The
WOD
Volume 1, Issue 1; February 2013
The Monthly Fan & Convention Newspaper & WebZine
East Valley Host to New Movie Set
FEBRUARY FAN CONVENTIONS
by PJ Hultstrand
THE MOVIE LOCATION A few weeks ago I was invited to go out and see a real movie being filmed on a new western town site out past Ft. McDowell Casino off of the Beeline Highway. I have been hearing about this western town for many months by Adam Montierth, owner of The Book Rack Bookstore over on Signal Butte Road, east Mesa, and here I was finally going to see this town made for the filming of this movie. Adam and his twin brother, Donovan Montierth have been working on this movie project called Locker 13 for years now, and the project is near completion.
Photo Credit the Brothers Ink
Continued on Page 4
Egypt Through the Eyes of Monsterland Won’t Die Hollywood by Tasha McEntire by Sarah Khaled Foreign Correspondent Not all of us have had the chance to visit a lot of countries to see how they actually live, what they look like and how they have developed over the decades. Our stereotypical views of different races, countries and cultures are mainly formed through media. Some of these views may be real but some others may be totally irrelevant to reality. Through music, film, and television, the mass force of American media has instilled a stereotypical understanding of Egyptian culture in American society. Whenever I talk about Egypt, one will immediately form a visualization of clichéd images of the pyramids, camels, sand dunes, the Nile River, Cleopatra, pharaohs, King tut and the mummies. Unfortunately, that’s how Egypt is exactly portrayed in the popular culture of the U.S. but that is such a simple image of Egypt, since there is a totally different image of this country nowadays. From Sid Grauman’s opulent Egyptian
There’s new activity concerning downtown Mesa’s ‘Monsterland Bar & Grill’ and whether or not it will be staying open. Marco Regalado, owner of ‘Pop Culture Paradise Comics and Games’ and ‘MTC Small Business Solutions and Promotions’, has put a bid in to buy the unique Arizona hot spot. He made his announcement late Friday night on Facebook, saying: “There is some buzz around that we’re trying to buy Monsterland in Mesa. This is one rumor that I’m happy to say is true! I’ve submitted a proposal to the current owner. He’s waiting on a couple of other proposals and should have a final answer to me next week. I gotta tell you this is something I’m really excited to share with you all! You have been great in supporting us at Pop Culture Paradise and I can’t think of any other customers I’d love to see at Monsterland supporting us there! Keep your fingers crossed! Until that time, please go and support Monsterland in Mesa, I hear they are having one helluva last party tomorrow night! :) --Marco” Continued on Page 7
Continued on Page 5
AlmaCon AnachroCon Animation on Display Anime Milwaukee Anime Spark! Boskone Capricon Con-G ConCave ConDFW ConNooga FarPoint Gallifrey 1 GATOCon GottaCon Hyper Japan KatsuCon
www.almaconmi.com www.anachrocon.com www.aodsf.org www.animemilwaukee.com www.animespark.org www.nesfa.org/boskone/ www.capricon.org www.con-g.com www.concaveky.org www.condfw.org www.connooga.com www.farpointcon.com www.gallifreyone.com www.gatocon.com www.gottacon.com www.hyperjapan.co.uk www.katsucon.org, www.kamicon.net KitaCon www.kitacon.fi Life, the Universe & Everything www.ltue.org/LTUE_2012.html London Anime Con www.londonanimecon.com MangaNext www.manganext.org Midlands MCM Expo www.midlandsmcmexpo.com Mini A-Kon www.a-kon.com/ MystiCon www.mysticon-va.com/ Naka-Kon www.naka-kon.com Nashville Anime Day www.nashville.animeday.net NorCon www.norcon.fandom.no Orlando Anime Day www.orlando.animeday.net Potlatch www.potlatch-sf.org Queen City Kamikaze www.queencitykamikaze.com RadCon www.radcon.org Satellite 3 www.satellite3.org.uk SciFi Expo www.scifiexpo.com/DC/sfx.html SFBall www.sfbevents.com SFXWeekender www.sfxweekender.com ShevaCon http://shevacon.org TempleCon www.templecon.org TsukinoCon www.tsukinocon.com UshiCon www.ushicon.com VisionCon www.visioncon.net FIND ALL MONTHS ON WEBSITE: www.thewod.net
FEATURE ... Page 1, 4, 10, 11
SPECIAL ARTICLE ....Pg 7
WHAT IS THE WOD? ... Page 12-13
FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT ... Page 1, 5
SCIENCE EXPLORATION ... Page 8
MOVIE REVIEWS ... Page 14, 17, 18, 22, 23
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR..Pages 2
WOD CALENDAR ... Page 12-13
GAME REVIEW ... Page 22
LETTER FROM PUBLISHER.....Pg 3
MEDIA SHOWS ... Pages 15
SPECIAL EVENTS ... Page 20-21
CONVENTION LISTINGS...Pg 6
AUTHOR NEWS...Pgs 19
EDITORIAL...Page 14, 18
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
Managing Editor: PJ Hultstrand
by PJ Hultstrand As I say goodbye to ConNotations, the Arizona speculative fiction newspaper, I realize it has a year and a half since I took the reigns as Managing Editor. I am saddened by this change-over of a twenty-three year old publication. I have to admit I had higher hopes in what I wanted to do for that publication, but am excited to now be able to do it for The WOD Newspaper. The website and first print publication for The WOD are both coming out the weekend of the 26th. Unconventional, I know. But it was necessary because I am still the Managing Editor of ConNotations Newszine, and the last issue I am producing for them is also coming out January 26th. We wanted to go head-tohead at a growing comicon running this same weekend, so pushed the deadline for the print issue to be the same weekend we planned to have the website’s grand opening. The WOD Newspaper, which will be a monthly newspaper and webzine, will greatly expand the reach I had been afforded for Connotations, while piggybacking on the successful distribution channel of another local paranormal newspaper I will be revamping. Now the shackles of confinement come off in what I was not allowed to do for Connotations, while being able to utilize the successful distribution of both Connotations and the other newspaper. We will be expanding these numbers with a more successful introduction of these newspapers through several coordinating websites and sales distribution on Amazon, along with the coordinating efforts of expansion into multiple states through the network of fans and fan conventions all over the U.S. We are shooting for this website and paper to become the one-
The WOD News Staff
stop location for finding out where the fan conventions are near you and other news/entertainment we as fans crave. While we can’t offer pay for articles at this time, we can offer an ad on the website. And if you become a regular writer for our combined newspaper opportunities, we are working hard to make this paid work in the months ahead. We are not trying to take advantage of authors and their efforts, we are just trying to get a solid launch of what we know can be an awesome publication that will inform and entertain the fans who flock to conventions every year. We offer what we can. Being an author myself, I understand anyone’s misgivings. However, I have believed in the Connotations newspaper and have volunteered my time and talent for the last year and a half to build this publication up from the ashes of its former self. It had gone from being in the red and an endless money pit, to being able to pay for its production and expanded distribution in just 2 issues. There are peeps who admit to reading this newspaper from cover to cover now, which is a particular thrill for me to hear. This is not my first rodeo. I see a winner here, or I wouldn’t have given up my position at Connotations, because I loved it. What I am asking is for some writers and all readers to believe in the same thing I do -- that if we build it, we will all benefit from our efforts and for the love of reading and fandom. I believe in the AllAmerican, idealistic way of the newspaper business, while adding new technology to reach more readers. Wouldn’t it be really cool to be a part of this when it really works for us all to enjoy?
Web Administrator: Donald Jacques Proof Readers: Donald Jacques Columnists: , PJ Hultstrand, Michael Bradley, Michael D’Ambrosio Foreign Correspondent: Sarah Khaled Book Reviewers: Jeffrey Lu, Jean Goddin, Hop David, Michael Bradley Staff Writers: Jeffrey Lu, Donald Jacques, Tasha McEntire Photography: Allon-y Video+Photo Tasha McEntire, Chet Shupe Layout & Design: Patti Hultstrand The WOD Newspaper is a for-profit newspaper and webzine for Fan’s of literature, art, music, and video who attend Fan-Conventions. The newspaper is published in Arizona and distributed to fans in the southwestern states of the US: AZ, CA, NV, and UT. We also distribute to selected locations in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Circulation is estimated at 7,000+ based on the numbers we were getting from a previous publication and the fact we also have a website to offer readers; thewod.net. Subscriptions: Cost for a 12 issue mailing subscription is: USA: $24. Amazon eZine subscriptions will be $12. a year. Corporate subscriptions are available, please email us for rates. Copyright: Articles, fiction, photos and artwork in this issue are copyright © of the author/artist and cannot be reproduced in any manner without their written consent. If no author or artist is credited, the artwork or article is copyright ©of the Wiz Kidz, International.
The WOD Newspaper (ISSN: Pending) is published 12 times a year by Wiz Kidz, International, 6020 N. 77 Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. VOLUME 1, ISSUE NUMBER 1 SUBSCRIPTION: $24 for 12 ISSUES Newspaper Advertising: The WOD reaches science fiction, fantasy, gaming and horror fans throughout the greater southwest states. Our ad rates are: $180/Back cover, $125/ full page; $75/half page; $50/ onefourth page; $25/one-eighth page; $15/onesixteenth page. Discount for cash or check payments. Payments accepted through PayPal. More information can be obtained by contacting Advertising at Email: thewod_editor@yahoo.com Submission Info: Writers and artists are encouraged to submit work for publication. While we cannot pay you for your efforts your work will be seen by fans across the Southwest and the country. You will retain the copyright to your work for future publication. To submit your work or for more information please write to: the WOD Magazine 6020 N. 77 Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 or contact us via Email at thewod_editor@yahoo.com Disclaimer: Acceptance of advertising or listing in club or convention notices or FYI does not imply formal approval or ownership of those events or clubs. Wiz Kidz, International does not warrant or authorize any club or event not held by Wiz Kidz, International.
Unless otherwise noted near the artwork or pictures used in this publication, the artwork is property of Patti Hultstrand, through Az Publishing Services, LLC.
