Program participants* * Wednesday * * Thursday * * Friday * * Saturday * * Sunday
Opening Ceremonies
The official kick-off to the 64th World Science Fiction Convention.
Christian B. McGuire, Craig Miller, Events
Why Do SF Fans Love the Legion of Super-heroes?
Even fans who read few or no other comics seem to find something in the Legion of Super Heroes to keep them buying and reading the comic, some of them for decades. Just what is there about the Legion?
Paul Cornell, Joe Bergeron, Priscilla Olson, Tom Galloway(M), Chris Weber, Comics
Great First Lines
There's nothing like them for hooking a reader. "Call me Ishmael." "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." "Lessa woke, cold." "His followers called him Mahasamatman and said he was a god." "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." "Once upon a time there was a Martian named Valentine Michael Smith." What are some of your favorites? And can you do anything special to force a great first line or do they just happen?
Vanessa Van Wagner, Mike Resnick(M), Hilari Bell, Valerie Estelle Frankel, Michael F. Flynn, Lit
What I Do When I Should Be Writing
Me, I read e-mail. What do you do? How do you get yourself back to writing?
Sarah Monette, Fiona Avery(M), David D. Levine, Phyllis Eisenstein, writpub
NEW MAPS OF HEAVEN
Recent times have seen an explosion of science fiction and fantasy tales centered in cosmologies and mythologies outside of the North American mainstream. Writers discuss what draws them to these other mythos and what lessons they offer.
Ellen Kushner, Robin Wayne Bailey, Fiona Patton, Vera Nazarian(M), lit
SCIENCE FICTION & THE FERRIS WHEEL
A slide show of fantasy and science fiction influences in historic fairground and amusement park attractions.
Theresa Mather
THE WORST FUTURE YOU CAN IMAGINE
We hope for the best. We work for it. But what if things don't work out right? What can go wrong? What will that future be like?
Tad Daley, John Barnes, Kurt Miller, Scott Essman, David F. McMahon, MD(M)
BUFFY THE MASTERS THESIS
Lately colleges and other academic venues have been seeing a proliferation of theses and monographs that examine popular TV shows and discuss how they fit in with certain philosophies. There are several courses which use popular entertainment as examples in philosophy class, political science class, sociology class, etc. Why has television suddenly become acceptable to the academic crowd? And is this a good thing? What sorts of findings are they having?
Nancy Holder(M), Jacqueline Lichtenberg, James P. Hogan, Lorien Gray
STAR TREK: YEAR 41 & COUNTING
Come hear about all the new Star Trek projects, from video games to traveling exhibits to the first ever Star Trek "manga" from the people involved with making them happen, Paula Block, John Van Citters, Terry Erdmann, and others. All questions welcome.
BLOGS & E-FANZINES
Fandom has had paper fanzines from the beginning. At one point, it seemed like almost every fan at least read these paper fanzines or wrote for them or published one (if only for APAs). But their prominence has been on the wane for many years. Now, blogs are exploding. And fanzines published on the web seem to be increasing. Are these fanzines different or just a different form? What effect will they have on Fandom as a whole?
Lisa Deutsch Harrigan, Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Christopher J. Garcia, Andrew T Trembley(M), James Bacon, fandom
MARS ON EARTH -- ADVENTURES OF SPACE PIONEERS IN THE UTAH DESERT
What do we do when we get to Mars? What will we eat? What will we do? How will we live? For five years now The Mars Society has been answering these questions with the Mars Analog Research Station projects in the Canadian Arctic, the Utah deserts, the Australian outback, and the geothermal fields of Iceland. Mars Society members give an in-depth look at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, the most advanced simulation study of how we plan to tackle the human exploration of the Red Planet.
Gerry Williams, scitech
RICK STERNBACH SLIDE SHOW
A slide presentation on the science fictional art of cover artist & production illustrator Rick Sternbach.
Rick Sternbach, art
CREATIVE INSULTS
SF and fantasy often uses insults from present culture instead of dreaming up new and inventive ways to cast scorn upon others. Our panel will discuss a variety of new insults for general use in space-faring societies and fantasy environments. Audience participation invited. Anyone who doesn't show up is a ground pounder full of space gas!
John G. Hemry, Pat Cadigan, writpub
REVIEWING SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY LITERATURE
Some of science fiction's top critics talk about what it's like to be a science fiction critic. What skills does it take? Is it different from reviewing other types of fiction?
Gary K. Wolfe, Charles N. Brown(M), David Hartwell, Lawrence Person, lit
OKAY, YOU'VE GOT THE MOON. WHAT'RE YOU GONNA DO WITH IT?
How do we make a lunar colony pay in the same way colonies on Earth traditionally paid for their creators? Is pure science the way to go? A launching pad for reaching the rest of the solar system? Industrial applications? A mix? If we can't make a permanent human presence on the Moon pay, will it ever be viable in the long-term?
Edwin L. Strickland III, Paul A. Abell(M), Ctein, G. David Nordley, scitech
SCIENCE FICTION POETRY ASSOC. GATHERING
MYTHS OF FANDOM
What are the common truisms in fandom? Aren't they all really myths? Let's list 'em and take a good hard look.
Moshe Feder(M), Milton F. Stevens, John-Henri Holmberg, Mary Kay Kare, fandom
A LOOK AT ED WOOD
Brett R. Thompson, the writer and director of The Haunted World Of Edward D. Wood, Jr. shows us his award-winning documentary and tells us even more about the mad "genius" of Plan 9 From Outer Space and other classics. media
AUTOGRAPHING: D.C. FONTANA
D.C. Fontana
AUTOGRAPHING: STEVEN BARNES
Steven Barnes
AUTOGRAPHING: JOHN MADDOX ROBERTS
John Maddox Roberts
AUTOGRAPHING: KEVIN ANDREW MURPHY
Kevin Andrew Murphy
AUTOGRAPHING: LARRY NIVEN
Larry Niven
AUTOGRAPHING: MICHAEL REAVES
Michael Reaves
READING: MAYA KAATHRYN BOHNHOFF
Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff
KAFFEKLATSCH: SEAN WILLIAMS
Sean Williams
KAFFEKLATSCH: KAREN ANDERSON
Karen Anderson
READING: SEAN MCMULLEN
Sean McMullen
READING: LEE MARTINDALE
Lee Martindale
READING: HARRY TURTLEDOVE
Harry Turtledove
ALTERNATE SCIENCE FICTION
We're all familiar with alternate histories. How about science fiction alternate histories? How might the field have been different if Stanley Weinbaum had lived, or if John Campbell had decided he'd rather write than edit, or if Robert E. Howard hadn't committed suicide? What if Harry Turtledove never wrote an alternate history?
Bradford Lyau(M), Anthony R. Lewis, James Frenkel, Harry Turtledove, John DeChancie
THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM
How we get the news is changing before our eyes. Newspaper circulation is down dramatically. Online blogs and podcasts have put reportage in the hands of average citizens -- for both good and ill. Advances in camera and satellite technology make it simple for reporters to bring the public stories from the most far-flung parts of the planet. What will the future bring? And how will we know what to believe?
William Shunn(M), M. Christine Valada, Esq., Tom Galloway, Paul Fischer, scitech
STAR TREK FANDOM TODAY
The world of Star Trek Fandom is different today than it was in the '60s and '70s. What's out there? What don't I know about? How can I get more involved?
Marah Searle-Kovacevic(M), Lee Whiteside, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, fandom
IF ONLY IT WERE REAL...
What science fiction concept, other than space travel, would you most like to see realized? Flying cars? Matter replicators? Time travel? Why?
Lisa Deutsch Harrigan, Fiona Patton, Bridget Landry(M), Mike Willmoth, Steven Lopata
MARS EXPLORATION ROVERS -- YEAR 2
NASA's two Mars Exploration Rovers have been traveling the red planet for over two years now. Each Rover has inspected over four miles of red sand and rock, craters and dunes, looking for evidence of water. Mars Society members will give you a tour of Mars by way of the twin Rovers' points-of-view.
Gerry Williams, scitech
SPACE PATROL, GERMAN STYLE
Robert Vogel gives a presentation on Raumpatrouille Orion, a cult-favorite German science fiction show of the 1960s. Despite being only seven episodes, it holds the same cult status in Germany as Dr. Who and Star Trek do here. Come see what all the shouting's about.
Robert Vogel media
FANTASY DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ABOUT KINGS AND WIZARDS
Well, does it? It seems like 100% of fantasy is set in medieval worlds with wizards and dragons and witches and elves and things. What other kinds of fantasy is there?
Sean Williams, Darrell Schweitzer(M), Mary Kay Kare, Alma Alexander, lit
NUCLEAR WEAPON STRATEGIES
. Historical elements, Mutual Assured Destruction, strategic counterforce, and "bunker busters." What are the near-future scenarios for the next 5, 25, and 100 years? What are their probabilities? And what's the role of SF literature and cinema in steering popular culture toward and away from nuclear scenarios will be studied.
Mike Shepherd Moscoe, Richard Foss(M), David F. McMahon, MD, scitech
LITERACY & SCIENCE FICTION
There was a lot of fuss made about the sales of the Harry Potter books and what it said for children's literacy and reading. Did it encourage kids to read? Will it have any long term positive effects? What can we do to encourage reading?
Louise Marley, Laura Frankos(M), Bjo Trimble, Larry Niven, Catherine S. McMullen
MIX & MATCH WRITING CHALLENGE
Authors are presented with a character description for a well-known character, the setting of a (different) famous work, and a brief plot description of still another work. Without knowing their sources, they create and tell a story on the fly. After the sources are revealed, the audience votes on who did best. (Think Frodo in a tale set in 1920s New York about a young wizard-in-training who must compete in a great competition of wizards, only to be captured by his arch-nemesis... )
Peter S. Beagle, David D. Levine(M), John Barnes, Craig Miller, Valerie Estelle Frankel, K. A. Bedford, writpub
FUTURE TRENDS IN SCIENCE FICTION
Not long ago, we were awash in Splatterpunks, Cyberpunks, and even Steampunks. What happened to those SF literary movements? What's the next trend?
