A PUBLICATION OF THE WASHINGTON SCIENCE FICTION ASSOCIATION INC, WASHINGTON, DC
Election 1992
ISSN 0894-5411
[ Three versions of this issue were printed, differing only in the headline and the first article. I have merged all three. -- KFL ]
Stung but not stopped, Democratic candidate William "Bill" Clinton emerged triumphant in his quest for the Presidency of the United States.
As of press time, the Governor of Arkansas has carried 25 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, for a total of 276 Electoral Votes. A total of 270 Electoral Votes are required to be elected President. Clinton carried Maryland and the District but surrendered Virginia to Republican incumbent George Bush.
Clinton's campaign strongly stressed the need for a change from four years of Bush's tax hikes, increased regulation, and higher economic burdens. Repeated attacks on his personal life and patriotism proved unconvincing to voters seeking a new direction for America but not convinced that Republicans or Independents had the answers. Ross Perot's glib answers and multiple task forces attracted attention but insufficient votes to defeat Clinton.
Many science fiction fans voted for the winner because of his lifestyle, personal values, and stalwart support for abortion on demand. Many fans experimented with recreational drugs and alternate lifestyles at various times, and supported a candidate who did the same. One fan quoted, "'If you can remember the Sixties, you weren't really there.' I like a candidate who admits he was there.. wherever 'there' was."
Another fan mentioned an additional reason for supporting the Democratic ticket "Albert Gore obviously watches and enjoys Irwin Allen movies and novels."
Pollsters across the nation reacted with stunned silence as independent candidate H. Ross Perot emerged triumphant in his quest for the presidency of the United States.
As of press time, business executive Perot has carried 24 states with a total of 274 Electoral votes. A total of 270 Electoral votes is required to be elected President. The independent candidate won Maryland but lost the District to Arkansas Governor William Clinton and Virginia to President George Bush.
Perot's campaign stressed the need for a change, and the inability of the traditional parties, Democratic and Republican alike, to provide the needed change. "Being from neither party, I will be able to form coalitions with good men and women from both parties to govern this nation effectively," proclaimed the Texas billionaire, and the voters responded, giving the Presidency to the first truly independent candidate since George Washington. Many voters accepted Perot's call for higher taxes as sacrifices necessary to curb the nation's huge Federal deficit.
Many science fiction fans voted for the winner out of appreciation for his quick wit and antiestablishmentarianism. Perot's stubborn independence of thought and deed suggested a man after the hearts of many fans, long dissatisfied with mundane politics. On the campaign trail, the candidate proved to have a ready wit and keen grasp of facts which disarmed accusations of a dictatorial personality.
Battered but unbowed, Republican candidate George Bush emerged triumphant in his quest for vindication and a second term as President of the United States.
As of press time, Bush has carried 25 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for a total of 282 Electoral votes. A total of 270 Electoral votes is the minimum required to be elected President. Bush carried Virginia but gave up Maryland and the District to Democratic challenger William "Bill" Clinton.
Bush's campaign strongly stressed his experience as President, his record and office, and the weaknesses of opponents Bill Clinton and Ross Perot as potential Presidents. His campaign slogan (borrowed from the British Conservative Party) "America Can't Trust Bill Clinton, and America Can't Afford Bill Clinton" convinced a majority of the voters that they were better off with Mr. Bush. Ross Perot's withdrawal and re-entry into the race convinced most voters that he was not a serious choice.
Many science fiction fans voted for Bush due to his strong advocacy of science projects "that make the future possible". The work of President Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle in obtaining funds for Space Station Freedom, the return to Luna, the scheduled trip to Mars, and the supercollider project convinced many fans that, regardless of other foibles, Bush deserved their support.
At least one fan mentioned another reason for supporting the Republican ticket: "Four more years of Dan Quayle jokes!"
LIVERMORE, CA (AP) - Sometime this fall, scientists plan to bring out their big gun -- a cannon with a 155 foot long barrel --and blast a chunk of plastic into a pile of sandbags at 9000 mph. Step 2: they shoot the moon, ultimately hoping to create a space cannon that will send supplies zooming into orbit as routinely as human cannonballs.
More than a century ago, author Jules Verne explored the idea of shooting an entire spaceship from a cannon in "From the Earth to the Moon." What the modern day gunners have in mind is more practical -- a 2 mile long gun that will hurl sturdy supplies into orbit quicker & cheaper than shuttles.
The Super High Altitude Research Project (SHARP) gun has two tubes, pump and launch, connected in an "L" shape. Unlike traditional guns that use gases produced by burning gunpowder, the SHARP gun uses lighter gases that can accelerate a projectile faster. SHARP's firing sequence begins in the pump tube, with a 1 ton steel piston driven by an explosive mixture of methane and air. The speeding piston compresses hydrogen gas on the other side of the pump tube, forcing the hydrogen around the right angle turn to the launch tube and bursting a coupling holding the projectile in the gun's breech. With a huge flash of fire, the projectile is hurled forth.
If the experiment works, the gun will be moved to Vandenberg Air Force Base for ground to orbit tests.
The regular First Friday in October business meeting was held on 2 October 1992. Before the meeting, Eva Whitley asked Steve Chalker, "Are you happy now that Steve [Smith] is wielding the gavel?" Young Steve had no comment.
President Steve Smith hollered, "Yo! Let's have a meeting" Lee Uba asked, "Do we have to?" Steve answered "Sorry" and popped his top. The meeting was called to "some semblance of order" at 9:20 p.m.
Steve asked, "Mr. Secretary". Lee Strong countered, "Yes Mr. Perot?" The club went Ooooohhh at this comment. Steve hastily clarified, "No, no! I'm a prose reader, not one of Perot's leaders!!" <A likely story.> Joe Mayhew called out, "Give us Barabbas! Crucify the other guy!" Lee Uba suggested we open a window to get a breeze going. Steve Smith rejoined that we didn't need a window since we were fans. The club went Oooogggh! Steve Chalker started crying at the pun and left the room.
Steve Smith persisted, demanding that Lee Strong read some minutes. Lee began reading a brilliantly written article in The WSFA Journal, but Mike Zipser moved that the reading be waived, and reading was waived.
Treasurer Robert MacIntosh reported $8050.26 on hand. There was a suggestion that we have a party, but this failed for lack of a second.
Michael Walsh, Chairfan of Disclave 1992, reported he had "no words of wisdom." <No news there.> Covert Beach, Vice Chairfan of '92 is trying to locate a worker's list. Mike said, "He really is Chairfan for Life." Covert made a face (:-().
Covert, Chairfan for Life of '93 received the hotel's first
draft contract from Marriott. Tom Veal is typing up our version.
We always take input.
On the threat posed by the monster horror-con, Covert remained calm. "We have different demographics. Anyone willing to pay $80 for horror probably won't be coming to Disclave anyway." Kelly Freas might visit Disclave himself. Mike Zipser, speaking as the Senior Trustee, asked that anyone interested in Disclave Chairfan for '94 should let a Trustee know." There will be an eruption on the First Friday in November. Covert will pass his packets of information to the new chair.
Lance Oszko, Chairfan of the Fine Arts committee, admitted that he is (still) dogging it. Apparently, dogging it is a fine art.
Alexis Gilliland Chairfan of the Entertainment Committee, reported that he had a fun week. He got a new dishwasher, a new gas range, a new pipe, and a new Perot candidacy. Eva moved that Mr. Perot be referred to a revived Committee to Spend a Great Deal of Money on Something Incredibly Controversial and expensive. Alexis suggested the committee buy Perot the Ukraine. However, this motion failed for lack of a second.
Eva then asked about the Committee to Discuss Science Fiction. Steve Smith called the bluff, asking, "Does the committee want to discuss something?" The club went Oooooggh.
Old Business
There was none. "I like it that way," declaimed Steve.
Whatshisname asked about the Constitution. "It's in limbo," replied Steve. "We're shuffling paper. This is Washington: we're real good at it."
New Business
There is a Fifth Friday this month, noted Perrianne Lurie. Chuck Divine volunteered his house. But he's playing a bit part in Little Shop of Horrors (the musical) so he wants us to volunteer to help set up and clean up. He's playing both before and after Fifth Friday, and hosting the cast party besides.