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PIRATES IN NEVERLAND JAN. 5th and 8th, 2013 ALL AGES
ASU GAMMAGE & PHOENIX CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The pirates of The DREAD Fleet answered the call to aide their dear friend Captain Hook. The brave and charming pirate captain was plagued by wild children with no manners to speak of, lead by the impish Peter Pan. Many pirates were requested to join in and stand watch as Captain Hook and his crew took on the notorious Pan on the ASU Gammage stage! Images of the venture can be found on the Facebook pages of ASU Gammage and The DREAD Fleet! The DREAD Fleet pirates also made a scouting mission to the Phoenix Children’s Museum a few days prior to distract and possibly recruit some children to join the pirate crew and act as spies against that loathsome Peter Pan. Proper eye patches were supplied and training in pirate like behaviors. Mermaid Christy of A Mermaid Dream allured both children and pirates. For tickets and information: ASU Gammage http://asugammage.com/shows/201213-broadway-season/cathy-rigby-ispeter-pan
THE PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE The world today is an exciting montage of ups, downs, joy and sadness. Just today a Texas college suffered with a shooting; another private company announced they are planning to mine the asteroids for minerals; and our President took his oath of office. Technology has shortened the distance between friends and family; yet wars and famine still ravage our planet, along with climate disasters. And yet ... we are a people who want to know. Bad or good, we WANT to know. Expecially when the topic turns to those who are in the public eye. Whether tracking the Kardashian’s, The Who, Survivor, Doctor Who, Justin Beiber, Serenity, or Batman; we want our news. And for the last few decades, we have been able to quench our thirst for up close and personal opportunites at Fan Conventions. These conventions, whether huge as ComicCon, or the more modest regional cons, all provide opportunites to rub shoulders not only with stars old and new, but to reconnect with others of our ilk who want to stay up long into the night bantering, badgering, and debating the acting, characters, or theories. Today there are a handful of sites that offer convention news, and most do it well. So why are we launching another? you ask. Well ... I could say ... “cause we can”. But you’d just laugh, and go back to your conversation. So what makes us different? First, we are adding a print version of our news. We
The DREAD Fleet www. thedreadfleet.com. A Mermaid Dream www. amermaiddream.com.
Virtual Book Tour Cafe’ Created with Authors in mind...
Book Your Tour Today! www.virtualbooktourcafe.com
ABOVE ALL - WE MUST ALL HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR IN LIFE! Volume 1 Issue 1
did some study and found out two things. That those who read the news do it in two very different, and specific ways. First, on the web: whether by phone, pad, or pc, we get our news, and updates on the web. We scan brief articles, hear quick soundbites, and click likes all in the rush to catch up, and be aware of many different events, people, and information in as small a time as possible. But we also found that most also like to sit in a relaxed environment, and chill ... with an interesting paper. And in this time, you don’t seem to want the brief, soundbite snippets we get on the web. You want more detail, and thought-provoking content that will hold your interest and engage your “fan-self”, feeding that starving beast within. Second, with a print edition, it’s not enough to simply expand on the content of the website, but we will present to you content from all over, that is original, and engaging. A paper depends on readership to succeed, and we intend to give you the opportunities! Out of the gate, we have engaged a small group of people to deliver the print edition of The WOD in Los Angeles, Nevada, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Virginia. Our goal is to make it possible to deliver an edition to select conventions across the country - in time for the con. With this, our inaugural issue, we hope to intrigue you, to check out our website, and watch for our next issue. Look for it next month! - Your Publisher
PIRATE GAME NIGHT JANUARY 12TH - MARCH 9TH JUNE 22ND - AUGUST 10TH *MORE POSSIBLE DATES FORTHCOMING* 6:00PM - 9:00PM IMPERIAL OUTPOST GAMES 4920 WEST THUNDERBIRD ROAD - GLENDALE, ARIZONA ALL AGES - FREE Presented by The DREAD Fleet pirates Sake Sumomo bint Hazine and Blaze of Ecstasy and hosted by Imperial Outpost Games. Do you have what it takes to game like a pirate? Pirates of all ages are welcome to try their luck at an array of pirate and nautical themed board and card games. This is a come as you are event, though we of course encourage pirates to dress in their finery. Food and beverage available for purchase through Imperial Outpost Games. The DREAD Fleet warmed their hands with the roll of dice, and the heat of friendly competition for the Game Like a Pirate Night kick-off event in January. The welcome at Imperial Outpost is always warm no matter the weather, as well! For images to entice you to come roll the dice, check out The DREAD Fleet on Facebook or see our website at www. theDREADfleet.com
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Host to New Movie Set Continued from Page 1
Photo Credits from the Brothers Ink
Built at the base of the hill of one of the writers, directors and producers, John Waldron’s house is located, as if his home is perched to watch the goings on of this new, yet nostalgic western town. As I was given a tour, I could see detail work done here and the water tower itself must have take many hours to build. I can’t even imagine what its resurrection must have taken. They were filming in The Bird Cage, the mock saloon/theater, where they had the lockers and the closed set situated. It was packed in their with so many cords, it would make a geek giddy. Before I got the chance to witness actual filming, I went from building to building to get an impression and feel to this town. I was the most impressed with the stone chapel with beautiful stained glass work in the windows. The floors were also matching stone with the walls, which may have seemed cold, but actually gave a warmth one would not expect from the material used. I was told there had been a few weddings held there at this chapel and I can understand why -- very cozy and surreal. Would make for an awesome wedding with a couple who love the old west or steampunk cosplay.
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Egyptian Hollywood Continued from Page 1
Theater, (the first to be constructed in the U.S.), to Theda Bara’s passionate portrayal of the Queen of the Nile, Egyptian themes have played a prominent role in Hollywood history. The 1963 TaylorBurton extravaganza is a “must see” version, epically over budget, fraught with media frenzy and script changes by the minute. This Cleopatra remains the most stunning account of the doomed queen to date. Embroiled in controversy, largely due to the on screen love affair between the two leads, plus strategic set location changes; it was a herculean task for the director to keep this massive production on track. An extensive range of other movies were also produced dating back from 1932 till 2003. The most famous ones were The Mummy (1999), a remake of the original 1932 film with excellent special effects but a lot of historical inaccuracies which has brought down the overall rating of the whole trilogy. Prince of Egypt (1999) is also a full-length animated cartoon telling the story of Moses. Another blockbuster is Scorpion King (2002), set in very early ancient Egypt; this is the story of how an assassin wreaks revenge on a marauding army who pillaged his village and how he eventually becomes the First Pharaoh of Egypt, known as the Scorpion King. All those movies in addition to many others have only focused on Ancient Egypt. I couldn’t find any movie in the American film library, portraying life in modern Egypt. Life in modern Egypt is no longer one with the old traditions. Cairo, the capital is much the same as it is in any other city of the world where people live in apartment buildings. Women serve in all levels of Egyptian society - as doctors, lawyers, scientists, and small business owners. There are many modern highways, skyscrapers, a subway system, multinational hotel chains, restaurants, advertising and western clothing. Public and private transportation, television, internet access, American style food, sports, music, arts, cinema and theatre are all signs of a healthy modern economy. Egypt also has one of the most active movie making industries in the world, producing between sixty and one-hundred films every year. Egyptian cinema is the flourishing cinema of the Middle East which is often considered “Hollywood of the East”. Egyptian media are highly influential throughout the Arab World, attributed to huge audiences and increasing freedom from government control. The film industry has created film stars who are very popular in Egypt and the Middle East and some are best known to international audiences. Omar Sharif is an Egyptian super star who has Volume 22 Issue 6
starred in Hollywood films including Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Funny Girl. He has been nominated for an Academy Award and has won two Golden Globe Awards. Amr Waked is an Egyptian actor, known for his roles portraying Middle Eastern and Mediterranean characters. He is best known in Hollywood as the terrorist leader in the 2005 film Syriana (2005). He also played the role of Rafik in Contagion and Yemeni Sheikh Muhammad in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Khaled El Nabawy is an Egyptian actor. His roles in Hollywood include Mullah, the first advisor to Saladin, portrayed by Ghassan Massoud in the blockbuster film Kingdom of Heaven. He also played the role of Hamed, an Iraqi scientist in the film Fair Game. Since 1976, Cairo has been holding the annual Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), which is accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Association. Most of today’s Egyptian movies and TV series are produced in the Egyptian Media Production City, equipped with the latest equipment for shooting in outdoor and indoor studios. Censorship, formerly an obstacle to freedom of expression, has decreased remarkably. The Egyptian cinema has witnessed a remarkable shift in terms of the taboos it may address. It has begun to boldly tackle issues ranging from sexual issues to heavy government criticism. It is Hollywood that is responsible for the presence of the American lifestyle in every corner of the world. In Egypt, like other Arab countries, American movies have gained huge popularity in the past couple of decades. In 2007, American movies grossed $10 million in the Egyptian market, while Egyptian movies grossed $50 million. This popularity is having a cultural impact on Egyptians, especially with the increasing number of TV channels dedicated solely to Hollywood productions. American movies are screened simultaneously in Egypt and the US. They are also found in every home nowadays, and their contents carry concepts and morals that totally differ from ours. A recent study by Cairo University tackled the impact of these movies on Egyptian viewers’ concept of gender. The study, examines the hypothesis that Egyptian audiences view gender differently, based on the image presented to them in American movies. The part of the study analyzes 120 movies and that is how men and women are always portrayed: The American man is presented as a smart, attractive character in (28.8 percent) of the movies, a violent man who is handy with weapons (22.6 percent), a man who has lots of relationships with ConNotations
women (16.7 percent), then as a family man (16.6 percent) and finally as a rich or famous character (14.4 percent). Meanwhile, the American woman is presented mainly as a seductress (54 percent), having lots of relationships with men (15.2 percent), a lover of fame and money (10.3 per cent), a dancer (9.7 per cent), dependent (5.8 percent) and finally submissive to men (only 4 percent). I think that the output of this study is one of the main contributors of our stereotypical perspectives of the American people. Despite the fact that Egyptian women are very different from these American heroines and Egyptian men are also different from their American counterparts, American movies have a lot of soft power and are deeply influencing our society in every aspect of our lives. We have to stop magnifying the negatives of a society in a heroic way or we will end up placing our own societies under real threat. Media is such a powerful tool in shaping our knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of different cultures. Inaccurate images presented by the media are often accepted as inevitable reality which can sometimes be very harmful to a nation’s perceptions and beliefs. Last but not least, verify your sources as some media organizations just copy and paste. If you’re skeptical about anything you receive through media, you can run a fact-checking so that you can truly distinguish facts from rumors and gossips. AUTHOR BIO: Sarah Khaled was born in Cairo, Egypt. She is a professional marketeer and a part-time writer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and she’s been writing since she was twelve on a wide variety of poems, articles, publications and advertisements. She’s in love with the sun, the sea and the sand. Blog: https://sarahkhaledmohamed.wordpress.com/
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CONVENTION LISTINGS: GENRE-LA™ 2013 Two Conferences - One Big Weekend featuring your choice of: The Craft & Business of Writing for Thrillers, Suspense, Mysteries & True Crime • Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror February 16-17-18th; Los Angeles Valley College; 5800 Fulton Avenue Valley Glen, CA 91401 GLAWS members get preferred discount registration here: http://www. wcwriters.com/registerclub
MARCH 8-10, 2013 - Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention at Old Tucson Studios. http://www.wildwildwestcon.com/d/
MARCH 9-10, 2013 - Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona campus. http://www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
MARCH 22-24, 2013 - Con-Nichiwa anime http://www.con-nichiwa. com/
MAY 9-12th, 2013 - LEPRECON 39 - Warriors of the Rainbow Mesa Marriott at 200 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ - 1-800-835-9873 Artist Guest: Raymond Swanland; Art Industry Guest: Jon Schindehette; Author Guest: Jack McDevitt; Local Artist Guest: Shelby Robertson; Music Guest: Nancy Louise Freeman. http://www.leprecon.org/lep39/
PHOENIX COMICON FILM FESTIVAL
The Phoenix Comicon Film Festival is back for 2013 and is now accepting entries. The Film Festival accepts films of any length (from shorts to feature length), type (documentary, fan film, narrative, web series, etc.), and almost any genre(science fiction, steampunk, horror, fantasy, etc.). The Phoenix Comicon Film Festival is in its ninth year and has been growing steadily since its inception. For the 2012 Film Festival last year, we experienced amazing growth with over 120 submissions from 14 different countries and our submissions from Arizona filmmakers more than doubled! We hope to continue this growth while improving the filmmaker and viewer experience each year. Primarily a competition film festival, The Festival will give out awards in several different categories, such as “Best of Festival,” “Best of” each film type, and “Best of” each genre. Time is Short! The submission deadline has been moved up this year and submissions will only be accepted through January 31st. All submissions will be screen by Phoenix Comicon staff and Filmmakers will be informed if submissions were acceptance by the end of February. Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture event of the southwest. Comicon is presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Phoenix Comicon 2013 is expected to draw over 30,000 attendees to its May 24-27, 2013 convention held at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in Downtown Phoenix. For more information and a full list of rules, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon. com/page/57.
