harlan and Jerry On the SMoFish front, there were dropped left and right and some serious Pournelle stories) and there was a ton of three new WorldCon bids, and a pains, but it came off brilliantly. It’s a laughter. It was one of the better panels potential NASFiC bid. The Kansas City good thing to have happen, and it only I’ve ever done. I managed to do a few bid for 2016 looks good, and I like would have been better if there had been good lines, which is always a good Kansas City, and there were the dual a bunch more folks to share the good thing. 2015 bids for L.A. and Boston. Both time with. I did two fanzine-esque panels, but have the people and the facilities, and they weren’t well-attended. That are great places. I hear that neither happens, and especially when you’ve actually gave a presentation at the got a small audience to pull from. Fannish Inquisition, though their obvious announcements were present in
6 It Takes a Village Villain: A Comic-Con Masquerade Story
By Cordelia Willis Contributing Writer
How many people does it take to nurture a masquerade entry from the idea’s birth to its final presentation onstage? The answer can certainly vary, but when it came to this year’s Comic- Con Best in Show entry “Viva Las Villains,” it took an entire “village!”
An Idea is Born Some routines are born fully realized. Others take a lot of brainstorming to work out. “Viva Las Villains” was the latter type, and its origins go back over 20 years! When I was a teenager, my mother helped me put together an outfit so I could be an alien showgirl from Las “Vega” in a small con masquerade. Singing “Gleeblorfs are a Girl’s Best Friend” a capella to an audience of fewer than 50 people wasn’t very Vegas- Welcome Sign by Cordelia Willis y, but it was great fun. Years later, I was brainstorming with of the ideas tossed around was to do the brainstorming ended up being used for some friends for the BayCon costumes Vegas-style using the Elvis BayCon, two of them eventually became masquerade, trying to come up with a song “Viva Las Vegas Villains.” While award-winning Comic Con routines. routine to do with Disney Villains. One none of the ideas from that Later, I began thinking about all the
7 amazing BIG costumes that people them a show that’s worth waiting for! as a long-time friend of our L.A. make, including giant Transformers, The Shindlers aren’t the only contingent, she fit right in and was a exaggerated anime characters, and even backstage friendships that have natural addition to our team. humongous video game creations. While developed into “working” relationships. these gigantic costumes are awe- For several years our biggest The Costumes inspiring, I realized that I had no desire “competition” at Comic Con was a The choice of characters was mostly to wear something giant and group of costumers from L.A. who did left up to the performers, but we tried to uncomfortable on top of my head... fun and creative presentations such as cover as many different areas as unless it was a showgirl headdress! the 2006 Best in Show entry “Dancing possible. We had numerous movie Drawing on the earlier ideas, and with the Celebrities from the Stars!” In villains: Bellatrix from Harry Potter, the knowing we had a large group of early 2009, we were approached by a White Witch from Narnia, the Balrog amazing costumers to work with, I few of these costumers -- they knew us from The Lord of the Rings, Boba Fett realized we’d be able to do a Vegas- from many hours spent backstage from Star Wars, and a Skeksis from Jim worthy spectacular -- and “Viva Las together and wanted to know if there Henson’s Dark Crystal, not to mention Villains” was born. was room for them in our routine that Disney villains Ursula from The Little year. At the time we were recruiting as Mermaid and the Queen of Hearts. Recruitment many people as possible for two rival Television villains were represented by a Through the years I’ve been cheerleading teams for a Disney-Bring It Dalek from Doctor Who and video game extremely lucky in meeting so many On crossover, so they were able to join villains by Lady Vashj from World of talented costumer friends. Caitlin forces with us, bringing additional talent Warcraft. To top it off, we included Shindler and I met in the masquerade and fun to our group while helping us several comic book villains, including a green room at our first Comic-Con back win Best Presentation. trio from Batman, Lobo from Superman, in 2003, and, despite us living 400 miles The rest of our “Viva Las Villains” and Dark Phoenix from X-Men. We apart, we’ve been performing together, 14-member cast/3-member crew was knew that not everyone would recognize along with her husband Rogue, for the filled out by friends, family members every character, but we wanted to past five years. Because all three of us and fellow costumers that we’d met over represent a wide range of villains so have musical theatre backgrounds, we the years. All six members of our 2008 there’d be a little something for have the same goals for our routines -- Hairspray routine and ten of our 15 everyone. foremost in our minds is the desire to Disney cheerleaders ended up being in Unlike most other re-creation entertain the audience and have fun “Viva Las Villains.” In fact, this year we costumes, ours required us to creatively doing it. If people are going to wait in only had one person who had never been combine elements from the original line for hours to see us, we want to give in a Comic-Con masquerade before, and costumes to achieve a Vegas-y look.
8 This was easy for the Chippendale Witch’s had icicles and variegated dancers -- just add a collar and cuffs -- feathers of white to pale blue. The but for the showgirls and Elvis, this Queen of Hearts’ high collar was made required imagination and inspiration of feathers whilst Ursula’s tentacles
gathered from LOTS of photos of were made of dozens of yards of by Cordelia Willis showgirls! Each performer was organza. Both the fiery wings of Dark responsible for designing and making Phoenix and the fiery feathers of the his/her own costume, but the whole Balrog were hand-dyed. Lady Vashj’s group was there to give feedback on the snake tail was achieved by modifying a designs and suggestions where needed; historical “shrimp tail” bustle pattern this was facilitated by everyone while the Dalek’s costume was participating in a Vegas Villains Yahoo! comprised of a laundry basket, wiffle Group, which allowed us to post balls and a plunger. Boba Fett’s helmet, sketches, photos and links that everyone cinch belt and codpiece were all hand- could share and comment on. Sadly, made, as were Lobo’s airbrushed several performers had to drop out along muscles. Even the head of the Skeksis the way, but they still offered their ideas sparkled in the spotlight! And not only and support to the group. And for many, the glam of Vegas was represented; the making the costumes became a family gambling side of Vegas was affair, with husbands, wives, and even incorporated into numerous costumes, parents helping out! All told, 21 people including a sequined Joker card on the helped create the 14 fabulous costumes! Elvis cape, sparkly diamonds on Harley A lot of work and creativity went into Quinn, hand-painted hearts on the each costume, not to mention fishnets, Queen of Hearts, not to mention poker high heels, and fake eyelashes! The chips, playing cards, and a pair of dice Batman villain trio of the Joker, Harley in Lady Vashj’s numerous hands. While Quinn and Poison Ivy used feather and looking good on-stage, the costumes ivy boas, loads of sequins, and of course were also amazingly detailed up-close an Elvis-style green pompadour to give with hand-beading, rhinestones, and them a Vegas-y look. Bellatrix’s glitter incorporated into most of the headdress included a glittery version of costumes. the Dark Mark whereas the White Skeksis