James Patrick Kelly(M), John-Henri Holmberg, Mark von Schlegell, Gary K. Wolfe, Lou Anders, lit
WHY DOESN'T SF SEEM TO LAST ON TV?
Fantasy shows like Medium and Ghost Whisperer are big hits. Why didn't Surface, Threshold, or Invasion do as well? Is there a mainstream audience for television science fiction?
Bill Warren, Kevin Andrew Murphy, Nicki Lynch(M), Len Wein media
MY LIFE IN A TIME MACHINE
Forrest J Ackerman talks about his participation in the early history of science fiction Fandom, literature, and films.
Forrest J Ackerman
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN CAREER
How to manage your life as a writer.
Robert J. Sawyer(M), Nancy Holder, John Scalzi, Robin Wayne Bailey, Buzz Dixon, writpub
PRESERVING YOUR COLLECTION
How to preserve and conserve your books, magazines, fanzines, comics, posters, artwork, etc.
Robert B Hole, Jr., Sheryl Jean Davis, Fred Lerner(M), Joe Siclari, Christopher J. Garcia, fandom
AUTOGRAPHING: HARRY HARRISON
Harry Harrison
AUTOGRAPHING: THERESA MATHER
Theresa Mather
AUTOGRAPHING: MARGARET WANDER BONANNO
Margaret Wander Bonanno
AUTOGRAPHING: ROBERT SILVERBERG
Robert Silverberg
AUTOGRAPHING: JOHN PICACIO
John Picacio
READING: SIMON R GREEN
Simon R Green
KAFFEKLATSCH: LEE MARTINDALE
Lee Martindale
KAFFEKLATSCH: STEPHEN ELEY
Stephen Eley
KAFFEKLATSCH: JONATHAN F KOTAS
Jonathan F Kotas
101 ESSENTIAL FILK SONGS
What filksongs should every filker know? Learn the history and tradition behind the "classics".
Erwin S. Filthy Pierre Strauss filking
SHOTOKAN KARATE WORKSHOP
Fans interested in the traditional martial art of Shotokan Karate are invited to come participate in this workshop that teaches the articulation of motion and physical principles behind simple blocks, punches, and kicks. The physical demands are very low, at the level of low-impact aerobics, and the safety of the participants will be ensured by no sparring or physical contact. Participants are asked to come in loose-fitting clothes.
Keith G. Kato, Kenn S. Bates misc/sigs
READING: WIL MCCARTHY
Wil McCarthy
READING: PAUL CORNELL
Paul Cornell
CASTING CALL: HMS TREK-A-STAR
filking
HEALTH AND TODAY'S FANDOM
Because fans have such active inner, mental lives we sometimes neglect the physical bodies which encapsulate them. There's a joke where someone sees a group of fans in a hotel and asks if it's a convention for fat people. That's not so funny but why are fans so out of shape? What are the psychological issues and how can we talk about things like the future or immortality, if we might not even make it to our next birthday? What can we do to take control over our health issues?
Vanessa Van Wagner, Perrianne Lurie, Andrew I. Porter(M), Grant Kruger, Chris Weber, fandom
READING: JOE W. HALDEMAN
Joe W. Haldeman
SF SPELLING BEE
Sure, spelling antidisestablishmentarianism is easy. And those incredibly long latin agglutinative scientific terms are a snap. Now spell "tanstaafl". How about "kzinti"? Try your hand in our science fiction and fantasy spelling bee (or just come watch).
Chris M. Barkley performances
AUTOGRAPHING: SCOTT ESSMAN
Scott Essman
AUTOGRAPHING: RICK STERNBACH
Rick Sternbach
AUTOGRAPHING: PAUL CORNELL
Paul Cornell
AUTOGRAPHING: TODD MCCAFFREY
Todd McCaffrey
AUTOGRAPHING: MICHAEL F. FLYNN
Michael F. Flynn
KAFFEKLATSCH: JAMES P. HOGAN
James P. Hogan
KAFFEKLATSCH: SCOTT EDELMAN
Scott Edelman
KAFFEKLATSCH: PAT CADIGAN
Pat Cadigan
READING: SARAH MONETTE
Sarah Monette
READING: FIONA AVERY
Fiona Avery
READING: MIKE RESNICK
Mike Resnick
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS, AND PUBLIC DOMAIN
The current legal opinions on who owns what and how, relating to books, art, films, television, and the internet.
John R. Douglas, Stephen Eley, M. Christine Valada, Esq., writpub
JAMES T. KIRK: THREAT OR MENACE
Was a larger-than-life scenery-chewing damn-the-Prime-Directive-full-speed-ahead heroic starship commander the one primary thing responsible for the enduring success of classic Star Trek? Is the absence of such a character why the following Star Trek series all lacked the same punch? Or should there have been more discretion, more consideration before acting? Is Jean Luc Picard the model to follow?
Richard Arnold(M), D.C. Fontana, Lance Sibley, Bridget Landry, Chris M. Barkley media
DO WE NEED A NEW DEFINITION OF LITERACY?
In the next ten years, what will the word "literacy" mean? Can you truly be literate in tomorrow's society if you can't use a computer? Are computer icons replacing the need to read? What's the future of libraries and bookstores.
Fred Lerner(M), Richard Foss, Melissa Conway, PhD, Justin Lloyd, Michael Ward
THE DAY JOB
Many SF writers and SF fans are scientists in real life. How do they combine the two? What is doing science for a living really like? Are we all really mad scientists who want to rule the world?
Sam Scheiner, Paul A. Abell, John Scalzi, Wil McCarthy, Steven Lopata(M), scitech
IRON POET POETRY CHALLENGE
It's Iron Chef for sonneteers and other poets. Come to this Bouts-Rimés event and write a poem with the day's mystery ingredients, share your work, maybe even win prizes.
Vanessa Van Wagner, Kevin Andrew Murphy, Joe W. Haldeman, lit
CONVENTIONS: BUTCHERING THE SACRED COWS
Are Masquerades, Art Shows, Dealers Rooms, etc. really worth their cost in money and manpower? Or are they just so habitual that cons never think about getting rid of them? What would happen if a con did get rid of them? What would we replace them with?
Pierre E. Pettinger(M), Mark L. Olson, Kevin Standlee, James Bacon, John Pomeranz, fandom
MANGA MANIA
Manga is more than just Japanese comic books. How do they differ from what we have in the United States and in Europe? How is it that they cover so many more different topics and are read by so many different types of people?
Tom Schaad, Buzz Dixon, Fred Patten(M) comics
THEATER, FANTASY, AND SCIENCE FICTION
A discussion of fantasy and science fiction plays, today and through history.
Laura Frankos, Keith G. Kato(M), William Shunn, Lise Eisenberg media
CHARACTER VS. PLOT
Some readers (and writers) seem to be all about the characters. Others are only interested in the details of the plot. Can you write for both audiences? Should you?
Ellen Kushner(M), Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen, Margaret Wander Bonanno, Connie Willis, writpub
CLASSICS REMEMBERED: TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
Jules Verne's novel begat two motion pictures, a Classics Illustrated comic book, and the world's first atomic-powered submarine: not bad for inspiration. Who's the hero? Professor Aronax? Captain Nemo? Ned? Conseil? Why?
Alex Eisenstein, Mark von Schlegell, Karen Anderson, Evelyn C. Leeper(M), G. David Nordley, lit
THE BRAIN'S PROCESS
How does our brain work? Is it like a computer or do things get processed in entirely different ways? How do the connections work? Why does one thought lead to another, sometimes seemingly unrelated idea (unrelated in the eyes of someone not thinking our thoughts, that is)?
Eric M. Van, scitech
EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT QUANTUM PHYSICS I LEARNED FROM THE THREE STOOGES
Author John G. Hemry gives an introduction to Quantum Physics, with help from The Three Stooges.
John G. Hemry
THE WONDERS OF THE ACKERMANSION
Long time fan, writer, editor, agent, and collector Forrest J Ackerman gives a slide show of his fabled collection.
Forrest J Ackerman, fandom
FANTASY -- HOW CAN IT BE GOOD?
To a lot of hard SF readers, fantasy stories are those where the authors don't have to be consistent -- it works because it's magic. But good fantasy is consistent, within each world's own rules. What are the rules and the restrictions for writing a "good" fantasy.
Darrell Schweitzer(M), ElizaBeth Gilligan, Alma Alexander, Vera Nazarian, lit
ISN'T Y.A. A GOOD THING?
Young Adult writers report that it's hard to get respect from some of their peers, even though Y.A. is the doorway for many young adults into other SF and fantasy novels. Given the authors who've produced Y.A. (like Heinlein and Andre Norton) and the quality of much Y.A. produced, why doesn't it get more respect?
Sherwood Smith(M), Hilari Bell, James Frenkel, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Catherine S. McMullen, writpub
SOMEDAY MY PRINTS WILL COME
Following the long, sometimes tortuous trail from artist's original to print, be that limited edition, lithograph, serigraph, photo, or offset print. How are they made? What are the differences? Should the buyer really care?
Robert B Hole, Jr.(M), Margaret Organ-Kean, Ctein, art
THEME CIRCLE: FOUND FILK
Filksongs found in mundane places.
Steve Savitzky, Mitchell Burnside-Clapp filking
HYPOGLYCEMICS UNITED
Hypoglycemics United To Foster Awareness is holding an auction of science fiction and other collectibles to help fund their efforts to educate persons about blood sugar imbalances of all types.
DEGLER'S WORLDCON
Alternate History seems pretty popular. How about some Alternate Fan History, for better or worse?
Moshe Feder, Bridget Bradshaw, Milton F. Stevens, Mike Glyer(M), fandom
IN CONCERT: KAREN ANDERSON
Karen Anderson filking
BROAD UNIVERSE: RAPID FIRE READINGS
Members of Broad Universe, the organization dedicated to supporting women genre writers, give short (five to ten minute) readings of their works in rapid fire succession.
