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Christmas in October?
Well... It certainly
looks that way!
Have you noticed in some large retail
outlets that Christmas decorations are slowly creeping on to the
shelves like succulents growing in a garden?
From now till
December 24 these succulents will evolve into full blown Christmas
trees and six metre Santa's with all the trimmings!
With the
silly season fast approaching, Maryanne has compiled a list of her
favourite things for you to consider as possible gifts for your SF
buddy or family member.
The convention season is winding down
but one event remains for fans to visit this coming November as New
Zealand expo event - Armageddon,
makes it's way to Melbourne for a second year with an exciting line
up of guests and activities and we will be there reporting on the
event for our December issue.
Worldcon
comes to Melbourne in 2010 and will see fans travel in from all over
our planet to attend the event. Register your interest for the
latest information as it comes to hand.
We have had a large
and varied convention calendar in Australia this year with many
great guests making their way down under. What has been the
highlight for you in 2008?
Have you attended an event this
year?
We would
like to hear from you.
Have a great month ahead, and all
the best.
Stuart and Maryanne
Want to receive Sci Fi Reporter regularly? Add your email
address via the "Join Our Mailing List" section of this
newsletter.
| Convention Listing Oz - valid @ October
2008 |
 |
|
Note: Only new or updated listings are
given
Promoters: if your event is not listed here or
you have new information advise
us for inclusion.
Trasharama A-Go -Go
Australian tour
2008
October and November around Australia
Festival of
the nastiest horror short films
Entries now open
Trasharama
information
Conflux 5
Conflux 5 - The
Nation's Capital
October 3 to 6 2008 - Canberra
The
Marque Hotel
Event
information
Armageddon Expo
Auckland,
New Zealand - October 25 to 27
Melbourne, Australia -
November 1 and 2
Gaming, Costuming, Collectible fair and a
host of visiting pop culture actors.
Armageddon
Expo information
Stargate Convention
A
day with Gary and Dan
Melbourne - November 15
Sydney -
November 16
Live on stage..
Dan Shea, Kavan Smith and
Gary Jones
Convention
information
Hub of Horror
March 13
to 15 - 2009
Melbourne
Live on stage..
Robert
Englund
Brad Dourif
Tony Todd
Jeffrey
Combs
Suicide Girls
Horror
weekend information
|
| Our cool sci-fi toy review! |
|
 Sci-Fi toy review
Reported by Maryanne
Scutella
Star Trek Original Series Phaser type-2
water pistol
This is a fun star trek item and is as the
name describes, a water pistol in the form of a phaser from
Star Trek. This is a relatively inexpensive toy phaser (I
bought mine recently for $10 US) but is quite a good replica.
It actually does not look much like a water pistol at all
which could be a lot of fun for a prankster Trekkie. A good
novelty toy to add to a Star Trek collection
Order
here
Mini Mates
This toy is
available in a range of science fiction/ fantasy series
including Battlestar Galatica, Star Trek and Lord of the
Rings. They are basically small block style figurines that
sometimes come with miniature accessories (e.g. phaser,
communicator etc.). They are quite cute and collectable as
there are quite a few in each series.
Order
here
Inflatable Tardis and
Dalek
These are must have for any Doctor Who fan.
These items are quite impressive to see and big as well - they
are both about 1.2 metres high and would make an interesting
conversation piece. The only problem is that they can easily
be damaged so probably not a good idea near pets or small
children.
Order
here
Star Wars Light Sabre
A
classic Star Wars toy that comes in a range of models. The
basic models are available at most department and toy stores,
is plastic and comes with lights and sounds. The basic model
retails for around $30 AUS and the more elaborate can be
almost $70. A good toy for kids but not really a good
collectors item. There are also more realistic replicas that
can be purchased at specialty collectors stores and online
stores for the serious collector.
Order
here
Stargate SG-1 Necklace
A
sterling silver necklace in the shape of the Stargate. The
detail in the necklace is quite good considering its size and
includes all the symbols the gate has in the series. The
necklace also comes in 14k yellow gold but it does not look as
good as the silver model which looks more realistic.
Order
here
What did I miss at..
Adelaide's
Star Trek - Star Wars convention
Stamford Plaza Hotel -
Adelaide
August 22 to 24 - 2008
Reported by Margeret
Middlemas
Ferengi lets loose!
