The AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION BULLSHEET – September 1 2002
The AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION BULLSHEET
Issue 6 September 1, 2002-
ISSN 1445-4319 (print version) ISSN 1445-4327 (online version)
GENERAL NEWS
BULLSHEET WEBMASTER AWAY UNTIL 8 SEPTEMBER: Ted Scriber reports: I'm off
to San Jose for the Worldcon and some R&R, so the web page won't be
updated until my return. Sorry for any inconvenience.
COODE STREET NEWS: Jonathan Strahan's Australian SF news weblog at
http://www.sf.org.au/coodestreetnews is also not being updated while
Jonathan and the family are holidaying (and attending the Worldcon) in the
States. The site will be updated from 20 Sept.
Kay Brenner sent us a link to a pre- Worldcon report in LA newspaper,
Mercury. Check out http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/3936909.htm
(don't know how long it'll stay up though – Edwina)
GODZILLA TOE JAM: Marianne Plumridge reported that on a recent tour of
Japan, she and husband Bob Eggleton were invited to be extras on the new
Godzilla movie.
Congratulations also to Marianne on her recent commission to design the
cover for the forthcoming vampire novel by Jean Lorrah.
ASTROBOY RETURNS: Created over 50 years ago by Osamu Tezuka, Astroboy will
return to television and the big screen in 2003. Made jointly by Sony
Pictures and Tezuka productions, it will try to tie in with Astroboy's
birthdate of 7th April, 2003. (Reported by Robert Hoge on Eidolist)
Jamie Reuel is reported to be going back into Boxhill Hospital for some
"upgrade work" on his ankle and leg. (Reported by Rose Mitchell)
Joss Whedon has a new SF action series called "Firefly" set in Earth's
future. After 500 years of space flight, humans have not encountered any
other sentient beings. (reported on Multiverse's COMM CENTRE #90)
Blake's 7 will be (tentatively) released on DVD on Jan 7, 2003. (Reported
on Comm Centre #90)
PULP COLLECTION DONATED TO CALGARY UNIVERSITY A massive collection of
science fiction and pulp magazines spanning the last century has been
donated to the University of Calgary which officials say will be a boon
for literary and pop culture research. University staff were stunned by
the size of the donation upwards of 35,000 volumes dating back to the 19th
century, much of it bought at second-hand stores across North America and
Britain.
"It spans the age of science and technology," said retired English
professor Susan Stratton, among the first to teach science fiction at the
university in the 1970s "In it we can study changes in perceptions of the
role of women in society, the promises and threats of atomic power, of
biotechnology." The scope of the collection means scholars can chart when
the starry-eyed "gosh, wow" view of science began to be challenged by the
darker threat of advancing technology.
"It's no longer escapist reading for teenaged boys - if it ever was," Ms
Stratton said Thursday.
The treasure trove of material was donated by the family of William
Gibson,who spent decades amassing the collection which eventually took
over much of his Calgary home. Mr. Gibson died in 2001 at age 92.
IN PRINT
"Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog it's too
dark to read"
- Groucho Marx
DARK ANIMUS is a new quarterly magazine of dark pulp fiction (SF,
fantasy, horror, but no erotic horror) Issue 1 due out in November.
Seeking fiction (under 4,000 words) and art submissions. Contributors
receive 2 contributors copies. E-mail submissions to
skullmnky@hotmail.com, snail mail: to James Cain, Dark Animus, PO Box 128,
Blackheath. NSW. 2785. (Reported on Eidolist)
ANDROMEDA SPACEWAYS INFLIGHT MAGAZINE: Issue 2 is currently being
distributed to subscribers and bookshops. It features stories by Richard
Womack, Kevin Maclean, Douglas W. Clark, Ken Honeywell, Carl Frederick,
Edwina Harvey, Cory Daniells, John B. Rosenman, Robert Hoge.], John
Borneman, Seana O'Brien, K.D. Wentworth, Christina Sng & Stephen D.