, writpub
BABEL CONFERENCE AMBASSADORIAL RECEPTION
Come join us for a reception welcoming everyone to this year's Worldcon and our Star Trek 40th Anniversary Celebration. Star Trek costumes invited.
John Trimble, Bjo Trimble
IN CONCERT: LESLIE FISH
Leslie Fish filking
THEME CIRCLE: THE SONGS OF JULIA ECKLAR
Joey Shoji filking
WSFS MARK PROTECTION COMMITTEE MEETING
The WSFS Mark Protection Committee manages the registered service marks on "Worldcon," "Hugo Award," etc. This is the first of two meetings held at Worldcon. Meetings of the MPC are open to all members.
Kevin Standlee, fandom
THEME CIRCLE: BAWDY SONGS
For adults only!
Blind Lemming Chiffon, Leslie Fish filking
MIDNIGHT TALES OF HORROR
Come listen to this panel tell tales 'guaranteed' to curdle your blood.
Kevin Andrew Murphy, P C. Hodgell, Jay Lake(M), lit
TAI CHI
Steven Barnes misc/sigs
BAD ASTRONOMY
A talk by Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer on, well, bad astronomy and popular misconceptions.
Phil Plait, scitech
WSFS PRELIMINARY BUSINESS MEETING
Every member of L.A.con IV is a member of WSFS, the World Science Fiction Society, and is eligible to attend and vote at the Society's Business Meetings. It's here that the Constitution and Rules that govern the Worldcons are discussed and voted upon. The agenda for the main meeting will be set at today's meeting. Exercise your rights as a member of the Society by attending and voting.
Kevin Standlee, fandom
INTERSTELLAR TRAVEL AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
G. David Nordley reviews a number of areas in which advanced biotechnology could aid interstellar flight, such as "cold sleep," recycling, and radiation tolerance.
G. David Nordley
DOES SCIENCE HAVE A FUTURE?
With science budgets declining, does non-applied research have a future? What does this mean for researchers? For research? What will a world without basic research be like?
Sam Scheiner, Jonathan F Kotas, Loretta McKibben, Michael S. Brotherton, Elizabeth Klein-Lebbink(M), scitech
WHAT'S NEXT FROM THE SCI FI CHANNEL
A look at what to look forward to from Sci Fi in the coming year.
Craig Engler media
THE "LOOK" OF STAR TREK
Rick Sternbach, long time Senior Illustrator and Technical Consultant for most all versions of Star Trek from the first film on, presents a slide show of his artwork for Star Trek.
Rick Sternbach, art
OVERRATED FILMS & OVERLOOKED MOVIES
There are some films with a bad reputation but which are really quite good. There are some films with a good rep which are just dogmeat. A few highly opinionated film fans will discuss these overrated films and overlooked movies with the aide of the audience.
Adam-Troy Castro, MaryAnn Johanson, Frank Wu, Mark R. Leeper(M), Dr. John L. Flynn media
CREATING BELIEVABLE ALIENS
There's little that's more annoying then to be reading a good SF story and to come across an alien that's either `just a guy in a suit' or too far from what evolution and the laws of physics would allow to be believed. So what does it take to create a believable alien?
Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen, Robert Silverberg, Margaret Wander Bonanno, Kay Kenyon, Todd McCaffrey(M), writpub
THE SHORT FICTION OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN
We all know The Lord of the Rings but what about his short fiction?
Lisa Goldstein, Diana Glyer, David Bratman(M), Lorien Gray, lit
NO, REALLY, THAT MAKES SENSE
Our distinguished panel of experts explains why certain widely-seen SF and fantasy elements that seem absurd actually have legitimate explanations. Come hear why it makes sense for barbarian sword babes to wear chain-mail bikinis, why computers on starships never crash or lock up with indecipherable error messages, and why male scientists in SF are always really good looking guys who are irresistible to brilliant, beautiful women.
Robert J. Sawyer, Amy Thomson, Bridget Bradshaw, Dr. Isaac Szpindel(M), Tom Galloway, scitech
EXPLORING ANALOGUE MARS
A Pisces One Expedition Report on the adventures, misadventures, and scientific research under taken by the joint Brazilian, Swedish, Canadian and American "Pisces Expedition" last winter at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.
Hugh S. Gregory
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF GAMING
How to make your gaming experiences fun and enjoyable for yourself and the other players. Panelists also discuss their favorite games and any new games you should know about.
Justin Lloyd, Kurt Miller, Chris Weber(M) gaming
CROSSING GENRES
Some writers work in more than one genre. SF. Horror. Mystery. Romance. Westerns. Whatever. Does working in one area influence the way you write in another? Also, some books are in more than one genre. Does that ever work?
John Maddox Roberts, Nancy Holder, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Alma Alexander(M), lit
THE TAROT & WRITING
Everyone knows the hero/heroines journey, the basis for nearly everything written in fantasy fiction. But what about other archetypes? The Tarot has 22 in all. How do these other archetypes reflect in fiction? Forget the hero/heroine, let's talk about death, the empress, the hanged one, the universe, the priestess, the fool...
Steve Englehart(M), Kevin Andrew Murphy, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, ElizaBeth Gilligan, writpub
ALTERNATE HISTORIES IN REALITY
Science fiction is filled with "alternate histories". But so are history books. "History is written by the victors," wrote Machiavelli. Time does its part for re-writing history, too. Alternate histories abound. Think American Indians were noblemen of the plains who all lived in harmony with the land? Guess again. Then there's Disney's version of Pocahontas. And don't forget Shakespeare's rewriting of Richard III.
Sean McMullen, Takayuki Tatsumi, John G. Hemry(M), Karen Anderson, Harry Turtledove, Brad Linaweaver
DEVELOPING YOUR PROPERTY FOR THE MEDIA
Okay, you've written a novel, created a comic book, or done a series of dynamite drawings. How can you get your "intellectual property" from where its at to the tv and movie screen?
Diane Duane, M. Christine Valada, Esq.(M), Dave Smeds, Doselle Young media
21ST CENTURY SNAKE OIL
"It must be true, I saw it on the Internet." How has pseudo-science infected popular culture lately? How does this kind of charlatanism interfere with progress and rational discourse? Are there things we can do to counter the untruths that are spread around?
James Hay, Paul A. Abell, Courtney Willis, Jordin Kare
THE GOLDEN AGE OF SCIENCE FICTION IS 12
A classic saying within the world of science fiction. Is it true? Is that the age when you'll really develop a sense of wonder? Is it a good thing or bad? And what does it say for science fiction in general?
Sherwood Smith(M), Mel Gilden, Jean Lorrah, Ph.D., James Frenkel, Gary K. Wolfe, lit
INVENTIONS SOMEONE NEEDS TO INVENT
Wouldn't it be nice if we had a...? What would happen if our technological dreams came true? If we had transporters or free, unlimited energy? And how would things change if we had them?
Cynthia Felice, Robin Wayne Bailey, Fiona Patton(M), Simon R Green
THE SF GENERATION GAP
Have we reached a point where SF fans no longer share a common literary background? Until recently, there was a certain body of work that almost every SF fan was familiar. Heinlein, Herbert, Bradbury, Bester, to name a few of the giants. But many SF fans today haven't even heard of them. Instead, they're choosing Mercedes Lackey and David Eddings or Greg Bear and David Brin. We used to share a common body of literature and that sharing drew us together. Is that no longer true? Does this lack of commonality matter?
Bradford Lyau, John Barnes, Randy Smith, Mark von Schlegell, George R.R. Martin(M), fandom
AUTOGRAPHING: CECILIA TAN
Cecilia Tan
AUTOGRAPHING: DON SAKERS
Don Sakers
AUTOGRAPHING: LEE MARTINDALE
Lee Martindale
AUTOGRAPHING: SHEILA FINCH
Sheila Finch
AUTOGRAPHING: ALASTAIR REYNOLDS
Alastair Reynolds
READING: PAT CADIGAN
Pat Cadigan
KAFFEKLATSCH: P C. HODGELL
P C. Hodgell
KAFFEKLATSCH: GARTH NIX
Garth Nix
WORKSHOP: WRITING WITH YOUR GUITAR
Bill Roper filking
CHIERI COUNCIL FINAL MEETING
READING: VALERIE ESTELLE FRANKEL
Valerie Estelle Frankel
WINGS 101
The terrors and rewards of putting wings on your costume, plus handy tips on how to make wings, wear them, and survive the experience.
Rosemary Kimble(M), Bruce MacDermott, Zelda Gilbert, Joy Day costuming
WHAT'S NEW IN FANZINES?
Panelists survey and review some of the best recent efforts.
Vanessa Van Wagner, Milton F. Stevens(M), Jerry Kaufman, Christopher J. Garcia, fandom
READING: CONNIE WILLIS
Connie Willis
JUST A MINUTE
A revival of the classic British radio game show. There are four contestants. The aim of the game is to talk for one minute on a subject given by the Quizmaster, without hesitation, deviation from the subject or repetition of individual words (apart from those in the title of the subject). Other contestants hit their buzzers to interrupt if they think the speaker has broken one of those rules, and if the Quizmaster agrees with them, they take on the subject for however much of the minute is left, and can get similarly interrupted themselves. It often becomes very funny, but allows a good speaker to display great skill and intelligence.
Paul Cornell, Mark Waid, Mark Waid performances
AUTOGRAPHING: DARRELL SCHWEITZER
Darrell Schweitzer
AUTOGRAPHING: DIANA L. PAXSON
Diana L. Paxson
AUTOGRAPHING: JON L. BREEN
Jon L. Breen
AUTOGRAPHING: GLEN COOK
Glen Cook
AUTOGRAPHING: GEORGE KRSTIC
READING: SCOTT EDELMAN
Scott Edelman
KAFFEKLATSCH: ALLEN M. STEELE
Allen M. Steele
KAFFEKLATSCH: ELLEN KLAGES
Ellen Klages
READING: NANCY KRESS
Nancy Kress
READING: LISANNE NORMAN
Lisanne Norman
READING: BARBARA HAMBLY
Barbara Hambly
SCIENCE IN THE NEWS
What can you believe?