BRICK CAVE BOOK BROWSE on February 10th, 2013 from 11a-4p at Lo-Fi Coffee in DT Mesa, http://www.loficoffee.com/.
LEPRECON 39 FILM FESTIVAL Presented by Brick Cave Films and Apocolypse Later Entry Form - Festival Dates, May 9-12, 2013 MAIL ENTRIES TO: Leprecon 39 Film Festival c/o Brick Cave Books PO Box 4411, Mesa, AZ 85211-4411; E-mail us at info@brickcavemedia. com
August 8-11, 2013; CopperCon REVOLUTION!
Location: Windemere Hotel-5750 East Main St.,Mesa, Arizona 85205 Ph: (480)985-3600; Toll Free: (800) 888-3561 Media Guest of Honor: Mike Grell; Artist Guest: Trina Robbins; Artist Guest: Steve Leialoha
LONESTARCON 3, the 71st World Science Fiction Convention
LoneStarCon 3 will be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2013, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Mariott Rivercenter and Mariott Riverwalk will serve as the host hotels. This marks the first time since 1997 that the Alamo City has hosted a Worldcon, when LoneStarCon 2 drew thousands to the downtown convention center. The guests of honor list for LoneStarCon 3 includes Ellen Datlow, James Gunn, Norman Spinrad and Willie Siros, with Paul Cornell serving as toastmaster and featuring special guests Leslie Fish and Joe R. Lansdale. Artist guest of honor Darrel K. Sweet tragically passed away Dec. 5, 2011. MEMBERSHIPS Attending membership rates for LoneStarCon 3 are $180 for adults, $110 for young adult (17-21 years old), $75 for children (16 and under) and $480 for family memberships. The listed membership rates are good through December 31, 2012. LoneStarCon 3 is also offering a military discount rate of $110, which is not subject to future increases.
The Book Browse is an informal, small book gathering, where writers bring their books, invite their friends, have some coffee and spend time talking shop, or selling a few books. Our first event, in December, saw a great response, we were busy from start to finish. We are excited to expand the event as we work towards our first full Book Festival this coming November (http://www.inkzilla.org) by hosting a Book Browse each two months.
ABOUT THE WORLD SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION Founded in 1939, the World Science Fiction Convention is one of the largest international gatherings of authors, artists, editors, publishers and fans of science fiction and fantasy entertainment. The annual Hugo Awards, the leading award for excellence in the field of science fiction and fantasy, are voted on by Worldcon membership and presented during the convention. LoneStarCon 3 is sponsored by ALAMO, Inc., (Alamo Literary Arts Maintenance Organization), a 501(c)3 organization. For more information about LoneStarCon 3, memberships or hotel information, visit www.LoneStarCon3.org. Page 6 The WOD
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Monsterland Won’t Die Continued from Page 1
Marco visited Monsterland on January 10th to speak with current owner, Kevin Wynn, about possibly putting a bid out for the venue and has since been working on getting things in the works to move forward. I had a chance to sit down with Marco and ask him some questions concerning his bid for Monsterland, and this is what he had to say:
MONSTERLAND GOODBYE PARTY Photos By Tatiana
www.allons-y photo+video
Q: So who are you exactly? LOL. Well, I’m a Small Business owner, Father and a husband, and I couldn’t have done one without the other! Q: Why is a comic book shop owner interested in buying a restaurant/venue? I can tell you why an entrepreneur is interested in expansion and a diverse portfolio! The comic/collectible business has been really good to me. I’ve found that if you treat your customers well they treat you better! This philosophy will work in the food industry. Q: Isn’t it risky to buy a business that already tried to close once? A: So what you’re saying is the only way I can go is up? LOL. Q: What would you bring to the table as a new owner? A: Monsterland is like a sleeping giant of potential! We’re just going to poke it in a few different places and wake it up! Q: A big problem people bring up is that Monsterland is in Mesa, and that it would do better in another city. What is your response to this? A: I think that’s bologna! I’ve seen that place (Monsterland) jammed packed! It there’s nothing else like it, people will come from “another city” to see it! I can’t think of a better place for the “original” Monsterland to be! Q: What kind of changes would you make to make sure the doors don’t close a 2nd time? A: I’m thrilled to see so much fandom out there for Monsterland! People want to be a part of it, I say give them that opportunity and we will. Spoilers! Q: Finally, fast or slow zombies and why? A: Slow. My life is already moving at light speed, I’d welcome some slow guys into it even if they are trying to eat me! This adds to the efforts that a few of Monsterland’s current employees had put forth to try and save the place they love working at. Gregory Holmes, Sean Curley, and Dan DeWolf put together an Indiegogo campaign to hopefully save Monsterland from being another unique business to go under in downtown Mesa. In just over a year’s time the downtown Mesa area has lost Evermore Nevermore, The Royale, and Rusted Nail, all places loved by the locals but didn’t get the attention they needed to thrive. Hopefully Monsterland won’t suffer the same fate as these other businesses. Here’s the link to the Indiegogo page if you would like to contribute: http://igg.me/p/314499 And if you would like to leave any encouraging feedback to Marco Regalado, you can contact him on his ‘Pop Culture Paradise’ Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/PopCultureParadise
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THE WOD Science The Year in Space: 2012 By Donald Jacques To my mind, it has been a VERY busy year for space. In addition to the many photos, planetary discoveries, satellite launches, and crew changes at the ISS that we have grown accustomed to hearing about, there is much happening in our world that will take us into space. Here, I provide a few highlights. In January, NASA’s 2nd GRAIL satellite arrived at the moon for a scheduled three month mission to map the lunar surface. Late in the month we all saw the news of a massive CME Coronal Mass Ejection of the sun with extensive image coverage. Stratolaunch broke ground for a facility at the Mohave Space Port for their large airlaunch-to-orbit craft. In February pictures of a Martian dust twister tearing across the planet was released. The 100-foot wide twister rose more than a half mile high in the Amazonis Planitia region of northern Mars. On March 6, 2012 - The sun erupted again with one of the largest solar flares of this solar cycle. The flare was categorized as an X5.4, making it the second largest flare -- after an X6.9 on August 9, 2011. The current increase in the number of X-class flares is part of the sun’s normal 11-year solar cycle, during which activity on the sun ramps up to solar maximum, which is expected to peak in late 2013. Also in March, NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden testified on the nation’s space program before a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing in Washington, D.C. On May 15, The Soyuz rocket launched carrying Expedition 31 to the International Space Station. On the 20th, an annular eclipse of near 4 minutes over the skies of Monument Valley National Park, Arizona was seen by millions of viewers from China and Japan to the Western USA. Then, on the 25th, the SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft is berthed at the International Space Station. Dragon became the first
commercially developed space vehicle to be launched to the station. That mission restored the U.S. capability to deliver cargo to the orbital laboratory. Dragon returned to Earth on May 31 for retrieval. In June, on the 5th, Venus began its transit across the Sun for the last time until 2117. On the 6th, the Space Shuttle Enterprise rode a barge on the Hudson River in one leg of her journey to eventually come to rest permanently on the flight deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. On June 16, we learned of the landing of the super-secret OTV-2 space plane, after spending 469 days orbiting the earth. China’s Shenzhou 9 craft launched on June 16th with a crew of 3. It successfully docked with the Tiangong-1 laboratory on June 18, marking China’s first manned spacecraft docking. July 12, was the 50th anniversary of the launch of the first communications satellite: Telstar 1. A symposium honoring the birth of global telecommunications was held at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Telstar 1 launched on July 10, 1962. America cheered on August 5, when NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover landed on Mars. The rover is equipped with a nuclearpowered lab capable of vaporizing rocks and ingesting soil, measuring habitability, and was designed to assess whether Mars ever had an environment able to support small life forms called microbes. And then we mourned the passing of Neil Armstrong, a great American hero, perhaps one of the greatest of our time. He will be missed. Sierra Nevada Corporation met milestones in their progress for their Dream Chaser vechicle: April 24, saw the completion of wind tunnel testing of a scale model vehicle. May 29th celebrated the first successful captive carry test near the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. On June 12, SNC
Photo credit by XCor
Photo credit by Space X
announced they performed buffet tests on the Dream Chaser and Atlas V stack. And on July 11th, they successfully completed testing of the nose landing gear for Dream Chaser. In September, we cheered the release of a SpaceX video showing the first test flight of the Grasshopper, its testbed for a reusable launch system. The Grasshopper rose 6 feet into the air, then settled (reasonably) gently back to its resting place. October saw both the launch and return of SpaceX’s second Dragon spacecraft to the ISS, just five months after the first ship returned safely home. This second mission carried 1,673 pounds of return cargo back to earth and represents the first of 12 scheduled cargo deliveries to the ISS. Blue Origin released a video of a successful test of their Crew Capsule escape system, with touchdown 1,630 feet from the launch pad. Masten Space announced successful testing of their new Scimitar
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engine, and several successful launches of their Xaero and Xombie craft. And the first Stratolaunch facility opened for production two months ahead of schedule and on budget. On November 1, SpaceX’s Grasshopper, rose 17.7 feet (5.4 meters) in an 8-second duration test hop, hovered, and touched back down safely on the pad at SpaceX’s facility in McGregor, Texas. This was the second test flight of the Grashopper in their quest for a reusable booster for the Falcon series launch vehicle. Throughout the year I heard all the mourning over the retirement of the space shuttle fleet, the drowning of our government in debt, and the incessant bickering of political candidates. All three of these clearly a “much ado about nothing” situation when compared to the progess that private space companies have made this past year ... despite the government led recession. GO FREE ENTERPRISE!
