Saturday, May 31, 2008

SFN / NWSFS ELECTIONS & CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

SCIENCE FICTION NORTHWEST (SFN), NORTHWEST SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY (NWSFS.) ELECTIONS

ABOUT THESE ELECTIONS: The purpose of these elections is to elect the officers for Science Fiction Northwest (SFN), which is the parent organization of both Norwescon, and the Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS.) These Officer positions are: Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer.
These three officers serve both SFN and NWSFS, and are elected annually in June by the voting NWSFS membership. Any additional board members are appointed by these three Officers and the Norwescon Committee is approved by them as well.
This years Nominations/Elections committee is headed up by Michael Citrak. Election results will be announced at the June 2008 Picnic Social as well as on the club website and online communities:

ELIGIBLE VOTERS: You must have been a NWSFS member since the end of April 2008 (April, May and June inclusive). If you joined at Norwescon 31, you are eligible.

ELIGIBLE NOMINEES: A nominee must have been a member of NWSFS, in good standing, for 12 months preceding the election (June 2007 to June 2008.) Nominees must be able to sign contracts on behalf of NWSFS, in accordance with Washington State law, which means they must be at least 18 years of age and a Washington State resident. These rules of eligibility will also apply to all individuals named as write-in votes on the ballot. Candidate statements are on the third page of these ballot instructions.

TO VOTE IN PERSON: Attend the June 28th social at Woodland Park, Shelter Number 4, and hand in your ballot to the Elections Committee. Please remember to bring ID. You will then be checked off the list of eligible voters. You may turn in your ballots at the social until 6 P.M. Extra ballots will be available at the social. Check the fourth page of these ballot instructions for information regarding the social, and be sure to check the socials page on NWSFS website for updated information. The social will begin at 1 P.M. and end at 9 P.M. Election results will be announce at the social as well as on the club website and online communities

TO VOTE BY MAIL : Ballots were mailed to eligible voters on May 30 and 31. If you have any questions regarding this ballot or any other SFN/NWSFS election issue, please contact Michael Citrak at ( Mcitrak@Comcast.net ) or use the mailing address below:

NWSFS – Elections
c/o Michael Citrak
P.O.Box 5181
Lacey, WA, 98509-5181



CANDIDATE STATEMENTS FOR SFN/NWSFS ELECTIONS – JUNE 2008
Science Fiction Northwest (SFN) is the parent organization of both Norwescon and the Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS)

CHAIR: Michael Ormes Nominated by Jim Cox, seconded by Dick O’Shea.
I've now spent a second year as your chair. I've had considerable support from members of the board and the NWSFS membership. With your continued support, I look forward to another year as your chair.


CHAIR: Kat Marier Nominated by Linda Deneroff, seconded by Greg Paddock.
Hello everyone! I am running for Chair of NWSFS. For those of you who may not know me, I served as Vice Chair from 2004-2007 and co-founded the NWSFS blogging community last year. In these positions I successfully organized and publicized 24+ events per year; and I helped create a blogging environment that serves as a place where fen can communicate about important events and issues.

I also have many ties to fandom-at-large, being a long time con com member and volunteer at Norwescon. I also worked on the last Seattle Westercon and our Nasfic in 2005. I have attended many local and out-of-state conventions and have a great love for fandom in all its crazy forms. I would like to see NWSFS reach out to other fan organizations; that can be simply promoting a new convention on our blogs to volunteering in person at events.

NWSFS is a wonderful organization in that it is organized by fen for fen. I love the tradition of monthly get-togethers and socials and I want to see that tradition continue. But I also want to see NWSFS provide more for its members. I am excited that the West Wind is being revived and I am excited to help make that dream happen!
As for me personally, I am a voracious reader, both fiction and non-fiction. I am hard-working with an open mind, a willingness to listen to other viewpoints and hammer out decisions that are win-win for everyone.


VICE-CHAIR: Shawn Marier Nominated by Michael Ormes, seconded by Yvonne Pawtowski.
Hello, my name is Shawn Marier and I am running for NWSFS’s Vice Chair. I have been active in both NWSFS and its sister organization Norwescon for many years.
The last couple of years I have voiced my concerns about the health of NWSFS. I do not feel we have been doing a good job of finding and retaining new members. A group like ours needs to have a minimum number of active members for it to succeed.

So I want to look at new ways we can recruit new members (and keep our existing ones), but before we can do this we need to make sure we have something to offer them. Currently we try to have monthly socials and MFRs, I would like to see if we can expand on the number of events we have. One of my ideas for a new event is a monthly movie outing.
The other thing which we need to improve on is communicating these events to our membership. The Westwind used to do a good job of this, but I truthfully can’t recall when the last issue of it went out.

So we need to look at better ways at getting this information out to our membership. I think Kat and Jim have been doing a great job with the LJ and myspace blogs, so let’s see if we can find a way to expand on what they have started. If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact me: smarier@gmail.com or at my blog.


TREASURER: Bill Boyde Nominated by Michael Ormes, seconded by Yvonne Pawtowski.
"Hello, my name is Bill Boyde and I have been involved with NWSFS for quite some time, helping with various tasks for Norwescon, and generally lurking in the background. I have had interest in being Treasurer for some time now. Last I checked, my opponent has had nothing bad to say about me. I believe I can perform a reasonably good job at being Treasurer for NWSFS."