9 The Routine The routine itself went through several different incarnations as the group shared their ideas. We knew we
by Cordelia Willis were going to end with Elvis’s “Viva Las Villains,” but there was much discussion as to what other songs would fit. “She’s a Lady” was an early suggestion, due to Tom Jones’s connection with Vegas, and “Macho Man” seemed a natural choice for the Chippendale dancers. Another idea during the preliminary stages had been to have a drumming “Blue Man Group,” comprised of three blue villains such as Mystique and Cobra Commander; unfortunately, we couldn’t find enough people who were willing to “go blue” so that idea was tabled. Once the 2.5- minute routine was written and finalized, the music was edited, intertwining original and karaoke versions of the three songs to showcase Rogue’s amazingly cheesy voiceover and great Joker/Elvis impersonation. Next came the choreography. We wanted to introduce each pair of costumes slowly so that the audience would have a chance to identify them, but we didn’t want it to become boring,
ashj so we made sure the entrances came quickly and smoothly. Because we were Lady V
10 going for humor with the boys, the day of with everyone wearing the chaos- Chippendale choreography came straight worthy portions of their costumes -- we from the famous Patrick Swayze/Chris needed to ensure that the choreography Farley SNL routine. And for the finale, still worked with the giant headdresses, we wanted to give the impression of a hands and heels! Vegas extravaganza while still being able to maneuver with all the giant Behind the Scenes headdresses. Angie Clough and I We knew that we wanted to have a watched numerous showgirl routines, giant “Welcome to Fabulous Las not to mention Elvis’s original “Viva Villains” sign as part of our production, Las Vegas” and some Bollywood but how to pull it off was something that numbers, in order to put together required a full year of planning. In order choreography that would look flashy for the iconic sign to look good on- without involving a lot of fancy stage, it needed to be approximately 8’ footwork. In the end, after posing the wide, which would made it about 5’ costumes scenically around the stage, high. However, in order for it to be seen Elvis made his entrance and we behind the showgirls (and their incorporated lines of showgirls crossing headdresses), that meant it needed to be past each other as well as breaking off elevated about 7’ off the stage! Not only into small circles to give the effect of Casinos Sign by Cordelia Willis that, but the sign needed to be built on constant movement, just like a real the East Coast and then shipped to the Vegas show. represented by a colorful square of West Coast for the performance. Once the choreography was paper. Each performer had the Luckily, we happened to have an completed, the important question responsibility of learning his/her own aerospace engineer as a part of our became how to teach it to a group of 14 movements because the full group didn’t group: Sean Quinn Marlow designed a people living hundreds (and, in some get to rehearse together until the night frame 9’-wide by 12’-high out of PVC cases, thousands) of miles apart. before the masquerade. Luckily, pipe, which John Marlow proceeded to Choreography videos were distributed everyone had done their homework and build! The 12’ height looked amazing through the Yahoo! Group, including knew their parts, so we were able to but ended up causing much stress step-by-step instructions and a stop- work out the timing and final placement backstage when it was discovered that motion video where each person was easily. We had a second rehearsal the the side curtain openings were only 9’
11 high; luckily, John and our other Putting It All Together, a.k.a. progress from initial sketch to final amazing stagehands coordinated with Herding Cats design. Belle Benson put together the Comic-Con masquerade staff to The preparation took over a year and several pages showing all the World of make the entry of the giant sign come tons of people, but that didn’t mean the Warcraft details she’d put into her Lady off perfectly for the performance! work was done when we arrived in San Vashj costume, including the Horde and After the frame was built, we realized Diego. In fact, most people don’t realize Alliance poker chips that she carried in that it would be more dramatic to reveal the administrative work that goes into one of her six hands, and Miss Mindy the “Welcome...” sign upon Elvis’s performing in a large scale masquerade O’Brien painstakingly documented the entry; I then coordinated with John to such as Comic-Con. Luckily, the show’s process she went through to sculpt, see if we could add a second sign in coordinator, Martin Jaquish, has been mold, and cast the Chamberlain’s head front which could drop on cue. John producing the masquerade for the past and claws for her Dark Crystal Skeksis worked out the mechanics while I began 19 Comic-Cons, and he does a brilliant costume. Backstage we also met with designing the second sign. Originally I job of making it run smoothly for the the Workmanship judge, giving her a was excited because I thought that we participants. Once at the con, forms had chance to see all the rhinestones and could now fulfill our Blue Man Group to be filled out for the emcee as well as hand beading up close! idea by painting giant Vegas-style the lighting and sound technicians -- Once in the dressing room, everyone billboards, but after looking at photos of there’s no dress rehearsal, so you have to was assigned a den mother. This year we the Vegas skyline, we realized that we make sure your instructions are clear had Stephanie, who was of great could represent many more villains by and concise so the technical parts of assistance to us, helping get straws for redesigning the famous Vegas casino your presentation run smoothly. people who needed water and fastening logos. There were lots of suggestions We also presented the judges with a shoe buckles for those in corsets. With from the group, and my artistic friends documentation book, which allowed 18 of us backstage for our group alone, gave feedback for the layout. This 12’- them to see what characters we were re- the green room can be a chaotic place, high casinos sign, which was a late creating and helped demonstrate all the but it’s also a great place to catch up addition to our routine, turned out to be hard work that went into the costumes with fellow costumers and make new a huge hit with the audience, giving and designs. In addition to showing friends. And while we waited backstage, them something to look at during the reference photos of every character side- getting ready to perform, we had friends intro and adding more depth to our by-side with its Vegas-y costume and family in the audience supporting us presentation. counterpart, several group members and taking videos. showed additional photos of their The performance went well, and the
12 audience enjoyed it, which always as well as the next day, when many of us have done it without the entire “village” means “success” as far as we’re wore our costumes around the floor and working together! concerned. To find out a short time later were treated like celebrities by the likes Check out our web page, which that we’d won Best in Show was like the of Richard Taylor and the cast of Glee! includes video links of our performance, icing on the cake! We received a lot of So many people helped make “Viva at vegasvillains.livejournal.com positive feedback from people that night Las Villains” a success, and we couldn’t
