DemiCon XII Programming Last Update: 07 April 2001 Contents: About Schedule Overview Event Descriptions Participation About the Programming Schedule... The process of determining and scheduling the programming events for DemiCon XII is nearly complete. This year's selections will once again offer something for everyone, with selections ranging in focus from the classic literature to 21st century science fact... from the standard readings and discussion panels to special-interest workshops and exciting extravaganzas... and genre-themed events especially for the young. In addition, there will also be RPGA and open gaming events, and an anime / video room. Information on the gaming can be found on our Gaming page. The video room schedule will be posted at the convention. Ideas and volunteer participants are welcome and encouraged. Be sure to check this page periodically for information updates. Schedule Overview The grid below provides an overview of how the times and activities stand as of this update. Descriptions of the events, when available, follow in the next section. If a description is available for a particular event, its title in the grid will be shown in green (unless you've "jumped" to the description before, in which case its title in the grid will be shown in light blue). Descriptions were not yet available for the remaining items. You can quickly jump to the description of a green, underlined item by clicking on its title. Be sure to check back periodically for updates!

Event Descriptions

The following are descriptions of some of the events that have currently been selected for inclusion on the final schedule. This list will be updated as more information becomes available, so check back periodically!

Opening Ceremonies

We’ll kick off the con in traditional fashion, with remarks and important info from the concom. Toastmaster Rusty Hevelin will introduce attending celebrities and get everyone ready to have fun! Then the Trans Iowa Canal Company West will present their latest skit. Stay and enjoy it: the consuite won’t open until fifteen or twenty minutes after the play ends, anyway.

Anime Today

A discussion of as many aspects of this enormously popular art form as our panelists can squeeze into an hour.

Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ghost of Honor

Following last year’s tradition, we will be roasting our ghost in good fun. Learn more about the author of the "John Carter of Mars" and "Tarzan" books, or chip in with your own esoteric knowledge.

Why We Read

Join our friends from the Quad Cities for a look at why they as individuals, and we as fans, read. Why do you?

An Evening at the SF Improv

Robert has put together a motley band of improvisational actors to "compete" in a variety of games and tests of improv skill. Disclaimer: DemiCon not responsible for laughter-related injuries. (Scheduled until 11:30.)

Hall Costume Contest

Competing in a costume contest couldn’t be simpler. Just don your garb and wander the convention areas having fun. Our mystery judges will find you! With prizes once again provided by the fine folks from The Theatrical Shop. (Lasts until midnight.)

The Secret World of Esperanto

Esperanto has been created to become a universal language. Author GoH Harry Harrison, a proponent of the language, will share information and anecdotes on the subject, then present a brief lesson. A few volunteers may be selected from the audience for a test on the material.

War Stories from the Huxters’ Room

Tales from the folks who’ve been there, done that, sold the T-shirt. (And dagger, costume, book, etc.) They have a wealth of experience to share from a unique perspective.

Quick, Run up the Stairs! (What’s New with Doctor Who?)

It’s Sci Fi Friday Night and there isn’t a TV around. What are YOU going to do? Join us as we discuss what’s new with Doctor Who, Red Dwarf, and other British programs you can find on your telly.

Tarots of the Future: SF Themes in Tarot

Local tarot enthusiast Jeannette Roth examines how some artists and futurists have attempted to meld speculative (SF) concepts with traditional, archetypal forms through the medium of tarot. Includes slide show.

Remembering Dark Shadows

Remember everything you loved about Dark Shadows? There was the great music, the cheesy special effects, the complicated plot lines, and the fact that it was filmed live, bloopers and all. Then there's Barnabas Collins, a pioneer of vampires on television. How does he compare to the current crop of vampires in movies and books?

Filking

Join us for an irreverent and probably off-key evening! Robert is creating some small songbooks, but bring your own if you have them. Note: some filksongs may not be suitable for children.

All About "Writers of the Future"

The veteran "Writers of the Future" judge talks about the prestigious contest. If you’re trying to get started in the field, you should try to attend this presentation.

Nick Pollotta Reading

Mr. Pollotta has promised a selection from the long awaited fourth book in his popular Bureau 13 series.

Sugar Cube Castle Construction

Ages 5 and up will build entire castle complexes from sugar cubes using frosting mortar. After the building, the castles will be attacked by siege engines made of straws and spoons. Children are to be accompanied by a parent at all times. (About 2 hours.)

An Hour with Harry Harrison

This is your chance to meet with Harry 1-on-1 (okay…1-on-10), to ask him the questions you’ve always wanted to ask. This session is limited to those who have pre-registered according to the instructions in the spring mailer and on the web site. If spots are still available, there will be a sign-up sheet at Registration.
We are now accepting participants via email. Please email info@dmsfs.org to express your interest in this hour with Harry Harrison. The subject must read "Harry." Please include a telephone number and/or a contact e-mail address, so that the organizers may contact you. Only those chosen to participate will be contacted, and their names may be placed on the DemiCon XII website. In the event of a tie, a random drawing will be held.

How I got My Big Break

Attending authors will discuss their own experiences getting started as published writers. How much stamina, talent, and luck does it take?

How to Enjoy Your First Convention

A perennial favorite aimed at helping the first time con-goer maximize their experience while at DemiCon. Come and learn what all of this craziness is about. And don’t forget, it makes a nice refresher course for those more seasoned attendees, too!

F & SF Costuming

If you’re an aspiring costumer, don’t miss the chance to learn from these winners of multiple World Science Fiction Convention Masquerade Best-of-Show awards. They intend to explore making a costume based on a photograph or drawing.

Harry Harrison Book Signing

Bring your books to be autographed by our Author Guest of Honor.

Writers’ Workshop

The author of the Bureau 13 series will be offering suggestions on basic writing technique and tricks of the trade. Attendees do not need to bring a work of their own. Advance sign-up is required, according to the instructions in the spring flyer and on the web-site. If there are still spaces available, there will be a sign-up sheet at Registration.
We are now accepting participants via email. Please email info@dmsfs.org to express your interest in Nick Pollotta's workshop. The subject must read "Writers' Workshop." Please include a telephone number and/or a contact e-mail address, so that the organizers may contact you. Only those chosen to participate will be contacted, and their names may be placed on the DemiCon XII website. In the event of a tie, a random drawing will be held.

Art Show Tour

Sergey Poyarkov Our Artist GoH will conduct a tour of the DemiCon 12 Art Show. See the works through the eyes of a professional artist from a different cultural background: you might be surprised!

Under Pressure: Theories of Massage

Our panelists come from three different backgrounds, use different techniques, and may be looking for different things when they work on someone. Come hear them share their philosophies and methods, followed by a brief demonstration.

Fhannish Diversity

We wanted a sequel to last year’s popular "Color of Fandom" panel, because there was so much left unexplored at the end of the hour. Why does fandom seem to have so little variation, when we pride ourselves on tolerance and open-mindedness? What should be done to change that? Or should we let nature take its course?

M. S. Murdock Reading

Ms. Murdock has taken time out of her busy schedule to share some of her work with DemiCon attendees. Amongst other things, she has written Star Trek and Buck Rogers books.

C. S. Forester: The SF Writers’ Writer

Is the author of the Captain Horatio Hornblower books a significant influence on science fiction authors? Hornblower is supposed to be the basis for Captain Kirk. Find out about other ways that Forester has affected the genre.

Eye of the Beholder: Art and Archetype

Why are all the heroes handsome and the heroines beautiful and curvaceous? Is there a reason why all of the dragons are either cute or majestic? Join our professional artists as they discuss whether art must perpetuate the F & SF archetypes, or whether we’re ready for some changes.

The Complete and Utter Simpsons/Futurama Panel

They’re hit TV shows in this millennium and the last. Join us as we delve into the intricacies and nuances of Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie, and Bart, and critique the inner workings of Fry, Leila, and Bender. (Actually, this is an excuse for the panelists to sit around, talk about their favorite episodes, and have a trivia contest.)

Being Tadao Tomomatsu

We’d tell you more about this one, but we don’t want Tadao to have any warning. Just show up to enjoy the ride as we show our Fan GoH how his friends really feel about him. Special thanks to Emily Christensen of Los Angeles for all of her hard work and help.

Fhannish Family Life: An Open Forum

Come as a family and discuss the challenges and joys of a non-mundane life. ("You took what to show-and-tell?") Bring toys to entertain those too young to participate in the discussion.

Government of the Future

What form will government take as we move forward? What do we want, and are we going to get to choose?

Art Demo

Come to the artists’ workspace in the Art Show to watch Erin at work. She’ll discuss her techniques and answer questions while she creates a work of art. (Lasts until about 5:00.)

Chat with the Guests of Honor

We’ve replaced our Guest Speeches with a more casual discussion. Toastmaster Rusty Hevelin will ask our Guests questions, and keep the conversation going. There should be time for questions from the audience, too.

The Future of Fhandom Speaks Out

If fhandom is to survive, we need for the next generation to be involved. In this panel by teens and for teens, young fans tell us what they think. Adults are welcome, but should remember to respect the panelists.

The Latest from Space

It’s been an exciting year for space buffs. Find out what’s happening in our real-life exploration of the final frontier.

Art Auction

Come join in the fun and frenzy, as your entertaining auctioneers help to find good homes for the masterpieces from this year’s art show.

Tales from the Dawn of Fhan II

If you caught it last year, you loved it. If you didn’t, here’s a second chance to find out how speculative fiction spawned a community known as "Fhans."

The Iron Chef: SF Edition

The hottest show on the Food Network is The Iron Chef, which is kind of a combination of Julia Child and WWF Wrestling. With strange food, great clothes, and the thrill of watching someone make ice cream from squid ink, it seems to be made for fandom. Come enjoy discussions on the best Iron Chef, the best episode, and SF specific ingredients. What would you make for Soylent Green, tribbles, Godzilla meat, or the fannish five basic food groups: fat, sugar, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol?

Formal Masquerade

The annual "spectacle of costuming" with DemiCon members displaying their skill and creativity with anything and everything they can put on or over their bodies. With cash prizes provided once again by The Theatrical Shop.

So You Want to Chair LosCon...

Tadao has been selected to run the next LosCon, which is sponsored by the Los Angeles Science Fiction Society. How does one get such an honor? Besides your own questionable judgement in wanting the job, that is.

How I Knew I Was a Pro: When to Quit Your Day Job

Wannabe’s or the merely curious are invited to hear the stories and discussion from our professional artists and authors on how to decide if it’s time to take the big step.

Drum Jam

Join in this improvisational session. Feel free to bring a drum and participate, or just show up to enjoy the rhythms.

Instant Filk

Participants will try to write a complete song in 30 minutes. They did it last year -- and you can, too! Bring your rhyming dictionaries and you imagination. This is challenging fun for everyone.

Superstitious Is As Superstitious Does

Have fun at this light-hearted look at methods of analysis and prediction, as well as quirky beliefs. Tarot, Ouija boards, numerology, I Ching, runes, black cats, broken mirrors, and anything else may be brought up.

Algis Budrys Reading

Mr. Budrys has been an author and editor for decades, and was a Guest of Honor for the 1997 World Science Fiction Convention. Come listen to him read some of his work, and find out why he’s been successful for so long.

Dragon Story Books and Dragon Puppets

Bring the younger members of your family to hear books about dragons, and to make paper bag dragon puppets. Children should have a parent present for this activity.

Changing the Constitution: Were the Founding Fathers Right?

Mr. Harrison has been researching this idea for his current Stars and Stripes series. Mayor Daniels is a politician and a reader of speculative fiction. How is this document which guides our country holding up? Will it be viable in the future?

The Art of Cline Siegenthaler

Mr. Siegenthaler has prepared a slide show of his work. If you’re familiar with his work, come and enjoy. If not, this is your chance!

Win Les Roth’s Money

This event is based on the Comedy Central game show Win Ben Stein’s Money. It’s a combination of tough trivia, attitude, and a chance to win 5,000 pennies and the admiration of your peers.

Meeting of the Minds

This DemiCon favorite is a discussion between characters from different works of science fiction and/or fantasy.

Comic Books Today

Awaiting Description

State of the 'Net

A discussion of the growth of the Internet. Find out what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s wrong.

Win, Lose, or Draw

The Davenport Area Gathering of Books and Humans will once again host a fhannish version of this game show which features attending artists doing the drawing and you guessing the answers!

Closing Ceremonies

Let the depressurization begin! Join us for the round-up of what happened, how many attended, next year’s guests, and anything else that needs covered before we put the con to bed.

Program Participation

To volunteer to participate in programming events, contact our programming coordinator via any of the following methods: