Norwescon 33 - Thursday Programming

Thursday Programming

Scheduled Gaming
Thursday, Noon – 11:00 p.m.
Cascade 11 & 12
You're at the Con, waiting for things to rev up, but we're already off and running in the scheduled gaming rooms! Come and see what we're playing and sign up for a game or two! We have card games, role-playing games, miniatures and more all lined up for YOU! Get in early! Bring in your game and schedule a spot to make new gaming friends! You could qualify for a prize!
Kathi Pickett

Open Gaming
Thursday, Noon – 6:00 a.m. (yes, all night)
Rotunda 1 & 2
Got an hour before your next session? Stop by open gaming and play for a while. We have plenty of tables for fans to sit down with old friends (or new) and play... no sign-up sheet required. The Rotunda is available for open gaming all weekend on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Pro Roy

Thrill the World Dance class
Thursday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Maxi's Ballroom
On October 26, 2009, 22,596 people worldwide participated in the 4th annual Thrill the World event dancing to Michael Jackson’s entire Thriller song; yes, the entire 5 minutes, 58 seconds. Anyone in reasonable shape can learn this dance! If you’re a little awkward – hey, you’re a zombie! Dress comfortably and wear shoes you can dance in. We will teach the entire dance in each session. Thursday night at the end of the zombie walk, you are encouraged to join in as we perform this for the crowd at the dance!
Julie Zetterberg

Thursday Movie Matinee: Treasure Planet
Thursday, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Olympic 1
LouAnna Valentine

Masterpieces in Motion
Thursday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
Using your favorite work of art and making it wearable. Inspiration hits in many ways: be a Picasso, wear a Calder on your head, dress like a Degas. Let us give you some ideas to help you bring Art to your life.
Janet Borkowski(M), Ieva Ohaks, Anita Taylor

Medieval Games & Pastimes
Thursday, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
Maypole, Skittles, Shut the Box, Drawing a Labyrinth, Blind Man's Bluff, Jousting at the Quintaine…. Drop in for some interactive and fun medieval games!
Cymbric Early-Smith

No One Cares About NASA
Thursday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Public interest in the space program seems to be at an all-time low, with news of massive budget overruns, internal scandals, and the general public not feeling any connection to space exploration contributing to this ennui. How do we revitalize the public’s interest and best convey to them the benefits of space exploration?
Charles F Radley(M), Arthur Bozlee, Bart Kemper

You Are What You Play (Or are you?)
Thursday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Maybe you always play a dwarf. Or an elf. Perhaps you’re the half-orc type? Maybe you’re a guy that prefers playing female characters? Or vice-versa? Perhaps you’re the person that always, ALWAYS, plays the rogue-type? Or you’re the one that plays the evil character pretending to be a good character? Yeah, sure…no one has figured you out yet. Come join our panelists in a discussion of what your favorite character says about you, the player.
Richard Baker(M), Eric Cagle, Dylan S.

Fantasy Footwear
Thursday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
Matching, complementary footwear is the final, essential part of completing any great costume. This popular panel returns with more practical, hands-on advice, show and tell on how to create new shoes for your costumes, and how to sew, attach and recover shoes to give them a period or historic look to make your costume look professionally finished.
Katrina Marier(M), Vicki Glover, Ieva Ohaks

Human Evolution
Thursday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
Are we still evolving? How will environmental effects from global warming and increased levels of pollutants, affect humanity? How soon will we be able see and measure the results of such effects? What will we become?
Mike Brennan(M), Jason Henninger, Annie Morton, Dr. Ricky

Clay-O-Rama
Thursday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Come learn to make little creatures and then play a hilarious game with them. Much screaming and laughing for the whole family.
Betty Bigelow

Treasure MapQuest
Thursday, 4:00 p.m.
Olympic 1
All good aventurers need one simple thing to get started - a treasure map! Come make your own to get your adventure started!
Kim Poua

Thrill the World Dance Class
Thursday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Maxi's Ballroom
On October 26, 2009, 22,596 people worldwide participated in the 4th annual Thrill the World event dancing to Michael Jackson’s entire Thriller song; yes, the entire 5 minutes, 58 seconds. Anyone in reasonable shape can learn this dance! If you’re a little awkward – hey, you’re a zombie! Dress comfortably and wear shoes you can dance in. We will teach the entire dance in each session. Thursday night at the end of the zombie walk, you are encouraged to join in as we perform this for the crowd at the dance!
Julie Zetterberg

Filk 101
Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
The usual "what the hell is this?" panel.
Creede Lambard, David Nasset, Sr.

Activism Through SF/Fantasy Writing and Art
Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Can art change the world? What statement can you make through SF writing and art? Panelists will share success stories and discuss strategies for effective activism through art and writing.
Myke Amend(M), John R. Gray III, Tiffany Toland

Gadgets: Back to the Future
Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
"I was promised flying cars! What happened to the flying cars?" What ever happened to the neat gadgets of old-time SF? Weren't we supposed to have personal flying cars by now? Where are the atomic rockets (not to mention the atomic automobiles)? Personal jet packs? Dinner-in-a-pill? Helicopter flivvers? Visi-phones? Blasters? Are we doomed to a dull, mundane future?
Bart Kemper(M), Keffy R. M. Kehrli, Greg Paddock

Get Your Diesel On!
Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
Does steampunk leave you cold? Do you prefer the roar of a biplane engine, or the vroom-vroom of a tricked-out Indian with a sidecar? Would you much rather spend time with Sky Captain than Captain Nemo? A discussion of dieselpunk, and how it differs from steampunk.
Neil (Lights) Duttkin, Katrina Marier

Low Budget Special Effects
Thursday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
Although each of us would love to have a hundred million dollars for the top-of-the-line special effects, the sad truth is that those PowerBall numbers remain as elusive as ever. In lieu of an unspeakable budget, here is a collection of techniques and tricks (including live demonstrations) of some special effects that you can do on a more "dinner-and-a-movie" budget!
Edward Martin III, Eric Morgret, Brian D. Oberquell, Ryan K. Johnson

You Never Forget Your First Doctor...
Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
The mantle of Doctor Who is soon going to fall on a new actor... the ELEVENTH to play the good Doctor. What are some of the great Doctor Who moments? How does new Who compare to the Old School? And where should it go from here?
Ryan K. Johnson(M), Janet Borkowski, Renee Stern

Story Hour
Thursday, 5:00 p.m.
Olympic 1
LouAnna Valentine

Banquet
Thursday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Grand 2
Rating: $
Dr. John G. Cramer, Cory Doctorw, Jim Finkel, Caren Gussoff, David Hartwell, Lelsie Howle, John Jude Palencar, Vernor Vinge

Reading: Randy Henderson
Thursday, 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Incrediguy Meets Bartholomew P. Lovelace, What happens when Incrediguy attempts to save a pastor who refuses to believe in him?, Rating: PG
Randy Henderson

Comics and Horror
Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
The Black Hole, Marvel Zombies, Walking Dead, 30 Days of Night. Horror stories have come a long way since Tales from the Crypt. Come take a look at some modern horror comics, upcoming trends in the genre, and what it's like writing scary stories in the comic format.
Mark Rahner(M), Anthony van Winkle

Dystopian versus Utopian Urban Fantasy
Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Dystopian urban fantasy seems to be the rule in this genre as authors use the boundaries and grittiness to probe societal issues. What about utopian urban fantasies though? Or is that what paranormal romance is for?
Mickey Phoenix(M), Bethalynne Bajema

Great Players Make Great Games
Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Experienced players and GMs gather to talk about what makes a good player and how to become one. Learn how to make your gaming experience better for yourself and your fellow gamers.
Tim Nightengale(M), Eric Cagle, Dylan S.

Tragedy, Comedy and Fantasy:
Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Should all fantasy be escapist and always end in ‘happily ever after?’ Of course not. But how does a writer balance ‘happily ever after’ with ‘the heroes paid a price for their triumph?’ How much reality do readers want in fantasy, and when do real life consequences become a bummer at the end of the story? The best told tales balance dark and light. What is the current recipe for a book that both writers and readers enjoy?
Jean Johnson(M), Carol Berg, Keffy R. M. Kehrli, Kevin Radthorne, Garth Upshaw

The International Space Station: Was it Worth it?
Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
The ISS was sold to Congress in the `80s on the platform that it would cure cancer, but it has since been advertised as an experiment in international cooperation. Has the massive cost of the station paid off?
Arthur Bozlee, Bob Crichton, Tanya N. Harrison, Charles F Radley

Art Aerobics
Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Just as one can get worn down and out of shape physically, one can also get worn down and out of shape mentally. Come to this panel and indulge in some fun and wacky exercises as our panelists help give your brains a fun workout that will get those neurons firing.
Wolf Lahti(M), Myke Amend, Rob Carlos, John R. Gray III

Reading: Kris Millering
Thursday, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
The Isthmus Variation, Forthcoming in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Rating: PG
Kris Millering

Opening Ceremonies
Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1 & 2
William Sadorus(M), Dr. John G. Cramer, Cory Doctorow, Jim Finkel, David Hartwell, John Jude Palencar, Vernor Vinge

Reading: Andrew Dolbeck
Thursday, 8:00– 8:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Halloween Ladies, Rock Star. Supermodel. Witch. Ashleigh has everything. So why does she so desperately need to change? The Autumn book of the Witch Seasons., Rating: PG
Andrew Dolbeck

Come On Baby Light My… Costume
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
Our panel of experts will discuss the many concepts of adding light to enhance your costume.
Jonnalyhn Wolfcat(M), Neil (Lights) Duttkin, Merrillee Schedin

Alternative Scene Etiquette
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
The etiquette for alternative culture events has become much more important in recent years. As the Goth, Con and Kink scenes seem to both blend and diverge, so can the rules that apply to appropriate social behaviors. Come and join the discussion!
Alexia Roy(M), Delta Hranek, Elisabeth Van Every, Jillian Venters

Testing the Limits of Urban Fantasy
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
What's beyond all the vamps, werewolves, angels, and demons? Having explored all of the old tropes, what’s next?
Cat Rambo(M), Caren Gussoff, Jaye Wells

Re-imaginings
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Last year, we deconstructed some classic fairy tales to analyze some of their origins. Now let's see where familiar stories are fitting into new, innovative re-tellings such as Wicked, The Last Wish, Tin Man and a host of other books, movies and games.
Chris Nilsson, Felicity Shoulders, S. J. Tucker

Horror on the Big (and Small) Screen
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
With The Walking Dead finally coming to AMC, what other horror stories would you like to see on the big or small screen? Come discuss which neglected or forgotten tales could be the next big fright. What lies beyond the umpteenth remake of Dracula?
Nathan Crowder(M), Mark Rahner, Lorelei Shannon

Best Games for Two Players
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
So, it's just two of you. You're looking for something to do... hey! Let's play a game! What game? Good question! Come to this panel, where our panelists will give you their recommendations for some of the best two-player board and card games out there today!
Tim Nightengale(M), Julie Haehn, Jeremy Holcomb

How I Got My Start
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Did you always want to be an artist? Did it come upon you in the dark of the night, or did you work on it long and hard? What steps did you take to figure out what you wanted to make? What kind of an impact has your art made on your life? Come and hear the stories of some of our artists or share your own!
Rob Carlos(M), Bethalynne Bajema, Alan M. Clark, Claire Hummel, Betsy Mott

Lazer Tag
Thursday, 8:00– 11:00 p.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
The only place in the convention you are allowed to draw your lazer weapons. We have equipment for use; it is compatible with the Tiger Lazer Tag system, not the Team Ops system. For those players who are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian present at the arena. Lazer Tag is a live action, NON-CONTACT sport.
Scott Perrin, Elizabeth Fellows

Zombie 101, or Walk, Zombies, Walk
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Grand 2
Shamble yourselves down to Grand 2 to learn what it takes to be a zombie. Our zombie pros will teach you how to move, think, and act like a zombie. There will also be people available to apply basic zombie makeup to help you achieve that zombie feel. Wear old clothes and get in the spirit, because this is the start of the 1st Norwescon Zombie Walk. Feel free to come already zombified.
Eric Pope

Poker Tournament Qualifying Round 1
Thursday, 8:00– 10:00 p.m.
Rotunda 2
Do you have a poker face like Worf? Able to bluff like Riker? Know a few Jedi mind tricks to float yourself successfully down the river? Or maybe you're just hoping to pull a Maverick with a royal flush. It's a social tournament; so whatever your skill level, there's a place for you at the table. If you're a beginner and would like some pre-game instruction, please come by a little early. Remember, the first place winner at the final table Saturday night wins a prepaid membership for Norwescon 34!
Mariah Johnson

Reading: Pat MacEwen
Thursday, 8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
Under the Eye, An alien sex/whodunnit cross-genre, Rating: R
Pat MacEwen

Friends of Bill W.
Thursday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 3

How Full of Crap Is Wikipedia?
Thursday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Or is it really a solid source of information? How does the process of inputing, editing and reviewing data work? Are there enough protections in place to make certain it is accurate and not subject to personal interpretation? Or are we facing the “Survivor Phenomenon” when it comes to data, with popular vote determining what is truth?
Ted Butler(M), The Reverend En Fuego, Creede Lambard, John M. Lawler

Fans and the Effects of New Technologies on Fandom
Thursday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
The primary communication tools of fen in the early days were fanzines, newletters, letters, and gatherings at conventions. Now we have email lists, blogs, and social media. How has this changed fandom and fannish interaction?
Don Glover(M), Judith Herman, Donna "Danicia" Prior

The Living Dead
Thursday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Forty years after George Romero gave us Night of the Living Dead, his zombies still walk among us in remakes, new films from Romero himself, and astonishing recent movies ranging from Shaun of the Dead to 28 Weeks Later. Zombies are cropping up in popular literature as well. Why is this SF/horror subgenre so enduring? What are its classic books and films and which are merely the walking dead?
Randy Henderson(M), Daryl Gregory, Jack Skillingstead, Anthony van Winkle

Star Trek: Where Does It Boldly Go Now?
Thursday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
J.J. Abrams rebooting/revisioning of Star Trek seems to have re-invigorated what many thought was a dying franchise. But where should it go from here, and what kinds of stories should it tell? Is it still true to Roddenberry's vision, and how important is it that it remain so?
Leo Roberts(M), Doug Odell, Merrillee Schedin

Let's Make a Movie: Intro!
Thursday, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
It's our 11 year anniversary! For more than a decade, we've been making movies every Norwescon, like some sort of terrifying clockwork monkey. Be a part of history without actually burying yourself in the desert for a thousand years! In this introduction, see all the movies ever made at Norwescon as a part of this ground-breaking workshop, including hilarious video introductions by the filmmakers. Here's the best place to watch all these movies at once, and behold the genesis of one of the weirdest and funniest workshops ever to be tolerated by Norwescon! Learn about some of the weird and heinous behind-the-scenes stories! Feel free to ask the filmmakers questions afterwards, if they're brave enough to stick around! Be inspired for part 1!
Ryan K. Johnson, Edward Martin III, Eric Morgret, Brian D. Oberquell

The Shapes of Things That Were
Thursday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Ever wonder how to describe or draw chainmail? Would you like to know what a real medieval siege-encampment might look like? Interested in incorporating realistic everyday objects into your next piece of poetry, music, writing, gaming or art? Bring along your cameras, art pencils or note-taking materials and come check out a selection of medieval style objects and ask our extremely knowledgeable panelists your questions about recreating a medieval environment.
Cymbric Early-Smith

Thursday Night Bardic Filk
Thursday, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Evergreen 1 & 2
Come-as-you-are music performance, one song at a time, taking turns. Or just come and listen! Everyone welcome

1st Norwescon Zombie Walk
Thursday, 9:00 p.m.
Grand 2
Join us here to be a part of the 1st Norwescon Zombie Walk; take over the halls of the Doubletree. Zombies will shamble around the con, ending up in the dance where they can take part in the Thrill the World zombie dance to Michael Jackson's entire “Thriller.” Please see the earlier panels today that will teach the Thrill the World dance if you wish to learn it in advance.
Eric Pope

Thursday Dance
Thursday, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Grand 3
Join us for a Tour of a House of Horrors as DJ Irah hosts a night of frights and delights. Watch out for zombies on the dance floor as they "thrill" us with their moves, dancing to music from back in the day up to today's hottest hits.
Todd Clark(M), DJ Irah

Slash Goggles - the Joy of Subtext
Thursday, 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
For slashers only. How did you become a slasher? What are the best resources for finding subtext?
Cheryl Dyson(M), Byaghro Esby Gibson

MMORPG 101
Thursday, 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games have revolutionized computer gaming, and become the dominant model for computer role-playing games. Thought about playing one? Are the acronyms confusing? Can’t follow the gaming chatter from your friends? Come learn about MMORPGs. Get suggestions from our panelists on what type of MMO would fit your gaming style, schedule, and budget.
Donna "Danicia" Prior(M), Jeff Grubb, Julie Haehn

Sex Tech
Thursday, 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Where is it going? Sex Droids. VR Pleasure Dens. Neural net fantasies. Do we really need human interaction any more? How far are we from Gigolo Joe?
Mickey Phoenix(M), Kal Cobalt

Underneath And Over The Top
Thursday, 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
Building a costume infrastructure to create illusions, including using corsetry as more than supporting a bust and nipping in a waist by attaching fantasy armor bits, supporting a wing structure, battery pack for EL wire or lighting, and more.
Jonnalyhn Wolfcat(M), Molly Boone, Neil (Lights) Duttkin

Poker Tournament Qualifying Round 2
Thursday, 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Rotunda 2
Do you have a poker face like Worf? Able to bluff like Riker? It's a social tournament; so whatever your skill level, there's a place for you at the table. With only a limited number of seats at the final table, you will need to win one of the qualifying rounds.
Mariah Johnson

Intro to Seattle Sex Positive Culture
Thursday, 11:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
What is “sex positive”? Where can you find sex positive environments? How can you get involved? Learn more about this movement and what it implies.
Laurie Reynolds(M), Matt Bamberger

Midnight Movie: Night of the Comet
Thursday, Midnight – 2:00 a.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
Night of the Comet: What happens when the comet that made the dinosaurs disappear passes the Earth again? Red dust and zombies, of course. The comet wipes out most life on Earth, leaving two Valley Girls to shop, drive fast and shoot zombies. Move over Ellen Ripley, here come Regina and Samantha. They kick zombie butt with the help of Star Trek: Voyager’s own Chakotay. A young Robert Beltran is the handsome truck driving, zombie killing Hector. You can’t call your zombie movie collection complete until you have seen Night of the Comet (1984).
Barry Bloch

Poker Tournament Qualifying Round 3
Thursday, Midnight – 2:00 a.m.
Rotunda 2
Do you have a poker face like Worf? Able to bluff like Riker? It's a social tournament; so whatever your skill level, there's a place for you at the table. With only a limited number of seats at the final table, you will need to win one of the qualifying rounds.
Mariah Johnson