A PUBLICATION OF THE WASHINGTON SCIENCE FICTION ASSOCIATION INC, WASHINGTON, DC
December 1992
ISSN 0894-5411
Long time WSFA member Joe Mayhew recently received two pieces of good news about his budding science fiction career.
First, Joe announced at the First Friday in November that he had sold his first science fiction short story to a professional outlet. Alexis Budgys, editor of Tomorrow, commented, "I don't know what it is, but I'll buy it." Tomorrow is published by the Pulphouse chain. The club applauded Joe's breakthrough into professional writing.
Second, Joe recently received an advance corrected proof copy of Gene Wolfe's latest novel. To Joe's delight, the novel is dedicated to him. The wise cracking raconteur was rendered speechless by the honor.
While Joe is neither the first WSFAn to become a pro author nor the first WSFAn to become the dedicatee of a major novel, he is certainly one of the very few WSFAns who have achieved both distinctions, and in such a short timespan. The staff and readership of The WSFA Journal offers its congratulations to Joe this holiday season.
"It's another 'two for the price of one' deal," commented Hillary Rodman.
Joe has been a member of WSFA for many years, was previously the Secretary of the club, and is the principal author of the WSFA By-Laws. He is also known for his wry comments during meetings and his hobby of wood carving.
The staff of the Journal notes with pride that Joe Mayhew was first published in the Journal. His short fiction "The Elephants of Lost Virginia" was the best Journal fiction of 1992.
The regular First Friday in November business meeting convened at 9:16, 6 November 1992, in Chez Gilliland.
The WSFA tradition of attempting a coup d'etat against the sitting President was carried on by usurper Covert Beach sitting in the Presidential chair. Standing President Steve Smith allowed that he would not sit on Covert. The latter quickly vacated the throne.
Steve surveyed the audience, declaring that there were "an awful lot of people here." Elspeth Kovar noted "[They're] All waiting for you." Steve sighed, "Ah, power!"
Mr. President then exercised his power, declaring "Let's have a meeting!" Lee Uba promptly moved we adjourn. Alexis Gilliland noted we couldn't adjourn until we convened. Steve ruled Lee out of order. Lee claimed that everything worked just fine. Steve noted that she was using a cane so something must be out of order. Steve then opened the now traditional bhottle of bheer and the meeting.
Steve asked Secretary Lee Strong for a report. Lee bragged about The WSFA Journal correctly predicting the Federal election 18 days in advance. Lee Uba claimed that some editions of the Journal predicted victory for Bush and Perot. Lee Strong dismissed those as "souvenirs of alternate timelines".
The Secretary then introduced the minutes of the previous meeting printed in a nice pink issue. Joe Mayhew asked if the Secretary was tickled pink. Robyn Rissell moved to waive the reading of the minutes. Covert objected, which brought proceedings to a halt. The Zipsers suggested that Covert be required to read the minutes. Covert withdrew his objection and the minutes remain pink because they weren't red.
Treasurer Robert MacIntosh reported $6981.88 worth of green in the bank. There was a call for a party but that failed for lack of a second. Joe suggested giving the money to Moonies. Upon questioning, he stated he meant NASA's Return to the Moon program.
Alexis, Chairfan of the Entertainment Committee, reported an election, a change of administration, and a hostile takeover bid for the Republican Party by H. Ross Perot. The club cheered the report. "Can things get more hostile?" wondered one. Harrison Fnord revealed that the Illuminati refused to sell the Republican Party to Perot.
Covert, Chairfan of Disclave 1993, reported a contract has been signed with the Dulles Marriott. Rooms will cost $79/night. The club Oooohhed. There are only 4 more meetings left to obtain the $20 membership rate. Steve asked Registrar John Sapienza to wave so that people would recognize him. John turned around and waved towards Washington.
Steve asked Covert if Disclave 1992 had any leftovers? No. How about Disclave 1994? No contract yet but maybe a chairfan later in the evening.
