Westwind #37 April 1980
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Westwind APRIL 1980 Issue 37
[Art: Sketch of Alfred Bester by Jay Mullins.]
ALFRED BESTER - NORWESCON 3 GUEST OF HONOR
WESTWIND - The newszine of the Northwest Science Fiction Society. Number 37, April 1980
Editor - Janice Murray. [REDACTED] Seattle WA 98178
Layout - Tamara Vining. Printing - Michael Brochet. Computer Support - Tony Pepin
Contributors to this issue: Richard Wright, Gordon Erickson, Cliff Wind, Jane Hawkins, Lauraine Miranda. Cover art by Jay Mullins, Edmonds WA.
Contents copyright (c) 1980 for the contributors by the Northwest Science Fiction Society The Westwind is mailed monthly to the members of NWSFS. Membership is $7 per year. Please send to P.O. Box [REDACTED], Seattle WA 98124. Advertising accepted: must be camera-ready by the first of the month of issue. Full page ad: $15 (7 1/2 x 10) Half page: $8 (7 1/2 x 5) page: $5 (3 1/2 x 5) 1/8 page: $3 (3 1/2 x 2 1/2).
MEETINGS
APRIL 26: NWSFS MONTHLY SOCIAL MEETING. David Bray’s place, [REDACTED], Seattle. Riverside Apts. Park around back, enter back door to rec. room. Billiards, Ping-Pong. [REDACTED].
MAY 23–26: V-Con 8 Delta River Inn, Vancouver BC. $10 to the door. Write P.O. Box [REDACTED] Bentall Station Vancouver BC [REDACTED], Canada.
MAY 31: NWSFS MONTHLY SOCIAL MEETING. Greater Pocatello Spaceport a.k.a. the residence of Richard Wright. [REDACTED], Kirkland WA ([REDACTED])
JUNE 21: STARBASE SEVEN SATURDAY SUMMER SOLSTICE SPAGHETTI SAUCE-OFF. More info when they tell me. Or call [REDACTED]
[Hand-drawn map to David Bray’s home.]
from LAURAINE:
New members of the Northwest Science Fiction Society
Ruth Allman
Robert Baker
Dotty Nelson Clark
Michael Daniele
James Dennis
Elaine Fiddler
D. Houseman
Barbara Hunter
Kurt Jackson
Tom Kishazi
Bernie Klauss
Robert Langer
Nancy Leff
Sharon McBride
Thomas McBride
Joseph Miller
Diana K. Moore
Lois Nutting
Philip Nutting
Dick O’Shea
Greg Overton
Jeanne Robertson
Brian Rush
Jackie Setchfield
Lloyd Siverts
Harry Springer
Louis H. Sturmer, Jr.
Doug Taylor
Raymond Tom
Mark Venier
Tamara Vining
Maurice Willey
Lois Woodard
Steven Woolfolk
Second Notice
The NWSFS membership directory will be compiled in late May. This gives you until May 15th to write Lauraine a note if you do not wish your name, address and/or phone number printed. If you are anticipating a change of address soon, please notify us also.
nwsfs library
Although it no doubt comes as a surprize to most menbers, the Northwest Science Fiction Society does have a library, and a librarian. The librarian is Clifford R. Wind. The library consists of perhaps a half dozen books and a couple of dozen fanzines. That’s not much of a collection, which is why this note is appearing. If you’ve any books, hardcover or soft that you can bear to part with, duplicates perhaps or even dreck picked up by mistake from the drug store rack, or fanzines taking up too much space in your closet, please donate them. Drop them off the next time you pass through the Greater Pocatello Spaceport (NWSFS HQ at [REDACTED] Kirkland WA 98033) or bring them to the next social meeting. If neither of these is feasible contact your librarian at [REDACTED] for other arrangements.
It is the intention of your librarian (he said pompously) to build Ye Basic F & SF Library, including bibliographic and other reference works, and a healthy collection of contemporary and past fanzines as well as other fan published works. Suggestions starting with “0h, yuh gotta have…” are welcomed, so long as they’re kept to less than ten pages. Books donated that duplicate material already in the library or that are of insufficient interest to keep (your cousin’s eighth-grade social studies text on the agricultural history of Pittsburgh, for instance) will be sold to finance additions to the collection.
Please give. Your library needs you.
[Sketch by Jay Mullins of three panelists at microphones.]
A German fan who speaks English well and writes movie reviews for a Munich fanzine would like to hear from American fans.
Andreas Tappe
Postfach [REDACTED]
4902 Bad Salzuffen
Germany
[Ad: V-Con 8
May 23–25, 1980.