Steve noted, "We have here a man who is prepared." The club
then voted to accept Chuck's masochism generous offer. We
almost got thru the vote using real parliamentary procedure, but Chuck
interrupted to let us know he has a fireplace.
Are costumes acceptable at Chuck's place, also known as the Maryland Home for the Prematurely Tall? Sure. Mr. Smith will come as Elvis.
Chuck requires men to avoid wearing nooses [men's ties]. Nothing was said about women wearing anything. Steve then brought the meeting "back to some semblance of order".
The New Tradition
Steve declared that we would have one of several New Traditions. "This is the one where I remember."
Gary Ehrlich was here for the first time from Newark, the City of Carjacking. Steve wished, "We hope you picked a nice one to come here." Mike Grimm was here from the Lansing, Michigan area. And Tom Veal introduced Melange, his laptop computer. The club cheered the humans. <Bigots.> No one was here for one's second time.
Lisa Steele was here for her third time. Eva noted that she is now eligible to join and run for Disclave '94 Chairfan.
Announcements
Lee Strong announced that he did not choose to run for the Presidency at this time. If nominated, he would not run. If elected,.... At this point, the reset button in Lee's brain took hold and he broke off with the Perot imitation.
The Secretary announced that The WSFA Journal prints the truth from time to time, mostly for the shock value. Tom Schaad claimed that his body was a mass of scar tissue from The Journal's previous bouts with the truth. "Take your best shot," he boldly declared. Mike Zipser hastily pointed out -> that Tom was the one doing the Dan Quayle impression, not him.
Lee Uba announced that Michelle Rosenberg broke her kneecap today which is why they were not here. "They" apparently means Michelle and her kneecap.
Rebecca Prather is remodeling her home.
Mike Walsh had a box of cheap books for 50¢ each. Tom tried to give them away free but Mike ignored him. Mike also plugged Pulphouse Books, The Rude Astronauts, and The Collected Feghoot. If you don't know what a feghoot is, you will be punished.
Speaking of punishment, Mike opened the WSFA Press Book Layaway Plan. Buy a WSFA Press book and arrange to pay for it at a rate of only $10 per meeting. If you don't adhere to your arrangements, your name will be forwarded to Mr. Secretary for him to "play" with.
{The flaw in this plan is that Mr. Secretary does this anyway. Therefore, there is no higher threat level.}
<Want to bet?> {Hmmmm... No.} Chuck Divine is stuck in a play. <He volunteered.> Come see him sing and dance and act a little bit in Little Shop of Horrors (the musical) performed by the Goddard Players. He is playing the First Geeky Customer, who says, "My! What a strange and interesting plant that is." The admission price of $20/pop includes wine and bheer. See Chuck off-line for details.
Chuck invited people to attend on Friday the 13th. Unfortunately, that is the first day of Philcon.
Eva asked, "Who says WSFA isn't educational?" Seems that Andromeda Huff taught Steve Chalker how to walk. Alexis said it was more a case of "when he had to go, he had to go."
Mike Zipser made his usual announcement.
Crystal Hagel is looking for a Philcon roommate. Non-smoker, please.
Mike Stein tried to make a cultural announcement, but a band of Philistines largely drowned him out.
An Anonymous Hand in the Back of the Room offered schedules for the Science Fiction Channel. Please see a copy elsewhere in this issue.
The Hand also had Quantum Leap schedules.
Jack Chalker noted that the SF Channel is showing The War of the Worlds series. In episode 4, certain Martian artifacts are stored in a warehouse which also holds the Lost Ark of the Covenant. The box holding the Ark has a bureaucratically correct description stenciled on it.
Martin Wooster is doing the Post SF review column this month. This announcement was followed by a dead silence. Finally, Perrianne allowed that we were in favor of science fiction being reviewed.
Dan Hoey asked the audience how many pages a Worldcon review had? Everyone missed the answer. (Answer: 42.)
Lance announced that there will be a Balticon meeting at 2 p.m., 24 October somewhere in a universe.
He also has new shipments of Russian and Ukrainian medals. He demonstrated several Russian cannon small enough to hold several in his hand. Leon D. Right noted that the Soviet military build-up appeared less threatening than previously reported.
