What's Happening - Programme
Programme Grid - Item Description

Programme v5.0 - April 2nd

Panellists and Moderators - how does it all work?

Kings Fri 14:30 - 15:30
A guide to being a panellist or a moderator, especially if you're new to this sort of thing. Explains the difference between the roles, and what Green Room's for.
John Richards, Fran Dowd

Beginner's Guide to Eastercon

Roodee Fri 14:30 - 15:30
New to this sort of thing? Come along and talk to some Eastercon attenders old and new about what you can expect.
The Magician, John Coxon, Flick

Opening

Kings Fri 15:30 - 16:30
Stand up on stage and say welcome to the con. Accepted wisdom is that this gives those who are not familiar with things a chance to identify the committee and thus know who to avoid and to whom to suck up. Swiftly followed by the Black versus White mixer games.
Fran Dowd, Hayley, Steve, John Dowd, Official Cuddly Toy, Chris, Jim de Liscard, Meike, Jess, The Magician

Greek Theatre

Charles 1 Fri 17:00 - 18:30
Tony Keen repeats his audience participation introduction to the conventions of Greek drama. Only this time the bits from Comedy will be Funny.
Tony Keen

Climate change - fans and carbon footprints

Roodee Fri 17:00 - 18:30
What can we do as a community do to reduce our carbon footprint? Should we consider offsetting funds to match air travel for the fan funds, for example? Or are we just kowtowing to the latest puritan fad?
Judith Proctor, Dave Clements, Charles Stross, Pat McMurray

Trailer Park

Christleton Fri 17:00 - 18:30
A collection of trailers for films, TV, games, software, music - whatever we can find that's going to be aimed at you in the next year.
Hayley, John Richards

Not The Oscars

Charles 1 Fri 18:30 - 20:00
The Oscars list this year isn't big on SF - what should have been in there?
Lilian Edwards, Dave Hicks, Nick Gibbins, Andrew Ducker, Zara Baxter

What makes a good book review?

Edward 1 Fri 18:30 - 20:00
What makes a good book review? Do you read book reviews? Do you take any notice of them? Do writers and publishers take notice of them? Do they serve the reader, the industry, or no one at all? Do you give a flying squid?
Penny Hill, Niall Harrison, John Jarrold, Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Paul Raven a.k.a. Armchair Anarchist

Play Rehearsal (1)

Roodee Fri 18:30 - 20:00
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David Wake

Bug's Taff Trip

Christleton Fri 18:30 - 20:00
Bug presents a slideshow report of her TAFF trip last year.
Bridget Bradshaw

Book Launch - Anne Sudworth

Malpas Fri 19:30 - 20:30
The Art Show officially opens with Anne Sudworth's book launch.
Anne Sudworth

The Great Clomping Foot of Nerdism

Charles 1 Fri 20:00 - 21:00
M John Harrison sparked debate with his statement that "Every moment of a science fiction story must represent the triumph of writing over worldbuilding", that "...worldbuilding is not technically neccessary. It is the great clomping foot of nerdism. It is the attempt to exhaustively survey a place that isn’t there. A good writer would never try to do that, even with a place that is there."
Farah, Graham Sleight, Tanya Brown, John Richards, Richard Morgan

Superscience in the Victorian era

Edward 1 Fri 20:00 - 21:00
How did contemporary SF handle the explosion in science and technology in the 19th century, and how has it been portrayed since?
SMS, Marcus Rowland, dave lally, Nikkums

Conrunning 101

Roodee Fri 20:00 - 21:00
Want to get into conrunning? Don't know where to start?
Martin Hoare, Hayley, Simon Bradshaw, Mad Elf, Chris

Pub Quiz

Charles 1 Fri 21:00 - 22:00
Get your teams together!
Marcus Streets

Continuity of Identity

Edward 1 Fri 21:00 - 22:00
Questions about continuity of identity have long intrigued philosophers and psychologists, but they have a habit of cropping up in SF too. Is The Doctor still the same Doctor after a regeneration? Is an uploaded mind the same person as its flesh-and-blood predecessor, or just a really good copy? And is a Star Fleet transporter room more like a bus depot – or an execution chamber?
Richard Morgan, Charles Stross, Chris Beckett, Colin Gavaghan, Fran Dowd

