tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.comments2023-03-25T03:58:51.506-07:00bloginhoodRobin Shantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-75633287958097678272016-01-26T17:45:28.099-08:002016-01-26T17:45:28.099-08:00Thanks for putting together such a great lineup, D...Thanks for putting together such a great lineup, David!Robin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-35164592134315416842016-01-26T16:06:02.901-08:002016-01-26T16:06:02.901-08:00Thanks for that really kind review, Robin. As an e...Thanks for that really kind review, Robin. As an editor of both this one and NOIR... yeah, I'll join Corey in sending you that way. David Nicklehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08072702212586811185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-23053861513941240402016-01-20T15:39:15.776-08:002016-01-20T15:39:15.776-08:00Thanks for the reminder about The Exile Book of Ne...Thanks for the reminder about The Exile Book of New Canadian Noir, Corey! I'll keep an eye out for it!Robin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-46242740222760958112016-01-20T07:09:57.922-08:002016-01-20T07:09:57.922-08:00Great review, thank you very much. If you're i...Great review, thank you very much. If you're interested in fine short stories with weird edges, I also recommend THE EXILE BOOK OF NEW CANADIAN NOIR. Truly one of the weirdest/most fantastic collections I read last year. Plus I'm in it, so, win win, really.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16715569865985678227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-87898804022582043212015-10-07T08:08:42.887-07:002015-10-07T08:08:42.887-07:00Mmm...bagels...Mmm...bagels...John D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03315231512528211559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-80295218696703357782015-08-20T00:21:57.277-07:002015-08-20T00:21:57.277-07:00Forgot to mention that while wandering through the...Forgot to mention that while wandering through the dealers' room, I ran into Patrick Hester, host of the SF Signal podcast. Nice to finally meet him in person - for the last couple of years, we've given John DeNardo a hard time in the donut vs bagel wars online (donuts, obviously). Selfies were enjoyed by all.Robin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-15427505003624158582015-06-01T00:51:20.499-07:002015-06-01T00:51:20.499-07:00Hi John,
You're welcome! It was a great story...Hi John,<br /><br />You're welcome! It was a great story.<br /><br />Congratulations on getting shortlisted for the Kobo! Best of luck!<br /><br />Thanks for the heads-up about A Many Splendour'd Thing - I'll definitely keep an eye out for it in 2016.<br /><br />Keep those awesome stories coming!<br />RobinRobin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-2153364902909843782015-05-31T20:16:22.267-07:002015-05-31T20:16:22.267-07:00Robin,
Thanks for the nod (for "A Body Polit...Robin,<br /><br />Thanks for the nod (for "A Body Politic"). In case you're interested, I've just completed a full length novel set in Ontario's north, post-civilization. It's called A Many Splendour'd Thing and ECW Press has slated it for a fall 2016 release. And (my apologies in advance for the following shameless bit of self promotion) my debut novel, Cipher, just got shortlisted for the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize in the Genre - Mystery Category.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />John JantunenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-32679285202468329822015-02-04T20:25:39.396-08:002015-02-04T20:25:39.396-08:00Yay! Glad you are going or coming, not sure which...Yay! Glad you are going or coming, not sure which, to Sasquan. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-26940324719049845292014-09-16T00:17:54.509-07:002014-09-16T00:17:54.509-07:00LOL - that would have been awesome! Too bad it did...LOL - that would have been awesome! Too bad it didn't work out. Maybe next year in Spokane? :)<br /><br />After returning home, I asked some Finnish friends about the candy, and they assured me it was quite good. Of course, they also advocate birch bough shenanigans in the sauna, which makes them highly suspect. I ate the candy anyway, and I have to say, I agree - it was good.<br /><br />I have to admit, I'm torn between voting for Helsinki or Montreal when the time comes next year, but if La Belle Province can't have it, then Finland certainly should. Best of luck with your 2017 bid!<br />Robin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-87121662680735353972014-08-27T11:06:48.455-07:002014-08-27T11:06:48.455-07:00How could it get any better? Free candy, that'...<i>How could it get any better? Free candy, that's how! While we were in line, a nice lady from the Helsinki Worldcon bid team was working the crowd, passing out Finnish candy to encourage people to back their group. You can't argue with candy, but really, wouldn't it have been more culturally appropriate for the Fins to set up a sauna and invite everyone in for a relaxing steam — and then some non-relaxing slapping with birch boughs? On second thought, maybe the candy was the right move. (Cue Monty Python's "Finland" song)</i><br /><br />We did actually try to bring a tent sauna over, but sorting out the washing facilities in a reasonable manner turned out to be impossible within our budget constraints.eemelihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01837149095621160286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-83095433703215130682014-08-17T20:38:28.263-07:002014-08-17T20:38:28.263-07:00Hi!
I'm really glad you made it to the Loncon...Hi!<br /><br />I'm really glad you made it to the Loncon 3 masquerade! <br /><br />Laura Hunt (my fiance) participated as the "We Dance" entrant, and was able to win the Masterclass level "Workmanship and Attention to Detail" award.<br /><br />You mentioned a "minotaur get-up", and I think that her entry might have been what you were describing.<br /><br />Since you were interested enough to mention it, I thought I'd leave behind some thoughts on the construction/presentation of her costume:<br /><br />1) She was this lady: http://www.demotix.com/photo/5539266/game-thrones-author-attends-72nd-loncon-3-scifi-convention<br /><br /><br />2) She was supposed to be a dragon. The tail that would have nailed it was nixed at the end because she couldn't fit it properly. That tail took like 7 weeks to make and while engineered wonderfully just couldn't make it onto the belt. <br /><br />3) That skull took 2+ months of work. She literally made it by hand in the bathtub with a blow-torch. I'm still amazed she didn't burn herself. <br /><br />4) Each of the colorful scales was cut out by hand. Not mine, just hers...I think she used nearly 1000 for the various pieces. Then painstakingly patterned and sewed. I honestly don't know how the process took less than 6 weeks. <br /><br />5) Her notebook has more than 50+ pages devoted to sketches, outlines and pattern ideas. It's incredible to watch a costume-maker scribble nonsense (in my interpretation), announce their creative intentions, and then return a day later with a completely ready to wear article of clothing that exists exactly as it was previously described. Simply an amazing thing to witness.<br /><br />6) She crocheted the hands. Each one took a day after some weeks of figuring out the pattern (and even making priors that didn't live up to her standards!).<br /><br />7) OMG, that skull. The picture at demotix doesn't do it justice. After forging it with her hands and the blow-torch, she painted the middle silver, and the sides a very realistic, old-bone creamy/yellow. Sadly this isn't reflected in the pic. :( <br /><br />I really hope that viewers can recognize how insane it is to sculpt a fictional dinosaur skull out of very flat heat-moldable apoxies with bare hands. IMO, it's impossible. But I saw such a thing take place before my very eyes. Not a single use of 3d printing or laser technology was used in the creation of Laura Hunt's skull piece. <br /><br />8) I wrote and produced the music. She told me that lots of people like it, so I figured that point should be mentioned. Of course, I made every change according to her exact specifications: length, atmosphere, dynamics, etc. Nonetheless, for that 1:008 (we exceeded the regulations by ..08 of a second for some fade-out while the audience appluaded), it was an especially-written musical piece for her performance.<br /><br />Hope that was interesting!<br /><br />BTW, you have a very nice blog. :)<br /><br />- A. H. A.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04832005576179737329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-45629721263543875902014-08-17T09:35:40.414-07:002014-08-17T09:35:40.414-07:00Sorry to hear everyone had such a rough time with ...Sorry to hear everyone had such a rough time with the Martin signing! I usually assume when they make last minute changes like that, especially when they make changes that shortens a signing or other interaction with the public, they're probably not trying to be a dick, there's probably something going on we're not aware of. Like maybe he has carpal tunnel and it's acting up but he really didn't want to cancel the signing, so they just severely limited it. Or something else hurting with his hand, or his back so that he doesn't want to be sitting that long, or something else. I know last year he added an autograph session last minute and went to pains to make sure he got through the whole line every time, so I assume he's not just trying to be a dick to his fans.<br /><br />If there were lots of last minute changes and problems with one of his panels, too, that makes me think even more that there was probably something going on with him that was beyond his control.<br /><br />Still, I know it sucks when you're a fan and are really looking forward to meeting him and getting some of your treasures signed!ciaracathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12314237117499417274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-62598154510265030382014-07-12T16:20:06.804-07:002014-07-12T16:20:06.804-07:00Thank YOU! :)Thank YOU! :)Robin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-39778202007541656062014-07-11T08:57:10.180-07:002014-07-11T08:57:10.180-07:00Just wanted to say, love the blog and this list. J...Just wanted to say, love the blog and this list. Just found you, got to read more for your reviews. Thank you!Taohttp://fortressgeek.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-49208157876009317082012-10-01T23:04:23.170-07:002012-10-01T23:04:23.170-07:00Hi Jenni,
Thanks for the clarification on the des...Hi Jenni,<br /><br />Thanks for the clarification on the destination for the funds from the Turkey Readings. I guess years of suffering through the Turkey Readings have caused sufficient brain damage that I've blocked out all the associated details.<br /><br />In any event, good fundraisers for a couple of good causes (the auction at the closing ceremony of Willis' books for Aunt Leah's was especially impressive).<br /><br />Most importantly, great job on this year's con! Really, this was the best in the past few years. Thanks for your efforts on the committee!<br /><br />Robin/bloginhood<br />Robin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-23685730893529277392012-10-01T21:14:19.384-07:002012-10-01T21:14:19.384-07:00Hey, just a minor correction (I'm on the VCON ...Hey, just a minor correction (I'm on the VCON ConCom).<br /><br />The funds from the Turkey Reading always go to CUFF - The Canadian Unity Fan Fund (http://cometdust.ca/CUFF/Welcome.html or https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_6119342503) - and not VCON's chosen charity.<br /><br />Also, instead of our usual "silent auction" there was a live auction of hats that had been decorated by artists in the art gallery. Plus there was a contest where for, I think, $2 you could try to guess which hat was made by which artist and win a prize.Jenni Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07354200175661104025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-61975134636774902552012-04-24T22:47:17.273-07:002012-04-24T22:47:17.273-07:00Hey Robin! We did have programming in two areas - ...Hey Robin! We did have programming in two areas - B1 for the celebrity Q&As and upstairs in Room 109 for Anime and Comics panels, but I hear you --- as a guy that does comics programming I want to do more! I wanted to do more this year but the health food con next door had taken the other meeting rooms. <br /><br />Not sure about the coverage - I'm on Telus and didn't have any trouble getting reception, but the convention centre charges quite a lot for wi-fi per connection so I had to stick to 3G myself. <br /><br />Anyway, needless to say, we didn't know for sure what to expect going in, and Vancouver exceeded all expectations so the plan is bigger and better in 2013. Onwards and upwards as they say!Kevin Boydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597371999257363480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-76878259744161935802011-10-11T18:00:04.318-07:002011-10-11T18:00:04.318-07:00That's certainly a fair point, Karl. I do reca...That's certainly a fair point, Karl. I do recall you noting some of the SG/MRMR details and pointing out things in the real world hadn't degenerated to that level.<br /><br />That being said, I think what I was getting at was that, in general, the tone of the session was pretty pessimistic and, to me at least, frequently felt fairly one-sided. To be fair, certainly there were comments from the audience which contributed to that, and perhaps it was just my read on how things went. I guess what I was hoping for was more vigorous debate on the hows and whys and where-do-we-go-from-here's.<br /><br />Thanks for the heads-up about your article (presumably in Neo-opsis?); I'll definitely keep an eye out for it.<br /><br />All the best,<br />RobinRobin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-85205122130066454522011-10-09T11:00:24.172-07:002011-10-09T11:00:24.172-07:00The Soylent panel did hit a number of "things...The Soylent panel did hit a number of "things are bad" points. I was attempting to point out how some things in our world paralleled what happened in "Soylent Green" and "Make Room, Make Room," and pointing out that things are better in the real world. For one example, in the novella and movie, almost all of the crops grown were soybeans, lentils and peanuts. The parallel to the real world is that a substantial percentage of the world's food is provided by a limited number of crops (80% of the food by 15 crops was what another panelist claimed), and that, while of concern to many, is quite a bit better than the situation in the stories. I'm thinking of doing an article on this topic & maybe I can get my points out more articulately than on a panel. Good to get audience feedback on the ideas though.<br />Karl Johanson Editor Neo-opsis Science Fiction Magazine.Karl Johansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07074842622569444524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-26632683694207405022011-03-27T09:34:13.468-07:002011-03-27T09:34:13.468-07:00More in our near future, the space elevatorMore in our near future, the space elevatorJUAN DIEGO GÓMEZ V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02965809814501105573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-45857104082707679232011-03-08T07:50:57.725-08:002011-03-08T07:50:57.725-08:00When Ah-nold willingly goes into the molten steel ...When Ah-nold willingly goes into the molten steel in T2. This one should be in the Top 10, IMO. :-)Scott Marlowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06024984238491365925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-14030326262634167522011-03-08T01:47:56.062-08:002011-03-08T01:47:56.062-08:00@ Cheryl: Another good nomination! The scene where...@ Cheryl: Another good nomination! The scene where the mother drives the robot son out to the country to leave him there is pretty emotional.<br /><br />@ wi3leong: True - the "hazard to navigation" excuse never made any sense to me. Straczynski and is team could certainly have thought up a better reason to take out the station, although I think the explosion was a necessary visual metaphor for being consumed in light that paralleled Sheridan becoming part of Lorien's light at his end. That being said, for me the poor excuse for the station's destruction certainly didn't get in the way of B5's very moving end.<br />Good nominations as well!Robin Shantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04898683891101365304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-53538501324957603722011-03-07T15:58:43.930-08:002011-03-07T15:58:43.930-08:00The destruction of B5 was apparently so moving tha...The destruction of B5 was apparently so moving that it obscured the fact that it made no sense at all. A hazard to navigation? What, they were going to build an interstellar expressway through that system? Granted, a gradual dismantling to recycle the pieces would have lacked drama...<br />2 that would make my 10:<br />The early George Martin short story "The Lonely Songs of Laren Dorr" and the Buffy Season 5 episode "The Body", which depicted the immediate aftermath of the death of Joyce Summers.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812952892557479415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19079986.post-87294672235862050482011-03-07T13:56:37.287-08:002011-03-07T13:56:37.287-08:00"AI: Artificial Intelligence". If you ar..."AI: Artificial Intelligence". If you are a parent, you'll cry sometime during that movie.Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06230080663569692798noreply@blogger.com