Phil Plait, Michael S. Brotherton, John Strickland(M), scitech
THE SLYTHERIN QUESTION
J.K. Rowling paints a negative picture of Slytherin House, its principles, and its students. Why would Hogwarts even have a house for teaching evil wizards? Isn't putting them together likely to end up just reinforcing their evil ways? Or will the final book in the Harry Potter series show us, somehow, that these characters aren't, um, lost to the dark side?
Cecilia Tan, Hilari Bell, Kevin Andrew Murphy, Jean Lorrah, Ph.D., Lorien Gray(M), lit
FORENSIC SCIENCE FICTION
Television is filled with shows about science: the science of criminal forensics. How realistic are those shows and how much of what they portray is science fiction?
Sam Scheiner, John R. Douglas, James Hay, Keith R.A. DeCandido(M), Cordelia Willis
THE COLD WORLDS: COLONIZING THE OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM
Eventually, the inner solar system will be crowded. Will we explore, exploit, and settle the vicinity of the outer planets? How about comets? The fringes of interstellar space? How? Why?
Paul A. Abell, Edwin L. Strickland III, Larry Niven, Jordin Kare(M), Dr. Kevin R. Grazier, scitech
MARINA SIRTIS - NEXT GEN AND BEYOND
As the ship's counselor on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Marina Sirtis had a character who changed drastically through the seven years of the series. Hear her tell about it and answer questions about what really went on and how she brought more depth to her half-betazoid mind-reading mental healer.
Marina Sirtis trek
ALIENS AMONG US
We write about alien civilizations, but there are cultures we don't know about among us. One of the ways to write alien cultures is to talk to people in cultures outside that are alien to us.
Robin Wayne Bailey, Tobias S. Buckell, Margaret Wander Bonanno, ElizaBeth Gilligan, Don Sakers(M), writpub
WHY CYBERPUNK IS DEAD
Twenty years ago, Cyberpunk was "it" in science fiction. It was bold, exciting, full of new ideas. What happened? Or is it still with us in different clothes?
Elizabeth Bear(M), Ian McDonald, Takayuki Tatsumi, John Barnes, Mark von Schlegell, lit
THE NATURE OF MEMORY
Just what is memory? How does it work? Why are some people forgetful and others can remember everything? Is there more to it than brain chemistry and firing neurons? Why do some people seem to lose memory ability as they age?
Eric M. Van, scitech
REVIEWING FILM & TELEVISION
It's not the same as reviewing books. Or is it? What special skills do you need to review movies and TV? Here from professional critics what it takes to do the job well.
Bill Warren, MaryAnn Johanson, Dr. Bob Blackwood(M) media
REAL ALIENS
Aliens in science fiction come in virtually all shapes, sizes, and colors. But, if they're out there, what will real aliens be like? Not just physically. How will they think? Will they have the same type of emotions and moral/ethical feelings we do? How will we say Hello?
Sheila Finch, Alastair Reynolds(M), Walter H. Hunt, Dr. Gregory Benford, G. David Nordley
REVISE, REVISE, REVISE!
Often the difference between an amateur writer and a professional is that the pro knows how to rewrite and the amateur thinks he got it right the first time.
Louise Marley, Peter S. Beagle, James Patrick Kelly(M), Kay Kenyon, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, writpub
SEXUAL STEREOTYPING
There have been strong, female characters in science fiction at least since Jirel of Joirey. This genre hasn't avoided the pitfalls entirely but it's done better than many. Or has it?
Ellen Kushner(M), Janine Ellen Young, lit
POLITICS & SF
Which political ideologies from science fiction novels could and/or do work in real life? Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Starship Troopers? Margaret Atwood's The Handmaids Tale? The whole Star Trek universe?
Bill Thomasson(M), John Maddox Roberts, Tad Daley, John Scalzi, John DeChancie
PHYSICS CIRCUS
Practical and fun demonstrations of physics and other scientific stuff.
Courtney Willis, scitech
MUSIC OF THE SPHERES
Composers of scores for science fiction films and television talk about how they create the music we're not supposed to notice that makes the films and shows we watch so much better.
Christopher Young, Helen Simmins-McMillin, Bear McCreary, Jay Chattaway filking
WRITING MILITARY SF
Drama is about conflict. With military stories, conflict and tension are pretty much automatic. But are there any rules? What do you have to get right? What liberties can you take? And if it's the future and maybe alien races, can't the military structure be different?
James W. Fiscus(M), Joe W. Haldeman, Wil McCarthy, John G. Hemry, writpub
INTRODUCTION TO FILKING
What is all this filk stuff? What were those strange sounds in the Laguna Room? Learn how to be a Filker. Actual singing is NOT required.
Dave Weingart, Roberta Rogow, Bill Kushner, Kathleen Sloan filking
CHEAP GUITAR TRICKS
Make people think you can play guitar better than you really can.
Blind Lemming Chiffon filking
CHRISTIAN FANDOM MEETING
Randy Smith misc/sigs
CONSTRUCTING HEADPIECES
A panel on how to make handy headpieces for your costumes.
Dana MacDermott(M), Pierre E. Pettinger, Kate Morganstern costuming
FAVORITE FANNISH BLOGS & WEBSITES
What are your favorites? (Or least favorites?) Our panel will tell you theirs and ask for yours. Have reasons waiting.
Vanessa Van Wagner, Lenny Bailes(M), Mary Kay Kare, fandom
AUTOGRAPHING: FIONA PATTON
Fiona Patton
AUTOGRAPHING: LOU ANDERS
Lou Anders
AUTOGRAPHING: FORREST J ACKERMAN
Forrest J Ackerman
AUTOGRAPHING: PAT CADIGAN
Pat Cadigan
READING: JOHN KESSEL
John Kessel
KAFFEKLATSCH: EVO TERRA
Evo Terra
KAFFEKLATSCH: CHARLES N. BROWN & GARY K. WOLFE
Charles N. Brown, Gary K. Wolfe
READING: STEVEN BARNES
Steven Barnes
READING: TODD MCCAFFREY
Todd McCaffrey
BURNING MAN
Burning Man is a world onto itself. Is it science fiction made real or a return to ancient days? Or a little of both. Come see a slide show and hear about just what happens at this extravaganza event.
Brad Templeton(M), James Stanley Daugherty, Christian B. McGuire, fandom
PODCASTING
Just what is Podcasting? How does it work and why should I care? And what roll does it have in the future of science fiction?
Stephen Eley, Evo Terra, John O'Halloran(M), Michael R. Mennenga, Paul Fischer
L. A. CONFIDENTIAL
So many science fiction and fantasy stories are set in Los Angeles. What makes Los Angeles such a great place to write about?
Michael Cassutt, Diane Duane(M), Amy Sterling Casil, Mike Glyer, Richard Foss, lit
LOST: SF OR ??
So just what is Lost? Is it a science fiction series? If it's not, what is it? And why do so many people like it?
Perrianne Lurie, Nicki Lynch(M), Chris Roberson, Chris M. Barkley, Priscilla Olson media
XCOR
XCOR Aerospace, Inc. is a small NewSpace company located on the Mojave Airport/Spaceport, founded with the idea that everyone should be able to afford a ticket to ride into space. Since their inception in September, 1999, they have designed, built, tested, and perfected five generations of rocket engines, flown their test bed demonstrator -- the EZ-Rocket (a modified Long EZ aircraft with two XCOR rocket engines) -- 26 times, setting one official world record and several unofficial records. The company wants YOU to be able to go to space and are here at WorldCon to tell us how they can accomplish that.
Aleta Jackson, James M. Busby, Randall Clague, scitech
FREE ENTERPRISE - THE SPECIAL EDITION REVEALED
See the new, expanded special edition of Free Enterprise, the legendary cult classic about two sci-fi fans who meet their idol William Shatner and find out he's even more screwed up than they are. Starring Eric McCormack and William Shatner as himself, you can watch it in the comfort of fellow geeks just like you. Featuring new scenes and special effects! The new 2 DVD Special Edition was released by Anchor Bay Entertainment in March 2006, but this is the first time to be able to see it projected on the big screen, and, for the very first time, with an introduction and Q&A by the creators themselves, no, not Jackson Roykirk, but writer/producer Mark A. Altman and director/writer Robert Meyer Burnett. See it again for the very first time -- unless, of course, this is your first time.
Mark Altman, Robert Meyer Burnett media
WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM SCIFI.COM?
The people behind the largest genre website on the planet, scifi.com, want to know what you want them to be putting on the site. Come to the panel and tell them what you think their site needs.
Craig Engler media
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY AND EARLY CURRICULUM
It's important to stimulate a child's mind early, to give them a desire to learn. Elementary school brings us into contact with reading, arithmetic, music, art, science, and more. Science fiction and fantasy, including fairy tales and mythology, can be used to inform children about all of these subject areas and more, and can excite them about reading and learning.
Laura Frankos(M), Howard V. Hendrix, Jamie Alan Sims, Catherine S. McMullen
THE WORLDS OF OZ
Over 100 years ago, L. Frank Baum started what may be the most expansive fantasy series ever, with over 40 "official" books and countless unofficial books, stories, comics, films, etc. with new works still coming out. Just what is the "magic" of Oz that keeps generation after generation coming back to it?
Sherwood Smith, Valerie Estelle Frankel, David Maxine, Connie Willis, Dave Smeds(M), lit
WOMEN IN SCIENCE
Barbie says "Math is hard!". Women scientists talk about how science fiction gave them confidence to pursue careers in male-dominated fields such as theoretical chemistry and nuclear physics. What sort of resistance or encouragement did they encounter? How can we get the next generation of girls excited about math and science?
Trina L. Ray, Kelly L. Perry, Elisabeth Malartre, Loretta McKibben(M), Elizabeth Klein-Lebbink, scitech
WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS OF THE FUTURE
The Writers of the Future contest has been going on for several years and many budding SF and fantasy writers have entered, won, and gone on to make professional sales. Now there's a new contest for Illustrators. How do go about entering these contests and why should you enter?
Jerry Pournelle, Jay Lake(M), Tim Powers, John Goodwin, Anne McCaffrey, art
KEVIN DRUM ON POLITICS & THE FUTURE
The Washington Monthly's Political Animal blogger brings his worldview on politics to the Worldcon and lets us know what he thinks is in store in the decades to come.
Kevin Drum, Warren Adler(M)
VAMPIRES IN LITERATURE -- HORROR VS. HEROIC
Vampires are making a resurgence. And not just with the usual horror readers. They've gone mainstream, with some tales of vampirism reaching the bestseller lists. But what about the books that cast a different light (you should excuse the expression) on vampires, as heroes with bad press?
Lee Martindale, Sean McMullen, Paula Guran, Charlaine Harris, Vera Nazarian(M), lit
TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET REMEMBERED
Performers from the original series talk about their adventures, on and off the air, making one of the classics of television science fiction. Fans offer their remembrances of the show as well.
Anthony R. Lewis, Charles Lee Jackson II(M), Eric L. Hoffman, Jeff Berkwits media
WRITING SF FOR TELEVISION & MOVIES
Script writing is whole different medium from writing novels and short stories. How is it different from writing prose? And what's it like working in television and the movies?
D.C. Fontana, Paul Cornell, Melinda M. Snodgrass(M), J. Michael Straczynski media
UPCOMING FROM WARNER BOOKS
Hear about what science fiction and fantasy novels Warner Books has in store for the future.
Jaime Levine, Barbara Hambly, Carrie Vaughn, writpub
ESCAPING THE SLUSHPILE
What makes an unsolicited manuscript catch an editor's eye? Magazine editors discuss what they're looking for, what they see too much of, and the do's and don'ts for genre short story writers and poets.
Mike Shepherd Moscoe(M), Bridget McKenna, Toni Weisskopf, Ashley Grayson, Sheila Williams, writpub
CON-GOING ON A BUDGET
Going to a con when the rent is due Monday. Helpful hints for cutting corners without cutting the fun. Or Hey Buddy, Can you spare a ride.
John Mansfield, Carole Parker, Lynn Gold(M), Grant Kruger, fandom
JOBS OF THE FUTURE
What will the blue collar jobs of future be? Mechanic for the hamburger flipping machines at McDonalds? What changes will we see for the white collar set?
Lawrence Person(M), J.G. Hertzler, Justin Lloyd, Christopher J. Garcia
MERCHANDISING: THE REAL MONEY
Movie rights, tie-in books, toys! That's where you really make money. What are the ins and outs ancillary rights? What can you really make? Where can you go wrong? How much do you need to know about copyright and trademark?
M. Christine Valada, Esq., Larry Nemecek, Craig Miller(M) media
WHAT IS EVIL?
Novels seem to always pits good versus evil, the hero/heroine (who must do battle, sacrifice endlessly, travel to the ends of the earth to save the world) and the evil protagonist. Sounds simple. But how do you define what is truly evil? And are your characters black and white or many shades of gray? How bad is the bad guy? Is evil marked by character, action, the enormity of destruction, the totality of deceit, or is it possible that evil is in the perception?
Fiona Avery, P C. Hodgell, Stephen Leigh, Brandon Sanderson, Alma Alexander(M), writpub
DOCENT TOUR: THE ART SHOW
Come take a guided tour of the Art Show with a knowledgeable guide who won't lead you astray. Check the schedule for additional tours and guides.
John F. Hertz, art
AUTOGRAPHING: PHYLLIS EISENSTEIN
Phyllis Eisenstein
AUTOGRAPHING: DAVID A. KYLE
David A. Kyle
AUTOGRAPHING: JAMES FRENKEL
James Frenkel
AUTOGRAPHING: MEL GILDEN
Mel Gilden
RUDYARD KIPLING: FILKWRITER
An examination of Rudyard Kipling's poetry as filk lyrics.
Fred Lerner, Leslie Fish, Karen Anderson filking
THEME CIRCLE: CHILDREN'S FILK SONGS
For children of all ages and sizes.
Steve Savitzky, Dick Eney, TJ Burnside-Clapp, Moira Stern filking
READING: DELIA SHERMAN
Delia Sherman
KAFFEKLATSCH: HANK REINHARDT
Hank Reinhardt
KAFFEKLATSCH: DAVID HARTWELL
David Hartwell
PGP KEYSIGNING
Bring yourself, pen/pencil, two IDs -- passport and drivers license are good. Also bring copies of your key info to share: KeyID, Key Owner, Key fingerprint, Key size, Key type.
READING: SCOTT E. GREEN
Scott E. Green
READING: NANCY HOLDER
Nancy Holder
COSTUMING IN CLOSE-UP: SWEATING THE DETAILS
Small scale details, finishing touches, and delicate work for close-up effects.
Cat Devereaux(M), Kent Elofson, Sandy Pettinger, Qeldas Pickett, Bridget Landry costuming
CASTING CALL #2: HMS TREK-A-STAR
filking
FAN FUNDS
Come meet Trans-Atlantic Fan Fund (TAFF) and Down Under Fan Fund (DUFF) winners and hear about the multi-decade old funds to help bring fans from one continent to another. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about fandoms in the UK and Australia.
Bridget Bradshaw(M), Jerry Kaufman, Guy H. Lillian III, Suzanne Tompkins, Len J. Moffatt, fandom
BROTHERHOOD WITHOUT BANNERS MEET & GREET
George RR Martin Fandom
George R.R. Martin misc/sigs
AUTOGRAPHING: DR. JOHN L. FLYNN
Dr. John L. Flynn
AUTOGRAPHING: DR. LAWRENCE M. SCHOEN
Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen
AUTOGRAPHING: DENNIS SKOTAK
Dennis Skotak
AUTOGRAPHING: ELLEN DATLOW
Ellen Datlow
AUTOGRAPHING: LISANNE NORMAN
Lisanne Norman
AUTOGRAPHING: SARAH MONETTE
Sarah Monette
READING: BRAD LINAWEAVER
Brad Linaweaver
READING: MEL GILDEN
Mel Gilden
KAFFEKLATSCH: JAMES FRENKEL
James Frenkel
KAFFEKLATSCH: MICHAEL F. FLYNN
Michael F. Flynn
KAFFEKLATSCH: STEVEN LOPATA
Steven Lopata
READING: DR. BOB BLACKWOOD
Dr. Bob Blackwood
READING: ROBIN WAYNE BAILEY
Robin Wayne Bailey
DESIGNING FANTASY ROLE PLAYING GAMES
Gamers, writers, and artists who have designed popular FRP games discuss what it takes to create an interesting, playable game.
David Cake(M), Walter H. Hunt, Kurt Miller, Steve Jackson gaming
POST-APOCALYPTIC SF
John Varley said "We all love after-the-bomb stories. If we didn't, why would there be so many of them?" Why do we all love them? During the Cold War, the threat of nuclear annihilation was very real; today, the world is a different place, but the threat of annihilation is once again very real. Has the sub-genre changed? How are 21st Century post-apocalyptic stories different from those written during the Cold War era?
Elizabeth Bear(M), Ed Green, Takayuki Tatsumi, John G. Hemry, Nick Sagan, lit
10 BOOKS I'D...
Which ten books would you want to take with you to a desert island? How about give to someone who says they don't like science fiction or fantasy? Give to a new reader?
Bradford Lyau, Michael Engelberg(M), Chris M. Barkley, John Kessel, lit
GETTING STARTED WRITING SF -- PART I
Going from amateur to professional is a big step. How do you get started? Should you write every day, whether the muse strikes or not? What mistakes shouldn't you make? Writers who have recently broken in will give you their advice today. Editors and others will advise in Part II on Friday.
Hilari Bell, Brenda Cooper, Jean-Noel Bassior, Michael S. Brotherton(M), K. A. Bedford, writpub
HUGO NOMINEES IN REVIEW
A critical discussion of the novels and short fiction up for the Hugo Award this year. What's going to win? What should win?
Perrianne Lurie, Randy Smith(M), Gardner Dozois, Charles N. Brown, lit
THE EATON COLLECTION
A look at the University of California, Riverside's renown special collection on science fiction, including books, fanzines, and more. The librarians overseeing the collection talk about what treasures their library contains, what it takes to maintain such a collection, why people donate their collections to them, and why a university library is interested in keeping such an enormous horde of science fiction.
Melissa Conway, PhD, Sheryl Jean Davis, Julia D. Ree, lit
FANDOM AFTER THE SHW
It was Fandom that kept Star Trek alive for years after its cancellation and was the tool that eventually brought it back. Which recently cancelled show has the kind of Fandom that will keep the show alive even though it's not on the air? Which will be the next Trek? Buffy? Xena? Firefly? Or ???.
Lee Martindale, Robert Vogel(M), Lorien Gray, Larry Nemecek media
I'LL PULL OUT YOUR EYESTALKS AND STOMP ON THEM
Science fiction has become more permissive over the years, as has most other media and genres. But are we now too violent? Is there anything wrong with violence as a theme? Should I punch out your lights if you disagree?
John Maddox Roberts, John Barnes, Mark von Schlegell(M), Kay Kenyon, lit
BATMAN THE LIVE-ACTION SERIES
Forty years ago, in 1966, the American airwaves were hit with a "camp classic" before anyone knew what that meant. Batman was so popular, with it's "pows" and "whams" and over-the-top villains it ran two nights a week. How did that series change the television (and popular culture) landscape? What effect did the series have on the comics it came from?
Alan Dean Foster, Steve Englehart, Charles Lee Jackson II(M), Len Wein, Doselle Young comics
NOVELIZATIONS & TIE-INS
Writers of TV and Film adaptations and spin-offs discuss the process of going from screen to the printed page and the challenges of bringing their creativity to these works, the secrets for making them good, and more.
