NWSFS: The 2011 Mad Scientist Social

Saturday - 10/22/2010 – NWSFS Mad Scientist Social

Please join Michael Ormes, Victoria Whitlock and their minions for the October NWSFS Social, beginning at 5 P.M. and ending at 10 P.M (or when they eject the last remaining guest or loan them sleeping space). 14437 NE 11th Place, Bellevue.

This is the Mad Scientist Social, so present your favorite experiments, inventions, gadgets, creations, discoveries and curiosities.
NOTE: Please limit yields and power requirements to something appropriate for a residential area.

Bring your favorite videotapes or DVDs, as there is a separate room for viewing. There will also be a variety of board and card games available, or you can bring your own favorite.

As usual, this is a potluck, so bring your contribution of a main dish (occasionally have enough), side dish (rarely have enough), beverage, munchies (usually have enough), or dessert (often have enough, but then really, who could object to too much dessert).

Based on continued demand (despite limited participation), A Challenge for the build-ahead-of-time crowd has again been included. So, for those who prefer time-to-think, and your-own-choice-of-materials:

Defend against an attack by Lego Minions

Intelligence reports that a group of your Arch-Rival's Lego Minions were late to last year's event and, in an attempt to redeem themselves, are planning to assault you at this year's event. Your challenge is to create an inconspicuous device to foil the attack by incapacitating the minions.

The winner is the device able to incapacitate the most Lego Minions during the attack.


The Fine Print:

• Minions are considered "incapacitated" when they are no longer upright or are contained.
• Your device needs to operate at a range of two meters.
• The device should be concealed on or about your person for a significant portion of the evening. If not actually hidden there should be an adequate cover story as to just why you are carrying around what is obviously an Atomic powered Cattle Rod that is taller than you are.
• Being a social event, the Minions are to be incapacitated while doing minimal damage to them or their environment.
• Intelligence suggests that the Minions have spent some portion of the intervening time being augmented.
• Intelligence will be able to provide some (but not much) warning in which time you may discretely draw and prepare your device.
• In the event of a tie, the attack will be repeated at a greater distance (or shorter if no minions are incapacitated by any device).
• As usual, the sponsors of this event assume no responsibility for damaged egos.
• Innocent-bystanders are responsible for their own defense.

 
We apologize for those Mad Scientists who have been constructing a siege weapon (the copy-and-paste device which failed in the creation of the previous notice has been replaced). If a sufficient number of siege weapons arrive then a contest similar to last year will be held.

A Challenge, in a form similar to previous years, will also be presented for those who desire the satisfaction of solving a problem using limited time and constrained resources. (i.e. you get the details when you arrive).

Logistics: There is plenty of parking on the street. The driveway is a bit steep. The only pets are aquatic, and they are expected to remain in their appropriate habitat. NOTE: If you need test subjects, please make other arrangements. Smoking is acceptable outside only, please. There is a covered breezeway available, with seating, for smokers.


Directions:

From I-405 (both directions – or take the SR520 route):

• Take the NE 8th St exit Eastbound (not the SE 8th St exit). Travel East on NE 8th St towards Crossroads Mall
• Take a Left (North) on 140th St NE (there is a Walgreen's on the corner)
• Take the first Right on NE 14th St, before the Fairweather Building.
• After some large speed bumps, this road will make a 90-degree right turn and become 144th St NE
• Take a Left on NE 11th Place
• This road again takes a 90-degree Right turn
• As you turn, the house is on the inside corner, around the corner. The house is brown, and the drive goes up a small hill, pointed back the way you arrived.

 
From SR520:

• Take the 148th St exit
• Travel South on 148th St NE
• Turn Right (West) on NE 10th to 145th St NE. It looks like a driveway until you are right there.
• Take a Right (North) on 145th St NE
• Continue to 11th. The house will be on the left, with the drive pointed up the hill, in the direction you were going.

From I-90: DON'T try to go partway and then follow the directions from SR520 because there is a left turn that you can't make:

• Take the 148th St exit
• Travel North on 148th St NE
• Go West on NE 8th to 140th St NE
• Take a Right (North) on 140th St NE (there is a Walgreen's on the corner)
• Take the first Right on NE 14th St, before the Fairweather Building
• After some large speed bumps, this road will make a 90-degree right turn and become 144th St NE
• Take a Left on NE 11th Place
• This road again takes a 90-degree Right turn As you turn, the house is on the inside corner, around the corner.
• The house is brown, and the drive goes up a small hill, pointed back the way you arrived.

NWSFS Events - Mark your calendars!

Mark your calendars with these upcoming NWSFS events. 

Visit www.nwsfs.org for information about the exciting Mad Scientist and First Contact challenges. 

Sept 17^th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 

Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Mandarin Buffet & Grill (Redmond).  Thursday, October 6^th at 7:30 PM

Oct 22^nd  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.  

Nov MFR – Join us at one of Bill Boyde’s favorite restaurants (location & date TBD).

Nov 19^th – “First Contact” social at Katharine & Alan Bond’s home.

Dec MFR – Join us at one of one of Dick O’Shea’s favorite restaurants (location & date TBD).

Dec Social – We have a tentative host for the December social.  Date, location and time will be announced when confirmed.

REMINDER - NWSFS: September Sci - Fi Cocktails Social.

Please join NWSFS for our September Social in the Club Room at home of Paula & Barry Currey on Saturday, September 17th. The social will begin around 7:30 PM and continue until around Midnight, or whenever we get tired.

Address:
146 South 330th Street
Federal Way, WA

This is a Sci-Fi themed Cocktail social – We will provide cocktails inspired by our favorite Science Fiction media.

Food will be potluck style, so bring your favorite Sci-Fi inspired dish, snack, munchie, or dessert.

Logistics:
We will have NWSFS signs posted once you enter the complex to point you in the right direction.
Parking will be available in uncovered spots around the complex.
Wheelchair Accessible.
No pets

Buses:
The local route is available from the Federal Way Transit Center. #903
http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus/schedules/s903_0_.html
If you bus I would recommend setting up a ride from the Transit Center because the 903 route is limited.

Directions:
From North:
I-5 South to
exit 143 for S 320th St toward Federal Way
Turn right onto S 320th St
Turn left onto WA-99 S
Turn right onto S 336th St
Turn right onto 1st Way S Take the 1st right onto S 333rd St
Follow NWSFS

From South:
I-5 North to
exit 142B to merge onto WA-18 W toward S 348th St
Turn right onto WA-99 N
Turn left onto S 336th St
Turn right onto 1st Way S
Take the 1st right onto S 333rd St
Follow NWSFS signs

Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=146+South+330th+Street,+Federal+Way,+WA&hl=en&ll=47.306175,-122.333617&spn=0.002521,0.004823&sll=47.30615,-122.332018&sspn=0.002521,0.004823&gl=us&z=18&iwloc=A&start=0

NWSFS: September Sci - Fi Cocktails Social

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

Please join NWSFS for our September Social in the Club Room at home of Paula & Barry Currey on Saturday, September 17th. The social will begin around 7:30 PM and continue until around Midnight, or whenever we get tired.

Address:
146 South 330th Street
Federal Way, WA

This is a Sci-Fi themed Cocktail social – We will provide cocktails inspired by our favorite Science Fiction media.

Food will be potluck style, so bring your favorite Sci-Fi inspired dish, snack, munchie, or dessert.

Logistics:
We will have NWSFS signs posted once you enter the complex to point you in the right direction.
Parking will be available in uncovered spots around the complex.
Wheelchair Accessible.
No pets

Buses:
The local route is available from the Federal Way Transit Center. #903
http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus/schedules/s903_0_.html
If you bus I would recommend setting up a ride from the Transit Center because the 903 route is limited.

Directions:
From North:

• I-5 South to
• exit 143 for S 320th St toward Federal Way
• Turn right onto S 320th St
• Turn left onto WA-99 S
• Turn right onto S 336th St
• Turn right onto 1st Way S Take the 1st right onto S 333rd St
• Follow NWSFS

From South:

• I-5 North to
• exit 142B to merge onto WA-18 W toward S 348th St
• Turn right onto WA-99 N
• Turn left onto S 336th St
• Turn right onto 1st Way S
• Take the 1st right onto S 333rd St
• Follow NWSFS signs

REMINDER: NWSFS August Social, Retro-Video Gaming Social

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - The NWSFS Vice Chair:

Whee! Next weekend!

Please join us Saturday, August 20th at Chris McDonell’s home in Lynnwood for a NWSFS Retro-Video Gaming Social!

The WHAT:  Offline muti-player and single player console videogame party. We’ll start at 4:00PM and continue until around 10:00PM. This is a videogames potluck so please bring your contribution of overly caffeinated beverage & munchies. 

The CONCEPT: An event intended more for the casual or neophyte gamer rather than the extreme hardcore. Chris is tired of trying to compete with a 13 year old's reflexes only to have my sad carcass tea-bagged all over Blood Gulch.  Gamers who like to play on Normal, rather than Heroic.
 

The SETUP: 3 big Screen rooms and a bunch of Video monitors.

Chris has a bunch of x-boxs linked together for mutiplayer Halo 2 and Crimson Skies as well as Playstations 1, 2, & 3. wii, and a Gamecube. Extra monitors will be there for people who want to bring their own consoles. Pachinko, pinball, and an old Asteroids arcade game may be dusted off for the most diehard retro fans. (Note: This is an OFF-LINE event. No Internet access available!)

The WHERE:  3408 158^th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98087

The DIRECTIONS: 

From south of Lynnwood, take I5 or 405 north to I5 exit #183 `164th Street exit, 

• Turn left onto 164th Street, go over I5, go down the hill and up, to turn right onto 35th Ave W.
• Turn right onto 158th St SW. 3408 is the third house on the right.

From north of Lynnwood, take I5 south to exit #183 `164th Street exit, 

• Turn right onto 164th Street, go down the hill and up, to turn right onto 35th Ave W. 
• Turn right onto 158th St SW. 3408 is the third house on the right.

The DETAILS: Lots of curbside parking. No smoking inside, have dog and cat for those with allergies.

The THE: Man I miss that band.

NWSFS: October Mad Scientist Social

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

(Getting this information out so that everyone has time to plan for the challenge.)

Saturday - 10/22/2010 – NWSFS Mad Scientist Social

Please join Michael Ormes, Victoria Whitlock and their minions for the October NWSFS Social, beginning at 5 P.M. and ending at 10 P.M (or when they eject the last remaining guest or loan them sleeping space). 14437 NE 11th Place, Bellevue.

This is the Mad Scientist Social, so present your favorite experiments, inventions, gadgets, creations, discoveries and curiosities.

  

 (NOTE: Please limit yields and power requirements to something appropriate for a residential area.)

Bring your favorite videotapes or DVDs, as there is a separate room for viewing. There will also be a variety of board and card games available, or you can bring your own favorite.

As usual, this is a potluck, so bring your contribution of a main dish (occasionally have enough), side dish (rarely have enough), beverage, munchies (usually have enough), or dessert (often have enough, but then really, who could object to too much dessert).

Based on continued demand (despite limited participation), A Challenge for the build-ahead-of-time crowd has again been included. So, for those who prefer time-to-think, and your-own-choice-of-materials:

Using Legos as your primary building materials create a siege weapon

The winner is the device which is able to place your diabolical device inside the walls of a fortification from the greatest distance.

The fine print:

While structural integrity must be provided by the Legos, some non-Lego components are permitted where properties are required which cannot be provided by commonly available Lego parts. For example, a limited number of rubber bands would be permitted since Lego parts do not provide the elasticity needed for some designs.

Anyone who objects to a non-Lego component may be required to demonstrate how the same requirements could be met by actual readily-available Lego components. (Being busy Judging and Hosting, the sponsors of this event are not required to provide such a demonstration.)

Diabolical Devices are to be represented by Nerf balls, Ping-Pong balls, Nerf darts or some similar item (we understand that you won’t want to give away any secrets by using an actual Diabolical Device in a public demonstration).

The device is to be scaled appropriately for use by standard-issue commonly-available Lego minions. While we understand that augmenting ones minions (or even building them to spec) is a time honored Mad Scientist tradition, this about you siege weapon skills – not about your minion construction abilities.

The weapon must begin its operation with no component closer than a specified distance. Mad Scientists and non-Lego minions are to be no closer than the specified distance while the device is in operation. After activating the device, assuming an appropriate dramatic pose (in order to properly observe their creation, to provide motivation to their Lego Minions, and to terrorize the opponents minions) is optional.

Each contestant is allowed three attempts to place a diabolical device into the castle from the specified distance. Unsuccessful contestants will be eliminated and the distance increased until we have a winner. Should no entry succeed from a specified distance, the distance will be reduced and the last set of contestants will be allowed another three attempts – after the spectators have stopped laughing.

After an attempt, the Mad Scientist is permitted (in some cases "are required") to go where necessary to collect all the pieces to reset the device for another attempt or to clear the debris for the next contestant.

The exact details of the fortification will be available at the social (Mad Scientist alliances are in notoriously unstable; so, ones arsenal must be adaptable); however, the objective will be at Lego-minion scale.

Destruction of anything (or anyone) except the siege weapon or Diabolical Device (as it is allowed to be a single use creation) (i.e. damage to the test-site) will disqualify your entry – and perhaps negatively impact your Mad Scientist Insurance – assuming that any respectable Mad Scientist’s insurance wasn’t canceled early in their career).

Despite the above requirement, innocent bystanders are encouraged to choose their cover early and to use it to best effect.

As usual, the sponsors of this event assume no liability for damaged egos.

We apologize for those Mad Scientists who have been constructing a direct-impact siege weapon designed to meet the goal of the preliminary versions of this challenge. Creating a fortification that could be quickly reset to the same configuration and that provided an adequate range of possible results is behind schedule and is not expected to be completed by this year's event. If there is sufficient interest then the project will not be canceled.

A Challenge, in a form similar to previous years, will also be presented for those who desire the satisfaction of solving a problem using limited time and constrained resources. (i.e. you get the details when you arrive – assuming I can devise a suitable contest before the event).

Logistics: There is plenty of parking on the street. The driveway is a bit steep. The only pets are aquatic, and they are expected to remain in their appropriate habitat. NOTE: If you need test subjects, please make other arrangements. Smoking is acceptable outside only, please. There is a covered breezeway available, with seating, for smokers.

Directions:

From I-405 (both directions – or take the SR520 route: 

• Take the NE 8th St exit Eastbound (not the SE 8th St exit). Travel East on NE 8th St. towards Crossroads Mall. 
• Take a Left (North) on 140th St NE (there is a Walgreen's on the corner). 
• Take the first Right on NE 14th St, before the Fairweather Building.  
• After some large speed bumps, this road will make a 90-degree right turn and become 144th St NE  
• Take a Left on NE 11th Place.  
• This road again takes a 90-degree Right turn. 
• As you turn, the house is on the inside corner, around the corner. The house is brown, and the drive goes up a small hill, pointed back the way you arrived.

From SR520:

• Take the 148th St exit
• Travel South on 148th St NE
• Turn Right (West) on NE 10th to 145th St NE. It looks like a driveway until you are right there.
• Take a Right (North) on 145th St NE
• Continue to 11th. The house will be on the left, with the drive pointed up the hill, in the direction you were going.

               

From I-90: 

• DON'T try to go partway and then follow the directions from SR520 because there is a left turn that you can't make.
• Take the 148th St exit
• Travel North on 148th St NE
• Go West on NE 8th to 140th St NE
• Take a Right (North) on 140th St NE (there is a Walgreen's on the corner)
• Take the first Right on NE 14th St, before the Fairweather Building
• After some large speed bumps, this road will make a 90-degree right turn and become
• 144th St NE
• Take a Left on NE 11th Place
• This road again takes a 90-degree Right turn As you turn, the house is on the inside
• corner, around the corner.
• The house is brown, and the drive goes up a small hill, pointed back the way you arrived

NWSFS Calendar Update

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson: NWSFS Vice-Chair

Aug MFR – Join us at one of William Sadorus & Denise Prowses’s favorite restaurant,  Date TBD.

Aug 15^th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15^th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17^th.

Aug 20^th – Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.

Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Paddy Coyne’s / Dorky’s Arcade in Tacoma. Sunday, September 4^th at 8:00 PM.

Sept 17^th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 

Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Date TBD

Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD

Nov 19^th – First Contact social at Katharine & Alan Bond’s home

NWSFS August Social, Retro-Video Gaming Social

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

Please join us Saturday, August 20th at Chris McDonell’s home in Lynnwood for a NWSFS Retro-Video Gaming Social!

The WHAT:  Offline muti-player and single player console videogame party. We’ll start at 4:00PM and continue until around 10:00PM. This is a videogames potluck so please bring your contribution of overly caffeinated beverage & munchies. 

The CONCEPT: An event intended more for the casual or neophyte gamer rather than the extreme hardcore. Chris is tired of trying to compete with a 13 year old's reflexes only to have my sad carcass tea-bagged all over Blood Gulch.  Gamers who like to play on Normal, rather than Heroic.
 

The SETUP: 3 big Screen rooms and a bunch of Video monitors. Chris has a bunch of x-boxs linked together for mutiplayer Halo 2 and Crimson Skies as well as Playstations 1, 2, & 3. wii, and a Gamecube. Extra monitors will be there for people who want to bring their own consoles. Pachinko, pinball, and an old Asteroids arcade game may be dusted off for the most diehard retro fans. (Note: This is an OFF-LINE event. No Internet access available!)

The WHERE:  3408 158^th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98087

The DIRECTIONS: 

•  From south of Lynnwood, take I5 or 405 north to I5 exit #183 `164th Street exit, Turn left onto 164th Street, go over I5, go down the hill and up, to turn right onto 35th Ave W. Turn right onto 158th St SW. 3408 is the third house on the right.
•  From north of Lynnwood, take I5 south to exit #183 `164th Street exit, Turn right onto 164th Street, go down the hill and up, to turn right onto 35th Ave W. Turn right onto 158th St SW. 3408 is the third house on the right.

The DETAILS: Lots of curbside parking. No smoking inside, have dog and cat for those with allergies.

The THE: Man I miss that band.

NWSFS:: July social -- Chili Cook Off

Please join us Saturday, July 16^th at Kat & Shawn’s home in Bellevue for the Chili Cook Off social.   

Join us at Kat & Shawn’s home in Bellevue for the annual Chili Cook Off. The social will begin at 5:00 P.M. and end around 10:00 P.M.  

Contestants will bring various chilies for you to taste and vote on. The contributors of the most popular chilies will receive small prizes.  NWSFS will provide cornbread and soft drinks.  Side dishes that complement and/or add are always welcomed. To support the contest, there is a small fee for the Cook Off; $3 for NWSFS members, $5 for non- members. 

3803 142nd Ave SE, Bellevue.  

Chili Cook Off Contestants:
Please bring a crock pot to keep your chili warm and a serving ladle.  Please call ahead to make arrangements for use of a burner in the kitchen If you cannot bring a crock pot,.

Logistical information:
Smoking areas are outside. The house has no animals. The main entrance is up two small steps. Parking is on-street, and generally available.

The closest bus stop is 1/3 mile away (2 blocks east), at the corner of SE 40th St and 146th Ave SE, and serves the #222 bus (transfer from Seattle at the Eastgate Park and Ride).

Directions:
• From I-90 eastbound take exit 11A (150th Ave SE exit), stay in the far right lane...
• Turn right onto 150th AVE SE
• Turn right onto SE 38th St. (Standard gas station on corner)
• Turn Left onto 146th AVE SE
• Turn Right onto SE 40th ST
• Go two blocks turn right onto to 142nd AVE SE (note NOT 142nd PL)
• House is a light tan at the end of the street.    You might need to park on 40th St.

REMINDER: NWSFS Picnic & Election Social - June 18th

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

NWSFS Election and Picnic Social

Saturday - June 18th, 2011

Please join us Saturday, June 18th, 2011, for the NWSFS Picnic Social at Woodland Park Shelter # 4. The social will begin at 1:00 P.M. and end at dusk, or thereabouts. 

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 us at info@nwsfs.org

Please RSVP so we know how many burgers and dogs are needed.  NWSFS members are encouraged to attend and non-members in the community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

Election ballots will be accepted until  5 PM.

Logistical Information:

The shelter has a covered table that we use for serving. Grills and water are available under shelter.   There are a couple uncovered tables near the shelter.  Please be prepared for changeable weather. Experienced picnic attendees recommend that you bring a lawn chair, blanket, & sunscreen.  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 likely be toys such as 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.

NWSFS Picnic & Election Social - June 18th

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:

NWSFS Election and Picnic Social - Saturday - June 18th, 2011

Please join us Saturday, June 18th, 2011, for the NWSFS Picnic Social at Woodland Park Shelter # 4. The social will begin at 1:00 P.M. and end at dusk, or thereabouts.

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 us at info@nwsfs.org

Please RSVP so we know how many burgers and dogs are needed.  NWSFS members are encouraged to attend and non-members in the community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

Election ballots will be accepted until  5 PM.

Logistical Information:

The shelter has a covered table that we use for serving. Grills and water are available under shelter.   There are a couple uncovered tables near the shelter.  Please be prepared for changeable weather. Experienced picnic attendees recommend that you bring a lawn chair, blanket, & sunscreen.  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 likely be toys such as 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.

Updated NWSFS Event Calendar -- Includes Norwescon Volunteer Appreciation Picnic (for extra fun!)

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:

 

Hey geek peeps! Mark your calendars with these upcoming NWSFS events (and one Norwescon event). 

June 2^nd  MFR – Join us at one of Vicki Glover’s favorite restaurants, Tup Tim Thai. 

June 18th – Social and Elections for NWSFS officers at Woodland Park (shelter #4)

June 25th – Avatar: The Exhibition at EMP|SFM

July 6^th MFR - Join us at one of Judy’s favorite restaurants, Bob’s Burgers & Brew. (Marysville)

July 8^th – 10^th – Excursion to Crater Lake, Oregon

July 16^th – Chili Cook off social at Shawn & Kat’s home.

July 23^rd – Norwescon Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, Ravenna Park, Noon.

Aug MFR – Join us at one of William’s favorite restaurant.  Date and location TBD.

Aug 15^th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15^th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17^th.

Aug 20^th – Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.

Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Dorky’s Arcade (Tacoma). Date TBD

Sept 17^th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 

Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Location may change, Date TBD

Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD

Nov 19^th – Social at Katharine Bond’s home

REMINDER: NWSFS May Social

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:

Please join NWSFS for our May Social at the home of Yvonne and Eric Pawtowski on Saturday, May 21^st. The social will begin around 5 PM and continue until around 10 PM, or whenever we get tired.

7100 187th Place SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Nominations will be opened at this social for the officers of NWSFS / SFN:  Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer.  If you can not make the social and wish to nominate someone in advance, please contact info@nwsfs.com

This is a potluck, so bring your contribution of a main dish, side dish, munchies, or dessert. BYOB if you want something particular, although some basic beverages will be available. NWSFS members are encouraged to attend, and non-members in the SF/Fannish community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

There will be a grill running.  The Pawtowskis will be cooking some extra sausages and dogs to share.  Anyone who wants to bring stuff to grill is quite welcome.  There is a small hot tub, covered, which may be operational, weather permitting. 

The main television has a VGA input and will likely be used to display photos of interest.  If you have electronic photos to share, from Fannish events, the previous Norwescon, or whatever, please bring them.

Logistics: There is parking on the street near the house.  Parking in the driveway is okay, you don't need to worry about blocking anyone in.  Usually it's not hard to find parking.  The neighborhood has a lot of hills, so be careful. There are three stairs leading to both entrances.  The back door doesn't have stairs, but the path is too narrow for a wheelchair, and possibly more trouble than it's worth. There are no domesticated animals living there. Smoking is outside only, please.

Buses:

Unfortunately, the nearest bus stop is near the intersection of 196th St. and 68th Ave, near Edmonds Community College.  The Community Transit local routes are 112, 114 and 115 west-bound and 114 and 118 east-bound. No commuter lines stop there. Closest transit center/park and ride is Edmonds Community College. (not much farther than the closest stop) Community Transit local routes 112, 118 and 131.  No commuter lines on weekends.  There are closer bus stops, but those buses don't run on weekends.

Directions:

From Northbound I-5:

Take exit 181-A

Turn left at the stoplight at the end of the exit - 44th Ave.

Turn left at the second stoplight - 200th St.

Turn right when the road ends at Edmonds Community College -68th Ave.

Go straight at the stoplight with 196th St.

*** see below

From Southbound I-5:

Take exit 181, go west on 196th St.

Go straight for a while, the seventh light will be Hwy 99.  Cross

Hwy99.  Turn right at the second stoplight after 99, this is 68th Ave.

***

There will be a 4-way stop in front of a fire station.

Go straight; the road's name will change to Blue Ridge Drive.

Turn left at 185th Pl. (the first road on your left) The road will make a sharp left turn, and its name changes to 70th Avenue.

Turn right at the stop sign onto 187th Pl. SW The street takes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill and becomes 71st Avenue.

Our house is on the left side of this corner.

Gray with white trim.

Upcoming Events:  

May 5^th, MFR  – Join us at one of Yvonne, Eric, & Daniel Pawtowski’s restaurants, Buca Di Beppo.

(Lynnwood

May 21^st  – Social and Nominations for NWSFS officers at Yvonne & Eric’s home.

June 18th – Social and Elections for NWSFS officers at Woodland Park (shelter #4)

July 6^th MFR - Join us at one of Judy’s favorite restaurants, Bob’s Burgers & Brew. (Marysville)

July 8^th – 10^th – Excursion to Crater Lake, Oregon

July 16^th – Chili Cook off social at Shawn & Kat’s home.

Aug MFR – Join us at one of William’s favorite restaurant.  Date and location TBD.

Aug 15^th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15^th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17^th.

Aug 20^th – Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.

Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Dorky’s Arcade (Tacoma). Date TBD

Sept 17^th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 

Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Date TBD

Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD

Nov 19^th – Social at Katharine Bond’s home

NWSFS May Social

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

Please join NWSFS for our May Social at the home of Yvonne and Eric Pawtowski on Saturday, May 21^st. The social will begin around 5 PM and continue until around 10 PM, or whenever we get tired.

7100 187th Place SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037

(425) 771-1626

Nominations will be opened at this social for the officers of NWSFS / SFN:  Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer.  If you can not make the social and wish to nominate someone in advance, please contact info@nwsfs.com

This is a potluck, so bring your contribution of a main dish, side dish, munchies, or dessert. BYOB if you want something particular, although some basic beverages will be available. NWSFS members are encouraged to attend, and non-members in the SF/Fannish community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

There will be a grill running.  The Pawtowskis will be cooking some extra sausages and dogs to share.  Anyone who wants to bring stuff to grill is quite welcome.  There is a small hot tub, covered, which may be operational, weather permitting. 

The main television has a VGA input and will likely be used to display photos of interest.  If you have electronic photos to share, from Fannish events, the previous Norwescon, or whatever, please bring them.

Logistics: There is parking on the street near the house.  Parking in the driveway is okay, you don't need to worry about blocking anyone in.  Usually it's not hard to find parking.  The neighborhood has a lot of hills, so be careful. There are three stairs leading to both entrances.  The back door doesn't have stairs, but the path is too narrow for a wheelchair, and possibly more trouble than it's worth. There are no domesticated animals living there. Smoking is outside only, please.

Buses:

Unfortunately, the nearest bus stop is near the intersection of 196th St. and 68th Ave, near Edmonds Community College.  The Community Transit local routes are 112, 114 and 115 west-bound and 114 and 118 east-bound. No commuter lines stop there. Closest transit center/park and ride is Edmonds Community College. (not much farther than the closest stop) Community Transit local routes 112, 118 and 131.  No commuter lines on weekends.  There are closer bus stops, but those buses don't run on weekends.

Directions:

From Northbound I-5:

Take exit 181-A

Turn left at the stoplight at the end of the exit - 44th Ave.

Turn left at the second stoplight - 200th St.

Turn right when the road ends at Edmonds Community College -68th Ave.

Go straight at the stoplight with 196th St.

*** see below

From Southbound I-5:

Take exit 181, go west on 196th St.

Go straight for a while, the seventh light will be Hwy 99.  Cross

Hwy99.  Turn right at the second stoplight after 99, this is 68th Ave.

***

There will be a 4-way stop in front of a fire station.

Go straight; the road's name will change to Blue Ridge Drive.

Turn left at 185th Pl. (the first road on your left) The road will make a sharp left turn, and its name changes to 70th Avenue.

Turn right at the stop sign onto 187th Pl. SW The street takes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill and becomes 71st Avenue.

Our house is on the left side of this corner.

Gray with white trim.

Upcoming Events:  

May 5^th, MFR  – Join us at one of Yvonne, Eric, & Daniel Pawtowski’s restaurants, Buca Di Beppo.

(Lynnwood

May 21^st  – Social and Nominations for NWSFS officers at Yvonne & Eric’s home.

June 18th – Social and Elections for NWSFS officers at Woodland Park (shelter #4)

July 6^th MFR - Join us at one of Judy’s favorite restaurants, Bob’s Burgers & Brew. (Marysville)

July 8^th – 10^th – Excursion to Crater Lake, Oregon

July 16^th – Chili Cook off social at Shawn & Kat’s home.

Aug MFR – Join us at one of William’s favorite restaurant.  Date and location TBD.

Aug 15^th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15^th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17^th.

Aug 20^th – Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.

Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Dorky’s Arcade (Tacoma). Date TBD

Sept 17^th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 

Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Date TBD

Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD

Nov 19^th – Social at Katharine Bond’s home

REMINDER: NWSFS March: 3/19/2011 - Philip K Dick Award Social

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

Please join us Saturday, March 19^th at William Sadorus and Sally Woerhle’s home in Federal Way for the Philip K Dick Award nominee NWSFS Social!

Join us at William and Sally's house in Federal Way, with the sneak preview of the Philip K. Dick Finalists and a spirited discussion of their work! The judges of the 2010 Philip K. Dick Award http://www.philipkdickaward.org/

and the Philadelphia SF Society announced seven nominated works that comprise the final ballot for the award. First prize and any special citations will be announced on Friday, April 22, 2011 at Norwescon 34 at the Doubletree Seattle Airport Hotel, SeaTac, Washington. www.norwescon.org

YARN by Jon Armstrong (Night Shade Books)

CHILL by Elizabeth Bear (Ballantine Books/Spectra)

THE REAPERS ARE THE ANGELS by Alden Bell (Henry Holt & Co)

SONG OF SCARABAEUS by Sara Creasy (Eos)

THE STRANGE AFFAIR OF SPRING HEELED JACK by Mark Hodder (Pyr)

HARMONY by Project Itoh, translated by Alexander O. Smith (Haikasoru)

STATE OF DECAY by James Knapp (Roc)

The social will begin around 5:00 P.M. and continue until around 10pm.

As usual, this is a potluck; William will be roasting a turkey for one of the main dishes.  Side dishes that complement and/or add are always welcomed.

Caution:  There is a household goddess in residence, so if you’re allergic to, or afraid of cats be forwarned.  Also, the house is marginally ADA friendly: there are three steps up when entering the house and three steps down into the family room for the downstairs bathroom.

Address:

33721 29th Ct SW

Federal Way, WA 98023-7718

Directions:

1. From North or South I-5, take exit 142-B
2. Go West on S 348th St S 348th St will become SW Campus Dr SW
3. Campus Dr will become SW 336th St
4. SW 336th St will become SW 336th Way
5. Turn Right onto SW 337th St
6. Turn Left into 29th Ct SW
7. The house is on the right, about half way down the block.

NWSFS Socials: September, November & December

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

The Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS) is looking for hosts for the September, November and December socials.  Contact info@nwsfs.org or the hotline at 425-68-NWSFS if you are interested in hosting. 

The Seattle-based Northwest Science Fiction Society is one of the largest science fiction groups of its kind in the world. Our members can be found in numerous states plus Canada. Though oriented towards literary forms of science fiction, the interests of our members cover all aspects of the field and we reflect their diversity. Whether you are a reader, dreamer, media fan, professional or just like science fiction in all its forms, there is something for you

NWSFS and Norwescon are part of Science Fiction Northwest (SFN), a non-profit umbrella corporation. The early beginnings of the Northwest Science Fiction Society trace back to the mists of time. Well, to 1976. Greg Bennett with a handful of friends formed NWSFS (pronounced Nizz-Fizz) so that people with an interest in science fiction could meet, have parties, do things together and at the same time provide a pool for the 1981 World Science Fiction Convention Committee. For more information, please visit Don Glover's  <http://www.kolvir.com/~corwyn/fandom/nwchist.htm> Norwescon Unofficial History web site for more information. 

REMINDER: NWSFS February Social: 2/19/2011 - Pseudo Summer Solstice Spaghetti Sauce Off

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

Feeling saucy?  Then gather ingredients for your sauce and get ready to celebrate the Pseudo Summer Solstice. 

Saturday - 2/19/2011, NWSFS Social at the Brathouse in Kirkland

February is nearing and that must mean it’s time for the Pseudo Summer Solstice Spaghetti Sauce Off.

Please join your fellow NWSFS members at our February Social on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at the Brathouse at 9431 126th Ave NE in Kirkland.  The social will begin at 6 PM and end at 10 PM. 

The Pseudo Summer Solstice Spaghetti Sauce Off is an annual traditional NWSFS event.  NWSFS provides spaghetti, salad, and soft drinks. Contestants bring various spaghetti sauces for you to sample and then you vote for your favorite.  The contributors of the most popular sauces get small prizes. If you plan to bring a sauce, please bring at least two quarts of sauce, and make some note of ingredients for those of us with food allergies or other restrictions.

If you can, please bring a crock pot to keep your sauce warm, and a ladle. If you cannot bring a crock pot, please call ahead to make arrangements for use of a burner or other equipment in the kitchen. This is still something of a potluck. Please bring a contribution of munchies, side dish, or desert. To support the contest, there is a small fee for the Sauce - Off. The fee is $3 for NWSFS members and $5 for non members. As always, NWSFS members are encouraged to attend, and non-members in the community are welcome. We hope to see you there.

Logistical information:

Smoking areas are outside. The house has cats, which are locked away for the social. The main entrance is up two small steps (ramp available). Parking is on-street, and generally available. The closest bus stop is 1/3 mile away (2 blocks west, 1 block north), at the corner of 124th Ave. NE and NE 97th, and serves the #230 bus (transfer from Seattle at the Bellevue Transit Center). The last bus is at approximately 10:30 P.M.

Directions:

Take the 85th St. Exit off of I-405 (Kirkland) and travel east on 85th.

Go up the hill. Get into the left lane and after a couple of blocks, turn left onto 126th. It's not marked too well, but the landmark is the Safeway on the right and a Shell station on the left.

Once on 126th, travel down the hill about two blocks. The road ends at a "T" intersection and the house is the last house on your left. It's light green.