Rogers. For more details check www.andromedaspaceways.com
POCKET ESSENTIALS LITERATURE, WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR BY IAN NICHOLS. This book
was recently published, and costs 3.99 pound sterling. Orders can be
placed through www.pocketessentials.com, or contact the author at
hokusai@cyliene.uwa.edu.au
DRAGONLINKS is a newly released YA novel by Paul Collins available through
Penguin $22 trade paperback. (ISBN 1413-1425-7)
MACHINATIONS : The second anthology published by theCanberra Speculative
Fiction Guild is now available. For mail orders: send cheque or postal
order for $18.95 (inc postage) to PO Box 98 Latham. ACT. 2615 or e-mail
robbiem@austarmetro.com.au
Beverly Paine has a new Australian YA action packed SF mystery novel
called "The Chimaera Conspiracy" published through Greater Glider Press
http://greaterglider.com. Details of the book also available at
http://chimaera.topcities.com.
ANTIPODEAN SF issue 53 is expected to be up on http://antipodean-sf.com
real soon now (Antipodean and Bullsheet seem to run to similar deadlines -
Edwina)
ROB HOOD ANNOUNCES NEW WEB SITE: Designed by Deb Biancotti, and said to
inlude "plenty of personally embarressing material" Rob Hood's web site
can be accessed at www.roberthood.net (reported on the Eidolist)
Dr Justine Larbalestier recently announced on the Eidolist that her book,
"Th Battle of the Sexes in Science Fiction" will be launched by Prof Brian
Attenery at Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Pt Rd, Glebe on Wed. 25th September from
6pm. RSVP by e-mail, jazza@english.usud.edu.au or ph 02 9351 2565
BOOKSHOP NEWS
GALAXY BOOKSHOP (222 Clarence St Sydney):upcoming booksignings Raymond
Feist on Sunday 22 September at 11 am, Terry Pratchett on Tuesday 19
November
INFINITAS BOOHOP (Shop 5 No. 1 Horwood Place Parramatta,
infinitas@bigpond.com):Infinitas has a discussion group which meets at 7pm
on the first Thursday of the month at about 7 pm. Raymond E. Feist will
also be visiting Infinitas on Sunday 22 September at 2pm to sign copies of
his new book, "Tales of the Silver Hawk"
SLOW GLASS BOOKS:305 Swanston Street Melbourne,. www.slowglass.com.au
Email: justin@slowglass.com.au Phone: (03) 9639 1511 A book signing with
Raymond Feist on.Sept 20 from 4.30 pm.
OTHER BOOKSHOPS: We are keen to report news from other SF bookshops around
Australia. For Marc Ortlieb's list
see:http://home.vicnet.net.au/~sfoz/bookshop.htm.
EVENTS
RICHARD HARLAND IN CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT HOOD regarding Rob Hood's new
book, "Immaterial: Ghost Stories" published by Mirrordanse books. Wed 4
Sept, from 5.30pm Unishop, Northfields Ave, Uni of Wollongong. Tickets $5
(includes wine, beer & cheese) RSVP to Jane Langridge janel@uow.edu.au or
ph:4221 6057 (reported on Eastcoasts)
AUSTRALIAN POETRY FESTIVAL 2002: 6-8 September, Balmain Town Hall.
NB Friday night events free. Tickets for both Sat & Sun $35 (or $25
concession) Single day tickets $20 (or $17 concession). phone
04-3865-9868, or 02 9818 5366 or e-mail poetinc@ozemail.com.au ( The
festival's director is poet and sometimes-science-fiction-writer, Rob
Riel).
MULTIVERSE EVENTS: Sept 8th. Advanced Preview Screening of STEWART LITTLE
2, Hoyts, Chadstone Centre, Melbourne, Mon Sept 9th Advanced Preview
screening, "XXX" Hoyts cinema centre, Bourke St, Melbourne. Sept 19th,
Goldmember (Austin Powers) and Lilo and Stitch. (www.nultiverse.org.au.
E-mail multiverse@multiverse.org.au)
FANTASTIC FICTIONS: Medieval & modern. A One-Day Symposium at the
university of Sydney, Friday 27th September 2002, Women's College.
Speakers include: Professor Brian Attebery, authors Terry Dowling, Sophie
Masson & Scott Westerfeld and researchers in the area of fantasy and
science fiction literature from around Australia.