Nancy Holder(M), Rebecca Moesta, Scott Alan Woodard, Marv Wolfman, Barbara Hambly media
MAGNIFYING MARS FROM ORBIT WITH HIRISE
The HiRISE camera is the most powerful camera sent to another planet and can resolve objects the size of a dishwasher from its orbit 190 miles above the surface of Mars. What do we hope to learn? How does this camera work?
Loretta McKibben(M)
THE SURFACE OF AN INVASION IS AT THE THRESHOLD
Three shows about an alien invasion, all involving the oceans, and all debuting in the same season. What can it all mean? Were any of them any good?
Michael Cassutt, Scott Edelman(M), Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Ctein media
WHY DO ALL THE CHARACTER NAMES HAVE (TM) AFTER THEM?
What sort of rights are associated with a literary work? What sort of choices is your publisher making for you? Your editor? Your agent? How much control can you maintain over your work?
Buzz Dixon, M. Christine Valada, Esq.(M), writpub
COLLECTING SF ART FOR FUN & PROFIT
The value of science fiction and fantasy artwork has appreciated greatly over the years. Twenty years ago, an expensive work in an Art Show was still well-under $100. Today, that's cheap. SF art can command many thousands of dollars for a single piece. Collectors and appraisers will give you the ins and outs of collecting and protecting SF art.
Doug Ellis, Edie Stern, Mark L. Olson, art
DISTRIBUTION: HOW SF GETS TO YOU
Once a book is published, how does it end up in your hands? And how has that pathway been changing over the last two decades?
Beth Meacham(M), Jim Minz, Jaime Levine, John R. Douglas, writpub
J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI ON...
The hardest-working-man in television (and comics and horror and... ) talks about what's new, answers questions about what's old, and otherwise lets us know what's going on.
J. Michael Straczynski media
2081: THE REMAKE EVERYONE WAS WAITING FOR
2001: A Space Odyssey is considered by many one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. Now, being prepared for the 40th anniversary of the original, is a remake for today's generation. Meet some of the filmmakers and hear their plans. media
JIM BAEN: A LIFE IN SCIENCE FICTION
James Patrick Baen's life in science fiction and fantasy publishing started in the complaint department of Ace Books. He's been editor of magazines and novels, edited anthology series, and started his own publishing company, Baen Books, which publishes both on paper and on the internet. Hear friends and co-workers celebrate the life of this recently-lost mainstay of science fiction publishing.
Jerry Pournelle, Toni Weisskopf, Larry Niven, William B. Fawcett(M), Dr. Gregory Benford, lit
GUERILLA MARKETING FOR THE NEO-PRO
You don't have the money to take out ads in "Publishers Weekly" or "Time Magazine". What do you do to build "brand value"? How do you promote yourself without turning off your audience? How do you get more sales? How can you connect with your fledgling fan base?
Diane Duane, Vera Nazarian, Don Sakers, Robert B Hole, Jr.(M), Tobias S. Buckell, writpub
GUILTY PLEASURES
Here are activities that give us great personal pleasure but somehow, down deep inside, we're just a bit ashamed to admit that we like the Smurfs... or bowling... or mud wrestling. Hear people reveal their Guilty Pleasures and why they indulge.
Fiona Avery, Fiona Patton, Eric L. Hoffman, Darlene Marshall(M)
MEASURE OF SUCCESS: AWARDS FROM A TO Z
The historical perspective. Overview of some of the awards, current and defunct. What do they all mean?
Moshe Feder(M), Jerry Kaufman, David Bratman, fandom
THE CHINESE SPACE PROGRAM
In recent years, China has made a concerted push to explore space. Come hear about what they've been doing lately and whatever we know about what they've got planned for the future.
Jonathan F Kotas(M), Hugh S. Gregory, G. David Nordley, scitech
DOCENT TOUR: THE ART SHOW
Come take a guided tour of the Art Show with a knowledgeable guide who won't lead you astray. Check the schedule for additional tours and guides.
Geri Sullivan, art
HISTORY OF FILK: THE PALEO- AND MESO-FILKISH ERAS
A discourse on the Paleofilkish Era, before 1970, and the Mesofilkish Era, 1970-1980, when Filkbook technology was introduced.
Dick Eney, TJ Burnside-Clapp, Erwin S. Filthy Pierre Strauss filking
THINK UNIVERSALLY, SING LOCALLY
How do filk custons and traditions differ across the globe? How are they similar? How does Interfilk affect this?
Bill Laubenheimer, Dave Weingart, Blind Lemming Chiffon, Kathleen Sloan, Gary Ehrlich filking
THEME CIRCLE: COMPUTER SONGS
Steve Savitzky, Bill Laubenheimer filking
SOUTH GATE IN '58
Rick Sneary and other Southern California fans started a joke which became a slogan which begat a Worldcon.
Fred Patten(M), Roger Sims, Len J. Moffatt, fandom
AUTISM NETWORKING GROUP
For parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders such as hyperlexia, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS, etc. to discuss living with autistism.
THE GENIUS BAR, COSTUMING STYLE
Bring your problems. Let's figure out how to solve them.
Kent Elofson, Sandy Pettinger, Joy Day, Dana MacDermott, Pierre E. Pettinger, Janet Wilson Anderson, Kevin Roche(M) costuming
JAPANESE SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTIONS: AN INTRODUCTION
, fandom
SHOULD CALIFORNIANS BE FARMERS?
Generations of engineers and agronomists have turned California's deserts into lush farmland. Nearly 80% of California's water is used for agriculture. What is the long-term environmental impact of this water diversion and artificial fertility? Are California's farms a triumph of human ingenuity or an unsustainable house of cards? Should industrial countries become net importers of food from more fertile places, or can we rely on an ongoing technological cornucopia to feed the rich nations?
Amy Thomson, Sam Scheiner, Paolo Bacigalupi(M), Richard Foss, scitech
ASFA BUSINESS MEETING
The annual meeting of the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Learn about the Chesley Awards and what ASFA can do for artists.
AUTOGRAPHING: MIKE RESNICK
Mike Resnick
AUTOGRAPHING: ELIZABETH GILLIGAN
ElizaBeth Gilligan
AUTOGRAPHING: KAREN HABER
Karen Haber
AUTOGRAPHING: ALLEN M. STEELE
Allen M. Steele
AUTOGRAPHING: JOHN SCALZI
John Scalzi
READING: STEPHEN LEIGH
Stephen Leigh
KAFFEKLATSCH: PHIL FOGLIO
Phil Foglio
KAFFEKLATSCH: LOU ANDERS
Lou Anders
READING: MICHAEL F. FLYNN
Michael F. Flynn
READING: JAMES P. HOGAN
James P. Hogan
MARS ATTACKS!
Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer, debunks the "face on Mars" and other topics dealing with Mars pseudo-science.
Phil Plait, scitech
BEST OF SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS
Finding the perfect science fiction or fantasy novel for your child, niece, or nephew.
Tom Whitmore(M), Hilari Bell, Valerie Estelle Frankel, Ellen Klages, Fiona Patton, lit
FAN-TIQUES ROADSHOW
Just like the similarly named television series, expert appraisers will give you their views on just what your junk is worth? Is that first edition a priceless treasure or a doorstop? Is that painting firewood or worth a king's ransom. Forget the jewels and Tiffany lamps. Bring in your science fiction and fannish collectibles for appraisal. (Appraisal items can include books, magazines, toys, movie memorabilia, posters, original art, and other items of fan interest.)
Rudy Franchi, Alex Eisenstein, Phyllis Eisenstein misc/sigs
SPACE DRIVES: FROM LAUNCH LASERS TO WARP DRIVES
A discussion of old and new ideas about space propulsion. Old standards: laser sustained propulsion, tethers, nuclear rockets, wormholes. New ideas: the Alcubierre warp drive, tachyon propulsion, axion ramjets.
Ctein(M), Jordin Kare, Michael S. Brotherton, James P. Hogan, G. David Nordley, scitech
BEING AN ALIEN
Some of the actors who have portrayed Klingons, Ferengi, and other aliens on Star Trek talk about getting into a character that no one's ever met and life under latex.
J.G. Hertzler, Robert O'Reilly, Suzie Plakson media
THE FUTURE FROM DAW
Science fiction and fantasy publisher DAW Books has a lot in store in the coming months. See and hear what they have in store.
Sheila Gilbert, Betsy Wollheim, writpub
COMICS: WORDS & PICTURES
An in-depth look at the art of bringing together the story, the dialogue, and the images that make comic books and graphic novels a unique art form.
Steve Englehart, Karen Haber, Bernie Wrightson, Buzz Dixon, Eric Shanower, Harry Harrison, Marv Wolfman(M) comics
CHANGING HUMAN NATURE
Has human nature changed through recorded history, or are we the same old apes with new technology?
Steven Barnes(M), Sean Williams, Courtney Willis, Eric M. Van, Andrew Adams
THE THEORY OF DRAGONS
Dragons abound in fantasy and fairy tales but not all dragons are alike. From Real Musgrave's Pocket Dragons to Naomi Novik's giants, with Anne McCaffrey's more traditionally-sized dragons in between, not only their sizes vary but their personalities and capabilities as well. Writers of dragon tales talk about the whys and wherefores of dragons.
Michael R. Mennenga, Naomi Novik(M), Bradley H. Sinor, Dave Smeds, Todd McCaffrey
THE SPACE OPERA RENAISSANCE
What was Space Opera, What is Space Opera, is there a renaissance of Space Opera, or was there, where and when?
Mike Shepherd Moscoe, Toni Weisskopf, Alastair Reynolds, Wil McCarthy, David Hartwell, Gardner Dozois(M), Charles N. Brown, lit
DIFFERENT TYPES OF WRITING?
The Novel, Novella, Short Story, etc. Is one just longer than the other or are they really different? And what about screenplays?
James Patrick Kelly, Robert Silverberg, Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff(M), Delia Sherman, writpub
THE WORST IDEAS IN FANTASY OR SCIENCE FICTION
We're always hearing the science fiction is a literature of ideas. And that this or that was a great idea. What just didn't work? What seemed like a good idea at the time but...
