Sunday, December 27, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 12/27/09

Boxcar Astronaut

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.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Just for laughs: Troopers

Here's the classic Star Wars "Cops" spoof. Enjoy!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 12/20/09

Boxcar Astronaut

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.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

[nwsfs-announcements] Northwest Science Fiction Society at KBTC / A Few Volunteers Needed

Posted on behalf of Michael Citrak - NWSFS Chair

Would you like to do something different for the Holidays this year? How about volunteering this Sunday (12/20/09) at KBTC Public Television for a short pledge evening. NWSFS has been invited to staff the phones and take pledges for the station. KBTC has had help from many a fanish group: NWSFS, Norwescon, Anglicon and Emerald City Androgums, and they need our help again. We need just a few people (as pledges are down) but they still need to run their pledges....and they'll get at least on pledge as I always donate when I am on set.....it's kind of fun.

Anyway, Please email me (mcitrak AT comcast DOT net) to let me know if you can volunteer The pledge window is 7pm to 9:30pm. Getting there by 6:30pm should be enough time for new people to get the quick instructions for taking pledges and learn which buttons to push on the phones. The Show during the pledge will be "Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart." Sounds great to me!

KBTC Public Television is a service of Bates Technical College. The studio is at their Mohler Campus at:

2320 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
253.680.7700

Basic Directions
I-5 to Tacoma
take Hwy 16
then S.Sprague Ave
left on S 19th
Studio is on left

Please let me know if you'll be there, so we know to watch the front door to let you in . No really.

THANKS
Michael Citrak
Northwest Science Fiction Society - Chair
mcitrak AT comcast DOT net
www.nwsfs.org

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 12/13/09

Boxcar Astronaut

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.

Friday, December 11, 2009

PSC news for Dec. 12, 2009

Posted on behalf of the Pacfic Science Center:

One Holiday Classic Leaving, Another Coming

This is the final weekend for Disney's A Christmas Carol: An IMAX 3D Experience. Be sure to see it on the biggest screen in town before it closes December 17. - Buy Tickets

Santa Vs. The Snowman 3D
A holiday tradition is coming back again this year. From the Academy Award™ nominated team that brought you Jimmy Neutron, comes the IMAX 3D holiday film, Santa vs. the Snowman 3D opening December 18 at Pacific Science Center's Boeing IMAX Theater. This film tells the story of a lonely Snowman who becomes jealous of the affections heaped on Santa during Christmas, leading him to wage a comic war on him. The hilarious battle features such holiday defense mechanisms as hot chocolate squirt guns, giant Igloo Robot Walkers and even a 50-foot tall toy soldier manned by Santa himself. A great film for the entire family. - Buy Tickets

Preparing For Avatar
One of the most anxiously awaited films in a long time will soon open at Pacific Science Center's Boeing IMAX Theater. Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience is the work of James Cameron, who brought us Titanic, The Terminator and many others. Besides the story itself, the new technology used to create this film is getting a lot of attention. Many expect Avatar to usher in a new era in filmmaking. Be sure to see it on the biggest screen in town. - Buy Tickets


Astronomical Gift Guide
Pacific Science Center Planetarium Specialist and prolific blogger, Alice Enevoldsen has compiled her annual gift guide for the scientifically inclined. Alice always has great ideas, so check it out and give the gift of discovery this holiday season.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

PSC: AstroInfo: Life From Mars?

Posted on behalf of Pacific Science Center:

Pacific Science Center Planetarium Specialist, Alice Enevoldsen is all a twitter these days after news came down that a meteorite that landed on Earth from Mars may have carried a tiny life form. Have we been invaded? Are there Martians among us? Get the real story from Alice's AstroInfo Blog.

Boxcar Astronaut for 12/06/09

Boxcar Astronaut

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.

Monday, November 30, 2009

2009 Colas For The Cosmos Binocular Giveaway

I hope nobody minds this short notice, but I just posted an announcement for the 2009 Colas For The Cosmos Giveaway over at my Coudymidnights astronomy blog.

If you know of a child between 8 and 14 who has an interest in astronomy, but cannot afford their own astronomical equipment, then check out the post for details.

Cheers ~ Jim Cox

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 11/29/09

Boxcar Astronaut

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.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Next NWSFS MRF: Dec 02, 2009 - Shanghai Chinese Restaurant & Mongolian Grill

Please join NWSFS on December 2, 2009, at 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Becky and Michael Citrak’s new favorite Chinese Restaurant: Shanghai Chinese Restaurant & Mongolian Grill, near Olympia WA., at 4418 6th Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503, (360) 456-4278. Their Egg Flower soup and Hot & Sour soups are great. As their name says, they are both a regular Chinese restaurant and a Mongolian Grill.

NWSFS members are encouraged to attend, and non-members in the SF&F Fannish community are welcome, as always. Please RSVP to (club-info AT nwsfs.org) or the hotline at (425) 68-NWSFS. We'd prefer to get your RSVP by early evening of December 1, 2009, but any attempt to RSVP will help us plan for you.
Directions

From the North
Take exit #109 / MARTIN WAY / COLLEGE ST
Turn Right on MARTIN WAY E
Get into Left turn lane quickly (second from the left, not the left left)

From the South
Take exit #109 / MARTIN WAY / COLLEGE ST
Turn Left on MARTIN WAY E
Go under overpass to second light

Get into Left turn lane (second from the left, not the left left)

Continue:
Turn Left on COLLEGE ST SE
Travel for a couple of blocks and two traffic lights
Turn Right on 6TH AVE SE
Travel one block to next light
Arrive at 4418 6TH AVE SE, LACEY
Driveway and intersection do not line up, watch this right turn.

Building looks like a western store front (since it use to be years ago) and is now LIME green. Most people need sunglasses to look at the building during daylight. Which is why were attending now.

