Well, look what you snared: a WSFA Journal, and a FOUR MONTH issue at that! Will wonders ever cease?!?!
Meeting of February 1, 1985, at the Gillilands'; Alexis Gilliland presiding.
The meeting was called to order at 9:17. The minutes of the previous meeting were not available due to the absence of the Secretary, Beverly Brandt; these minutes are reported by Joe Mayhew.
The Treasurer, Bob Oliver, was absent but had phoned in the current balance of the treasury as $5,882.74.
ENTERTAINMENT: Doll Gilliland reported that a series of space fiction films are being shown at the Air and Space Museum, but that no group reservations were available. Those wishing to attend should find the schedule in the newspapers.
DISCLAVE 1985: Mike Walsh reported that Kim Weston had decided he could not do the film program for Disclave and Mark Owings had taken over. Joe Mayhew suggested that in the absence of his registrar, he should take the names of those who wished to buy memberships at the WSFA rate; he agreed to do so.
NO-NAME CON: Lee Smoire noted that there were only 10 room reservations for Friday night and 11 for Saturday while she needed 35 for the free activity space. Flyers for it will accompany the Disclave flyer. Lee urgently requests the support of the club for No-Name Con.
OLD BUSINESS: After calling and receiving no other Old Business, Alexis surrendered the chair to the Vice President Joe Mayhew and read a response criticism of Beverly Brandt's editorship of the WSFA Journal, protesting her abuse of the office. "The WSFA Journal is not a proper vehicle for personal attacks on anybody, not on non-members. not on members, not on officers." Based upon her unwillingness to retract or apologize, he asked that, unless a suitably neutral publisher could be found, that it would seem appropriate to cease the publication of the Journal until after the elections in May. The decision was to be made by the Executive Board, after the meeting. Joe Mayhew suggested that it would be better for the members to vote on the matter. He also called for those who would be willing to edit the Journal in the event of Beverly Brandt's removal; there were no volunteers. Alexis Gilliland moved that "until a suitably neutral editor of the WSFA Journal is found, that the publication be suspended." The motion was seconded but after discussion Alexis consented to its reform to require, "that Beverly Brandt be removed from the position of Editor of the WSFA Journal." The motion was passed in that form by a vote of 14 in favor, 4 opposed and 2 abstentions. It was then moved and passed (18-0) that the Trustees inform Beverly Brandt of her removal as Editor. The matter being concluded, Joe returned the chair to Alexis.
NEW BUSINESS: Zip!
After the announcements, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15.
Meeting of February 15, 1985, at the Olivers'; Alexis Gilliland presiding.
The meeting was called to order at 9:15. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The treasury stood at $5,773.35. The Treasurer, Bob Oliver, pointed out that at the next meeting WSFA will be entering it's fourth quarter and he will be accepting yearly dues for fiscal year 1986 at that meeting. Please pay your dues with checks made out to WSFA, not cash. He said it was easier to keep track of who has paid and who hasn't that way because he'll have something with your name on it.
ENTERTAINMENT: Doll Gilliland reminded the club that the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum will be showing some SF films during the month of March; check them out. Also, don't forget No-Name Con! Please attend!!! Support Your Club!!!!!
NO-NAME CON: Please attend, support your club! Get rooms and bring finger food.
DISCLAVE '85: There will be a flyer stuffing party after the meeting. Please help out!!!
DISCLAVE '86: Zip!
OLD BUSINESS: Zip!
NEW BUSINESS: Lee Smoire brought up the last meeting's action of Secretary Beverly Brandt's removal as Editor of the WSFA Journal. After a LONG discussion the club moved to vote 14 Aye, 2 Nay and 3 Abstentions to "recommend to the President that Beverly Brandt be reinstated as Editor of the WSFA Journal with the proviso that nothing further on this matter ("Dunegate") will be published within its pages." The motion was passed with 14 Aye, 2 Nay and 3 Abstentions.
Kent Bloom volunteered to host the March Fifth Friday Party at his new house. His offer was accepted; flyers with directions will be available at the next meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The meeting adjourned at 9:43.
(After the official meeting was over, President Gilliland asked Secretary Beverly Brandt to continue in her capacity as WSFA Journal Editor; she agreed to do so.)
Meeting of March 1, 1985, at the Gillilands'; Alexis Gilliland presiding.
The meeting was called to order at 9:22. The minutes were approved as read. The treasury stood at $5,767.36.
ENTERTAINMENT: Alexis Gilliland, in lieu of Doll, pointed out that "The Wizard of Oz" was on the television upstairs.
NO-NAME CON: Zip!
DISCLAVE '85: Zip!
DISCLAVE '86: Ditto!
OLD BUSINESS: Zip!
NEW BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The meeting deteriorated at 9:38.
Meeting of March 15, 1985, at the Olivers'; Joe Mayhew presiding.
The meeting was called to order at 9:24. As the secretary had inadvertently misplaced the minutes of the last meeting, their reading was waived. The treasury stood at $5,705.12. Dues are due and payable.
ENTERTAINMENT: Joe Mayhew announced that he had written a play with eleven speaking parts. Those of you who are interested in participating in the play, please see Joe.
DISCLAVE '85: Chairman Mike Walsh announced several items of interest: 1) Programmer Tim Sullivan has moved to Philadelphia, "which should make life real interesting"; 2) the hotel reports that it's already receiving room reservations; 3) if you don't smoke and wish to be in a smoke-free hotel room, ask for the fourth floor. NOTE: However, if you DO request the fourth floor and ANYTHING is smoked in your room, a little gem of $500.00 will be added onto your hotel bill, so think twice about getting a room there; and 4) the huckster room is almost sold out.
NO-NAME CON: Chairwoman Lee Smoire reported that because we only had 14 rooms booked on Friday night and 17 rooms booked on Saturday night, WSFA had to pay for the function space; altogether WSFA had to pay about $120.00. She was extremely disappointed in the turnout (about 50 or 60 people, thereabout) and for those of you who didn't have a good reason for showing up, quote: "F__k you!" Lee felt (Editor's Note: and rightfully so) that if you can't get your ass together and support your club's relaxacon, you deserve everything you don't get; club apathy included.