Peter S. Beagle, Adam-Troy Castro(M), Darrell Schweitzer, Brandon Sanderson, Janine Ellen Young, lit
YOU KILLED MY WASH, PREPARE TO DIE!
Should Joss Whedon have done it? Was killing Wash the right move or the wrong one?
Lee Martindale, Ed Green, John O'Halloran(M), Mary Kay Kare media
PODCASTING SCIENCE FICTION
Is there a market for science fiction and fantasy via podcast? Is there even an audience? Can you make money directly or is it just a way to get your material known? If you're a reader/consumer, is this a good way to find science fiction and just how do you find what you want?
Stephen Eley, Evo Terra, Cory Doctorow, Paul Fischer(M), writpub
TRIVIA FOR CHOCOLATE!
Come answer trivia questions and get chocolate. Most uneaten chocolate at the end wins!
Mark L. Olson, Priscilla Olson misc/sigs
BRITISH SF TELEVISION TODAY
With the new Dr. Who, there's a resurgence of science fiction on UK television. Here what it is we're missing on this side of the pond.
Paul Cornell(M), Scott Alan Woodard, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Simon R Green media
WHERE'S THE SF Y.A.?
The vast majority of Young Adult novels being published today are fantasy. Why aren't there more SF themes in Y.A.? What themes aren't being addressed because of the comparative lack of SF Y.A. novels? Are older writers afraid to write about future technology for kids who are immersed in tech that would've been regarded as SF a few decades ago?
Laura Frankos, John G. Hemry, Ashley Grayson, John Barnes, Harry Turtledove(M), lit
ESTATE PLANNING FOR COLLECTORS
What's going to happen to your complete collection of Amazing or all those Whalen paintings after you're gone?
Andrew I. Porter(M), Nicki Lynch, Fred Lerner, Fred Patten, Don Sakers, fandom
WRITING WHILE HOLDING DOWN A DAY JOB
Even some of the most prominent writers don't make enough from their writing to give up their day jobs. What compromises do you have to make to make it work?
Sheila Finch(M), Deborah J Ross, Tobias S. Buckell, Sharon Shinn, Jay Lake, writpub
BOOK COVER ILLUSTRATION AND DESIGN
Artists and art directors talk about what makes for a good cover illustration, an eye-catching design, and increased sales
John Picacio(M), David A. Kyle, Frank Wu, art
MATCH GAME
Get ready to match the stars! An SF-themed take on the classic 1970s game show. Audience members will be selected randomly as contestants, and can win prizes by matching the answers our panel give to questions like "Captain Kirk has the biggest ___ in Starfleet!" This is (theoretically) the family-friendly edition. Come see Match Game PM for a somewhat more freewheeling game.
Lynn Gold, Tom Galloway, Kevin Standlee, Len Wein, Andrew T Trembley, Kevin Roche, Christopher J. Garcia performances
TIME IN THE NOVEL: THE STAPLEDON/ WOOLF CORRESPONDENCE
Pace of narration is crucial to the feel of novels, and is one of the most interesting but least discussed aspects of fiction. Two great novelists, Olaf Stapledon and Virginia Woolf, had a brief exchange on this topic in the 1930s, coming at the topic from their two extremities of stream-of-consciousness and cosmological narrative. Listen as Kim Stanley Robinson describes that interaction and its later effect on the two artists, as a starting point to a larger discussion of how time is used and described in novels.
Kim Stanley Robinson, lit
AUTOGRAPHING: AMY STERLING CASIL
Amy Sterling Casil
AUTOGRAPHING: SCOTT EDELMAN
Scott Edelman
AUTOGRAPHING: STEVE JACKSON
Steve Jackson
AUTOGRAPHING: HOWARD V. HENDRIX
Howard V. Hendrix
AUTOGRAPHING: GARTH NIX
Garth Nix
READING: JOHN SCALZI
John Scalzi
KAFFEKLATSCH: CHRIS ROBERSON
Chris Roberson
KAFFEKLATSCH: DIANA L. PAXSON
Diana L. Paxson
KAFFEKLATSCH: MARK VON SCHLEGELL
Mark von Schlegell
SINGING THE PEGASUS NOMINEES
Be prepared to vote for the Pegasus Awards. Go down the list of Pegasus Nominees and sing/listen to all the songs we know.
Dave Weingart, Leslie Fish, Kathleen Sloan, Bill Roper, Gary Ehrlich filking
GLASS HARMONICA DEMONSTRATION
Benjamin Franklin invented it and Mozart and Beethoven wrote for it. Louise Marley talks about the history, mysteries, and misconceptions that surround it and William Wilde Zeitler will perform on it.
Louise Marley, William Zeitler misc/sigs
READING: ELLEN KUSHNER
Ellen Kushner
READING: ALLEN M. STEELE
Allen M. Steele
POSING FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Experienced photographers show you how to get the best from your costume photos, and costumers are shown how to pose for the best pics.
Charles Mohapel, Zelda Gilbert, Kent Elofson(M), Danny Low, Bridget Landry, Jack Krolak costuming
20 YEARS OF WORLDCON ORGANIZING: SHIFTS, MYTHS, PLAYERS
How has Worldcon bidding and organizing changed over the last 20 years. A few good SMOFs discuss the evolution, problems, and solutions? Any predictions about where we're headed?
Mike Glyer(M), Christian B. McGuire, Ben Yalow, fandom
THE NEW WORLD OF FUNNY ANIMAL COMIC STRIPS: ON LINE!
Frustrated by the difficulties of dealing with newspaper syndicates, many funny animal artists (with many different styles!) have taken the do-it-yourself approach, putting their new strips up on the Internet.
furry
AUTOGRAPHING: J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
J. Michael Straczynski
AUTOGRAPHING: K. A. BEDFORD
K. A. Bedford
AUTOGRAPHING: CONNIE WILLIS
Connie Willis
AUTOGRAPHING: GARY K. WOLFE
Gary K. Wolfe
AUTOGRAPHING: DR. ISAAC SZPINDEL
Dr. Isaac Szpindel
READING: JOHN MADDOX ROBERTS
John Maddox Roberts
KAFFEKLATSCH: WALTER H. HUNT
Walter H. Hunt
KAFFEKLATSCH: HOWARD V. HENDRIX
Howard V. Hendrix
READING: KEITH R.A. DECANDIDO
Keith R.A. DeCandido
READING: MARK L. VAN NAME
Mark L. Van Name
STAR TREK: BETWEEN THE CRACKS
Forget the current hiatus! Reminisce and rifle through 40 years of Star Trek's "attic trunk". Visit the Paramount stages and catch some of the oddballs-and-ends, all from the photo and art collection of author and editor Larry Nemecek. The humor, the what-ifs, the bizarre -- even a little metaphysics. And oh yeah -- some all-new blooper stills, to boot. Come ready with the loving yet witty cat-calls.
Larry Nemecek trek
CITIES IN SCIENCE FICTION
Are cities just a background or do science fiction writers actually take advantage of the complexities inherent in cities? Do cities ever become characters?
Nicki Lynch, Cheryl Morgan(M), Richard Foss, Jay Lake, Janine Ellen Young, lit
POLITICS, THE INTERNET, AND THE FUTURE
The face of the American political system has been changed forever by the advent of electronic technology. Can our system handle it? What will our government be like in 100 years?
Alan Dean Foster, Bill Thomasson, Brad Templeton(M), Brenda Cooper, David Cake
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING
How have computers and the Internet effected publishing? The editors, publishers, and writers of books and magazines available via the Internet talk about the paperless revolution.
Stephen Eley, Dave Smeds(M), Phil Foglio, Michael Ward, Ellen Datlow, writpub
CASSINI: WHAT WE'VE LEARNED SO FAR
A presentation from one of the scientists involved with the Cassini mission to Saturn.
Bridget Landry, scitech
JAPANESE MYSTIC FANTASY
A discussion of the use of historic fantasy, myths, horror, folktales, and weird and supernatural stories in modern Japanese genre literature.
Takayuki Tatsumi, Tom Schaad(M), Mari Kotani, lit
ADAPTING SF AND FANTASY FOR THE STAGE .
Today's SF and fantasy films rely heavily on computer generated characters and effects. How can you bring them believably to the stage? Or should you even try?
Steve Collins(M), William Shunn, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Janet Wilson Anderson, Brian Coghill media
FANDOM IN THE BOONIES
Sure, there's the internet. But sometimes you want to talk to people who share your interests, see them face to face. it's hard to be a fan when the next nearest fan lives 100 miles away or more. Some ideas on how to do it.
John Mansfield(M), Randy Smith, Tadao Tomomatsu, Geri Sullivan, fandom
PUBLISHING SCIENCE FICTION
From small press to major publishing houses, science fiction is a popular place to be. What's it take to know the field and to get your books into the stores?
Anthony R. Lewis, Alan Rodgers, Michael J. Walsh(M), Lou Anders, Jaime Levine, writpub
YOUR FIRST WORLDCON?
Ideas, suggestions, and things you shouldn't miss. For fans, writers, and everyone who doesn't quite know what they've gotten themselves into.
Perrianne Lurie, Priscilla Olson, Gay Haldeman(M), fandom
IS ART THE INSPIRATION FOR MADNESS?
Writers are like gods. Whatever they want their characters to do, they do. If they want lightning to strike, the sky is shattered by electricity. Are they responsible for the themes, the ideas, and the actions in their works? Is there a responsibility not to show how to make a bomb? Should good always triumph over evil?
Lisanne Norman(M), Joe W. Haldeman, ElizaBeth Gilligan, Tim Powers, Nick Sagan
I WAS PROMISED FLYING CARS!
The promises of the future and why they haven't been kept.
Jordin Kare, Steven Lopata(M), David F. McMahon, MD, Christopher J. Garcia, scitech
HOW WOULD YOU DO IT?
Sometimes a movie, TV show, or book is a really good idea but it just doesn't work. Our panelists -- with help from the audience -- talk about how they'd have done it right.
