News and Blog Updates: July 06, 2008

Spcial Feature: Nicola Griffith: "why I love science fiction"

Nicola Griffith recently posted a blog entry titled "why I love science fiction", and with her permission I am posting the entry below in it's entirety:

"At the SF Hall of Fame induction last month, William Gibson said, "I am a native of sf, not a resident." I know exactly how he feels. I just did a blog post about it over at Ask Nicola. I also posted on my website and essay, first published last year, called Identity and SF: Story As Science and Fiction. Enjoy."

I found both the ASK NICOLA "quotes, an occasional series, #4: native of sf" blog post and "Identity and SF: Story As Science and Fiction" essay very interesting, and with respect to the essay, very inspiring. I think they are well worth your time to read and enjoy as I did. Also, below you will find links to Nicola's site, Blogspot blog, as well as MySpace profile and blog:

• http://www.nicolagriffith.com/
• http://asknicola.blogspot.com/
• http://www.myspace.com/nicolagriffith
• http://blog.myspace.com/nicolagriffith

Thanks again to Nicola Griffith for allowing me to post the contents of the blog here ~ Jim


News Headlines:
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Are We Alone - Next show available: July 7, 2008 "Speaking Klingon - Communicating with the aliens."

Ever try talking to an alien? In the movies, they always speak perfect English. But what if we really made contact? Could we just whip out a universal translator - or even a babelfish - to understand one another? Let's say we do learn to communicate: what to say, what to say? We'll hear the protocol for just how to reply to ET. And, from Klingon to Esperanto: the recipe for creating a language from scratch. Plus, get ready to babble with your Blackberry: how computers are learning to recognize - and respond - to human speech.

h:qs:.p*. D5Q5=Q1=D3Q3 Q1=ql.px:n.k*. D5Q5=tr'.z*w What does this mean? Listen to the show to find out! Guests:

• Terrence Deacon - Professor of anthropology and neuroscience, University of California, Berkeley
• Douglas Vakoch - Director of Interstellar Message Composition, SETI Institute
• Donald Boozer - Librarian, Coordinator of Cleveland Public Library's recent exhibit "Esperanto, Elvish, and Beyond...The World of Constructed Languages"
• Jim Glass - Director of the Spoken Language Systems Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Systems.
  Ask MIT's Jupiter about the weather!

You can listen to this and other episodes at: http://radio.seti.org/ and be sure to check the Are We Alone Profile and Blog on MySpace.

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Clarkesworld Magazine / Wyrm Publishing - New Books from Wyrm Publishing (Gene Wolfe and Clarkesworld)
Now in stock and shipping from Wyrm Publishing:

• Memorare by Gene Wolfe (signed limited edition hardcover)
• Realms: The First Year of Clarkesworld Magazine (trade paperback and hardcover)

Details and ordering information available here.


News Worth Reposting:
*****
Next Steamcon Meeting! - Sunday July 27th at 3:00 - 4:45 P.M. at the Capitol Hill branch of the Public Library. 425 Harvard Ave. E. Seattle WA

*****
Platinum Comix & Games - Fire victims benefit show! Sunday July 6th 5 pm to 9 pm - Outdoor all ages event.
Sickamore, Jonn Rockwell, Skwish & The Mighty Return of Horsehedd! Playing at Bison Creek Pizza, 630 SW 153rd Street Burien, WA (206) 244-8825

To benefit the families left homeless after the deadly fire at The Tara Apartments and The Jenny Marie Apartments. Collins Chiropractic and Sterling Savings Bank will be there to accept donations of Money, Food, Clothing and Furniture. The American Red Cross is also accepting money donations on the families behalf. Fire District #2 will try to make an appearance with a fire engine.

Bring all the clothing, food, blankets, furniture and money you can spare to help these families! Special thanks to Burien City Hall, Collins Chiropractic, Sterling Savings Bank, American Red Cross, Jared Butcher, Fire District #2 and The Highline School District.

*****
GUD Magazine - Special offer for NWSFS News Blog readers!
For the entire month of July, GUD Magazine ( http://www.gudmagazine.com/ ) will be offering 50% off for the PDF versions of Issues 0 and 1 for readers of the NWSFS Blogs. Go to: http://www.gudmagazine.com/subs/subscribe-nwsfs.php

*****
Phoebe Matthews - A note from Mudflat (and a free postcard)
Tarbaby Trouble, by Phoebe Matthews, first of the Mudflat series, is available through Bookstrand.com on July 2. Fantasy readers, check Phoebe's website at http://phoebematthews.com to read the first 2 chapters, plus blurbs and reviews. If you would like a free postcard from Mudflat, check the Mudflat page!