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A Science-Fiction Degree: Sign Me Up Scotty By PJ Hultstrand I ran across a master’s degree course at the University of Liverpool in England, recently while wasting time on the Internet. The coursework was in Science Fiction Studies, with an English or related discipline being the entry requirements. The very idea that anyone would give master’s credits for a full year study of science fiction writing was just too much to fathom. So, I looked into it further and found this was, indeed a full year study on Science Fiction. Here is the class description as found on Find a Masters web page: http://www.findamasters.com/search/courseDetails.aspx?CID=899
http://www.sfcenter.ku.edu/online-SF.htm
Science Fiction Studies:
Science Fiction is an extensive and important body of literature which has only recently begun to receive due critical attention in Britain, despite its popularity. This programme provides a framework for the study of SF in its formal, stylistic and thematic characteristics and as such takes full advantage of Liverpool’s unique holding: the Science Fiction Foundation. The MA explores the critical and theoretical issues raised by SF, such as the limits of genre, engagement with political ideology, exploration of gender categories and speculations on the nature of time. The course is taught through weekly seminars over two semesters, after which students write a 15,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice. Modules include: Genre Definitions, Utopias and Dytopias, Time and Consciusness, Special Author Study. Now, I don’t know about you, but I could tell that these people were actually serious because they require the student to write a 15,000 word dissertation on such topics of genre definition, Utopias and Thematic characteristics, time and consciousness or special author study. They are actually willing to give me not only college credits, but master’s degree credits in SCIENCE FICTION. These Liverpool Brits actually have The Science Fiction Foundation, which is a literary publisher on the study of science fiction. Really, and they can be found at http://www.sf-foundation.org/publications/index.html. I found their new book, The Unsilent Library: Essays on the Russell T. Davies Era of the new Doctor Who to be particularly interesting since coming over to the darkside several years ago. I had
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become a CHICK, who loves the Time Lord. Being the inquisitive sort, I wondered if any other colleges were giving credit in the understanding and works of science fiction, so I checked the web. I found others. Really. Center for the Study of Science Fiction:
http://www.depauw.edu/sfs/interview_index.htm
Science Fiction Studies Symposium at UC Riverside
http://www.sfsite.com/news/2010/05/10/science-fiction-studies- symposium-at-uc-riverside/
The second annual Science Fiction Studies Symposium will take place at University of California-Riverside on Thursday, May 27 in the Reading Room of Special Collections and Archives on the fourth floor of the Tomás Rivera Library. Sherryl Vint, Joan Gordon, and Carol McGuirk will present papers on Animal Studies and Science Fiction beginning at 2:30. The sessions will be moderated by Rob Latham. The event is free and cosponsored by Science Fiction Studies, the J. Lloyd Eaton Collection of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Utopian Literature at UCR, and the UCR English Department Lecture Committee. Ok, so if I got this straight, I can read and write about science fiction books and movies that I love anyway, and they will give me a degree doing this? What would I do with a degree in Science Fiction? Why does it matter, where do I sign up? When your parents yell at you for wasting your time reading the classic science fiction books, you can say with a straight face, “I’m doing my homework!”
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Host to New Movie Set Continued from Page 4
THE MOVIE - LOCKER 13
What kind of movie would need an entire town built to produce; that would be Locker 13, a thriller anthology comprised of 5 vignettes along the lines of “Four Rooms”, “Short Cuts”, “The Red Violin”, or “Night on Earth”. Five award-winning directors have been shooting 15-minute segments and they will be combined to make one feature length film. All segments are linked by a mysterious locker number 13.
The Brothers Ink are still interested in investors for this film in order to get it into distribution. If interested please contact DONOVAN@ BROTHERS-INK.COM// 602-578-5660.
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MEETING JON GRIES FROM LOCKER 13 While I was visiting the set and getting a first hand look at the shooting of one of the scenes from the movie, I was able to meet and get a brief interview with Jon Gries. Jon was nominated in 2004 by the Teen Choice Awards for Best Movie Sleazebag for his portrayal as Uncle Rico, opposite of Jon Heder in Napoleon Dynamite. While he has been in dozens of movies over his career, this one movie is how I knew him so well; my son made me watch Napoleon Dynamite too many times. My son, now 18, knew who Jon was right away when I put the picture taken of Jon on the movie set on Facebook and was jealous that I was able to meet Uncle Rico. Which goes to show that I must have done something wrong with his upbringing and even sleazebags can be popular when the movie becomes a teen cult classic.
Patti: By ELEMENT are you referring to timetravel?
Photo Credits Jon Gries and the Brothers Ink
INTERVIEW WITH JON GRIES FROM LOCKER 13 Patti: Why this one movie, Jon? What interested you when you read the script? Jon: Sometimes I look for something I have not done before, some element from the character I have not played before. I like to stretch my abilities as an actor.
Jon: No, not specifically time-travel. More about the element of the character. I like bringing that someone to life. Patti: What now for you Jon? Anything you can tell us about? Jon: Yes, matter-of-fact, I am on my way back to LA now, then on Monday I will be starting in a slightly futuristic post-Apocalyptic movie called, The Well. Patti: I have noticed many more Apocalypic themed television shows, movies and books; do you think there is a reason for this? Jon: Yes, I think people are sensing the needs of society. Ways in which the society used to be, and now they can’t trust. There is over-population. Instead of gripping about oil costs, we should be worrying about water. Water will be the real issue. My beliefs are not political, but more sociological, and never religious. It was a real pleasure talking to Jon and hearing stories about his friend, Jon Heder. But even more of a pleasure because Jon is a real professional. Before leaving to go back to LA, he took the time to say goodbye to everyone on the set, and even stopped to take pictures with them as they asked. A true sign that Jon understands that it’s the fans that make a long film career. He definitely gained some fans on the set of Locker 13. For more information about Locker 13, check them out on their website: http://www.locker13. com/ For more pictures of this town and video footage from the town and the movie, check us out on our inaugural website: thewod.net.
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ConNotations
11
WHAT IS THE WOD MEDIA?
The WOD MEDIA is the Voice and Activist for Community Niche Newspapers
The WOD MEDIA has added Video Programs and Interviews to its lineup for 2013
KWOD RADIO SHOWS Gains 6,000+ monthly listeners in 6 months on the air by offering a voice to the authors. GANG RUN ADVERTISING Through Event Flyer Printing and Event Program Books, allow the author more opportunities to get into the public. In 2013, WOD MEDIA added to its arsenal, The WOD Newspaper and The Eyes of the Superstition Newspaper. Page 12 The WOD
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IN 2012, We and Our Authors went out into the community 3 weekends out of 4 every month.
In 2013, We plan on at least one Book Browse per month
Mesa Second Friday--Steampunk November Photos By Chet Shupe
Authors Sell Books when they get out into the community to meet their readers.
It is WOD MEDIA’S JOB to Get the Authors More Opportunities to SELL Direct to the Readers.
KWOD RADIO SHOWS Gains 6,000+ monthly listeners in 6 months on the air by offering a voice to the authors.
FICTION OR NON-FICTION
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ kwodradio If interested in Advertising with WOD MEDIA contact thewod_editor@yahoo.com Affordable Media Packages to fit your budget.
Volume 1 Issue 1
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Editorial: The DisJointed View by David Germain
Where to begin? I think a good place to start would be an introduction. You go first. Ok, if that’s the way you feel about it, I’ll go first. My name is Dave, Dave Germain if you want to get into it. Like many of you out there, I am an Artist. For many years I was like most of you, a person who only dreamed of being an artist. I’m not taking a dig at anyone when I say I used to dream of being an artist. As if I was scared, hiding behind my steady job and convincing myself that the childish dreams I once held would fade away the closer it got to quitting time. Well I was scared, I still am. You see I used to have a steady gig managing a couple of the food concepts at Sky Harbor. The units I managed produced in one day what most big restaurants in the Valley do in a week. I had a decent salary and for the three years I was there, I never worried about a bill not getting paid. I thought I was free! And for a while, maybe I was. That was until I got hit by a barrage of universal epiphanies. The first was a night on the S2 concourse at Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4. It was a special day as there seemed to be a few hundred U.S. soldiers deploying for a tour in the Middle East. What was strange is that all of the soldiers had their families with them before they all boarded. The air was thick with emotion, as well as the resistance of that emotion. I saw old men trying to hold themselves together in front of their sons and daughters who were going off to war. I saw a young father try to give reassurance to his younger wife and kid, knowing that deep down he could offer none. Say what you will about the war; some feel we’re over there for oil, some for empire, but in the eyes of all those young men and women there that night, they were there for freedom, whatever that means.
Therein lay my first question: Freedom, what have I done with it as an American? The second epiphany came while working at the restaurant. I’ll back up a few years for this to make sense. My dad was a Heavy Diesel Mechanic. My whole life, that’s all he had ever done. When I was five years old, I played one of the wise men in our school’s Christmas pageant. I still remember that feeling I had the moment I stepped out onto that stage. From that moment, I knew deep down in my heart I wanted to be an artist/entertainer. So in my young mind I assumed my dad had a similar moment in his life when he knew he wanted to be a mechanic. When I asked him that question I think he thought I was taking a dig at him because the answer he gave wasn’t all too inspiring. “I didn’t want this. I ended up here because this is what I was good at and it’s kept you warm and fed all these years.” Well, I realized that running a restaurant was my way of being a mechanic, so I left. Now here’s me; no more stability. I have rent every month which stresses me out. I have one quarter of the income I’m used to. And every day, I’m still adjusting. I decided to write this for you all because I don’t think I’m the only one in this spot in their life. I want to know that I’m not alone in this endeavor. So, I’m also letting you all know that you’re not alone either, and that’s my introduction. My name is David Germain, and I’m exactly who I want to be; an Artist. Author Bio: David Germain is a local Arizona artist and the owner/operator of DisJointed Productions LLC. Dave is a graduate of, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, and has written countless, yet pointless blogs.
SHORT MOVIE REVIEW:
R’Ha - The Movie of the Future by Michael Bradley
R’Ha is not at your theaters, so no need to go looking at the listings. It is part of the new breed of film making, the independently written, made, and distributed film. It is currently receiving an average of 100,000 hits per day. The movie itself is just 6 minutes and 26 seconds long. The average movie is 90 minutes, so the film is more like the action sequence at the beginning of a James Bond film. In that short amount of time, filmmaker Kaleb Lechowski sets a scene, develops characters and a story arc, and fits in a twist leaving you wanting to see more. The real shocker though is the seamless sound and video that makes some Hollywood films pale in comparison. It begs the question if an independent filmmaker can do this on a limited budget, how long before others
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are making full length films, outside of traditional theater distribution, and publishing them online? Music and books are already sold directly, why not movies as well? You can watch R’ha at https://vimeo. com/57148705 It was written and directed by Kaleb Lechowski, sound by Hartmut Zeller, voice acting by Dave Masterson and work by Scott Glassgold of IAM Entertainment Representation. Whether this is a precursor to a dramatic shift in the production and distribution of films, or just the latest fad, either way R’ha is worth the six and a half minutes. If nothing else, you will have a new conversation piece and be part of the “in the know” crowd.