Adam-Troy Castro(M), Edwin L. Strickland III, Ric Meyers, Doselle Young media
PARANORMAL ROMANCES
It used to be easy. This book was in that genre; this book was in this other genre. Now the lines aren't so clear. There seems to be a boom in romance novels and stories involving the paranormal, fantasy, and SF. Why is this area booming? Are romance readers looking for more? Or are the SF fans looking for romance? Or are the readers coming equally from all camps? And what does it take to make one of these work? Hear all about it from some of the people writing them.
Nancy Holder, Paula Guran, Sharon Shinn, Darlene Marshall(M), Barbara Hambly, writpub
COLLABORATING: THE CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR PARTNER
How do collaborators work together? Is collaboration for everyone? Novelists, comic book writers, and TV writers discuss their own experiences.
Rebecca Moesta, Jean Lorrah, Ph.D., Todd McCaffrey, writpub
BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
Some books have a profound effect on people. Come hear from our panelists which books had a major effect on them and share your own stories.
Amy Thomson, Lenny Bailes, Chris M. Barkley, Sheila Finch, Harry Turtledove(M)
SCIENCE FICTION TELEVISION OF THE 1950S
In the 1950s, the world was agog with the possibilities of space travel and television was no different. Tom Corbett, Space Cadet; Space Patrol; Captain Video; Rocky Jones; and many others filled the airwaves.
Charles Lee Jackson II, Mel Gilden, Eric L. Hoffman, Jean-Noel Bassior(M), Jeff Berkwits media
SF ABROAD
Is the science fiction in Budapest different from the science fiction in Dubuque? What about the science fiction in Paris? London? Tokyo? How so?
Bradford Lyau, Jetse de Vries, Grant Kruger(M), John-Henri Holmberg, Pat Cadigan, lit
GOOD ENDINGS
Writing is hard. There's lots of work, lots of thought that goes into every sentence. But no matter how good your story is, how compelling your characters are, if your ending falls flat, so does everything else. How do you make your ending work?
Brandon Sanderson, Fiona Avery(M), Kay Kenyon, John Kessel, writpub
DOCENT TOUR: THE ART SHOW
Come take a guided tour of the Art Show with a knowledgeable guide who won't lead you astray. Check the schedule for additional tours and guides.
Connor Freff Cochran, art
THEME CIRCLE: WELCOME TO FILK
Roberta Rogow, TJ Burnside-Clapp filking
ONE SHOTS
filking
COSTUMING ON A BUDGET
Where and how to find great prices and great pieces to make your costumes work but not bust your budget.
Lisa Deutsch Harrigan, Zelda Gilbert, Kent Elofson(M), Carole Parker, Qeldas Pickett costuming
FELINE FANDOM MEETPOINT
We know that SF fans love cats, so let's get together and talk about them -- cats in our science fiction, cats in the wild, and cats in our living rooms.
furry
TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET
A performance of an episode of the classic science fiction series, in memory of L.A.con IV's Special Guest Frankie Thomas, the original Tom Corbett.
FAN FUND RECEPTION
A reception in honor of Trans-Atlantic Fan Fund delegate Bridget "Bug" Bradshaw. Come celebrate.
Bridget Bradshaw, Suzanne Tompkins, fandom
CHESLEY AWARDS CEREMONY
The annual awards presented by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.
LASFS MEETING
A meeting of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society, this world's oldest (still-existing) science fiction club, still meeting weekly since 1934.
, fandom
GUEST OF HONOR EVENT & SPECIAL AWARDS
A spotlight time for each of L.A.con IV's Guests of Honor. Heinlein Award. Others?
Mike Resnick, James Gurney, Connie Willis
IN CONCERT: BLIND LEMMING CHIFFON
Blind Lemming Chiffon filking
IN CONCERT: DAVE KUSHNER
David Kushner filking
THEME CIRCLE: INTERNATIONAL FILK
Dave Weingart filking
THEME CIRCLE: SONGS OF STAR TREK
Kirk, Spock, Picard, and the rest of Star Fleet in song.
Roberta Rogow, Leslie Fish, Karen Anderson, David Kushner, Gary Ehrlich filking
DRUM CIRCLE
filking
SHOCK TO THE HEART: AN EVENING OF GRAND GUIGNOL THEATRE
We're baaaaaaack! Ten years after its debut performance at L.A.con III, GG Theatre returns to horrify, thrill, and delight you with four one-act plays from Paris' Theatre du Grand Guignol. A deliciously shocking mixture of SF themes, risqué comedy, sadistic horror, blood, and bare skin -- all in one tight package. Who could ask for more at a Con? (Not For Children!)
ARTIST RECEPTION
SPACE ART
Astronomical artists talk about their profession. Do you have to know a lot about astronomy and get the planets and stars exactly right or does it just have to look good?
Frank Wu, Joe Bergeron(M), Joy Day, Rick Sternbach, art
WSFS BUSINESS MEETING
Every member of L.A.con IV is a member of WSFS, the World Science Fiction Society, and is eligible to attend and vote at the Society's Business Meetings. It's here that the Constitution and Rules that govern the Worldcons are discussed and voted upon. Today most proposals to amend the WSFS Consitution will be debated and voted upon. Exercise your rights as a member of the Society by attending and voting.
Kevin Standlee, fandom
ARE CLONES KOSHER?
When we' re finally able to clone a chicken breast, will it be something that vegetarians will eat? Will it be Kosher? Halaal? Will it taste the same as the "original"? Will anyone want to eat it? Many science fiction authors have speculated about "vat-grown meat", but are we actually on the verge of having it to serve on the dinner table? Will it help end famine and starvation, or just make things worse?
Sam Scheiner, Cynthia Felice(M), Deborah J Ross, Richard Foss
HOW STAR TREK AFFECTED OUR LIVES
Fans of Star Trek talk about how watching the show changed them, changed the course of their lives. What did Star Trek do for you?
Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Jane Espenson trek
THE THREE AGES OF KING KONG
Fans of this great ape talk about the three versions. Is Peter Jackson's version the ultimate telling?
Karen Haber, James W. Fiscus(M), Connie Willis, Ric Meyers media
INTRODUCTION TO KLINGON
80% of the grammar in 50 minutes, from one of the leading lights in Klingon linguistics
Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen
FICTION 2005/2006
High Fantasy. Hard Science Fiction. Dark Fantasy. Squishy Science Fiction. Some of science fiction's most outspoken reviewers give their opinions on what was worth reading.
Paula Guran, Gary K. Wolfe, Jonathan Strahan, Charles N. Brown(M), Ellen Datlow, lit
THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE
Medicine is evolving at an amazing pace. New discoveries, technology, etc. are announced every day. What will medicine be like in 100 years? Will we have tricorders and neuroscanners like in Star Trek? How about growing or cloning organs? Will we be using organics to solve problems instead of nanobots?
Bill Thomasson, John Scalzi, ElizaBeth Gilligan, John Strickland, David F. McMahon, MD(M), scitech
THE ANALOG STORY: WHAT IS IT?
Over the years, "Analog" editor Stanley Schmidt has discovered that there are a lot of common misconceptions about just what makes a story an "Analog" story. Along with several of the magazine's regular contributors, Schmidt will share his views of just what it is they're trying to do, how it isn't all rivets and getting the science right
Michael F. Flynn(M), Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff, Stanley Schmidt, Harry Turtledove, Allen M. Steele, writpub
EUROPEAN SPACE PROGRAMS
What's going on with the European Space Agency? What missions have they undertaken recently and what's planned for the future?
Edwin L. Strickland III, Hugh S. Gregory(M), Robert Gounley, Scott Edgington, scitech
CREATING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE INTERNET
The web isn't just for research, for posting comments on the latest episode of Lost, or to find porn. It can also be used to create communities. The best example of this is "craigslist", now with over 200 sites in 35 countries. Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist, and others, talk about what they're doing and why. And where we can go from here.
Craig Newmark, Noel Wolfman, Teresa Nielsen Hayden(M)
THE CONTRACT BETWEEN READER AND WRITER
An arrangement of convenience? How can we define the process, and what does each partner bring to it?
Louise Marley, Peter S. Beagle, Nancy Kress, Jean Lorrah, Ph.D., Lorien Gray(M), lit
WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
Does it take special training or knowledge to write books and stories for children and young adults? Are they different from adult works in any way, other than vocabulary? How do you break in? And if you write for kids, is it hard to also write for adults?
Diane Duane(M), Rebecca Moesta, Ellen Klages, William F. Wu, Garth Nix, writpub
WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN SCIENCE FICTION
Women scientists have featured prominently in many science fiction stories. Panelists talk about the image of women in science fiction stories, from the classics to today. How accurate are the depictions? And are these women scientists really scientists or just secretaries in lab coats?
Mary A. Turzillo, Loretta McKibben, Bridget Landry, Cordelia Willis(M), scitech
GETTING STARTED WRITING SF -- PART II
Going from amateur to professional writer is a big step. How do you get started? In Part I, new writers gave you their advice. Today in Part II, editors and established writers give you theirs. Compare these expert's answers with those of Thursday's panel.
Keith R.A. DeCandido(M), Ashley Grayson, Tim Powers, Stephen Leigh, Jaime Levine, writpub
SF POETRY
What is it? Is there a market for it? How do you start?
Vanessa Van Wagner, Darrell Schweitzer(M), Kevin Andrew Murphy, Geoffrey A. Landis, writpub
RELIGION IN SF BOOKS & MOVIES
Religion is frequently ignored in science fiction and fantasy. But sometimes it isn't. How is it treated? Do we see standard Earth religions or all-new ones? Or ones that just think they're all new? Some authors seem to think that, come the future, all people will just abandon their religious beliefs. Does that seem likely?
Fr. John Blaker(M), John Maddox Roberts, Dr. Bob Blackwood, Robert Charles Wilson, Randy Smith
WORLD OF WARCRACK
Massively Multiplayer Online Games have long been popular but none have ever been as popular as World of Warcraft. (At its height, "Everquest" had fewer than one million subscribers; WoW has about six million.) Why are these sorts of games popular and what is