Full Group by Cordelia Willis
13 What Con Were You At?
By Thad Gann 600,000 sq ft. of exhibit space, seating aren’t real people but an amalgam of Staff Writer for thousands in meeting rooms and myself and friends I’ve met over the last overflowing into surrounding hotels and few years. Comic-Con International was held at venues in the Gaslamp district, its easy Betty loves movies. And TV shows. San Diego Convention Center last July to understand how one person could not And TV stars. But she especially loves 22-25. Attendance was capped at possible see everything that goes on. movie stars. Betty works with a team of 125,000 attendees, plus exhibitors, press But that’s only part of the story. people to scope out which star is at and professionals. Billing itself as a Comic-Con metamorphs depending on which panel and how she is going to comic book and pop culture event, it is the participant. To give an idea of the spend all day in Hall H or Room 20. She the largest event of its kind in the world, different experiences we’ll see the reads EW and TV Guide just to see who according to the people at Guinness stories of four typical con goers, Betty, is going to be on what show or in which World Records. Covering more than Veronica, Archie and Jughead. These movie. Betty spent all day Friday and all
photos by Thad Gann
14 lines for autographs start as soon as Comic-Con opens. For the very popular stars, you must stand in line for just a chance to pull a wining ticket that would allow you to get an autograph. Major comic book dealers have their own signings. Archie thinks the time spent planning and in lines is well worth it. I’ve seen the signed posters hanging on the walls of his apartment and must say he has quite a collection. Veronica is a cosplayer. She makes her own costumes that she and her friends typically work on all year long. It is not unusual for her to do two or three costume changes a year. And Comic-Con is a Mecca for costuming. Not only are there sessions devoted just day Saturday in Hall 20. Of course Archie loves swag. Autographed to costuming, there are meet-ups and anything Joss Whedon gets priority but swag is the best but all swag is good flash mobs for just about every genre. Tim Minear and John Favreau are also swag. His philosophy is “If they are Naturally, this is a photographer’s faves. After the last panel is over she passing out, take it. And if you don’t paradise. Everywhere you turn there is a changes and works on invites or want it, trade it for something or give it costumer going past. Costumes range crashing whatever cool party is to someone you like.” Comic-Con is a from the simple to very elaborate. happening. The E party is always a hit as holy temple of swag. For those of you Virtually every genre you can imagine is is the SyFy party on Saturday night. unfamiliar with this particular adventure, represented. Steampunk made a big As a special treat w00tstock 2.4 was swag stands for “stuff we all get.” These showing this year, including a Guinness in San Diego this year. Produced by Paul collectable giveaways started as far as I World Record attempt on Saturday for & Storm and Wil Wheaton, w00tstock is can tell in the computer shows of the the most Steampunk costumers ever a variety show for geeks by geeks. It ‘70s when the typical pen or calendar assembled. Much to my dismay, I knew was my first time going and one of the became passé. Swag at Comic-Con has 10 costumers personally that were at best con events ever. become a whole new adventure. The
15 Comic-Con this year that I didn’t even Winston, Stan Winston’s son, spent most there were parties and showings and get to see. of the weekend at a huge booth filled events all over downtown and beyond. Jughead is a reporter and blogger. For with his father’s movie props. And of When you go to Comic-Con any one all reasons mentioned above, Comic- course, SyFy had the big party of the of these adventures will give you hours Con is an amazing gathering. Planning weekend (I didn’t get in). of enjoyment. You can try doing one to cover press events starts weeks in Of course, even with all the planning, different thing every day and be thrilled advance. Interview requests, press our four intrepid adventurers didn’t see and amazed. Or you can skip everything releases, daily planners, party coverage or experience a fraction of what actually I just mentioned and still have a great and panels are all coordinated to fit in as went on in San Diego that week. Many time. Comic-Con, due mainly to its vast much as possible. No one person can of the events and happenings were size and number of participants, has cover the entire con. You get as much as outside the convention center. On the something going on all the time that you possible in as you can and hope you get other side of Petco Park, the people from will find interesting. Maybe I saw you lucky. Several big events and the new Green Hornet movie created there; maybe I will see you next year. announcements were made this year. Britt Reid’s Garage, complete with four Maybe we’ll go to the same town, get The Tron press panel brought old and Black Beauty cars from the movie. I the same four-day pass and still not see new players together on one stage for a rode around downtown in one of them. each other. I hope the later doesn’t question and answer session. In addition Then I went over to Flynn’s arcade and happen… it is so nice to share the to the news that Joss Whedon is stepped into the Tron universe. Dexter experience with friends. directing The Avengers movie, Captain had a crime scene set up several blocks So that was my con. What Comic- America’s shield was unveiled. Mar from the convention. Every evening Con did you go to?
16 17 Letters of Comment
John Purcell writes: but time is still turning, they soon will Westercon Masquerade! The Best in And a fine good morning to you be dry. Show winner (page 13) is exquisite. folks! Thank you for posting the latest And all those who see me, and all who Andrew Trembley’s photos are so sharp issue, which I found a few comment believe in me, and clear that they really help reveal the hooks within. So saying, here they share in the freedom I feel when I fly. detail work. Fantastic workmanship on come. the costumes. Jean, I am glad you are feeling better Come dance on the west wind, touch on I missed both events and so I’m glad the mountaintops, and life in general seems to moving in a that they were covered by other people Sail o’er canyons and up to the stars. positive direction for you. Having a And reach for the heavens and hope for so that I could read about them and good friend to spend time with makes a the future, share them in this zine as well. Andy’s huge difference in a person’s attitude. I and all that we can be and not what we photos are always excellent. wish the best for you and your new are. We’ve got a bit of a convention buzz beau; enjoy each other’s company going on here in our household: the because that is what friendship truly is It’s a great song with marvelous Navasota Blues Festival is next all about. imagery. And it even links to what I said weekend, Armadillocon 42 is two weeks Jean Martin responds: earlier about your new-found after that, and Fencon VII is mid- Thanks John! relationship. Heck of a deal, eh? September, and Andrew Trembley is one Once again, I really like Lucy John Denver was an inspiring of the guests of honor at that last one. I Huntzinger’s photographs, especially the lyricist who wrote beautiful music and am looking forward to finally meeting hawk on page 3. It reminds me of the had a wonderful voice. I love his music. him. All are close by and Val and I hope song “The Eagle and the Hawk” by John Thanks for brightening my day with to be at them all. Denver: these words. And yes, Lucy’s photos That’s great that you have a lot of Oh, I am the eagle I live in high have given SF/SF a unique look for a cons coming up in your area. Have a country, while now and Tom picks good ones to great time! As I mentioned in my in rocky cathedrals that reach to the complement the mood of the issue. Editorial in our last issue, there really sky; The Pirate Festival sounds like a aren’t any more in the Bay Area the I am the hawk and there’s blood on my good time, as does Westercon. Great rest of the year, which is so unusual. feathers, photos of the costumes from the
18 So in the meantime, many thanks for put on by independent folks who are Caribbean movie in the works, it might the issue, and in the immortal words of not affiliated with regular convention keep going for a long time. I’m excited Red Green, “Keep your stick on the ice.” organizations. Which, I think is a good about the next one because they’re All the best. thing because it keeps things fresh with using Tim Powers’s novel On Stranger new people running them who have Tides to write the story. I moderated the Lloyd Penney writes: new ideas. Also, there’s a lot more panel that Tim was on as a special Many thanks for issue 107 of Science variety. guest at WonderCon last April. Which Fiction/San Francisco. Always A new job, and a new beau? Good for is around the time my work hit full interesting to see what’s happening in you. Looks like life is looking up. I am throttle and I started dating my the Bay Area, and I’ll tell you what’s still job hunting, but there’s some really boyfriend. So I haven’t had time to happening here, too. In the meantime, good new jobs I have applied to, and I transcribe the interview. Which was some comments on the issue. think I will be working full-time soon. very entertaining. It’ll show up on the Hmmm, not a lot of conventions Also, we bought a new car, given that pages of this zine eventually. going on? I can’t see BayCon in May our 12-year-old Suzuki was close to I see con reports with no Chris being the last one of the year, that’s giving it up. Well, we don’t quite own it Garcia in them; now, he’s not getting when things get started around here. yet, but we now have a 2010 Hyundai responsible, is he? Naw, didn’t think so. Coming up at the end of August is our Elantra Touring wagon, and we hope it I think he’s just a busy guy at the office. annual Fan eXpo, the big gateshow-style lasts as long as the Suzuki, if not longer. If there’s ever the chance, I’d love to pro-run SF event, which we’d never Good to hear that you might get a join you folks in a Match Game. Think usually go to except for the fact we’ll be full-time job soon. And having a new the whole thing might be transported to taking part in yet another Steampunk car is always exciting. the Worldcon in Reno next year? That’s fashion show, late the Saturday night of Pirate festivals seem popular…there where we plan to be. It could be a blast. the convention. Then comes a new con, was one recently in the Toronto area, a I’d like to be in on a Match Game SFContario in November, and then yet three-day-long party. This one, though, too. I’ve seen it once and Kevin another new one, a combination New seemed very similar to a Ren Faire. It is Standlee was an excellent host. It was Year’s Eve party and convention called possible friends of mine who run the also hilarious because of the people Futurecon. British Columbia Renaissance Faire involved, most of whom I know and are Sounds like a lot of fun cons coming (done with a true pirate feel to it) may convention regulars. up in your area! Nope, nothing else have attended. My loc… I did eventually catch up coming up the rest of the year around Pirates do seem to still keep being with back issues of Yipe!, and they have here. There are a lot of random events popular. With the next Pirates of the been responded to. However, one never
19 knows when Kevin and Andy will slip won the big Steampunk door prize. and a Steampunk party but have never another issue onto their website, so I Much fun. combined the two. What a great idea. should check again. Polaris 24 was a Yipe! now has an email alert that Time to go… thank you for your great time. We had a dealer’s table there, you can sign up for on their website. I efforts once again. Who’s going to and sales were good enough for us to asked Kevin about this because I never Reno? I’d like to see you all there, if it’s take two tables for next year. Friday knew when to go find a new issue. possible. night was a big Doctor Who/Steampunk Much easier this way! A Doctor Who/ I’ll be in Reno! I hope to meet folks party, and not only was there a very Steampunk party! How awesome! I’ve like you who I’ve corresponded with good time to be had, but there were thrown a Doctor Who birthday party but have never met in real life. prizes for our costumes, and Yvonne
Join our crew! We are looking for writers to cover local events, conventions, fan groups and the fannish scene in general. Contact Jean Martin at [email protected]
20 BASFA Minutes: Meetings 1042-5
Minutes of BASFA Meeting Stellen: His last BASFA for a long keeping him up at night, he said time, may be back in 8-9 months. Will “Baseball” and “My mattress is kinda #1042 (we think) see us at cons. // Has a missing piece to lumpy”. the flat puzzle auctioned off last week. Maurine: Sita Sings The Blues - very Convened at 2006, with 24 people Adrienne: James P. Hogan died last nice adaptation of the Ramayana. Used present. week. // Has 1/2 price pie coupons, they music from Annie Henshaw. Uses Eric Larson, Emergency Holographic expire Saturday. paisley (!) for flames. President Evil Kevin: July issue (2.7) of Yipe! Andy: Dinner at Morimoto (Iron G l e n n G l a z e r, E m e rg e n c y is out. A mirror may be handy. Chef) in Napa. Did the omakaze tasting Holographic Secretary Dave Clark: Glenn Beck’s The menu, expensive but ZOMG! Dinner Overton Window is available for 40% off was around three hours and $325 for Treasurers report, via Dave Clark: at Costco. eight courses for two. // Follow-on by Treasurer Dave Gallaher’s father is in Erik: Garage sale of his mom’s stuff Lisa: Kevin’s tweets were drool- the hospital. Treasury report postponed. 1835 Harris Avenue, San Jose this worthy. // Saturday dinner at Ubuntu in Evil Kevin added that we got $5.05 in Saturday and Sunday. Napa, vegetarian restaurant with a the regular jar at the last meeting. Kate: Hugo voting final deadline at Michelin star. 1/3 cheaper than Secretary’s report read off the net by the end of the month Morimoto. Vanilla goat ice milk over Dave Clark. Minutes accepted as: Error sweet corn pudding with popcorn Prone Reviews streussel. // Spent the weekend with VP & Pres reports: None. Josh: SDCC 10-15 degrees cooler Dave & Spring. Went to Roche winery, than normal, costumers happy. Liked much better than 10 years ago. // Took Announcements starship smackdown panel. Worth full the backstage tour at Castello di Lisa: Has W64 reg kit, last BASFA early price. Follow-ons: Tron 2.0 looks Amoroso and enjoyed the pretty, but meeting to get presupport discount. great. // 36 entries in the masquerade, silly architecture. Built mostly out of Glenn added that it ends at the end of the packed audience. architectural salvage from Europe. month. Adrienne: Father was diagnosed with Glenn: The EHS gave the most Ken: Legion of Rassilon on Friday pneumonia and drove him into urgent totally awesome trip report ever and if care. When asked if anything was you missed it, you lose. Highlights