There were no other committee reports. The Fine Arts Committee is... somewhere. James Barrie theorized that Lance Oszko was taken away by pirates and raised to fight fairies and Indians. Rowdie Yates theorized that Lance might have enjoyed too much rum.
Covert asked if anyone going to Psicon would host a Disclave 1993 party. Perrianne Lurie suggested a "two for the price of one" deal with Baltimore Worldcon.
Old Business
In the absence of any Old Business, we proceeded to New Business.
New Business
In the absence of any New Business, we will be having an election. "We just had one," noted one citizen. "WE are going to have one," stated Steve. Very firmly, I might add. In the absence of any New Business, we proceeded to Announcements.
Announcements
Steve got the word "Announcements" out of his mouth before Lee Uba reminded him of The New Tradition. This is the Second New Tradition.
The New Tradition
Uba reminded Steve, so this must be the Third New Tradition. Someone asked if this was an announcement? "Sort of a meta-announcement," declared Steve.
Kyle McAbee is visiting for his first time. He says that Tom Schaad said poker was no longer played here. <Just parliamentary Calvinball.> The club chorused "Hi!" to Kyle.
Fred Stringfield is here for his first time, after being invited twice. He is a book seller. Steve noted that it was nice to have a pusher of one of our main habits here.
No one was here for the second time. "We scared 'em off!" exulted Steve. No one was here for the third time. "Good job, folks!" congratulated Erica Van Dommelen.
Announcements
Steve noted that we would make announcements "in the usual way." (As opposed to making them in an unusual way?)
* The Secretary regrets to announce that Presidents who ignore the Secretary when the Secretary would like to make some announcements will become Tom Schaad.
* The Secretary would like to announce that those who would like their announcements to appear as they would like, rather than as the Secretary would like, should submit copies of their announcements, written the way they would like, to the Secretary after the meeting. If you like.
Tom Schaad proposed to go out of order by having the list of eligible voters read at the end of the regular meeting.
Terilee Edwards-Hewitt announced that she was very excited. The club went, "Woo, woo!" Jim and Terilee bought a house in Branmar Park, also known as "Edsel Park". The settlement date is 21 November. It will be possible to have WSFA meetings there. (A new toy... and just in time for Christmas, too. Woo, woo!)
Terilee also handed out flyers for Intercon VIII, an interactive literature role playing con.
Eva Whitley announced that Nuevo Rancho had a new hot tub. The club
made a lot of comments that the Secretary was too bemused to record.
Mike Zipser has the schedule for Mystery Science Theater 3000
(MST3K), including the Turkey Day Marathon and the rest of the
season.
He is also going to Indianapolis, Indiana. Please give him tips on
survival there, including how to find local fans and good Chinese
restaurants.
Tom noted that MST3K will present a Behind the Scenes
special, which looks at production of this cultural landmark and some
of the early episodes.
Peggy Rae Pavlat is gathering and reusing the better SF authors used
and thrown away by the Smithsonian Associates. Tom interviewed Douglas
Adams of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fame for Fast
Forward. Mike will shortly interview Larry Niven. Other big names
scheduled to appear on Fast Forward include David Brin, Lois
M. Bujold, and Hugo Award-winning Dick and Nicki Lynch. Joe dubbed the
latter the "Lynch Mob". Rowdie proposed that Joe be lynched.
Mike noted that Fast Forward has doubled its markets, and is
now playing in
Steve asked if Peggy Rae wanted to respond? She brought flyers for
Worldcon and Smofcon. Now you can learn how to run a con! "Or
seek psychiatric help," concluded Tom.
John Peacock and Paula Lewis were selling books at $1 each.
Dick and Nicki Lynch were selling books at $1 each or 3/$2. John broke
in to match the offer. Competition in action!
Dick also plugged A Wealth of Fable again.
He then announced that the U.S. Post Office is offering neat looking
"space fantasy" stamps. <Not in Bailey's Crossroads!>
These are "spah-fah" stamps, not "sci-fi" stamps.
In addition, Dick's voice will appear on Science Fiction Buzz
on the Science Fiction Channel.
Perrianne Lurie is wearing a lovely, decorative cast on her
wrist. This fashion was introduced by Judy Newton at a previous
WSFA meeting.
Perrianne has one copy of the Babylon Five newsletter and
a Starlog article on Babylon Five. The newsletter
features really neat computer graphics.
Jack Chalker returned from the World Fantasy Con in Mountain Heights,
GA. The entire county closes at 10 p.m. It's also not really near
Atlanta. Tom asked if the lights really did go out in Georgia? Oooggh.
Rachel Russell had a tiny little announcement that she is putting her
tiny little condo up for sale so she can move into a less tiny, less
little place.
Matt Leger announced that he had 3-4 announcements. "One,
I have had a major life change.." Joe cut him off, saying,
"Two!" The club laughed at Joe's editing. Not dismayed,
Matt continued with announcement one, part two. After three years
employment with the World Bank, Matt is moving to Advanced Computer
Systems where he will have more MacIntosh graphics and more money.
Two, Matt now has enough money to spring for gas money for trips
to the Third Friday meetings. See him off line if you would like
an interesting co-traveler from Arlington to Beltsville and back.
Three, Matt shamelessly plugged the "other" Star Trek
fan club in Northern Virginia: STANCR [Star Trek Association of the
National Capital Region].
Four, Matt has the Comedy Central schedule for November including
MST3K.
* December 1992 will mark 25 years of WSFA meeting in Chez Gilliland.
Alexis then moved we adjourn. Steve took the motion under advisement.
Tom then attempted an election announcement. In the course of his
effort, he referred to candidates in the masculine gender. The club
hooted since two of the candidates were feminine. Tom suggested he
be castigated for political incorrectness. This provoked a flurry
of interest and more laughter. The services of a veterinarian were
offered.
Tom then explained our system of voting reasonably well. However, he
incorrectly referred to the system of reallocating ballots as being an
Australian ballot. Tom continued, "This is one of the few times
we're relatively serious. The Disclave Chair will be signing contracts
and committing a big chunk of our money. Take it seriously, folks."
Steve Chalker began crying.
Robert MacIntosh read the list of eligible voters. A couple of people
moved to recess the meeting, but Steve ruled them out of order since
the election required a separate meeting. He invited non-voters to
relax upstairs so that the voters could do some democracy.
At this point, there were four motions to adjourn on the floor.
The club unanimously adjourned at 9:45, 9:46, 9:47 and 9:48.
The mysterious Australian Ballot continues to perplex even the best
informed of WSFAns.
The Australian system of voting, commonly known as the
"Australian ballot", consists of the requirement that votes
be secret, rather than publicly declared. The WSFA By-Laws
require that our elections be by Australian ballot.
Our By-Laws also require a specific method of counting the ballots
which is not "Australian". When there are three or
more candidates, voters should list them on the ballot in order of
preference. If no candidate obtains a simple majority in the first
counting of the ballots, the candidate who finished last is eliminated
from contention and the ballots listing that candidate first are
reallocated to the second choice listed on the ballot. This process
continues until one candidate achieves an absolute majority of the
total vote. This system forces a decision without requiring the voters
to cast multiple ballots.
The "cascade" system of ballot counting is NOT
"Australian" and people should not be confused by
these two, separate requirements.
________________________________________________________________
The WSFA Journal is the official newsletter of the Washington Science
Fiction Association (WSFA), Inc. All material (C) WSFA, Inc., 1992,
except as noted.
Publisher .......... Steve Smith
The Disclave 1994 Chairfan Election Meeting convened at 9:50 Eastern
Fannish Time. Trustees Robyn Rissell, Tom Schaad, and Mike Zipser
presided. Lots of people were moving around up front, delaying the
election. Tom bellowed for order and eventually we achieved some.
Robyn announced that the nominees were John Peacock, Lee Uba and Eva
Whitley. John and Lee had previously announced that, if elected, they
would be assisted by Paula Lewis and Alexis Gilliland respectively.
However, the Trustees clarified that only one person could be elected
Chairfan for legal reasons. (Only one signature on the contract.) The
Chairfan's staff would be determined later.
The floor was opened for nominations but none were made from the
floor. Covert Beach was suggested but he declined to run for 1994.
Erica Van Dommelen moved that nominations be closed, and they were
closed.
Tom Schaad again discussed the WSFA election procedures, which call
for an Australian [secret] ballot, and for "cascade" ballot
counting. The ballots were then cast and counted.
Robyn announced that John Peacock had been elected by a simple
majority. Lee Uba and Eva Whitley led a round of applause for the
winner. Mike Zipser suggested we holler "Sucker!" at John
and we did.
The election meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:05, Lee Strong's
Watch Time. After the meeting, one person volunteered to work on
John's con.
________________________________________________________________
The regular Third Friday in November business meeting convened on 20
November 1992 in
Undismayed, Steve called the "quote meeting unquote" to
order at times ranging from 9:29 to 9:18. "Nine o'clock sounds
about right," declared the punctual President. The Secretary was
instructed to pick a time. Nine o'clock sounds good to me, too.
Secretary Lee Strong tried to read the minutes but they were waived on
the grounds that we have hours rather than minutes. My notes say that
"Lady Chatterly went to the barn...." Sounds like a
mainstream novel to me.
Mr. Treasury Robert MacIntosh reported $7601.04 in the Treasurer or
something like that. There were calls for a party and a wedding, but
each suggestion failed for lack of a second.
[This is second time recently that there has been a suggestion for
WSFA to have a wedding. This is now an old fannish tradition.]
Michael Walsh, Chairfan of Disclave Past, deferred his report until
the Publications Committee. Vice Chairfan Covert Beach has unearthed
a list of worker bees who will receive honoraria, specifically a paid
membership in Disclave 1993. He did not find the Con Suite list.
"Possibly, I made a mistake," he allowed. The club
immediately said, "No!" in astonishment.
Covert Beach, Chairfan of 1993, has a hotel contract for 1993. He will
be trekking out to the site with an Away Team of department heads to
inspect the hotel.
Steve called for the Chairfan of Disclave 1994 to report. To the
surprise of almost everyone, this person was not Covert!
Non-Covert Chairfan John Peacock reported that he and his staff would
leave everything undone, wait until the last minute, and then pull
out, leaving Covert to step forward and save the day. Steve noted
that pulling out early doesn't work too well. The club hooted at
Steve's insight.
Fine Arts Chairfan Lance Oszko received a letter from Don Bates asking
if it were too late to participate?
Entertainment Committee Chairfan Alexis Gilliland reported that the
December meetings would be reversed in location. The Nondenominational
Solstice Tree Trim will be held at Chez Gilliland on the Third Friday
rather than the First Friday. Erica Van Dommelen confirmed that the
First Friday in December meeting would be in "Stately Ginter
Manor". Susan Cohen asked where the Catcave was? "The whole
darn house," purred Erica. Steve asked if this was just a manor
of speaking?
Steve asked for a Publications Committee report. Chairfan Lee Strong
quickly passed to Mike Walsh who spoke on bills due for our previous
book publications. We have been weaseling and weaseling but one bill
remains outstanding. Thomson-Shore (T-S) wants $2923.63 for printing.
Mike has another list of potential buyers to flog, one from the
Science Fiction Research Foundation. "A bunch of boring
academics," characterized Mike. "Anyone we know?"
asked Susan. Mike also plugged the WSFA Press End of the Year
Layaway/Takeaway Plan. (See flyer elsewhere in this issue.} Eight
cartons of books were done poorly and republished at T-S's expense.
Lee Uba moved that the club pay the outstanding T-S bill. Erica asked
if this would present a cash flow problem? It costs about $4000/year
to run WSFA. That plus the bill would just about wipe out Mr.