Artetechs

Roodee Fri 21:00 - 22:00
Technology has changed the way we interact with Art. Some changes are obvious (CGI film effects, opera surtitles, Ipods) some we hardly notice (theatre sound and lighting, comic strips). The panel discusses the impact of technology on art in the real world and speculates on possible art forms of the future.
Steve Davies, Colin Fine, Clare Goodall, Dave Clements

Gytha North Memorial Drunken Rabble Pick Play or Pass Filking Event

Christleton Fri 21:00 - 22:00
Gytha North was a multi-talented and inspirational fan, who sadly passed away since the last Eastercon. Please drop in and join in a rousing chorus to her memory.

Life on Mars - wtf?

Charles 1 Fri 22:00 - 23:00
Series Two is ending, and there will definitely be a resolution. But what will it be? and more importantly, when will they show it?
Simon Bradshaw, Lilian Edwards, Wendy Bradley, DC

Current SF - a Fireside Chat

Edward 1 Fri 22:00 - 23:00
Paul Cornell, author and scriptwriter, chats with Dave Bradley, editor of SFX, about the current world of SF.
Paul Cornell, Dave Bradley

X-Factor SF

Roodee Fri 22:00 - 23:00
Got a piece of sf or fantasy writing you think has the X-Factor? bring it along and read a few lines for our judges to criticise. The audience will vote on the finalists …
Vincent Docherty, Tanya Brown, Nick Mills, Alice Lawson

Web 2.0

Christleton Fri 22:00 - 23:00
Is this just the latest in a series of buzzwords, and just as meaningless? Or is it actually an important change in the way in which we are going to use the Internet in the future? This session looks at the phenomena of Web 2.0 and cuts to the heart of the matter, with an overview and suggestions of resources you can use to actively change the way in which you use the Internet. Forever.
Phil Bradley

I'm Sorry I Haven't an SF-ing Clue

Roodee Fri 23:00 - 00:00
The fannish version of the Radio 4 panel game.
Simon Bradshaw, Dougs, Ian Sorensen, Flick, Tony Keen, Mike Scott

Shooting Chester

Outside Sat 08:45 - 10:00
Anyone who wants to come 'Shooting Chester' with Sue Jones, should please be at the main hotel entrance at 8:45 am sharp, with their cameras charged and loaded.

Not quite sure where we'll go -- probably up to the cathdral and back if fine and into the market hall if wet. We will return to the hotel by ten. (If people want to leave the group and wander off, that's fine. Non-photographic hangers-on are welcome provided they don't get bored. I am aiming for 'interesting picture' stuff rather than tourist snaps. Also, if you want to go INTO the cathedral, please note that there is an admission fee.
Sue Jones

Morning Feedback

Roodee Sat 09:00 - 10:00
Anything going wrong for you? If it's something the hotel, Ops or Registration can't handle, come and tell us.
Fran Dowd, The Magician

Kids TV

Christleton Sat 09:00 - 11:00
for details of all video programme, please see the separate guide in your pack

What Does This Knob Do?

Charles 1 Sat 10:00 - 11:00
What Does This Knob Do? How to run a sounddesk.
Nolley, Clare Goodall

Climate Change - planning our environment

Edward 1 Sat 10:00 - 11:00
Can we design our living environment to reduce the effects of climate change? and should we try?
Peter Harrow, Judith Proctor, Peter Westhead, Nikkums, John Dallman

GMTV

Roodee Sat 10:00 - 11:00
read the best bits out of today's papers, discuss the programme for the day, yesterday's restaurant and shopping finds - generally get yourself geared up to face the day
John Richards

Space - Inge Heyer

Charles 1 Sat 11:00 - 12:00
Inge spoke at Novacon 2001, and at Worldcon 2005, on the Hubble.
Inge Heyer