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BRICK CAVE BOOKCAST - Audio and Video Shows for Lovers of Books By Jenn Czep
Practicing for Audio Show
Interviewing Michael D’Ambrosio
I had a lot of fun at the practice audio cast this past Sunday, once I got over nervous nausea. I am really grateful that Brent is so relaxed. I really think Brent and I are going to amuse one another and hopefully our audience will get a kick out of our antics. Bob may regret allowing Brent and I to play with the Star Trek and Star Wars blasters during a practice run; this may have to be written into the show format. I will try to keep on task too though, covering industry news and offering reviews on a variety of books.
Jenn and Brent On Interview setMichael D’Ambrosio had the (mis) fortune to be our first guest for the video portion of the show. Audio makes me nervous, video is worse, but Michael had so much great information to share it was completely worth it. I loved his response to how science fiction writing has changed! Michael has so much to offer fellow writers and I wish I had more of a chance to chat with him after the interview. I am eager to get the first live show out of the way. The anticipation is making me freaking anxious! I know it will be a blast, but, oh dear, my nerves right now. Interviewing Michael D’Ambrosio was such a joy that I am now even more excited to interview other authors. And, since I love to have a reason to check out local events, I can’t wait to visit the Tuscon Book Festival and the Glendale Chocolate Affaire.
Audio Show #1: Just Between Poe and Me can be found on the website at: http://brickcavebookcast.com/audioshows/74-jan-13-2013-show-justbetween-poe-and-me
Arizona Media
Microglomerate
www.brickcavemedia.com
EVENT NOTICE: AZ RENIASSANCE FAIRE PIRATE WEEKEND FEBRUARY 23RD – 24TH, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FAIRE GROUNDS
The DREAD Fleet raids the Arizona Renaissance Faire en force on Pirate Weekend. Keep a fair eye out for literary Captain Blackstrap Gennie at the Book Shoppe and magical Moon Mermaid with Twig the Faerie while other DREAD Fleet captains and allies wander throughout the festival. PIRATE FEAST OF FOOLS APRIL 13TH; TIME: TBA; LOCATION: TBA
The DREAD Fleet invite you to their secret pirate port for an evening of fine faire, entertainments, dancing, music, games, and of course a live steel tournament with a fine lot of treasure to the winner! For more information and tickets: www.thedreadfleet.com www.eventbrite.com/dreadfeast Volume 1 Issue 1
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Look for copies of The WOD Newspaper at MysticCon
Image by Larry Elmore 2012
FEBRUARY 22-24, 2013 HOLIDAY INN TANGLEWOOD 4468 STARKEY ROAD, ROANOKE, VA HTTP://MYSTICON-VA.COM/
Author Guest of Honor:
Media Guest of Honor:
Sylvester McCoy
Orson Scott Card
The Seventh Doctor, “Doctor Who” Radagast the Wizard, “The Hobbit”
Hugo and Nebula Award Winner “Ender’s Game” & “Speaker for the Dead”
Artist Guest of Honor:
YA Author Guest of Honor:
Larry Elmore
Tom Angleberger
Award Winning Fantasy Illustrator TSR “Dungeons & Dragons” Magic: The Gathering Card Game
“The Secret of the Fortune Wookie” “Darth Paper Strikes Back” “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda”
Special Musical Guests:
Gaming Guest of Honor:
Bella Morte
Steve Long
Gaming Developer and owner of Hero Games FAN GOH: MICHAEL PEDERSON
And
The Gothsicles
TOASTMASTER: RICH SIGFRIT
FEATURING OVER 100 GUESTS FOR 2013! PLUS…LARPING VENDORS INDIE FILMS MASQUERADE MUSIC ARTIST ALLEY DANCE PARTY GAMING WRESTLERS STAR CITY MYSTERY DINNER THEATER! SCREENINGS OF “NOSFERATU” AND “LE VOYAGE DANS LA LUNE” WITH ORIGINAL MUSICAL SCORE BY CONSORTIUM 499!
PRE-REGISTRATION ADULT MEMBERSHIPS $35 AT-THE-DOOR $45 VISIT HTTP://MYSTICON-VA.COM FOR MEMBERSHIP RATES AND ORDERING DETAILS!
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MOVIE REVIEW: LES MISERABLES Reviewed by Michael Bradley Les Miserables (pronounced “lay Miz-er-rob”) is French for “The Miserables.” It is set in the time period of upheaval in France where they threw off their monarchy in violence, reinstated it with violence, and repeated the process twice more. Blood ran in the streets, people starved and justice swung back and forth between sides. Victor Hugo wrote the novel Les Miserables in 1862 and it remains one of the longest novels ever written, topping the scales at 1,900 pages unabridged. The original novel comprises five volumes, each volume divided into several books, and subdivided into chapters, for a total of 48 books and 365 chapters. Legend has it that Hugo had himself locked in a room naked with nothing but pencil and paper so he could finish it. In any case, critics at the time hated it, and the French government hated it so much that Hugo was banished to England for political crimes. Since then, it has been considered a near perfect piece of literature. It was remade into a musical screenplay and has had long runs both on and off Broadway. With such popularity, it was inevitable that it would be made into a movie version. The movie version is based on the musical play adaptation, so it is twice removed from the original book. Starting in 1814 and ending around 1832 with the June Rebellion in France, Les Misérables is a mostly depressing look at the inhumanity of people, suffering, lost dreams, but also the triumph of the human spirit. It strikes me as strange to put such often depressing themes to music. ClaudeMichel Schönberg composed the Tony Award winning score in 1980. Though I am not a music fan, it is impossible to walk out of the movie without hearing the music in your head. You even find yourself humming weeks later. As I write this the music is going in my head, reminiscent of “It’s a Small World” at Disneyland, it sticks with you. I talked to many others who went to this film for their perspective. My lovely wife has seen Les Miz on Broadway and at the Gammage in Phoenix, but I had never gone. Looking to pick up wife points during the holidays I suggested we go to see the movie. I actually found the movie more entertaining than many of the “musical theater” aficionados. I believe the reason is that the story, cinematography, sound, costuming and acting are all superb. Volume 1 Issue 1
Hugh Jackman steals the show as the main protagonist Jean Valjean, a former convict who stole bread and changed his identity upon release. A parole violator, he is hunted forever by the gendarme Javert played by Russell Crowe. Valjean dedicates himself to good, only to find a tragic event at his own business. This leads to a long series of events that culminate in the end of his life. The cast is amazing, with strong performances from Jackman, Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Samantha Sparks, Eddie Redmayne, and Aaron Tveit. There were a few parts that I disliked and took me out of the moment. Sasha Baron Cohen, of “Borat” fame, along with Helena Bonham Carter are put into the film as comic relief. True, watching abject misery and injustice might need to be broken up by comedy, but the two of them do a terrible job in my opinion, acting as they do in every movie they have been cast in the last ten years. Cohen did so-so in Hugo, but not here. The other major distraction for me is that everyone speaks with a British accent, some with Cockney dialect, yet
Broadway Classic Gets Turned On Its Ear In New Comedy MESA, AZ, -- The Broadway musical “Les Miz” is getting a comedic makeover at Silver Star Playhouse, Mesa’s newest live theatre. “Les Miserables: A Revolutionary Comedy,.” opening January 3, is a comedic take on a Broadway classic that promises big laughs with funny songs, hilarious characters, and a healthy dose of local humor. Broadway’s “Les Miz” is worldrenowned for its incredible music, operatic singing and dramatic storyline. Silver Star’s version is just like that... only laugh-out-loud funny! Even if you’ve never seen the
the film is about France. Can no one speak normally, or even try a French accent? The accents were as bad as John Wayne playing Genghis Khan. The part that did not bother me was the often poor singing ability of the cast. Hugh Jackman is no stranger to Broadway and sings quite well. Anne Hathaway is either an awesome singer or had help because her songs are spot
Broadway musical, you’re guaranteed to enjoy this hilarious version. The story centers around Jean Levi-Jean, a man who was imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, and Inspector Javert, the obsessive constable who hounds him after he breaks parole. It’s a revolutionary comedy for the whole family. With 25 years of entertainment experience, Desert Star Productions has built a solid reputation for producing hilarious, family-friendly musical comedies. Now it’s bringing it’s unique style of live theatre to Arizona in the newly-christened Silver Star Playhouse. According to Artistic Director Scott Holman, “The main reason to come to Silver Star is to laugh, and “Les
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on. Let’s be frank though; Russell Crowe is not a recording artist. It sounded like he was in pain trying to reach past three comfortable notes. My son and daughter are both former professional actors and singers (my daughter still performs professionally) and they were disturbed by the poor singing. For myself, I preferred the outstanding acting over singing if I had to make a choice. Les Miserable is long and noticeably so at 157 minutes, a good hour longer than most films. It tells so much story that you are not bored, but you do start to wonder when it will end. I would recommend anyone who has not seen or read Les Miz to go see the movie. It is part of a well rounded education and it is certainly enjoyable. If you care about the music more, skip the film and go see the performance of the live play. There they pick singing first, acting second, and you will not cringe during certain songs.
Miserables” promises to have audiences laughing until their sides ache.” Actor ad-libs and skilled improvisations are also part of Silver Star’s unique style. Don’t be surprised if jokes about local politicians, famous sheriffs, sports teams, celebrities, and current events find their way into the production. “If it’s in the news this morning, it’ll be on our stage tonight,” says Holman. “Les Miserables: A Revolutionary Comedy” runs January 3 thru February 23, 2013. The evening also features a highenergy 20 minute variety show called an ‘Olio’ following the play with more singing, dancing and of course, comedy. The Olio is included in the ticket price and is all part of the Silver Star experience. Guests can choose from a variety of delicious food selections which are optional and can be ordered right at your table. The menu includes gourmet pizza and hamburgers, fresh wraps, and scrumptious deserts. Guests may also enjoy an alcoholic beverage from Silver Star’s full service saloon. Tickets are on sale now and patrons can call the theatre box office at 480-3256700 or visit www.SilverStarPlayhouse. com for reservations. With audience interaction, lively music, and sidesplitting comedy ...it’s always fun at Silver Star Playhouse! 17
MOVIE REVIEW: THE HOBBIT - AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Reviewed by Nocona Stevenson The prequel to the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Hobbit tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins reluctantly going to the Lonely Mountains to help a group of dwarves reclaim their stolen goods. It is not an easy journey, for orcs, goblins, and other creatures of the dark alignment obscure the heroes’ travels. Not to mention the great and evil dragon Smaug guarding the stolen dwarves treasure. The new film of Peter Jackson has finally come to put a rest to the hype that has been going on for a while. Does it deliver it and perhaps even more? Or does it flop? And the answer to that is that it’s above average. This movie has some high and low points, both of which are pretty much equal in their own rights. The main problem of this film is that the book, The Hobbit, was originally a bedtime story for Tolkien’s son, and Peter Jackson treats his adaptation like he did the darker Lord of the Rings trilogy. The movie doesn’t know whether it wants to be lighthearted and fun like the book, or dark and serious in tone. It has some dark
elements but turns a complete 180 by being rather cartoonish, such as in the well-known troll scene and the goblin king. Jackson also adds some new stuff in it, which would’ve been fine except since the movie is almost three hours long, it certainly could’ve done without. Another big problem is that most of the dwarves don’t have enough, or any, screen time to give them defining personalities. Now that I’ve got most of the big problems out of the way, I’ll start with the good stuff. The action scenes were really well done (though some did drag on a bit) and the humor is good (although ill-placed at times). The special effects are top notch, although a bit too much CGI for my tastes, but I’ll take it. It also has the breath-taking aerial views that only Peter Jackson can do. The vast landscapes of Middle Earth are really fascinating and good to take in. The detail of each location our party goes through is very much like in the previous Lord of the Rings film. Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf are fun to watch. The movie does a decent job at tension building and building up to the climax. The tale of the dwarves and their
downfall at the beginning is done well (though I would’ve liked it to be sung like in the book, and to be more “visuals, accompanied with narrating” than the other way around). It was a fun film to watch and I did enjoy it - it’s just that it didn’t fully deliver all the hype people made out of the movie. It was a weird mix of being faithful to the original children’s story, while trying to be like the darker sequels that were made years ago. It’s certainly the best adaptation of The Hobbit, and only Peter Jackson could bring such a big book onto the silver screen. Unfortunately, it does have some noticeable flaws that keep this movie from being a great film. Instead, it’s an action flick that’s only fun to watch. Would this be recommended for the hard-core Tolkien fans? Not really. This one is more for the people that watch the movies and never really read the novels the movies are supposed to be based on.
