July 28, 2011

Being my account of the Hastings midnight launch for "A Dance With Dragons"

(Posted with permission. Nothing has been altered. It begins nigh.)


was, of course, the first in line at my weighing and payment station. A crowd of the faithful had gathered for the event. Sleepiness and excitement co-mingled at such a late hour. I was not so inclined having prepared for the moment.


harply, at 12:01 AM, in the first minute of the twelfth day of the seventh month, the tower bell rang, signaling the start; I slid my House's wood and metal payment voucher through the magical "reader" quickly and with a flourish. (How else? I proudly serve House Keller, well-known for its mighty and varied collections of knowledge and things wondrous, and for its purposeful motto: "We Acquire.") I then wrote my name and title on the reader's ghostly green screen, always with the very strange "quill" provided; it was an ugly and blindly-made scrawl, looking like some blond lord of the fictional Lannister clan had likely forged it. Once again, its deformities passed muster without challenge; who understands such socerery, even in this day and age?

oth copies of Maester Martin's lengthy tale "A Dance With Dragons" were now the legal property of the House I dutifully served, a mere two minutes after the Witching Hour had begun. For good measure, having been granted discretion in all things Martin, I added to my purchase a perfect example, in all ways, of that lesser-known but still maesterly-scribed and illuminated tale called "Doorways," in the limited horse-hide bound edition, of course. I placed all three treasures very carefully in smooth, water-tight muslin bags and left the sale, shadowed by my traveling companion.
The Home of Harry S. Truman 

deposited them in the back of my purposely plain conveyance; its powerful horses had been trained to be perfectly silent until called upon for action. Out of sight of anyone, I then wrapped the precious within several of my wife's own hand-knitted winter shawls, finally covering all in a layer of straw for concealment. This to keep prying and envious eyes away while on the return journey to the Kingdom of Western Missouri--home to King Truman-the-Obstinate's white keep, and nearby, the very tall and twisted ram's horn ground spire next to the imposing castle of Independence Temple, with its massive dome.
At left: Community of Christ International Headquarters.
At right: Community of Christ Auditorium 

can barely believe it now; it seems like a dream. Mere minutes before, I carefully began sorting through a baker's dozen copies of the heavy and much anticipated "Dragons" tome-- each weighing more than 2-and-one-half-stone!--carefully looking for only the most perfect copies in dust jacket alignment and without printing and binding flaws of any kind. My steady, focused Virgoian eyes quickly discarded those that didn't pass muster; those wouldbe for lesser men, lesser Houses.

had been on a quest: To be among the very first of Maester Martin's many devoted followers to acquire two hallowed First Edition, First Printings of this long-awaited, continuing tale of the lands and people of mythic Westeros, already in a *sixth* printing before it had been looked upon by the eyes of Man. Now I had two copies in my possession: Huzzah!

hile I was about it, I selected a third for good William McCullough, the renowned Western Missouri Brewmaester and my traveling companion. And if truth-be-told, secret sellsword when so commissioned by your scribe. He smiled ever so slightly as I passed a copy of the heavy tome to him, part payment for services in my journey here; excitement showed in his hooded eyes for just a brief, unguarded moment. He stood directly behind me at the weighing and payment station, his attention sharply focused.

s is his wont, he fingered the hilt of the exotic short-sword and sheath at his waste, its swirled-patterned blade always at the ready for anyone even thinking of cutting the queue for a quicker purchase and exit...or other mischief. He had received such a fine, rare weapon years before as a reward for his valiant service in commanding, without regard for pity, the three day Conquest of Kansas City, while captain of bannermen for House KaCSFFS, before his later retirement from their service. Such a rare weapon suited him: I had seen him use it with great speed and skill on past occasions, when so required. He was always a welcome traveling companion.

hose around me, also hoping to purchase (or steal) a copy of the latest of Maester Martin's lifework, watched me warily and with suspicion. They could little understand my careful, measured actions in pre-selecting so many of the heavy tomes from which to choose. But they respected the growing stack in front of me, likely thinking me some moneyed and frivolous foreigner, rather than a noble-house's trusted acquisition agent; wisely they selected their single copies from other, nearby stacks.

he red-haired merchantman in charge of this Witching Hour sale looked on in boredom at my labors; his red eyes showed he preferred to be home asleep at such a late hour, stretched out on his inviting mattress of duck down.



he transaction completed and my quest fulfilled, William and your scribe began to head east toward the eventual rising sun, all the while yearning to see the boundaries of more familiar lands and places. Several thrilling (and quite profitable!) adventures were had on that fateful journey home...but therein my friends lies another tale..."