Headlines From SF News Sites:
Due to the holiday weekend there is not much news, but one of the articles you just have to catch is posting from The Website at the End of the Universe: "Darth Vader in love". Also StarShipSofa presents "StarShipSofa No 95 Round Table Mary Rosenblum mp3", has "A Trio of Videos of Neal Stephenson Talking About SF", & SF SignalPantechnicon posted "Metropolis Footage Found"

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io9: Where The Marvel Universe And Real World Intersect [Superhero Geography], This Year's Terminator Will Be Jealous, Unstable [Emo Terminator], Four Anime Robots That Made Me More Human [Mangobot], 10 Batman Books You Must Read [Must Read], The Heroes You'll Never See [Heroes], Why Steven Moffat Isn't All That [Rant], & Sarah Jane Says Goodbye to Doctor Who

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Pantechnicon: Metropolis Footage Found

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RevolutionSF: RevolutionSF Newblast : Life on Mars, Prisoner, Galactica, Smallville (News), Bat-Actor Prefers To Remain Robin-Free (News), & Hancock (Review)

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Science Fiction Buzz: Babylon 5 Daily News Beat for 4 July 2008, & Battlestar Galactica Daily News Beat for 3 July 2008,

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SF Novelists: For the love

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SF Signal: 1960's Iron Man Intro, SF Tidbits for 7/6/08, A Trio of Videos of Neal Stephenson Talking About SF, SF Tidbits for 7/5/08, & This Week's Free Tor Book: Flash by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

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SFScope: New play Without Whom is based on the lives of Marguerite and Ray Bradbury

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StarShipSofa: StarShipSofa No 95 Round Table Mary Rosenblum mp3

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The Website at the End of the Universe: Darth Vader in love (this is hillarious!), & The adventures of Propellerman (NSFW - Adult Content)


Selected Blog Updates:
I've added some new blogs to take a look at this time around, so be sure to take a look at "The Crotchety Old Fan", "kelleyeskridge.com", & "Whatever", and of course remember to read your old favorites too!
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Are We A Blog? - sun@home, & Need a Second Life?

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Boxcar Astronaut - "EARTH BOY LANDS ON MARS?"

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Bret Jordan - "SINISTER LANDSCAPE"

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The Crotchety Old Fan - Statistics Can Be Dangerous, The Classic Science Fiction Channel Updates, Commentary from Around the Web, & SFSignal Better Than BoingBoing?

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Cynthia Leitich Smith - "YA Book & Writer News; Wake & Black Pearls Giveaways"

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David Thorpe - "Genre and Literature"

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Di Francis - "happy independence day"

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

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JAMES AND DADDY - "Update 6th July 2008"

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Janet Lee Carey - "WRITER VS. WILD"

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Jodi Lee - "LBF - Lachesis - Sinful Moments Staff/Author Notice", "Baseball Update", "All I can say is - what a close call...", & "LBF Books - Fictionwise Top Sellers - Congrats Lorrieann!"

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kelleyeskridge.com - Exploding like spiders across the stars, Interview at Enter the Octopus, Short love, & Asimov’s SF reviews Dangerous Space

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Lisa Mantchev - "Théâtre Illuminata at Amazon"

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Louise Bohmer - Lachesis Publishing - "For Lachesis, LBF Books, and Sinful Moments Press Authors: Staff Groups"

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Marianne De Pierres - "Gen Con Oz - last day", & "Gen Con Oz"

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Morpheus Tales - "Free Preview of Morpheus Tales on Literate Machine", & "Morpheus Tales - We need your help!"

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Robert J Sawyer's Blog - Hugo voting deadline is THIS MONDAY!

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TREI Literary Magazine - Meet the newest addition to TREI Literary Magazine, & TREI Literary Magazine....Launch Update

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Whatever - Quick Ping, Zoe’s Tale Wallpaper, & The Big Idea: David Louis Edelman

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Yasmine Galenorn - "Taking some time...", & "Stick a fork in me, I’m done for the day.... "

ROBERTA CARLSON ( Berta's) Memorial Service Information

The following notice was posted on MySpace by Pamela,Raven,Sunshine:

Please wear PURPLE to ROBERTA CARLSON ( Berta's) Memorial Service Friday 7/11/08 11-4pm. You all know how much Bert LOVED purple! The girl was always decked out head to tow purple down to her puffy fluffy purple boots she even wore in the summer!!! We have decided to all wear PURPLE to her memorial instead of black! Please join us and wear purple for Berta too!