Treasury. Alexis saw no problem. We have a year's reserve and
Disclave is only 1/2 a year away. Covert added that Disclave 1992
would contribute an estimated $1500-$2000 to Mr. Treasury.
After further discussion, Alexis moved the question. The motion passed
17-2-1. Steve directed, "Mr. Treasury, you can write a big check."
Steve then stated that we had "migrated" into Old Business.
Robert brought up a storage bill of $1194.52 to store our Disclave and
miscellaneous stuff for the next 14 months. This is a slight increase
over the last period. He moved payment. There was no discussion, and the
motion was approved unanimously except for 2 abstentions and Lee Smoire
who can't vote. Steve directed Mr. Treasury to write two big checks.
George Shaner asked if it was worth it? Steve noted that there was no
philosophical portion of the meeting.
New Business
Lee Strong moved that we create and distribute flyers to some of the
science fiction bookstores in the area. The head salesperson at Hole
In The Wall bookstore in Falls Church, VA requested a flyer with
directions to WSFA. He gets numerous requests from people seeking
an SF organization in the area and would like official directions.
Alexis, Steve & Erica volunteered their home telephone numbers to
answer questions about the club. Alexis volunteered to actually design
the flyer.
Lee Uba suggested that we also distribute the flyer in local
libraries. "This is where most of us started reading science
fiction," she noted. Lee Strong suggested that we start with
bookstores, see how we do, and then add the libraries and the rest
of the universe. The club adopted the motion unanimously.
[When advised that the club had adopted his suggestion, the Hole In
The Wall salesperson expressed his thanks to WSFA.]
The New Tradition
Steve remembered. This is not traditional.
No one was here are the first or second time. Gary Erlich of Columbia
was here for his third time. He tried to escape but was restrained.
<Anyone who comes here three times deliberately needs to be
restrained.>
Announcements
Hostess Erica Van Dommelen reminded people of the house rules. There
is a large black and white cat named Skepna [Icelandic 'monster']
which is an inside cat. If picked up without permission, he will
escavate you. In addition, there is a small, inexpensive Taiwanese
imitation cat who is an outside cat. Do not let the imitation inside.
Children are not allowed to run and stomp inside the house. Screaming
is sort of allowed. {After all, we might need to do some ourselves.}
Joanne's Books is located on Route One hiding behind an Amoco gas
station and a Jerry's store. They're nice people and donated some
bookmarks.
Eva Whitley made a cryptic announcement about Thomas Aquinas
Mumblemumble. Ask her. Covert Beach noted that membership rates go up
at the end of the calender year. He is accepting money in lieu of John
Sapienza.
Paula Lewis has old Disclave 1993 flyers and a watch left at the
Lewis/Peacock house.
Lee Uba held up Kindra Greshem and asked if anyone owned this
child. {Ah, Lee? People are not owned.} Candy and David Greshem
claimed Kindra as their own.
George Shaner talked to Bill Taylor of Moonstone Computers.
Mike Walsh plugged The Rude Astronauts, Tomorrow by
Pulphouse, Pulphouse by Pulphouse, and two new hardcover books
by Terry Pratchett.
The 1995 World Fantasy Con will be in Baltimore, Halloween weekend.
Attendees will be limited to 750 @ $100/membership. No costumes
will be allowed. The 1993 and 1994 World Fantasy Cons will be in
Bloomington, IL and New Orleans, LA.
Walter Miles is considering making a major life/style change: from
Walter Dangerfield to Hoppy Harrington.
A toy lion made his appearance, roaring and purring when stroked. Lee
Uba and Susan Cohen fell in love with him at once <So did Lee
Strong. (Snicker.)> **We'll discuss this later. In private. --LS**
The Secretary made the usual announcement about announcements.
Lee Strong extended his personal congratulations to the Clinton team
on their election victory and best wishes in meeting the challenges
ahead. The club applauded Lee's good sportsmanship.