These Are Not the Tits You're Looking For

Edward 1 Sat 11:00 - 12:00
A follow-on item from Concussion last year, discussing fandom as a safe space for any sex or gender, what to do about inappropriate behaviour.
Liz Batty, James, Simon Bradshaw, Fran Dowd, Claire Brialey

Flash Fiction Workshop 1

Roodee Sat 11:00 - 12:00
This workshop won't tell you how to write, what to write, or anything at all about writing. It'll just get you to do it. No experience required, just bring a pen and some paper (or a laptop if you really must, but we can't be responsible for providing power for everyone).
Kate Bodley

Video Block (1)

Christleton Sat 11:00 - 14:00
for details of all video programme, please see the separate guide in your pack

Eastercon Identity

Charles 1 Sat 12:00 - 13:30
Over the last couple of years there's been a lot of discussion about what Eastercon is and should be. A moderated discussion where everyone can contribute.
Judith Proctor, James, Greg Pickersgill, Vincent Docherty, Peter

BSFA Awards Taster

Edward 1 Sat 12:00 - 13:30
Readings by the authors (or their chosen readers), from the BSFA novels shortlist. Just in case you haven't got around to reading them all yet.
Ian Snell, Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Jo Fletcher, GOLLANCZ, Liz Williams, Farah

Play Rehearsal (2)

Roodee Sat 12:00 - 13:30
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David Wake

George Hay Lecture: The Braintrix

Kings Sat 14:00 - 15:00
by Dr Guillaume Thierry. "I will demonstrate that what we take for "reality" is nothing other than an illusion constructed by our brain. Based on a series of visual illusions, considerations on animal peception and review of patients with brain lesions, I will show how the world in which we live is a mental representation which can be decieved and distorted. The immediate philosophical and fictional consequences of this scientific fact will be considered in closing."
Dr Guillaume Thierry, Simon Bradshaw

LJ isn't just a blog

Roodee Sat 14:00 - 15:00
How do you use LJ - is it a diary, or is it now standing in for emails, phone calls, is it the first thing you think of to get in touch with an individual or a group? With personal emails so often caught in spam filters, is this method now more reliable? If you haven't got one - why not?
Max, Lilian Edwards, James

Universal Donor

Kings Sat 15:00 - 16:30
Is it time for science fiction to stop bleeding? Other genres - fantasy, technothriller, historical - have been recently reinvigorated by taking a science-fictional approach: the New Weird in fantasy, the recent work of (e.g.) Greg Bear, the resurgence of alternate history and time travel. Authors identified with SF have 'bled' towards the mainstream or other genres. Science fiction has become the default multimedia landscape. Is SF making a blood donation - or bleeding to death?
Freda Warrington, Ian Watson, Jo Fletcher, GOLLANCZ, Paul Cornell, Graham Sleight

Komodo Dragons

Roodee Sat 15:00 - 16:30
Kevin Buley, Curator of Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates, on Komodo Dragons, the recent hatchings and conservation at Chester Zoo generally.
Kevin Buley, Peter Harrow

An Inconvenient Truth

Christleton Sat 15:00 - 16:30
Film showing: Former Vice President Al Gore presents a compelling look at the state of global warming in the fascinating and startling documentary AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH.
Fran Dowd

Un-American Futures

Kings Sat 16:30 - 18:00
SF has traditionally had a white western bias, in literature and in the fanbase. That's changing rapidly. British SF has been described as "the most dynamic movement in global science fiction of the past decade and arguably one of the most important forces in world culture during that period" - why us and not the Americans?
Charles Stross, Conor Kostick, Ian McDonald, John Richards, Jon Courtenay Grimwood

Belly Dancing Workshop

Roodee Sat 16:30 - 18:00
Anyone welcome, male or female, no audience, you come, you dance, wear loose comfortable clothing, hippy skirts are groovy and scarves for round your hips, but t-shirt and jeans will do at a pinch.
Sue Mason

Urban Exploring

Christleton Sat 16:30 - 18:00
What is ‘urban exploring’? It’s the art of spending time in abandoned buildings, be they industrial, commercial, medical, military, educational – in fact, any building that isn’t being used any longer. This programme item will look at how you go about it, where to do, what to do and what not to do and so on, with some photographs of Phil and Jill’s explorations – including an insane asylum.
Phil Bradley, Jill Bradley

Battle of the Butlers

Roodee Sat 18:00 - 19:00
The great butlers, gentlemen's gentlemen, valets - the balloon is overloaded, who will be first to dive to their doom? And last to remain?
Malcolm Davies, Fran Dowd, Peter Harrow, KEN SHINN, Steve, Michael Abbott

Dr Who (probably)

Kings Sat 19:00 - 20:00
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The Magician

Transitional Comics

Roodee Sat 20:00 - 21:00
The panel looks at the changing face of graphic novels, and argues the case for their current favourites.
James, Tony Keen, Richard Morgan, Michael Abbott

Mine Your Own Business

Christleton Sat 20:00 - 22:00
Film - Mine Your Own Business: A Documentary About the Dark Side of Environmentalism, produced by filmmakers Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney, which investigates controversial proposed mining projects in impoverished villages. Their main focus in the film is the village of Rosia Montana in Romania. There, McAleer and McElhinney interview western environmentalists who oppose the project as well as the local people that are in favour of the project. The movie portrays western environmentalists as wealthy elites who are working counter to the interests of the local people
Fran Dowd

BSFA Awards

Kings Sat 21:00 - 22:00
Presentation of the BSFA Awards.
Ian Snell, Jon Courtenay Grimwood, Ian McDonald, Liz Williams, John Jarrold

Teledu Challenge

Roodee Sat 21:00 - 22:00
The Bible, vomit, great works of art, SF and sex. All these and many more are subjects in the Teledu Challenge, an exercise in Creative Stupidity. Take part, act fast, think sideways and you may just win the Teledu Crown!
Jim de Liscard, Meike, Chris, Jess

karaoke Disco

Kings Sat 22:00 - 01:00
Celebrate the end of Life on Mars with a retro 70s karaoke disco

bad people bad sex bad wolf

Roodee Sat 22:00 - 23:00
Torchwood billed itself as "adult", was it? what actually made it so? Why is Stargate on at 8 pm and Battlestar Galactica at 9? What does "adult" really mean?
Dougs, Kari, Penny Hill, John Richards, Deborah J. Miller

Filking Time (1)

Christleton Sat 22:00 - 01:00
Bring your instruments and voices for informal filking.

Blake's 7 Wobblevision

Unallocated Sat 22:00 - 00:00
There will be a Blake's 7 Wobblevision event, meet in the convention bar.
Steve Rogerson

First Fumblings

Roodee Sat 23:00 - 00:00
What is this slash stuff anyway?
Dougs, Serena Culfeather, Fran Dowd, Elanor

Songs of Praise

Kings Sun 09:00 - 10:00
If you'd rather stay in the con than go to church, or just feel nostalgic for primary school assemblies, come and join in. Musicians and lead singers especially welcome.
Dougs

Morning Feedback (2)

Roodee Sun 09:00 - 10:00
Anything going wrong for you? If it's something the hotel, Ops or Registration can't handle, come and tell us.
Fran Dowd, The Magician

Kids TV

Christleton Sun 09:00 - 10:00
for details of all video programme, please see the separate guide in your pack

Fireworks

Kings Sun 10:00 - 11:00
Not the real thing, but as close as we could get! Martin Hoare covers the basic types of fireworks and what they do, dipping a toe in the water about chemistry and construction and how to put together and fire a display without blowing up Griff Rhys Jones (as seen on BBC2).
Martin Hoare

Easter Bonnet Parade

Roodee Sun 10:00 - 11:00
Bring along your Easter Bonnets, prizes for the best - there are no limitations on design other than the general convention and hotel policies on weapons, explosives, and general public health and safety. There will be prizes, including vouchers from The Hat Company shop in Chester who are kindly sponsoring this event.
Alice Lawson, SMS, Margaret Austin

Archers - listen-in and panel

Christleton Sun 10:00 - 12:00
Listen to the Archers omnibus edition, and discuss …
Peter Harrow

Is UK SF publishing overly masculine?

