Westwind Issue 276 now available for download

The latest issue of Westwind, the magazine of the Northwest Science Fiction Society, is available for download at this link on the NWSFS homepage.  NWSFS would like to welcome our new editor Karen Van Brunt.

The following quote from issue #276 is posted on behalf of Michael Citrak, Northwest Science Fiction Society Chair, and explains the future course of Westwind:

"We hope you’ll enjoy reading Westwind and will be interested in submitting reviews, articles, art, stories, and announcements. The plan is to publish four times a year in .PDF and distribute it electronically as well as print a few copies for distribution at club tables and events. We will continue to mail hard copies to members who don’t have computer access. I look forward to chatting with you all in the future as NWSFS embarks on its fourth decade. Who would have thought that Science Fiction fandom in the Northwest would last so long...well, we all did of course."

Like everyone else in NWSFS I am glad to see the return of Westwind.  Great job Karen!

Cheers ~ Jim Cox

w00tstock 2.0

Posted on behalf of Shawn Marier - NWSFS Vice Chair:

I figured that some of the NWSFS members might be interested in going to this.  Tickets just went on sale, $25 plus fees, so about $35 a ticket.

Here is the website: http://www.stgpresents.org/artists/?artist=1266

STG Presents w00tstock: 3 Hours of Geeks and Music Featuring Adam Savage, Wil Wheaton and Paul & Storm at The Moore Theatre in Seattle on Friday, May 7, 2010.

For decades, geeks were ostracized, picked on, laughed at and punished by the sun’s harmful UV rays. But there is only so long that a people can be kept down before they rise up against their oppressors; and, indeed, the dawn of the 21st century has seen the ascendancy of geeks and geek culture.

We now celebrate that rise to power–and let’s face it, nerds pretty much run everything now–with w00tstock, a special event for geeks of every stripe. Television host/special-effects artist Adam Savage (“MythBusters”), actor/author/blogger Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “Stand By Me”) and music-comedy duo Paul and Storm (hey; that’s us!) present a night of songs, readings, comedy, demonstrations, short films, special guests, and other clever widgets born from and dedicated to the enthusiasms, obsessions, trials and joys of geek pride.

This is the dawning of the Age of Geekdom–and its voices will ring true at w00tstock.

Repost: NWSFS at KBTC / Volunteers Needed - 02/24/2010

Posted again on behalf of Michael Citrak - NWSFS Chair:

Howdy:

NWSFS has been invited  to help out at KBTC Public Television for a pledge evening  this Saturday 2/27/2010, 5pm to 7pm.  We'll staff the phones and take pledges for the station.  We need 8 to 10 volunteers to run their pledges....it's always a lot of fun helping out.

Please let me know if you can volunteer, e-mail me: (mcitrak AT comcast DOT net).  The pledge window is 5pm to 7pm.  Getting there by 4:30pm 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 "SCTV Golden Classics!."

If you don't know what SCTV is, it's a great comedy stuff.
See: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075578/
and: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/arts/television/16sctv.html

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
(Return to Freeway is a little different due to construction).

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

Pacific Science Center News for the latter part of Feb 2010

The following is posted on behalf of the Pacific Science Center:

Facing Mars Exhibit Raises Questions:

One of the hottest issues being debated in the nation's capitol these days concerns funding for human space flight (nytimes.com), and in particular, our country's plans to return to the moon. But what about humans traveling to Mars? Many questions arise when you look to the Red Planet, and you are asked them when you enter our newest exhibit, Facing Mars. Would you go? In a thought-provoking article, Seattle Astronomy Examiner Greg Scheiderer takes a look at some of the political, economic and ethical questions raised by the exhibit. Questions that take on added significance as our country deals with related issues here on our favorite planet.

Facing Mars is sponsored by Bing® and is accompanied by a wonderful IMAX film all about the Mars Rovers that have been in the news lately. Roving Mars is now showing and you will see a full-size replica of a Mars Rover as you enter I just inside the entrance to Building 4.

Hello? Mars?:

So, if humans do travel to Mars, how long will it take to get a phone call out there? And what about going online, email and other network communications? Would astronauts headed to the Red Planet be able to update their Facebook status? Some good questions tackled by Pacific Science Center Planetarium Specialist Alice Enevoldsen on her Alice's AstroInfo Blog.

Avatar Ending, Tickets On Sale For Alice/Hubble:

What is easily the biggest film to come out in many years is still attracting thousands to Pacific Science Center's Boeing IMAX Theater. It's easy to understand why. James Cameron's Avatar is an instant classic, setting new standards in sci-fi, special effects and visual storytelling. But until you've seen it and felt it on the biggest IMAX screen in the Northwest, you haven't really experienced this remarkable film as it was intended. So, make your plans now to see Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience before it ends March 2. Get your tickets online before coming to the theater to ensure you have a seat.

What's Next?

The next big IMAX blockbuster is a retelling of a classic tale. From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes the epic 3D fantasy adventure Alice in Wonderland An IMAX 3D Experience, a magical and imaginative twist on one of the most beloved stories of all time. In this version, a 19-year-old Alice returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen's reign of terror. It all begins March 5.

Hubble 3D

Not long after Alice opens another great IMAX film arrives. Through the power of IMAX 3D, Hubble 3D will take you to distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings, and accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA's history. Tickets for both films are on sale now!

Complete information for these and other events at PSC can be found at:  http://pacsci.org/

Northwest Science Fiction Society Board’s commitment plus a membership rate change

Last June the Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS) Officers and Board members met to discuss the elections and status of the memberships in the club. The issue was that a number of memberships had lapsed and these members had not been notified.

During the meeting we also discussed the current benefits of membership in NWSFS. It was decided that, once the elections were finalized, the new Officers and Board Members of NWSFS would be tasked with compose composing and implementing a plan to revitalize the club. This will would include plans in with respect to the publication of tthe Westwind, the membership Green Book, as well as determine determining what which other aspects of NWSFS membership that needs to be improved so as to better serve the membership and provide tangible value to their membership in NWSFS.  Of primary importance will would be to increasing membership involvement, as well as increasing the actual membership of NWSFS.  Improving membership communications, as well as activities to add value to the membership, will also be considered.

To this end, we took the following actions:

• The board voted to extend the memberships of members by six months
• Once the elections were finalized, the new Officers and Board Members of NWSFS would be tasked to compose and implement a plan to revitalize the club.
• Produced and mailed Issue 276 of Westwind.

From the meeting we created a five- year plan, for the revitalization of the club, which includes the following actions and goals:

• Producing our newsletter, The Westwind, on a quarterly basis
• Producing our membership Green Book on a yearly basis
• Take actions to determine whichat other aspects of NWSFS membership that needs to be improved so as to better serve the membership - Your input on this is encouraged.
• Provide tangible value to their membership in NWSFS - Your input on whichat types of benefits we should be pursuing is welcome
• Increase membership involvement
• Increase membership of NWSFS
• Improving membership communications
• Add activities to add value to the membership
• Reestablish connections to relevant charities

The five year plan is intended to be a live living document that we review on a yearly basis.

To help reduce costs and to join the late 20th century, we have decided to move from publishing a paper Westwind to publishing it as a PDF. We will still produce a small number paper of paper issues of Westwinds to accommodate members who wish to receive the Westwind in that a paper format. A benefit of this action is that we are able to reduce membership rates which are changing, starting March 1, 2010:

• Membership will be $15 a year, this will include Westwind in PDF
• If you wish want a hard copy of Westwind, $5 surcharge per year

As the Westwind will be mailed out electronically (in PDF) to our membership, so we need to make sure we have your email address.

In closing: we encouraged every member of NWSFS to provide input as how to improve NWSFS and the value of NWSFS membership. All input was/is greatly appreciated.

Thank You

The NWSFS Board:

• Chair - Michael Citrak
• Vice Chair - Shawn Marier
• Treasurer - Bill Boyde
• Westwind Editor - Karen V
• Membership Services - Greg Paddock
• Archives - Don Glover
• On Line Presence - Jim Cox & Kat Marier
• Past Chair - Michael Ormes
• Mail Services - Dick O’Shea

The Museum of Flight upcomming events

The Museum of Flight upcoming events posted on behalf of Michael Citrak NWSFS - Chair:

Wells Fargo Free First Thursday

Thursday, March 4, 5-9 p.m.

Once a month, the Museum stays open late-and admission is free! Enjoy museum exhibits and more from 5 - 9 p.m., courtesy of Wells Fargo. Museum Store and Wings Café will also remain open for the extended hours on this night.

Challenger Learning Center Public Mission

Saturday, March 27, 1 - 3 p.m.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an astronaut? Here is your chance! Sessions are for participants ages 10 and up--under 16 years of age requires adult supervision. Sessions are $10/participant (non-participating adults are free.) Pre-registration is required. For further information, call 206.764.1384 or e-mail education@museumofflight.org.

Women Fly! Panel:Women Flyers from Around the World

Saturday, March 6, 2 p.m., Allen Theater

Friday's Women Fly! panel returns for a public presentation on Saturday. This year's panelists includes distinguished women pilots from almost every continent. Their experiences include flights in the Australian outback, Alaskan wilderness, Antarctic slopes, African plains and the urban landscapes of Europe, Japan, South Africa and the United States.

For more info see:

www.museumofflight.org

The Museum of Flight | 9404 East Marginal Way South | Seattle | WA | 98108

Northwest Science Fiction Society at KBTC / Volunteers Needed

Posted on behalf of Michael Citrak - NWSFS Chair:

Howdy

Are there any fannish things to do prior to Norwescon you may ask....why yes! there IS.

The Northwest Science Fiction Society will once again volunteer Saturday (2/27/10) at KBTC Public Television for a pledge evening (5pm to 7pm).  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 8 to 10 volunteers to run their pledges....and they'll get at least one pledge as I always donate when I am on set.

Anyway, please email me (mcitrak AT comcast DOT net) to let me know if you can volunteer  The pledge window is 5pm to 7pm.  Getting there by 4:30pm 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 "SCTV Golden Classics!."

If you don't know what SCTV is, it's a great comedy stuff.
See: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075578/
and: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/arts/television/16sctv.html

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
(Return to Freeway is a little different due to construction).

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

Upcoming Spooky Doofus story and some sad news about Boxcar Astronaut.

Normally I do not post emails sent me or the blog, but today I received the following news from Spooky Doofus and Boxcar Astronaut artist Marc Lapierre and I feel I should share it with you:

Hey Jim,

I wanted to call your attention to a little storyline starting this Tuesday in Spooky Doofus. I do a heavy tribute from a fan's perspective to Star Trek: TNG. I think some of your readers might get a kick out of it.

Also, in some rather sad news, our Boxcar Astronaut site got hacked and infected with a bunch of malicious code forcing us to completely dismantle the site. Right now our domain name has been red flagged by Google as an attack site. As of now we have the archives online at webcomicsnation.com but everything else has been scrubbed clean. We will be working on rebuilding the site later in the year. We are currently focusing our energies on getting a Boxcar book made. Hopefully (but no solid promises, yet) it'll be out by fall. Due to this hacking issue, I may be tough to reach at my boxcarastronaut.com email address.

Thanks!

Marc Lapierre

If you happed to access this page of the NWSFS News blog over the weekend you may have received a warning from your anti-virus and/or web security software.  This was due to the fact that there was a link to the Boxcar Astronaut site which has since been removed.  What is really sad is that this link was to the of really wonderful and touching final panel for Boxcar Astronaut.

It is really a shame that someone would trash a site like Boxcar Astronaut, and it is really sad is that the page is currently red flagged because of this.  Hopefully this situation will be straightened out, and the Boxcar Astronaut site will return, and the book will be released (I know I am getting one)

In the mean time please support Marc and his fine work by visiting the Spooky Doofus web comic.  It's a great strip and you may soon see news of it posted on a regular basis here.

Regards ~ Jim

Upcomming events for February at the Museum of Flight

Re-posted on behalf of Michael Citrak - NWSFS Chair:

February 2010 Events
There are lots of cool things at the Museum Of Flight this Saturday.  You can make it a fanish date:  Museum Of Flight by day, and the NWSFS Social (Sauce Off) in the evening.

PSEC Engineering Fair
Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Side Gallery
The Museum and the Puget Sound Engineering Council celebrate National Engineers week with an Engineering Fair. Local chapters of national societies representing the entire span of engineering disciplines will staff booths all day where those interested in engineering careers can learn more about the exciting opportunities available. Several university engineering departments and student clubs will also be represented. Visit www.eweek.org for more information

15th Annual Popsicle Bridge Contest
Saturday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m.-Noon, William M. Allen Theater
The Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers hosts a competition of bridges built using only Popsicle sticks and white glue. Each year, teams of high school students from local schools build bridges that are strong, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The bridges will be judged and tested to failure with a hydraulic press. Winners will be announced at noon.

2010 NW Scale Modelers Show
Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., T.A. Wilson Great Gallery
See hundreds of detailed scale model aircraft, cars, spacecraft and more at the largest model show in the Pacific Northwest. This year's show will feature a walk through world history with everything from T.Rex to Star Trek. NWSM Club members will be on hand all weekend--don't miss this chance to see them at work on projects and answer all your questions about the fascinating hobby of plastic scale modeling.

Children ages 6 and up are invited to learn the art of modeling during free "Make and Take" model building workshops sponsored by Galaxy Hobby and Skyway Model Shop. Workshops are first-come, first-served. Each child should have an adult helper.

Pan Am and the Boeing Model 314
Saturday, Feb. 13, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Hear about the design, construction and operation of the Boeing Model 314, the last of the great flying boats. Following a brief historical overview, a panel of Pan American World Airways veterans will recall their experiences of the flying boat era. Pan Am Engineer Robert Blake, Capt. Herb Stevenson, Capt. Larry Pendlebury and Flight Engineer John Anderson will discuss the logistics, operations and flying of the Boeing 314 and other big flying boats.

Royal Aeronautical Society - Seattle Branch Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Former SR-71 Command Pilot and current Boeing Training Captain Cal Augustine will discuss his time, experience and missions flown in the "Blackbird" during his Air Force career. This informative presentation is open to Royal Aeronautical Society Members and the general public.

Bumping (Repeatedly) into the Sound Barrier--The History of the Jet Engine with Reiner Decher
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m., William M. Allen Theater
Reiner Decher, retired professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Washington, sheds some light on the nature of the limitations on flight performance imposed by the 700-mph speed of sound.

Tip-to-Tail Tour: "In Search of Amelia Earhart" exhibit
Sunday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., T.A. Wilson Great Gallery
Join Museum docents for a tour of the "In Search of Amelia Earhart" exhibit.
    
The Museum of Flight | 9404 East Marginal Way South | Seattle | WA | 98108

Web site: http://www.museumofflight.org/

February NWSFS’s My Favorite Restaurant

Please join NWSFS on Wednesday February 10th at 7:00 PM for one of Judy Johnson's favorite Restaurants, Golden Corral in Marysville.

The carvery that evening will have ham and barbecued ribs.  And there are a zillion side dishes, including many more entrees.  Lots of room.   $10.99 for adults, and $1.99 for a soft drink.

Golden Corral
1065 STATE STREET            
MARYSVILLE, WA  98270
           
Tel: (360)659-4035
URL: http://goldencorral.com/menu
 
Please RSVP to info@nwsfs.org or the hotline at 425-68-NWSFS. We'd prefer to get your RSVP by early evening of February 7th, but any attempt to RSVP will help us plan for you.