NWSFS Election and Picnic Social Saturday - June 28th, 2008
Please join us Saturday, June 28th, 2008, for an Election and Picnic Social at Woodland Park Shelter No4, tables # 46 – 50. The social will begin at 1 P.M. and end at 9 P.M. Ballots will be accepted until 6 P.M. All ballots will be tallied and the results announced at the social. Election results will be announced at the social as well as on the club website and online communities:
There will be a grill available. The club will provide burgers, hot dogs, condiments and buns. Please bring a contribution of munchies, salad, side dish or dessert that will complement the grilled main course. Bring your own beverages. To coordinate contributions you may contact Michael Citrak by phone (360.456.7441) or email (mcitrak@comcast.net). Also, we’d love an R.S.V.P. so we can plan the amount of food. NWSFS members are encouraged to attend and non-members in the community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

Logistical Information:

The shelter has covered tables. Bringing your own lawn chair or blanket guarantees you won’t be sitting on the ground. Grills and water are available. Bathrooms are across the parking lot. The shelter is right next to the parking lot. No stairs are required. Some handicapped parking and plenty of general parking is available. There is a fenced off-leash dog area down the hill. There will be some fooling around with super-soakers™, frisbees™ and other non-pointy toys for the young & the silly!
Directions:
  • I-5 North & I-5 South, take the NE 50th St exit.
  • Turn LEFT if from I-5 Northbound; turn RIGHT if from I-5 Southbound.
  • Continue on NE 50th Westbound.
  • Turn RIGHT at N 50th St and Stone Way N. Stone Way N will turn into Green Lake Way N when you make the turn.
  • Move into the LEFT lane and continue on Green Lake Way N to W Green Lake Way N, which is at the Green Lake Pitch and Putt Golf Course.
  • Turn LEFT onto W Green Lake Way N.
  • Make the first LEFT into the parking lot, and then quickly turn RIGHT to go up the hill.
  • Shelter No4 is immediately on the LEFT hand side of the road at the top of the hill.
  • Look for the NWSFS signs.

Cascadia News Bytes: May 31st, 2008

Here's a really speedy edition. Last weekend was the first Crypticon to be held in Seattle. Here's some online reports from the event.

Kids Made Me Crazy
League of Reluctant Adults
Rowdy Roddy Piper
Planet Lovecraft
The Book of Zombie
Daemon Wolf
Heretic Spire, a Damn Life
Toby Wayne Studios
Destroy the Brain Online
T.A.T.A.U. Podcast
Darcy Rant

Enfilade, the historical miniature gaming convention was also held last weekend.
NHMGS Blog
GameSquad
Unmodern Major General

Academics to Make Science Fact

Hollywood Versus The Mutants





Friday, May 30, 2008

“1 in 4 Million” Birthday Celebration at EMP|SFM: Saturday, June 21

Free museum admission for kids 10 and under, hourly prize giveaways, live music in Sky Church, tasty birthday treats, robots and more!

SEATTLE—Join Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP|SFM) for a “1 in 4 Million” Birthday Celebration on Saturday, June 21. Since opening in June 2000, the museum has welcomed more than 4 million visitors through its doors—two great reasons to celebrate with the community! The celebration is sponsored by IKEA, Star 101.5 FM, Guitar Center, Daniel’s Catering, Zune and Xbox.

There is something for everyone at the museum on Saturday, June 21:

  • 10 a.m.-7 p.m.Free museum admission for kids 10 and under
  • 11 a.m.-4 p.m.—Hourly prize giveaways
  • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Robot arm art project in SpinKids Station
  • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Tasty birthday treats served on the museum’s plaza
  • 12 noon and 1 p.m.—Performances by local band, Board of Education in Sky Church
  • 1:30 and 3 p.m.—Bilingual docent tours of American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music
  • 2 p.m. Family-friendly seminar on why we love and fear robots, led by popular author Daniel H. Wilson. Wilson is a contributing editor to Popular Mechanics and author of several books, including How to Survive a Robot Uprising, Where's My Jetpack? and How to Build a Robot Army. The seminar takes place in JBL Theater.
  • 8 p.m.Science Fiction Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will honor Betty and Ian Ballantine (Literature Category), William Gibson (Literature Category), Richard M. Powers (Art Category), and Rod Serling (Film, Television and Media Category.) Science fiction author Connie Willis will host the evening’s events. Tickets are $40 for EMP|SFM members and $50 for the general public. The evening includes a seated dessert reception and ceremony. To purchase tickets call 206-770-2702.

Saturday, June 21 is a Family Day at EMP|SFM, Family Days occur the third Saturday of every month, and can include art projects, live music, special tours and workshops. Family Days are free to kids 10 and under. For an up-to-date programming schedule, visit www.empsfm.org/calendar.


Museum Hours: EMP|SFM is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 23, 2008 through September 1, 2008. EMP|SFM will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September 2, 2008 through May 21, 2009.

Museum Admission: General adult admission to Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP|SFM) is $15. Admission for seniors, youth, military and students (w/ID) is $12, and admission for children under 5 is free.

Web site: empsfm.org

Address: 325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109

Box office: 206-770-2702, 1-877-EMP-SFM1


Current exhibitions:

Robots: A Designer's Collection of Miniature Mechanical Marvels
May 16, 2008 – October 26, 2008
Robots: A Designer's Collection of Miniature Mechanical Marvels celebrates our long fascination with humankind's technological version of itself. This exhibition draws from a one-of-a-kind assemblage of toy robots, which noted designer Tom Geismar has been collecting for decades. Inspired by antique tin and wooden toys, samurai warriors and mid-20th century Japanese film characters, these intricately detailed and beautifully designed miniatures are set against EMP|SFM's backdrop of life-sized robots, androids and cyborgs from the world of science-fiction film and television.

News and Blog Updates: May 30, 2008

News Headlines:
*****
Ars Technica - Ars Technica has great article on Steampunk and gaming entitled "The memories of our future: Steampunk in gaming"

News Worth Reposting:
*****
Pacific Fen Spotlight's latest episode is now up for viewing: http://www.pac-fen.com/episodes/E109-Emerald_City_ComiCon_6/

*****
CNN - "Giant 'telescope' links London, New York"
CNN has an astounding article that should be of interest to the Steampunk crowd. Put on you brass goggles read about the Telectroscope!

*****
Are We Alone - Robots on the Move. You can listen to this and other episodes at: http://radio.seti.org/

*****
Are We A Blog? - Sure, they can survey Mars for us, but can they make breakfast?


Headlines From SF News Sites:
io9 posts news of "Evil Dead: The Musical", the Dever UFO Video, and singing Mutants Plus Stephen Hawking is back in Futurama ** Locus Online's Monitor has what's new in paperback for May, and there is an article on the passing of Alexander Courage ** has the trailer for "Futurama - The Beast with a Billion Backs", news of Shadow Unit, and the 60th nniversary of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery ** SF SignalStarShipSofa presents the "Easy As Pie" mp3 by Rudy Rucker ** The Website at the End of the Universe has a way to get free sci-fi books and takes a look at the direct-to-internet science fiction series Sanctuary

*****
io9: Broadway Killed The Zombies [Evil Dead], What's Up With the Mysterious Denver UFO Video? [Ufo], Proof That Post-Apocalyptic Mutants Should Not Sing [Found Footage], New York And London Finally Connected Via Undersea Tunnel [Telectroscope], Hollywood Imagines 1980s New York--in 1930 [Retro Futurism], Stephen Hawking Is Back In Futurama DVD [Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs], Zombie Clones And Holy Aliens Build A Bridge From Web To TV [Stranger Things], 10 Books that Prove Science Fiction Just Got Harder [Hard Science Fiction], A Monster Fish, a Cute Robot, and a Whole Bunch of Eyeballs [Art], Leonard Nimoy Is Asking For A Robo-Strangling [Found Footage], & Space Travel Predictions from Look Magazine, 1957 [Retro Futurism]

*****
Locus Online: Monitor: New in Paperback: May, Death: Alexander Courage, Locus Magazine: Theodora Goss: Shifting Ground, & Locus Magazine: Catherynne M. Valente: Playing in the Garden

*****
SF Signal: TRAILER: Futurama - The Beast with a Billion Backs, Shadow Unit Season 1 Ends with Serialized Novel, Authors Gather to Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", SF Tidbits for 5/29/08, Tube Bits for 05/29/2008, REVIEW: Ravenor by Dan Abnett, MIND MELD: Which Medium is Driving Science Fiction...Books or Film/TV?, & SF Tidbits for 5/28/08

*****
SFScope: Jack Haringa Must Die to benefit the Shirley Jackson Award, Ralph Bakshi to be Artist Guest of Honor at WorldCon 2009, Shirley Jackson Awards Benefit Reading, All Pyr's downloadable chapters, in one place, & Janna Silverstein smashing coins for charity

*****
StarShipSofa: Easy As Pie Rudy Rucker mp3

*****
The Website at the End of the Universe: Want free sci-fi books? Become an astronaut, & A look at Sanctuary, one year later


Selected Blog Updates:
Fantagraphics Books can save on Bumbershoot tickets! ** Lois McMaster Bujold has "Sneak peek of Horizon cover" ** Maria V Snyder posts advice for writers in "Writers Beware!!" ** Minnette Meador wants you to "Check out this event: THE CENTURION & THE QUEEN, A Historical Romance" ** Radcon posted a article about "MISCON" ** Spokane Comicon announces " Jim Koch added to guest list"

*****
Alethea Kontis - "Maurice Broaddus: On True Beauty", & "Jay Lake Story Title Poll"

*****
Chuck Palahniuk - "SNUFF Video: Chuck Palahniuk Live In Ann Arbor, MI!"

*****
Cynthia Leitich Smith - "YA Author Interview: Eric Luper on Big Slick", & "Editor Interview: Abigail Samoun on Tricycle Press"

*****
Djibril - "Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink (competition)"

*****
Fantagraphics Books - "Fanta fans save on Bumbershoot tickets!"

*****
Grendels Den Design Studio - "Wizard World Philly"

*****
HARPER PERENNIAL - "ATT Booksellers & Librarians & All BEA go-ers", & "BEA Bound, back Sunday"

*****
Horror Library Blog-O-Rama - "Words + Melody = Music by Erik Smetana"

*****
Horror! Fullmoondirect.com ROAD SHOW Seattle, WA - "Alex Band From The Calling Solo Live Acoustic PERFORMANCE AT THE ROADSHOW!!", & "ROAD SHOW"

*****
Jodi Lee - "Weakerthans, because I can..", & "LBF Books - Author News - Tracy Goodwin"

*****
Lois McMaster Bujold - "Sneak peek of Horizon cover"

*****
Louise Bohmer - Lachesis Publishing - "Romantic Times gives Dance With Deception 4 out of 5! / Joel Sutherland Fiction", & "VCon 33 Looking Good / LBF Books has a Sale / New Ebooks at FW"

