Yes folks, it's in the mail! I won't spoil the surprise but the new issue contains the submission schedule (Hint! Hint! all up-and-coming writers) for 2010, several reviews, interviews, a really cool fen project and info about many upcoming events. Look for it!
- Mood:
happy
Boxcar Astronaut #147: Yo-yo tricks!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! The yo-yo, it's a simple toy with unlimited potential for amazing stunts and tricks. Ben has been practicing some pretty cool tricks with his yo-yo and is feeling very confident. So confident, in fact that he makes the big mistake of challenging Robot. Find out what unbelievable trick Robot has in store for Ben's yo-yo in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut!
And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too. Also regular readers of Boxcar Astronaut will want to read this special notice of the pending hiatus of the Boxcar strip.
- Mood:
geeky
Just a quick note to wish you all the best in 2010. Look for changes in the blog this year; I hope to have more guest bloggers, interviews and con/event coverage in 2010. I am working with my fellow bloggers, our West Wind editor and even an expert or two to make these exciting changes as well as continuing the basic news gathering that I have been doing. More information and updates as events warrant in the LJ-verse...blessings to all.
- Mood:
awake - Music:Building Steam by Abney Park
Boxcar Astronaut #146: Bubble Bliss!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! This week we find the gang enjoying one of the all time great simple joys of childhood, BUBBLES! Come join us in the backyard and watch all the bubble chasing action in an All New Boxcar Astronaut! And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.
Also regular readers of Boxcar Astronaut will want to read this special notice of the pending hiatus of the Boxcar strip.
- Mood: geeky
Orycon 2009 Report
Well, here we are with the post-mortum on Orycon. Sorry about the delay; there were some communications problems.
*****
Orycon is one of the premiere cons here in the PNW, and they certainly lived up to their reputation after their move to a new hotel.
Getting to the hotel is easy, no matter how you go. We took the train, which was a comfortable ride along scenic Puget Sound to Portland Union Station. From there, the new Portland MAX Green Line trolley took us directly to the hotel, and directly back again. More better, the ride was in the downtown Free Zone.
For those not lucky enough to get train tickets, the Red Line will take you straight from the airport to the hotel, although that is not in the Free Zone. And if you simply have to drive, Multinomah Avenue is right off highway 5.
Like all big hotels these days, the Lloyd Center Doubletree must have been designed by Pablo Picasso. The layout is every bit as confusing as the old hotel, with odd angles and corridors partly hidden. In particular, most of the writing panels were in a wing hidden behind the restaurant.
The restaurant itself was pleasant enough, but the fare was unimpressive. And despite claims to the contrary, there was only one sandwich shop nearby; whatever other food service might be in the area was several blocks away in indeterminate directions.
Despite being held on Thanksgiving weekend (a temporary expedient due to scheduling conflicts), the body count was over 1400. Con programming ran heavily to writer's panels and activities. The panels in particular were some of the best I have seen in a while.
One good feature of the programming was that the panels were grouped in different areas: the writing panels here, the costuming panels there, etc. This made it easy to get from one to another if you are focusing on a particular area. All the panel activities were on the first floor, except for the gaming, which was concentrated on the second floor.
Services were pretty decent, Hospitality in particular. There was one young lady who put in long hours keeping up with the demand for sandwich fixings and snacks. She deserves a lot of credit, and I regret I didn't catch her name.
The Art Show and Dealers’ Room were in a separate building across the driveway. Dealers’ was fairly typical, although there were relatively few booksellers this time round. The Art Show was a disappointment: a thin assortment of hanging art spread out in an odd L-shaped area. There was a lot of jewelry and tableware art, some of it quite nice. The hanging art, however, had a dominant theme best described as 'creepy'.
Activities included the Masked Ball, Open Read and Critique for writers, lots of costuming programs, lots of readings, signings, and concert programs, and plenty of opportunities to meet and hobnob with the Guests Of Honor. Some particular activities of note were:
The Barbie contest, which I understand only had two entries. (Now if they'd make it a Barbie Impersonator contest, they might have something.)
The three hour review of upcoming movie, TV, and game projects (the next few years will be abysmal).
The Editor GOH, Lou Anders, from Pyr, gave a presentation on their upcoming releases. It was interesting and informative, and they have some nice goodies in the pipeline.