FIFTH FRIDAY PARTY: Mary Morman announced that it would be held at her and Kent Bloom's abode. She plans on making chocolate fondue and Kent has 5 gallons of mead to be consumed at that time.
OLD BUSINESS: Zip!
NEW BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The meeting was deep-sixed at 9:54.
As no minutes were taken at the BaltiCon meeting, voila, NOTHING!
Meeting of April 19, 1985, at the Olivers', Alexis Gilliland presiding.
The meeting was called to order at 9:15. In the absence of the Secretary, VP Joe Mayhew took the notes. The minutes of the previous meeting were unavailable.
The Treasurer, Bob Oliver, reported that the treasury stood at $5,795.14.
ENTERTAINMENT: Zip!
DISCLAVE '85: Chairman Mike Walsh related that the program "would be a little wingy this year, but that it was coming along well." Sue Wheeler had volunteered to run the Con Suite. Joe Mayhew noted that the Con Badges were printed and handed them over to Mr. Walsh.
ANNUAL ELECTIONS: Trustee Ginny McNitt presented the constitutionally required slate of people which she, Walter Miles and Barry Newton had agreed upon. They are as follows:
For President: Alan Huff
For Vice President: Michael Walsh
For Secretary: Ginny McNitt
For Treasurer: Bob Oliver (incumbent)
For Trustees: Cat Slusser, Judy Newton
and Laura Jones
Other nominations will be accepted during the elections on May 3, 1985.
OLD BUSINESS: Zip!
NEW BUSINESS: Brian Lewis brought up two bylaw changes. They will be printed in their entirety in the WSFA Journal.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nothing was presented in writing to be included in the Journal.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00.
Meeting of May 3, 1985, at the Gillilands'; Alexis Gilliland presiding.
(Editor's Note; As the Secretary was late in arriving, Joe Mayhew took notes; unfortunately those notes were lost in the ensuing weeks and so could not be included herein. The following minutes were taped upon the Secretary's arrival.)
OLD BUSINESS: John Sapienza noted that due to the recent U.S. Tax Court ruling denying 501C3 tax exemption status to Archcon, all future sf conventions that hand over all profits to their respective clubs are now being viewed in a new light by Uncle Sam. He had copies of the opinion available for the various new officials. (Editor's Note: Unfortunately ye Editor didn't receive one; hopefully it will turn up in a future WSFA Journal.)
NEW BUSINESS: Jack Heneghan volunteered his abode for the May Fifth Friday Party; his offer was unanimously accepted by the club.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The meeting was screechingly halted at 9:33.
Meeting of May 17, 1985, at the Olivers'; Alexis Gilliland presiding.
The meeting was called to order at 9:16. As the Secretary was absent, the minutes were taken by Vice President Joe Mayhew. The minutes of the previous meeting were unavailable. The Treasurer, Bob Oliver, reported WSFA's balance to be $5,704.10. The ritual interest of having a party was expressed.
DISCLAVE 1985: Chairman Mike Walsh reported that Jack Williamson to Disclave in a friend's private plane. He mentioned some scheduled program events. Joe Mayhew asked the cast of CROSSTIME BUS to rehearse after the formal meeting was over.
DISCLAVE 1986: Zip!
ENTERTAINMENT: Zip!
OLD BUSINESS: Brian Lewis objected to the fact that his petition of amendment concerning elected WSFA officials had not been read, and requested that it be acted upon. As the petition was in the hands of Secretary Beverly Brandt, along with another amendment petition by Joe Mayhew, neither could be acted upon at that time as no copies were present.
NEW BUSINESS: Alexis Gilliland announced that he and his wife were going to England for two months and therefore their house would be unavailable for the meetings of June and July. Kent Bloom and Mary Morman offered their house for the June 7th meeting and were gratefully accepted. Peggy Rae Pavlat volunteered her house for the July 5th meeting, and likewise was received with gratitude. At which point, Rosa B. Oliver, Chatelaine of Oliver House, informed the club that she and Bob would be away during the time of the August 16th meeting. Peggy Rae Pavlat said that if someone else would take the July meeting, she'd take the one in August. Lee Smoire suggested that WSFA simply rent space for one of the meetings and perhaps have a sort of mini-con.
It was then proposed that the usual WSFA Fourth of July bash be held on the 6th of July, which would be the following Saturday. It was proposed that it be held at Barry and Judy Newton's place in Ashton, Maryland of happy memories. The Newtons arrived later and consented. The details will be worked out later.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nothing was presented in writing to be included in the Journal.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40.
(The officers elected for 1984-1985 retire from office as of the first meeting in June. The retiring officers are: President Alexis Gilliland, Vice President Joe Mayhew, Secretary Beverly Brandt, Treasurer Bob Oliver (re-elected) and Trustees Walter Miles, Ginny McNitt and Barry Newton. The new officers are: President Alan Huff, Vice President Mike Walsh, Secretary Ginny McNitt, Treasurer Bob Oliver and Trustees Judy Newton, Joe Mayhew and Cat Slusser.
The elections were chaired by Trustee Walter Miles and was done by Australian ballot. (Editor's Note: Although the Aussies deny responsibility for it!) The Trustees' slate choices are in CAPS; the winners are underlined.
PRESIDENT: ALAN HUFF, Joe Mayhew
VICE PRESIDENT: MICHAEL WALSH, Joe Mayhew
SECRETARY: GINNY McNITT
(Beverly Brandt and Joe Mayhew were both nominated; both declined.
NOTE: Lee Smoire abstained from voting Ginny McNitt in as Secretary
by acclamation.)
TREASURER: BOB OLIVER
(Won by a majority vote with Alan Huff naying and Lee Smoire again
abstaining about an acclamation.)