WHAT’S A WRITER TO DO By Michael D’Ambrosio As a writer for almost twelve
years, I’ve learned quite a bit about the publishing world and its affects on a writer’s career. The first thing a writer must do is define his or her goals. You also need to know the market for your genre and what handicaps it presents. For instance, if you aspire to one day pitch your stories to a movie producer or adapt it to a screenplay, then you need to retain the rights to your novel or it becomes the publisher’s property and you get nothing. If your goal is to see your book on the shelf of every chain bookstore, then only a big press can do that. Another example is if you were considering using a self-publishing company for your work. There are few instances where this is a viable option. The best course in this case is a small press publisher. Their expertise is well worth the time and money you’ll save through them. They’ll handle things like editing,
ISBN, copyright, listings with distributors, cover design and other items that take time to do if you aren’t familiar with them. This is what they do on a regular basis so they’re much more proficient than you. I do caution you to research the small press publisher you are interested in querying. Research one of their author’s books and see if it’s placed on websites like Ingram’s, Amazon, Barnes & Noble where you want your books to be seen and sold. Do they (publishers) promote their authors at conventions and book festivals? How much do they charge their authors for copies of books for resale? A big press publisher offers more opportunities but it comes with responsibility. If you don’t already have a fan base nationally, you’d best build one fast or your book will go out of print. They’ll also provide you with a publicist but the support is commensurate with your sales. Your books will be on the shelf of every chain book store which creates
more pressure to sell since they’re readily available. Since the big press publisher will own the rights, they can edit as they choose, do the cover design as they choose and determine what text to use on the cover. You can make suggestions but that’s all you can do. My recommendation to new writers is to start off with a small press publisher, build a fan base and hone your skills for self-promotion. Once
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you’ve achieved this, then you’re ready to query a big press publisher for your next project. What I want you to get out of this article is that each type of publisher has several advantages and disadvantages and you need to determine which best suits your goals. Michael D’Ambrosio www.fracturedtime.com
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AUTHOR NEWS: TUNNELS & TROLLS -- ONE OF THE EARLIEST RPGS WILL GET A DELUXE REBOOT, WITH LOVE -Posted on January 13, 2013 by SSCrompton This is the official press release for Deluxe Tunnels & Trolls Kickstarter Funding. We thought you’d all like to see it... Pass it on The original team who created the classic role-playing game Tunnels & Trolls has come together again to make the finest edition yet. With the help of Kickstarter and a legion of enthusiastic supporters, the original design and development team, being affectionately called the “Fellowship of the Troll,” now has the funds to reboot the classic game into an updated and first rate Deluxe edition. It has been a long time in the making. The longevity of Tunnels & Trolls is remarkable. As the second role-playing game to reach market (1975), the game opened the door of possibilities: the possibility of diversity in RPGs; the possibility of humor with your heroism; and the possibility of excellent art to ignite the imagination and bring the game alive. Adventures for solitaire play followed modules for group adventures, making it possible to explore a fantasy gaming narrative at any time, whether
by Ken St. Andre
one’s companions were available at the gaming table or not. The fans have remained loyal to the game for 37 years, through multiple editions and translations, weathering criticism of the game for being too lighthearted, or shy in world development, and the ups and downs of fortune in a multiform hobby that offers countless alternative opportunities, both tabletop and electronic. When the Kickstarter for Deluxe Tunnels & Trolls (dT&T) was announced, fans from around the world stepped up: the new game reached its funding goal in just over 36 hours. In less than a week, funding is over 200%, and there are another 25 days to go. WHO’S WHO ON THE NEW EDITION Ken St Andre, the designer of T&T, envisions a new edition that remains true to his original concepts, empowering players with strong, simple core rules and optional elaborations, while adding the best ideas from later editions. The Trollhalla.com website has kept him in touch with the fans over the last 12 years, so changes to be made receive due consideration before implementation. One significant addition to the rulebook will be a description of, and chronology for, Ken’s Trollworld, the
world environment played “back in the day” and further developed by Ken in the years since. Working with Ken will be designer Bear Peters, drawing on Bear’s collection of maps, stories, and lore that have been tucked away for decades. Whole continents previously unknown are being fleshed out with their unique Kindreds and histories. Liz Danforth, illustrator and editor/ developer of the well-loved classic Fifth Edition is on board to reprise all those jobs. In addition to artwork created for the recent French edition (http://tunnelset-trolls.eu/), Liz will create an entirely new cover painting and new interior art to add to the old favorites. Her editorial and game development skills will help ensure the Deluxe gem gets the best possible cut, hone, and polish to make it shine. Although not part of the original team from the 70s, Steve Crompton brings years of experience as an illustrator, publisher, and graphics designer to the project. His hand and eye are responsible for the outstanding appearance of the recent French edition that inspired the Fellowship to reunite with the game’s original publisher, Rick Loomis of Flying Buffalo Inc. CATCHING THE BUZZ The fans of the game have showed up with bells on to share their memories of growing up with T&T, and they continue to express their warm approval of the prospective new edition in blogs and forums. Below are just a few examples: http://whartsonhall.wordpress. com/2013/01/06/tales-of-thestaggering-zombie/ http://www.thesecretdm.com/2013/01/ new-on-kickstarter-deluxe-tunnelstrolls.html http://thegaminggang.com/2013/01/ deluxe-tunnels-trolls-now-onkickstarter/ http://futileposition.com/2013/01/ deluxe-tunnels-and-trolls.html In the Comments section of the Kickstarter, many amazing stories of how the game touched people’s lives are being shared. The sense of community is strong, and has profoundly affected the fans and the design team alike. Liz Danforth spoke of the inspiration and impact of the fans’ words in her own blog (http://www.lizdanforth.com).
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Perhaps Big Jack Brass (the Whartsonhall blogger, above) encapsulates it best of all:”The Kickstarter does two ... important things: the surge of giddy support lets the people behind it know that there are hundreds of gamers out there who absolutely love and cherish the work they did and are doing now; and the new edition is something younger gamers can engage with more easily than something from 1979. It’s time to share the wonder and let others build their own magical memories.” Link to the dT&T KS Page: h t t p : / / w w w. k i c k s t a r t e r. c o m / projects/994700393/deluxe-tunnelsand-trolls CONTACT US If you can help us spread the word, we would be grateful. If you have a blog or podcast and would like an interview, or if you know someone who does, we would be happy to oblige. With new stretch goals (milestones) posted, we are hoping to reach out to many old school RPG fans who share the community’s fond memories of Tunnels & Trolls, and newer players who might welcome the possibilities to be found in this fresh Deluxe edition. www.deluxetunnelsandtrolls.com Kickstarter: http://kck.st/W8rkq7 Twitter: @DeluxeTnT Trollhala, Ken St Andre’s online T&T community: www.Trollhalla.com Ken St. Andre: kenstandre (at) yahoo (dot) com (Twitter: @Trollgodfather) Rick Loomis (Flying Buffalo Inc): rick (at) flyingbuffalo (dot) com (Twitter: @ buffalorick) Liz Danforth: liz (at) lizdanforth.com (Twitter: @LizDanforth) Steve Crompton: sscrompton (at) cox (dot) net Bear Peters: themancalledbear (at) gmail (dot) com It and more information can be found at: http://www.deluxetunnelsandtrolls. com/ 19
The WOD EVENTS SCIENCE GROUPS ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER URL: http://www.azscience.org/ Arizona Science Center is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and Christmas days when the Center is closed. The administrative offices are open M-F 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For up-to-date information, visit http:// azscience.org/who_are_you/youth or call the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors at 602-495-1500. Join us for live demonstrations throughout the center. It’s a fun and exciting interactive experience between visitors and Science Center staff. All demonstrations are 15-20 minutes long. The daily schedule is posted in our lobby. For exact times, please call the information zone 602-716-2000 after 10 a.m. on the day of your visit. Arizona Science Center reserves the right to change or cancel demonstrations. Daily Demonstrations: Throughout the day. Not every demonstration will be daily. Please refer to the demonstration board upon arriving at the Center for that day’s schedule. • Lava Lab - DMB Associates, Inc. • Great Balls Of Fire - DMB Associates, Inc. • Silicon for Brains - Microsoft® Store • Static Electricity - Arizona Lottery • Viral Attack! - SEPA Grant • Liquid Nitrogen • Celebrity Spotlight - SEPA Grant • Magic Planet • Eggceptional Pressure • Microbes: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - SEPA Grant February 2013 Adults’ Night Out Friday, Feb. 1, 5:30-9 p.m. FREE for 18+ Explore all four floors of hands-on science as well as a New Times ‘Best of Phoenix’ award-winning lecture series (seating is first-come, first-served)! Special ticketed events, IMAX® films or Dorrance Planetarium presentations are available for an additional cost and we always roll out the cash bar and feature a variety of local DJs. 5:30 p.m. - Doors open 7 p.m. - Lecture: “The Science of Golf” with a PING representative 8 p.m. - Film (TBD) Body Depot Workshops Every Saturday & Sunday Weekend 1 Weekend 2 Monster Manual Sat. 11:30 a.m. Sun. 11:30 a.m. Venom! Sun. 11:30 a.m. Sat. 11:30 a.m.
Busy Bones Sat. 1:30 p.m. Sun. 1:30 p.m. Nano Latch ‘n’ Catch Sun. 1:30 p.m. Sat. 1:30 p.m. Monster Manual Participants get a chance to decode the patterns in life’s instruction manual as they create colorful monsters. Venom! Participants learn the critical nature of protein folding as they build molecular models based on the Deathstalker scorpion’s toxin! Busy Bones In this hands-on dissection workshop, participants will gain an appreciation and understanding of the complexity of bones and the human body! Nano Latch ‘n’ Catch Participants identify key features that distinguish between cell types and then create specialized nanoparticles that seek and destroy diseases.