*****
Maria V. Snyder - "Writers Beware!!"

*****
Marianne De Pierres - "Sam Skellar is back!"

*****
Melissa Marr
- "Tour Part 2 & NYT"

*****
Minnette Meador - "Check out this event: THE CENTURION & THE QUEEN, A Historical Romance"

*****
Murky Depths - "Special subscription offer"

*****
Planet Pride - "EPOCh Mission Now Focusing On GJ 436", "Dawn Journal", & "Pan in the Driver’s Seat"

*****
PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME (aka Jaret Ferratusco) - "Tour blog."

*****
Radcon - "MISCON"

*****
Shroud Magazine - "Need Help Deciding? read this."

*****
Spectra Pulse - "Barth Anderson on ""He Said She Said"" Show, Tomorrow 5/30", "Exciting News from Jeff VanderMeer", "A new Spectra Pulse author: Greg van Eekhout", "Legolas Does The Dishes - short story by Justina Robson", & "Faceless in Gethsemane - short story by Mark Budz"

*****
Spokane Comicon - " Jim Koch added to guest list!!!!!"

*****
Tor Books - "Cory Doctorow: a reading from Little Brother book tour", & "Suggest a fantasy book (or series) to read, please"

*****
Yasmine Galenorn - "Update on Luna"

Thursday, May 29, 2008

NWSFS MFRs for June and July 2008

Be sure to check the NWSFS MFR Page for any schedule changes.


NWSFS My Favorite Restaurant for June 2007 - Buca Di Beppo


Join us at one of the Pawtowski's favorite restaurants, Buca Di Beppo, Lynnwood at 7:30 PM, Wednesday, June 4.

Buca Di Beppo,
4301 200th St. SW at 44th St.,
Lynnwood, WA,
(425) 744-7272

Named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit magazine, Buca di Beppo serves up giant platters of its signature spaghetti and meatballs, chicken cacciatore, pizza, tiramisu and dozens of other Southern Italian and Sicilian specialties. Buca di Beppo means "Joe’s basement" in Italian, and the warmth and fun of this Southern Italian eatery will make you feel really Italian.

NOTE: The food is served family style, so there is usually one bill. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 a person.

Please RSVP to ( beppos.20.epawtows AT spamgourmet.com) or 425-771-1626. We'd prefer to get your RSVP by early evening of Tuesday, June 3th, but any attempt to RSVP will help us plan for you. Please RSVP. No REALLY. If we have an accurate count, we can reserve "The Pope Room". (NOTE this email address is a disposable email address Eric is using for spam reasons. People who have his regular email address can use that if they wish).

Directions:
From North-bound I-5 (regular exit):
Take exit 181-A (right-side exit ramp).
Turn left at the light at the end of the exit. This will put you on 44th Ave W.
Turn right at the second light. 200th St SW.
Driveway will be on the left.

From North-bound I-5 (HOV lane):
Take the left-side exit ramp at Exit 181 to the Lynnwood Park & Ride
(NOTE: This ramp is for HOV-2 ONLY)
Turn left at top of ramp.
Go straight at stop sign inside Park & Ride.
Turn right at light at 200th St. SW
Go straight at light, crossing 44th Ave. W.
Driveway will be on the left.

From South-bound I-5:
Take exit 181 to 196th St SW (westbound).
Go straight at the light at the end of the exit.
Turn left at the next light onto 40th Ave W.
Turn right at the end of the road. 200th St SW.
Buca di Beppo will be on your right, before crossing 44th Ave. W.

(NOTE: If HOV-2, you can use the left-exit HOV ramp at the Lynnwood Park & Ride from Southbound I-5. See above).

From North-bound I-405:
Take I-405 to the end, and get onto South-bound I-5.
Follow the directions for South-bound I-5.

Transit access:
Beppo's is approx two blocks east of the Lynnwood Transit Center/Park-n-ride.



NWSFS My Favorite Restaurant for July - The Black Bear Diner

Please join us on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 7:00 PM at one of Jim Cox's favorite restaurants, The Black Bear Diner, 14804 NE 24th ST., Redmond, WA. (Tel: 425-641-5444 )

The diner is located in the Overlake area of Redmond, on the North side of NE 24th ST. just a block East of the intersection of 148th and NE 24th. ST. in the same complex as the Overlake Safeway about a block South of the NE 148th Overpass of SR 520.

The Black Bear Diner is a great place for good old "eats", with portions large enough you will most likely need a doggy bag. Some of Jim's favorites include the French Dip, and the "Bigfoot Chicken Fried Steak" ( a real monster! ). There are steaks, ribs, classic sandwiches, and of course burgers. There's also lighter fair along with some fantastic salads. And get this, Breakfast is served all day long!

Address: 14804 NE 24th ST. Redmond, WA.
Tel: 425-641-5444
Web site with menu and restaurant locater: http://www.blackbeardiner.com/

Directions from I-405 South:
1. Head south on I-405 S
2. Take exit 14 to merge onto WA-520 E toward Redmond 2.5 mi
3. Take the 148th Ave NE S exit 0.3 mi
4. Merge onto 148th Ave NE 0.4 mi
5. Turn left at NE 20th St/Northup Way 0.2 mi
6. Turn left at 152nd Ave NE 0.3 mi
7. Turn left at NE 24th St 0.2 mi

Directions from I-405 North:
1. Head north on I-405
2. Take exit 14 for WA-520 W/WA-520 E toward Seattle/Redmond 0.2 mi
3. Keep right at the fork to continue toward WA-520 E and merge onto WA-520 E 2.0 mi
4. Same as steps 3 - 7 above.