21 included Lassen, hiking Mt. Shasta to Meeting 1043 he’ll be doing parties at Furcon and the glacier line, boating on Crater Lake Westercon this next year, but not at with picnicking and hiking on Wizard August 2, 2010 Baycon Island, going totally cowboy when whitewater rafting, getting to read Trey Haddad, President Announcements Mo announced that she will be Viola’s part during the Twelfth Night Chris Garcia, Vice-President Programming Director for SorcererCon prologue (”I’m a man pretending to be a Dave Gallaher, Treasurer and that Silicon will have a presence woman pretending to be a man…”) and Galen Tripp, Sargeant at Arms there & that SorcererCon has been then going to see the play itself under Barbara Johnson-Haddad, Secretary selecting guests & the St Clair has free the stars at the Oregon Shakesphere Held at Coco’s, 1206 Oakmead parking for the con Festival’s Elizabethan Stage. Parkway (Lawrence Expressway/101 Glenn announced that Mitch Miller Julie: Red Mars by Kim Stanley fwy), Sunnyvale Robinson. A bit weak. Science fairly died [and some other people died too] and that Linden Labs is closing the good, but very cliche and characters Began at 8-ish Mountain View office, so he will likely stereotyped. Did raise some thought 23 people attended be commuting more to SF in the future provoking issues. // Dr. Who collection Secretary’s report: the minutes from and missing meetings here with missing episodes, including “Evil meeting 1042 were accepted as “refused Carole announced that she & Bill of the Daleks”. She really liked the one by the Hugo administration” will be in Raleigh this weekend and she bit of it that was left. Very steampunk. The Treasurer reported that at will be a Masquerade presenter there Fred: Agora film in limited release. meeting 1040 we took in $10.40 in the Andy announced that Aug 13-15 is About the destruction of the Library of regular jar the Golden State Gay Rodeo Assoc Bay Alexandria and the murder of Hypatia. The Vice President reported that Area Chapter Rodeo & that he & [evil] Very depressing, but gripping despite there is a new Drink Tank out - maybe 2 Kevin are sponsoring award buckles for knowing the ending. of them - and that there is a new events - and that this year there is Auctions: 50 cents, $1, 50 cents, 25 Exhibition Hall out this very day & a camping cents, 15 cents. Stellen for $3. Ken for whole bunch of other stuff and he’s Chris announced that he will also be $4. running the Fanzine lounge at Raleigh in Raleigh, but a day later - and this Rumor of the week: Come for the this weekend Friday night the Santa Cruz beach wine, stay for the dungeon The President had nothing fannish to boardwalk will have Flock of Seagulls Adjourned at 2125. report playing there The Party Committee reported that the party fund needs more funding and
22 Josh announced that Gastronomicon Fairy as fun and worth a buck; reviewed swallowing” {{but shoulda been “one of 2011, Sept 3-5 is moving forward and the Invention of Lying as fun and worth a us!”}} looking for GoH suggestions buck & reviewed the new review process as cumbersome Meeting 1044 Reviews Carole reviewed Chez Pave {??} as <
23 science fiction fan forever who tracked The rumor of the week was: “Trey Meeting 1045 us down via the internet operates under Robert’s Rules of Then we did auctions – a projector- Disorder” August 16, 2010 scope for $3.00; a Tshirt for $0.50 & a book for $1.25 Reviews Trey Haddad, President Diane reviewed The 5 People you Chris Garcia, Vice-President Meet in Heaven as a neat concept, a Announcements Dave Gallaher, Treasurer Dave C announced that Dorchester quick read and well-written [she -was- Galen Tripp, Sargeant at Arms Publishing will no longer be publishing asked “was it ghost-written?”] Barbara Johnson-Haddad, Secretary books – and will now only distribute Ed reviewed The Last Airbender as Held at Coco’s, 1206 Oakmead digitally and produce pay-on-demand & considering what it was, it was okay & Parkway (Lawrence Expressway/101 he also announced that Steve Jobs he enjoyed it fwy), Sunnyvale -> HOWEVER please doesn’t like porn Glenn reviewed Adamson’s French be aware that Coco’s is doing a remodel Glenn announced to clarify that when Dip on El Camino as really, -really- for the next 3 weeks! The blinds are off Linden Labs closes the Mountain View good with fast service – and did he the window, they are closing at 9pm and office that he won’t attend BASFA mention it was REALLY good? He also we are starting meetings early meetings since it would mean driving reviewed Patricia McKillip’s Song for a Began at 7:45 pm – with hunkering over “the hill” to get here Basilisk as interesting and that it had a 26 people attended Andy announced that Aug 13-15 is different ending Secretary’s report: the minutes from the Golden State Gay Rodeo Assoc Bay Adrienne reviewed the 2nd season of meeting 1044 were accepted as “I have a Area Chapter Rodeo & that he & [evil] Being Human as she enjoys it and thinks knife” Kevin are sponsoring award buckles for it’s worth watching No Treasurer [and he will be away events - and that this year there is Fred reviewed The Great Depression for the next few weeks, too] and the faux camping – a Diary by Roth as fascinating, as the Treasurer report was that last week we Ken announced that Patricia Neal author seeks to teach himself about took in $4.50 in the regular jar passed away investing & about how the passage of The Vice President was quantum – Radar announced that on Aug 25 time affected Youngston, Ohio but reported that there is a Drink Tank from 6pm+ there will be a Zombie Lisa reviewed renting a cabana at out, that Scott Pilgrim is the best movie Crawl in San Jase, starting 577 S Market Raging Waters as really worth the cost, EVER made and that Inception is the St if you have a group [but there was no best movie EVER made “cabana boy” included in the cost] The President had nothing fannish to We adjourned at = 8:45 pm report
24 A question was posed as to whether follow-ons, including one about heifer Jo reviewed having a valve stem there will be a BASFA meeting at hair tossing & Jo commenting he needed issue as not worth full price & that Worldcon – and whether we will annex cold weather gear residents of Half Moon Bay are special Melbourne’s harbor – but these will be Carole reviewed NASfic as there snowflakes decided next week were problems with the programming = Ken [and Geri] reviewed Mr Lobo’s [tall] Kevin reported that the website “there were issues there”, that it was not Cinema Insomnia live in Sacramento as has a notice up about the earlier meeting quite worth full price but touring in the fun and the film shown with it – The times here area was – and that Rick eating all the Undertaker and his Pals – shown in bread was worth anger; Bill follow-on’d barf-o-vision as also fun and worth the Announcements that NASfic did have poor drive and admission – plus that the Dave C announced that Girl Genius programming, but that the Kittyhawk Holiday Inn Express near there was a #9 is out and that he has copies of both memorial was worth the miles and time good value for the money the soft cover and hardcover available to drive there; Chris commented that Adrienne reviewed further episodes Adrienne announced that she is NASfic had “an inner bigness that made of Being Human as very fun to watch organizing a Ghost Walk in Melbourne it awesome” and they could’ve fit the for 8:30pm, Thursday Sept 2 for $20 a entire con’s attendees in the space given Then we did auctions – a book, person at the Haunted bookshop on to him for the fanzine lounge and he had calender & program book for $1.25; a McKillip Ave – and announced that a blast and a half CD & kooshes for $0.50 & a magazine Bouchercon will be Oct 14-17 in SF for Chris O reviewed the Fahrenheit & book for $1.00 $195 at the Hyatt Regency restaurant and lounge as they did the The rumor of the week was: “Don’t Mo announced that her harddrive chef’s menu from Josh as “Wow!” and worry about me, I’ll just take minutes in died but that heroic efforts saved the encourages us all to give it a try, but the dark” data on it Josh follow-on’d that he has a bone spur Then Ed reviewed Seticon as a fun We established a party jar and is not at Fahrenheit right now fundraiser and reviewed Kickass as Dave C reviewed The Girl who worth the buck he paid to rent it on Reviews Played with Fire as white slavers were DVD Andy reviewed the room’s new color the macguffin but there was too much We adjourned at = 9 pm scheme as brighter and nice & reviewed synchronicity for his taste & the ending the Golden State Gay Rodeo as camping was abrupt – worth matinee - & was cold but eliminated the commute, reviewed The Fuller Memorandum by that the actual rodeo was excellent & all Charlie Stross as fun and entertaining absolutely worth full price – there were and worth full price
25 Bay Area Fannish Calendar
Life is complicated; putting on an event is even Saturday, September 4 Friday-Sunday, September 3-5 more so. Please check before attending, as The Gilbert and Sullivan Ball SacAnime events are sometimes canceled or times and PEERS Event, www.peers.org Radisson Hotel Sacramento locations changed. Masonic Lodge of San Mateo 500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo www.sacanime.com Follow the calendar on Twitter: Mr. and Mrs. William S. Gilbert request the Events include masquerade and fashion show, @sfsfcalendar honour of your presence at a fancy dress ball live concerts, rave/dance, etc. honouring the musical achievements of their $35 New listings are highlighted in red. colleague, the recently knighted Sir Arthur Ongoing events are toward the back. Sullivan. Guests are welcome to attend either in Thursday, September 9 “normal” evening dress of the late 19th century Author: William Gibson (1860-1900) or in costumes inspired by the The Booksmith Through September 5 operas of Gilbert and Sullivan (Costumes are, 1644 Haight Street, San Francisco Wicked as usual, admired but not required, at the ball). www.booksmith.com Orpheum Theater Live music by Bangers and Mash and Gibson will discuss and sign his new book Zero 1192 Market Street, San Francisco intermission entertainment includes a History. www.shnsf.com/shows/wicked performance of song and dance excerpts from 7:30 p.m. Free Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. As usual, meet in the land of Oz. One, born with punch and a light snack buffet will be served Saturday, September 11 emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and throughout the evening (Mrs. Gilbert will Author: William Gibson misunderstood. The other is beautiful, gratefully welcomes your potluck contributions Moe’s Books ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the to the buffet). 2476 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley story of their remarkable odyssey, how these 7 p.m. $15 (through August 28) www.moesbooks.com two unlikely friends grow to become the Gibson will discuss and sign his new book Zero Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good History. Witch. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire 1 p.m. Free Check website for tickets and showtime
26 Saturday, September 11 Featuring Adam Savage, Wil Wheaton and Paul Thrill. All shows free, first feature starts @ SF in SF: Mark L. Van Name and Amelia & Storm 7:30PM, second feature @ 9:15. Free Popcorn Beamer 7:30 p.m. $30 and Trivia Prizes. September’s films are The Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped 582 Market Street, San Francisco Sunday, September 19 Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies and www.sfinsf.org Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Spider Baby (1965) Doors open at 6:00PM. Cash Bar - Proceeds to Red Morton Community Park, Redwood City 7:30 p.m. Free Variety. Readings begin at 7:00PM, followed www.gbacg.org by Q & A moderated by Terry Bisson. Signing The Mad Hatter cordially invites you for a tea Saturday-Sunday, September 25-26 and schmoozing in the lounge afterwards party. We will toast to un-Birthdays, and play From the Land Beyond 3 6 p.m. Free musical tea cups and more! We hope that Alice, Scottish Rite Center the March Hare, and other friends will join in 6151 H Street, Sacramento Saturday-Sunday, September 11-12 on the fun! You may bring a story or a riddle to www.fromthelandbeyond.com Ardenwood Faire share with all. Location is TBA in the East Bay. Horror & Sci-Fi con. Arden Wood Historic Farms, Fremont Suggested costume: Victorian, Alice in www.ardenwoodfaire.com Wonderland Fantasy. Sunday, September 26 Shakespeare festival and Renaissance Faire. 11 a.m. $15 GBACG Costume Salon: Mad Men 10 a.m. $18 Location TBA Saturday-Sunday, September 18-19 www.gbacg.org Thursday, September 16 Hypercon Bring your projects and ideas and join us for w00tstock Boys & Girls Club potluck tea, socializing, and sharing resources. The Great American Music Hall 450 Guerrero Street, San Francisco If you’d like to attend, email 859 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco www.hyperbooster.com [email protected]. w00tstock.net Hyper-Con a brand new anime convention 1 p.m. Free A live celebration of all things nerd and geek. presented by Hyperbooster’s Studio. Cosplay Featuring Adam Savage, Wil Wheaton and Paul contest, gaming, panels, karaoke, dealer and Sunday, September 26 & Storm more. The Handcar Regatta 7:30 p.m. $30 $20 Railroad Square, Santa Rosa handcar-regatta.com Friday, September 17 Monday, September 20 Erasmus P. Kitty Presents: The 2nd Annual w00tstock Forbidden Thrills Movie Night 2009 Great West End & Railroad Square The Great American Music Hall Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge Handcar Regatta & Exposition of Mechanical 859 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco 1304 Lincoln, Alameda & Artistic Wonders. w00tstock.net www.thrillville.net Free A live celebration of all things nerd and geek. Cult Movies & Cocktails, hosted by Will the
27 Tuesday, September 28 Friday, October 8 Monday, October 18 An Evening With Guillermo del Toro The Ball of C’thulhu: A Monster Mash Forbidden Thrills Movie Night The Kabuki Theatre The DNA Lounge Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge 1881 Post Street, San Francisco 375 Eleventh Street, San Francisco 1304 Lincoln, Alameda www.booksmith.com www.dnalounge.com www.thrillville.net The Booksmith presents and evening with Swing Goth and Clockwork present; Abney Cult Movies & Cocktails, hosted by Will the filmmaker and novelist Guillermo del Toro. In Park, Vernian Process and Unextraordinary Thrill. All shows free, first feature starts @ addition to the main event there will also be Gentlemen 7:30 PM, second feature @ 9:15. Free Popcorn VIP tickets available for a private pre-talk 8 p.m. $23 and Trivia Prizes. September’s films are reception at 6:30 PM, also at the Kabuki, with Werewolf in a Girls Dormitory and Manster Mr. Del Toro, including delicious food, a Saturday, October 16 (1954) special bar drink, reserved seat, and a copy of SF in SF: Claude Lalumiere and Karen Joy 7:30 p.m. Free The Fall $75. Fowler 7:30 p.m. $12 Variety Preview Room in the Hobart Building Saturday, October 23 582 Market Street, San Francisco Mad Men Vodka Tasting Saturday, October 2 www.sfinsf.org Hangar One Distillery The Evil League of Evil Villains’ Ball Doors open at 6:00PM. Cash Bar - Proceeds to 2601 Monarch Street, Alameda PEERS Event, www.peers.org Variety. Readings begin at 7:00PM, followed www.gbacg.org Masonic Lodge of San Mateo by Q & A moderated by Terry Bisson. Signing As part of landing our latest client and 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo and schmoozing in the lounge afterwards becoming familiar with their products, office Guests are invited to attend as their favorite 6 p.m. Free staff will be at the Vodka Tasting Tour at Evil character – historical, fictional, or original. Alameda based Hanger One in Alameda. Clean Live music by Avalon Rising. Costumes may Saturday-Sunday, October 16-17 cut office wear from the Kennedy Era/Age of be historical, science fiction/fantasy, modern Alternative Press Expo Optimism once again gets to soak up the evening dress. The event includes musical The Concourse cocktails. After the Distillery closes, designated performances, a no-host (cash) bar, and a light 620 7th Street, San Francisco drivers (as needed) will ferry staff to the snack buffet. Potluck contributions to the buffet www.comic-con.org/ape Mahogany Room of the nearby Alameda Elks will be greatly appreciated. Confirmed special guests as of press time are lodge for drying out. Suggested costume: Early 7 p.m. $15 (through September 26) Lynda Barry, Daniel Clowes, Rich Koslowski, 1960s. and Tony Millionaire. Check website for details.
28 Friday-Sunday, October 29-31 celebrated Le Theatre des Vampires. Friday-Sunday, November 26-28 Yaoi-con 7 p.m. $20 (until September 30) Loscon 37 Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport LAX Marriott 1333 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame Saturday, November 14 5855 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles www.yaoicon.com GBACG Costume Salon: Victorian www.loscon37.org A Celebration of Male Beauty and Passion in Location TBA GOH: Emma Bull, Phil Foglio, Kim Brown, Anime and Manga. 18+ GOH Anayo Yamame www.gbacg.org Jordan Brown $55 (till September 26) Bring your projects and ideas and join us for $40 (until September 30) potluck tea, socializing, and sharing resources. Sunday, October 31 If you’d like to attend, email Friday-Sunday, December 3-5 Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde [email protected]. SMOFcon 28 Davies Symphony Hall 1 p.m. Free Sainte Claire Hotel San Francisco 302 South Market Street, San Jose www.sfsymphony.org Monday, November 15 www.smofcon28.org A newly restored version of the 1920 silent Forbidden Thrills Movie Night SMOFcon is an annual convention for people classic plays with Ruffatti organ Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge who run science fiction conventions. accompaniment. The Buster Keaton short “The 1304 Lincoln, Alameda $55 (through Oct 1st) Haunted House” will also play. Half price for www.thrillville.net ages 17 and under. Cult Movies & Cocktails, hosted by Will the Saturday, December 4 8 p.m. Check website for prices. Thrill. All shows free, first feature starts @ GBACG Goes to Dickens 7:30PM, second feature @ 9:15. Free Popcorn Dicken’s Faire Saturday, November 6 and Trivia Prizes. November’s films are Glen www.gbacg.org Le Bal des Vampires or Glenda and Bride of the Monster The GBACG goes to the The Great Dickens PEERS Event, www.peers.org 7:30 p.m. Free Christmas Fair. Visit with friends, view the Masonic Lodge of San Mateo costume competition, and make merry in 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo Friday-Sunday, November 26-28 Dickens’ London with our annual GBACG There is no dress code for the ball, suggested SorcererCon meet-up! costume is evening dress of the century and Sainte Claire Hotel Check website for details. country of your “rebirth.” Our band upstairs 302 South Market Street, San Jose ballroom is chamber ensemble Bangers & www.sorcerercon.com Mash and downstairs there will be DJ music in Fantasy Convention the Dracula’s Daughter Discotheque. Hosted by $50 Dark Moon, the club also features a no-host (cash) bar, and light refreshments. Half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by the
29 Sunday, December 12 Saturday, February 19, 2011 Sunday, March 6, 2011 SACCON The Gilded Age Glissade SACCON Scottish Rite Center Palo Alto Scottish Rite Center 6151 H Street, Sacramento www.gbacg.org 6151 H Street, Sacramento www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html A romantic afternoon spent skating in the www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. outdoors. Suggested costume: 1870-1900. Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. 10 a.m. $6 Check website for details. 10 a.m. $6
Monday, December 13 Saturday-Sunday, February 19-20, 2011 Friday-Sunday, March 11-13, 2011 Forbidden Thrills Movie Night Anime on Display FOGCon Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge Hotel Kabuki Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Hotel 1304 Lincoln, Alameda 1625 Post Street, San Francisco 1500 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco www.thrillville.net www.aodsf.org fogcon.org Cult Movies & Cocktails, hosted by Will the Animation convention. Guests of Honor are Pat Murphy and Jeff Thrill. All shows free, first feature starts @ $25 (until February 5) VanderMeer. The theme for 2011 is “The City 7:30 PM, second feature @ 9:15. Free Popcorn in SF”. and Trivia Prizes. December’s films are Santa Friday-Sunday, March 4-6, 2011 $55 (through November 1) Claus Conquers the Martians and Santa Claus Consonance 7:30 p.m. Free Hilton Newark/Fremont Friday-Sunday, March 18-20, 2011 39900 Balentine Drive, Newark ConQuest Sac VI Wednesday-Saturday, January 12-15 and www.consonance.org Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova 19-22, 2011 Filk convention, GOHs; Joe Giacoio & Carla 11211 Point East Drive, Rancho Cordova Machine: A Fire Opera Ulbrich, Interfilk Guest: Denise Gendron, www.conquestsac.com The Crucible Toastmistress: Lynn Gold, International Guest: Gaming convention 1260 7th Street, Oakland Chris Malme $25 (through September 30) www.thecrucible.org/events/fire-operas-ballets/ $40 (through October 31) 366 Friday-Monday, March 18-21, 2011 Conceived and staged by Mark Streshinsky Friday-Sunday, March 4-6, 2011 Pantheacon specifically for The Crucible’s performance Potlatch 20 The Doubletree Hotel space and capabilities, this original fire opera is The Domain Hotel 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose based on a sci-fi short story by Derek J. 1085 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale www.pantheacon.com Goodman, with original score by Clark www.potlatch-sf.org Pagan convention. Suprynowicz. Literary science fiction convention. Book of $55 (Till September 15) Details TBA Honor: Earth Abides. $55
30 Friday-Sunday, April 1-3, 2011 Sunday, December 11, 2011 Sundays Wondercon SACCON Moscone Center South Scottish Rite Center MGI SF&F/Horror/Speculative fiction San Francisco 6151 H Street, Sacramento Writing Group www.comic-con.org/wc www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html Personal Residence (email for details) Details TBA Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. Emeryville 10 a.m. $6 groups.yahoo.com/group/MGISFFWriters Sunday, June 5, 2011 7:30 p.m. Free SACCON Ongoing Scottish Rite Center Sakuramento Anime Society 6151 H Street, Sacramento Daily Rancho Cordova Library www.sacramentocomics.com/html/index2.html 9845 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova Sacramento’s Toys, Comics and Anime show. Cartoon Art Museum Meets every Sunday to watch old and new 10 a.m. $6 655 Mission Street, San Francisco anime and anime music videos, play collectible www.cartoonart.org card games, practice artwork and make AMVs. Thursday-Sunday, July 1-4, 2011 11-5 p.m. $6 (Closed Mondays) 3-7 p.m. Westercon 64 The Fairmont San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour Mondays 170 South Market Street, San Jose Begins: Queen Anne Hotel www.westercon64.org 1590 Sutter at Octavia, San Francisco Bay Area Science Fiction Association GOHs: Patricia A. McKillip, Kaja and Phil www.sfghosthunt.com Coco’s Folgio, Mike Willmoth Closed Tuesdays. 1206 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale $65 (through Oct 15) 7-10 p.m. $20 www.basfa.org 8 p.m. Free Wednesday-Sunday, August 17-21, 2011 VIZ Cinema Worldcon: Renovation 1746 Post Street, San Francisco Reno Sparks Convention Center www.newpeopleworld.com/films 4590 South Virginia Avenue, Reno, NV VIZ Cinema is a 143-seat underground cinema Reno, Nevada inside New People in San Francisco. Its www.renovationsf.org programming focuses on the latest and hottest The 69th World Science Fiction Convention. films from Japan, as well as classics, favorites, GOH: Tim Powers, Ellen Asher, Boris Vallejo, documentaries and anime. Charles N. Brown. Please check theater for showtimes and tickets. $160 (Till September 30)
31 Dukefish 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Free Thursdays Jake’s of Sunnyvale 174 E. Fremont Avenue, Sunnyvale Wednesdays CAS: NightLife games.groups.yahoo.com/group/dukefish The California Academy of Sciences Group meets weekly to play German-style Bay Area Role-Playing Society 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, strategy board games such as Settlers of Catan, Go-Getter’s Pizza San Francisco Carcasson and other games, plus an occasional 1489 Beach Park Boulevard, Foster City www.calacademy.org game of bridge breaks out. Meet up at 8:00 www.BayRPS.com Every Thursday night, the Academy opens its p.m., figure out who wants to play what, and Hosts a weekly game night. For club and game doors for NightLife, a chance for adults to typically start playing games no later than 8:30 night details email [email protected] explore the museum in a whole new light. p.m. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Free East Bay Strategy Games Dance to some of San Francisco’s most popular 8 p.m. Free Club DJs, enjoy food and cocktails, and mingle EndGame while you delve into the Academy’s world- \Mondays and Wednesdays 921 Washington, Oakland class exhibits and get up close and personal www.michaeldashow.com/eastbaystrategy/ with aquarium critters. Silicon Valley Boardgamers home.html 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. $12 (21+) Mountain View Community Center 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Free 201 S. Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View Fridays www.davekohr.users.sonic.net/svb Fanboy Planet Podcast Group meets regularly to play mostly German- Illusive Comics and Games SF Games style strategy boardgames such as Settlers of 2725 El Camino Real, Suite 105, Santa Clara Muddy’s Coffeehouse Catan; also multi-player Avalon Hill-style, www.fanboyplanet.com 1304 Valencia Street, San Francisco historical war games, and others. Live from Illusive Comics and Games, it’s the vax.hanford.org/dk/games 6:30 p.m. $2 Fanboy Planet Podcast with your host, Derek SF Games is a collective name for a bunch of McCaw. people who get together and play board games Tuesdays 6 p.m. Free and card games every week. Also has a regular cards night at Atlas Café, 20th and Alabama MGI Boffers & Outdoor Games Wednesdays and Saturdays Streets, Tuesday nights from 6:30-10. Codornices Park 7 p.m. to midnight Free 1201 Euclid Ave, Berkeley Hayward Collectibles Show mgisciaf.angelfire.com 22300 Hathaway Ave (rear bldg), Hayward groups.yahoo.com/group/MGIFamilyclub www.toysandbaseballcards.com Bad weather: we meet the same time at 33 Wednesdays 3 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 Revolutions Record Shop & Cafe, El Cerrito a.m.-5 p.m. for boardgames. Free
32 Fridays-Mondays Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers’ Group Rocky Horror Picture Show Borderlands Books The Clay, 2261 Fillmore Street San Francisco/ Haunted Haight Walking Tour 866 Valencia Street, San Francisco The Guild, 949 El Camino Real Menlo Park Meets at Coffee To The People Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each www.bawdycaste.org 1206 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco month at 6 pm. Contact Jade Livingston at The Bawdy Caste presents the classic midnight www.hauntedhaight.com [email protected] for more information. movie the first Saturday of the month, Reservations required. alternating between the Clay in San Francisco 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. $20 Monthly and the Guild in Menlo Park. Midnight Fridays and Saturdays Dorkbot-SF www.dorkbot.org/dorkbotsf/ QSF&F Book Club Vampire Walking Tour Dorkbot hosts regular forums for artists, Borderlands Books Meets corner of California and Taylor, San designers, engineers, students, and other people 866 Valencia, San Francisco Francisco doing strange things with electricity. www.qsfandf.com www.sfvampiretour.com Free, donations welcome Meets the second Sunday of the month. Led by Mina Harker. Tour is canceled if there 5 p.m. Free is heavy rain. Foothill Anime 8 p.m. $20 Building 5015, Foothill College East Bay Star Wars Club Los Altos Hills Central Perk Biweekly Monthly event where people can get together to 10086 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito watch anime and meet like minded others. 510-558-7375 PenSFA Party Usually meets the first Sunday of every month The Peninsula Science Fantasy Association www.ebstarwars.com at noon. Meets the second Friday of every month. meets every two weeks for a party at the home 12 p.m. Free of one of their members. They also host parties 7:30 p.m. Free at local conventions. Email Silicon Gulch Browncoats Fantastic Frontiers [email protected] for information on Various locations (see website for details) www.freewebs.com/fantasticfrontiers/ attending. PenSFA standard party rules: bring www.silicongulchbrowncoats.org Social club for Sacramento County sci fi/ something edible or drinkable to share, or pay Silicon Valley fans of Firefly/Serenity meet up fantasy fans usually meets the second Saturday the host $2. Don’t smoke in the house without on the first Saturday of the month. of the month. Check website for meeting times checking with the host first. Normal start time Noon - 2 p.m. Free and locations. is 8 p.m. but may vary depending on the host.
33 No-Name Anime Micro Gods, Inc. Legion of Rassilon Saratoga Library Berkeley Public Library, West Branch Carl’s Jr. 13650 Saratoga Avenue 1125 University Ave, Berkeley 2551 N 1st St , San Jose Saratoga mgisciaf.angelfire.com www.legionofrassilon.org www.nnanime.com groups.yahoo.com/group/MGIFamilyClub/ Doctor Who fan group usually meets the fourth Anime screenings usually take place on the Family Club for fans of Science Fiction, Friday of the month: Episodes of Doctor Who, second Saturday of the month. Fantasy, Movie, Anime & Manga. Meets every news, discussion of recent movies, and a raffle. Free 3rd Saturday, please check Yahoo group for 7:30 p.m. Free updates. SF Browncoats 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Free USS Augusta Ada Cafe Murano Round Table Pizza 1777 Steiner Street, San Francisco USS Northern Lights 3567 Geary Blvd, San Francisco www.sfbrowncoats.com Contact [email protected] for trek.starshine.org SF Firefly/Serenity fans usually meet up on the specifics. Augusta Ada is both a chapter of Starfleet second Saturday of the month. sites.google.com/site/ussnorthernlights International and a Linux and *BSD user Noon Free ‘Lights is a chapter of Starfleet International group. Usually meets the fourth Saturday of and a swell group of science fiction fans. We every month. Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club do more than Trek. Usually meets the third 1 p.m. Free Borderlands Books Saturday of the month, with social event TBD. 866 Valencia, San Francisco 7 p.m. Free Veritech Fighter Command ONE-THREE www.borderlands-books.com Round Table Pizza Meets the third Sunday of the month. Please Religion & SF Book Club 4403 Elkhorn Blvd, Sacramento contact Jude at jfeldman@borderlands- First United Methodist Church 916-338-2300 books.com for more information. 1183 “B” Street, Hayward Anime/cosplay group usually meets the last 6 p.m. Free Meets the 4th Sunday of the month. Please Saturday of the month at 1800 hours. contact Rev. Randy Smith at 6 p.m. Free USS Defiance [email protected] for more information. 5026 Don Julio Blvd, Sacramento 7 p.m. Free 1566 Howe Ave, Sacramento www.myspace.com/d2121978 Other Realms Book Club Star Trek fan group meets the third Friday of Books, Inc. the month. 1375 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame 7 p.m. Free www.booksinc.net/localinterest/291027 Meets the 4th Wednesday of the Month. 6:30 p.m. Free
34 Looking south from Pacifica Pier by Lucy Huntzinger 35 Bay Area Fannish Calendar Ð September 2010
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
MGI SFF/H Writing BASFA MGI Boffers BA Role-Playing Soc CAS: NightLife SF Games Sakuramento Anime Dukefish E.Bay Strategy Games SV Boardgamers Fanboy Planet Podcast SV Boardgamers 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 SacAnime (thru Sun) The Gilbert and Sullivan Ball Silicon Browncoats Rocky Horror
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Wicked (last show) William Gibson East Bay Star Wars Ardenwood Faire Foothill Anime SF&F Writers’ Group William Gibson Van Name & Beamer Fantastic Frontiers No-Name Anime SF Browncoats
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 QSF&F Book Club w00tstock w00tstock Hypercon (thru Sun) USS Defiance Micro Gods, Inc USS Northern Lights
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Mad Hatter’s Tea Forbidden Thrills Other Realms SF&F Writers’ Group Legion of Rassilon From the Land Beyond Party Movie Night 3 (thru Sun) SF/F Book Club USS Augusta Ada Veritech Fighter Cmd 13
26 27 28 29 30 1 2 GBACG Costume Guillermo del Toro The Evil League of Salon: Mad Men Evil Villains’ Ball The Handcar Regatta Religion & SF
Science Fiction/San Francisco #108 – August 25, 2010 – SF/SF is the monthly news zine for the San Francisco Bay Area – www.efanzines.com. 36