PARSEC Meeting Schedule December 2004 Date: December 11th 2004 - 2 PM Topic: Holiday Party Location: Ann Cecil's house in Dormont More on page 7 SIGMA The Newsletter of PARSEC * December 2004 * Issue 225 January 2005 Date: January 8th 2005 - 2 PM Topic: Art Show and Tell Location: East Liberty Branch of Carnegie Library February 2005 Date: February 12th 2005 - 2 PM Topic: Rene Kruse of the Mon Valley Ghost Research Society Location: Allegheny Branch of Carnegie Library March 2005 Date: March 12th 2005 - 2 PM Topic: Confluence Topics Location: Allegheny Branch of Carnegie Library Special Holiday Illustrations Cover Illustration by Phiz from Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers Page 8 Illustration by Arthur Rackham from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Page 11 Illustration by Ernest Shepard from Kenneth Grahames's Wind in the Willows PARSEC The Pittsburgh Area's Premiere Science-Fiction Organization P.O. Box 3681, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-3681 President - Kevin Geiselman Vice President - Kevin Hayes Treasurer - Greg Armstrong Secretary - Bill Covert Commentator - Ann Cecil Website: http://www.parsec-sff.org Meetings - Second Saturday of every month. Dues: $10 full member, $2 Supporting member It's December - Time for the Parsec Holiday Party! Sigma is edited by David Brody Send article submissions to: sigma@spellcaster.org View From the Top The President's Column - Kevin Geiselman Get Out! My first draft of this column turned into a vitri- olic essay on how the Christmas holiday season starts as far back as mid-October. I threw it away figuring that sort of tirade was best saved for my weblog geis.blogspot.com. This left me wanting for anoth- er topic so I turned to something else that's been on my mind lately: being outdoors. You might not think that the start of winter would be the time to start think- ing of being outdoors but in the winter you have to put more preparation into being outside. Getting outside in the summer is easy; T-shirt, shorts and go. But as the weather starts getting colder I have to start paying attention to the weath- er reports before my bicycle commute into work. When the temperature gets into the 40s, the facemask and gloves go on to prevent windburn. In the 30s I'll put on a sweatshirt under the jacket. I'll wear the bike shorts down into the 20s. Winter is also the time to think about the outdoor things that I didn't get a chance to do earlier in the year. I wanted to get through hiking the 70 miles of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail but I only had the chance to do 30 miles of it. I wanted to ride more bike trails as well, the Allegheny River Trail, Ghost Town Trail and the Superhighway Trail built out of 11 miles of abandoned PA turnpike. So long as there isn't any snow, I see no reason for mere low temper- atures to keep me from continuing to add miles throughout the winter. Even so, the hiking and biking I was able to do while the weather was nice were logged at LocalHikes.com and earned me a gift certificate towards outdoor gear at their on-line store. I was surprised at how much the gift certificate was for and realized it would have been for twice as much if I had done as much hiking and biking as I had wanted to do. That gift certificate is buying me some leg warmers (and other stuff) so that I can continue to ride my bike to work as the temperature drops even lower. Other items have me looking forward to next year. A section of the Allegheny Highlands Trail will be completed some time in the spring, allowing a much easier bicycle connection for my ride to DC, and the Laurel Highlands Trail is still out there. It was a pretty sight, and a seasonable one, that met their eyes when they flung the So, during the winter dark when you're curled up with a blanket and a good door open. In the forecourt, lit by the dim rays of a horn lantern, some eight or ten book, I might just be out there answering the call of the wilderness. Maybe you little fieldmice stood in a semicircle, red worsted comforters round their throats, their should open your ears and see if you can't hear nature calling you as well. The fore-paws thrust deep into their pockets, their feet jigging for warmth. winter drives the timid indoors so you'll have that much more opportunity to hear her whispering to you. Page 2 Page 11 Notes From the Reviews Maintenance Department Books The Editor's Columns - David Brody The Green and the Gray by Timothy Zahn TOR hardcover, 2004 I recently listened to a BBC radio adaptation of reviewed by Ann Cecil Yvegeny Zamyatin's dystopian masterpiece, We, a The Green and the Gray is a fantasy novel book that inspired George Orwell in the creation of set in and around modern-day New York City, 1984 the greatest science fiction novel ever written. but it is a New York with unexpected layers. It occurred to me as I was listening, that most of the famous 20th century On a cold night, Roger and Caroline Whittier are coming home from a visions of totalitarian futures, inspired by the example of Leninist Russia, play, when the streetlights begin to flicker and fail in odd patterns. A depicted the victory of radical rationalism. Ironically, the looming truth of strange, dwarfishly short man with a shiny gun forces them into an alley fascism as it may soon exist in America, is that of radical irrationalism, the and bids them take care of an injured 12-year girl. They get her home, and dominance of religious intolerance. A final repudiation of the Age of Reason. call 911 but when the cops arrive, the girl has vanished from their bed- Perhaps I'm being paranoid. I don't believe so. Religious extremists, room. convinced that they were responsible for George Bush's reelection, are Slowly, Roger and Caroline learn that New York has been home for demanding the implementation of their decidedly undemocratic agenda: No the last 75 years to some really odd refugees; two groups, one calling freedom of choice, public funding of religion, the teaching of creationism to themselves Greens, and one Grays, who came here from another world. our children. These plus the Patriot Act plus a censorship - mad FCC equals One group has 'powers' and the other has hi-tech gadgets; enemies on their fascism. The equation is simple. home world, they have carried their feud here. The girl is the focus of the Don't get me wrong. I, like so many on the left who were made to feel struggle, in a twisted way. Factions within the two groups are planning to like Pharisees by right wing finger pointers, consider myself to be a rather use measures to end the struggle that will incidentally wipe out a lot of devout committed family man. So do many other blue-staters. The truth is innocent by-standers: all of New York City's inhabitants. that Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate in the nation and my home As Roger and Caroline, normal humans with no special powers, try town of Brooklyn has more churches per capita than anywhere else in the valiantly to understand what's going on and find help to cope with the country. (Yes, even more than Pittsburgh.) struggle and prevent the fatal battle, they also have to cope with some What I and others believe is that spirituality takes many forms, all of major marital miscommunications of their own. They find an ally in a them legitimate and that even atheism has its place. That's what Thomas tough New York cop, along with members of both Greens and Grays who Jefferson and the founders had in mind. In fact, Jefferson himself practiced want a peaceful solution to their struggle. In the final scenes, Roger has a a non-traditional form of worship. Today he might have been a pariah. surprising insight that changes the perspective for both sides, and allows a Pay attention. Be prepared to act. Freedom is worth fighting for. wrap-up without too much bloodshed. This is my second holiday season as the editor of Sigma and it's been a Zahn does action well (he's written a number of Star Wars novels) and joy. The last two or three issues have been a bit rushed because of an ongo- handles military actions with expertise (he also wrote a number of Cobra ing illness that I think I'm near beating, but in the new year I hope I can get novels). He writes convincingly of Roger and Caroline's marital discord; back to focusing on improving the newsletter's content and continuing to all his characters are interesting, and the narrative is surprisingly com- encourage the widest possible range of submissions. As the rant that opened pelling, even though several of the plot twists were fairly obvious to me. this column proves, I don't feel any limitations on my own self expression Recommended. and I hope other contributors won't either. Dragon and Soldier Page 10 Page 3 by Timothy Zahn November Minutes A Starscape book from TOR, hardcover, 2004 reviewed by Ann Cecil Ann Cecil Dragon and Soldier is the second book in a YA series, called the Dragonback Adventure. The first book was Dragon and Thief, which PARSEC met on November 13th, 2004 at the introduced 14 year-old Jack Morgan. Jack's folks are dead, and he was Allegheny branch of the Carnegie Free Library. For raised by Uncle Virgil, a conman/thief who died about a year ago, but left those who don't remember, the lecture room is the all the boy with a spaceship run by a computer that has Uncle Virgil's person- red number on the third floor at the head of a long ality uploaded. In book one, Jack was salvaging a ruined alien spaceship curvy flight of stairs. The meeting was the annual book sale and voting meeting. The sale started when a semi-parasitic life form, the K'da poet warrior Draycos picked Jack with a selling war: President Kevin Geiselman priced his paperbacks at 5 cents as a new host. In the first book, Jack and Draycos managed an uneasy each, so commentator Ann Cecil priced hers at two for 5 cents. Geis retaliated alliance that wound up fixing several of Jack's financial and legal prob- by dropping his price: paperbacks free. lems. Since Geis also brought a variety of non-book but sf and f related items: In this book, Jack sets out to return the favor and help Draycos find out Ann immediately bought the game, before Randy Hoffman had a chance. Sasha who has conspired to destroy his people. Given that a mercenary spaceship wasn't there, so Ann didn't have to buy the car CD player (that'll teach her to skip ruined Draycos' spaceship, Jack decides to join up with the nearest merce- meetings). nary operation, figuring that he can get a look at their records and see not Marvin Kilmer brought in a portion of his collection, Dan Bloch brought two only what kind of ships they use, but also what they have on the competi- boxes, Judi Galardi (who is joining PARSEC in January) brought some copies of tion. Mercenaries turn out to be less than honorable groups. The plan to her book, Return to Thrae, Chris Ferrier brought in some books, Barton & get into the records develops more complications, not the least of which is Elizabeth brought a box full. Henry Tjernlund outdid everyone with seven boxes only up through C from his mother's collection [he claims he was only bring- a mysterious adolescent girl, who clearly has an interest in Jack. Just what ing in duplicates, which was substantiated by the number of duplicates in the kind of interest is not at all clear -- but that adds to the fun. selection]. This book is extremely well written; I found it engrossing and alto- The official meeting was called to order at about 3pm by Geis. Raffle was gether charming. Zahn has a good time taking shots at the society that held, won by Kira Heston, who took the hairsticks. Greg Armstrong read the allows children to be recruited for armies, let alone promote thievery at Treasurer's report: We came out ahead $77 this month. many levels. This book, like the first, has much the flavor of Heinlein's Geis reviewed the coming meeting schedule: December is the Christmas juveniles: a hero who is bright, capable, but woefully inexperienced (i.e., party, January is in East Liberty, February back at Allegheny Center, March back a believable 14), but who is involved in a fast-moving, complex plot, with to East Liberty. Geis also announced that he will be making the July 4th party at a nice balance of action and thought. Draycos gets some point of view his house a regular event. scenes, and we see an alien view of Human society, again, nicely done Ann Cecil announced that the by-laws vote passed, with over a third of total without being overdone or trite. membership voting. No votes against were received. Highly recommended. No additional candidates being nominated, the new slate of officers was declared elected for 2005. Geis, Smith, Fisher, Armstrong, Cecil. Movies & Television Geis also reviewed the topics for the meetings: January is to be the Art Show The Incredibles and Tell, February is open, March is Confluence topics, April, May, June and July reviewed by David Brody are open, August is the picnic, September and October are open, November is the At last Americans are doing animation for grownups. The Japanese and book sale, and December is the party. He is looking for suggestions for topics. even Europeans have been doing it for decades and it's about time we Yanks Marvin Kilmer volunteered to check out South Park as a location for the August set aside the fixed notion that cartoons are just for kids. The Incredibles picnic. (from Pixar, written and directed by Brad Bird) is the best computer generat- There being no more official business, Geis sent everyone back to book buy- ed feature film I've ever seen. It's literate, well written and has engaging, ing. Henry announced a price drop retroactive for previous customers. Page 4 Page 9 fully rounded characters and although it parodies the superhero genre, it does so without condescension. It's also a beautiful looking film, but I have to admit that I've come to expect that from the latest generation of computer animators. What really stands out in The Incredibles is the story. In a world right out of comic books, superheros have all had to retire because of the threat of lawsuits. Save a doomed train get sued by injured passengers. Stop a suicide, get taken to court for interfering with the jumper's civil rights. Comics meets the real world.. Remember the case of McDonald's and the hot coffee? Assigned new identities by the government, the former heros settle down to lives of anonymity. Mr. Incredible is now insurance adjuster Bob Parr (the voice of Craig T. Nelson) and his wife Elastigirl now renamed Helen Parr (the voice of Holly Hunter), stays home to raise their three children. The children also have super powers which complicate their attempts to be normal all american kids. Imagine trying to participate in sports if you can move faster than a speeding bullet. It's no fun always winning. (Well, maybe for some, but most of us would miss the challenge.) Tempted by a mysterious woman to sneak off to a mysterious island to continue fighting bad guys, Bob finds that he's taken on more than he expect- ed. His wife, convinced that he's having an affair follows him and the action begins. Lost ABC - Wed. Night reviewed by David Brody Speaking of mysterious islands, don't miss ABC's new hit drama, Lost. Reruns should start soon, so if you can catch it from the beginning all the bet- ter. Lost follows the adventures of the survivors of a plane crash on an uncharted South Pacific Island. It's already been described as "Gilligan's Island meets X-Files" but that hardly does it justice. So far, in addition to a series of strange island weirdnesses, every episode has included flashbacks that tell the story of each major character and the events that lead them to be on the fateful plane. It's clear that everyone of them is desperately in need of a new start in life. Is this the afterlife? Purgatory? An alien experiment? Maybe all of them put together? Whatever the truth turns out to be, it's a huge amount of fun finding out. The characters are plausible and complex. The performances are all at least good, some terrific. The story as it has so far unfolded is riveting and contin- "How now!" said Scrooge, caustic and cold as ever. "What do you want with me?" ues to defy predictability. "Much!­­Marley's voice; no doubt about it. Lost is the best new TV show in years. Page 8 Page 5 Space Report: A Look Back at 2004 2004 Holiday Party Henry Tjernlund The party starts around 2 PM and continues until Ann and Greg 2004 has seen several important and historical developments in space technolo- throw people out. It's done open-house style: people come when they gy. Here are some of them in no particular order. can, stay as long as they wish, and bring friends, spouses, children, etc. Space Ship One, a manned craft from a company called Scaled Composites, was Those bringing small children should also bring some entertainment the first commercial sub-orbital space flight. Three times this year the same craft made toys, games, etc.... a tire rubber and nitrous oxide rocket propelled climb to the 100 km 62 miles offi- People traditionally bring something but there will be some cookies cial edge of space and glided back down again for a safe landing. The last two flights having occurred within 2 weeks of each other won the coveted X-Prize worth $10 and some real food made by the house, and this year Greg promises to million (although about $40 million was estimated to have been spent on the endeav- make more bread. Punch, of course, is traditional and non-alcoholic; or.) It should be noted, however, that orbital flight is significantly more difficult to beer is in the basement (microbrews, mostly Penn and some attain than the sub-orbital "hops" made by Space Ship One. But, a milestone has been Weyerbacher), also wine. Very little hard liquor. Mixed drinks are reached and let's hope that a similar orbital commercial flight is only a few years away. BYO. The Endeavor and Spirit rovers exceeded all hopes and explored the Martian sur- So, bring stuff to drink (particularly if you have odd dietary require- face well beyond their initial mission profiles. Both rovers found consistent evidence ments) and to eat (see comment above). There tends to be LOTS of of past water in the rocks they examined. Orbital Mars missions continue to return sugary concoctions, some not so. images of surface features that also add to the belief that Mars was once a wet world. Ann's house is 2966 Voelkel Ave, in Dormont in the South Hills. Farther out in the solar system the Cassini mission to Saturn made orbital inser- Voelkel is a one-way block between Hillsdale and Potomac Aves, tion around the ringed gas giant. Along the way Cassini returned the first close-up pic- which makes it slightly more difficult to get to than you'd guess from tures of the outer most Saturn moon which is suspected to also be a captured Kuiper a map. Belt object. If this is true, then those same pictures would be the first ever close up From the trolley: Catch the 42S. Get off at Kelton, walk north images of one of the icy bodies from the region beyond Neptune where short period towards Pgh. on the sidewalk, cross Hillsdale and tracks, half a block comets are believed to originate. Cassini also made the first of many fly-bys of the west to Voelkel, and enter first house not apartment bldg on left side thickly cloud covered moon Titan. (Casini was launched from Earth in 1997 and took 7 years to reach Saturn.) of ave.). The Messenger probe to Mercury made its launch this year but is not scheduled From East & North: Cross Mon on Liberty Bridge, go up West to begin orbiting the inner-most solar system planet until 2008. The European Rosetta Liberty Ave. to Hillsdale, make right at light, drive down 4 blocks mission to several comets was also launched this year. Brazil, with the help of the (across T tracks) turn right and find place to park. First house on left European Space Agency ESA made its first successful launch of an unmanned rock- not apartment bldg. et containing several satellites. Europe's Smart-1 ion propelled probe reached the From South & West: Come north on Rte. 19 through Mt. Lebanon Moon after a slow, but fuel-efficient demonstration of solar powered electric propul- until road changes name to West Liberty: turn left onto Hillsdale at sion. light and follow directions above. Twice this year NASA broke speed records with its second and third test of a For mavericks who come via parkways and get off on Greentree or scram-jet engine, the latter of which reaching Mach 10, almost 7,000 mph in an Banksville: The blue belt signs point you to the climb up Potomac unmanned test vehicle. Ave, and then you have to cross the tracks, make a right on Belrose, All in all it's been a remarkably successful year for space missions, and first time right on Hillsdale, back over tracks, and right onto Voelkel, park etc. or follow-up accomplishments. Let us hope that future years will meet and exceed this as above. one. Page 6 Page 7