Conucopia Infobot News - 30-Jul-1998 Conucopia, c/o SCIFI, PO Box 8442, Van Nuys CA 91409. The Conucopia Infobot News is a service of the Conucopia Web Site, which may be found at http://www.99.nasfic.org/ . I'm your webmaster, Chaz Boston Baden. If you know someone who'd like to subscribe, tell 'em to go to our web site at http://www.99.nasfic.org/ and enter their e-mail address - or just forward them this message. If your e-mail address changes, or if you wish to be removed from the Conucopia Infobot News mailing list, or if you don't have web access and want to be added to the list, please write to listmaster@99.nasfic.org. In this issue: Sales Table at Bucconeer Jerry Pournelle: His Words Go Marching On Art Show The Final & Continuing Adventures of Johnny Meerkat: The Contest Film & Video Contest Halftime Show Regency Dance Hospitality Daily Newsletter Hotel Information Advertising Rates Membership Rates Other Web Site Features Sales Table at Bucconeer * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * We'll be at Bucconeer. We'll have a table in the fan table area, and we'll also be throwing a party. Come on by and say hi! Jerry Pournelle: His Words Go Marching On * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jerry Pournelle has been writing longer than you think. His early stories are to be forgotten now, as they appeared in those scandal-hinting, title-teasing magazines you have to fight your way through to find the few SF titles. They were good practice, and they led up to a couple of Berkeley espionage novels: _Red Heroin_ and _Red Dragon_, under the name "Wade Curtis". An astute reader, taking a closer look at a book with a cover blurb by Robert Heinlein, would have found the real author's name on the copyright page. "Peace with Honor" appeared in _Analog_ the same month _Red Dragon_ was published, (May 1971). It was the first piece of published science fiction and the first piece of the future history tapestry of the CoDominium, the Empires of Man, the Moties, and John Christian Falkenberg. Falkenberg made his first appearance in "The Mercenary" (_Analog_, July 1972); by then _A Spaceship for the King_ had be serialized by _Analog_, (Dec. 1971--Feb 1972), and two Nuclear General stories were included in the same issues--the void left by John Campbell's unexpected death caused these to appear under the "Wade Curtis" label. DAW published the book version of "Spaceship" in February 1973, and two CoDominium stories followed in _Analog_--on the basis of this work, members of the 1973 World Science Fiction Convention (Torcon 2) awarded the first John W. Campbell Award for best new writer to Jerry Pournelle. George Alex Effinger, George R. R. Martin, and Lisa Tuttle were among the runners-up. A major work was being prepared offstage. What was intended to be the epitome of first contact novels was written in collaboration with Larry Niven over a three-year period. _The Mote in God's Eye_ turned out to be four times its original length, and a big success (over 250,000 copies in print, Hugo and Nebula nominee), complete with infamous typo. More collaborations with Niven have been published, (_Inferno_, and _Lucifer's Hammer_ are just two examples). Among his Falkenberg novels are _West of Honor_ and _The Mercenary_, and we haven't heard the last of John Christian yet. (And there's that dungeon...) Other series have sprung up: the Hansen Enterprises stories that began in "High Justice" continue in _Exiles to Glory_ (_Galaxy_ and Ace Books); there are two more Nuclear General stories--but the first of these was sold to _The Last Dangerous Visions_ (maybe next year). "Bind your Sons to Exile" was expanded and published by Ace in their illustrated SF series. There will be the sequel to H. Beam Piper's _Space Viking_. I haven't even mentioned non-fiction yet! _The Strategy of Technology_, written with S. T. Possony in 1970, is used as a textbook at the Air Force Academy. Since early 1974, he's been science editor of _Galaxy_. He has also written a feature column, "Chaos Manor", for _Byte_ magazine almost since its inception until the magazine folded in May 1998. Look for his latest book _Starswarm_ where "Kip suspects that the voice in his head that guides his decision-making is some sort of artificial intelligence, a chip implanted in his skull by his parents before they were persecuted and killed. Now, through the chip, he learns that his own well being, and that of his home, outpost Starswarm, is in grave danger." -Gavin Claypool Art Show * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hi, we are your friendly Art Show Directors, Jerome Scott and Elizabeth Klein-Lebbink. We are running the art show for NASFIC. We have run, and worked art shows for more than 8 years in the Mid West and 6 years in the LA area, for conventions ranging from 300 attendees to several Worldcons, so you can be assured of careful and competent handling of your work. We are looking for artists from around the country to make this as interesting a show as possible. We hope to bring a fun and diverse show to the convention. If you have art you want to sell or display, don't hesitate to contact us at: Jerome Scott and Elizabeth Klein-Lebbink Conucopia Art Show 1010 E. Acacia Ave. E1 Segundo CA, 90245 Phone 310-640-0949 Fax 310-640-8483 E-mail art.show@99.nasfic.org This will also be the address for mail-in art for the convention. Please do not send anything until we have put you on the list and supplied you with the proper forms. Jerome and Elizabeth The Final & Continuing Adventures of Johnny Meerkat: The Contest * * * In the years immediately following World War II, most of the science fiction pulp magazines decided to move away from the "sword and blaster" action adventure stories which had filled their issues until then. Now in the "Atomic Era", magazines were looking for stories peppered with a heavier seasoning of science. They felt it was what their readers wanted. But some struggled along in the old style. One title, _Startling Wonder_, tried introducing a new continuing hero in the mold of Captain Future, in an attempt to build reader loyalty. Every issue of _Startling Wonder_ held at least one Johnny Meerkat adventure. Some were short stories, two were "novel length" (although quite short by today's standards), but most were what we would now call 'short-shorts'. A thousand words told the latest exciting tale of adventure of Johnny Meerkat, space going hero; his friends and allies; and his nefarious nemesis, the Jackal. Only a few issues of _Startling Wonder_ were ever published and the original Johnny Meerkat stories were never collected or reprinted. But Conucopia invites you to return to those thrilling days of adventure, when a fast space cruiser and a sure eye with a blaster was all that kept evil at bay. We have received permission from the owner of Johnny Meerkat to continue his tales of derring-do for your reading pleasure. We have invited a few well-known authors to write new Johnny Meerkat adventures, which will appear in each of our progress reports. Additionally, we're sponsoring a contest for the best new Johnny Meerkat story. The rules are simple. Any member of Conucopia, the 1999 NASFiC may enter up to three Johnny Meerkat stories. Each story may be up to 1,000 words in length. The elements of the story must conform to the "writers bible" of information that follows and should be more or less in the style of the 1940s pulps. Stories can be serious or humorous. Stories will be judged by a panel of professional writers. The top five stories, as selected by our judges, will be printed in the Conucopia Program Book. The decision of the judges is final. All stories become the property of Conucopia, the 1999 NASFiC and its parent organization, the Southern California Institute for Fan Interests, Inc. Entrant agrees to allow Conucopia and S.C.I.F.I. to reprint their stories in convention-related publications without additional approval or payment. Stories cannot be returned. Contents may settle during shipping. Writer's Bible Johnny Meerkat is slender of body with short legs and a small head. Johnny is a little atypical in appearance for a hero. He has dark, piercing eyes that can stare down the worst villain and seem as if they can see straight down to your soul. His hair is brown. His uniform is comfortable and informal, a cross between that of Flash Gordon and a jogging outfit. It's tan in color, with black stripes on the legs and a black diamond outlined on the back. Johnny prefers the openness of space to the crowded confines and "proper ways" of the ancient cities, like Earthcentral and Luna, or the older colonies, like Marscol. He goes to those places when he needs to, but when he wants to relax, it's the new colonies in the Asteroid Belt that draw him. Johnny and his crew are "space bums". They'd be traveling constantly from planet to colony to asteroid mine even if their business wasn't "trading", buying whatever honest load they can fit in their ship and selling it at their next port of call for max credits. At least, that's usually the plan. It doesn't always work out. SpaceJackers, crooked customs brokers, or the desire to help out in need frequently interfere. Johnny's a real hero, never shirking from helping someone in need. He'd just be a little better at it if he wasn't so easily distracted. A sound, a bright light, and Johnny's head swivels toward the source. It's when we hear his most repeated phrase: "Huh? What was that?" that trouble usually follows. The Hawk, his ship. Specially outfitted, this small cargo carrier can outrun all but the fastest ships in the system. And then, it's Johnny's sixth sense for the approach of danger and his skills as a pilot that lets him outclass all others. Weaponry is