The Susan C. Petrey scholarship fund was hard at their fundraising as usual. They support the Clarion workshop, so it is in all our interests to support them. You can reach them at:
http://www.osfci.org/petrey/index.html
And, of course, there was the Endeavour Award for best work by a PNW author. This year's winner was David D. Levine for his 'Space Magic'. Congratulations, David! You can contribute to the Endeavour Award fund at:
Endeavour Award Fund
c/o OSFCI
P. O. Box 5703
Portland, Or 97228
And while they weren't present officially (to the best of my knowledge) the Clayton Memorial Medical Fund published an appeal in the program guide. You can reach them at:
Clayton Memorial Fund
c/o OSFCI
P. O. Box 5703
Portland, Or 97228
The room parties were relatively few and fairly sedate. Most of them had some official function, such as con bids, but there were two parties of note: the Internet Review Of Science Fiction held a fundraiser, and the Northwest's own Lizzy Shannon had a book party for her new work, 'Time Twist', from Dragon Moon Press. (From the reviews I've seen, it sounds interesting. Congratulations, Lizzy.)
All in all, it was a good con, and well worth the money. Next year's Orycon will be back to its regular schedule, November 12 - 14, 2010, and the theme will be 'The Darker Side Of Fantasy'. Preregistration is only $25 until December 31, so get a move-on.
Til next,
Bob
Well, here we are with the post-mortum on Orycon. Sorry about the delay; there were some communications problems.
*****
Orycon is one of the premiere cons here in the PNW, and they certainly lived up to their reputation after their move to a new hotel.
Getting to the hotel is easy, no matter how you go. We took the train, which was a comfortable ride along scenic Puget Sound to Portland Union Station. From there, the new Portland MAX Green Line trolley took us directly to the hotel, and directly back again. More better, the ride was in the downtown Free Zone.
For those not lucky enough to get train tickets, the Red Line will take you straight from the airport to the hotel, although that is not in the Free Zone. And if you simply have to drive, Multinomah Avenue is right off highway 5.
Like all big hotels these days, the Lloyd Center Doubletree must have been designed by Pablo Picasso. The layout is every bit as confusing as the old hotel, with odd angles and corridors partly hidden. In particular, most of the writing panels were in a wing hidden behind the restaurant.
The restaurant itself was pleasant enough, but the fare was unimpressive. And despite claims to the contrary, there was only one sandwich shop nearby; whatever other food service might be in the area was several blocks away in indeterminate directions.
Despite being held on Thanksgiving weekend (a temporary expedient due to scheduling conflicts), the body count was over 1400. Con programming ran heavily to writer's panels and activities. The panels in particular were some of the best I have seen in a while.
One good feature of the programming was that the panels were grouped in different areas: the writing panels here, the costuming panels there, etc. This made it easy to get from one to another if you are focusing on a particular area. All the panel activities were on the first floor, except for the gaming, which was concentrated on the second floor.
Services were pretty decent, Hospitality in particular. There was one young lady who put in long hours keeping up with the demand for sandwich fixings and snacks. She deserves a lot of credit, and I regret I didn't catch her name.
The Art Show and Dealers’ Room were in a separate building across the driveway. Dealers’ was fairly typical, although there were relatively few booksellers this time round. The Art Show was a disappointment: a thin assortment of hanging art spread out in an odd L-shaped area. There was a lot of jewelry and tableware art, some of it quite nice. The hanging art, however, had a dominant theme best described as 'creepy'.
Activities included the Masked Ball, Open Read and Critique for writers, lots of costuming programs, lots of readings, signings, and concert programs, and plenty of opportunities to meet and hobnob with the Guests Of Honor. Some particular activities of note were:
The Barbie contest, which I understand only had two entries. (Now if they'd make it a Barbie Impersonator contest, they might have something.)
The three hour review of upcoming movie, TV, and game projects (the next few years will be abysmal).
The Editor GOH, Lou Anders, from Pyr, gave a presentation on their upcoming releases. It was interesting and informative, and they have some nice goodies in the pipeline.
The Susan C. Petrey scholarship fund was hard at their fundraising as usual. They support the Clarion workshop, so it is in all our interests to support them. You can reach them at:
http://www.osfci.org/petrey/index.html
And, of course, there was the Endeavour Award for best work by a PNW author. This year's winner was David D. Levine for his 'Space Magic'. Congratulations, David! You can contribute to the Endeavour Award fund at:
Endeavour Award Fund
c/o OSFCI
P. O. Box 5703
Portland, Or 97228
And while they weren't present officially (to the best of my knowledge) the Clayton Memorial Medical Fund published an appeal in the program guide. You can reach them at:
Clayton Memorial Fund
c/o OSFCI
P. O. Box 5703
Portland, Or 97228
The room parties were relatively few and fairly sedate. Most of them had some official function, such as con bids, but there were two parties of note: the Internet Review Of Science Fiction held a fundraiser, and the Northwest's own Lizzy Shannon had a book party for her new work, 'Time Twist', from Dragon Moon Press. (From the reviews I've seen, it sounds interesting. Congratulations, Lizzy.)
All in all, it was a good con, and well worth the money. Next year's Orycon will be back to its regular schedule, November 12 - 14, 2010, and the theme will be 'The Darker Side Of Fantasy'. Preregistration is only $25 until December 31, so get a move-on.
Til next,
Bob
- Mood:
embarrassed
Boxcar Astronaut #145: Where's the doggone chocolate cake?
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Ben's mom made a chocolate cake and left some the boys, but someone else has other plans for the delicious treat. What could it be? Check out the latest Boxcar Astronaut to find out, and be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.
Also regular readers of Boxcar Astronaut will want to read this special notice of the pending hiatus of the Boxcar strip.
- Mood: geeky
Volume 48: December 2009
Welcome to the Edge of Propinquity. Volume 48 is now published. The death of the year brings with it both pain and the promise of a new beginning. This month we have an awakening to an old purpose, the death of revenge, the cycle of love and death repeated and the end of a long struggle for control. This concludes the 2009 year for the Edge of Propinquity. We will return again in 2010 with new Universe authors, new universe stories and, of course, our monthly guest author. Thank you for reading.
Luminations - How It Ends by Rick Silva AKA
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
shaharazadSolstice - Autumn, Part Three by Ivan Ewert AKA
ivan23Danyael - Revelation by Nick Bergeron
Guest Author - The Letter by Michael Jarrette-Kenny
Have you ever looked over the edge and seen something looking back at you?
Sincerely,
Jennifer Brozek
Editor, The Edge of Propinquity
http://www.edgeofpropinquity.net/defaul
Last show I had to cut out this interview to save file size and bandwidth. Here now is that interview with the creators and stars of GeeksOn! a podcast for geeks, by geeks. I had a lot of fun chatting with these guys and i hope you'll enjoy watching the show as much as I did filming it.
204 — GeeksOn!
204 — GeeksOn!
Boxcar Astronaut #144: Rover meets Rover
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Our heroes have landed on an alien planet, and deployed a rover to explore the new world. As the rover navigates the alien terrain it encounters something strange. Is it an alien life form or something else? Check out the latest Boxcar Astronaut to find out! And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.
Also regular readers of Boxcar Astronaut will want to read this special notice of the pending hiatus of the Boxcar strip.
- Mood: geeky
Cthulhu in a jar! Brazilian steampunk! Free fiction. Frightening behavior...and a lot more under the cuts.
( Local signals... )
( Galactic transmissions... )
End transmission.
( Local signals... )
( Galactic transmissions... )
End transmission.
- Location:The Black Hole in the basement
- Mood:
cranky - Music:Aether Shanties by Abney Park
Well, 'MacKenna' is done in draft at 98,200 words! Like all my novels, it sometimes looked like I would never get it done - had no idea how to forward the plot - just couldn't get the words to come out. But surprise of surprises, it's over!
So what now? Technically I still have a bit of research to do into Hindu names and customs (some of the characters are Hindus). I've got that under way, and will work that material in during the edit. Okay, I lied about it being complete. For the moment, I'm going to lay on my back with my feet in the air and tremble for a while. After that, I will do some preliminary work on my next project. (Haven't decided what yet.) After the New Year, I will get on the edit for 'Overland'. By time that's done, I should have the Hindu research complete, and will start the edit on 'MacKenna'.
I anticipate having 'Overland' done by Norwescon, and 'MacKenna done by Windycon (mid June in Chicago). This is five novels in the pot now. :-}>
Time to party. My best to all,
Bob
So what now? Technically I still have a bit of research to do into Hindu names and customs (some of the characters are Hindus). I've got that under way, and will work that material in during the edit. Okay, I lied about it being complete. For the moment, I'm going to lay on my back with my feet in the air and tremble for a while. After that, I will do some preliminary work on my next project. (Haven't decided what yet.) After the New Year, I will get on the edit for 'Overland'. By time that's done, I should have the Hindu research complete, and will start the edit on 'MacKenna'.
I anticipate having 'Overland' done by Norwescon, and 'MacKenna done by Windycon (mid June in Chicago). This is five novels in the pot now. :-}>
Time to party. My best to all,
Bob
- Mood: accomplished
I have now posted my episode on VCON. I had a blast and hope you all enjoy it. I had to cut out the Geeks On interview because it would have pushed the episode over an hour and I wanted to save size and bandwidth. The Geeks On interview will have it's own episode very soon.
You can now download the episode to your computer or mobile media device to watch at your convenience. I am offering both Windows Media (.wmv) and Quicktime (.mp4) formats for maximum compatibility.
203 — VCON 2009
You can now download the episode to your computer or mobile media device to watch at your convenience. I am offering both Windows Media (.wmv) and Quicktime (.mp4) formats for maximum compatibility.
203 — VCON 2009
Boxcar Astronaut #143: Deploy the Rover
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Our heroes have landed on an uncharted planet and are preparing to explore the potentially hostile environment.Danger and mystery could be lurking just around the corner. Will the boys leap into the hazardous mouth of adventure without looking first, or will they deploy their advanced technology to give them the upper hand? Find out in an All New Boxcar Astronaut!
And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.
- Mood: geeky
Harlan Ellison has been nominated for a Grammy, writerly Stockholm Syndrome and the 12 Days of Zombie Christmas (and aheck of a lot more) are down below...
( Local signals... )
( The LJ-verse... )
( Galactic transmissions... )
End transmission.
- Location:The planet Mars
- Mood: geeky
It has been a long time since I have posted an episode. A good portion of the delay was in fact laziness but not so much these past three months. First I had four events within four weeks, then I got picked up as the design editor for a new magazine which took a lot of my available time. Then I had to find a way to provide a method of streaming the full episode as one episode rather than breaking it up into small chunks.
But the wait (for me at least) was worth it. Not only am I now able to provide episodes full length as a (pseudo) stream, I am now making each episode available for download in both Quicktime and Windows media, high and low resolutions.
The first new episode is the highlights from the last Emerald City ComiCon. Very late, I know but better late than never. This episode includes interviews with comic pros, and anecdotes and more with media guests Michael Hogan, Aaron Douglas, Tahmoh Penikett, and Wil Wheaton. Episode 201 Emerald City ComiCon 2009
The second episode is my coverage of RainFurrest. Also a bit late but again finding a streaming method had to happen. This episode includes a Q & A with Guests of Honor Farore Nightclaw and Nicodemus, the Fur Suit Parade, highlights from the variety show and two songs performed by Alexander James Adams. Episode 202 RainFurrest 2009
The next two episodes will cover VCON and the Sereniversary respectively. Future episodes will include interviews with Filk veterans Vixy and Tony, and Rustycon Guests of Honor James P. Blaylock, Theresa Mather, and David Glenn-Anderson.
But the wait (for me at least) was worth it. Not only am I now able to provide episodes full length as a (pseudo) stream, I am now making each episode available for download in both Quicktime and Windows media, high and low resolutions.
The first new episode is the highlights from the last Emerald City ComiCon. Very late, I know but better late than never. This episode includes interviews with comic pros, and anecdotes and more with media guests Michael Hogan, Aaron Douglas, Tahmoh Penikett, and Wil Wheaton. Episode 201 Emerald City ComiCon 2009
The second episode is my coverage of RainFurrest. Also a bit late but again finding a streaming method had to happen. This episode includes a Q & A with Guests of Honor Farore Nightclaw and Nicodemus, the Fur Suit Parade, highlights from the variety show and two songs performed by Alexander James Adams. Episode 202 RainFurrest 2009
The next two episodes will cover VCON and the Sereniversary respectively. Future episodes will include interviews with Filk veterans Vixy and Tony, and Rustycon Guests of Honor James P. Blaylock, Theresa Mather, and David Glenn-Anderson.
There's a NWSFS outing on Wednesday to the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant near Olympia plus news about Abney Park, SFContario, several awards, oh and the d20 from ancient Rome?
( Local signals... )
( The LJ-verse... )
( Galactic transmissions... )
Oh, and there's new material over at seattlegeekly - and be sure to check out the Picture Unrelated.
- Location:The Black Hole in the basement
- Mood:
crazy
Boxcar Astronaut #142: Where Does the Sun Go?
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! This week, the boys attempt to solve one of the great mysteries of the cosmos: Where does the sun go when it goes down at night? Children around the world have been wondering that since time immemorial, and Ben has an elaborate theory as to the truth! What is that theory? Is it even plausible? Will Devin have to resort to actual scientific research to get to the real solution to this quandary? Find out all the answers in an All New Boxcar Astronaut!
