Saturday Programming

Scheduled Gaming
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Cascade 11 & 12
Day three and scheduled games are still going strong! Come up and see what's on the table; you may have never seen it before! Fill in time between panels and events by learning a new game! The dice are hot, the cards are on the table and the miniatures are marching! Something new every day up in our corner of the Con! Take every opportunity to qualify for a great prize!
Kathi Pickett

Open Gaming
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 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

Building a Balanced Mythos
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Cascade 5
When building a religion for your world, how do you make it balanced and plausible without riffing off of existing religions? How will myth and religion impact your plot and motivate your characters? Why should there be several types of belief systems on a world?
Mary Robinette Kowal(M), Jim Finkel, Jason Henninger, Joshua Palmatier, Mary Rodgers

Impact of Digital Media
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Cascade 6
Hand-held book readers, pocket computers, digital music players, and even cell phones. How have all of these devices changed the way that we access works of art, literature, and music? Where is the technology leading us?
Judith Herman(M), Ben Dobyns, S. Joe Downing, Chris Nilsson

Costume Design for Dummies
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Cascade 9
Ever wondered how to take the idea in your head and make it a reality? Ever sketched that idea and then got stumped on how to refine it? Ever refined an idea only to have it completely fall apart? Join us for a fun discussion on the elements of design and strategies and tips on how to get that idea from your head to become a reality.
Tammie L Dupuis(M), Katrina Marier, Melissa Quinn, Richard Stephens

Teaching the Middle Ages
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Cascade 10
How to make classes in the Middle Ages interactive and interesting. Hands-on approaches to what to teach and how to teach it to make this fascinating period understandable.
G.Robin Smith(M), Jeff Davis, Ben Thompson

Pre-Masquerade Meeting
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
Grand 3
To enter the Masquerade you MUST have attended last night’s meeting or this pre-Masquerade meeting. You do not need to come to both. At this panel you will receive the important information that you need to know to compete. If you haven't already gotten your Masquerade forms at the Information Table, you can get them here. The deadline for all entry forms is 10 a.m. or the end of this panel. If you have questions about entering or aren't quite sure you want to, come to the meeting and all your questions will be answered.
Trent Lum

Reading: David Boop
Saturday, 10:00 –10:30 a.m.
Cascade 3
Murdered in a Mechanical World, Sci-fi Noir, Rating: PG
David Boop

Resurrection...Good or Bad?
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Cascade 5
Is the constant revival of dead superheroes good, or is it time to push the stories forward? Should American comics borrow from anime and truly kill popular characters off? Should characters like Bruce Wayne and Wolverine ever really die?
Andrew Dolbeck(M), Marcus Evenstar, Brandon Jerwa

The Return of Mythology
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Cascade 6
Pull out that dusty copy of Bulfinch’s because you’re going to need it! Clash of the Titans is getting a fresh coat of computer-generated paint, Percy Jackson has a pantheon of a cast, Dante’s Inferno is going to be a hell of a game and the third installation in the God of War series proves just how much we love ripping the heads off Gorgons. Why do these stories have such staying power and why do we keep recreating them in new ways? Are this generation’s interpretations of classical mythology darker than those previously seen?
Spencer Ellsworth(M), Yasmine Galenorn, Jason Henninger

The Ethics of War Machines
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Cascade 7
The military is investing serious bucks in military robots. Some are perfectly benign, like robot logistical transport vehicles. But last year one blew up a house in Pakistan, killing 18 people. What happens if we give robots the decision-making authority of when and whom to kill? How will you feel about the Marines looking for a few good circuits? And who does the programming for these machines? What happens to the 3 Laws?
Brenda Cooper(M), Mike Brennan, Robert Grey

Queen Elizabeth Goes To The Movies
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Cascade 8
Distinctive elements of Elizabethan clothing have influenced costume designers since the start of movie making. Join us for a survey of costumes/movies spanning several decades as we see where Elizabethan fashion finds itself and how it's re-done to fit into various cinematic worlds such as Dune, Star Wars, and other blockbusters.
Tammie L Dupuis(M), Julie Zetterberg

Alien Biology
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Cascade 9
How would alien bodies operate? How would they move? Breathe? Eat? Reproduce? Would their biochemical mechanisms be similar to ours, or would they evolve entirely different paths? Would they need all of the same functions that we have?
Brent Kellmer(M), Pat MacEwen, Annie Morton

Family-Friendly Games
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Cascade 10
Panel experts discuss what makes a family-friendly game and what options are out there for the family that wants to game together. Our panelists will discuss age- and family-appropriate games for all ages, covering everything from board and card games to video games.
Chris Pramas(M), James Ernest, Mike Selinker

Monster Mash
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Cascade 13
Don your best mad scientist outfit and come create marvelous monsters and creative chimera along with Dr. Meme No/Yes, Master Monster Maker! We will take cute fluffy animals, hack them into pieces, and then reassemble them in wholly unnatural ways. WARNING! Not for the easily distressed or children! We will be working with scissors and needles, and as such only mature mad scientists will be allowed to participate. The only skills required are the most rudimentary of sewing skills (plush is very forgiving) and a sick sense of humor. There will be a $5 materials fee per participant to cover the cost of DNA splitters, splicers, and experimental specimens., Rating: $
Mimi Noyes(M), Roberta Gregory

The Years’s Best Fantasy and Science Fiction of 2009
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Evergreen 1
Our panel will discuss the best stories and/or novels they read in 2009 and explain what made them great. You’ll come away with a reading list of books you might not otherwise have heard of!
Derek Zumsteg(M), David Hartwell, Bob Kruger

Let's Make a Movie: Shoot It!
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Evergreen 2
You were there for Part 1, right, where we figured out what we needed and planned this movie all out? Quick! Time travel! In part 2, we shoot like mad weasels, because there's not much time and if we're going to make a movie at light speed, then we have to move like light! So, don't be late, or you'll just see red-shifted versions of us. The key to making a movie, of course, is to get the footage in the can! Or, "box", actually, because we're shooting video. But you know what we mean.
Ryan K. Johnson, Edward Martin III, Eric Morgret, Brian D. Oberquell

Writing For Young Adults
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
Does it take special training or knowledge to write for young adults? Are they different from adult works in any way, other than vocabulary? How do you break in? What are the boundaries? How do you stay honest to the story's integrity and still be sensitive to the need to restrict content for young readers?
Steven Barnes(M), Alma Alexander, Cory Doctorow, Lisa Mantchev

The Trouble with Tribbles Workshop
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Olympic 1
Everyone wants a fuzzy Tribble or two, don't they? Since it is illegal to transport them, come and make your own! We'll help with the cutting, sewing, and stuffing (but we won't feed them!).
LouAnna Valentine

John Jude Palencar Slideshow
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Grand 2
John Jude Palencar

501st Charity Event
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Rotunda 2
Have you ever wanted to have your picture taken with Darth Vader and/or Storm Troopers on the Death Star? Your dreams can come true; the 501st Legion is back again, but in a new location. You can find them in the second floor Rotunda where a photographer will take your picture in front of a backdrop of the Death Star. Your picture will be printed out on-site, ready to show off to your friends! This year all proceeds will be donated to Clarion West, a charity that provides high-quality educational opportunities for writers of speculative fiction at the start of their careers. Norwescon is very excited to be sponsoring Clarion West this year as it is dear to many of our panelists and guests.
Marc Semenchuk

Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Salon
Latecomers welcome! Even if you missed Friday's session, you can still join the Norwescon Scavenger Hunt! Stop by to pick up the list and the rules. If you are already hunting, feel free to ask for clarification on what we are looking for and see how the other teams are doing.
Sheye Blaze

Reading: Rosemary Jones
Saturday, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 3
Dusty Bones, A graveyard adventure in Waterdeep, Rating: G
Rosemary Jones

Reading: Lisa Mantchev
Saturday, 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Cascade 3
Backstage at the Théâtre Illuminata, Join the author for further tales of Beatrice Shakespeare Smith and her fairy friends, with a sneak preview of Book 2 in the series, Perchance To Dream. Door prizes, chocolate, and mayhem guaranteed!, Rating: G
Lisa Mantchev

The Themes and Career of Poul Anderson
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 4
Poul Anderson is remembered as one of the most imaginative and hugely prolific authors of science fiction’s Golden Age, yet his solid body of work spans decades beyond. The winner of, or nominee for, at least 30 major science fiction awards, he wrote some 70 novels, and over 100 short stories (plus novellas and novelettes and even a handful of chapbooks). We'll discuss some of the themes and high points in the work of this popular award-winning author.
Astrid Anderson Bear(M), John P. Alexander, Elton Elliott, Doug Odell, Renee Stern

Old-Fashioned Horror
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 5
100 years ago, the first Frankenstein movie was filmed. 50 years later came Hitchcock's Psycho. What has scared us in the past 100 years to get where we are now? Have we moved beyond these two classic films (and others), or do they still have an impact on us?
Julie McGalliard(M), Phillip Brugalette, Derek M. Koch

The Editor and Writer Relationship
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 6
A good editor can be a writer’s best friend. What should a writer expect from their editor? What should they ask for; and how should they respond to their editor’s requests for changes? Editors will provide guidelines for new writers on the etiquette of the editor/writer relationship.
Greg Cox(M), Jim Finkel, Ian McDonald, Anthony Pryor, Ken Scholes, Janna Silverstein

The Best and Worst Movies of 2009
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 7
2009 was an interesting year for movies - it brought us the resurgence of Captain Kirk and the even harder downfall of two Hasbro toy franchises. Come debate with your fellow critics on what were the best and worst movies of 2009.
Gareth Von Kallenbach(M), Steven Barnes, Shannon Flowers, Judith Herman, Keith Johnson

Forgotten Realms: Past, Present, Future
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 8
Since 1987, this campaign setting has grown and developed, generating over two hundred novels, dozens of computer RPGs, and a host of adventures and gaming supplements. Join our distinguished group of gaming professionals as they discuss the Forgotten Realms and their parts in developing it.
Jeff Grubb(M), Richard Baker, Bruce R. Cordell

The Dilution of the Fannish Ideal
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 9
Fen once believed that we were a breed apart from the general population and now fandom is nearly mainstream. What does that mean for the future fandom? If everyone is a fan are we now all mundanes?
Don Glover(M), Cory Doctorow, Chris Nilsson

Evolution of the Spacesuit
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Cascade 10
It’s not easy to design a suit to shield you from the harshness of space (or moondust!) and allow you to work at the same time. Come and discuss how spacesuit design has evolved over time, and the latest advances attempting to make suits lighter and with greater mobility.
Arthur Bozlee, Guy Immega, David Stuart, Chris Vancil

Theatrical Period Undergarments Revealed
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
The very popular Seattle Opera Trunk Show returns with a two hour costume showcase featuring Period Undergarments from the Seattle Opera Collection. Dress forms will be layered up with various period undergarments and then dressed with era-appropriate clothes to demonstrate how foundation garments create an authentic historical look. Discussion will include the differences between true historic foundation garments and the concessions that are necessary for modern theatrical use.
Richard Stephens, Ieva Ohaks

Bureaucratic Mechanisms to Hasten (or Retard) Humanity's Conquest of Space
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
What can we do to push space exploration through the labyrinth of political agendas, funding faux pas, and bureaucratic stalemates? Is it even possible? Are there alternative possibilities (public and private)? Are self-sufficient space colonies a possible reality or a fantasy?
Derek Zumsteg(M), Greg Bear, Brenda Cooper, Vernor Vinge

Star Trek: Phoenix Premiere
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Grand 2
Star Trek: Phoenix is returning to Norwescon! Cast and crew are coming back to share the premiere in a special fan screening of the Phoenix pilot, ‘Cloak & Dagger,’ on April 3. The pilot takes place in 2422, one year into the USS Phoenix's maiden voyage. After a major attack on the ship, the captain and crew launch a mission to rescue an away team stranded on the remote planet Katrassii Prime. But, the closer they get to rescuing their shipmates, the more they become entangled in the secrets contained on the perilous, hostile planet. A "Making Of" documentary and a Q&A session featuring cast and producers follow the screening. Star Trek: Phoenix is a fan-based series set 42 years in the future from Star Trek: Nemesis. http://www.stphoenix.com/
Leo Roberts(M), Ben Andrews, S. Joe Downing, Merrillee Schedin, Rob Welch

Reading: Darragh Metzger
Saturday, Noon – 12:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Green Triad, 4th in a series; fantasy adventure, Rating: PG
Darragh Metzger

Sucks To Be Medusa
Saturday, Noon
Cascade 4
The story of Medusa is one of the most tragic in Greek lore and yet her iconic image continues to haunt and intrigue us to this day. Find out how a wig of snakes was one of the least of this poor girl's problems and how her tragic story is a commentary on the culture that spawned her.
Mark Roland(M), Bethalynne Bajema, S. J. Tucker

Write a Story in an Hour
Saturday, Noon
Cascade 5
Prompts will be given to attendees and they will be given time to write a story. Discussion to follow – where did you go with your story? What fandom did you choose?
Cheryl Dyson, Byaghro Esby Gibson

Feminist Female Protagonists in Urban Fantasy?
Saturday, Noon
Cascade 6
In urban fantasy, we have violent, kick-ass heroines… who are also subject to insecurities and exhibit several other problematic traits that bring their real, functional strength into question. This genre is admired for its strong women characters—that’s often the reason given for its appeal and popularity -- but is the genre also guilty of undermining some of those strengths?
Jeanne C. Stein(M), Mark Henry, Loree Parker, Saje Williams

Fone in the Filk
Saturday, Noon
Cascade 7
The left side of the audience will be given lines from filk songs and told to whisper them to their neighbours on the right. Our pros will plug whatever comes out the right side back into the songs, and try to sing them verbatim. Good luck with that!
David Nasset, Sr., Mickey Phoenix, Vixy & Tony

Augmented Reality
Saturday, Noon
Cascade 8
Imagine a future when you can overlay reality with any additional information or images you like. It’s starting to happen now, with smartphone applications available any day now (already?). To what uses will it be put? Will we lose touch with actual reality?
Miki Garrison(M), Kurt Cagle, Sonia Orin Lyris, Burt Webb

Writing for the Gaming Industry
Saturday, Noon
Cascade 10
How do you write for a game? How does it differ from writing a novel or short story? How does writing for a video game differ from RPGs or board games? What are they looking for? Our panel of editors, publishers, and gaming authors and freelancers share what is wanted - nay! what is needed! – from writers in the gaming industry.
Sean K Reynolds(M), Michelle Lyons, Mike Mearls, Andy Megowan

Polymer Clay Demo
Saturday, Noon
Cascade 13
Come learn to work with polymer clay and make the creatures you love!
Jacqualynn D. Duram Nilsson(M), Myke Amend

Spotlight Publisher: TOR
Saturday, Noon
Evergreen 2
Jim Finkel, David Hartwell

Reading: G. Nordley
Saturday, 12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
To Climb a Flat Mtn, Novel excerpt: marooned on a cubical world, Rating: PG
G. David Nordley

Reading: Adrian Phoenix
Saturday, 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Black Dust Mambo, urban fantasy novel, Rating: PG
Adrian Phoenix

That Was a Great YA Series! Mmm. What Next?
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
Just finished a great book or series? What should you read next? The YA choices have grown by leaps and bounds; and we’ve got the inside scoop on the next great thing you’ll love to read.
Lisa Mantchev(M), Spencer Ellsworth, Rosemary Jones

Women Characters in Comics
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
A look at some well known female characters and related themes. How do portrayals of women in manga and other foreign comics differ from portrayals in the U.S.? Are there some universal constants? Is the "Women in refrigerators" theory relevant? Not to mention universal…
Ashley Cook(M), Andrew Dolbeck, Michael Ehart, Marcus Evenstar

Attaching This to That
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Ever ask yourself, “How the heck can I attach foo to bar?” Should I weld it? Sew it? Glue it? Tape it? And if so, what kind of welding material? What kind of glue? What kind of tape? Artists using all types of different media will be here to offer their expertise, share their own stories, and answer your questions.
Jeff Sturgeon(M), Durlyn, Neil (Lights) Duttkin, Peggy Foy, John R. Gray III

Hollywood Goes Green! Wait, They're Remaking What?
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Yeah, we all know that asteroid was a potato, that doesn’t mean they need to re-shoot the entire movie 30 years later! Hollywood is on an updating rampage, and everything from The Prisoner to The Smurfs is scheduled for a 21st century makeover. My childhood is rolling in its grave. And that’s not even mentioning everything they’ve already gotten their “artistic license” on! Panelists will discuss the influence the modern world has on the various TV shows and movies we grew up with and whether "modernization" was for the better. Do the remakes make the grade?
Brian D. Oberquell(M), Mark Rahner, Jesse Simpson

Mars: Where We Are and Where to Go From Here
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Come and hear about the latest discoveries on Mars and discuss NASA’s new joint plan with the European Space Agency for the future of Mars exploration.
Spring Schoenhuth(M), Tanya N. Harrison, David Stuart, Chris Vancil

The Genre Divide
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
What are the differences between literature and genre fiction? Are they real or artificial? What differentiates fantasy from horror? Does New York hate what we do?
Cat Rambo(M), Greg Bear, Greg Cox, Jim Finkel, David Hartwell, Janna Silverstein

The Greener Revolution
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
The 1960s saw vast improvements in worldwide crop yields. How will we feed the world’s growing population? Genetically engineered crops? Vertical farms? Will there be a place for organic agriculture?
Annie Morton(M), Russell D. Campbell, Amy Thomson

Mask Making
Saturday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
A return of this all-ages favorite, members of the Beyond Reality Costumer’s Guild assist you in making your own unique piece of wearable art using poster board, fabric, adhesives, trim, jewelry bits, low-temp hot glue, and more. Children need to be accompanied by their adults, but all will have fun. If you have special bits you would like to use, bring them, but otherwise materials are provided.
Vicki Glover(M), Terri "Sprite" Specht

Ask the Gamemasters
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
Has your current campaign reached a dead end? Not sure how to keep your players happy? Have a problem player that you need to deal with? Want to add some house rules to your game, but unsure how to make them work? Come to this panel with questions about your RPG campaign.
Erik Mona(M), Jason Bulmahn, Sean K Reynolds

Once More, With Feeling: the Joss Whedon Sing-a-Long
Saturday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Evergreen 2
Sing along with the Buffy musical - full version!

Autograph Session #2
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
John P. Alexander, Carol Berg, David Boop, SatyrPhil Brucato, Ted Butler, Bruce R. Cordell, Dr. John G. Cramer, Jeff Davis, A.M. Dellamonica, Cory Doctorow, James Ernest, Yasmine Galenorn, Daryl Gregory, Jeff Grubb, Eileen Gunn, Brandon Jerwa, Jak Koke, Ian McDonald, John Jude Palencar, Kevin Radthorne, Ken Scholes, Lorelei Shannon, Jack Skillingstead, G.Robin Smith, S. J. Tucker, Vernor Vinge, Gareth Von Kallenbach

Star Trek Scene-It
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Olympic 1
Test your knowledge of all things Star Trek against like-minded humanoids.
James Poua

Poker Tournament Qualifying Round 7
Saturday, 1:00 – 3:00 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

The Dummy Is You!
Saturday, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Salon
Learn how to create your own paper tape and or duct tape custom dress form that you can use to sculpt and build fit specific clothing. This workshop will show you how to build, stabilize and maintain your duct tape form and how having a custom built dress form will improve and enhance your costuming skills. You will need to bring your own materials: A t-shirt that can be cut up, and a roll of paper (painters) tape.
Molly Boone, Jonnalyhn Wolfcat

Reading: Mary Robinette Kowal
Saturday, 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
Excerpt from Shades of Milk and Honey, Mary Robinette Kowal's debut novel, coming out from Tor in Spring of 2010. It's what Jane Austen would write, if she wrote fantasy., Rating: G
Mary Robinette Kowal

Reading: S. Tucker
Saturday, 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Rabbit's Song, Trickster chooses Rabbit, Coyote, Raven, and Crow to help him teach humans the value of laughter., Rating: G
S. J. Tucker

Little Known Horror Movies
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
Are there horror movies that every horror fan should see but they might not have heard about? Come hear about the forgotten, neglected, lost, and even foreign films you shouldn’t watch at 3:00 a.m.
Lorelei Shannon(M), Phillip Brugalette, Nathan Crowder, James Jacobs, Anthony Pryor

The Clarion West Writers Workshop
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
The Clarion West Workshop is in its 27th year of providing a six-week workshop for writers of fantasy and science fiction. Graduates of Clarion West will talk about their experience and answer your questions.
Leslie Howle(M), Greg Cox, Caren Gussoff, Jordan Lapp, David J. Williams

Spaceships, Armor, and Machines, Oh My!
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Drawing convincing looking spaceships, tanks, mechanized armor, vehicles, and other technology is a whole other animal in the arena of art. Come learn how to design and create science fiction technology that looks believable.
Brian Snoddy, Mark Tedin

Techno Greens Technology Vs. The Environment- Is it Really a Battle?
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Is there a middle path between raping the land and living in a cave? Is there a mid-point between the classic anti-technology greens and the pro-technology polluters? Can you support both nuclear power and composting worms? Are we missing some part of the solution here, or are technology and the environment always at war? Can technology and environmentalism coexist? Do we have to give up our computers and cars to save the planet? If we are pro-science, are we destroying the ecosystem? Are agricultural biotech, industrial advances, and all those non-biodegradable components in our ipods and cell phones going to spell the end of life as we know it? Or is technology the only thing that might save the earth in the end? Come help define the middle ground between the two extremes.
Jim Kling(M), Mike Brennan, Russell D. Campbell

Women in Gaming
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Our all-female panel of gaming professionals discusses the growing presence / awareness of women in playing and designing games, not to mention busting those “girl gamer” myths. Our panelists will discuss gaming from card/board games to video games, how they got started in the industry, and how you can, too!
Julie Haehn(M), Claire Hummel, Michelle Lyons, Donna "Danicia" Prior

Future of Medicine
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
What’s the future of diseases and cures? Some forms of cancer may be caused by a virus. Some causes of cervical cancer may be prevented by a vaccine. Yet the new H1N1 flu shot was in short supply until recently. Even if we can “cure” cancer and other diseases, will new diseases crop up to replace the old scourges… and human nature being what it is, will everyone benefit from the “new medicine”?
Miki Garrison(M), Matt Bamberger, Matt Hammond

What Exactly is Medieval – And What Was it Really Like?
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
Thinking of finally writing that lovely historic fantasy set in “medieval” 17th century Florence? - Wondering what kind of castle, peasant or cow to draw for that new medieval-themed role-playing game? – Just wondering where to look for authentic inspiration for your school’s next production of “The Tempest?" – Come partake of an hour’s trip through the Middle Ages and discover the answers to these and many other questions.
Cymbric Early-Smith(M), Christopher Konker, Rebecca Neason

The Church of the SubGenius: The One True Religion, a Cheap Fraud, or Both?
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
Let the Saint of Sales, J.R. "Bob" Dobbs, and his Church of the SubGenius wipe that smile back onto your face! Local SubGenius contributor Popess Lilith von Fraumench and others will explain the world's first Industrial Religion, do-it-yourself dogma for Superior Mutants, the precepts of Slack, the Arisal of the alien sex goddesses, and The Conspiracy Of Normalcy. Confused? After this lightning round of divine frenzy, confusion will be the least of your worries—but you'll laugh all the way to Planet X anyhow!
Lilith von Fraumench(M), Marcus Evenstar, Sonia Orin Lyris

Autograph Session #3
Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
Alexander James Adams, Myke Amend, Brenda Cooper, Dr. John G. Cramer, Cory Doctorow, S. Joe Downing, Michael Ehart, Roberta Gregory, Mark Henry, Jean Johnson, Rosemary Jones, Mary Robinette Kowal, G. David Nordley, John Jude Palencar, Joshua Palmatier, Adrian Phoenix, Irene Radford, Cat Rambo, Sean K Reynolds, Ben Thompson, Amy Thomson, Vernor Vinge, Rob Welch

Reading: G.Robin Smith
Saturday, 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
EAS Androcles, Sci-fi, Earth Colonies, separated 100 years from us, reconnect but refuse to come back 'under' Earth's dominion., Rating: PG
G.Robin Smith

Reading: Guy Immega
Saturday, 3:00 – 3: 30 p.m.
Cascade 3
A Little Knowledge, Biological Singularity, Rating: G
Guy Immega

It Ain't All Geetars and Mopy
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
Non-folk filk–nerdcore, chiptunes, internet musiks: it's here, it beeps, it rocks, and it raps. Get used to it.
Dara Korra'ti(M), Jess Hart, Steven Perry

Developing a Writers Toolbox and Honing Your Skills
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
Do you keep submitting your work and receiving rejections? Have you hit a plateau with your writing? If you can’t afford a six-week workshop like Clarion West, where can you go to hone your skills? We’ll discuss writers’ workshops, online critique groups, how to start a critique group of your own, and contests, like Writers of the Future, that offer workshops.
Leslie Howle(M), Ken Scholes, Jack Skillingstead, Patrick Swenson

Fanfiction and Fanart - Where to Find It, Where to Post It
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
A listing of where some of the best fanfiction and fanart can be found. Some suggested sites for finding it as well as how to locate where to post your own.
Cheryl Dyson, Peggy Stewart

LGBT in Fandom
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Attitudes have changed a lot in the last twenty or so years; but how is it for those struggling with their identities and sexualities? We encourage young people with questions about their sexual identity and place in society and fandom to come to talk and share strength with each other and older fen who’ve been through it themselves.
Loree Parker(M), Dierdre Phoenix, Mickey Schulz

Sci-fi and Fantasy shows on TV
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Discussions regarding the current TV sci-fi and fantasy series. (ie. Heroes, Flash Forward, Doll House, Fringe, Chuck, Eureka, Bones, Stargate Universe, Sanctuary). The good, the bad, what works, what doesn't, and what folks like.
Chris Nilsson(M), Elton Elliott, Judith Herman, Brandon Jerwa, Doug Odell

Finding Inspiration
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
The creative process can often be a tricky one and it is easy to fall into ruts or hit a blank wall. Our panelists will discuss how to develop ideas, create compelling subject matter, and what to do when you find yourself stuck, not knowing what to do for your next piece of art.
Rob Carlos(M), Durlyn, Betsy Mott, John Jude Palencar, Mark Roland, Jeff Sturgeon

Best Sewing Advice I Ever Got
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
Our blue ribbon panel of experienced costume pros share the best advice they have had on topics ranging from laying out a sewing room, how to budget and shop for large costume projects, to fitting yourself and more.
Katrina Marier(M), Tammie L Dupuis, Joanne Kirley, Anita Taylor, Julie Zetterberg

Miniatures Painting 101 Workshop
Saturday, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
See all the cool miniatures in the game & hobby stores? Want to paint up one for your D&D game or paint an entire army for miniatures gaming? Come learn the basics on how to get started painting miniatures. Paints to use and a miniature to keep will be provided for 25 people for a workshop fee of $5. If you would like to bring your own miniature, you are invited to attend if space is available. Rating: $
Sean K Reynolds, Dylan S.

The Origin of the Species: Zombies
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
Without Romero where would zombies be? Without 1968's Night of the Living Dead, would zombies be different in our media now, or would they be around at all? What seminal tropes did the classic film originate, or at least popularize?
Derek M. Koch(M), Steven Barnes, The Reverend En Fuego, Mark Rahner

Interview with Vernor Vinge
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Evergreen 2
Greg Bear, Vernor Vinge

Road Warrior Arsenal Factory
Saturday, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Olympic 1
Design and construct your own post-apocalypic arsenal from our wide variety of lost-and-found materials.
Kim Poua

Poker Tournament Qualifying Round 8
Saturday, 3:00 – 5:00 p.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

Reading: Eric James Stone
Saturday, 3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
Rejiggering the Thingamajig, An intelligent T. Rex and a talking gun…, Rating: PG
Eric James Stone

Reading: Victoria Shaffer
Saturday, 4:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Counting Heartbeats, Poetic Prose, Rating: PG
Victoria Shaffer

Military, War, and the Government: What's a Hero to Do?
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
As in other matters of morality, war is more ambiguous in urban fantasy than it is in traditional fantasy. With its emphasis on the individual, does urban fantasy often portray large units such as the military and government agencies as the Big Bad? Are they more likely to be the thing to escape than the thing to join?
Bart Kemper(M), Kim Ritchie, Jaye Wells

Comic Cross-overs and Tie-ins
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
As comics become ever more mainstream, more tie-ins are coming from popular video games, TV shows, and books. A look at the unique aspects of writing in an established universe defined by a different medium.
Greg Cox(M), Jeff Grubb, Brandon Jerwa

Spirits in my Television
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
A discussion regarding the impact, popularity, use of science and equipment etc., as well as the fascination of the paranormal genre from Ghost Hunters to Ghost Whisperer. Additionally, the ethical and legal issues that are raised by the depiction of purportedly paranormal events on a television program.
Janna Silverstein(M), Jeff Davis, Jeromie Foulger, Adrian Phoenix

Goth Parenting
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Whether you’re a gothic parent or the parent of a goth, subcultures add a whole new dimension to even the most basic of parenting topics. Come and join us as we discuss all things goth and parenting, from how to set boundaries on attire for your budding fashionista (while honoring her creativity) to finding gothy breast-feeding clothes.
Alexia Roy(M), Andrew Herington, Bryan Lovely, Jen Lovely

Computers and the Changing Face of Education
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
The $100 laptop for the Third World, schools in the US that require each student to have a state-of-the-art laptop, accredited universities accepting online courses for class work, the prevalence of online research. Will there come a time when the traditional school disappears all together?
Sonia Orin Lyris(M), Ted Butler, Kurt Cagle, John M. Lawler

Artificial Intelligence: How Far Off Is HAL?
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
2001 has come and gone, yet we’re nowhere near inventing a self-aware artificial personality. We’ll explore what must happen before we can create an emotional, reasoning being. Along the way, we’ll discuss state-of-the-art applications for AI elements such as heuristic learning, data-mining netbots, robotics, facial recognition, and natural language processing.
Mary Rosenblum(M), Ted Chiang, Janet Freeman, Brian David Johnson

Posing For The Camera
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
How to show off a costume to its best advantage, using props to their fullest, and creating a persona that reads right in a photo.
Jonnalyhn Wolfcat(M), Joanne Kirley, Diana Vick

Upcoming Video Games of 2010-2012
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
A one-hour panel that looks at upcoming games as well as some of the movie tie ins. Q and A is involved as well as swag and gifts for congoers. Examples include new Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien; games from films, as well as stand alone games.
Gareth Von Kallenbach

Quantum Entanglement, Nonlocality, and Back-In-Time Messages
Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Evergreen 2
Featured Presentation by Science Guest of Honor John Cramer
Dr. John G. Cramer

S.J. Tucker with guests Vixy and Tony in Concert
Saturday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
S. J. Tucker, Vixy & Tony

Keysigning Reception
Saturday, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Presidential Suite
Join Special Guest of Honor Cory Doctorow for a keysigning reception - bring your key! Don't know what keysigning is? Come find out!
Cory Doctorow

Reading: Andy Bunch
Saturday, 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
Suffering Rancor, gritty coming-of-age fantasy, Rating: PG 13, for epic battle scenes
Andy R. Bunch

Reading: Bruce Cordell
Saturday, 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Key of Stars, Book 3 of the Abolethic Sovereignty, FR, D&D, Rating: PG
Bruce R. Cordell

The Publishing Revolution
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
The future of publishing is a big question mark right now as traditional publishing houses shrink along with the economy. At the same time, multiple versions of community-driven new media publishing models are popping up all over the internet; and some of the best fiction being written today is showing up on the web out of small independent publishers. What’s happening, what’s the future of publishing, and how can you become part of the publishing revolution?
Jak Koke(M), Bob Kruger, Chris Pramas, Patrick Swenson

Subversive Content in Sequential Art
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
Comics are seen as a juvenile medium here in the U.S. The benefits of this perception include more creative freedom than other media for social criticism, political satire, homosexual themes, and other controversial topics. Does the art form promote radical content, or does the lack of outside pressure from a wider audience give creators the freedom to say whatever the *%#& they want?
Mark Rahner(M), SatyrPhil Brucato, Roberta Gregory

Biological Inspirations
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Mining biology for story ideas. What do you read to keep up with the field? What new discoveries are fodder for science fiction? How do you find good resources for research?
Annie Morton(M), David W. Ehlert, Miki Garrison, Raymond McCauley

Gender and Sexuality in SF/F
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Does SF/F have a responsibility to work outside the gender norms? How do SF/F authors play with gender and sexuality in their works? Are the works of the early authors who played with gender, such as James Tiptree, Jr., still relevant? Up for discussion are the works of Tiptree, Jacqueline Carey, and others.
Jean Johnson(M), Jake Ballin, Keffy R. M. Kehrli

Narrative Structure
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Most readers read for story; but a story has to hang from a structure, and if the structure fails the story will collapse. The story’s structure dictates where the story starts, where it ends, where each of the plot elements fits, and charts the space in which your characters’ change and developments take place. Structure more than anything else will keep the reader’s eyes glued to the page to find out what happens next. Writers share how they approach narrative structure and plot.
Leslie Howle(M), Daryl Gregory, Ian McDonald, Cat Rambo, G.Robin Smith

Costumeblock: I’m Stuck and I’m Not Sure What to Do Next
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
I have this great costume (idea, in process, needs finish details) and I’m not sure what to do next. Come talk to others who experience the same issue and hear what they do to beat the dreaded affliction … Costumeblock.
Tammie L Dupuis(M), Janet Borkowski, Joanne Kirley, Wendy Prather

Meet the Cast of Star Trek: Phoenix
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
Start Trek: Phoenix is a fan based series set 42 years in the future from Star Trek: Nemesis. The Star Trek: Phoenix Cast Panel will feature the entire principal cast from the series including Ben Andrews (Avari), Ben Johnson (Jaryn), James Lyle (Alden), Roy Stanton (T’Von), Elle Viane Sonnet (Solara), Nicole Santora (Vu’Shan), S. Joe Downing (Niran), Vanessa Cobbs (Laenah), and Jesse Pattison (Karkko). Also joining the cast panel will be the creator and senior executive producer, Leo Roberts. This panel is open to Q&A from fans and discussion topics related to the pilot ‘Cloak & Dagger’ or the series in general. Find out more about us here: www.stphoenix.com/
Leo Roberts(M), Ben Andrews, S. Joe Downing, Merrillee Schedin, Rob Welch

Figure Drawing Demo
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Come watch, learn, and discuss how our professional artists draw the human figure. Immediately following this panel will be the Costumed Figure Drawing Workshop, where attendees will have the chance to put what they’ve learned into practice.
Rob Carlos(M), Julie Baroh, Betty Bigelow

The Future of Human Spaceflight
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
With the impending retirement of the space shuttle (and possibly the space station), there is no completed up-and-running replacement and a grim outlook from the Augustine Commission. What is the future of human spaceflight when it comes to NASA? Can private industry step up to the plate?
Charles F Radley(M), Arthur Bozlee, Elton Elliott, Doug Odell, David Stuart

Setting up the Pieces
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Evergreen 2
So, you have a great board game idea. You may even have a prototype, and have been playtesting it with friends. Or maybe you haven’t. Join us to hear from people in the industry how to design your own board game (so that it can actually be made), and what you need to do to get your board game published.
James Ernest(M), Jeremy Holcomb, Mike Selinker

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

Reading: Christopher Bodan
Saturday, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
The Hiss of Steam and the Scrape of Claws, Rating: PG
Christopher Bodan

Reading: Joshua Palmatier
Saturday, 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Mastihooba, SF Horror short story, Rating: PG
Joshua Palmatier

What Popped Your Fannish Cherry?
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
How did you join fandom and how did your life change? Are you still interested in what brought you into fandom or have your tastes changed? Come share and learn with fellow fen.
Kevin Standlee, Amy Thomson

Comics and Film
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
The last decade has seen an explosion of comics being made into movies, both indie and mainstream. Do these films live up to the comics they are inspired by? Have we really reached the saturation point, like Spider-Man, where comics directors need to find new sources of inspiration? Is it time to take a break from the genre and reboot a few years from now?
John P. Alexander(M), Greg Cox, Nathan Crowder

How Sci-fi Shaped the Space Program
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
How has science fiction literature influenced the course of space exploration, and vice versa?
Brian David Johnson(M), Chris Vancil

Movie or Not to Movie
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
How do you feel when they take your favorite YA book and make it a movie? Do the characters look and act the way you think they should? How about that big part of the book they left out? A discussion for our younger members.
Lisa Mantchev(M), Dierdre Phoenix, Spring Schoenhuth

Low-energy Future?
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Are we doomed to a low-energy future (Think bicycles instead of cars, etc.) by climate change, peak oil, and population growth? Can we avoid it with technology, like LEDs, hybrid cars, and small-scale solar, wind, and hydro?
Kurt Cagle(M), Jak Koke, Greg Paddock, Charles F Radley

Advanced Polyamory
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
So, you’ve decided that polyamory is the lifestyle for you. What are the legal ramifications of having more than one partner? What do you do about buying a house? Having children? Power of Attorney? Come and hear people who have successfully navigated the legal sea of polyamory.
Loree Parker(M), Kal Cobalt, Robert Grey

Costume Tips from Medieval Recreationists
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
Some of the best medieval recreationists around share their secrets. Get the inside scoop on finishing techniques, how to research period garb, how to execute these designs, and how to utilize modern techniques.
Cymbric Early-Smith(M), Tammie L Dupuis, Deborah Strub

Figure Drawing Workshop – Models In Costume
Saturday, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Models in costume will do a variety of short and medium length poses (3 to 10 minutes). Everyone is welcome to come and sketch or paint. Please bring your own drawing and painting supplies.
Anita Taylor(M), Victoria Shaffer

Surveillance in the 21st Century – is it Good or Bad?
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
This is the age of hidden cameras, X-ray scans, the e-mail trail, and the illegal act caught on tape. Surveillance immediately conjures up images of Big Brother and nefarious uses of eavesdropping technology. But it can have its positive uses, including the detection of robberies. Surveillance is everywhere, wanted or unwanted; is it good or bad? Where is surveillance technology going – what are the technologies and the implications?
Cat Rambo(M), Cory Doctorow, Michael Ehart, Eileen Gunn, Ian McDonald

Let's Make a Movie: Edit It!
Saturday, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Evergreen 2
Let's make a movie! You were there for Part 2, right, where we shot video like crazy? Quick! Time travel! In part 3, we show you a little about editing, how we put all that crazy footage down and make it into a movie that makes some kind of sense. Actually, we hope it makes some kind of sense. We never really know. If you bought a computer within the past two years, chances are excellent that you have more digital video editing power at your fingertips than has ever been subject to the hands of Ordinary People. Learn about using this power for Good. Or Evil. We don't care, because we only use it for Fun. The key to making a movie, of course, is editing.
Edward Martin III, Eric Morgret, Brian D. Oberquell

Kinderfilk
Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Olympic 1
Filk singalong for kids!
Ash Productions, Callie Hills, Creede Lambard, David Nasset, Sr.

Babel
Saturday, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Presidential Suite
Come join representatives from local fannish clubs and learn about opportunities to help your community while having fun! Several of our local fan groups will be available to fill you in on what their club does. If you've always wondered what these groups do, come meet them, and find out!

Reading: Renee Stern
Saturday, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
TBD, Rating: PG?
Renee Stern

Reading: Cymbric Early-Smith
Saturday, 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
Twinned Souls, Historic Fantasy, Rating: PG
Cymbric Early-Smith

Finding a Beta
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
What’s the value of a good beta? We’ll talk about where to find beta readers for different genres, and how to become a beta reader if you love to read and edit.
Byaghro Esby Gibson, Jean Johnson

Harm Me with Harmony
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Want to sing along, but don't know how it works? Interested in exploring more than the melody line, but have no idea where to start? Come to this workshop on harmonies! Bring your voices or instruments to play along live.
Alexander James Adams, Callie Hills, Angelica Sather Hodgetts, Athrylis Sather Hodgetts

Really Good Really Bad Guys
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
A good heroic fantasy needs a really good bad guy. What makes a villain truly vile? How do you make evil believable, understandable, perhaps sympathetic, and conquerable - without descending into campiness? Can a true villain be sympathetic, and, if so, how does that change the dynamic of the story?
Alma Alexander, Andy R. Bunch, Jordan Lapp, Ben Thompson

Urban Legends of History
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Sometimes a piece of propaganda, a lie, can, by its endless repetition, work its way into accepted history. Think of Catherine the Great and her reputed love of horses. If it's true that the victors write the history books, what other urban legends have we been passing along to our children as history that simply are not based on facts?
Spencer Ellsworth(M), Bethalynne Bajema, Christopher Bodan, Ciandi Patry

What Is It With Lovecraft?
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
The Cthulhu Mythos has its filthy fingerprints all over Pathfinder, 4E D&D, and yes, even Call of Cthulhu RPGs, not to mention dozens of board and video games. What's the appeal? Is it just designers and GMs who love Cthulhu? And just how ruthless do you need to be to run a lone-survivor adventure, anyway? Lessons from the fringes of sanity….
Wolfgang Baur(M), Bruce R. Cordell, James Jacobs, Mike Mearls

Goth Fashion for Women
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
Not just corsets, hair dye, and nice boots, but also finding a style that's truly your own, how not to break the bank to look great, and why gothic style is about much, much more than just wearing black.
Alexia Roy(M), Elisabeth Van Every, Jillian Venters

Lazer Tag
Saturday, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4
The third and final night of Lazer Tag. 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

Reading: Roberta Gregory
Saturday, 7:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
Mother Mountain, Rating: PG
Roberta Gregory

Children's Masquerade
Saturday, 7:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 5
Have a Padawan learner in the family? Or a Crusader knight? A fairy princess who wants to show off her wings? Bring them to the Norwescon 33 Children's Masquerade! The children's masquerade allows children who are too young to compete as Rising Stars (self made costumes by children 13 years and under) to show off their costumes. The children will go on first. All children wishing to participate must meet here (with parents) to fill out the Children’s Masquerade form. They will then walk as a group down to the masquerade.
Katrina Marier

Masquerade Seating
Saturday, 7:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Grand 2 & 3
Show up early to get the best seats in the house.
Trent Lum

Reading: Alan Clark
Saturday, 8:00– 8:30 p.m.
Cascade 3
D.D. Murphry, Secret Policeman, a new novel co-written by Alan M. Clark and Elizabeth Massie., Rating: R
Alan M. Clark

Cinema, Sci-fi and Classical Actors: An Interview with Sir Alec Guinness
Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
From "Our Man in Havana" to "Our Man on the Millennium Falcon." His life and times, training, and winding up on a silly show about space (called Star Wars). Chautauqua (not 'Chewbacca') artist G.Robin Smith brings the character of Sir Alec to a panel for a polite and very comfortable Q&A.
G.Robin Smith

Scared Hot: Sex & Danger
Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
Why are sex and danger often enmeshed? What is it about sexy vampires, seductive shape-shifters, and assorted creatures of the night who worm their ways into the protagonists' hearts and beds? Do we fear sex itself, possibly due to ingrained cultural guilt? Or is it the romantic surrender that is inherently dangerous and scary? Why?
Mary Rodgers(M), A.M. Dellamonica, Lawrence Kane, Garth Upshaw

ScI-fi through the Decades
Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Several films are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. Included are: X-Men (10 years), Total Recall (20), Back to the Future (25), Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (30) and The Time Machine (50). An overview look at the history and progress of cinematic science fiction.
Jesse Simpson(M), Jeromie Foulger, Merrillee Schedin, Spring Schoenhuth

Cyborgs
Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Can we meld biology and machines? There has been much recent progress in the field of prosthetic limbs, even including an arm that responds to brain waves. Are we there yet? What comes next?
Mickey Phoenix(M), Jake Ballin, Russell D. Campbell, Bob Crichton, David Shoemaker

Sci-fi and Modern Technology
Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
What effect has science fiction had on modern technology? Star Trek communicators brought us the modern cellular flip-phone - what other current marvels have the imaginations of SF authors brought us?
Chris Nilsson(M), Brian David Johnson

Advanced BDSM
Saturday, 8:00– 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 10
OK, you know about BDSM. You’ve even engaged in play and perhaps had a kinky relationship. Where do you go from there? Do you necessarily have to? What is “Edge Play”? We’ll explain all that and how to do the edgier things safely and sanely., Rating: A (18+ only, ID required)
Mickey Schulz(M), Matt Bamberger, Kal Cobalt

Making Gothic Mini Hats
Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Come and join us for a hands-on demonstration on how to make, decorate, and wear Gothic Lolita mini hats. Materials are provided so you can wear your creation when you're done, but space is limited, so arrive early!
Alexia Roy(M), Delta Hranek, Elisabeth Van Every, Jillian Venters

A Little Knight Music in Concert
Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
A Little Knight Music

Talebones Live!
Saturday, 8:00– 10:00 p.m.
Evergreen 2
Writers who have contributed to the Talebones collection will give readings of their works.
Julie McGalliard, Patrick Swenson

Masquerade
Saturday, 8:00– 10:00 p.m.
Grand 2 & 3
Spacemen, fairies, bounty hunters and Stargates; we've seen some amazing costumes and performances in the past, so come and see what this year's Masquerade has to offer! Also watch 45 minutes (or more!) of the latest and greatest movie previews while the judges debate during half time. If you leave, you will miss the exciting announcement of who our Norwescon 34 Guests of Honor will be.
Trent Lum

Reading: Mark Henry
Saturday, 8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
Battle of the Network Zombies, Zombie comedy, Rating: R
Mark Henry

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

Werewolves
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 4
A veiled, Jungian metaphor for the bestial nature inherent in all men? A Freudian image of savage sexuality? Werewolves have haunted our collective imagination for centuries and now they are back, bigger and badder than ever. Find out the underpinnings of this most mortal of monsters.
SatyrPhil Brucato, Adrian Phoenix, Kim Ritchie

Gothic Fashion for Men
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 6
There's no reason to leave the gents out! Find out where to get a great wardrobe, how to create your own look, the difference between a fop and a dandy, and why the male goth is a bastion of style in an increasingly casual society.
Bryan Lovely(M), Andrew Herington, Kevin Matthews, Alex Von Hochtritt

It’s the End of the World as We Know It
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Recent years have given rise to an increase in post-apocalyptic storytelling. Games like Borderlands, Fallout 3, and Darksiders give the player a chance to roam a world devastated. Upcoming films like The Book of Eli and The Road play on our fear of the loss of civilization. What can we learn from these End World scenarios and what is said by our present love of them?
Robert Grey(M), Derek M. Koch, Anthony van Winkle

Novelization of a Game
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Many video games today have accompanying fiction which often provides a more detailed storyline of current events as well as past or future action. Many role-playing games have companion series of novels expanding their worlds with characters and cities and events that become canon in that setting. Join our panelists as they discuss how a game’s setting is translated into a novel that, in turn, gives back to the game.
Jeff Grubb(M), Richard Baker, Saje Williams

The Business of Art
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
You need more than talent to make a living as an artist. A monthly salary, health insurance, taxes, marketing, organization, promotion, portfolios – where do you find the time to do all that and still make art?
John R. Gray III, John Jude Palencar, Tiffany Toland

Foreign Horror
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Cascade 13
Horror isn't just American. Let’s discuss books, TV shows, and movies from other countries that people should try to watch.
Lorelei Shannon(M), Phillip Brugalette

Ash Productions in Concert
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Evergreen 1
Ash Productions

Son of the Movie Previews!
Saturday, ~ 9:00 p.m.
Grand 2 & 3
A concise summary of what’s coming at the movies, with the weekends’ best sound and screen.
Keith Johnson(M), Alan Halfhill

Queer Eye for the…Con Goer
Saturday, 9:00 p.m.
Maxi's Ballroom (21+)
Sure he's dressed up like a gay sci-fi character...so why is he checking out Xena's chest? Oh wow, 7 of 9 is making out with a girl?! But will she make out with a grrl or a boi? Between the costumes, booze, and sleep dep, how can you tell who's batting for what team? EASY! Come to our Queer Eye for the Con Goer Mixer! Enjoy a night of speed dating and LGBT/Alt.-friendly games! And if that isn’t enough, The Tempting Tarts Burlesque will tantalize you with their sci-fi based burlesque., Rating: 21+
Laurie Reynolds

Maxi's Lounge Party (21+)
Saturday, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Maxi's Lounge (21+)
Beam up to Maxi's Lounge and have some drinks with your fellow congoers! This fabulous event will be sponsored by Star Trek: Phoenix so prepare to boldly go where no congoer has gone before. Make sure you bring your Norwescon badge and your photo ID (21 and over). The drinks will be out of this world and the music hopping, so don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this brand new event., Rating: 21+ (photo ID required)
Star Trek: Phoenix

Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading
Saturday, 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Cascade 4
Roberta Gregory(M), Caren Gussoff, Todd Lockwood, Ian McDonald, David J. Williams

Avoiding Cliches in Urban Fantasy
Saturday, 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
How many hard-boiled PIs does one genre need? Gritty locales are fun, but why can't we ever be at the beach? Magic users, vampires, and werewolves, oh my! Do we need something more original?
K.C. Ball(M), John A. Pitts

Voodoo Science
Saturday, 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 8
Even in our high tech age, pseudoscience is on the rise. Is scientific progress threatened? Why are people so ready to abandon scientific principles and is there anything we can do about it? Is education reform the answer? Is there an answer?
Jim Kling(M), Miki Garrison, Jak Koke, Julie McGalliard

Putting the “R” in RPG
Saturday, 10:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
Not a 13-year old gamer anymore? Wanting your games to have some more mature content? Our panelists will discuss how to successfully incorporate the “R-rated” elements of sex and/or violence into your game or campaign.
Clint Ogre Whiteside(M), Wolfgang Baur, SatyrPhil Brucato, Mickey Schulz

Alt. Sex for Writers and Artists
Saturday, 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Cascade 10
What does it look like? Feel like? How long can you tie someone up and have them still like you? How the human body does and doesn't work. This panel includes a one hour live modeling display of bondage and body positioning to understand the practicality and functionality of those beautiful images we love to write and draw., Rating: ADULT
Jake Ballin(M), Matt Bamberger, Kal Cobalt

Artist’s Jam
Saturday, 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Cascade 13
Hang out with other artists, show your sketchbooks, and collaborate together.
Tiffany Toland(M)Death*Star

JourneyQuest Preview
Saturday, 10:00 p.m.
Evergreen 2
First look at JourneyQuest with Dead Gentlemen and Zombie Orpheus Entertainment. Come meet the cast and see some footage prior to its release.
The Dead Gentlemen

Poker Tournament Final Table
Saturday, 10:00 p.m. – Midnight
Rotunda 2
The winners of all the qualifying rounds will compete to see who Norwescon’s best poker player is. Oh did we mention there will be a prize for the winner?
Mariah Johnson

Saturday Night Hoedown
Saturday, 10:30 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Grand 2 & 3
Put on your best square dancing shoes and help put Norwescon to bed with mc300baud and his eclectic collection of tracks. Expect the unexpected as he spins rave, wave, goth, alternative, electronica and more late into the night and won't let up until the cows come home.
Todd Clark(M), DJ mc300baud (Todd Clark)

Reading: Jeanne Stein
Saturday, 11:00 p.m.
Cascade 3
Retribution, Book Five of the Anna Strong Chronicles, Rating: PG/R
Jeanne C. Stein

Good Horror Video Games
Saturday, 11:00 p.m.
Cascade 7
Left 4 Dead 1&2, Plants vs. Zombies, Resident Evil, etc. Come discuss (or argue about) the best of the best in virtual space – and maybe get some tips and tricks for mowing down the undead onslaught.
, Mike Derheimer, Jason Henninger, Greg Lotz, Ciandi Patry

Lovecraft Mixed Media
Saturday, 11:00 p.m.
Cascade 9
What are some great Lovecraftian movies, books, comics? Lovecraft’s works abound in rich imagery that has inspired many an author and artist; each medium portrays his vision differently. Is one better than the other? Are both equally horrific?
Eric Morgret(M), Edward Martin III, Mark Rahner

Saturday Night Chaos Filk
Saturday, 11:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Evergreen 1
Come-as-you-are music performance, one song at a time, taking turns. Or just come and listen! Everyone welcome.

Reading: Ben Thompson
Saturday, 11:30 p.m. – Midnight
Cascade 3
Wolf the Quarrelsome, Insane PowerPoint about an 11th century Irish Viking-destroyer, Rating: PG-13
Ben Thompson

Midnight Movie: I am Virgin
Saturday, Midnight – 2:00 a.m.
Evergreen 3 & 4 (Rated "R")
I am Virgin: The sole human survivor in a world of sex-crazed, extremely hot and scantily clad vampires, Robby is desperate to survive with his virginity (and humanity) intact. Can Robby keep himself pure, or will he succumb and join the ranks of lusty bloodsuckers? Sean Skelding directed this movie, shot in Portland over a rigorous 20-day schedule, and it features a cameo by porn legend Ron Jeremy., Rating: R
Edward Martin III(M), Barry Bloch