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY URL: http://iho.asu.edu/events_lectures Please check with ASU for newly scheduled events. CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER URL: http://azchallenger.org/calendarof-events 21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85382; phone: 623-322-2001 There is nothing specifically scheduled for 2013 at this time, please check with the Space Center for the latest updates. Expanded Hours: Challenger Space Center is now open to the public seven days a week 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; the Center was previously closed on Sundays. The 10 a.m. opening time for the public will not affect school field trips and certain special programs which sometimes begin prior to 10 a.m. during the week. Saturday and Sunday Inside the Museum: 7 Wonders of the Solar System - History Channel Movie or To Be An Astronaut Theater Room * Tours - Guided and Self guided - includes holding a real meteorite. * Simulated Shuttle space launch and landing in our Earth Space Transport Module. * And much more, see website for specifics. Monthly StarLab Planetarium: The Giant StarLab Planetarium presents a 40-minute shows at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. inside Challenger Space Center on select weekend days. Inside the dome, visitors are transported into a night sky environment perfect for learning about upcoming sky events, the stars, the moon, constellations, planets, deep space objects, celestial coordinates, the seasons, multicultural folklore, and mythology. The fee for the StarLab Planetarium is $4 per person
plus the cost of general admission, with a 25% discount for Challenger members. Please call ahead to reserve Scout Activity Packets for your group, 623-322-2001. My Solar System is an exiting exhibit where kids of all ages jump up and catch or “hug” a planet. Using motion detection technology, kids capture a planet and a fun fact about that planet is laser-beamed onto the wall. Made possible by a grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation. Free with paid admission to the Center. SETI INSTITUTE URL: hppt://www.seti.org/ There are no currently scheduled events for the Seti Institute. TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM URL: hppt://www.titanmissilemuseum. org/ There are no upcoming Events scheduled for December 2012 or January 2013 at this time, please contact the TITAN MISSILE MUSEUM at it’s web site for updated information. Tour the museum during the cool of the evening. Get a view of the missile in the silo with all the silo lights turned on. It’s breathtaking! Reservations required. Call 520.625.7736. One-Hour Guided Tours of the missile site are offered on a first come, first served basis every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The first tour begins at 9am and the last tour begins at 4pm. Top to Bottom Tours: This tour is nearly five hours long and takes you through all eight levels of the underground silo. Location: 1580 W. Duval Mine Rd. Sahuarita, Arizona Hours: 8:45 am to 5:00 pm 520.625.7736 Beyond the Blastdoor Tours: Get a deeper understanding by going to areas normally closed to the public. Offered on the first and third Saturday of every month. Tuesdays at Titan Special Tours every Tuesday at 2 p.m. where your tour guide is an actual Missile Combat Crew member. Standard one-hour tours are available for individuals, small groups and classroom presentations, and can be delivered to your desktop computer, iPod or other hand-held device. Skype and FaceTime tours are available worldwide but are currently available only in the English language. Fees: “Normal Hours Skype and Facetime tours” are available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (MST), 1500-0000 GMT, and cost $24.95. “Global Hours Skype and Facetime tours” are available from 5:00 pm to 8:00 am (MST), 0000-1500 GMT, and cost $74.95. During hours of darkness in Arizona the above-ground portion of
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the tour will be provided by a special, private YouTube video. Email info@titanmissilemuseum.org or call (520) 625-7736 to set up your tour. Video tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance. PIMA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM TUCSON URL: http://www.pimaair.org/ 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ 85756
THE DREAD FLEET EVENTS: RELAY FOR LIFE April 20th Red Mountain High School 7301 East Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona All Ages The theme for this charitable event is “The Movies”! Join the crew, join the cause, walk something other than the plank! PHOENIX COMICON May 24th - 27th Phoenix Convention Center 100 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona All Ages Are you plotting your course for Phoenix Comic Con? Well, the Dread Fleet is! Welcomed into port for another year, the DREAD Fleet offers an even more excitement to awe audiences. 2013’s hour-long stage performance scripted by J.J.M. Czep (Captain Blackstrap) showcasing the stunt prowess of choreographer Casey Plute as Captain Red Cap. Pirate aligned belly dance troupe bint Hazine (Daughters of Treasure) promise to make an appearance this year, adding sultry moves to the show and maybe even some butt kicking of their own. Special appearance by Captains Maxmillion de Xavier and Theodoric Brandywine cannot be forgotten. Join the crew, every evening at the Phoenix Comic Con! Images and video from 2012 show can be found at www.theDREADfleet. com MUD WRESTLING V PRELIMINARIES
June 7th, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Revolver Records Roosevelt Road, Phoenix, Arizona 18+ Only Another wild and dirty night with the pirates, wenches, dancers and derby girls! The DREAD Fleet is bringing the fan favorite Pirate Mud Wrestling to a more Metro Phoenix centered location this time around. This is our fifth year getting down and dirty! It is early in the game and this time The DREAD Fleet is seeking volunteers from the public to battle it out in the pit. Ladies, and gentlemen, if this is on your bucket list contact The DREAD Fleet via www. theDREADfleet.com Volume 1 Issue 1
MUD WRESTLING V MAIN EVENT July 27th 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Revolver Records Roosevelt Road, Phoenix, Arizona 18+ Only $10 pre-sale / $15 door Another wild and dirty night with the pirates, wenches, dancers and derby girls! The DREAD Fleet is bringing the fan favorite Pirate Mud Wrestling to a more Metro Phoenix centered location this time around. This is our fifth year getting down and dirty with the Arizona Roller Derby, Arizona Roller Girls, bint Hazine and rumor has it there will be a few Fireland Faeries sliding in. www.theDREADfleet.com TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY VI September 21st 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm Westgate City Center 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale, AZ 21+ Bars; All Ages Outdoors $10 pre-sale/ $15 door Can you believe it? Year six of the great Arizona Talk Like a Pirate Day! Prepare for even more adventure than ever before as The DREAD Fleet brings back Moon and her mermaids, belly dancers from bint Hazine and other local dance troupes, drummers and wandering musicians, sword fights and this year pirate merchants, and Irish dances. Westgate offers a beautiful outdoor center for the festival activities and several pirate friendly bars. Adventure, dancing, wenches, mermaids, and rum; all for a great cause as we raise some booty for The Bergamot Institute! www.theDREADfleet.com www.eventbrite.com/tlapdaz http://www.facebook.com/tlapdaz DREADFUL DEATHS October, 4th & October 11th 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm A performance for the history books! The DREAD Fleet presents some of the most DREADful Deaths throughout history. A great opening to the Halloween season that includes some education with the decapitation. www.thedreadfleet.com HOWL-O-WEEN October 25th – 26th 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, Arizona All Ages We are here to scare again this year! Enjoy another performance by undead pirates, be spooked by mates who wander free from Davey Jones, and grab some sugary treats and booty from the dead man’s chest. For images from last year’s Howl-o-Ween check out www. theDREADfleet.com PIRATE FALL FEAST November 2nd Volume 1 Issue 1
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Time: TBA; Location: TBA All Ages The DREAD Fleet invite you to their secret pirate port for an evening of fine faire, entertainments, dancing, music, games, and of course a live steel tournament with a fine lot of treasure to the winner! For more information and tickets: www.thedreadfleet.com www.eventbrite.com/dreadfeast
at Village Inn in Mesa, AZ
THE MOON SOCIETY PHOENIX URL: http://www.msphx.org/ Monthly meetings on the third Saturday of each month at Denny’s from 6-8 p.m. -Rural Road and U.S. 60.
READING GROUPS
AUTHOR EVENTS
Email books@casfs.org
Upcoming Signings / Events at The Poisoned Pen - 1-888-560-9919 4014 N Goldwater Blvd. Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 www.poisonedpen.com
John Joseph Adams and Diana Gabaldon sign THE MAD SCIENTIST’S GUIDE TO WORLD DOMINATION SciFi Stories (one by Gabaldon) February 25, 2013 7:00 - 8:30 pm
GAME DAZE: ALL EVENTS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT: http://www.gamedaze. com/GameDaze-Whats-Happening.aspx
ARIZONA MILLS 5000 Arizona Mills Circle #530 Tempe, AZ 85282 ARROWHEAD TOWNE CENTRE 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center #2256 Glendale, AZ 85308
Jacqueline Winspear signs LEAVING EVERYTHING MOST LOVED ($26.99 HaperCollins) March 25, 2013 7:00 - 8:30 pm
CHANDLER FASHION CENTER 3111 W Chandler Blvd #2416 Chandler, AZ 85226
Changing Hands Bookstore 6428 S McClintock Dr., Tempe Contact Changing Hands bookstore for details on signing limitations. 480.730.0205 www.changinghands.com
PARADISE VALLEY MALL 4550 E. Cactus Road #302 Phoenix, AZ 85032 SUPERSTITION SPRINGS CENTER 6555 E. Southern Ave. #2026 Mesa, AZ 85206
Indie Author Publishing Conference & Pitchapalooza! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2013 Burton Barr Central Library 1221 North Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85004
TUCSON MALL 4500 N. Oracle Road #166 Tucson, AZ 85705
Velma Teague Library is located at 7010 N. 58th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301 Ph.623-930-3431
The meetings are now 7PM third Tuesday of the month at Samurai Comics, 1051 East Camelback Road, Phoenix. - Randall Whitlock
GAME DAZE CORPORATE 1407 W. 10th Place, Suite #A-105 Tempe, AZ 85281
Clive Cussler and Justin Scott sign THE STRIKER an Isaac Bell Adventure ($28.95 Putnam) March 5, 2013 7:00 - 8:30 pm
East Valley Writing Workshop Wednesdays, 6:00 PM
The CASFS Book Social
HOTACE COMICS & COLLECTIBLES is having many events throughout the year include sword fighting, Magic tournaments, Spiderman and other charactors visit the store, Laughing Moon girls signings, Author Book signings, comicbook workshops etc check our website at www.hotacecomics. com for our events listings.