The funeral is set for Fri, July 11 at 11am St John Vianney Church, 12600 - 84th Ave NE Kirkland, 98034

The ladies from the church will do the reception afterwards so there is really nothing that needs to be done in that regard. When we spoke to the funeral home today they said that we should be able to have her home either tomorrow or Sat. We will not be having a visitation/viewing. At the reception following the Mass we will be inviting those of you who want to share, to be able to do that. After the reception we will have a graveside service at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline.


From Roberta's Sister Vicky:
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your prayers and well-wishes as well as those of you who have been able to visit. Your support has made it possible to survive this horrible time.
We are truly blessed to have such great friends and family and you mean so much to us. Also thank you for passing information along to people you think should know whom I've not been able to include in the message. Thanks for taking such good care of us all. Audrey, Bridget and I are putting together a memory display so if you have pictures/mementos you would like to share can you please forward those to me? Once again, please reply to Honey at: towinghondas AT aol DOT com

Thanks again for your prayers and support,
Vicky, Gene, Honey(Ray),and Chyvonne

News and Blog Updates: July 04, 2008

Spcial Announcement (repost):
The NWSFS magazine WESTWIND is coming out of hiatus and our new editor is seeking submissions for fiction to be presented in the magazine. While there are still a lot of details to be worked out, if you are interested in contributing a work of science fiction, fantasy, or horror fiction, please send an email to: westwind.editor AT gmail DOT com

I am still seeking assistants to help with this blog. If you are interested in reporting about fannish events or news for the Pacfic NW, please contact me at nwsfsnews AT gmail DOT com ~ Jim


News Headlines:
*****
Next Steamcon Meeting! - Sunday July 27th at 3:00 - 4:45 P.M. at the Capitol Hill branch of the Public Library. 425 Harvard Ave. E. Seattle WA

*****
Platinum Comix & Games - Fire victims benefit show! Sunday July 6th 5 pm to 9 pm - Outdoor all ages event.
Sickamore, Jonn Rockwell, Skwish & The Mighty Return of Horsehedd! Playing at Bison Creek Pizza, 630 SW 153rd Street Burien, WA (206) 244-8825

To benefit the families left homeless after the deadly fire at The Tara Apartments and The Jenny Marie Apartments. Collins Chiropractic and Sterling Savings Bank will be there to accept donations of Money, Food, Clothing and Furniture. The American Red Cross is also accepting money donations on the families behalf. Fire District #2 will try to make an appearance with a fire engine.

Bring all the clothing, food, blankets, furniture and money you can spare to help these families! Special thanks to Burien City Hall, Collins Chiropractic, Sterling Savings Bank, American Red Cross, Jared Butcher, Fire District #2 and The Highline School District.

News Worth Reposting:
*****
GUD Magazine - Special offer for NWSFS News Blog readers!
For the entire month of July, GUD Magazine ( http://www.gudmagazine.com/ ) will be offering 50% off for the PDF versions of Issues 0 and 1 for readers of the NWSFS Blogs. Go to: http://www.gudmagazine.com/subs/subscribe-nwsfs.php

*****
Phoebe Matthews - A note from Mudflat (and a free postcard)
Tarbaby Trouble, by Phoebe Matthews, first of the Mudflat series, is available through Bookstrand.com on July 2. Fantasy readers, check Phoebe's website at http://phoebematthews.com to read the first 2 chapters, plus blurbs and reviews. If you would like a free postcard from Mudflat, check the Mudflat page!

*****
Are We Alone - Next show available June 30, 2008: Encore Presentation "Sigh. It's Science"
Is the public interested in science? The signs aren't encouraging. The Hubble Telescope teeters on the edge of breakdown, and the public's response is lukewarm. Science coverage in the media continues to shrink like cheap cotton... and science superstars on TV or in the movies are as rare as lanthanum.
As we consider why today's folk give science the big yawn, we'll talk to people whose job it is to bring lab findings to the public. Also, a new study traces to childhood our psychological aversion to science. Plus, Seth re-lives his childhood at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Guests:

• Natalie Angier - New York Times reporter and author of The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science
• Charlie Petit - veteran science reporter and Head Tracker of the Knight Science Journalism Tracker
• Paul Bloom - Psychologist at Yale University
• Paul Doherty - Senior Scientist at the Exploratorium in San Francisco

You can listen to this and other episodes at: http://radio.seti.org/ and be sure to check the Are We Alone Profile and Blog on MySpace.