If you are coming over from Seattle, pick your bridge of choice and follow the appropriate directions. If you are coming from any where on the Eastside, use your best judgment to get on 148th and get to the intersection of NE 24th ST., and if you are coming over from Forks, you are in for a long drive.

RSVPs should be made to ( club-info AT nwsfs.org ) or to the NWSFS info hotline 360.438.0871. If possible please RSVP by July 5st to help us get an idea of the numbers, so the manager can bring on extra staff if necessary (the sooner the better though)

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

News and Blog Updates: May 27, 2008

News Headlines:
*****
Bad Astronomy - Best. Image. Ever. A fantastic shot of the Phoenix Lander parachuting on to the surface of Mars.


News Worth Reposting:
*****
Pacific Fen Spotlight's latest episode is now up for viewing: http://www.pac-fen.com/episodes/E109-Emerald_City_ComiCon_6/

*****
The Leap Back 2009 Quantum Leap Convention - March 27-29, 2009, Los Angeles, CA
Featuring Scott Bakula & Dean Stockwell with 48 additional special guests and stars! Website: http://www.leapback2009.com/

*****
CNN - "Giant 'telescope' links London, New York"
CNN has an astounding article that should be of interest to the Steampunk crowd. Put on you brass goggles read about the Telectroscope!

*****
Are We Alone - Robots on the Move. You can listen to this and other episodes at: http://radio.seti.org/

*****
Are We A Blog? - Sure, they can survey Mars for us, but can they make breakfast?


Headlines From SF News Sites:
io9 has Pirates, Pong, Plan 9, & Phoenix ** Locus Online lists this weeks bestsellers, and new books ** SF Signal posted tidbits, reviews, and more tidbits ** SFScope has lots of news from the publishing industry ** The Website at the End of the Universe writes that Tolkien's son wants to block Hobbit movie

*****
io9: You're Not Ready For The Space Pirates! [Space Pirates!], Pong Seemed So Exciting Back in the 1970s [Retro Futurism], New Clip Shows Secrets Of Doctor Who's Infinite Library [Doctor Who], New Watchmen DVDs To Tell Black Freighter Story [Watchmen], All the Lost Mars Missions [Mars], Spike Gets His (Moon) Shot At A Leading Role [James Marsters In Space], A Serious, "Very Scary" Remake of Plan 9 From Outer Space [Plan 9], & The Phoenix Lander Is Now Broadcasting Live from Mars [Mars]

*****
Locus Online: Monitor: This Week's Bestsellers, Monitor: Other Magazines, fourth week May, & Monitor: New Books: fourth week May

*****
Science Fiction Awards Watch: Germans Honor Moore

*****
SF Signal: Tuesday YouTube: Hulk vs. Martians, REVIEW: The Digital Plague by Jeff Somers, SF Tidbits for 5/27/08, The Science Behind Superman, SF Tidbits for 5/26/08, Tube Bits for 05/26/2008, & POLL RESULTS: Prince Caspian's PG Rating

*****
SFScope: Jane Yolen's "Life in Books" in Newsweek, Halcyon Company acquires rights to Terminator and Philip K. Dick, This week's Tor goodies, Postscripts's Spring 2008 issue is now available, & Baen's entire Webscriptions catalog available for free... in low Earth orbit

*****
The Website at the End of the Universe: Tolkien's son wants to block Hobbit movie, Phoenix lander transports John Carter to Mars, Thieves' World creator Robert Aspirin has died, & Top 7 list of science fiction lists I read this week


Selected Blog Updates:
Apex Science Fiction and Horror Digest had "An exciting day!" ** David Louis Edelman posts a "Balticon 42 Wrapup ** Michael G. Munz writes of a "New Interview from Kendall Publications" ** Paul Halpern posts about Doughnuts and E. A. Poe. Mmmm! Poe! ** Tor Books lists their latest releases
*****
Apex Science Fiction and Horror Digest - "An exciting day!"

*****
bevhale - "Wonderful, Wonderful!"

*****
Cynthia Leitich Smith - "Children’s Author Interview: Michelle Meadows on Pilot Pups"

*****
David Louis Edelman - "Balticon 42 Wrapup", & "Publishers Weekly Praises 'MultiReal'"

*****
Eos Books - "THE TOUCH OF TWILIGHT"

*****
Erica Spindler - "Murder and Mayhem"

*****
HARPER PERENNIAL - "Olives", & "Northline by Willy Vlautin"

*****
Horror! Fullmoondirect.com ROAD SHOW Seattle, WA - "FIRST 100 GET A FREE TICKET TO THE ROAD SHOW IN SEATTLE!", & "DUDES!!! SO MANY MANY EXCITING THINGS TO REPORT!!!"