J A Jance signs DEADLY STAKES An Ali Reynolds Novel (Arizona) February 5, 2013 7:00 - 8:30 pm
WRITING WORKSHOPS:
Publishing, Networking, and Marketing Meetup -- Starting in September on the THIRD Saturday, monthly at Shadow Mountain Village - Main Clubhouse 2pm - 4pm 8780 E Mckellips Road, Scottsdale, AZ
GAMING & COMIC BOOK EVENTS:
Earlene Fowler signs THE ROAD TO CARDINAL VALLEY (Berkley $25.95); February 2, 2013 2:00 - 3:30 pm
B&Ns locations can be found at BN.com
East Valley Writing Workshop Every Sunday 1:00 PM at Shadow Mountain Village - Main Clubhouse in Scottsdale, AZ
PARK PLACE MALL 5870 E Broadway Blvd # 258 Tucson, AZ 85711 POP CULTURE PARADISE 707 S. Forest Ave. #A, on ASU Campus Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 557-6640 Calendar: morethancomics@yahoo.com or get calendar online at http://www. popculture-comics.com/ EMPIRE GAMES 1766 S Greenfield Rd #102, Mesa, AZ
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85206 - 480-813-1525 http://www.empiregamesaz.com/pmwiki. php?n=Main.Calendar DRAWN TO COMICS Marvel vs Capcom 1st Fridays 6pm HeroClix. Sat 1pm Sit-and-Sketch with local artists. 3rd Saturday, 6pm-8pm Check FaceBook for other events GAME DEPOT 3136 S Mcclintock Dr. #11 · Tempe, Arizona · 85282 (480) 966-4727 Come in and take a look. The store is located in Tempe, Arizona at 3136 South McClintock Drive. The store stocks Hordes, Warhammer 40K, Warhammer, Flames of War, Warmachine games and Battletech. Also some modern and ancients. Click the Edit link if you frequent this store to provide information about what games it offers. GAMER’S INN Check website for upcoming events IMPERIAL OUTPOST GAMES Federation Commander. 2nd Saturdays, noon RPGA. 1st Sundays Monday Night Magic Standard Format. Mon, 7pm. Boardgames & Demo Nite. Mondays & Thursdays, 6pm. Magic Drafts. Tues, 7pm War Machine. Wednesdays, 4pm Hammerhead 40K Club Meeting. Wed & Thurs, noon Hammerhead Club 40k tournament. 1st Wed, noon Magic The Gathering League. Wed, 6pm Friday Night Magic. Fridays, 7pm
SAMURAI COMICS
(check website for correct store location) Yugioh Tournament. Sundays, noon (Cmlbk) & Sat, noon (west valley) Anime Club. Sundays, noon (west valley) Pokemon. Sundays, 2pm (west valley), Wed 5pm (Cmlbk) D&D Encounters. Wed, 6pm (Cmblk) Magic, The Gathering. Friday, 6p (both stores), Tues, 6pm (west valley), Sat 1pm (Cmlbk), Mon 6pm (Cmlbk)
CLASSIFIEDS: NEW SCI FI RELEASE: ON THE TRAIL OF MADNESS BY JOAN COBB. 325 pp. A fun space adventure for all ages.
First in the trilogy. If you like Star Wars-type stories, you’ll love this book. Look it up on amazon.com. Kindle version also available. 480-892-8360 or email: jumpinjoan@cox.net CLASH OF STEEL MINIATURES
www.clashofsteel.biz Hand-cast pewter 25mm and 54mm miniatures. Custom mold-making services, rules, and games. 21
GAME REVIEW: THE WITCHER 2 - ASSASSINS OF KINGS REVIEWED BY MAX HULTSTRAND Platforms: Xbox 360 and PC
Story:
Overview:
The story revolves around Geralt of Rivia, who’s a Witcher, which is a mutant that uses instinct, skill, alchemy, and spells to slay monsters that he is contracted to kill. I don’t want to give out any spoilers, but the story begins with the Witcher helping the king of Rivia by taking over kingdom that is rightfully his. After taking over the kingdom, the king is killed and the fallout of his death is all blamed on Geralt. So, Geralt goes on a journey to clear his name by finding the man that killed the king. There’s many twists and turns throughout the story that involves: politics regarding who should be the next king, a bandit elf who has a grudge against humans for the racial injustices they inflict upon non-humans, as well as an old blood curse put upon a tyrannical king that raises the dead spirits of the soldiers who fought in previous wars.
Disclaimer - The Witcher 2 is a mature game for mature gamers only. If you’re not okay with nudity, as well as blood and gore, do not play this game. Now that I got that out of the way, The Witcher 2 is one of the best Roleplaying games I’ve ever played. After I played the first Witcher, which didn’t receive much attention from me after the first three hours of playing, I was a little wary about playing the sequel. Let me tell you, I regret even doubting to play the sequel coming from the developers, CD Projekt Red. The gameplay has been completely overhauled for the better, and I couldn’t stop playing. Forty hours later after completing the game and I still want to go back and repeat the whole game.
Max Hultstrand is going to college in Texas, studying to become a game designer.
MOVIE REVIEW: LINCOLN REVIEWED BY MICHAEL BRADLEY One of the most heralded films of 2012 was Lincoln. Lincoln has now received 12 Oscar nominations and is another hit by filmmaker Steven Spielberg. At 150 minutes, it is an hour longer than a regular film, a trend for blockbuster budget films in 2012. Lincoln is definitely superior in cinematography, costuming and production to most other films. There is no doubt that it was well made. However, the biggest surprise in the movie is that it is misnamed. Abraham Lincoln is arguably among the top two people in all of American history, along with George Washington. His history is so rich and intriguing that I was looking forward to deep insights, character development, struggles and challenges. After all, in a 150 minute blockbuster film by Steven Spielberg, there would be time to examine subtle issues of character. Instead, the film dwells on roughly a three month period and focuses almost exclusively on passage of the 13th Amendment. If the movie had been called 13th Amendment it would be perfect. Literally, the entire film is based on Lincoln’s effort to pass the amendment and others’ efforts to stop its passage. It gives more insight into political dueling than it does into Lincoln himself.
Portraying Lincoln is Daniel DayLewis, one of the best actors in history. His work in My Left Foot won him the Oscar for Best Actor, and he was nominated again for The Last of the Mohicans. His unlikeable role in There Will Be Blood was also amazingly portrayed. At 6’2” he pulls off the look and feel of President Lincoln and has the country Illinois accent and mannerisms down well. Unfortunately, Daniel Day-Lewis creates such a compelling picture of Lincoln at only one stage of his life, that a generation of movie goers will accept that is the way Lincoln was, and always was. There is no character arc in the film, only a snapshot. I really did not get any new perspective on Lincoln at all. I learned a great deal about passage of the 13th Amendment and the maneuvering that went on for its passage, but honestly I would not have gone to the movie knowing what it was about. The surprisingly good performance was that of Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens. Tommy Lee Jones is a fine character actor, but it has been a long time since I have seen him step out of his usual roles so much. He is excellent. The rest of the cast simply come in and out of the scenes with
Daniel Day-Lewis and Tommy Lee Jones. Sally Field portrays a savvy and politicallywise Mary Todd Lincoln. In reality, by that time in history, Mary Todd Lincoln was rarely lucid, heavily bi-polar, and spent most of her time in seclusion. It was remarked upon, at the time, that when sitting beside her wounded husband, they were thankful that she had five minutes of clarity, before she reverted back to hysteria. So Sally Field portrays a Mrs. Lincoln that never existed. James Spader manages to stay relevant in his scenes, but barely so. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is totally miscast as Lincoln’s son Robert. So soon after being the heir apparent as an upcoming Batman or Robin, his current pop culture image makes it hard to suspend belief and accept him as Lincoln’s son. This is unpopular to say about a Spielberg film, with two fine actors, and the subject matter being Lincoln
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and the abolishment of slavery - but I found the film to be boring, overly long, and lacking in insights. It was more like watching C-Span. The old musical film 1776 is an example of how passing legislation, in that case the Declaration of Independence, can be made exciting and lively. In Lincoln, other than the quiet moments where our President is telling a story to make a point, it is like watching politics. Politics, like sausagemaking, do not make for good movies.
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ARIZONA HISTORICAL:
GAMING ANNOUNCEMENT
Marshall Shore: Hip Historian by Jenn Czep What do Route 66, John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, Mother Road Brewery, and a belly dancer from bint Hazine all have in common? Marshall Shore, Arizona’s Hip Historian, answered that at Phoenix Metro Retro (708 West Hazelwood Street, Phoenix) on January 10th. Marshall offered up a free spectacular retro evening of entertainment, history and literacy at the locally owned shop just off 7th Avenue and Campbell.
Arizona Proving Ground for Shadowfist DCG
Historian offered up tidbits of Route 66 and Arizona history, including the often overlooked connection to Steinbeck’s book on one of the most trying times in American history. If you are hip enough to history to learn more, check out Marshall’s Facebook page or his website at www.marshallshore.blogspot.com . Some of his upcoming appearances are:
We hold Shadowfist DCG tournaments every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of the month at 5pm at the Samurai Comics Superstore, 1051 East Camelback Road. After the store closes we play non-tournament games and trade cards at the Denny’s, 5002 North 7th Street until whenever. http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/az_shadowfist http://www.facebook.com/groups/az.shadowfist/
The Last Spoke in the Wheel of Time
1/24/2013
Tor Books will be releasing the hardcover copy of A Memory of Light, the final book in The Wheel of Time series-concluding the epic fantasy created by the late Robert Jordan.
Hubbell Building The event kicked-off with a brief and Pine Public Library glittering display from AdeebA of local belly dance troupe, bint Hazine. 1/25/2013 Attendees enjoyed free libations, including ales and warm cider from Kingman Mother Road Brewery, perfect for Bullhead City the chill and rainy weather. With the Lake Havasu City backdrop of furnishings from eras past and wearing a jacket specially 2/4/2013 created by local artist, The Hip Desert Foothill
After Jordan died in 2007, novelist Brandon Sanderson used his notes to write the conclusion to the series, publishing The Gathering Storm in 2009 and Towers of Midnight in 2010.
MOVIE REVIEW: DJANGO UNCHAINED Django Unchained is filled with buckets of blood and the n-word. They don’t use any of them for negative effect or shove it in your face, but I can’t imagine anyone who gets upset easily by a word would even enjoy this movie. It’s a spaghetti western, so of course there’s going to be large amounts of blood and violence. That’s typical of the genre; heads blown, bodies pumped full of lead and nuts being cracked. The n-word isn’t really there for shock value only. While it was pretty ballsy to have it, it’s really to show that was the norm of the times and provide some extra humor. It’s used responsibly, not as if a middle school student has done it. This was an excellent film and I was captivated throughout its entirety. The film’s duration is three hours but it doesn’t feel like three hours long and also doesn’t feel as if the time flew by. If violence and humor is what you’re feeling in the mood for, go see Django Unchained immediately.
Reviewed by Nocona Stevenson Set in the mid-1800’s, three
years before the Civil War, Django Unchained is the story of a freed slave named Django (jane-go). Taken in by a bounty hunter and ex-dentist, the two set out to do some hunting, all the while trying to find Django’s wife. The movie was directed by the brilliant Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs) and it certainly is one of his greatest. Comedy, drama, action, and a bit of romance are all in this homage to spaghetti westerns. You will find yourself in awe of the extreme violence, and then laughing alongside everyone at the Tarantino humor. One such moment exists in the first 20 minutes of the movie, where Django and some other slaves are freed. And there is a scene so funny that I won’t dare to spoil one bit of it (although I will mention it involves the KKK). While it is a fine film, it is not for the faint or sensitive. Volume 1 Issue 1
Photo Credits from Django Unchained webste.
The WOD
23
Memberships: Adults $35 til 3/1/2013 Kids 7-12 $15, w/Adult Membership Weekend Gaming only $20 Pirate Adventure Fantasy - Get it now on Amazon at:
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