limited. Neutron, First Mate and Chief Engineer on The Hawk. He's the maker of the various modifications (some even legal) that make the Hawk the incredible ship she is. There's nothing Neutron loves better than tinkering with the inner workings of his beloved vessel. Except, maybe, helping Johnny when he gets into a tough situation. And he loves beautiful women. And a good single malt scotch. And parties. And especially parties with drinking and beautiful women that ends up in a big fight. But other than that, nothing comes between him and his ship. Scorpion, A beautiful dark-haired woman, formerly the right hand (and how much more?) of The Jackal. The most vicious of the Predators, she has one soft spot. Johnny Meerkat. She broke from the Predators when The Jackal ordered her to kill Johnny. She's a lone agent, now, with a "thing" for Johnny. You never know where Scorpion will turn up or whose side she'll be on. Earthcentral, Located on the homeworld, Earth, it is the central governmental body for the solar system and environs. Pure, honest, and concerned for the welfare of all of its citizens, there are a few bad apples, even here at the core. And the smaller the outpost and the further from Earth, the more likely Johnny and his friends might encounter an official who... doesn't put the citizens first. Luna & Marscol, The longest established colonies. Fiercely proud of their rugged pioneer heritage, these are now large civil-commercial-industrial centers. Large populations live, work, and grow here. Think of Australia. The Asteroid Colonies, Some have been around for a decade or more. Some are only months old. Most center around mining and low-gravity industries. Sort of a space-faring cross between the Old West and working the Alaska Oil Fields. Kalahari, Scientist and occasional girl friend to Johnny Meerkat. Kalahari is a beautiful blonde with one of the best brains in the galaxy. She's a research scientist with a soft heart who sometimes puts people with problems to solve in touch with the best problem-solver there is, Johnny Meerkat. She's also a frequent target for the Jackal, who wants whatever she's working on at the moment. And the evil Scorpion (above) sees her as a rival for Johnny's affections, a rival she wants out of the picture, permanently. The Predators, A vicious, greedy, carnivorous bunch of space-going villains completely devoid of scruples. Anything they want, they'll take. Anyone who stands in their way, they'll destroy. Completely without finesse, they would have long since been captured and imprisoned except for the abilities of their wily leader... The Jackal, Leader of the Predators. Combine a diplomat with a dictator, add the knowledge of Earthcentral's finest scientists and thinkers, and the deviousness of Sherlock Holmes' arch-nemesis, Moriarty, and you begin to have an understanding of The Jackal. No one knows his true name or what made him the man he is. All that's known is that he wants it all -- wealth, power, and all the fine things they bring -- and he'll stop at nothing to get it. Film & Video Contest * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This close to Hollywood, how could we not want to see what's in the creative minds of fandom's budding filmmakers. George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and many other top directors, writers, and actors started out by making amateur and student films. Why shouldn't you? Starting in 1999, we'll be accepting films in 16mm and on VHS, to be judged by a panel of working television and motion picture professionals, with prizes and screenings at the convention for the winners. Names of the judges and the prizes to be announced. Details and rules will follow in future Conucopia Progress Reports. Keep watching the skies! Halftime Show * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * What? Live theatre at a con? Yes, and we're crazy enough to give it to you. Be prepared for a night of live entertainment. We'll give you a fun-filled experience of an evening at the theatre in the backdrop of a convention. We're still in the pre-planning stages, and are not sure exactly what we are going to put on, but we've got a barn (er ballroom), we'll get some sets, some actors and gosh darn it we'll put on a show. Keep an eye on this space for more information as it comes in. Regency Dance * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ballroom dances of the English Regency (roughly the year 1800) have been a feature of science-fiction conventions for decades. At Conucopia we'll have a Regency dance. Come in costume or come as you are. If you don't know how to dance, I'll teach you. A regent is a person who rules a monarchy while the monarch is alive but unable to rule, such as by youth, illness, or absence. England has had only one in modern times, the eldest son of George III, who was "First Gentleman of Europe", then