TRUSTEE #1: CATHERINE SLUSSER, Jack Heneghan, Joe Mayhew and Alexis Gilliland
TRUSTEE #2: LAURA JONES, Jack Heneghan, Joe Mayhew, Alexis Gilliland and Dick Roepke
TRUSTEE #3: JUDY NEWTON, Laura Jones, Jack Heneghan, Alexis Gilliland, Dick Roepke and Ray Ridenour
----------------------------------------------------------------
The WSFA Journal is the horripilatious monthly newsletter of the Washington Science Fiction Association. Editor-in-Chief: Beverly L. Brandt, 3326 Lauriston Place, Fairfax, VA Tel. No.: (703) 573-8230
The following are additions and corrections you should add to your WSFA Mailing List; they are as follows:
Donald J. Bieniewicz
[censored]
Vienna, VA 22180
(703) 938-6915
Kent Bloom
1802 Sanford Road
Silver Spring, MD 20902
(301) 593-2433
Fran Buhman
[censored]
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 820-2652
Scott Dennis
[censored]
Paris, KY 40361
(606) 987-0054
Wayne Ferguson
[censored]
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 552-5122
Steve Fetheroff
[censored]
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 938-6094
Ray Galacci
[censored]
Baltimore, MD 21201
Donna Gause
Route 1, Box 138
Stuart's Draft, VA 24477
(703) 271-7392
Lee Hagee
[censored]
Baltimore, MD 21218
(301) 889-9456
Pat & Laura Jones
[censored]
Falls Church, VA 22046
(703) 573-7211
David J. Kaplan
[censored]
Plainsboro, N.J.
Mary Morman
1802 Sanford Road
Silver Spring, MD 20902
(301) 593-2433
Alison Munn
[censored]
Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 532-0420
Lance Oszko
[censored]
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-0514
Lisa Peoples
[censored]
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Elizabeth Rosenburg
[censored]
Baltimore, MD 21239
(301) 377-8878
Samuel Schwartz
[censored]
Alexandria, VA 22310
Steve Smith
[censored]
Silver Spring, MD 20902
(301) 681-7891
Timothy R. Sullivan
[censored]
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-1954
Linda Sweeting
[censored]
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301) 982-7940
James & Cynthia Thomas
[censored]
Sandy Spring, MD 20860
(301) 774-7686
SECOND QUARTER REPORT FOR 1985
Received Paid Out Balance
September
Brought Forward .............................. $8,041.39
1st Friday F&B ................. $ 73.04
Dues ................ $ 40.00
3rd Friday Beverages ........... 12.54
3rd Friday Food ............... 46.14
Dues ................ 10.00
Carried Forward ....... $ 50.00 $ 131.72 $7,959.67
October
Brought Forward .............................. $7,959.67
Interest ............ $ 86.12
Dues ................ 20.00
1st Friday F&B ................. $ 87.94
Printing ....................... 144.26
3rd Friday Beverages ........... 63.65
3rd Friday Food ................ 43.06
Movie Party .................... 15.00
Carried Forward $106.12 $ 353.91 $7,711.88
November
Brought Forward .............................. $7,711.88
1st Friday F&B ................. $ 75.49
Dues ............... $ 5.00
Donation (MCFI) ................ 1,000.00
3rd Friday Beverages ........... 23.69
3rd Friday Food ................ 42.12
5th Friday F&B ................. 100.00
Carried Forward ...... $ 5.00 $1,241.30 $6,475.58
THIRD QUARTER REPORT FOR 1985
Received Paid Out Balance
December
Brought Forward .............................. $6,475.58
1st Friday F&B .................. $ 95.88
Printing ........................ 117.52
3rd Friday/
Solstice F&B .................. 115.11
Carried Forward ....... $ 0.00 $328.51 $6,147.07
January
Brought Forward .............................. $6,147.07
Postage/Supplies ................ $ 18.01
1st Friday F&B .................. 72.41
Dues ................ $ 8.00
3rd Friday Beverages ............ 49.04
Interest ............ 94.01
Feb. Relaxacon .................. 200.00
3rd Friday Food ................. 40.88
Dues ................ 14.00
Carried Forward ....... $116.01 $380.34 $5,882.74
February
Brought Forward .............................. $5,882.74
1st Friday F&B .................. $ 23.47
3rd Friday Beverages ............ 44.03
Printing/Publishing ............. 137.86
3rd Friday Food ................. 34.03
Dues ................. $ 45.00
Feb. Relaxacon
Return ............. 79.01
Carried Forward ........ $124.01 $239.39 $5,767.36
FOURTH QUARTER REPORT FOR 1985
Received Paid Out Balance
March
Brought Forward .............................. $5,767.36
1st Friday F&B ................. $ 88.53
Dues ............... $ 75.00
3rd Friday Beverages ........... 48.71
5th Friday F&B ................. 100.00
Dues ............... 105.00
Audio-visual Fund .. 177.35
3rd Friday Food ................ 38.20
Carried Forward ...... $ 357.35 $ 275.44 $5,849.27
April
Brought Forward .............................. $5,849.27
Interest ........... $ 73.48
3rd Friday Beverages ........... $ 37.34
1st Friday F&B ................. 46.43
3rd Friday Food ................ 43.84
Dues ............... 45.00
Carried Forward ...... $ 118.48 $ 127.61 $5,840.14
May
Brought Forward .............................. $5,840.14
Carried Forward .............................. $5,840.14
1 June 1984 .................................... $4,676.39
31 May 1985 ....... (Year to date) ............. $5,840.14
I think it's wonderful the way everybody is allowed to see where the money goes. It's not exactly the most fun job in the world; eh, Bob?
The following are the winners of this year's Nebula Awards; congratulations to the winners!
BEST NOVEL: "Neuromancer" by William Gibson
BEST NOVELLA: "Press Enter []" by John Varley
BEST NOVELETTE: "Bloodchild" by Octavia Butler
BEST SHORT STORY: "Morning Child" by Gardner Dozois
By now most people will know that Ted Sturgeon, one of the most important writers of our time, has died. It seems that I was among the last people to talk with him, last Sunday (May 5th) when I received a message from Sharon Webb, who suggested that I call the Sturgeons. "I think he's dying," she told me. "I just spoke to him, he sounded as if he was saying goodbye." When I phoned him in Oregon, he spoke breathlessly, panting between words. I told him that my new book, The Darkling Wind, was dedicated to him. I had meant it to be a surprise, when it came out, but I knew it would be too late. Ted said, "I love you very much." "I love you too, I said. He said, "I know." Then he said, "Goodbye." I talked to Jayne for a while longer, but I was barely coherent from weeping. I heard his voice in the background; "Tell him, 'Thanks for the S.P. Phonecall.'" He was still making puns, weakened though he was. Only a few hours after I talked to him, I discovered, his already critical lung condition had become complicated by pneumonia, and he had gone to the hospital. He died three days later. His youngest son Andros told me, "I was there and it was beautiful."