George Shaner stated that Innocent Blood is not as mediocre as previously reported. A Voice stated that it was. {Gentlemen, gentlemen. No need to squabble. Just make separate announcements and we'll print them both.}
Eva made chocolate date nut bread. The club went Ummmmmmmmmm!
Steve Smith noted that the British Broadcasting Company was rerunning Thunderbirds in Canada. The Anonymous Hand declared that the SF Channel also has it. For those culturally deprived persons not familiar with this landmark of television, the actors are all six inches high and affect a wooden acting style similar to puppets.
Lisa Steele plugged her women's gaming APA & company's role playing game. The latter was authored by Lisa. I think we plugged the APA somewhere in this issue.
Steve reminded all concerned that the Third Friday meeting will be at Karl and Erica's place. Mike Walsh summarized the house rules, "Cats rule."
Alexis moved we adjourn. However, Mr. Rosenberg, husband of Michelle, arrived and announced that her accident was less serious than previously thought. The knee "just" popped out of place and "we" popped it back in. Michelle's out of the hospital and resting at home. The club was relieved by the good news. Hidden deep in the crowd, Rowdie Yates muttered, "Darn! I paid good money for that kneecapping! You just can't get good help these days!"
Oblivious to Mr. Yates' plotting, Steve noted that there was a motion on the floor. The club unanimously adjourned at 9:50.
------------------------------------------------------------
-> The WSFA Journal is the official newsletter of the Washington Science Fiction Association (WSFA), Inc. All contents are © WSFA, Inc., 1992, except as noted. <-
* * * *
Publisher ....... Steve Smith
Vice Publisher ...
...Terilee Edwards-Hewitt
Editor-in-Chief ... Lee Strong
Person Who Knows When to Duck
...Mike Zipser
Person Who's still Learning
...Tom Schaad
Secret Identity of
The Anonymous Hand ...
...Matt Leger
Part That Chuck Divine Really
Wanted ........ Audrey II
Percentage of Family Income
Donated to Charity by
Albert & Tipper Gore ..... 1%
Percentage of Family Income
Donated to Charity by Dan
and Marilyn Quayle ....... 3%
Reasons Why Murphy Brown is
the Number Two Show on TV:
Dan Quayle's Quips ...... 12%
Media Hype .............. 85%
Clever Writing ........... 2%
Candice Bergen's Talent .. 1%
Best Reason to Vote for George
Bush ........... Bill Clinton
Best Reason to Vote for Bill
Clinton .......... George Bush
Best Reason to Vote for Ross
Perot .... "None of the Above"
isn't on the Ballot
I am encouraged by the latest offering from Mr. Drake. In the past, I've usually found most of his books boring in a supposedly feminine sort of way. The characters usually weren't. Either he spent far too much time generating eccentricity, so that they were memorable, or no time at all, so that they were flat. This time he has struck a nice balance.
The basic plot line is about a huge super-ship caught in the middle of interstellar war between two colony planets, Greathome and Nevsa. Both planets are planning to hijack the vessel, but further the despondent sayeth not, because I hate to spoil the fun for others. I'll just make a snide remark about inevitable plot twists that use ancient Shakespearean love tragedies, and leave it at that.
Ran Colville, the hero of our tale, may be a bit too womanizing for some tastes, but, I've known many like him. The way he is presented in the tale works quite well. Ran's interest in his co-officer, Wanda Holly, is equally subtler although I still detect a degree of tension while he is dealing with female characters. Still, as usual, she has spunk, and that can be a relief.
The more interesting aspect of the book, surprisingly, is that there are twists in both the plot and subplot you don't see five chapters ahead. This is a delight to me, as that is the reason I previously dropped Drake from my reading list.
As high speed action mental chewing gum, I recommend this book highly. -- Lee Uba
I feel like an absolute traitor on this one. I was brought up on Heinlein. The first SF book I read that I had chosen myself was by RAH. When we were teens, my elder sister and I used to have debates about how RAH had worded this passage or that in Stranger, Glory Road, and Moon.
With that intro, you can but gather this will be a less-than-glowing review. It is totally out of date, obviously printed to squeeze a final penny from the Great Man. Even Heinlein admitted, later in his life, that he did not wish to hear any more about it, as it was growing old and hoary. What was practical precinct politics in 1946 is, shall we say, less useful in 1992.
In addition, Mr. Pournelle, who has never made much secret of his political leanings, has used this for a soapbox to proclaim his beliefs. In both the intro and the notes, he mentions these ideas were valid in the 1946 period. Some are merely outdated, the rest are reactionary in the classical sense of the word.
Now, I like Pournelle's fiction. I adore RAH's. But this book is neither. The opening chapters would have made a nice essay but I dislike buying a book of 287 pages for 59 pages of op-ed by RAH, seven more by Pournelle, none of it original and most of it skirting both sides of fascist. -- Lee Uba
Gee! What an incredible idea for a novel! The United States elects what Lenin called a "useful idiot" President and he tries to give the country away to hostile powers! Of course, it could never, ever, ever happen here. But it's still an ... ah, interesting read.
This techno-thriller is basically political fiction which became dated with the collapse of the Soviet Union, but the basic idea is still valid. In Gross' near future, the United States elects Jed Hankins President only to discover that Jed is perfectly willing to disarm the country without getting any insurance from hostile powers at all. As the author makes clear, Jed is not actually evil himself, merely so pliable that evil men can use him at will. As the fateful moment approaches, patriots in the (Democratic controlled!) Congress & military race to save the nation without resorting to illegal means themselves. Their enemies are not so ethical...! Anyone who remembers Jimmy Carter's proposal to reduce the US nuclear arsenal by 97% without any Soviet guarantees knows that this novel has more than a grain of truth in it.
As a novel, this is basically okay. The characters and plot are adequate. The author noticeably avoids some obvious cliches altho his KGB agents tend to spend a lot of time gloating over American stupidity. I also doubt that Congress could move with the speed depicted despite the goal.
And, of course, the scenario will never, never, ever happen in the real world.
I rate The Red President as Average science fiction. -- LS
Imagine, if you will, the original Star Trek series told as excerpts from Yeoman Rand's intimate diary. Imagine that the scientific and scenic events are handled off line by Mr. Scott, but, instead, we get details of every sexual liaison that Rand has...!
There are a number of classic SF props here, including a generation ship to the stars, computer personalities and godlike aliens. Unfortunately, they don't come together to form a worthwhile story. The point of view (POV) character is supposedly a charismatic leader with a genius IQ. Everybody, including aliens, recognizes that she is a Person of Destiny. Unfortunately, what she actually does for 95% of the novel is lounge around with crip jobs and politically correct sex. When the big crisis comes, she passes the test, but the epilogue reveals that it was a giveaway rigged so that she would pass. Haldeman has not created a woman of tomorrow, but a timeless patsy.
Classical SF focuses on people using logic and technology to overcome problems. This theme may not be required, but it's light years ahead of this effort in which computers have no back-ups and cryobiology is consistently misspelled.
Incidentally, this book is one of the best advertisements for traditional family values that I have read. The anti-scientific, authoritarian mess that results from their absence will warm the cockles of Dan Quayle's heart.
I rate Worlds Enough and Time as the second lowest possible, a Disappointing work of SF. -- LS
Pallas Podium is a new and lively apa devoted to women and
gaming-- personal stories and experiences, ideas for creating and
running gender inclusive worlds, system comments, etc. Past topics
have included debates over female villains, gender differences
and roleplaying styles, why more men than women are attracted to
roleplaying games, game companies' portrayal of women and more.
Each issue also publishes the results of White Rose Publishing's ongoing survey of women gamers.
If you are interested in reading or contributing to Pallas Podium write to:
Clarissa Fowler
White Rose Publishing
P.O. Box 933
Amherst, MA 01004-933
STAND UP & BE COUNTED
Join Those Who Have Responded to a National Survey of Women Gamers.