__________________
Michael Citrak
Northwest Science Fiction Society - Chair
www.nwsfs.org

PSC: Avatar Tickets Now On Sale

Posted on behalf of the Pacific Science Center:

It is easily THE most talked about film to come along in many years. James Cameron, the man behind
The Terminator, Titanic, Aliens and many other notable movies is about to unleash his latest, one that has taken years to make. He had to create technology and new production paradigms that revolutionized the filmmaking process. Will this be the start of a new era in movies? Be sure to watch the newest trailer for this groundbreaking story and then get set to see it on the biggest screen in town. Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience opens December 18 but tickets are on sale now.


Also, were you aware that Pacific Science Center is home to the largest, most powerful and sophisticated laser theater in the world? Our world-class laser artists have added their magic light to the likes of Pink Floyd, Queen, Daft Punk and others for years. And now we've added matinee laser shows this holiday season! Each laser show is performed live and set to tunes from your favorite artists including Michael Jackson (spanning his career), The Beatles, and our seasonal favorite, Laser Holiday Magic (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Bing Crosby, The Beach Boys, Dean Martin and many more). Laser Holiday Magic brings new meaning to the term "holiday lights." Learn more here!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 11/22/09

Boxcar Astronaut

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.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 11/15/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut #140: Caveman vs. Squirrel
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! For quite some time now there's been a furry little agent of chaos randomly stirring up trouble for our friends in the backyard. Now it seems, Caveman has taken it upon himself to turn the tables on this pesky squirrel. What will happen when good ol' Cavie gets his powerful hands on Sketchy Squirrel? Will Sketchy become just another quick meal for Caveman, or does a more heinous fate awate him? Find out in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut!

Big News: Boxcar Nominated for WCRCA ‘09!

And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

PSC: Science With A Twist And A 'Carol'

Posted on behalf of Pacific Science Center:

Join us for our next 21+ event next
Thursday, November 12 as we celebrate the release of Disney's A Christmas Carol: An IMAX 3D Experience. From 7-9 p.m. get in the spirit by sipping on classic holiday cocktails and exploring Pacific Science Center's exhibit galleries. Was Scrooge really visited by ghosts? Decide at an Illusions demonstration or learn about the changing of the seasons in the Willard Smith Planetarium. Then experience this classic tale of redemption as you've never seen it before, in stunning IMAX 3D! Get your tickets now for: Science With A Twist!

Boxcar Astronaut for 11/08/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut #139: Red Rover!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! It's another sunny day in the backyard as the gang takes sides in the age old game of Red Rover. As with most of Ben's ideas, playing Red Rover against the team of Robot and Caveman isn't very well thought out. It seems those poor boys are about about to learn the hard way that a huge metal robot from space is NOT what you want to see running top speed at you. Check out this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut for the amazing Red Rover Action!

And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Just for laughs: 'Drunk' Ewoks disrupt NBC's 'Today' show (video)

This is what happens when you let Ewoks get in to the liquor cabinet:



Check out the original post here.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 11/01/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut #138: Back to normal?
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! After a long bout with amnesia, Ben finally got the memory jog he needed in the form of a super ball between the eyes. Now,with Ben back in his proper space helmet, everything is back to normal... or is it? Check out the drama in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut!

And be sure to check out SpookyDoofus.com, and Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure too.

Friday, October 30, 2009

PSC: Celebrate Spooky Science!

Posted on behalf of Pacific Science Center

Celebrate Spooky Science!
Halloween weekend is here and we have just the thing for families who want to add some discovery to their trick or treating: Haunted Hikes at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue! These popular spooky nighttime hikes take you through the trails at the Slough and give you a glimpse of how the nocturnal side lives. Some of the hourly night hikes have sold out, but we still have openings Friday and Sunday this weekend. Pre-registration is required. Learn More

Learn All About Night Vision!
To get you ready for a Haunted Hike, our teachers have put together a neat little nighttime activity for kids and adults that will teach you all about seeing in the dark. Take a look then come join us for a Haunted Hike!

Science Of BOO! At Barnes & Noble
Visit the Barnes & Noble Pacific Place (only a quick monorail ride away from Pacific Science Center), this Saturday, October 31 for Halloween with Pacific Science Center. From 1-4 p.m., dress up and trick-or-treat from one station to the next creating everything from thaumatropes to masks and fake scars! Lots of prizes and surprises and don't forget to mention Pacific Science Center when you make any purchase; a percentage will be donated to support our programs.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

For fun: "Hard Choices" by Tina Connolly - the game

"Hard Choices" by Portland author Tina Connolly was originally published in Brain Harvest: An Almanac of Bad Ass Speculative Fiction. The choose your own adventure flash game can also be found at GUD Magazine (Greatest Uncommon Denominator: Literary + Genre Fiction, Poetry, Art and Articles). Watch out for shapeshifters!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Birkensnake reading tonight at Inner Chapters

The delightfully odd-leaning literary magazine, Birkensnake, celebrates the publication of its second issue with a reading 7:30 p.m., Mon., Oct. 26 at Inner Chapters Bookstore & Cafe, 419 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle (South Lake Union neighborhood) with readings by Matt Briggs, Caren Gussoff, Evelyn Hampton, and Tina Connolly.

Or, read the stories in Birkensnake, and connect with some of the authors' other projects, online:

"Knot" by Matt Briggs, who writes for Reading Local Seattle and the column, "Rediscovered Reading" for Fictionaut Blog;

"Correspondence" by Caren Gussoff, co-editor of Brain Harvest: an Almanac of Bad Ass Speculative Fiction;

"Sag: A Saga" by Evelyn Hampton, editor of Dewclaw, a magazine of prose, poetry, and illustration; and

"A Day Out, With Stereoscopes" by Tina Connolly, who contributes stories to, Escape Pod, the science fiction podcast magazine, and PodCastle, the fantasy fiction podcast.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 10/25/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut #137: Ben Returns!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Poor Ben has been suffering from amnesia for quite some time now. His best friend, Devin is getting desperate. How can he possibly get Ben to remember who he is and all the fun they used to have? Will things ever get back to normal in the backyard? Tune into this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut for the surprising resolution to the biggest trouble ever faced by our backyard heroes!

Steamcon is this weekend, so put your goggles on and take a look at Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure. And remember to get your scares at SpookyDoofus.com!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

I Wanna Read SF Anarchy

Sad to have missed Common Action's panel, "Beyond The Dispossessed: Anarchism and Science Fiction" at the Seattle Anarchist Bookfair earlier this month.

The panel consisted of L. Timmel Duchamp (she's posted about the panel at Ambling Along the Aqueduct), Eileen Gunn, Kristin King, Saab Lofton, Nisi Shawl, and Ariel Wetzel (she blogs over at FeministSF — The Blog!).

They discussed major works of anarchist and leftist science fiction, and anarchist themes in science fiction and the relationship between social movements and science fiction and the transformative power of speculative literature.

Fortunately, there's still time to check out the books, with thanks to the feministsf.net listserv, Ariel Wetzel and Chris Shaffer for the intel.

Here's Common Action's recommended reading list distributed to attendees:
Zainab Amadahy: The Moons of Palmares
MT Anderson: Feed
Iain M. Banks: Consider Phlebas, The Player of Games, Use of Weapons
Octavia Butler: Parable of the Sower, Parable of the Talents
Samuel R. Delany: Triton
Cory Doctorow: Little Brother, Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
L. Timmel Duchamp: Alanya to Alanya, Renegade, Tsunami, Blood in the
Fruit, Stretto
Eileen Gunn: Stable Strategies and Others
Nalo Hopkinson: Midnight Robber, So Long Been Dreaming (Ed.)
Ursula K. LeGuin: The Dispossessed, Always Coming Home, Four Ways to
Forgiveness
Saab Lofton: A.D.
Ken MacLeod: The Star Fraction, The Stone Canal, The Cassini Division
China Mieville: Iron Council, Un Lun Dun, Perdido Street Station
Alan Moore: V for Vendetta
Grant Morrison: The Invisibles
Pat Murphy: The City, Not Long After
Chris Newport: The White Bones of Truth
Marge Piercy: Woman on the Edge of Time, He She and It
Philip Pullman: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass
Kim Stanley Robinson: Red Mars, Green Mars, Blue Mars, Antarctica
Joanna Russ: The Female Man
Nisi Shawl: Filter House
Starhawk: The Fifth Sacred Thing
Charles Stross: Singularity Sky, Iron Sunrise
Michael Swanwick: The Iron Dragon's Daughter
Amy Thompson: The Color of Distance
Brian K. Vaughan: Y The Last Man
Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchelli: DMZ

And a few further resources:
Anarchism and science fiction, A reading list by Ben Beck
Fifty Fantasy & Science Fiction Works That Socialists Should Read
Feminist Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Utopia: http://feministsf.org/

Chris Shaffer, on the feministsf list, also compiled a some recommendations mentioned at the panel including audience suggestions. Here are some of them:
Suzy McKee Charnas: Walk to the End of the World
Samuel R. Delany: Stars in my Pocket Like Grains of Sand and Dhalgren
Harlan Ellison: 'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman
William Gibson: Idoru
Sarah Hall: The Carhullan Army
Cecelia Holland: Floating Worlds
Saab Lofton: The Strange Case of Sarah Manlove
Paul McAuley: The Quiet War
Rohinton Mistry: A Fine Balance
Alice Nunn: Illicit Passage
George Orwell: Nineteen Eighty-Four
Joanna Russ: The Two of Them
Joan Slonczewski: A Door into Ocean, Still Forms on Foxfield
Bruce Sterling: Islands in the Net, Maneki Neko

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Just for laughs: Corn Pops Zombie Commercial

Corn Pops vs. Zombies. Yes!



If any of you readers out there are inspired to come up with a Halloween treat based on Corn Pops and having a zombie theme then go ahead and post them in the comments.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

PSC: Animation Festival Slated For December

Posted on behalf of the Pacific Science Center:

Pacific Science Center again welcomes Animaticus Foundation for the 2D or Not 2D Animation Festival on December 5, 2009. This year promises another amazing line-up of cutting edge animation. With the full day pass you can check out all films submitted to the festival, Pacific Science Center's Animation exhibit, attend the awards presentation and cap off the evening with the North American premiere of Secret of Kells, introduced by director Tomm Moore and art director Ross Stewart.

→Learn More

Kung Fu Grindhouse: Night of Terrors

Kung Fu Grindhouse will be presenting "Night of Terrors" zombie fest featuring "Dead and Breakfast" at 7pm, then "The Dead Next Door" at 8:30" and finally the epically Italian "After Death" at 10pm.

When: Monday, October 19, 2009, 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM PDT

Where: Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave., Seattle, WA 98107 (Ballard District)

Boxcar Astronaut for 10/18/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut #136: Gotta Go Back in Time!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Poor Devin is at his wit's end with Ben's current state of amnesia. In his desperation, he turns to the only one in the back yard with the power to help Ben, Robot. What drastic and potentially dangerous action does Robot suggest? Will Robot's plan destabilize the very fabric of space and time? Keep reading Boxcar Astronaut each and every week for all the answers!

Also with Steamcon just around the corner some of you may be interested in Clockworks: A Steampunk Adventure, so give it a look. And remember to get your scares at SpookyDoofus.com!

NY Times: Even Rabbit Droppings Count in Nuclear Cleanup

I wonder if I am the only one who thinks of Night of the Lepus when reading this NY Times article regarding the clean up at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation:

Even Rabbit Droppings Count in Nuclear Cleanup

It's a pretty interesting article that's worth checking out.