Kings Sun 11:00 - 12:00
"I hear that a number of women writers have felt that the atmosphere in the UK is very hard science, hard men at present -- not that all the editors of male or whatever, but that the culture seems to be be for quite macho type books." True?
Jaine Fenn, Liz Williams, Graham Sleight, Jo Fletcher, GOLLANCZ, John Richards, Gareth L. Powell

Local fan groups

Roodee Sun 11:00 - 12:00
Do you run or want to start a local fan group? Some people who already do so talk about their experiences and swap ideas.
Mark Young, ½r, Fran Dowd, DC

Bid Session

Kings Sun 12:00 - 13:30
Your chance to elect the Eastercon for 2009.
John Richards, John Dowd, Steve, James, Judith Proctor, Alice Lawson, Peter Harrow

Play Rehearsal (3)

Roodee Sun 12:00 - 13:00
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David Wake

Video Block (2)

Christleton Sun 12:00 - 18:30
for details of all video programme, please see the separate guide in your pack

Library Cataloguing

Roodee Sun 13:00 - 14:00
Library Thing, Delicious Library, specialist software, what else is out there to help you?
Fran Dowd, Rae Streets, Hayley, Nick Mills

Walking Roman Chester

Outside Sun 13:00 - 15:00
In a moment of seriousness, Tony Keen leads a walk around the sites of Roman Chester. Numbers limited to 25, you can sign up at Registration.
Tony Keen

George Hay spinoff

Charles 1 Sun 14:00 - 15:30
A discussion of the issues raised in the George Hay lecture yesterday, and how they relate to SF
Simon Bradshaw

Art Auction

Edward 1 Sun 14:00 - 17:00
Now that you've seen what's on offer in the Art Show, this is your opportunity to fight for it! If you want to know how the Auction works, please go and talk to the Art Show staff who will explain the process.
John Harold

Adamist or Edenist?

Roodee Sun 14:00 - 15:30
Biotech vs nanotech as applied to humans -- is there a difference? How have different writers, from Bruce Sterling to Justina Robson to Peter Hamilton to Peter Watts, explored the difference? Where is the line, and which side of it would you be on?
Richard Morgan, Nikkums, Peter Harrow, Paul Raven a.k.a. Armchair Anarchist

Post-BSFA awards discussion

Charles 1 Sun 15:30 - 17:00
The panel look at the results of yesterday's vote.
Chris Hill, Kari, Liz Batty, Martin McGrath

But That's Not SF!

Roodee Sun 15:30 - 17:00
What's SF really? What's not SF that we think we should claim?
Phil Nansen, John Richards, Julia Daly, John Dallman, dave lally

Military - reality vs fiction

Charles 1 Sun 17:00 - 18:30
Digicams and email bring modern soldiers' views of war right onto our computer screens. How do their experiences compare with sf's depictions of future conflict?
Richard Morgan, Martin Easterbrook, Simon Bradshaw, Charles Stross

Artetypes

Edward 1 Sun 17:00 - 18:30
There are many conventional images of artists (in whatever medium they work). For example, there is the iconoclast, the rebel, the self-absorbed and so on. To what extent are these archtypes reflected in SF and fantasy? Are there different archetypes that are unique to these genres?
Peter Wareham, Michael Abbott, Paul Dormer, Deirdre Counihan

Paper Doll Masquerade

Roodee Sun 17:00 - 18:30
In your PR there was a paper doll for you to dress, in whatever way took your fancy. Here's your opportunity to show off your work, and to be judged by your peers.
Sue Mason, Alice Lawson, Flick, James Steel

Play Setup

Charles 1 Sun 18:30 - 20:00
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David Wake

Not the Clarke Awards

Edward 1 Sun 18:30 - 20:00
A discussion of the 2006 Clarke shortlist.
Caroline Mullan, Claire Brialey, Farah, Iain Emsley, Tony Cullen

What would you like to see at Orbital?