The symposium offers serious critical comment and debate on a hitherto
neglected
area of study: the fantastic in literature (medieval and contemporary),
film, television, art, and other media. Among the topics under discussion
will be the sources, influences, and concerns of fantastic fictions and
its relevance to the modern world. The presentations will highlight the
history of fantasy and science fiction, the connections between the
fantastic past and present in the development of both genres, as well as
the contemporary forms of fantasy and science fiction. Registration:
$25/$15 before 14th September, or $30/$20 afterwards (includes GST, lunch
& refreshments). Further information and registration form available at
the conference website:
http://www.arts.usyd.edu.au/rihss/fantastic.html or enquiries to:Melissa
McMahon, Events and Projects Officer Research Institute of Humanities and
Social Sciences (RIHSS) Woolley Building A20 University of Sydney NSW 2006
Tel: (02) 9351 5344 Fax: (02) 9351 5700
STARWARS, THE MAGIC OF MYTH EXHIBITION. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney from
18th September, 2002 to Feb 2, 2003.Displaying costumes, props, models and
2 full-sized ships from Ep. 2 Visit http://www.phm.gov.au for full
details.
BILBO'S BIG FINISH::DOCTOR WHO MEETS LORD OF THE RINGS Sunday Oct 13th,
Drummoyne RSL, 162-166 Victoria Rd Drummoyne (Upstairs function rooms)
Route 500 series buses run right past the door 11 am to 6 pm with Gary
Russell (editor of "The Art of Lord of the Rings", producer of the Big
Finish range of official Doctor Who audio stories on CD, writer of
"Regenerations" the large format book on the making of the Doctor Who
Television Movie and ex-editor of Doctor Who Magazine".) Other guests to
be announced.Admission: Adults - $15, Concession & children (under 16) -
$10 (DWCA members will get a $3 discount on presentation of their
membership card) www.dwca.org.au/events
EPPING PUBLIC LIBRARY, (Sydney) Chambers Ct, off Pembroks St, is currently
holding a display of SF featuring Australian magazines as well as books
(Reported by Sarah Endacott on the Eidolist.)
AWARDS
FAN FUND for AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND (FFANZ) 2003 RACE. Paul Ewins
recently announced Nominations are now open for the 2003 FFANZ trip from
Australia to Auckland for Emoticon 2003 (Easter, 2003) Nominations closed
on August 31, and voting will take place until October 31, 2002. Voting
details available from Paul Ewins, 4 Coval Crt, Vermont Sth, Vic. 3133.
Australia.
SCIENCE FICTION WRITERS OF EARTH. annual competition for unpublished SF
writers Details and entry forms for the 2002 competition available at
http://www.flash.net/~sfwoe. Or send an sase to Rob Riel PO Box 853
Warners Bay, NSW, 2282 (e-mail jandr@hunterlink.net.au)
Greg Egan's "Reasons To Be Cheerful" has tied with Ted Chiang's "Story of
Your Life" for Best Translated Short Story in the 33rd Seiun Awards, the
Japanese equivalent of the Hugos. Stephen Dedman's "Never Seen By Waking
Eyes" also nominated. The 2002 awards were announced at U-Con, the 41st
Annual Japanese SF Convention, in Shimane prefecture on July 14th, and
will be represented at the ConJose awards ceremony.
Shaun Tan's picture book, "The Red Tree" was nominated for the Children's
Book Council Book of the Year. (reported by David L Russell) Shaun was
also interviewed on Radio National on Sunday 25th August. (Reported on
Eidolist)
HATCH, MATCH & DISPATCH
"There are of course many problems connected with life, of which some of
the most popular are Why are people born? Why do they die? Why do they
want to spend so much of the intervening time wearing digital watches?" -
Douglas Adams
MATCH! Congratulations to Sally Wilson and Terry Frost who recently
announced their engagement on the Eidolist.
VALE: Peter McNamara reported on the Eidolist on Friday 2nd August, that
Ian Hails, " author of Back Door Man (Aphelion) and one of the nicest guys
you'd ever want to meet, lost a long battle with a congenital heart
condition "
CLUBS SOCIETIES ETC,
FRIENDS OF SCIENCE FICTION (FSF) announced on their website
(www.fsf.com.au) that from September they'll be holding two meetings a
month. On the second Sunday of each month they'll hold Sci-Fi Sunday
highlighting such shows as Enterprise, Andromeda, Roswell, Farscape and
Dark Angel. On the fourth Sunday of the month they'll host Super Sunday
highlighting shows such as Buffy, Angel, Mutant X and Smallville. Meetings
are at the Lidcombe Catholic Workmens Club from 10.30am.