Cheers ~ Jim

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 10/11/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut #135: Diogee’s secret origin!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Our hero is still suffering the effects of amnesia, failing to recognize his faithful dog, Diogee. It's up to Devin to try to jog Ben's memory by explaining to him how Diogee got his unusual name. Is the bond between boy and dog stronger than the amnesia? Can anything bring Ben back to normal? Is there any hope? Keep tuning in to Boxcar Astronaut for all the answers!

And be sure to get your scares at SpookyDoofus.com!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 10/04/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut #134: Are you ready for some football?
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts... or should I say Quarterbacks? Strange things are afoot in the backyard ever since Ben fell out of the tree and bumped his head. With his memory gone, Ben's mind has begun to forge a new persona. Gone, it seems, are the whimsical days of imaginary spaceships, toy blasters, and plastic space helmets. Now Ben's attentions have turned to touchdowns, field goals, and padded football helmets. Is this the end of life as we know it in the backyard? Can Devin find away to get Ben's memories back? Will we have to change the name of this strip to Box Score Quarterback?! Find out all the answers in the weeks to come in Boxcar Astronaut!

PS: Boxcar Astronaut artist Marc Lapierre will launching a new webcomic on Monday called Spooky Doofus. It can be found at http://www.spookydoofus.com. It's a comedy that takes place in a world populated by all sorts of classic monsters like werewolves, ghosts, vampires, fishmen, etc. They all live everyday lives like us mortals. They hold down jobs, go on dates, hang out with friends, and all that fun stuff. For this week Marc will be posting new strips Monday through Friday, then after that the comic will be on a Tuesday and Thursday schedule.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Steamcon meeting this Sunday - Oct 4

The next Steamcon organizational meeting is:

Sunday, October 4th at 2:30 – 5:30 P.M.at the Seattle Airport Marriott: 3201 S 176th St, Seatac, WA 98188-4013

We will be salon F.

The parking in the hotel lot will be comped.

Diana Vick - Vice Chair of Steamcon

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 09/27/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #133: Amensia
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! After a sneak attack by a rogue squirrel while attempting to climb up to the tree house "space station", poor Ben seems to have received a nasty knock to the noggin. Now as his best friend Devin runs to his aid, it quickly becomes apparent that Ben is suffering from amnesia! Can anything ever be the same again in the backyard now that Ben no longer remembers who he is? Will Devin be able to help his friend regain his memory? Stay tuned as the most shocking story in the history of Boxcar Astronaut continues!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Steamcon special event tickets are now available!

You may now purchase tickets to Steamcon’s Saturday afternoon “Tea and Couture” event and the Saturday evening “Airship Invasion” concert featuring Unwoman, Vernian Process and Abney Park.

For tickets go here: http://registration.steam-con.com/tickets/

Tickets for each event are $16.00 per person. No one under 6 years old will be allowed in either event. You must also have a membership to the convention to enter. You may buy two tickets per order.

Tickets will be available for pick up at the convention registration desk. Nothing will be mailed out. “Tea and Couture” tickets will NOT be available at the door so that our caterers will know how many of us to set places for. Concert tickets may or may not sell out in advance. If they do not, they will be available at registration.

If you have any further questions please email info@steam-con.com

Monday, September 21, 2009

Seattle BrickCon '09 Commercial

Hey all you Lego fanatics check out this great commercial for the upcoming Seattle BrickCon!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 09/20/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #132: KRA-THULNK!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! This week our hero Ben makes his way up to the "space station" to start his next great adventure. Little does he know that thanks to a pesky squirrel, this particular adventure will be vastly different than any he's had before! Tune in this week for the surprising event that kicks off the most unexpected tale in the history of Boxcar Astronaut!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 09/13/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #131: Robots Don’t Do Make Believe.
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! This week Ben and Devin are continuing the Ground-Is-Hot-Lava game, turning the grassy surface of a normal backyard into a highly dangerous environment of molten lava using only the power of their imaginations! For a child, this game is an enormous amount of fun. For a super advanced space robot, however, the actions of our heroes defies all logic. Read long in an All New Boxcar Astronaut as Ben comes to realize that make believe is not included in Robot's basic programing!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 09/06/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #130: Hot Lava!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Once again, our young astronaut hopefuls find themselves in a precarious position. With their ship just out of reach and surrounded by dangerous imaginary hot lava, it's up to Ben to come up with a clever escape! Can he do it? Will their imagination get the best of the boys? Find out in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

SETI Institute's Earth Speaks project asks: What should we say when we make contact?

As a next step on its mission to "explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe," California's non-profit SETI Institute is conducting a project called Earth Speaks — gathering ideas from around the world about what we should say when we make first contact. Although the question has often been debated by scholars, this is the first time SETI has asked the question of the global community at large (it is generally agreed that humankind should send one unified message). SETI will also tag and sort the messages by theme. Douglas A. Vakoch, Ph.D., prinicpal investigator for Earth Speaks, explains the project:

As the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array (ATA) begins a new phase of research with its galactic plane survey, the chances of detecting a signal from an extraterrestrial civilization increases considerably. If we do detect an extraterrestrial civilization, one of the most pressing issues facing humankind will be “Should we reply, and if so, what should we say?”
The messages submitted to Earth Speaks so far make for some interesting reading. They range from serious to sarcastic to silly. Here's a sample:
• "Random Hardworking community without existential knowledge is greeting you."
• "Could you please tell God we could use some help down here? Thanks!"
• "Math is what we all have in common. Let's start there friends."
• "All your base are belong to us."
• "We'll make great pets! Some of us are already house trained."
• "Hello my friends. Please, come back and pick me up. I'm alone in this world."
• "We come in peace."

Popular tags include love, greetings, peace, hope, math, friendship and help.