Prince Regent, then George IV. His era was a colorful time, the day of Beau Brummell and Napoleon. The Regency writer Jane Austen is one of the great names in literature. Many of us were first infected by the 20th Century writer Georgette Heyer, who made a high art of the Regency romance novel. The sense of humor in this period seems to appeal to the fannish whimsy. Do join us, especially if you're at least reasonably frivolous. John Hertz, dancemaster Hospitality * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Overwhelmed by Conucopia's bounteous array of delights? Need a place to rest, relax and recharge? Come to the hospitality suite. We're an oasis for fans, with munchies and drinks, Conversation and fun. Chat with old friends, and meet new ones while sharing snacks and ideas. We will not be serving meals, but do intend to have a variety of small treats available during the convention. So come on in, grab a soda and some chips, and pull up a chair. We'll be glad to see you. Daily Newsletter * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * There will be an on-site daily newsletter at the convention, and we'll print at least two issues a day. Colleen Crosby will be our day editor, and I'll be running the night shift. You may have seen our work at Loscon in recent years. If you'd like to help out, please write me. Chaz Boston Baden PO Box 17522 Anaheim CA 92817-7522 newszine@99.nasfic.org Hotel Information * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * If you attended LA.con II, L.A.con III, or the 1989 Westercon you should be familiar with our hotel facility, the Anaheim Marriott. Considered one of the best convention hotels in the country, the Marriott offers 54,000 square feet of meeting space - almost all of it on one floor and opening on to a large foyer, ensuring easy traffic flow from programming to Dealer's Room to Art Show. The hotel offers food & beverage ranging from Pizza Hut to the award winning JW's. Recreational opportunities include two swimming pools, jacuzzi, health club, and, of course, complimentary trolley transportation to Disneyland. We have blocked about half of the Marriott's 1,039 rooms and the hotel has agreed to assign NASFiC attendees to rooms in the "North Tower", if at all possible, in order to keep contact between convention goers and regular guests at a minimum. Since the Marriott has hosted SF conventions in the past, they understand the value of blocking party and quiet floors and are eager to work with us to see that our attendees' needs are met. Rates at the Marriott are $104 single, $104 double, $114 triple, and $124 quad. Suites, in varying sizes and prices, are also available. Housing forms will be available later this year. Anaheim Marriott 700 West Convention Way Anaheim Ca 92802-3483 Advertising Rates * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Interested in advertising in our Conucopia Progress Reports? Send your photo-ready copy and check for advertising in PR2 & PR3 to: Tony Benoun 1136 W. Fay Lane Anaheim, CA. 92805 To get your space in PR2 we must have your art by 1 January 1999, for our 31 January 1999 publishing date. And to participate in PR3 we need your art by 1 June 1999, for our 25 June 1999 printing. Please make all checks out to Conucopia. AD SIZE FAN PRO Pro 1/4 page $25.00 $50.00 1/2 page $45.00 $95.00 full page $85.00 $160.00 inside cover $135.00 $245.00 Membership Rates * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Attending Membership (No Vote, no Patronage or support)...... $85 If you didn't vote, but you were a pre-supporter .......... $75 Conversion: if you voted, you need to pay ................... $65 if you voted and were a pre-supporter ..................... $55 Make Checks Payable To: Conucopia NASFIC '99 c/o S.C.I.F.I. Inc. PO Box 8442 Van Nuys CA 91409 Other Web Site Features * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Here are some other goodies that have been put on the web site, or updated recently. http://www.99.nasfic.org/ * Chairman's Messages * Staff and Committee List * Request for Dealers' Room Information (fill-in web form, or PDF) * Change of Address Form (fill-in web form) * Advertising Rates And, if you don't have web access, you should be able to get most of them by sending e-mail to info@99.nasfic.org with the following line as your message to get the complete index of files: send index You can put several "send" commands in your message, just put them on different lines. For example send pr1 send index send staff.txt send mailtos.txt Service Mark Notice * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Service Mark Notice: "World Science Fiction Society", "WSFS", "World Science Fiction Convention", "Worldcon", "NASFiC" and "Hugo Award" are registered service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society. 19980730.txt sent to 140 subscribers of NASFIC99-NEWS.