Roodee Sun 18:30 - 20:00
Come along with programme suggestions for next year's Eastercon.
Steve Rogerson, Mark Young

Battlestar Galactica Season 3 summary

Christleton Sun 18:30 - 20:00
If you've been diddled by Virgin, and want to be informed for the Politics and Ethics in Battlestar Galactica panel tomorrow, why not come along for an overview of Season 3?
John Richards

Politics and Ethics in Ankh-Morpork

Roodee Sun 20:00 - 21:00
How does Ankh-Morpork actually work? Is there anything we should adopt from it? What would it really be like to live there? Are there any bits of it that, however amusing, are deeply unacceptable?
Peter Harrow, John Richards, Andrew Ducker, Abi Brown, Farah

Borrowed Worlds

Christleton Sun 20:00 - 21:00
Some writers develop their own worlds. Marcus Rowland prefers to find the ones he likes and borrow them, using copyright-expired sources and parodies of current events as the inspiration for his role-playing games. He'll be talking about Forgotten Futures, Diana: Warrior Princess, and The Original Flatland Role Playing Game, and possibly brain-storming some ideas for some or all of these games.
Marcus Rowland

Inveigle

Kings Sun 21:00 - 22:00
An SF play by David Wake
Peter Harrow, David Wake

League of Fan Funds Auction

Kings Sun 22:00 - 00:00
After the play, it's the Triumphant Return of the Fan Funds Auction. Your intrepid auctioneers present a wide variety of rare and marvellous objects culled from attics around the globe. But will this see the last of 1/2r's mutton chops? Bring stuff! Buy stuff! Marvel at weird late-night antics! Sorry, we don't have Obi-Wan Kenobi's cloak...
Flick, Bridget Bradshaw, ½r, Claire Brialey, Alison Scott

Hey Dude, Where's My Ice Age?

Roodee Sun 22:00 - 23:00
Social and scientific predictors have been warning us of a coming catastrophe for all of history - in the late nineteenth century it was gridlock and nine metres of horseshit in the street, not so long ago it was the coming Ice Age. Why should we believe them this time round?
Fran Dowd, Nikkums, Stephen Cooper, Vincent Docherty, Dave Clements

Obscene Filk Workshop

Christleton Sun 22:00 - 23:00
Obscene filking - a chance to sing and write those filk songs that happily plumb the depths of depravity and perversion.
Judith Proctor, Dougs

The BC Intermission Games

Roodee Sun 23:00 - 00:00
Beyond Cyberdrome put their own bizarre spin on a few of your favourite Radio 4 comedy games.
SMS

Filking Time (2)

Christleton Sun 23:00 - 01:00
Bring your instruments and voices for informal filking.

Paper Doll Masquerade (Adult)

Roodee Mon 00:00 - 01:00
In your PR there was a paper doll for you to dress, in whatever way took your fancy. Here's your opportunity to show off your work, and to be judged by your peers. This one is for those of you who have chosen a slightly more *ahem* theme.
Alice Lawson, Ian Watson, Flick, Sue Mason

Flash Fiction Workshop 2

Roodee Mon 09:00 - 10:00
Feedback and discussion on the writing we did in workshop 1. The format will depend on numbers and interest. Please bring your work from the first session.
Kate Bodley

Kid's TV (3)

Christleton Mon 09:00 - 10:00
for details of all video programme, please see the separate guide in your pack

Everything You Can Expect At A Weekend SCA Event In One Hour

Charles 1 Mon 10:00 - 11:00
Costumes, fencing, armour, music, dancing, sweetmeats and general merriment
Nikkums, Gonz

Professionals in Publishing

Edward 1 Mon 10:00 - 11:00
What exactly is an agent, and editor, a publisher and how can they help you?
John Richards, Roy Gray, Deirdre Counihan, Jo Fletcher, GOLLANCZ, Christian Dunn

Eastercon Forum

Roodee Mon 10:00 - 11:00
This year's discussion is: Customers Or Members?
James, dave lally, Fran Dowd, The Magician, Farah, Mark Young, Simon Bradshaw, Peter Harrow

Kids TV (4)