A Forum On and Exposition Of Graphic Interpretations of Science Fiction
GUEST OF HONOR
Roger Zelazny
FAN GUEST OF HONOR
George Metzger
TOASTMASTER
Ted White
SPECIAL GUEST
John Byrne
OTHER PARTICIPATNG MEMBERS
DARREL ANDERSON
MIKE FRIEDRICH
CRAWFORD KILIAN
DEAN MOTTER
H. WARNER MUNN
BUD PLANT
TRINA ROBBINS
ARTIE ROMERO
JOHN SHIRLEY
KEN STEACY
TIM UNDERWOOD
P.O. Box [REDACTED], Bentall Station Vancouver BC
Inverted Flight
Ramblings from our Chairman-in-exile at the Johnson Space Center in Houston
-by Greg Bennett
A recent article on the Space Shuttle in PARADE magazine mistakenly implied that NASA was accepting reservations for Space Shuttle passengers, and the Space Transportation System Operations Office received several deposits for $500 from people who wanted to reserve a seat.
Now, NASA is not currently considering taking any tourists into space. The offer for “Getaway Specials” refers to experiments, not tourists. The rules are that for about $10,000 total, the Shuttle will fly your 5-cubic-foot experiment into low earth orbit on a space-available basis. There are also weight limitations and such. If your experiment needs some special attention, like an astronaut flipping a switch, there may be an extra charge. As it stands now, we’re getting a lot of reservations for Getaway Specials, mostly people donating space to universities and research foundations, though a few industries want to take advantage of the microgravity and profound vacuum environment found in low earth orbit to do some materials processing experiments. There are also some solar energy experiments from forward-looking entepreneurs.
Back to passengers… the idea intrigued me so much that I did a quick calculation and rough design for a tourist-class passenger compartment to be carried in the cargo bay of the Shuttle. The special compartment has a transparent roof, so that the passengers will be able to see the stars and Earth overhead with crystal clarity, in addition to experiencing a week of weightlessness. It carries 72 passengers, allowing a space of 30" x 36" for each seat (similar to an airliner’s first class accomodations), plus an area about 15' x 15' x 15' for zero-gravity recreation. I allowed about 425 lbs. per passenger for his body, luggage, and life support.
The cost for each passenger, including some training for the mission and travel to and from the launch site, will run about $100,000. Greg’s prediction: by 2000, such a tourist dream will be a reality, not because of any whim of the U.S. Congress, but because the demand is there and because the free enterprise system will make it happen. Someone with the bucks to invest is going to see the gold mine to be found in Low Earth Orbit, and is going to get rich by selling space on a second or third generation passenger carrying version of the Shuttle, and by putting a nifty resort in orbit!
I’m basing that prediction on some interesting facts: (1) the number of orders NASA already has for shuttle flights, (2) the costs I estimated for a tourist trip to LEO, (3) the demand for tourist tickets, (4) the impending order for more Enterprise-class orbiters, (5) the plans for building an orbital laboratory, (6) the need for a space-borne energy source, (7) the results of the McKinsey Company’s study of the Boeing Company’s offer to NASA to run Shuttle operations as a commercial enterprise, (8) the groundswell of public support evinced by such groups as the National Space Institute and the L-5 Society, (9) the rising public interest in space envinced by the success of space-operas in the media, (10) and the statistical growth in appreciation for the working of the free enterprise system accompanying a realization of the futility of groundhog socialism.
Of course, my whole timetable could be kaboshed if Carter follows his party’s heritage and gets us involved in another war. But, anyone who believes in repetition of history would have expected it - no member of Carter’s party has yet been elected to that office without getting us involved in a war.
But, barring disasters like that, we have a shining prospect ahead of us for meeting somewhere out there - on the High Frontier!
Norwescon Awards
Masquerade Awards
Best of Show Betty Bigelow as Moutamihn Bin O’Reilly
Best Science Fiction Susan Taubeneck as High Priestess of Ducana
Best Fantasy Pam Davis as Death
Best Spontaneous Ann Fox and Andrew Wilson Fox
Mr. Congeniality Russ Poe
Science Fiction Runner-up Julie Zetterberg as The Compleat Entertainer
Fantasy Runner-up Nicholas Gerety as Spiderman
Spontaneous Runner-up Jim Cunningham as Yasha the Spielman
[Sketches by Jay Mullins of Norwescon panelists, including Dean Ing.]
Awards of the Norwescon III art show - courtesy of Jane Hawkins.
Best of Show - chosen by ballot by artists: Victoria Carlson’s “Firynn”.
| Judges' awards | High Artistic Achievement | Artistic Mention |
|---|---|---|
| SF Monochrome | Eileen Canning “One Man’s Magic” | Jane S. Fancher “The Sword of Aldones” |
| SF Color | Steven Vincent Johnson “The Fleet” | Jon Harris “…Series LVIII” |
| Fantasy Monochrome | Alicia Austin “Gathering of Friends” | Spangler (Randal) “Dreams” |
| Fantasy Color | Alicia Austin “Knight of Ghosts and Shadows” | Kevin Johnson “The Necromancer” |
| Humor Monochrome | Darrell Anderson “Bug-Eyed Lobster” | Real Musgrave “Saturday Night” |
| Humor Color | Ken Macklin “Reminiscent Orc” | Ken Macklin “Beauty and the Beast” |
| 3-D | Joel Hagan “Orthopterix” | Dale Enzenbacher “Alien Sarcophagus” |
THE CHANGELING
[Photo of George C. Scott standing in front of an old, three-story mansion.]
Returning from a skiing vacation in upstate New York, an auto accident takes the lives of the wife and daughter of music composer/lecturer John Russell (George C. Scott). To escape the constant reminders of the tragedy, Russell accepts an offer to lecture at his old Alma Mater (The University of Washington) in Seattle.
He leases an old Victorian mansion - a house that harbors a dark secret. Shortly after moving in, a loud banging noise is heard that begins at 6:00 every morning continuing for a few minutes, and then just suddenly stops. Shortly thereafter, lights and faucets all over the house begin to turn on. Compelled by these strange within the mansion to unravel the mystery, the musician’s quest leads him up to a boarded-up room, a child’s old rusted wheelchair, and ultimately reveals the secret past of a local prominent politician.
If you enjoy a good scare, but are turned off or “grossed out” by the recent crop of horror films that depend more on bloody special effects (Halloween, Omen I & II, Silent Scream, The Fog…ad nauseam) than on a literate, suspenseful script, The Changeling will be just what you’re looking for.
The Changeling is a ‘director’s film’ in that director Peter Medak (The Ruling Class, Ghosts in the Noonday Sun) was deeply involved in all aspects of the production - from soundtrack to production design to screenplay. Unlike most horrorfilms which have a tendency to move too slowly in the beginning, the pre-title sequence hits the audience like a Mack truck and from then on you are hooked. The pace is brisk and the film never lets you lose interest. This is also due in part to the intricate William Gray and Diana Maddox screenplay from a story by Russell Hunter.
George C. Scott and Melvyn Douglas are quite convincing in their roles as Russell and ex-senator Joe Carmichael, as is the supporting cast which includes Trish Van Devere, Jean Marsh, John Colicos and Barry Morse.
The Norwescon premier of The Changeling was arranged by Blake Mitchell, West Coast Editor (with James Ferguson) of Fantastic Films magazine; through Don Barrett and Janet Roberts of Associated Film Distribution; and with Norwescon film director, Gordon Erickson. Final arrangements made by AFD through Blake Mitchell and Mike Nealy of Thunder Media in Portland, and Craig Chastain of Thunder Media in Seattle. Extra special thanks to Fred Mills of the Edmonds Theatre for repairing the film and the projector after the machine attempted to eat the film during the first attempted showing. The projectionists were Fred Mills and James Ferguson.
Cinemaa
by Dennis Pernaa
The Fog: In this film John Carpenter uses the same plot gimmick that he used in his last film, Halloween: the creation of a spooky atmosphere while waiting for the next ghastly event to occur, which in this case is the dead stalking the living to carry out their bizarre form of vengeance. The created mood is very effective and does keep one at the edge of one’s seat but the story line is so far-fetched that it does not linger long beyond the ending. Nothing in this film is new, and the plot, except for the very ending, is highly predictable and almost plain repetitious.
Dinner for Adele: This Czechoslovakian film (with subtitles) concerns an assignment for the great turn-of-the-century American detective, Nick Carter. He must solve the disappearance of a dog in Prague, a disappearance effected by none other than his arch-enemy, the Gardner, and his pet carnivorous orchid named Adele, who really digs Mozart. It is rampant with sight gags and gadgets, many of which are hilarious (such as the solar rifle and the pedal plane), but it suffers from a poor soundtrack. It might just as well have been dubbed; it would have been much more fun.
[Ad: Heritage Bookshop
OVER 1200
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
TITLES IN STOCK
RENTON SHOPPING CENTER
IN THE MALL
RENTON, WASHINGTON 98055]
[Sketch by Jay Mullins of a Norwescon panelist.]
the sketches on the cover and pages 3 5 & 7 are from Jay Mullins, who captured the spirit of Norwescon III.
Reruns for sale
Lackey Sound & Light offers cassette tapes of Norwescon events at S6.50 each. Includes tax, postage & handling. Their address is 218 South Mead Street, Seattle WA 98108. The following tapes are available.
102 Opening Ceremonies & GOH Interviews
103 Early Morning Panel
105 SF Fandom Now
106 Create A Religion
107 Futurians & Other First Fans
109 Technology of Terrorism
110 The Future of Energy
112 Art - For Love or Money
113 Perils of Creating Fantasy Worlds
116 Space Shuttle Update
117 Other Universe Models
123 Breaking Into Print
125 Convivial Computers
127 Dead Authors Panel
128 Banquet, GOH Speeches & Awards
129 Space Industrialization
130 Future Standards of Living
131 Series Writing
132 Closing Ceremonies
133 Snobbery in Fandom
134 Fanzine Evolution
135 Con Chairs
In Appreciation:
The Norwescon convention committee wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many fans who donated their time and effort to the smooth operation of the con.
GOFERS
Curtis Hack
Craig Steed
Eddie Dutton
Tom Monohan
Lynne Dutton
Tamara Vining
Joanne Cochapero
Vicki Mitchell
Shirley Palmer
Nina Hoffman
Glenn Jackson
Raymond Tom
Steve Schlich
Shawn Richard
Keith Matz
Mark Schafer
Guy Wood
Jon Gustafson
Fran Skene
Keith Mate
Sasha Zemanek
SECURITY
Michelle Roberts
Art Spencer
Margaret Anderson
Anita Jung
Kathleen Powell
Jeff Maravich
Raymond Tom
Glen Warner
Doug Taylor
Curtis Hack
Linda Hoffer
Steve Satak
Don Glover
Paul Abelkis
Claudia Stephens
Tamara Vining
Jesse Brewer
Chris Stone
Joe Rosenthal
Eddie Dutton
Jody Kimball
Doug Yeaman
Ann Fox
Lynn Hivmon
Thomas Willingham
Vicki Braubaugh
TROUBLESHOOTERS
Doug Booze
Doug Yeaman
Doug Weinfield
Jack McGillis
Richard Wright
Thom Walls
Jay Palmer
Lauraine Miranda
Robert Hess
Al Stone
Theo Williams
Diana Moore
Michael Kenmir
Mary Hamburger
Don Glover
Paul Wocken
Beth Dockins
Linda Hoffer
STAGE CREW
Janice Murray
Shelley Dutton
Michael Kenmir
Michael Citrak
Paul Wocken
Jay Palmer
Stuart DeSpain
Beth Dockens
Mary Hamburger
Don Glover
Linda Hoffer
REGISTRATION
Linda Hoffer
Thom Walls
Michael Scanlon
Kathryn Krauel
Lauraine Miranda
Carolyn Palms
Janice Murray
Jessi Brenner
Beth Finkbinder
Wendy Boelter
Walt Guyll
Suzie Tompkins
Richard Wright
Michael Healy
Lynne Cheney
Leroy Berven
Susan Berven
Diana Moore
Craig Steed
Janne Miranda
Kathi Vining
OFFICE STAFF
Lynne Dutton
Anne Fahnestalk
Fran Skene
Craig Steed
Julia Wood
Jay Palmer
Becky Fallis
Doug Booze
Beth Dockens
ART SHOW
Eileen Canning
Rebecca Lesses
Marianne Nielsen
Jon Singer
Betty Bigelow
Sasha Zemanek
Patrick Nielsen-Hayden
Teresa Nielsen-Hayden
Suzie Tompkins
Jerry Kaufman
Kay Putnam
Teresa Putnam
Neil Kvern
Gene Perkins
Wendy Schultz
Gary Farber
Ole Kvern
Richard LaBonte
Vonda N. McIntyre
Signe Langdon
Paul Lehman
Janet Bellweather
Bob Doyle
A Westwind subscription is included in NWSFS membership [REDACTED], at $7 per year. Westwind is mailed on the 15th of each month.
Changes of address should be sent to NWSFS, P.O. Box [REDACTED], Seattle 98124
Contributions of graphics, reviews, articles, etc. are welcome. Send to Janice Murray, [REDACTED], Seattle WA 98178 Reports on submissions in three weeks: include SASE. Deadline in the first week of month of issue.