*****
Marci Baun - Book Release Announcement
Released Tuesday: Weirdly: A Collection of Strange Tales, vol 2 - www.wildchildpublishing.com/

*****
Paul Roberts - Book Release Announcement
"THE BETRAYER is the first in a series of three entitled PROPHECY OF THE DRAGON. The story follows the exploits of a dragon' apprentice who tries to save his homeland from an army of reptilianites, whilst aiding the diminishing race of dragons. A must for all fantasy fans. For sample chapters and a chance to win a signed copy please visit: http://www.epicbpublishing.co.uk/"


Headlines From SF News Sites:
So much news, and so few brain cells to come up with something this late at night except "take a look at these headlines" - io9: "Gort Gets His Vengeance In The Day The Earth Stood Still Trailer", Science Fiction Awards Watch: "Dr. Aldiss, I Presume…", & StarShipSofa presents "Aural Delights No 31 Mary Rosenblum mp3"

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Apex Book Company: Apex Digest open for submissions

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io9: Whatever Happened To Hyperion, Vurt, Count Zero and Logan's Run? [Development Purgatory], Earth Systems Science Agency -- To the Rescue! [Mega Environmentalism], The Pettiest Dictator On Earth, In New "Blindness" Trailer [Blindness], Is It Art? Or Is It LARP? [Gaming], Doctor Who Shows The Future Of British TV [The Shape Of Things To Come], “The T.V. of Tomorrow” Broadcasts From Mars in 1953 [Retro Futurism], Gort Gets His Vengeance In The Day The Earth Stood Still Trailer [The Day The Earth Stood Still Trailer], Dr. Horrible's First Story Is Now Online [Dr Horrible's Sing-along Blog], SAG Strike: Much Ado About Nothing, Or Disaster For Scifi? [Hollywood Slavebots], Does the New Shape of the Solar System Prove Vernor Vinge is Right About the Galaxy? [Space], You Can't Hide From The Mafia In The Past [Hiding In Time], Doctor Who's Journey Won't End With A Whimper For Americans [Doctor Who], & The Game's Trickery Meets Disturbia's Setting In Seminar [Seminar]

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Locus Online: Locus Magazine - Cory Doctorow Commentary: Nature's Daredevils: Writing for Young Audiences, & Monitor: This Week's Bestsellers

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RevolutionSF: Disney Classics: The RevolutionSF Revamps (Feature)

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Science Fiction Awards Watch: Dr. Aldiss, I Presume… "The University of Liverpool has awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters to Brian Aldiss."

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SciFi Scanner: John Scalzi - Science Fiction Is Easy, Comedy Is Hard, Daily Scan: 07.03.08 - BBC Plans for a Hitchhiker's Guide Prequel; BSG Movie This Fall?, N Is for Neuromancer, SciFi Dept - Why Conquest of the Planet of the Apes Rules, & Plants in The Happening Waged War; Real Ones Run for the Hills

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SF Signal: Thoughts on Wall-E, Friday Video: Boba Fett Flashdance, TOC: Interzone #217, SF Tidbits for 7/4/08, Thursday YouTube: Inside the Actor's Studio: Hellboy, Tube Bits for 07/03/2008, SF Tidbits for 7/3/08, GIVEAWAY: The X-Files and Stargate: Atlantis DVDs, MIND MELD: Is There Gender Imbalance in Genre Fiction Publishing?, SF Tidbits for 7/2/08, Top 10 SF Signal Posts for June 2008, Tube Bits for 07/02/2008, & TOC: IROSF July 2008

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SFScope: ChiZine issue #37 now available, Moshe Feder forming sf/f/h cat discussion group, 2008 Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge finalists announced; voting period is now open, Dabel Brothers and Del Rey to graphically adapt Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, Review of MAD About Star Wars, Farrago's Wainscot #7 now available, Third issue of Oddlands Magazine now available, Night Shade publishes Walter Jon Williams's Implied Spaces, and gives away treats, SFWA launches Nebula Awards web site, & Mark Chadbourn sells two trilogies to Pyr

*****
StarShipSofa: Aural Delights No 31 Mary Rosenblum mp3

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The Website at the End of the Universe: The Shat sings Common People, Hancock blows, In defence of science fiction against literature, & Will Wall-E make us greener?