I had known Ted peripherally for about seven years, and been close to him only for the last year of his life. But I can barely remember a time when I had not heard of Theodore Sturgeon. His is the single most important influence on my own work. The earliest science fiction story I can remember reading is "The Skills of Xanadu," a story so rich in resonance that I based an entire tetralogy on its premise. Another seminal work of his, the novella "Some of Your Blood," was the structural, thematic and conceptual inspiration for my novel Vampire Junction, which is nothing more or less than a remake of and a homage to, his book. As always, he said it all in about a twentieth of the time it took me.
I was really barely grownup when, at SunCon, eight years ago, I badgered and manipulated the people running the Hugo Banquet seating into sneaking me onto the very table where the Supreme Deity of my Personal Pantheon happened to be sitting. I had planned all these intelligent things to say, hut I ended up rather tonguetied in his presence. Until he himself, perhaps noticing how hard I was sweating, started a conversation with me. I can't remember a thing about that conversation except the excitement I felt. It never occurred to me that Ted would still recall the incident, but years later I heard him say to Jayne, "You know, he was that kid at our banquet table." By then he had become my friend, but the aura of being "More than Human" never quite went away. When he agreed to write the introduction to the limited edition of The Darkling Wind, I was astounded.
Six months ago or so I had a very long phone conversation with Ted and he told me he was ill. He was angry about being ill. He said, "I have to be attached to this oxygen machine, and I'm furious about it because I just don't feel like a sick person." He also said, "All I want to do now is do things for people I care about, like the intro to your book." I was profoundly moved by this, even though I could not yet believe he could really die.
This is what I thought about when it finally happened: Once, before I knew Ted, my friend Dan Joy, who was just a kid then, was sick. He had to stay in bed, and all he could do was talk on the telephone. He asked me to read him a story. I read him "The Crate," by Theodore Sturgeon. In the story a bunch of kids, and their teacher crashlands on this planet. There is a crate among the wreckage, and with her dying breath the teacher points it out to the kids and tells them they have to take it to the town because the whole world depends on it. They carry the crate through rough terrain, endure terrible despair and hardship, and grow from children into young men and women, and they finally reach the outpost, only to find that the crate is empty. The teacher had told them it was important, to give them a purpose, so they'd go on living until they could reach safety. Afterwards, the kid who's narrating the story says of the teacher, "You know, she really loved us."
That's how I feel about Ted. We all have to go on carrying the crate. As many have said, all of Ted's stories deal, in some way, with the idea of love. The same can be said of his life. Ted's love is in that crate, and if we think it's empty, we're wrong, because the things you can't see are the most important things in the world.
I propose to edit a monograph on the professional writers, artists and editors in the field of SF and Fantasy who were or are active members of WSFA. That would include Seabury Quinn, Ted White, Dave Bischoff, Joe and Jay Haldeman, Tom Haughey, Jon DeCles (Don Studebaker), Jack L. Chalker, Somtow Sucharitkul, Alexis Gilliland, Timothy R. Sullivan, George Scithers, Steve Stiles and others.
There would be a picture, bibliography, personal and literary biography, critical reviews and when possible a contribution by the subject. It is my hope to produce it from contributions by WSFAns active or otherwise.
I am seeking financial sponsorship for it by WSFA. The sale of copies would hopefully reimburse the treasury and any profits would be placed in a special account apart from the general treasury as a fund for future publication projects. If the manuscript were accepted by a commercial publisher all profits would be assigned to that fund. No contributor would be paid, but their individual contributions would be copyrighted in their own name and available for republication at their discretion.
This publication would be produced as professionally as possible and well may take more than two years to complete. Printing costs would be a serious investment for WSFA, but I believe a good one. The tentative title for this book is "ON OUR OWN".
Peter Bogdanovich's feature MASK is an impressively made feature, starring Cher and Eric Stoltz, the latter of which plays the lead, Rocky Dennis. Since four or five, Rocky has been afflicted with a bone disease in his skull, enlarging it with calcium deposits until his face is disfigured into a grotesquely lionesque expression.
For years, doctors have been telling him and his mother Rusty (Cher) that he only has a life expectancy of a few months. Rusty is a loving mother that takes guff from no one that tries to treat her son as a "special child". Her former lover Gar (Sam Elliott) returns, at first only to see Rocky, but returns to Rusty as well. While Cher plays the slightly self-destructive Rusty well, her acting is little match for Eric Stoltz as Rocky.
Rocky is an honour student, bright, witty, a perfect friend, who spends much of his time collecting baseball cards of 1955 Dodgers, and planning a motorcycle trip across Europe (as Gar once did). His face has never kept him from having friends in his own circle; Rusty has been a motorcycle "gang" member for years, and the bikers are portrayed as tough but loving teddy bears.
The rotund Dennis Burkley, who always plays a tough biker, often with such a heart of gold as he has here, plays Dozer, a somewhat self-appointed guardian of Rocky, loving the boy so much that he smuggles a puppy to his house when Rusty won't let Rocky have it. Disliking to speak, Dozer drives Rocky to school and scares off wayward, insulting, middle-class kids that tease his friend.
The lovely and talented Laura Dern plays Diana, Rocky's only true girlfriend. Meeting during a summer that Rocky works as a counselor's aid in a camp for blind children and teens, the two are able to fall in love as Diana can only see Rocky's character and not his face. Even when he confesses what he looks like and she touches him, her love has progressed to a point that it doesn't matter.
Michael Westmore's make-up for Rocky is tremendous and always believable. Eric Stoltz appears to have no problem in speaking with it, and pimples appear now and then in different areas of the face from scene to scene as time progresses.
One gets used to Rocky's face within the first few scenes, and it is impossible for anyone possessing a soul to dislike him. While there is no major on-purpose tear-jerking scenes, MASK is such a beautiful motion picture that it is impossible not to tear up often for love of Rocky Dennis.
(Bring tissues, and) See MASK.
Some of the best films have terrible publicity, and so are skipped by the public and "lost" until they reach video or cable. One such tragedy was The Neverending Story, now being joined by The Company of Wolves.
Directed by Neil Jordan and written by Jordan and Angela Carter (from a story of Carter's) Company of Wolves is one of the most beautiful fantasies produced in years. It is not to be confused with the sort of werewolf films of a few years ago, although in its fairy-tale dreamlike quality, it almost gives off the impression of being The Howling as directed by Jean Cocteau.
The film is that of an episodic Freudian dream of Rosaleen's (a comely 13-year old named Sarah Patterson). As in the classic tale Little Red Riding Hood, her dream mimics Rosaleen's coming of age. The toys in her room mirror characters in her dream, including Angela Lansbury as her grandmother, warning her against "straying from the path" and against men whose eyebrows meet as they may be "hairy on the inside." Her warnings also include bastards of priests: "Why do you think they call them 'Father'?"
Lansbury is wonderful as Granny, almost making the film. As she knits the eye-searing crimson cloak for Rosaleen (originally for her older sister killed earlier by wolves), she tells the story of a traveling man who vanishes on his wedding night, to return years later after the bride remarries.
At this point comes the first of a number of amazing transformations, none of which are alike. Each metamorphosis is fascinating (although it is the first change that looks the most mechanical).
Rosaleen is being warned constantly to "stay on the path" (i.e., remain virtuous): so much so that one almost expects Yoda to appear and describe the Dark Side.
Rosaleen's dreamscape is like a damp, mulched Oz with its tall, thick trees; totally primal, with life teeming everywhere. Nearly every scene in the woods focuses on boas and fat toads, watching Rosaleen venture farther into the unexplored. Even the church of her Dark Ages dreamtown isn't free from the effect of the encroaching nature, as tarantulas drop into her Bible from above during the sermon.
Don't go and expect deep mysteries or cheap thrills. This film is as layered as one can comprehend. It's as literate as it is visual. Due to its own bad publicity campaign, you may have to seek it out; but it's worth it.
Find it and then sit back and enjoy.
If one had the choice of seeing Richard Donner's LADYHAWKE instead of his latest release, GOONIES, most would choose the latter feature, due to its involvement with Steven Spielberg. However, LADYHAWKE is a fascinating film, despite a few apparent drawbacks.
Matthew Broderick plays Phillipe Gaston, a wily and cunning thief known as "Phillipe the Mouse", who escapes the inescapable dungeons of Aquilla. Pursued by the cruel captain of the guard of the Bishop of Aquilla (John Wood), Phillipe is "rescued" by the mysterious black knight Navarre, who has returned to kill the Bishop. The dashing Rutger Hauer is Navarre, obsessed with killing the evil Bishop who has placed a curse on him and his love Isabeau (Michelle Pfeiffer). By day she is a sleek hawk; by night he is a large black wolf.
At first against his will, Phillipe becomes Navarre's squire, of sorts, and soon respects the fierce fighter. However, the young man is slightly smitten by the fair maiden Isabeau which he encounters each night.
This feature is unlike what one would expect. Soft focused, it centers on the mystical aspects of the story, rather than the usual flashy transformation effects. When we DO see the changes, they are pure magic; occasionally they are in the proverbial "nick of time".
Leo McKern is entertaining as the former monk Imperius, who accidentally betrayed the love between Navarre and Isabeau to the obsessed Bishop who lusted after Isabeau for himself.
The film has some major drawbacks. Although the young Broderick obviously enjoys the fantasy feature in which he stars, he cannot make up his mind whether to use an American or a British accent, and he annoyingly reverts back and forth. As Phillipe is never at a loss for a cocky one-liner, now and then one can understand why he forgets the British accent, but that does not forgive the transgression.
While the climactic swordfight is impressive, it is slightly drawn out, thereby becoming unbelievable. Donner's film direction is still intriguingly different than the style he formerly employed in such movies as THE OMEN, SUPERMAN or his latest, GOONIES.
Despite these, LADYHAWKE is an interesting tale of medieval fantasy, romance and enchantment. With its screenplay written by Edward Khmara, Michael Thomas and Tom Mankiewicz - from Edward Khmara's story - LADYHAWKE is well worth seeing.
As this is more than likely the last in my film review series, I wish to thank Beverly Brandt for this opportunity to air my personal views. If the future WSFA Journal Editor wishes to contact me, I can be reached at P.O. Box 267, Montclair, N.J. 07042 or via CompuServe: User I.D. # 70317,3244.
Alright, Lee's going to look into the travel arrangements; Joe, you check into the nearby restaurants; Mac, are you still agreeing to be the Treasurer for the convention?
[TLMC cartoon of aliens around a conference table, coming soon]
Let the BBC tombstone read:
Born November 23rd, 1963
Murdered February 27th, 1985
Unbelievably, after 22 years, the world's longest running science fiction show has been taken off the air. Colin Baker, the sixth incarnation of the famous Gallifreyan Time Lord, and John Nathan-Turner, the show's longest-running producer, learned of the cancellation on Wednesday, February 27th, making the date the blackest day in television history.
Understandably, John and Colin are furious, as are the aghast thousands of fans all over the world affected by this decision. As the "executives" of the BBC claim the show is on an eighteen month (at least) "hiatus" due to the series' budgets.
Colin and John are still appearing at US sf conventions, if anything to stir up interest in the unforgivable abomination that is this BBC executive decision. Meanwhile, a massive letter campaign is being held throughout the country (and the world?) to the BBC.
In the first 24 hours (probably more as more learn of this), the BBC's telephone switchboard blazed alight without cease (and rightfully so). I implore you to do your share.
This needn't be phoning the BBC, but writing to as many of the following addresses as you can will help tremendously:
Michael Grade, Controller
BBC TV
Woodlands
80 Wood Lane
London W12 OTT
Alastair Milne, Director Gen.
BBC TV
White City
London W12
Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
Sally "Benton" O'Brien
808 Florida Avenue
Palm Harbour, FL 33563
Sally, who is the president of the Colin Baker fan club, has begun an In-Mourning arm band campaign as well as a letter campaign. When you write to Sally, please enclose a SASE and she'll get back to you as soon as she can.
SO, ... IT'S TIME THE COMPANIONS SAVED THE DOCTOR! LETTERS, SEND THEM LETTERS! BEELYUNS AND BEELYUNS OF LETTERS!!!
This year's Hugo Nominations are as follows;
BEST NOVEL:
Neuromancer - William Gibson
Job: A Comedy of Justice - Robert Heinlein
The Integral Trees - Larry Niven
Emergence - David Palmer
The Peace War - Vernor Vinge
BEST NOVELLA:
"Cyclops" - David Brin (Asimov,s 4/84)
"Valentina" - Joseph H. Delaney & Mark Stiegler (Analog,
5/84)
"Summer Solstice" - Charles Harness (Analog, 5/84)
"Elemental" - Geoffrey A. Landis (Asimov's, 12/84)
"Press Enter []" - John Varley (Asimov's, 5/84)
BEST NOVELETTE:
"Blood Child" - Octavia Butler (Asimov's, 6/84)
"The Lucky Strike" - Kim Stanley Robinson, (UNIVERSE 14)
"Silicon Muse" - Hilbert Schenck (Amazing, 9/84)
"The Man Who Painted the Dragon Griaule" - Lucius Shepard
(F&SF, 12/84)
"The Weigher" - Eric Vinicoff & Marcia Martin (Analog,
10/84)
"Blued Moon" - Connie Willis (Asimov's, 1/84)
"Return To the Fold" - Timothy Zahn (Analog, 9/84)
BEST SHORT STORY:
"The Crystal Spheres" - David Brin (Analog, 1/84)
"The Alien Who Knew, I Mean, Everything" - George Alec
Effinger (F&SF, 10/84)
"Rory" - Steven Gould (Analog, 4/84)
"Symphony For a Lost Traveller" - Lee Killough (Analog, 3/84)
"Ridge Running" - Kim Stanley Robinson (F&SF, 1/84)
"Salvador" - Lucius Shepard (F&SF, 4/84)
BEST NONFICTION BOOK:
Sleepless Nights In the Procrustean Bed - Harlan Ellison, ed. by Marty
Clark
Dune Encyclopedia - Willis McNelly
The Faces of Science Fiction - Patti Perret
In the Heart, Or In the Head - George Turner
Wonder's Child: My Life In Science Fiction - Jack Williamson
BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION:
Dune
Ghostbusters
The Last Starfighter
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock
2010: Odyssey Two
BEST PROFESSIONAL EDITOR:
Terry Carr
Ed Ferman
Shawna McCarthy
Stanley Schmidt
George Scithers
BEST PROFESSIONAL ARTIST:
Vincent DiFate
Tom Kidd
Val Lakey Lindahn
Barclay Shaw
Michael Whelan
BEST SEMIPROZINE:
Fantasy Review
Locus
Science Fiction Chronicle
Science Fiction Review
Whispers
BEST FANZINE:
Ansible - ed. Dave Langford
File 770 - ed. Mike Glyer
Holier Than Thou - eds. Marty & Robbie Cantor
Mythologies - ed. Don D'Ammassa
Rataplan - ed. Leigh Edmonds
BEST FANWRITER:
Leigh Edmonds
Richard E. Geis
Mike Glyer
Arthur Hlavaty
Dave Langford
BEST FANARTIST:
Brad Foster
Steve Fox
Alexis Gilliland
Joan Hanke-Woods
Bill Rotsler
Stu Shiffman
JOHN W. CAMPBELL AWARD
Bradley Denton
Geoffrey A. Landis
Elissa Malcohn
Ian McDonald
Melissa Scott
Lucius Shepard
Thee following information has been included for those of you who are contemplating attending this year's NASFIC instead of going out on a limb to attend this year's WorldCon in Australia. The convention is suggesting that you send in your reservations PRONTO; however, you must make your reservation using the convention's formal Registration Housing Form which you can acquire by joining the convention (obviously). So, ... if you're planning on attending, send in your money NOW!!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOTEL Distance from # of Rooms Room Parking Recreational Rollaways Children in Ice & Coke Transportation Pets
Palmer Auditorium Blocked Rates Arrangements Facilities & Cribs Parents Room Machines to the Airport Allowed
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hyatt Regency 2 blocks 400 S-68 D-75 free o/d lot o/d pool rollaways $15 under 18 free every floor courtesy car, no
201 Barton Springs Rd. T-82 Q-88 jacuzzi crib free taxi
near hike & bike
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sheraton Crest Inn 0.5 mile 250 S-60 D-70 free attached o/d pool rollaways $10 under 17 free every floor courtesy car, small
111 E. 1st St. T-70 Q-70 garage near hike & bike cribs free taxi pets
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stephen F. Austin 1.0 mile 30 S-75 D-85 attached garage haut cuisine rollaways $15 under 12 free ice every floor courtesy car, no
701 Congress Ave. T-115 Q-125 $5.00/day health club cribs free soda from rm.svc taxi, bus
available
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Driskill 1.0 mile 100 S-70 D-80 attached garage near 6th St. rollaways $15 under 12 free soda every floor courtesy car, no
201 E. 6th St. $5.00/day health club cribs free ice alternate flrs taxi, bus
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ramada Inn, Capitol 1.6 miles 75 S-46 D-53 parking on pool rollaways $6 under 18 free every floor, but courtesy car small
300 E. 11th T-60 Q-67 premises cribs $6 not refilled on 7 am - 11 pm pets
weekends
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ramada Inn, Town Lake 1.2 miles 75 S,D,T,Q-52 parking on pool, hike and rollaway $8 under 18 free every floor courtesy car, small
1001 S. IH-35 premises bike trail cribs free taxi pets
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Holiday Inn, Town Lake 1.0 mile 150 S-44 D-51 parking on pool, hike rollaways free under 12 free every floor courtesy car, yes
IH-35 and Town Lake Rd. T-58 Q-65 premises & bike trail cribs free taxi
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quality Inn, South 1.6 mile 200 S-42 D-49 parking on pool rollaway $6 under 12 free every floor courtesy car, no
2200 S. IH-35 T-56 Q-63 premises taxi
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The following is a Press Release from Noreascon Two dated April 15, 1985. As it concerns ConStellation, I felt that WSFA members would be interested. Here it is in its entirety:
The ConStellation Bailout Consortium, organized and run by MCFI (Noreascon Two), has raised over $29,000 and has successfully purchased the entire ConStellation debt. Between the consortium and ConStellation's own fund-raising efforts, the creditors received 80% of the money owed them.