*****
Jeremy C. Shipp - "Want to read one of my horror stories for free?"

*****
Jodi Lee - "All right... (ball update)", "LBF Books - Author News - David R. Riley", & "The Sun... it burns!"

*****
Kevin J Anderson - "Stephen Youll cover art"

*****
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - "Little Brother Reviews from High School Newspapers", & "Go Online without Getting Snooped: Tor (The Onion Router)"

*****
Louise Bohmer - Lachesis Publishing - "Free Fiction from Andrew Tisbert"

*****
Marianne De Pierres - "Parrish’s Patch"

*****
Mark Rainey - "CEMETERY DANCE 59 is Loose"

*****
Michael G. Munz - "New Interview from Kendall Publications"

*****
Nicola Griffith - "are your queer friends worth 10 secs of your time?"

*****
Paul Halpern - "Doughnut-Shaped Universe Bites Back", & "The Strange Case of E. A. Poe"

*****
PLANET LOVECRAFT - "Crypticon Seattle"

*****
Planet Pride - "Early images reveal frosts on Pluto", "Seven Minutes of Terror and Triumph: Phoenix Lands on Mars", "The Ringsmith", & "A New Horizon for Phoenix"

*****
Robert J Sawyer's Blog - "Calculating God 8th printing", "Eric Layman obituary", "Charles Lindbergh and the quest for immortality", "Star Trek director Joseph Pevney passes on", & "More Stephen J. Greene RJS fan art"

*****
Rue Morgue Magazine - "Rue Morgue Issue 79 Sneak Peek: Underage Rage in Japan"

*****
The Book Of Zombie - "SEATTLE CRYPTICON 2008!"

*****
Tor Books - "5/27 Release from Tor Books"

*****
Yasmine Galenorn - "Just Stuff", & "Our Forums"

Monday, May 26, 2008

Upcoming Local Events - Late May, June, and July 2008

Updated 06/12/08 - DarkMoon Faire, June 13-15, 2008, Seattle, WA

*****
DarkMoon Faire, June 13-15, 2008, Seattle, WA
"The Darkmoon Faire comes to Seattle, Washington from June 13-15! Players will be heading to the birthplace of Starbucks to compete for gadgets, Loot cards, and more! Get ready to catch all of your favorite events with exciting new prizes that will have everybody ready to play."

*****
EMP|SFM - Events and exihibitions currently taking place at the EMP}SFM

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The Elliott Bay Book Company - SPECULATIONS - SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY BOOK GROUP, Tuesday, June 17, 6:30 P.M. (third Tuesday of each month)

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LOCUS AWARDS Science Fiction Awards Weekend: June 20-21, 2008, Seattle, WA.

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Mark Henry will be signing Happy Hour of the Damned (and anything else he can get his hands on) at the Tukwilla Barnes and Noble Bookseller on June 22nd from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

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Museum of Flight - Upcoming Events Calendar:
Here are a few highlights from the calendar of upcoming events at the Museum of Flight. You can view the complete calendar of events here.
  • Saturday, 6/28, 2 – 3:30 PM, William M. Allen Theater - “Target Earth!” Explorer Lecture with Rusty Schweickart regarding the Tunguska impact event in 1908.
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Neptune Coffee is having a space trivia night to benefit the 826 Seattle the people who do the Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. on June 20th

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Pacific Science Center - This section will be updated in the near future. Take a look at the PSC site for current events.

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University Book Store - Selected Highlights from the University Book Store Events Calendar for Late May, June, and July
Below is a select listing of upcoming events presented by the UW Book Store. Complete details for these and other events can be found at the links above.
  • Friday, May 30, 7:00 PM, U District store - Troy Denning, "Legacy of the Force: Invincible", Reading & Book Signing
  • Tuesday, June 3, 7:00 PM, U District store - William Gibson, "Spook Country", Reading & Book Signing
  • Tuesday, June 10, 7:00 PM, U District store - Nisi Shawl, Filter House, Reading & Book Signing
  • Friday, June 13, 6:00 PM, U District store - WizRock with The Remus Lupins with special guests Evan Brightly and The Good Cheer
  • Friday, June 20, 7:30 PM, UW Kane Hall, Room 120, Seattle - Clarion West presents William Gibson in conversation with Nancy Pearl, Discussion
  • Monday, June 23, 7:00 PM, U District store, - Jacqueline Carey, "Kushiel's Mercy", Reading & Book Signing
  • Tuesday, June 24, 7:00 PM, U District store - Clarion West presents Paul Park: Paul Park kicks off the annual Clarion West Summer Readings Series.
  • Friday, June 27, 7:00 PM, U District store - Even more WizRock: The Parselmouths CD Release Party with special guests Tonks and the Aurors and Alas Earwax!
  • Tuesday, July 1, 7:00 PM, U District store - Clarion West presents Mary Rosenblum, Reading & Book Signing
  • Tuesday, July 8, 7:00 PM, U District store - Clarion West presents Cory Doctorow, Reading & Book Signing
  • Tuesday, July 15, 7:00 PM, U District store - Clarion West presents Connie Willis, Reading & Book Signing
  • Tuesday, July 22, 7:00 PM, U District store - Clarion West presents Sheree Thomas, Reading & Book Signing
  • Thursday, July 24, 7:00 PM, U District store - Jay Lake and Brenda Cooper, "Escapement" and "Reading the Wind (The Silver Ship)", Reading & Book Signing
  • Thursday, July 24, 7:00 PM, U District store - Dave Williams, "The Mirrored Heavens", Reading & Book Signing
  • Monday, July 28, 7:00 PM, U District store - Naomi Novik, "Victory of Eagles: A Novel of Temeraire", Reading & Book Signing
  • Tuesday, July 29, 7:00 PM, UW Kane Hall, Room 130 - Clarion West presents Chuck Palahniuk, Snuff, Reading & Book Signing
You can find store locations here.

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Wayward Coffeehouse - Movie Nights & Geek Trivia
  • Friday, June 06, 2008, 9:00 PM - "Starman"
  • Friday, June 20, 2008 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Geek Trivia Quiz Night
Get your coffee and geek on at: http://www.waywardcoffee.com/

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Yasmine Galenorn - Upcoming book signings.
  • Saturday, July 12, Noon, Seattle Mystery Books, 117 Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98104, 206-587-5737 - Signing for Dragon Wytch
  • Friday, July 18, 8:00 PM, Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center - Book signing along with a lot of other authors. Open to the public.

Convention Listing for June - August, 2008

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Spokane Comicon: June 7, 2008 - Spokane, WA
MySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/spokanecomicon07

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Olympia Comics Festival: June 7, 2008 - Olympia, WA
Website: http://www.olympiacomicsfestival.org

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ConComCon 15: June 13-15, 2008 - Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Website: http://www.swoc.org/ccubed/

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Peninsula Model Show: June 21, 2008 - Port Townsend, WA
Website: http://www.nopms.net/

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Ye Merrie Greenwood Faire: June 26-28, 2008 - Richland, WA
Website: http://home.comcast.net/%7Egreenwood_players/index.htm

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Victoria Pirate Festival: June 27-29, 2008 - Victoria, BC Canada
Website: http://www.victoriapiratefestival2008.org/

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PondFilk VIII: June 27-30, 2008 - Victoria, BC Canada
Website: http://pondfilk.mccorison.com/

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Summer Village Festival: July 19-August - Duvall, Washington
Website: http://www.camlann.org/summer_festivals.htm

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PDX Lan: July 18-21, 2008 - Portland, Oregon
Website: http://www.pdxlan.net/portland/

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Casual Connects: July 23-25, 2008 - Seattle, Washington
Website: http://seattle.casualconnect.org/

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Fandemonium: August 1-3, 2008 - Nampa, Idaho
Website: http://www.fandemonium.org/

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SpoCon: August 1-3, 2008 - Spokane, Washington
Website: http://www.spocon.us/

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Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire: August 2-3 & 16-17 2008 - Belfair, Washington
Website: http://www.washingtonrenfaire.com/

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Zuiichi: August 3 2008 - Vancouver, Washington
Website: http://www.zuiichi-event.com/

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Fragapalooza: August 7-10, 2008 - Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Website: http://www.fragapalooza.com/

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Animethon 15: August 8-10, 2008 - Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Website: http://www.animethon.org/

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Dragonflight: August 8-10, 2008 - Bellevue, Washington
Website: http://www.dragonflight.org/

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Con-Version: August 15-17, 2008 - Calgary, Alberta Canada
Website: http://www.con-version.org/

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GateCon: August 12-24, 2008 - Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://gatecon.com/vancouver/

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CybCon: August 23, 2008 - Tacoma, Washington
Website: http://www.ggaub.com/tf/cybcon2k8.html

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Portland Zine Symposium: August 23-24, 2008 - Portland, Oregon
Website: http://www.pdxzines.com/

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Anime Evolution: August 22-24, 2008 - Burnaby, BC Canada
Website: http://www.animeevolution.com/

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BC Renaissance Festival: August 29-31, 2008 - Ft. Langley, BC Canada
Website: http://www.bcrenfest.com/

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HârnCon VI: August 29-31, 2008 - Vancouver, BC Canada
Website: http://www.vancouvergamingguild.com/Harncon/

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Penny Arcade Expo(PAX): August 29-31, 2008 - Seattle, Washington
Website: http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/

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Kumoricon: August 30 - September 1, 2008 - Portland, Oregon
Website: http://www.kumoricon.org/

Sunday, May 25, 2008

News and Blog Updates: May 25, 2008

News Headlines:
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Pacific Fen Spotlight's latest episode is now up for viewing: http://www.pac-fen.com/episodes/E109-Emerald_City_ComiCon_6/

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The Leap Back 2009 Quantum Leap Convention - March 27-29, 2009, Los Angeles, CA
Featuring Scott Bakula & Dean Stockwell with 48 additional special guests and stars!

Website:
http://www.leapback2009.com/

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CNN - "Giant 'telescope' links London, New York"
CNN has an astounding article that should be of interest to the Steampunk crowd. Put on you brass goggles read about the Telectroscope!

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Are We Alone - Next show available May 26, 2008 "Robots on the Move"
Marching Robots
They can walk, roll, swim, and even dance to that funky music. Okay, so they're a little stiff on that one. But today's robots are not content to just sit and hum in a corner - they're movers and groovers, and not only on this planet. We'll go to the International Conference on Robotics and Automation and meet the latest in automatons - from aluminum chefs that whip up omelets to underwater machines that undulate like fish. Also, the robot challenge - building autonomous robots to scour the Red Planet. And, touchdown for the
Phoenix Mars Lander. Guests: To be Announced. You can listen to this and other episodes at: http://radio.seti.org/

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Are We A Blog? - Sure, they can survey Mars for us, but can they make breakfast?


Headlines From SF News Sites:
io9 has several posts about the happenings this week at Wiscon, plus a post about PKD's "Cosmic Puppets, resurrecting Tazzie, and apparently we need to keep an eye on our cooking oil ** Locus Online posted news of the SF Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the passing of Robert Asprin ** RevolutionSF has a Newsblast, and remembers Robert Asprin ** Science Fiction Awards Watch writes about the Compton Crook Award Winner ** SF Signal has Darth Vader on Sesame Street, space travel lessons from Disney, and lot's of tidbits ** SFScope writes that Barbara Roden has sold a collection to Prime Books, and Norilana is establishing new imprint exclusively for the works of Tanith Lee ** StarShipSofa listed two new podcasts

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io9: Cool and Crap Awards of the Week [Cool And Crap], Life Deep Beneath the Ocean Floor Bodes Well for Aliens [Extreme Living], Hey, Hey, It's The Zeroids! 1968 [Retro Futurism], The Dreams of Doctor Who and Star Trek Fans vs. the Realities of Their Lives [Research], See You at Wiscon! [Wiscon], The Evolution of Philip K. Dick's "Cosmic Puppets" [Philip K. Dick], GM's "Futurama" Exhibit: Three Wheeled Rocket Car [Concept Art], Resurrecting the Extinct Tasmanian Tiger from Preserved DNA [Mad Science], & Fuel-Hungry Pirates Steal Used Cooking Oil to Run Their Cars [Dystopia]

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Locus Online: News: SF Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Death: Robert Asprin, Monitor: Classic Reprints, & Awards News: Compton Crook Award Winner

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RevolutionSF: RevolutionSF Newsblast : Cinematic Titanic, MST3K, Futurama (News), RevolutionSF Remembers Robert Asprin (Feature), The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Review),

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Science Fiction Awards Watch: Compton Crook Award Winner

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SF Signal: Darth Vader Recites the Alphabet and Counts to Ten, Everything I Always Wanted to Know About Space Travel I Learned From Walt Disney, SF Tidbits for 5/24/08, This Week's Free Tor Book: Touch of Evil by C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp, Friday YouTube: A Bunch of Batman Wall-Climbing Cameos, SF Tidbits for 5/23/08, Tube Bits for 05/23/2008, & RIP: Robert Asprin

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SFScope: Updates to Previously Published Articles (18-24 May 2008), Author Robert Asprin Dies, Barbara Roden sells collection to Prime Books, New POD/ebook publisher looking for fantasy, Fantasy Magazine buys seven short stories, David Walton wins second annual Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Contest, World Science Festival to celebrate science in New York City, & Norilana establishing new imprint exclusively for the works of Tanith Lee

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StarShipSofa: StarShipSofa No 90 StarShipSofa Back Shows mp3, & StarShipSofa No 89 John Scalzi mp3

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The Website at the End of the Universe: Top 7 list of science fiction lists I read this week


Selected Blog Updates:
Take a look at the lastest news from Fantagraphics Books ** announces that "Prophet’s Choice" is coming June 1st! ** Heather S. IngemarJAMES AND DADDY (& MUMMY) head off to London for vacation ** Jeremy C. Shipp finds "The best horror site in the universe" ** Kung Fu Grindhouse is looking for photos of you in your KFG t-shirt ** Lois McMaster Bujold finds someone is reading her books in Antarctica ** has several news announcements ** Spokane ComiconTor Books posted 5 new entries ** Yasmine Galenorn posted "Faerie Tales, Health, & A New Dragon Wytch Excerpt! "

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Alethea Kontis - "Robert Asprin, RIP ", & "Tea in Space & Bright Yellow Silly Putty "

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Boxcar Astronaut - "Paper Airplanes Are GO! "

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Cathy Clamp - "Meijer READ THIS! book tour authors announced! "

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Cynthia Leitich Smith - "Tantalize Fan Trailer by Jaden; Darren Shan Fan Art; Official Soul Enchilada Trailer ", & "Children’s-YA Book & Writer News; Giveaways; Narnia Movie "

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Echelon Press, LLC - "The man, the mystery, the magazine! "

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Fantagraphics Books - "Fantagraphics invades MoCCA 2008! ", & "June 7: The World of Steve Ditko at Jim Hanley’s Universe! "

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Fantasy Book Critic - "NEW Fantasy Book Critic GIVEAWAYS for the Month of May 2008!!!"

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HARPER PERENNIAL - "Armistead Maupin - New Paperback On-Sale Now "

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Heather S. Ingemar - "Prophet’s Choice coming June 1st! "

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Horror Library Blog-O-Rama - "It’s All About Commitment By AJ Brown "

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JAMES AND DADDY - Update 25th May 2008

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Jeff Carlson - "MIND PLAGUE MIND PLAGUE MIND PLAGUE "

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Jeremy C. Shipp - "The best horror site in the universe"

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Kung Fu Grindhouse - "Your Kung Fu Grindhouse "

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Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - How to blend in with crowds

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Lois McMaster Bujold - "Bujold books in Antarctica confirmed "

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Marianne De Pierres - "Falcata Times "

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Planet Pride - "Cassini Flies By Titan, Readies for Extended Tour "

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PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME (aka Jaret Ferratusco) - "UPDATE: Preview of chapters in userpics section. "

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Spokane Comicon - "Who Wants a Gift Bag? ", "DC comics supports Spokane Comicon ", & "Spokane Comicon exclusive giveaway "

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Tor Books - "Sly Mongoose review and book trailer ", "Review of Steward of Song ", "Curledup.com review of The Stars Down Under ", "Book Trailer for Patti O’Shea’s In Twilight’s Shadow ", "A few recent reviews for The Edge of Reason by Melinda Snodgrass ", & "Our MySpace video channel is up "

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Willie Meikle - "Story publication in Spanish "

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Writer's Digest - "Moving with the Trends "

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Yasmine Galenorn - "Faerie Tales, Health, & A New Dragon Wytch Excerpt! "