Selected Blog Updates:
Donna Barr has some "Fun With Lulu", Michael G. Munz made his "deadline...", Nicola Griffith writes "why I love science fiction", Rosemary Jones is "Speaking at July 14 Editor’s Guild Meeting", and Yasmine Galenorn posts about our weather in "2500 Lightning Strikes in 24 Hours... "

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bevhale - "Space, space, space"

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Bret Jordan - "ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE"

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Burrard Inlet Fan Fellowship - BIFFnews - BIFFylon 5

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Chuck Palahniuk - "Chuck Palahniuk’s July Essay, 'Names Versus Pronouns'"

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Cynthia Leitich Smith - "Awesome Austin Writers Workshop Report Round-up", "YA Author Interview: Louise Hawes on Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand", & "Author Interview: David Gifaldi on Listening for Crickets"

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Dark Horse Comics - "Travel down the California coast with artist R. Black!", "Hellboy Heats Up Events With Retailers!", "Dark Horse at Anime Expo 2008", "Hellboy Day Is Here!", & "New Items Shipping from Dark Horse -- 7/02"

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David Louis Edelman - "Locus and Fantasy Book Critic Raves for 'MultiReal'", & "On John Scalzi’s Blog: The Big Idea "

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Di Francis - "page proofs"

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Donna Barr: All Things Barr - Fun With Lulu

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Fantagraphics Books - "Now in stock: The Comics Journal No. 291 & Usagi Yojimbo Book 5 (New Printing)!"

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Farrago's Wainscot - "Farrago’s Wainscot, Part 7, 'Echoes' --now live"

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HARPER PERENNIAL - "Motley Crue "

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Horror Library Blog-O-Rama - "Join Me In Hell? - by Fran Friel", & "A Brief Public Service Announcement by Erik Smetana"

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Horror! Fullmoondirect.com ROAD SHOW Seattle, WA - "DUDES!!! NEW VIDCAST IS UP!!! 4TH OF JULY SALE!"

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J Erwine - "Some Wedding stuff"

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JAMES AND DADDY - "Mini Update 4th July 2008"

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Jeff Carlson - "Now introducing... My brand new web site!", & "What I Did This Summer"

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Jodi Lee - "Anyone wanna be in a rock video?"

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Karina L. Fabian - "Busy week"

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Louise Bohmer - Lachesis Publishing - "Lachesis: Andrew Tisbert Book Signing", & "Lachesis / LBF Books Current FW Top Ten"

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Michael G. Munz - "I made my deadline..."

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Morpheus Tales - "Morpheus Tales - Preview now available!"

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Nicola Griffith - "why I love science fiction"

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Pacfic Science Center - Mix Some Danger With Your Summer Science, Clearing The Air Over Famous Fossil, Grand Opening Set For Environmental Ed. Center, Science + Fireworks = Family Fun!, & Calendar Of Science

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Robert J Sawyer's Blog - "Fascinating economics puzzle", & "Happy keynote customers"

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Rosemary Jones - "Speaking at July 14 Editor’s Guild Meeting"

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Sherrilyn Kenyon - "July Newsletter"

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Shroud Magazine - "ABOMINATIONS a success! and available now!", "Context 21 Shroud Suite Party Special Guest List...", & "Hiram Grange and the Web"

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Susan Kearney - "Dancin With Fire"

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Tor Books - "Cory Doctorow: a Little Brother reading (3rd in a series)"

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Writer's Digest - "The WD Interview: Diablo Cody"

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Yasmine Galenorn - "2500 Lightning Strikes in 24 Hours... ", "Had a scare with Luna...", "Contest Winners From My Dragon Wytch Countdown", & "Interview with me on the Witchy Chicks"

Very Sad News: Roberta "Bert" Carlson - Fandom has lost a good friend:

On Tuesday, July 2nd, Roberta Carlson was killed in a car accident while on her way to Westercon 61 in Las Vegas, NV. Three other NW fen were also with Roberta at the time of the accident. Bill Boyde (the new NWSFS Treasurer), and Nez were shaken up a bit, but are fortunately OK. Nick Navota who was also in the car suffered injuries to his hands that resulted in the loss of three fingers on his right hand and the reattachment of a finger and thumb on the left hand.

This accident has hit local fandom very hard. From what I have read in lists and on blogs, Roberta, and Nick, along with Bill and Nez are in the thoughts of many a fen. Our hearts go out to Roberta's family and friends, and our hope is for Nick to recover as best he can given the nature of his injuries. I know that local fen will come together to do whatever they can to help Roberta's family with their loss, and Nick with his recovery. We also feel for Bill and Nez, and we look forward to their safe return home.