Christleton Mon 10:00 - 11:00
for details of all video programme, please see the separate guide in your pack

Human Factors in Space Travel

Charles 1 Mon 11:00 - 12:00
Dr Sarita Robinson, lecturer in Psychology, explores the human side of space exploration, covering everything from spaceship design to the practical issues surrounding sex in space.
Sarita, The Magician

Children's literature

Edward 1 Mon 11:00 - 12:00
Our panel discusses the nature of children's literature - why are some classics are no longer considered "suitable"? What do children today want, and what do parents want for them?
Paul Cornell, Conor Kostick, Elizabeth Wein, Alison Scott, Caroline Mullan, Marianne Cain

Other Kinds of Conventions

Roodee Mon 11:00 - 12:00
Eastercon is only one kind of convention, there are all sorts of other events going on out there.
James, Elanor, Hayley, Chris

Video Block (3)

Christleton Mon 11:00 - 13:00
for details of all video programme, please see the separate guide in your pack

Going Japanese

Charles 1 Mon 12:00 - 13:00
Are you planning on going to the Worldcon in Japan? Because it's a Worldcon, or because it's in Japan? Come along and share what you know about Japan: culture, language, food, travel recommendations … goodies for this item sponsored by The Japanese Shop in Chester
Pat McMurray, Carolina, Peter Harrow

Politics and Ethics in Battlestar Galactica

Edward 1 Mon 12:00 - 13:00
Spoiler Alert - this discussion will be wide-ranging, and may well cover episodes of Season 3 you might not have seen on Sky, even if you can get Sky any more, who knows.
Simon Bradshaw, Phil Nansen, John Richards, Paul Cornell

Monorails - A One Track Mind

Charles 1 Mon 13:00 - 14:30
A presentation on monorails by an enthusiast. (If you're looking for something to do after the con, you can ride the one at Chester Zoo.)
Feòrag NicBhride

Glorifying Terrorism

Edward 1 Mon 13:00 - 14:30
"Glorifying Terrorism" is a recently published anthology of sf short stories written in protest of the Terrorism Act. The editor, a few of the contributors, and interested parties discuss the influences and ideas behind the project.
Kari, Charles Stross, Farah, Ian McDonald

If the Swan had sunk

Roodee Mon 13:00 - 14:30
What would the world be like if Shakespeare had not existed? Peter and Gwen give an outline of the career of William Shakespeare, and discuss how different the world might have been if his works had never written.
Peter Wareham, Gwen Funnell

Why I Want to Gafiate

Edward 1 Mon 14:30 - 16:00
People leave fandom, or stop coming to conventions, all the time. Why? We talk all the time about getting in new fans, why can't we keep the old ones?
Pat McMurray, Greg Pickersgill, John Richards

Healthier Fans

Roodee Mon 14:30 - 16:00
Why are so many of us overweight, or diabetic? Many of us also have food intolerances or minor disabilities. What are we doing about it? How can we help each other?
Fran Dowd, Bridget Bradshaw, The Magician

Scriptwriter's Skills - Structure

Christleton Mon 14:30 - 16:00
David Wake leads a course on structure in your scripts, with examples.
David Wake

Closing Ceremony and Awards

Charles 1 Mon 16:00 - 16:30
Time to say an official bye-bye … various awards will be presented, including Phlosque and the Doc Weir.
Official Cuddly Toy, SMS, Steve, John Dowd, Hayley, Fran Dowd, The Magician, Eira

Feedback to Future Eastercons

Charles 1 Mon 16:30 - 17:30
Orbital is the Eastercon for 2008, and by now we also have an Eastercon for 2009 (we hope ...). Following the Closing Ceremony, representatives from future Eastercons will take the stage for you to give them constructive feedback and contribute to their planning.
Judith Proctor, James, Peter Harrow

DeadDog Party

Charles 1 Mon 19:00 - 00:00
Come along and celebrate!
The Magician

Once More With Feeling singalong

Christleton Mon 19:00 - 20:00
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Fran Dowd

High School Musical singalong

Christleton Mon 20:00 - 22:00
this could get ugly …
Hayley