SEND YOUR NAME + ADDRESS TO:
White Rose
P.O. Box 933
Amherst, MA 01002
Prepared by Matt G. Leger Effective 9/24 to 12/27/92
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
6 | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials |
| | | | | | | |
7 | | TransFormers | TransFormers | TransFormers | TransFormers | TransFormers | |
| GamePro |Defenders ofEarth|Defenders ofEarth|Defenders ofEarth|Defenders ofEarth|Defenders ofEarth| |
8 |Fantastic Voyage | TransFormers | TransFormers | TransFormers | TransFormers | TransFormers | GamePro |
|Re.t.t.Pl.of Apes|Stingray/Scarlet |Stingray/Scarlet |Stingray/Scarlet |Stingray/Scarlet |Stingray/Scarlet | |
9 |Flash Gordon (An)| Morning Movie | Morning Movie | Morning Movie | Morning Movie | Morning Movie |Mys.f.B.t.Ot.Dom.|
|Star Trek (Anim.)| | | | | | Sci-Fi Buzz |
10 | Voyagers! | | | | | | Inside Space |
| | | | | | |The Science Show |
11 |Po.o.Matthew Star| Dark Shadows | Dark Shadows | Dark Shadows | Dark Shadows | Dark Shadows | One Step Beyond |
| | | | | | | Flash Gordon |
noon| Incredible Hulk | Doctor Who Hour | Doctor Who Hour | Doctor Who Hour | Doctor Who Hour | Doctor Who Hour | Doctor Who Hour |
| | | | | | | |
1 | Lost in Space | Lost in Space | Lost in Space | Lost in Space | Lost in Space | Lost in Space | Lost in Space |
| | | | | | | |
2 |Voy.to Bot.of Sea|Voy.to Bot.of Sea|Voy.to Bot.of Sea|Voy.to Bot.of Sea|Voy.to Bot.of Sea|Voy.to Bot.of Sea|Voy.to Bot.of Sea|
| | | | | | | |
3 | Afternoon Movie | Afternoon Movie | Afternoon Movie | Afternoon Movie | Afternoon Movie | Afternoon Movie | Time Tunnel |
|(Double Feature) | | | | | | |
4 | | | | | | | Afternoon Movie |
| | | | | | | |
5 | | One Step Beyond | One Step Beyond | One Step Beyond | One Step Beyond | One Step Beyond | |
| | Incredible Hulk | Incredible Hulk | Incredible Hulk | Incredible Hulk | Incredible Hulk | |
6 | | | | | | | Space 1999 |
| | Space 1999 | Space 1999 | Space 1999 | Space 1999 | Space 1999 | |
7 | Buck Rogers* | | | | | | Alien Nation |
| |Alfred Hitchcock |Alfred Hitchcock |Alfred Hitchcock |Alfred Hitchcock |Alfred Hitchcock | |
8 |Mys.f.B.t.Ot.Dom.|Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica| Major Movie |
| Sci-Fi Buzz | | | | | | |
9 | Inside Space |War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds| |
|The Science Show | | | | | | |
10 | The Prisoner |Series Collection|Series Collection|Series Collection|Series Collection|Series Collection| Amazing Stories |
| | | | | | |Tales f.Darkside |
11 | Late Movie |Tales f.Darkside |Tales f.Darkside |Tales f.Darkside |Tales f.Darkside |Tales f.Darkside | Late Movie |
| | Night Gallery | Night Gallery | Night Gallery | Night Gallery | Night Gallery | |
mid-| |Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica|Battles.Galactica| |
nite| | | | | | | |
1 |Mys.f.B.t.Ot.Dom.|War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds| Major Movie |
| Sci-Fi Buzz | | | | | | |
2 | Inside Space |Series Collection|Series Collection|Series Collection|Series Collection|Series Collection| |
|The Science Show | | | | | | |
3 | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials | Info-mercials |
| (to 7 am Mon.) | (to 7 am Tue.) | (to 7 am Wed.) | (to 7 am Thu.) | (to 7 am Fri.) | (to 8 am Sat.) |(to 8:30 am Sun.)|
* To be replaced by STARMAN effective 11/01/92
Chuck Divine is throwing a party at his new house in Seabrook!
When: [illegible]
Address: [censored]
Seabrook (That's in Woodstream)
Telephone: (301) 794-6436
Directions: [censored]
A MAP (not to scale) [censored]