You can submit messages, and weigh in on how appropriate you feel the other messages are to transmit to an extraterrestrial civilization, at Earth Speaks.

Dr. Jill Tarter, director of the SETI Institute’s Center for SETI Research, recently spoke at a discussion on The Search for Extraterrestrial Life: Is Anything or Anybody Out There? at Seattle's Science Fiction Museum.

Did anyone out there get a chance to hear the latest on SETI Research? And what do you think we should say to the E.T.s?

Boxcar Astronaut for 08/30/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #129: The Long Drool
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! In a scene inspired by Ray Bradbury's short story 'The Long Rain', our hero is seemingly trapped on a rainy jungle planet with no shelter from the relentless rain. A constant, driving rain continuously hammers away at poor Ben as he struggles to find shelter. Will he ever find peace and warmth in this harsh environment, or is everything not as it seems? Find out in this week's All New, All Wet, Boxcar Astronaut!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Repost: [nwsfs-announcements] NWSFS Alaska Cruise

Posted on behalf of Shawn Marier - NWSFS Vice Chair

Just a reminder we have a separate google group which we are using to plan the NWSFS 2010 Summer Alaska Cruise.

We are getting close to
finalizing on the date of the cruise (It is starting to look like mid to late July). So if you are interested in going, and are not already on the mailing list please sign up soon.

http://groups.google.com/group/nwsfs-cruise

Repost: [nwsfs-announcements] Special Evening Presentation at The Museum of Flight Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m

Posted on behalf of Michael Citrak - NWSFS Chair:

The Museum of Flight sent us the following notice:

Join us for a special evening presentation with round-the-world record pilot CarolAnn Garratt, who along with Carol Foy flew a small, single engine airplane around the world in a record time of eight and a half days. It was the second global trip for Garratt, who flew around the world in 2003 to raise awareness and donations for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis--ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease--after her mother suffered and died from ALS. The 2008 flight was also for ALS awareness. The presentation is Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater. Admission for the program is $5 for Museum Members and $10 for non-members.

For more information on the presentation, see:
http://www.museumofflight.org/press/round-world-record-pilot-carolann-garratt-speaks-museum-aug-25

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 08/23/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #128: It's finally time for the boys to get some sleep... sort of.
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! Space. It's a mysterious place populated by stars, comets, satellites, and anything a little boy's imagination can conjure. In this week's strip you, dear reader, can experience the wonder of space through the eyes of our wide eyed hero, Ben. You may also bear witness as Ben's trusty cohort in adventure tries desperately to bring Ben back to earth just long enough to get some sleep! Catch all the awe inspiring majesty and the teeth clenching frustration in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Repost: [nwsfs-announcements] NWSFS: Special Event Notice: Thursday, August 27, 2009

Posted on behalf of Michael Citrak - NWSFS Chair:

Michael Bradbury, a board member of the Northwest Science Writers Association wants to make sure we know about: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life: Is Anything or Anybody Out There?

A conversation featuring:
  • Dr. Jill Tarter, director of the Institute’s Center for SETI Research, Bernard M. Oliver Chair, SETI Institute
  • Dr. Don Brownlee, Department of Astronomy, University of Washington
  • Moderator: Keith Seinfeld, health and science reporter, KPLU 88.5
Are we just searching for stardust, or are intelligent beings out there somewhere? Dr. Tarter, on whom the Jodie Foster character in the movie “Contact” is largely based, is a 2009 TED Award recipient. The TED Prize goes to thought-provoking, action-oriented individuals who have a good chance to change the world as we know it, and each winner is encouraged to "make a wish" for the change they want to see. Jill Tarter wished to "empower Earthlings everywhere to become active participants in the ultimate search for cosmic company.” Dr. Brownlee is PI of the NASA's Stardust comet sample return mission and works on cosmic dust, comets, astrobiology and STARDUST - a NASA Discovery mission to collect samples from a comet and bring them back to Earth. Dr. Brownlee co-authored a book titled "Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe".

Given their different stances, how are each conducting their research, and what sorts of specialized instruments are being used? If life does exist, where do they think it will be found and in what form? Should we bring back soil samples from Mars to test for life? What kind of funding is being allocated to the search, and what have they discovered to date or on the horizon that we might not know about? Join us for dessert, coffee* and thought provoking conversation. And don't forget your own questions for these experts as we discuss the possibility of life existing in our Solar System or beyond!


Thanks to:
  • Event Chair: Dennis Schatz
  • Supporting Sponsor: Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
  • Co-presenting Organization: Boeing Employees' Astronomical Society, Northwest Science Writers Association, Pacific Science Center, and Washington NASA Space Grant A no host bar will be available.
Registration: 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Reception: 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Program 7:00 - 8:00 Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Ticket Info

Tickets are $25 and include a coffee and dessert reception for Seattle City Club members, guests and the general public. Register by calling 206-682-7395 or by visiting Seattle City Club online: http://seattlecityclub.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=21


Venue
EMP|SFM
325 5th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mahnahmahnah!

In honor of the recent Muppet Exhibition at the EMP|SFM NWSFS presents: Mahnahmahnah!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 08/16/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #127: Scary Stories!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! It’s time for the inevitable round of scary stories in the back yard, as the camp out adventure continues. While Ben is weaving his tale of horrible slime oozing extra terrestrial monsters, Devin’s fear is starting to get the better of him. What was that noise he just heard? Could it be a real live hostile alien? Is certain doom looming over our heroes? For the shocking answers, be sure to read this week’s All New, All Spine-Tingling Boxcar Astronaut!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 08/09/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #126: Oh, so THAT’S where they sleep…
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! At last, the tent is set up and the boys can finally get some shut eye. Now some of you astute Boxcar fans may wonder, "Didn't the boys recently build their own tree house? Why not just sleep up there?" Well, true believers, wonder no more! The answer lies in the final surprising panel in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 08/02/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #125: Meteor shower is over, let the camp out begin!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! The meteor shower has past and it is now way past bedtime for the boys. Before they can shuffle off to dreamland, there's one more thing they have to do... set up the tent! Sure, it sounds like a simple enough task, but as we all know, nothing is a simple as it seems in the backyard. What could possibly go wrong, you ask? Check out this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut to find out!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Reminder: Steamcon meeting this Sunday

The next Steamcon organizational meeting is:

Sunday, August 2nd at 3:00 P.M. at the Capitol Hill branch of the Seattle Public Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E. Seattle WA

The parking in the library garage is free, but it does fill up.