I only met Roberta a couple of times, but she stuck me as a very kind and giving person. Many other fen who knew "Bert" have posted on the Norwescon Blog, and Katrina has written more about her and the accident in the "Fandom News & World Report - 7/3" listed below. KOMO News also posted about the accident here.

Please feel free to post your comments here, on the NWSFS MySpace, NWSFS LJ, or Norwescon Blogs. ~ Jim

News Nibbles: July 04, 2008

Well, News Nibbles in going through yet another overhaul! I've decided to go back to the original semi-regular listing of interesting things, thoughts and tid-bits that might be of interest to you. I'll also use the Nibble section to list link that for what ever reason MySpace has seen fit to disable such as the first listing below:

*****
Spokane Comicon has a new website: http://www.freewebs.com/spokanecomicon/ Swing by take a look and let them know what you think.

(Just a footnote here. I would have posted this link on MySpace except that MySpace is now disabling all links to Freewebs, Googlepages, and GeoCities. That is something to think about if you are setting up a free web site. Personally I think it's a little draconian, but that's just my opinion.)

*****
I received the following email from the SEIT@HOME Team:

From SETI@HOME: Save the Arecibo Telescope: Write to Congress

Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest radio telescope and the source for the SETI@home data that your computer analyzes, faces massive budget cuts that will END its ability to continue the search for life beyond Earth. The decision to ensure full funding currently rests upon votes in Congress on Senate Bill S. 2862 and House Resolution H.R. 3737. These bills desperately need more support.

Please take a moment to help us SAVE ARECIBO.

Clicking the link below will direct you to a web page that allows you print out letters prepared for your Senators and Congressional Representative urging them to support Arecibo. Printing and mailing the letters is really easy, too! You will also have the chance to add a few personal thoughts, if you wish, to let your Senators and Representative know why this funding is important to you! And if you're really feeling passionate about saving Arecibo, please use these letters as the basis for letters you write yourself, urging your congressmen and women to vote to save Arecibo.

Because our representatives in Congress rarely give much attention to all the email they receive, printing out and MAILING these letters via standard U.S. Postal mail remains our best option for contacting them and our best hope for saving Arecibo (The second best option is to call your representatives). Your 42 cent stamps on these letters could help us get the millions of dollars needed to save Arecibo.

Our search cannot continue without the necessary support. Your work, as SETI@home participants, represents an indispensable resource for conducting the search. Now, we need your help to ensure that our other most valuable resource - our eyes and ears to the cosmos - can continue to probe the universe as we seek to answer the question: Is there anybody out there?

http://setiathome.berkeley.edu/arecibo_letter.php

Thank you for your help - The SETI@home Team

*****
35,310 Lego Star Wars Clone Trooper Army Invades Earth - This is just so cool looking!

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Resturant Review - Emmets Oyster Bar:
Depending on your point of view oysters may or may not be science fiction related, but Bobbie DuFault's review of Emmets Oyster Bar is worth a nibble! (Sorry I just couldn't help myself :)

News and Blog Updates: July 01, 2008

Spcial Announcement (repost):
The NWSFS magazine WESTWIND is coming out of hiatus and our new editor is seeking submissions for fiction to be presented in the magazine. While there are still a lot of details to be worked out, if you are interested in contributing a work of science fiction, fantasy, or horror fiction, please send an email to: westwind.editor AT gmail DOT com

I am still seeking assistants to help with this blog. If you are interested in reporting about fannish events or news for the Pacfic NW, please contact me at nwsfsnews AT gmail DOT com ~ Jim


News Headlines:
*****
GUD Magazine - Special offer for NWSFS News Blog readers!
For the entire month of July, GUD Magazine ( http://www.gudmagazine.com/ ) will be offering 50% off for the PDF versions of Issues 0 and 1 for readers of the NWSFS Blogs. Go to: http://www.gudmagazine.com/subs/subscribe-nwsfs.php

*****
Phoebe Matthews - A note from Mudflat (and a free postcard)
Tarbaby Trouble, by Phoebe Matthews, first of the Mudflat series, is available through Bookstrand.com on July 2. Fantasy readers, check Phoebe's website at http://phoebematthews.com to read the first 2 chapters, plus blurbs and reviews. If you would like a free postcard from Mudflat, check the Mudflat page!


News Worth Reposting:
*****
Are We Alone - Next show available June 30, 2008: Encore Presentation "Sigh. It's Science"
Is the public interested in science? The signs aren't encouraging. The Hubble Telescope teeters on the edge of breakdown, and the public's response is lukewarm. Science coverage in the media continues to shrink like cheap cotton... and science superstars on TV or in the movies are as rare as lanthanum.
As we consider why today's folk give science the big yawn, we'll talk to people whose job it is to bring lab findings to the public. Also, a new study traces to childhood our psychological aversion to science. Plus, Seth re-lives his childhood at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Guests:

• Natalie Angier - New York Times reporter and author of The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science
• Charlie Petit - veteran science reporter and Head Tracker of the Knight Science Journalism Tracker
• Paul Bloom - Psychologist at Yale University
• Paul Doherty - Senior Scientist at the Exploratorium in San Francisco

You can listen to this and other episodes at: http://radio.seti.org/ and be sure to check the Are We Alone Profile and Blog on MySpace.

*****
Marci Baun - Book Release Announcement
Released Tuesday: Weirdly: A Collection of Strange Tales, vol 2 - www.wildchildpublishing.com/

*****
Paul Roberts - Book Release Announcement
"THE BETRAYER is the first in a series of three entitled PROPHECY OF THE DRAGON. The story follows the exploits of a dragon' apprentice who tries to save his homeland from an army of reptilianites, whilst aiding the diminishing race of dragons. A must for all fantasy fans. For sample chapters and a chance to win a signed copy please visit: http://www.epicbpublishing.co.uk/"


Headlines From SF News Sites:
Several sites including io9, and SF Signal have news on the passing of Don Davis - Stargate's General Hammond, there's also news of the July Issue of Clarkesworld Magazine, and Locus.

*****
Apex Book Company: To Know How to See, Mama’s Boy and Other Dark Tales now available in digital format, & Short Fiction: To Know How to See,

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Clarkesworld Magazine and Wyrm Publishing: July Issue of Clarkesworld Magazine

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io9: Stargate Atlantis Season 5: New Aliens And Cameos [Stargate Atlantis], Tex Avery Introduces “The House of Tomorrow” in 1949 [Retro Futurism], Don Davis, Stargate's Beloved General, RIP [Don Davis], "Humanity's End" -- Best B-Movie of Next Year [Humanity's End], The Forbidden Love of Clones in New Alastair Reynolds Novel [Books], World's Greatest Astronomical Detective Strikes Again! [Astroforensics], Two Musicals For The Price Of One With New Whedon Movie [Dr Horrible's Sing-along Blog], Whatever Happened To Rocky Jones, Space Ranger? [Found Footage], What to Expect on the Fringe [Fringe], Tuguska Explosion: 100 Years Later, Still Unsolved [Tunguska Nostalgia], Streamlined Cars Blaze at 120 mph in 1930s Future City [Retro Futurism],
White House Briefs Us On Vampire Situation [True Blood], & AMC Brings Prisoner Back To The Village [The Prisoner]

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Locus Online: Locus Magazine: July Issue

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RevolutionSF: Star Trek Experience Closing For The Good of the One (News), & Comics Screed : Michael Turner, Secret Invasion, Power Girl, Shazam (News)

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Science Fiction Awards Watch: Nebula Awards Site Goes Live, Origins Awards, Nebula Web Site Nears Completion, & Deadlines Loom

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SciFi Scanner: Daily Scan: 07.02.08 - Should Robin Show Up in Future Batman Movies; Who Should Play del Toro's Frankenstein?, Site of the Week - TheOneRing.net,
Will Hancock Join the Ranks of Superhero Comedy Greats?, Daily Scan: 07.01.08 - Helena Bonham Carter Joins Terminator Salvation; Expect the Riddler in the Third Batman Film, Q&A: An Interview with Apocalypse How's Rob Kutner, Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen to Star in AMC Reinterpretation of Cult Classic The Prisoner, SciFi Power Ranking - June 30, 2008, & Daily Scan: 06.30.08 - Rose McGowan to Play Red Sonja; Cloverfield Sequel on Hold

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SF Novelists: The Novel is Done, Long Live the Novel

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SF Signal: [UPDATED] RIP: Don S. Davis, Win 100 Sci-Fi and Horror DVDs, At The Trailer Park: Dark Knight, Clone Wars and Ponyo on the Cliff, SF Tidbits for 7/1/08, ApolloCon 2008 Trip Report, Monday YouTube: Metropolis (Giorgio Moroder Version), Tube Bits for 06/30/2008, & SF Tidbits for 6/30/08

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SF Site: In a Time of Treason by David Keck, House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds, Roman Dusk and Borne In Blood by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, The Host by Stephanie Meyer, Off On A Tangent: Short Fiction Reviews -- a column by Dave Truesdale, The Fade by Chris Wooding, Omega Sol by Scott Mackay, The Oblivion Society by Marcus Alexander Hart, Nexus Graphica: a column by Rick Klaw and Mark London Williams, New Arrivals compiled by Neil Walsh, The Resurrectionist by Jack O'Connell, The Incredible Hulk: a movie review by Rick Norwood, & Babylon 5.1: TV reviews by Rick Norwood

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SFScope: F&SF's October/November Issue, Eric Nylund sells second of five fantasy novels to Tor, David Louis Edelman giving away his entire oeuvre, Helix SF's Summer 2008 issue now available, Byzarium looking for flash fiction-inspiring art, Lao Tsu's Tao Te Ching available in Klingon, University of Kansas Libraries to sell large science fiction collection, Fan historian Jack Speer dies, Eleven Fans Donate Babylon 5 Mask to Museum of the Moving Image, Subterranean Online completes Spring 2008 issue, & Fifth Fictitious Force Now Available,


Selected Blog Updates:
Dark Horse Comics posted "Serenity: Better Days Big Haul Giveaway", Donna Barr writes about the "Stinz Novel", from Fantagraphics Books comes this blog "Save 25% on ""Hidden Gems"" from our backlist in July!", Heather S. Ingemar's "Prophet’s Choice" becomes a bestseller!, Jeremy C. Shipp has a new blurb for SHEEP AND WOLVES, Lois McMaster Bujold posted "Winterfair Gifts due soon at Blackstone", SF Reviews.Net has their "7th Anniversary!", Steve Anderson Design announces the "Can’t Stop the Serenity Charity Poster", Tor Books blogged "Great Summer Reads -- Recommend them here!", & "Releasing 7/1 from Tor Books", & Yasmine Galenorn has five new postings up!

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A. Lee Martinez - "The Evolution Post", & "Showtime!"

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Alex Bledsoe - "Death and Grazia"

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Cynthia Leitich Smith - "Awesome Austin Writers Workshop", "Interview: Kelly Herold and Anne Boles Levy on The Cybils", & "Jennifer O’Connell on Everything I Needed To Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume"

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Dark Horse Comics - "Serenity: Better Days Big Haul Giveaway"

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David Louis Edelman - "The Jump 225 Jumbo Mega-Bonanza Summer Giveaway"

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David Thorpe - "Hybrid Nation"

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Di Francis - "the novel is dead, long live the novel"

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Donna Barr: All Things Barr - Stinz Novel

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Erica Spindler - "We have a winner!"

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Fantagraphics Books - "Save 25% on ""Hidden Gems"" from our backlist in July!"

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Heather S. Ingemar - "Prophet’s Choice becomes a bestseller!"

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Horror Library Blog-O-Rama - "Writing and Scarcity - by Dan Naden"

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Iron Sky - "First episode of Iron Sky Signal - Meet Mariel!"

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J Erwine - "Any Dungeons & Dragons Fans Out There?"

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Jeff Carlson - "First review of PLAGUE WAR"

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Jeremy C. Shipp - New blurb for SHEEP AND WOLVES

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Lois McMaster Bujold - "Winterfair Gifts due soon at Blackstone"

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Louise Bohmer - Lachesis Publishing - "LBF / Lach News: Euro Reviews gives DWD 5 Stars, Author Feedback, New Ebooks at our FW store"

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Luna Books - "Excerpt From The Night Bird"

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Marianne De Pierres - "Gen Con Schedule", & "Supanova Perth roundup"

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Portland Steampunk Society - "Moulin Rouge teaser"

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Robert J Sawyer's Blog - "Rollback rolls along on the Locus bestsellers' list!", "Summer reading", "Worldcon program schedule" & "Audible and science fiction"

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SF Reviews.Net - "7th Anniversary!"

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Sherrilyn Kenyon - "08 Appearance Update"

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Spectra Pulse - "Guest Blogger: David J. Williams -- Post 1"

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Steve Anderson Design - "Can’t Stop the Serenity Charity Poster"

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Tor Books - "Great Summer Reads -- Recommend them here!", & "Releasing 7/1 from Tor Books"

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Tor Teen - "Ingram Library Services Interview with Shane Berryhill"

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Willie Meikle - "Shiny 5 star review"

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Yasmine Galenorn - 'Pet blog about Luna’s condition.", "Dragon Wytch is official today.", " *whispers: BTW....* ", "Jezebel interviews Camille", & "Sunday Evening Musings"