Also, page 2 of Marc Lapierre's SuperFogeys Origins story goes up on Tuesday at http://www.superfogeys.com. And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.
- Mood: geeky
I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday; everyone must be recovering from food comas, hence the dearth of SF/F news...oh well, whirled peas is nice even if it only comes once a year. But I digress...I have the location for the Dec. MFR plus movie news and various blogdates...Hope those at Orycon are having a good time!
( Local signals... )
( Galactic transmissions... )
End transmission.
( Local signals... )
( Galactic transmissions... )
End transmission.
- Location:The planet Mars
- Mood:
full
We had a cozy gathering in Thurston County last night. Only a dozen NWSFS members made it down there in the pouring rain; but what we lacked in numbers, we more than made up for in terms of lively conversation and laughter (And loads of yummy food! I especially liked our hostess' tabouli made with cracked wheat instead of barley.)
Our hostess, Janice Clark, is also an SF/F and YA author who has been published in at least one prior issue of West Wind (archivists take note) and I really enjoyed getting a chance to chat with her about her current projects. She has a young adult SF novel that, from her description, strongly reminds me of Andre Norton in tone. She has also written several childrens' chap books and work in other genres as well. I understand that she will be attending Rustycon and possibly Norwescon as well. Visit her website and check her out.
The "Holiday Number 11" gift exchange had exactly 11 participants (cue laugh track here). I am now going to have to track down Quark in order to see the episode where this forgotten holiday is mentioned. I ended up with 5-6 bottles of black light paint...don't know what they'll get used for, but they will get used!
All in all, a good time was had by all.
Our hostess, Janice Clark, is also an SF/F and YA author who has been published in at least one prior issue of West Wind (archivists take note) and I really enjoyed getting a chance to chat with her about her current projects. She has a young adult SF novel that, from her description, strongly reminds me of Andre Norton in tone. She has also written several childrens' chap books and work in other genres as well. I understand that she will be attending Rustycon and possibly Norwescon as well. Visit her website and check her out.
The "Holiday Number 11" gift exchange had exactly 11 participants (cue laugh track here). I am now going to have to track down Quark in order to see the episode where this forgotten holiday is mentioned. I ended up with 5-6 bottles of black light paint...don't know what they'll get used for, but they will get used!
All in all, a good time was had by all.
- Location:Out of ambit
- Mood:
relaxed
Boxcar Astronaut #141: Dashing Reflection
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! It's another sunny day in the backyard as Supreme Commander Ben oversees the construction of a mighty new battle cruiser. Unfortunately for Devin, it seems he's the one stuck doing all the work while Ben gazes at his reflection.Will the starship meet our hero's lofty expectations? Can Devin bring Ben's ego back down to Earth? Find out in another All New Boxcar Astronaut!
FYI: Boxcar artist Marc Lapierre will be doing a guest stint on SuperFogeys starting this Tuesday (11/24/09), so check it out. And as always be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.
- Mood: geeky
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small}
Page Summary
- kmarier : Westwind Issue #276 is out! [+1]
- nemoblack : Boxcar Astronaut for 01/03/10 [+0]
- kmarier : Happy New Year everyone! [+2]
- nemoblack : Boxcar Astronaut for 12/27/09 [+1]
- thewrittenwyrd : Orycon... [+2]
- nemoblack : Boxcar Astronaut for 12/20/09 [+0]
- jennifer_brozek : The Edge of Propinquity - Volume 48 [+0]
- pacfenspotlight : GeeksOn! Episode now posted. [+0]
- nemoblack : Boxcar Astronaut for 12/13/09 [+0]
- kmarier : Fandom NEws & World Report - 12/10 [+0]
- thewrittenwyrd : Give That Man A Cee-gar!... [+0]
- pacfenspotlight : VCON Episode is now available [+0]
- nemoblack : Boxcar Astronaut for 12/06/09 [+0]
- kmarier : Fandom News & World Report - 12/4 [+0]
- pacfenspotlight : New Pacific Fen Spotlight Episodes are now up! [+0]
- kmarier : Fandom News & World Report - 12/1 [+1]
- nemoblack : Boxcar Astronaut for 11/29/09 [+0]
- kmarier : Fandom News & World Report - 11/28 [+1]
- kmarier : We braved the wind, the rain, and the traffic...and had a good time at the NWSFS Social [+1]
- nemoblack : Boxcar Astronaut for 11/22/09 [+0]
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