For information on New South Wales clubs, societies etc, see Ted
Scribner's web page http://members.optushome.com.au/aussff/sfnsw.html. For
information on other clubs, societies etc see Marc Ortlieb's web page
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~sfoz/clubs.htm.
CONVENTIONS
GoH = Guest of Honour, OCP = Other Commitments Permitting, tba= to be
announced.
CONVERGENCE. Now over. The Natcon for 2002 recently released its post-con
financial report, reporting a small profit. David L. Russell and Les
Robertson have shed more light on the "Great Vomit Controversy" that took
place at ConVergence, While we can't confirm the rumour about the frog, we
do hear that a hefty bill had to be paid for cleaning the upholstery.
(Note: Rose Mitchell, is also the Australian agent for the GLASGOW IN
2005 WORLDCON BID which is currently selling pre-supporting, and "friends
of" memberships. Contact Rose for more details: mitchell@vicnet.net.au
CON JOSE: The 60th World Science Fiction Convention, August 29 to September
2, 2002 at San Jose McEnery Convention Centre. GoH's: Vernor Vinge, David
Cherry, Bjo & John Trimble, Ferdinand Feghoot. Toastmaster: Tad Williams.
(Hope all Bullsheet readers at the con are having a great time! - Edwina)
BORDERLANDS: That Which Scares Us. Guests Robert Hood, Stephen Dedman.
Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th Sept, 2002. Emerald Hotel, 24 Mount Steet,
Perth WA. Cost Both Days: $60 Standard $50 Concession Saturday: $35
Standard $30 Concession Sunday: $30 Standard $25 Concession .The website
is www.thatwhichscaresus.org/, and the committee can be emailed at
committee@thatwhichscaresus.org. You may also phone (+618) 9331 516, or
write to14 Simons Street Coolbellup, 6163, WA.
ROCKY HORROR DOWN UNDER- AUSTRALIAN CONVENTION 2002. September 13 Boggo
Road Jail, Dutton Park Brisbane. Ph 04 0807 8259 or email
absfri@hotmail.com or check out the web page at
www.ozrockyhorrorcon.cjb.net. The Australian Rocky Horror Fan Club: PO Box
5168, Daisy Hill QLD 4127
CONQUEST. Sept 27-29. Hotel Grand Chancellor , 23 Leichardt St, cnr
Whickham Terrace, Brisbane. (Sorry – no other info available. Edwina)
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS BABYLON 5 October 26 & 27, 2002. GoHs Bruce Boxleitner
and Jerry Doyle. Check their website: www.bobw.com.au for further details,
or phone 02 6259 1619, PO Box 960 Belconnen Mall, Belconnen ACT 2616.
FRIENDS OF SCIENCE FICTION: A DAY WITH AMANDA TAPPING, STARGATE'S SAMANTHA
CARTER Sunday 10th Nov. Lidcombe Catholic Workmen's Club Tickets are $75
for FSF members and $85 for non-members. (Booking & handling fee of $2 per
ticket) Tickets can be booked on line at www.fsf.com.au or phone: (02)
9523 8385 Make cheques and money orders payable to Friends of Science
Fiction and post to: Friends of Science Fiction PO Box 797 Fairfield.
NSW 1860
MULTIVERSE: A DAY WITH AMANDA TAPPING, STARGATE'S SAMANTHA CARTER
Saturday November 16th. 9am-6pm, Ella Latham Theatre, Royal Children's
Hospital, Flemington. Membership: Members of Multiverse clubs $50, non club
members $60. Children under 15 - $20. More details at
www.multiverse.org.au, or e-mail multiverse@multiverse.org.au. REMEMBER:
You don't need to be a member of Multiverse or a Multiverse club to attend
these Multiverse events.
ROSWELL CONVENTION This con has been postponed to a date to be
fixed.because of the GoH having commitments elsewhere. Contact details
are: Roswell Convention PO Box 1569 North Ryde NSW 2113, or email
convention@austr-alien.com Alternatively look at Austr-alien.com @
www.austr-alien.com).
20th ANNIVERSARY The A-TEAM CONVENTION: March 1-2, 2003, in Bournemouth,
England.More information at the website: http://www.actionreplay2003.com.
EMOTICON 2003 New Zealand's NatCon, Auckland Email
enquiries@emoticon.sf.org.nz or write to Malcolm Fletcher, Consultant DBA
SQL Services Ltd, 104-106 Customs St West, PO Box 3631, Auckland.Website:
http://www.emoticon.sf.org.nz/ Dates: 18th - 21st April 2003 (Easter
weekend).Three confirmed literary guests: Diane Duane, Peter Morwood and
Lois McMaster Bujold. The committee is also looking for a media guest and
have confirmed Mary Maclachlan as the Fan Guest of Honour.
SWANCON 2003 (Swancon 28) Australian Natcon, 2003. 17-21 April, 2003
(Easter) Kings Perth Hotel, Hay St, Perth.(Twin room $95 per night) GoH's
Lynn Flewelling & Tony Shillitoe Membership (paid by 21 April 2003) $120.
Progress report 1 recently released. Full details at
http://www.swancon.com.
GENGHIS CON: This mysterious con is to be held in Perth at some time during
2003. As yet neither the venue nor the date has been determined more
precisely. For more info as it comes to hand, keep watching
http://www.genghiscon.org/. The organisers can be contacted at
shadowmint@mailcity.com. They also have a forum which you can read about
and join at http://www.genghiscon.org/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi.
TORCON III: The 61st World Science Fiction Convention will be held over
August 28-September 1, 2003 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. GsoH:
George R. R. Martin, Frank Kelly Freas, Mike Glyer. Toastmaster: Spider
Robinson and GoHst of Honour:Robert Bloch the spirit of Toronto Worldcons.
Enquiries: P.O. Box 3, Station A, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5W 1A2
Attending Membership: $US115; Supporting Membership: $US40; Email:
info@torcon3.on.ca Website: http://www.torcon3.on.ca
CHRONOPOLIS - Swancon 29 Perth, Western Australia Easter weekend Thu 8 to
Mon 12th April (Easter)2004 Shay Telfer, Convenor Details to follow.
CONFLUX Canberra, the 2004 Natcon. The web page for their con, ConFlux, is
at http://members.optushome.com.au/aussff/conflux.html.
CONTOUR 2004 May 31 to June 3 2004, Rotorua. Proposed as New Zealand's
25th National Science Fiction Convention. Email:
enquiries@contour.sf.org.nz.
SYNCON 200? (Tentatively 2006) Ted Scribner recently called for
expressions of interest in a Syncon (Sydney SF convention - see also under
People) possibly to be held in 2006. If you're interested in making this
idea a reality contact Ted at krenon@optushome.com.au, or browse at
http://members.optushome.com.au/aussff/SynconPro1.html. (Oh, btw, if
anyone should write to me and say something to the effect that we haven't
yet had 199 Syncons s/he shall be mercilessly flamed on eastcoastsf
–webmaster, Ted)
For more updates, check the Bullsheet's web sites:
http://members.optushome.com.au/aussff/bullsheet.html The mirror site for
the Bullsheet is at www.geocities.com/edwinafan.
The Bullsheet is also available as a free direct e-mail subscription by
sending a request to edwinafan@yahoo.com.
For people with restricted or no internet access, or who prefer the
printed paper format, annual (12 issues) snail mail subscriptions are
available for 20 x 45c postage stamps for postage within Australia. Send
to Edwina Harvey c/- 12 Flinders St, Matraville, 2036.
( Snail mail subscriptions to other countries available in exchange for
postage stamps)
Deadline for the October issue of the Bullsheet is 25th September.
Please forward your news to edwinafan@yahoo.com, or snail mail to 12
FlindersSt, Matraville.
For specialty SF & fantasy ceramics, visit Celestial Cobbler:
http://members.optushome.com.au/guests/Cobbler.html.
For no sufficiently explained reason this Fanzine still supports The
Minneapolis in '73 WorldCon Bid!