--from the journals of Kennos, Maester Collector and Docent for House
Keller


Replies to Kennos's Story:

> I can barely believe it now; it seems like a dream. Mere minutes before, I
> carefully began sorting through a baker's dozen copies of the heavy and
> much anticipated "Dragons" tome-- each weighing more than
> 2-and-one-half-stone!

Be these mighty tomes of vast size, printed on vellum? Four such would
be near as massive as a man in his prime! More belike, milord dost
improve the tale a mite.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
David the Lensman
House Sooby

---------------
Perhaps just a smidgen, dear observer: I am revealed! My longtime readers know I doth love to practice a bit of word-jappery, from time-to-time, to add a bit of spice to the tale at hand. Maester Martin's works be mighty and important tomes, indeed, and my intent was for the mental enhancement of their dramatis personae in the mind of the reader during said Witching Hour unveiling: of overstating their physical weight by way of the scribe's tool of poetic exaggeration; no, not to mock or diminish, but to show their weighty literary importance, a technique, dear observer, the legendary Bard of Avon was known to practice, as you may recall. I hoped to follow humbly in the Bard's mighty footsteps, even if poorly, but only for that purpose, and always with humility.

--Kennos of House Keller

PHOTO CREDITS:
Truman's house (an old postcard image) was taken from Card Cow.com. The Community of Christ spire photo was taken from their website's page. The photo is by Jim Doty. And the auditorium photo was taken by John Hamer, and found on the auditorium's Wikipedia page. The illuminated initial letters are from Stencil Kingdom.

July 25, 2011

Alternate Laser Rangers - Le Bad Cinema -- Japanese Style

It's not the program we had planned for last weekend, but it is . . . something. . . (What! It's called "Le bad Cinema!" Most people well be saying "It's, um, something. . ." ^_^)

Anyway for the first time ever at a Brand NEW Location, We have for your entertainment "Pleasure" Two features of the most bad kind.

Date: July 30, 2011
Time: 4:15PM
Place: New Location Call (913) 515-0814 for directions
Food Theme: Oriental or ANYTHING you like. (Jessica will be grilling. Bring something to share!)
Captain Laser: Jessica Goodman
Apparel: Swimsuits! There's a pool and we have a Japanese Movie. What could be better?


First Feature: Prince of Space


Directed by Eijirō Wakabayashi; Produced by Walter Manley, Toei Company Written by Masaru Igami (story), Shin Morita (writer); Starring Tatsuo Umemiya
















Second Feature: The Green Slime



Directed by Kinji Fukasaku; Produced by Walter Manley,
Ivan Reiner; Written by: Ivan Reiner (story), Bill Finger (Screenplay), Tom Rowe (Screenplay), Charles Sinclair (Screenplay); Starring Robert Horton, Richard Jaeckel, Luciana Paluzzi







For Directions, please call Jessica at (913) 515-0814.

Food theme to come soon.

July 19, 2011

Post July 16 Meeting Wrap Up

Hello all,

Last weekend was a lot of fun. We had a meeting that focused mostly on the 40th Anniversary prep, books sold, eating pizza and a fun time recording the podcast on High Fantasy!

Here are some of the highlights of the meeting!

THE KaCSFFS 40TH ANNIVERSARY MEETING
September 17, 2011 -- The Writer's Place!!

As of now, Robin Bailey and Sherri Dean are leading the group that is helping to put it together.

They need your help!

Here's what you can do:
--Volunteer to bring appetizers and desserts to the part.

--Donate any old convention booklets, Videos of past events (or future, you know, because we can!).

--Contact James M. if you have any articles or art for the 40th Anniversary zine!

--Volunteer! Contact Robin Bailey and Sherri Dean and get them your e-mail address so they can keep in contact!