For future reference, the next meeting will be:
September 13th 2:30-5:30, at the Seattle Airport Marriott. Parking should be free for this meeting.

The next one will be October 4th at the Marriott
Time to be announced., Parking will be $6.00

Diana Vick- Vice Chair of Steamcon
www.steam-con.com
http://www.zazzle.com/artvixn*
http://artvixn.deviantart.com/

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 07/26/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #124: Star gaze'n in Hi-Def!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! After a somewhat lack luster introduction to the wonders of star gazing, Devin seems to be warming up to the heavenly show. The question is, if the meteor shower is so spectacular that it can win over a cynic like Devin, why doesn't Ben want a turn on the telescope? Could it have something to do with Robot superior technology? Find out in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut!

Repost: [nwsfs-announcements] NWSFS SFM Outing: Jim Henson's Fantastic World

Sunday – August 02, 2009 – 1:00 PM NWSFS Outing to the Science Fiction Museum for: Jim Henson's Fantastic World

Jim Henson (1936-1990)—artist, puppeteer, film director and producer—created elaborate imaginary worlds filled with unique characters, objects, environments and even languages and cultures. His work is enjoyed in dozens of languages in more than 100 countries. Jim Henson's Fantastic World offers a rare peek into the imagination and creative genius of this multitalented innovator and creator of Kermit the Frog, Big Bird and other beloved characters. See web site for details of exhibit: http://www.empsfm.org/exhibitions/index.asp?articleID=1336

Though the exhibit is open from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, let’s gather near the ticket counter at 1pm to enter. We need 15 people for a group rate, but many of you already have memberships we may not be able to reach 15 non members. Also, on the NWSFS web site we have a $5 coupon.

If you plan to attend, please let us know by July 31: Email at info@nwsfs.org or call the NWSFS info hotline 360.438.0871. Thanks

Experience Music Project / Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP|SFM) is located in the landmark Frank Gehry (looks like crashed spaceship) building at the Base of the Space Needle at 325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109. For directions and parking options, see: http://www.empsfm.org/visit/index.asp?categoryID=161

Fun Fact: During a scene in The Muppets Take Manhattan, the film makers needed to show rats making pancakes. The crew tried paint, which was so caustic it etched stainless steel bowls, but ended up with real pancake batter

Michael Citrak
Northwest Science Fiction Society - Chair
www.nwsfs.org

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 07/19/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #123: Meteor shower or meteor drip?
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! After hours of patiently waiting, the meteor shower has finally begun. However, while Ben is totally enthralled with the celestial light show, Devin seems more interested in reading his comic book. Can Ben persuade Devin that the natural wonder of this heavenly event is worth peeking at? Will Devin be impressed, or will he be underwhelmed by the lack of flashy action and special effects? Tune in to the latest All New Boxcar Astronaut to find out!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Just for laughs: Rough Day at Work

Here is another treat from Boxcar Astronaut artist Marc Laperre:

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 07/12/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #122: Campout countdown!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! This week, our hero, Ben, learns some amazing news that will set the boys up for an adventure unlike any they've ever experienced. According to the local news paper, there will be a "Huge Meteor Shower Tonight"! Ever the fan of anything to do with outer space, Ben decides that the boys need to camp out under the stars in order to witness the full glory of this heavenly display. Does Devin, however share Ben's enthusiasm? Check out this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut to find out!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Steamcon Meeting This Sunday - July 12, 2009

The next Steamcon organizational meeting is:

Sunday, July 12th at 3:00 P.M. at the Capitol Hill branch of the Seattle Public Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E. Seattle WA

The parking in the library garage is free, but it does fill up.

For future reference, the next meeting will be: August 2nd (usual time and place)


Also the Steampunk Swapmeet is this Saturday. On Saturday July 11th at the All Pilgrim’s Church (lower level) we will be holding a Steampunk swapmeet/jumble/garage sale/ flea market thingy. It is the unifying theme for this event, but not a strict parameter. We are sort of time traveling sales folk, which also fits the genre, don’t you think?

All Pilgrim’s Church (lower level), 500 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102.

Noon to 6:00 PM. - Admission is free.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Boxcar Astronaut for 07/05/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #121: Set zap guns to annoy!
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! There's nothing like the love between a boy and his dog. The same is true for our hero and his beloved little canine buddy. However, Ben and Diogee have always had a give and take relationship. Take this week's strip, for instance. Diogee tries to simply take a nap, and Ben sneaks up and gives him the business end of his toy blaster! Check out yet another intimate portrait of a boy and his dog in this week's All New Boxcar Astronaut
!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Can't Stop the Serenity - Charity Movie Screening for Equality Now

The following was sent to NWSFS and we figured our members might be interested in attending.

Can't Stop the Serenity - Charity Movie Screening for Equality Now
When: Saturday, July 18th
Where: Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
Museum of History and Industry

2700 24th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
206 -324-1126

What's the plan: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. - the film, Serenity, starts at 5:00 p.m. - with a special event that includes a raffle, catered reception, Firefly Fashion Show and a Dr. Horrible Sing-a-long Blog presentation after the movie screening. Created by fans of the movie Serenity, Can't Stop the Serenity (CSTS) has become a worldwide benefit movement in support of Equality Now - an international organization that works for the protection and promotion of human rights for women and girls around the world.
www.equalitynow.org.