Richard Segal thanked Lee for the lead-in. He will be attending one of
the 6 Inaugural Balls and is looking for period costume. Kimberley's
father is a big political bigwig. Rowdie Yates suggested some major
sucking up. This produced a round of squeaking.
Lance plugged Baltimore Worldcon, which will have a Kelly Freas
T-shirt. He also offered a flyer for a band of Philadelphia based
space pirates. We printed it elsewhere in this issue. Lance is also
selling Amber at reasonable prices.
Lee Uba is off her cane. Susan Cohen may need it.
Steve announced that he had an announcement.... Mikey asked if he was
pregnant? "No. I pulled out in time," rejoined our careful
chief. Steve is offering 15 years worth of collected Byte
magazine on an all or nothing basis. See Steve after the meeting.
Erica reminded the horde about proper use of the recycling bins.
Trash goes into plastic.
The club unanimously adjourned at "whatever time this
is". The Secretary picks 10:15 as a good time to adjourn.
* After the meeting, Steve Chalker spilled Fresca on the minutes of
the meeting. They're usually much older before they become critics.
* After the Fresca spilling, hostess Erica Van Dommelen led a tour of
Stately Ginter Manor, including the Catcave, the wallpaper, and the
bowling alley.
What a wonderful genre it is that includes both Aladdin and
Dracula in it!
The basic story of Aladdin and his Magic Lamp is, I think, familiar to
everyone on this side of the Andromeda Galaxy. The Disney studios have
done a brilliant job of bringing their G+ version to the screen in
this delightful epic.
While Robin Williams naturally takes first place as the incredibly
versatile genie, both Aladdin and Princess Jasmine are excellent as
well. The scruffy hero has to grow into his assumed role as prince,
and does so well, while the refined heroine has to break free of
stuffy tradition, and likewise does so with wit and charm. Equally
interesting are the other major human characters, Jasmine's loving
father the Sultan and his villainous vizer, Jaafer. Except for the
Sultan, the major characters all have animal sidekicks who compliment
their masters well. Watch for the scene where the parrot Iago tortures
the captive Sultan!
Naturally, animation techniques are brilliantly done, with a clever
blend of computer and traditional animation. Even the slums of
mythical Aghrabad are neat and interesting places to visit, not to
mention the treasure filled Cave of Wonders. The songs are also nice,
altho I found them less inspiring than the same studio's hits from
Little Mermaid or Beauty and the Beast. A very minor
shortcoming.
Remember, the late shows have fewer juveniles attending, and
therefore, more room and peace for the serious fan!
I rate Walt Disney's Aladdin, as an Excellent fantasy. --LS
Elsewhere I take Mr. Rob MacGregor severely to task for attempting to
substitute shadows and funny noises for real menace. This movie shows
how to do these things right.
This is a very good film, full of life and energy. The characters are
deep and deeply moving. The plot has logic and subtlety. The dialog is
crisp and vigorous. The costuming and attention to detail are fantastic.
Even the sexuality is appropriate.
The story is, of course, the archetypic vampire story done as a love
story. Vlad Tepes starts off as a faithful son of the Christian Church
who turns against God because his wife commits suicide. The rest of
the story revolves around his search for love.
Filmmaker Coppola does not neglect the vicious and nasty sides of the
vampire. A lot of people get hurt really badly along the way. It is a
sign of Coppola's genius that we simultaneously want the Count to
succeed and fail!
If this film has a weakness, it's in the pacing. There is a LOT of
story here and sometimes the effort to pack it all in shows. The
transitional devices vary widely: some, such as the roast beef, are
brilliant while others are weak. The device of reading letters and
diaries also seems somewhat overdone.
Nonetheless, this is a good, if horrific, film.
I would caution that the subject matter will not appeal to everyone,
especially those who are nervous about blood.
I rate Bram Stoker's Dracula as Superior literature. --LS
Indiana Jones is a wonderful character who has wonderful adventures
that most of us only dream about. Unfortunately, most of the
written literature about this whip-slinging superstar has
failed to capture his true potential. Sadly, this book is no
exception to this rule.
The basic concept here is that Indy finds an "interior
world" exists inside the Earth and some of its inhabitants
threaten the exterior world he knows. This once legitimate concept
has been used by past masters such as Burroughs and Wells, but comes
a cropper here.
The overriding failing of Mr. MacGregor's effort is the lack of
excitement throughout the story. Indiana Jones stories
are (or should be) roller coaster rides of adventure which touch
on extraordinary things that underlie the "real" world.
Whenever our hero touches down in the mundane world, it is (or
should be) a only pit stop before a new challenge looms.
In Mr. MacGregor's hands, the ordinary overwhelms the extraordinary
all too often. When MacGregor's Indy makes a voyage of discovery
aboard a ghost ship, for example, the hero is comatose for most of the
ride! Where's the sense of discovery? When the male and female leads
explore a maze which is the Hell of the Interior World religion, very
few actual menaces materialize. There's only so much you can do with
shadows and funny noises. Sooner or later, you have to bring the
hideous monster on stage so the audience can appreciate how nasty it
is. Mr. MacGregor conspicuously fails to do this. Even Adolf Hitler,
dragged in for effect, elicits only the mildest interest.
Much of this lack of excitement stems from MacGregor's depiction of
the intrepid professor as a very passive figure tagging along after
the deceptive female lead. The true Indiana Jones takes decisive
action to resolve plots and to escape from peril. The pale imitation
found in this effort seems to wander around, unable to cope with the
situation or to display real gallantry. Of course, if she would share
her knowledge with him before they get knee deep into quicksand
rather than after they do, maybe he could live up to her
expectations. Perhaps Mr. MacGregor should read up on some of
Burroughs' heroines as well as his landscapes.
However, the thing that I liked least about this work is the epilogue
in which Indy's friend, Marcus Brody, strongly suggests that the
whole thing was a drug induced hallucination. To me, this unnecessary
scoffing at the hero's adventures by his own sidekick denies the
magical nature of the Indiana Jones universe, in which marvelous
things are quite real, if not always appreciated or documented. Has
Mr. MacGregor ever heard of the Willing Suspension of Disbelief? It's
hard for the readers to enjoy the novel when the author's mouthpiece
assures us that it's all a mistake!
Deconstruction of literature is almost always destructive without
being useful. Sadly, Mr. MacGregor's effort is no exception to this
rule, either.
I rate Indiana Jones and the Interior World as an Inferior
version of the real thing. --LS
As Ross Perot (you remember him) would say... Here's the deal:
You say you want to help support the club - beyond the consuming of
mass quantities of food and drink! But gosh, wow the WSFA Press books
though ever so wonderous in beauty, are not cheap!
Now, here's your chance to own one - or more!
You take the book or books you want and you agree to pay WSFA for the
books on a meeting by meeting basis, with the total paid off no later
than 15 January 1993 (the meeting of third Friday in January 1993).
PRINT!
Your name __________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________
City _________________ State ________________ Zip __________________
Telephone __________________________________________________________
Books
CADIGAN/Home By The Sea $49.95 x ______ = ______
SHINER/Edges of Things $45.00 x _______ = ______
RESNICK/Through... $35.00 x ___________ = ______
Amount Due by 15 January 1993:
I agree to pay for the books. as noted above, by the 15 January 1993.
Signature ______________________________ Date __________________
Date Paid _________ Amount ________ Treasurer's Initials ______
Date Paid _________ Amount ________ Treasurer's Initials ______
Date Paid _________ Amount ________ Treasurer's Initials ______
Date Paid _________ Amount ________ Treasurer's Initials ______
Date Paid _________ Amount ________ Treasurer's Initials ______
Well, now you have the chance with "The Privateers" ...
to be there at the start, and, to actually help get it on the air.
{No, we're not ST. There's only one ST. Two including STNG.)
We are something new and exciting. Give us a chance.
We are filming a 10-minute trailer, which will be used to sell the
series. And which, when completed, we will show to you at future
conventions.
We are pitching the series to the Science Fiction Channel and to
general syndication. We have the director, the actors, the script,
etc. ... and good reception from the TV Industry.
We need your enthusiastic support and your monetary support. It won't
hurt much at all ... $7.50 admission to an SF con. Read on and see
what we offer. ...
In brief, the concept is that a small alliance of planetary systems
hires a band of pirate captains who'd been plaguing their ships as
their protectors. The architect of this agreement is a pirate captain
named Aran Dravyk, the lead character.
It is a view of the future that has a generally darker sense of humor
and outlook as compared to other televised SF series. There is a great
deal of political intrigue amongst the pirates, the leaders who hired
them and between the two groups. Not to mention an evil government
leader who sits one step from the presidency of the interplanetary
council, or the pirate captains who want to kill Dravyk and return to
their old, more unrestrained plundering days. Of course, there is much
swordplay, gun play, lots of humor and beautiful women.
ONE PERSON AT THE CONVENTION WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM TO SEE THE
FILMING, AND APPEAR AS AN EXTRA IN THE TRAILER!
Portraying Captain Aran Dravyk, series lead: RICHARD COX, played Finn,
terrorist leader on STNG: "The High Ground", and who for the
past year has played Giff on the soap LOVING,
VIC NOTO, star of the film STREET TRASH, currently movie INNOCENT
BLOOD, as Captain Kreel, one of Dravyk's greedy and ruthless
"co-workers".
JENNY WEIL as Kayla Lascar, counselaar leader, and inspiration for
William Goldman's film THE PRINCESS BRIDE.
Director FRANK FAREL, producer and writer of SPOOKIES (aka TWISTED
SOULS), winner DELIRIUM AWARD, International Festival of Horror,
Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Meet the Producers, the Director, some of the castmembers -- Find
out how such a project is created -- set designs, artist renderings,
models, read the pilot script, series bible -- PLUS: Strategists &
Role Players with new rules, Vendors & More!!!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Send check or M.O. to: Improbable Productions, #209, 500 E. Upsal St.,
Phila., PA 19119 215 843.9262
Name: _________________________________
Address: ______________________________
City, State, Zip: _____________________
Enclosed is ___________________________
Please send me [ ] convention ticket(s) @$7.50 each.
![[ Down Home Food graphic ]](dec92-food.gif)
Alexis had dinner at Chicken City. It had very good barbecue and
chicken, and no ambience. Just the way fans like it.
Eerie Carmel, Indiana.
Editor-in-Chief ..... Lee Strong
Bill Clinton's Economic Plan ...
Find a Lamp with a Genie in It
SIMPLE MAJORITY PICKS PEACOCK
"Two for the Price of One"?
WSFA MEETS IN CATCAVE
"Stately Ginter Manor"
Proves to be a Cover
WSFA PAYS ITS BILLS
Finances Dominate Meeting
the House of the Drunken Badger Stately Ginter
Manor. President Steve Smith ejected an interloper from the official
chair and bellowed, "Yo! Let's have a meeting!" A chorus of
"Why?" went up from the audience.
ALADDIN
by Robin Williams & Walt Disney
BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA
by Francis Ford Coppola
INDIANA JONES AND THE INTERIOR WORLD
by Rob MacGregor
WSFA PRESS END O' THE YEAR LAY AWAY/TAKE
AWAY DEAL
How would you have liked to have been
there, 25 years ago, when Star Trek was just beginning?
How would you have liked to have helped get it on the air?
The Privateers'
Fundraising
SF Convention
Philadelphia Nov. 15th
2 - 8 pm $7.50
Holiday Inn City Line
4100 Presidential Blvd.
I cannot attend your fundraising convention:
Please send me ( ) series bible(s) @ $7.00 each.
Please send me ( ) pilot script(s) @ $7.00 each.