The following organizations and individuals contributed to the fund:
$10,000 Noreascon Two
10,000 L.A. Con II
5,000 Portland Westercon (1984)
1,285 Philadelphia SF Society (PSFS)
1,000 Washington SF Association (WSFA)
425 Fred Isaacs
200 Ben Yalow
150 Bill Perkins
100 Harry F. Leonard
33 Carl & Michelle Lundgren (prints for auction)
_______
$29,193 Total [sic - KFL]
When the Consortium was set up, the excess of ConStellation's liabilities over assets was about $38,600. ConStellation's fund-raising efforts managed to raise about $2,000, which was paid out in June, 1984 as a 5% payment to all creditors, leaving $36,670 owed.
Early in the process, before most of the fund had been raised, the consortium contacted each of the creditors and offered them payment of about 29% of the money owed and a share of any future money raised. Several of the creditors agreed (sometimes after considerable persuasion).
As more money was raised, revised offers were made to the holdouts and, eventually, all of the creditors accepted our offer. In November 1984 payments were made to all creditors (except Hour Printer, who did not finally agree until January 1985) to bring them up to roughly the 50% level.
Upon receipt of the last of the pledged money in February 1985, final payments which brought the total payout to 80% of ConStellation's debt were made to each creditor.
Administrative costs of the effort were $184, almost entirely to pay for endless phone calls to the creditors. The balance remaining (about $19) will be donated directly to ConStellation.
The following is a listing of creditors and the payments made to them:
Initial Connie Consortium Total
Creditor Balance June 84 Total Payment
Diamond Vision $12,500 $625 $9,360 $9,985
Exhibit Aids 11,332 566 8,488 9,054
Hour Printer 9,300 455 6,966 7,421
Larry Beck (badges) 2,000 100 1,498 1,598
Copy Cat 1,200 60 899 959
Avcom 1,000 50 749 799
Telesaver 725 36 543 579
Gestetner 514 27 487 514(*)
(*) At the request of PSFS, their contribution was
used to pay Gestetner in entirety and the balance
remaining was contributed to the general fund.
Legal ownership of the receivables against ConStellation is now distributed among the members of the ConStellation Bailout Consortium. While, technically, ConStellation owes the consortium's members around $36,000, we have agreed that any additional money which ConStellation may be able to raise will be distributed first by ConStellation amongst the original creditors in proportion to the amount they have not yet recovered. The creditors gave up all rights to demand money from ConStellation, including any right to force bankruptcy.
The consortium has not participated in any way in the claim by the City of Baltimore for about $5,500 in damages at the Convention Center. This claim may still be outstanding against ConStellation.
Due to the generosity of fandom throughout the country, the consortium has succeeded in what it set out to do. The ConStellation Bailout Consortium has now dissolved; any further contributions should be made directly to ConStellation for use in making additional payments to the former creditors.
[ Joe Mayhew cartoon of a mouse on a cat's spacesuit helmet, coming soon. ]
Well, Algernon, do you think we'll ever get out of the Red???
KEY: Hardback - (H),
Tradepaperback - (T),
& Paperback - (P).
Adams, Robert: Horseclans #13: Horses of the North - $3.50 (P)
Aikin, Jim: Walk the Moons Road - $2.95 (P)
Anthony, Piers & Frances Hall: Pretender - $3.50 (P)
Asimov, Isaac: The Edge of Tomorrow - $15.95 (H)
Asimov, Isaac w/Martin H. Greenberg & Charles G. Waugh (Eds.):
Great Science Fiction Stories By the World's Great Scientists - $17.95 (H)
Baldwin, Merl: The Helmsman - $2.95 (P)
Benford, Gregory: Artifact - $16.95 (H)
Blakeney, Jay D.: The Children of Anthi - $2.75 (P)
Bull, Emma & Will Shetterly (Eds.): Liavek - $2.95 (P)
Carr, Terry (Ed.): Universe 15 - $11.95 (H)
Carter, Lin: Found Wanting - $2.75 (P)
Cherryh, C.,J.: Cuckoo's Egg - $17.00 (H)
Douglas, Carole Nelson: Probe - $6.95 (T)
Drew, Wayland: The Erthring Cycle Part 2: The Gaian Expedient - $2.95 (P)
Ellison, Harlan: An Edge In My Voice - $12.95 (H) & $9.95 (T)
Ellison, Harlan (Eds.): Medea: Harlan's World - $9.95 (T)
Estes, Rose (illus. by Carl Lundgren): Children of the Dragon - $2.95 (P)
Fawcett, Bill: Quest For the Dragon's Eye - $2.95 (P)
Quest For the Unicorn's Horn - $2.95 (P)
Felice, Cynthia: Downtime - $15.95 (H)
Frazetta, Frank: Frank Frazetta: Book Five - $11.95 (T)
Friedman, Michael Jan: The Hammer & the Horn - $2.95 (P)
Godwin, Parke: The Last Rainbow - $6.95 (T)
Gotlieb, Phyllis: The Kingdom or the Cats - $2.95 (P)
Grant, Charles L.: The Tea Party - $3.50 (P)
Hambly, Barbara: Ishmael - $3.50 (P)
Holland, Cecilia: Pillar of the Sky - $17.95 (H)
Jeter, K.W.: The Glass Hammer - $8.95 (T)
Kelly, James P.: Planet of Whispers - $2.95 (P)
Kendall, Gordon: White Wing - $3.50 (P)
Kenny, Wade: The Attic - $3.50 (P)
King, Stephen: Skeleton Crew - $18.95 (H)
Kube-McDowell, Michael P.: Trigon Disunity Book One: Emprise - $2.95 (P)
LLoyd, A.R.: The Boy & the Otter - $14.95 (H)
Maglio, Mitchell: The Official Star Trek Quiz Book - $6.95 (T)
McEnroe, Richard: Skinner - $2.95 (P)
Morris, Janet (Ed.): Afterwar - $2.95 (P)
Newman, Sharan: Guinevere Evermore - $15.95 (H)
Niven, Larry & Jerry Pournelle: Footfall - $17.95 (H)
Norwood, Warren: The Double Spiral War Volume 2: Polar Fleet - $2.95 (P)
Pierce, Meredith Ann: A Gathering of Gargoyles - $2.95 (P)
Pogue, William R. (Astronaut): How Do You Go To the Bathroom In Space?
- $4.95 (T)
Robinson, Spider: Melancholy Elephants - $2.95 (P)
Saberhagen, Fred: The Berserker Throne, A Novel - $14.95 (H)
Salmonson, Jessica Amanda: Ou Lu Khen and the Beautiful Madwoman -
$2.75 (P)
Shwartz, Susan (Ed.): Moonsinger's Friends: In Honor of Andre Norton -
$16.95 (H) & $8.95 (T)
Slusser, George E. & Eric S. Rabkin (Eds.): Shadows of the Magic
Lamp: Fantasy & Science Fiction In Film - $19.95 (T)
Sterling, Bruce: Schismatrix - $16.95 (H)
Sullivan, Timothy R.: V: The New England Resistance - $2.95 (P)
Thompson, Raymond H.: The Return From Avalon: A Study of the Arthurian
Legend In Modern Fiction - $29.95 (T)
Vardeman, Robert E. & George W. Proctor: The Swords of Raemllyn
#2: A Yoke of Magic - $2.75 (P)
Vinge, Joan D.: Return To Oz - $2.95 (P)
Vinge, Vernor: The Peace War - $3.50 (P)
Wangerin, Walter, Jr.: The Book of Sorrows - $15.95 (H)
Wilder, Cherry: Rulers of Hylor, Book One: A Princess of the Chameln -
$2.95 (P)
Wollheim, Donald A. (Ed.): The 1985 Annual World's Best Science
Fiction - $2.95 (P)
The following are new bylaws concerning the WSFA Journal and its publication which was proposed by Joe Mayhew at the March 15th WSFA meeting and agreed upon and signed by the required 15 members at that meeting. The proposed bylaw would read as follows:
The July 5th meeting will be at Peggy Rae Pavlat's house which is located at 5709 Goucher Drive in College Park, Maryland. Telephone No.: (301) 345-6652.
The Fourth of July Party, which will be held on Saturday, July 6th, will be at the abode of Steve Smith whose address is [censored] in Silver Spring, Maryland. Telephone No.: (301) 681-7891.
The following bylaw changes concerning WSFA officials were brought up by Brian Lewis at the April 19th WSFA meeting and were almost signed by the required 15 members at that time. They read as follows:
3/14 Linda Melnick
3/20 Bob Lovell
3/25 Regina Cohen
3/31 Morgan Woodward
4/14 Bob MacIntosh
4/27 Bill Mayhew
4/29 Geoffrey Gould
4/29 John Novak
5/9 Betty Lockwood
5/10 Beverly Brandt
5/10 Lisa Peoples
5/17 Sally Lewis
5/31 Vicky Smith
6/3 Elaine Normandy
6/8 Timothy Sullivan
6/13 Jack Heneghan
6/16 Terry L. McCune
6/16 Thomas Schaad
6/16 Catherine Slusser
6/17 Samuel Schwartz
6/27 Shirley Avery
[ Art coming soon -- KFL ]
Due to a lack of time and space, there was no Artists' Corner in the last issue (February) of the WSFA Journal. I would like to correct that at this time.
The picture of the Valentine lovers of Frankenstein and his Bride was by Warren Rodgers. Warren's art also appeared on Pages 2-4. Other artists in that issue included Terry L. McCune on Page 3 and Charles Gilliland also on Page 3.
This LARGE 4-month issue's lead-off art is by Terry L. McCune; it should definitely SNARE your attention.
Terry's art also appears on Pages 1, 9, 10 and 13. Other artists in this issue include Timothy R. Sullivan on Page 6, Stephen Fabian on Page 7, Warren Rodgers on Pages 3-6 and 11-15, and Joe Mayhew on Pages 7, 12 and the cartoon on Page 15. My thanks to all of you.
Well, folks, it's time to flit!
Well, two years have gone by and this issue ends my tenure as WSFA's Secretary and Editor of the WSFA Journal. Needless to say. it's been interesting. I've tried to make the Journal informative and something to look forward to; whether I've succeeded in this is up to you, the members of WSFA.
I hope the bylaws concerning the WSFA Journal and its publication which were proposed by Joe Mayhew and are included herein are passed and become part of the WSFA Constitution because they are sorely needed. If they had been in effect earlier, the whole February fiasco could have been avoided and a lot of irritation eliminated.
There is, at this time, a great lack of incentiveness, enthusiasm and creativity in WSFA which disappoints me greatly. I can only hope that the new club officials will crush this in the bud and that WSFA will rise over its present apathy. I think Joe Mayhew's idea of a publication entitled "On Our Own" is wonderful and I'd like to see more fannish publications appear; I may even start to publish "SF Chaos" again.
I would to thank certain people who have helped me tremendously in making the WSFA Journal what it was under my editorship; they are: Geoffrey L. Gould for his movie reviews; Terry L. McCune, Warren Rodgers and Charles Gilliland for their artwork (ex-WSFA Journal Editor Marianne Petrino-Schaad once told me that everyone knew when I did a Journal "'cause there's always a lot of artwork in it". My favorite idiom has always been the Chinese proverb: "One picture is worth a thousand words!"), and Joe Mayhew for his many articles and amusing cartoons and other artwork. My thanks to these people in particular and others who have contributed artwork and articles when I was desperate for material.
Ginny McNitt is now club Secretary. It remains to be seen whether she will be Editor of the WSFA Journal or decides to set up a Publications Committee as Joe has suggested and simply be an ex officio chairman. She certainly has my sympathy if she decides to be Editor. My own personal problems dealt with articles that were promised and not delivered on time, lack of artwork and difficulties obtaining supplies. I hope all of you will contribute various articles and much needed artwork to Ginny so she doesn't have to wrack her brains for something to put in the Journal. I'd like to see my various "children" continue if possible: the book list, the birthday list, "Artists' Corner", etc.
NOTE TO GINNY: Unless people have changed radically, you'll have to PULL information out of them, Ginny. I know it's not easy, but it's there if you'll look. Unfortunately, they won't hand it to you on a silver platter, ASK. Be persistent and always check the new people who come into the club. you may be lucky and find someone who's willing to help, they just need to know you're interested. Example: Terry L. McCune.
Anyway, farewell Journal and Good Luck, Ginny!!!