Ferengi's,
Latinum, Storm Troopers, Star Fleet officers, what more could
you want? Congratulations Terra Nova organizers for another
terrific event in Adelaide. It was a pleasure to meet Aron
(Nog) Eisenberg.He was witty and generous and it was wonderful
to watch "It's Only a Paper Moon" with him on Friday night. It
was apparent that he was very proud of his acting skills in
that episode and he shared many behind the scenes moments. His
personality shone through on convention day also and he left
us wanting more. He seemed very relaxed and let loose on many
occasions.
I was also very impressed with Sean
Williams, a world renowned author who should be celebrated. A
wonderful ambassador for our country and also in the genre of
science fiction. I have not read any Star Wars novels, but he
may just have convinced me.
A very interesting debate
bubbled all weekend about which is better, Star Trek or Star
Wars? I can only say science fiction wins again!! (I have
heard it said that fans of Star Trek are exactly the same as
fans of Star Wars except they have social skills!! Oops that
shows what side I am on.)
You can view images from the
recent convention and Adelaide Pop Culture Festival via the
link below.
Terra
Nova 6 images
Whats Hot!
American Psycho - The
Musical!
Johnny Depp as Tonto in the upcoming Lone Ranger
film
Sonic Screwdrivers
I'd rather be...
t/shirts
Star Wars - The Force Unleashed
Big Bang
Theory
Whats Not!
Stargate Atlantis'
cancellation
Over priced conventions
Advertising on Fox
Sci Fi
Day the Earth Stood Still remake
Star Trek
experience bidding farewell
|
| Fan Club Focus |
|
 Australian Costumers Guild
New members most
welcome.
Costumers Guild have an active summer calendar
around Australia.
Visit their website for all
information
Costumers
Guild
Les aventures de Tintin
Tintin in
cyberspace is a group for fans of the classic comic and
cartoon Icon by Herge.
The group meets online as a resource
for Tintin memorabilia and upcoming events.
Sign up to
receive regular updates on the upcoming Tintin movie trilogy
being directed by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson
You
can contact the group here.
Tintin
in cyberspace
Terra Australis
Garrison
The 501st Legion boasts over four thousand
members worldwide and now have members based in all states of
Australia. Star Wars fans can feel right at home with this
group of dedicated Storm Troopers and you can contact them via
their website at
www.501tag.com
"Out there Social club" Adelaide
You find a
lot of queer things in outer space, so it's only natural to
have a queer Sci Fi group for all the "Homo" sapiens who are
out...there.
The group meets monthly to share a meal and
indulge in a little Fantasy! Members range from 30+, Contact
Rod on 0402027891, they are also located on Yahoo Groups
at
Out
There Sci Fi Group
SA Dr Who fan
club
Club meetings
October 18
Adelaide High
School - 3pm till late
Pub Meeting - October 4
Excelsior
Hotel
110 Coglin St, Brompton
Meeting at 5pm
SFSA
info
Star Wars Costume Alliance of
Australia
Actively recruiting new members around Planet
OZ
Star
Wars Costume Information
Austrek Club
Events
Actively recruiting new members.
Club
Meeting
October 4 and November 8
2pm to 5pm
Northcote
Town Hall - Melbourne
Logon to their website for regular
updates and activities for 2008.
Austrek
Events information
Dr Who Club of
Victoria
Details contact the club on Mob:0412947012 or
e-mail Dr Who club at..grassojb@yahoo.co.uk
Star
Walking
The Star Wars Appreciation Society of
Australia. Ph 05005 Jedis
Club Meeting, Sydney - November
16
Club Meeting, Melbourne - October 11
See national
website for meeting venues.
Starwalking
Information
StarshipMawson.com - Adelaide's Sci Fi fan
Organisation
Club Meeting - November 9
S.A. Writer's
Centre
187 Rundle St, Adelaide
Pancake Meeting dates
for Spring 2008
October 10, 24 and November 21
From
730pm
Pancake Kitchen - off Hindley St,
Adelaide
Starship Mawson is a member of The International
Federation of Trekkers - The Official Star Trek fan
association fully endorsed by the Roddenberry family and The
Official fan club of Star Trek New Voyages.
Club Hotline is
Ph: 0431262257
Explore the Starship Mawson website
Starship
Mawson Information
Quest - sci fi fan club,
Queensland
Join the most active club in the
state!
Club meetings held on the second Sunday of each
month
Club Contact - President, Mary
Kemp
Ph:0732904243
E-mail: jmkemp@bigpond.net.au
Quest
Information
Colonial Defense
Forces
Australian Battlestar Galactica Chapter
Free
membership!
Part of the world wide BSG fan
organisation.
CDF
Information
Lost in Space
association
One of the largest fan clubs in the
world
Informative website and active e-mail group
Lost
in Space Information
South Australian Fan
Force
Very active Star Wars club with a great selection
of bloggs!
SAFF
Information
Aus sci fi
Shore leave is on
the second Sunday of each month from 4pm to 8pm
Hillcrest
Community Centre
27-31 Queensborough St -
Hillcrest
Information at Ph: 08 83962517
E-mail:
ufpclub2@bigpond.net.au
|
| In the next edition of The Sci Fi Reporter |
|
|
-- DVD and Book review!
-- Another exclusive
interview!
-- Film releases for Summer 2008!
And a
plethora of news ....
The Staff at the Sci Fi Reporter
wish all our subscribers a fantastic month ahead and
remember....If you like what we are doing, please forward a
copy to your friends!
The Sci Fi Reporter...
Suggestions
for our next issue - tell us!
Website
coming soon - what would you like to see?
Need to unsubscribe?
Simply click on the "safe
unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the newsletter and you will
be removed from our mailing list.
The contents of this
newsletter are copyright 2008 The Sci Fi Reporter. All Rights
Reserved. No material contained herein may be duplicated
without express written consent of the owners.
|
|
|
We're using the force, with Sean
Williams! |
|
|
|
The Sci Fi Reporter's Maryanne Scutella had the chance
to catch up with Sean Williams, Author of the latest Star Wars
story - The Force Unleashed.
We hope you enjoy our
exclusive interview
SFR: Sean, You recently spoke at the Terra Nova
6 convention. Have you ever spoken at an event like this
before and what were impressions/ thoughts about the
event?
Sean: I've spoken at many such events,
ranging from "high-lit" state writers' events to media and SF
cons around the world. Just before Terra Nova 6, I was at the
World Science Fiction Convention and the Writers of the Future
launch, both in the US. Honestly, Terra Nova holds up very
well against the bigger shows. It's easy to get lost in a
crowd, and it can be hard to get within arm's reach of the
guests. I was really pleased to be able to hang out with Aron
one-one-one, and I know a lot of the other attendees found
that opportunity too. This--and a strong sense of community
involvement, plus room for a lot of spontaneity--is one of the
key strengths of cons like Terra Nova.
SFR: At
Terra Nova 6, you mentioned that you have travelled for your
work, including going to America and the Star Walker ranch.
Have you ever considered moving overseas or is there something
special about Adelaide that would keep you
here?
SW: I reckon Adelaide is the best place in
Australia for a writer to live. The cost of living is still
relatively low. There's a supportive arts funding body. We
have great food and wine and scenery and people. And the
internet removes a lot of the necessity for travel these days.
If you really need to press the flesh a couple of times a
year, what we save on living expenses here more than covers
the cost of a trip. So no, I have never felt a strong urge to
move anywhere else. Not for longer than a week or two, anyway.
:-)
SFR: Several of your books have been written
in collaboration with another Adelaide author, Shane Dix. What
is it like to write a book with another
author?
SW: Collaboration can be a challenge.
There's no doubt about that. Even when it works, it requires
lots of comprises and juggling; it halves the money but
certainly doesn't halve the effort. But when it does work
well, it results in both a work that neither collaborator
could have written on their own, plus broadens the experience
of everyone involved. Shane and I wrote, what, 12 books
together? They won awards and appeared on best-seller lists.
We were obviously doing something right. Ultimately the best
thing I got from it was the benefit of Shane's experience and
insight, plus the challenge to my own sensibilities.
Collaborating forces you to re-examine *everything* you do.
That can only be a good thing, in the long run. And it can be
a hell of a lot of fun.
SFR: What is your
opinion of the illustrations on the covers of your books,
particularly those with characters pictures? Do the
illustrations match what you imagine as your writing the
novels?
SW: I've worked with some brilliant
artists and had some stunning covers as a result. The art
always gives me something new, a fresh angle or take on what I
had imagined in my mind, and like collaboration that can be
confronting sometimes. In a very real way, this *is* a form of
collaboration, since the artist is taking what I've written
and turning it into something appropriate for a book, with my
help, and the help of my editors, marketing types, etc. The
results are often so good that I'll take their inspiration and
fold it back into the later drafts of the book, if there's
time.
SFR: In the about the author section in
several of your books, you mention that you like to cook
curries. Could we see a Sean Williams cookbook in the
future?
SW: Ha! I fear not. There's a world of
difference between following a recipe and creating one. In
that respect, I'll always be a follower.
The Sci Fi Reporter wishes Sean continued
success as a writer and speaker and You can read more about
Sean via the website link below.
View Sean's Bio here!
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