**NOTE: Please be aware, RSVP's will NOT guarantee you a ticket. You MUST buy tickets through the website** www.cstsseattle.org
Tickets, t-shirts and raffle tickets are available for purchase on-line at CSTS Seattle (www.cstsseattle.org)
Tickets: $15 advance/$17 day of show (movie and raffle only) Available for purchase on-line until July 16th and at the door on the day of the event.
Event Tickets: $30 advance- includes Serenity screening, raffle, buffet reception and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog presentation.
Available on-line until July 6th. These tickets will NOT be sold at the door
T-shirts - $20 each - Sizes available: S-5X (black) in unisex and women's style. T-shirts are only available for purchase online and must be picked up at the event. T-shirt orders will close on midnight, July 1, 2009.

More information is available at
http://www.meetup.com/Seattle-Browncoats or at www.cstsseattle.org

Sunday, June 28, 2009

NWSFS Tweets!

Earlier today NWSFS joined the ever growing ranks of Twitter!

The NWSFS Twitter account is actually comprised of RSS feeds from all seven NWSFS News Blogs, the NWSFS LiveJournal Blog, the NWSFS Google Group, and the Norwescon LiveJournal Blog.

Right now the account and the RSS feeds are at Beta, meaning we are still testing and flushing out some configuration issues with the feed service (TwitterFeeds), and as a matter of fact ths post is part announcement and part test post to check on a few tweeks of our twitter :)

Feel free to join us, but be patient as we work out a few bugs. Here's the URL: https://twitter.com/nwsfs

Cheers ~ Jim Cox

Boxcar Astronaut for 06/28/09

Boxcar Astronaut

Boxcar Astronaut - Boxcar Astronaut #120: Things are getting a little squirrelly.
Greetings, Fellow Astronauts! If you've been reading Boxcar Astronaut for a little while, you know that a quiet, happy moment in the backyard can only be followed by utter chaos. This week's adventure continues to prove this, as poor, unaware Ben is happily playing with his yo-yo only to have his serenity shattered by terrified squirrel seeking refuge from a relentlessly pursuing Diogee. Check out this week's spine-tingling installment of Boxcar Astronaut to find out what all the screaming is about!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Locus Awards honor science fiction family

There was a lot of love for fen and the science fiction community June 26 in Seattle at the Locus Awards and Science Fiction Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies. Author Connie Willis, artists Michael Whelan and Frank R. Paul, and editor and publisher Edward L. Ferman are new Science Fiction Hall of Famers.

As voted by readers of Locus Magazine, for the science fiction and fantasy field, the awards went to:

Anathem, Neal Stephenson (Atlantic UK, Morrow) — science fiction novel
Lavinia, Ursula K. Le Guin (Harcourt) — fantasy novel
Singularity's Ring, Paul Melko (Tor) — first novel
The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins, Bloomsbury) — young adult novel
"Pretty Monsters", Kelly Link (Pretty Monsters) — novella
"Pump Six", Paolo Bacigalupi (Pump Six and Other Stories) — novelette
"Exhalation", Ted Chiang (Eclipse Two) — short story
F&SFmagazine
Tor — publisher
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Fifth Annual Collection, Gardner Dozois, ed. (St. Martin's) — anthology
Pump Six and Other Stories, Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade Books) — collection
Editor Ellen Datlow
Artist Michael Whelan
P. Craig Russell,
Coraline: The Graphic Novel, Neil Gaiman, adapted and illustrated by P. Craig Russell (HarperCollins) non-fiction/art book

And here's the complete list of Locus Award finalists.

Friday, June 26, 2009

SF Seattle: Science Fiction Awards Saturday

Following a day of science fiction panel discussions, an autograph session and the Locus Awards Banquet and Ceremony author Connie Willis, artists Michael Whelan and Frank R. Paul, and editor and publisher Edward L. Ferman will be inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on Sat., June 27 in Seattle. The Locus Awards ceremony, from the magazine of the science fiction and fantasy field, is a sold out event this year.

Luminaries at the event will include: Paolo Bacigalupi, Elizabeth Bear, Greg Bear, Brenda Cooper, Ellen Datlow, Gardner Dozois, Karen Joy Fowler,
Eileen Gunn, John Kessel, Stephen D. Korshak (editor of From the Pen of Paul: Fantastic Images of Frank R. Paul) Nancy Kress, Todd Lockwood, Christopher Moore, Matt Ruff, Ken Scholes, Gordon Van Gelder, Michael Whelan, and Connie Willis.

The Science Fiction Museum will unveil the new hall of famers' laser-etched images on the translucent, glowing hall of fame display at 6:15 p.m. on the second level of the science fiction galleries. Photo op for museum guests!

Last chance to place bets and weigh in on the Locus Awards. Which science fiction novel moved you?

* Matter, Iain M. Banks (Orbit UK)
* City at the End of Time, Greg Bear (Gollancz, Del Rey)
* Marsbound, Joe Haldeman (Ace)
* Anathem, Neal Stephenson (Atlantic UK, Morrow)
* Saturn's Children, Charles Stross (Orbit, Ace)

Favorites in the other categories (fantasy novel, short story, magazine, anthology, etc.)?

Looking to the future: Picnics in space

On a sunny Saturday, The Northwest Science Fiction Society picnic delivered some entertaining discussions — not surprisingly, but happily — about both science and fiction. NWSFS outgoing chair Michael Ormes described one of the major challenges of making the space elevator (a 62,000 mile carbon nanotube composite ribbon anchored from a sea platform near the equator to a small man-made counterweight in space) — beanstalking. More familiarly known as power beaming "climbers," added Bill Boyde, NWSFS treasurer.

Laser power beaming, the wireless transmission of energy from one location to another using laser light, aims to power vehicles traveling up the space elevator. Ultimately, it's what will send people, satellites and solar power systems into space — so say the hopeful.

Ormes and Boyde both had more insider space elevator knowledge and Boyde firsthand intel. He's a new member of LaserMotive, Seattle's team participating in the Power Beaming competition at the 4th Space Elevator Games, organized by The Spaceward Foundation and funded by NASA. The games will take place, end of July/early August, a
t NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in the Mojave Desert, Calif. Follow the games @segames.

Teams entering the Power Beaming Challenge must power a vehicle more than 1-kilometer (nearly 3,300 feet) straight up a ribbon using only energy beamed to the vehicle from the ground. A test, in preparation for the games, took place in June.

LaserMotive is one of only six teams in the United States and Canada in the competition. The stakes in these games are higher than most with a $2,000,000 prize on the line plus the glory of helping to engineer the future of inexpensive space travel.

Of course, at the NWSFS picnic, surrounded by earthly delights (park, BBQ and low stakes games), it was tough to get too deeply into the space talk. For more news, follow @spaceelevator and @LaserMotive and read
Ted Semon's Space Elevator blog and the LaserMotive blog.

Fortunately, there will be more chances to talk sci-fi and space exploration at upcoming NWSFS events in July (see all the earlier posts) as well as at the mad scientist theme party Ormes hosts in October. Who knows, inventive NWSFS members just might solve the beanstalking issue there!

Monday, June 22, 2009

NWSFS July Pirate Social

Please join NWSFS for Pirate Social on Saturday July 25th, 2009 at the home of Becky and Michael Citrak’s home near Olympia, WA. 7701 Bobcat Dr SE, Olympia, WA, 98503 - 360.456.7441. The social will begin around 5 PM and continue until around 10 PM, or whenever we get tired.

Why a pirate themed party? Why not? I mean, I keep getting Pirate stuff and thus we have to have a party. If you want to wear pirate garb, great, if not, that’s fine to. Just please do not bring cows, even as garb.

We'll have some burgers and hot dogs, and a new grill, which is the real reason for the social (ha, ha), and we suggest you bring anything else that you may want to grill. As usual, this is a potluck, so bring your contribution of a main dish (occasionally have enough), side dish (rarely have enough), munchies (usually have enough), or dessert (often have enough, if there is such a thing as enough dessert).

Extra credit will be awarded for pirate themed foods. Some ideas: skull and cross bones snicker doodles; meatball canon balls (small size only) but don’t shoot them across the room; pirate potato boats. Hey, you can Google “pirate theme party foods” just as easy as we did.

Bring your own beverages if you want something particular, although some basic beverages will be available.

Pirate costumes are encouraged, but not required. Prize for best costume. Judges can be bribed.

We show Pirate themed movies in the rec room. Oh, and you think we’ll show Pirates of the Caribbean….well, there’s more to pirate movies than just them…..I just have to find them.

NWSFS members are encouraged to attend, and non-members in the SF/Fannish community are welcome, as always.

In keeping with the theme, maybe you’ll want to visit “Shipwreck” Beads just before the social as you take exit 111 to get to it as well. Shipwreck Beads is HUGE and is at 8560 Commerce Place Dr NE Lacey, WA 98516 (800)950-4232; Store Hours: 9am-6pm. Maybe you’ll find some beads to make some of the beaded dangle things that Jack Sparrow has. See Shipwreck Beads’ web page for directions, watch out for the roundabouts. http://www.shipwreckbeads.com/support/docs/Location You’ll pass near the Thurston County Landfill. They have lots of buried treasures there, just the wrong kind of treasures.

Logistics
House is one level; one step to the courtyard and half a step at the
front door. Two step out back to the patio. We have cats, (they will
be locked up). No smoking inside. Parking on street. No busses come
close to the house.


Directions to the Citrak's home:
Note: these are different directions to avoid the congestion on 3rd Ave.

From I-5
If Southbound Take Exit 111
• Turn left at light on to Marvin Road.
• Travel (half a mile) past Hawk's Prairie Mall, McDonalds, Costco,
Safeway to Martin Way
• Turn right on Martin Way. (76 Gas on right)
• Travel (9/10 of a mile) on Martin Way past two lights and at the
third light turn left on to Ranger (don’t turn right on the Hensley;
we’ll never see you again.)
• Continue at Ranger below:

If Northbound Take Exit 111
• Ramp makes a “Y”, take the right "Y"s
• At the roundabout turn Right on to Galaxy Road.
• Travel (4/10 of a mile) past mall shops and Goodwill to Martin Way.
• Turn right on Martin Way. KFC is on right.
• Travel (7/10 of a mile) on Martin Way past one light and at the
second light turn left on to Ranger (don’t turn right on the Hensley,
we’ll never see you again.)

Once on Ranger
• Drive straight into Tanglewilde Residential area,
• At “T” intersection, turn left, you’re still on Ranger,
• Follow Ranger to right and at stop sign turn left onto Husky.
• Travel about four short blocks (3/10 of a mile) to Bobcat St.
• Turn Right on to Bobcat. House is on the right on corner of Husky and Bobcat.

House is pink with purple trim; some brickwork in front and a
basketball pole on the side of driveway.


Directions from Shipwreck Beads To Citrak’s home
• Left out of their parking lot on to Commerce Pl Dr N
• Right on Willamette Dr NE
• Left on Marvin Road (around the roundabout)
• Travel straight through next roundabout and over I-5.
• Travel past Hawk's Prairie Mall, McDonalds, Costco, Safeway to
Martin Way (Old Highway 99).
• Turn right on Martin Way. (76 Gas on right)
• Travel on Martin Way past two lights and at the third light turn
left on to Ranger (don’t turn right on the Hensley; we’ll never see
you again.)
• Continue at Ranger above: