Sime~Gen Perspectives Newsletter

AUGUST 2006

Contents:

*SIMECENTER NEWS
*SIME~GEN PARTY AT WORLDCON
*JACQUELINE GOES TO WORLDCON ON A SCOOTER
*BORDERLANDS UPDATE
*NEW REVIEWS
*REREADABLE BOOKS
*NEW ITEMS FROM ARTISTS AND AUTHORS AT CAFE PRESS
*HELP WANTED
*CONVENTION APPEARANCES
*AVAILABLE RELEASES and PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
*SITES TO REMEMBER
*SUBSCRIPTION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

COPYRIGHT NOTICE**

****** SIMECENTER NEWS

The August edition of SimeCenter is the WorldCon edition.

This year, that matters more than in most years, because August 2006 is the 40th anniversary of the premiere of Star Trek. One of the fan communities that arose as a result of this world-shaking series was the Star Trek Welcommittee, created by our own Jacqueline Lichtenberg.

So, I sought out an exceptional story and artwork to salute SF fandom.

- the story is "Blind Spot" by Jayge Carr (who, along with the JLs, contributed most of the stories that appeared on SimeCenter in its first year of existence)

She has a talent for leading readers on a rapid-fire odyssey from world to world, culture to culture, seemingly without effort. This story is a superb example of her storytelling magic, perfect for the WorldCon edition.

- the artwork is "Larry and Jerry" by Jael (the artist who first appeared on SimeCenter back in June)

This is a humorous ode to Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, Jael's "beloved Godfathers," who encouraged her, quite a few years ago, to "travel East and do what I was meant to do." They hold joint custody of the original.

A special offer: Jael will contribute to SimeCenter, any profit she makes from selling prints of her works--this one and others--during this month. Take a look: http://www.jael.net/ .

---

Jael contributes her artwork in support of Heifer International . Jayge, since she hails from Houston, offers her story to support the Houston Katrina Relief Fund . These are two of the few organizations still actively helping recovery from last year's hurricanes. Please be generous.

When you donate to these worthy organizations, be sure to tell them you were referred by SimeCenter.

See it at all at http://www.simegen.com/simecenter/ .

******

******SIME~GEN PARTY AT WORLDCON

The World Science Fiction Convention will be in Anaheim, CA, August 23-27. (Itıs called ³LAConIV², organized primarily by the LA Science Fantasy Society, so most folk pretend itıs in Los Angeles.)

Sime~Gen Fandom has put on a party at every WorldCon since ConJose (2002). Itıs always Friday night, 8pm ­ midnight. (Memorial toast at 8:15 - see below)

- The dear person wrote a message to several artists, and two even answered Sime~Gen artwork on SimeCenter before. And we haven't had a Sime~Gen

This one will be a BIG deal
- we have rented a HUGE party suite for the one night
- we are sharing our party with two other organizations
- EPIC Publishing
- BroadUniverse http://www.broaduniverse.org>
...others may join in later
and most important:
- this will be a STAR TREK Welcommittee reunion with a special memorial toast to Shirley Maiewski who ran the Welcommittee for many years

As part of the Memorial Toast, we'll ask folk who knew Shirley to speak of their remembrances. This will also be a time to talk about what STAR TREK (and the WELCOMMITTEE) meant to you, and your life. Learn more about Shirley at: http://www.simegen.com/rimonslibrary/cz/cz20/Shirley.html .

The party suite is hideously expensive, so donations (of food*, money, etc.) are most appreciated. Anyone who donates ahead of time will be thanked publicly via
- a list posted at the party, and
- honorable mention in the post-Con report

* If you're coming to the party, please consider helping us by bringing some snack food that you like, or maybe a bottle of some soft drink.

NOTE: The Party Suite includes two large sleeping rooms, that we can rent out for the night, to help defray expenses. One has one king-size bed, the other has two doubles or queens.If any of you are coming as day-trippers, consider this:
- sample all the parties Friday night
- rent one of our sleeping rooms for the night ($125 - a bit less than the convention rate)
- be bright and fresh to 'do' the Con Saturday
Say so quickly if you want to do this. One room may already be spoken for.

Contact Kaires Tevesu with questions or comments.

******

*******JACQUELINE GOES TO WORLDCON ON A SCOOTER

This headline reached the Simegen Discussion list "I broke my fibula at the left ankle and sprained the right ankle" on 8/16/06. Here's a brief explanation-synopsis, and how it will change Jacqueline's upcoming convention plans. Jacqueline writes ----

...OK, story of what happened. I was out for my morning walk, striding through the park when my right foot curled inwards. The "save" step onto the left went awry, and the left ankle bent outward.

The inward turn usually just sprains (may have a torn ligament there - time will tell -- the doctor said they would put a cast on THAT ankle ordinarily, it was that badly hurt, but in view of the major problem, they left it with an ace bandage.)

The orthopedist said this ankle break doesn't require surgery or pins, so he put a Velcro-removable cast on it and I absolutely have to stay off the broken one for 2 months, and at least 3 weeks of completely off the sprained one. And no surgery or hospital stay. BOY WAS I LUCKY!!! He doesn't want me on crutches because of the poor right ankle.

In a mad scramble following the accident, my husband and I managed to find, organize and reserve bits and pieces of transport to and through airports and to the Hilton in Anaheim where presumably a scooter will be waiting for me at the Bell Desk -- hopefully charged! I will need any and all kinds of help at this con -- but I think I can fulfill the schedule.

And on the appearances list.

COPPERCON -- cancelling out of CopperCon this year because I really need to just let this ankle heal. I'm soooo unhappy about that, but I will get on my feet again with the help of all the good wishes avalanching down on me.

Thank You,
JL

*********

******BORDERLANDS UPDATE

Part 18 of Borderlands has now been posted: containing 19 episodes

In this Part, the Sat'htine disaster response team goes to work in earthquake-devastated Cottonwood City, impeded by culture conflicts with the Wild Gens. Your players fake it medically as Kat and Nick treat the injured nagerically. Their relationship develops further, as political complications ensue. New characters are introduced, and old ones reappear.

Comments are most welcome. It's our readers' enthusiasm that motivates us to get these episodes edited and posted. If we get response we'll get Part 19 out sooner.

Borderlands can be found at: http://www.simegen.com/sgfandom/fans/bev/

******

******NEW REVIEWS

CINDERELLA AND THE WOLF by J. Lee Taylor

CINDERELLA AND THE VAMPIRE by J. Lee Taylor

MR. FAR FROM PERFECT by Beth Henderson

CASTING OFF by Trisha FitzGerald-Petri

DANNY'S DRAGON by Janet Muirhead Hill

CALYPSO'S SECRETS by Isabelle Kane

ROAN'S REQUIEM by Robert L. Hecker

FALCON'S BEND CASE FILES, VOLUME 1 by Karen Wiesner and Chris Spindler

1225 MISTLETOE LANE by Lenny Castellaneta

ON THE RUN by Melanie Anderson

TRILOGY NO. 103: RED HOT AND BLUE by Cat Johnson

******

******REREADABLE BOOKS

Jacqueline Lichtenberg's ReReadable Books columns for March through May 2006 are now available for free reading in our Reviews section with prior columns dating back to 1993.

This column is paid for by The Monthly Aspectarian, published on paper, posted to their website (lightworks.com ) then eventually archived here. Stacks of books are sifted to find those few worthy of a 5-star rating. No book of lesser quality writing is reviewed in this column -- though books for a wide variety of tastes may be discussed. This column is aimed at those interested in the magical view of the universe and those learning to write their own fiction.

ReReadable Books for May 2006 now posted

Jacqueline's Review Column is now available on simegen.com together with books to be reviewed through November 2006

ALSO OF INTEREST THIS MONTH:

Jacqueline Lichtenberg blogs with
Cindy Holby
Rowena Cherry
Margaret Carter
Susan Kearney
Linnea Sinclair
Susan Sizemore

at http://www.aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/

******

******NEW ITEMS FROM ARTISTS AND AUTHORS AT CAFE PRESS

A SIME~GEN postage stamp is now available to order on cafe press. It can be used just as you would use a a regular postage stamp. Be the first on YOUR block to have them!

We've got a new page for Cafe Press items from our artists and authors. Now you can get t-shirts, greeting cards, clocks, mugs, and other great stuff with work from your favorite artists. You can even buy books about Nessie, the Orange Forest Rabbit and The Reluctant Spy that aren't available anywhere else.

http://simegen.com/marketplace/cafepress/

is a direct link to all our items and merchandise stores. Use of this page will give the domain extra income.

If there is an item that you wish to see that isnt offered, just write Lois at lois@lochness-monster.com and she'll get it ready for you to order.

Also check out the magnificent, hand-crafted Starred-Cross Jewelry .

This page shows the four items:
- silver & enamel brooch (enamel can be ANY color)
- silver & gold brooch
- silver & gold outline pendant
- small silver pin
(The first three are 1-1/2" square; the pin is about half that size.)

Follow the link to the artist's own page for ordering.

Any questions or comments go to: Kaires Tevesu (Please mention 'starred-cross jewelry' in the subject line, because that address gets a _lot_ of spam.)

******HELP WANTED

The spotlights section of Simegen.com currently needs interviewers, spotlight posting personnel, an assistant spotlights gatemaster, and a keygifts store manager. We are also requesting an Assistant Reviews Co-coordinator - duties include covering when other staff are unable to perform tasks. We are almost finished revamping our reviews section and expect activity to be at a constant high level. We're looking for a versatile quick learner able to put in some time daily. Pluses are: A good command of the English language (syntax, grammar, punctuation, in that order), some computer experience or ability to learn, and an interest in books. Direct all inquiries to simegen@simegen.com .

******

******CONVENTION APPEARANCES

Both of SIME~GEN's co-creators, Jean Lorrah and Jacqueline Lichtenberg plan to attend the following Conventions 2006, unless otherwise noted.

WORLDCON~ Los Angeles CA, August 23-27 2006. http://worldcon.org/ for a list of all Worldcons including Japan.

Jacqueline Lichtenberg plans to be at LepreCon only on SUNDAY September 3, 2006. Due to her accident, Jacqueline has had to cancel out of COPPERCON, as noted earlier.

******

******PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Now available

~ the Omnibus reprint of Jean Lorrah's SAVAGE EMPIRE: DARK MOON RISING is #1 in the reprint program.

~ Trade Paperback edition of DREAMSPY from BenBella Books and you can order on amazon and some other places.

Read the comments here .

~ SAVAGE EMPIRE: PROPHECIES is #2 in Jean Lorrah's and Winston Howlett's omnibus reprint of the Savage Empire series.

Still Available in Trade Paperback, SIME~GEN: THE UNITY TRILOGY .

******

***** Sites to Remember *****

Author spotlights

Chats

Romance articles

Reviews of books by Jacqueline Lichtenberg

Reviews

Shopping

Sound files of Jacqueline Lichtenberg pronouncing Sime~Gen vocabulary words can be found at http://www.simegen.com/jl/nivetsoundfiles/index.html .

To sign up for classes, go to http://www.simegen.com/school/SchoolForms.html .

To volunteer, go to http://www.simegen.com/agreements/helpwanted.html for the latest openings.

To unsubscribe from this list, send an e-mail to listserv@simegen.com with no subject and the text "unsubscribe NEWSLETTER-L".

To contact editor for any reason, please e-mail Lisa Saunders at simegen@simegen.com.

*Please Note all material posted on Official Virtual Tecton is copyright İ by Sime~Gen Inc. and all rights are reserved. To get your Sime~Gen(tm) material sanctioned for web posting or to get permission to repost from official materials, e-mail ambrovzeor@aol.comor contact simegen@simegen.com. Sime~Gen (tm) is the trademark of a fictional universe copyright İ by Jacqueline Lichtenberg, 1969, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1986 and Sime~Gen Inc. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.