--Cindy N. is in charge of the shirt display! Donate any old shirts from previous years!

--Tracy M. is setting up a slideshow. Donate any pictures you might have taken at our events!

--David M. is looking for Conbadges from before 1983.

If you can think of anything else you'd like to do to help out, please feel free to comment below or e-mail Robin or Sherri!


Mark you Calendars!

Upcoming events include the Laser Rangers Meeting and Film Cadets/Fanivores posted below.

The August Meeting is taking place on the 13th. The theme is CUPCAKES!!!! Be sure to bring something sweet!

This month is special since there will be two events being held at the same time. On side of the Writer's Place will be the KaCSFFS Art show run by Jan G.

On the other side of the Writer's Place will be Robin Bailey's Radio Plays.

Come and join the fun.

40th Anniversary - September 17th (see above).

October Meeting

October (duh) 29, 2011.
Susan and Becky are in charge of this event. We don't know what they have planned (something spooky!), but we know it will include a Costume Contest, Scary Food Contest, and other surprises. Come if you're will be strong enough!


HIGH FANTASY PODCAST!



The podcast went off amazingly well. Our main panel was hosted by:
Sherri Dean
Holly M.
James M.

It was produced by KaCSFFS and was directed and written by Tyrell G.

Tech Support by handled by the KaCSFFS Crew

Guests heard on the show, in order of appearance, include:
Ken K.
David S.
Diana B.
David M.
Dane G.
Robin B.

If you would like to learn more about, at least two of our panelists, you can find them at there websites:

Holly's Blog can be found here:
http://www.hollymessinger.com/

Holly has released books through Baens Universe:
http://www.baens-universe.com/authors/Holly_Messinger

And sells her costumes on her ETSY Page
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hollymessinger


Sherri Dean has books released through Yard Dog Books:
http://www.yarddogpress.com/Books.htm#D (search for Dean!)


Speaking of Books

Our own Dane Grannon has published a book! Go check it out now.

Lucky Streak
by Dane Grannon
Published By May December Publications LLC
Words: 68148 (approximate)

Go buy it on Amazon eBook Market or at Smashwords

Blurb from Smashwords:
Lucky is an 18 year-old with a record and is in debt. He pulls a final job which provides the means for clearing his accounts. A path to the straight and narrow is open before him, but a vivacious neighbor talks him out of his money. Faced with missing a court-ordered restitution payment, he decides to pull one final job. Things go terribly wrong and he comes face with a zombie outbreak. Drawing upon his skill, courage, and luck, he struggles to keep his streak alive.

Enjoy reading.

That concludes this wrap up for KaCSFFS July meeting. Hope to see you at the next one.

Upcoming Events

We've got two major events on the docket for the last few weeks of July (can you believe we are over half way through the year already!) Just wow!

Anyway, Here's what we got:

Laser Rangers:
July 23rd, 2011 (This Saturday) at David's House E-mail David here. Show starts at 4:15, and David requests that we start on time since they have company staying over of the under 10 year-old kind.

We'll be watching: DareDevil and Iron Man. Two superheros who wear red suits. It should be a lot of fun. Food Theme: All-American Food. Dress theme: Suits or Super Suits.

Shorts include Robot Chicken and a selection from The Incredibles.

Film Cadets/Fanivores:
July 31, 2011; Merriam Cinemark, KS; 5:10pm
Movie: Cowboys and Aliens

View Larger Map


Restaurant: Chili's (to follow immediately at the conclusion of the movie.)

View Larger Map

(See, it's the same map, only the theater is at one end and the restaurant is at the other!)

Hope to see you at both events!

July 07, 2011

Laser Rangers Date Change!

Saturday, July 23, 2011  


That's the new date. A scheduling conflict arose for the original date of July 9.  We apologize for any confusion.


Program, Captain Laser, food theme, 4:15 start time, and optional apparel remain the same.  If you have any questions, please contact David Sooby.

July 05, 2011

Super Red Suits Rule!

Laser Rangers embark into the Marvel universe this month, with Daredevil and Iron Man:
David Sooby again hosts Laser Rangers.
Date: July 9, 2011
Time: 4:15 p.m. "fan time"
Place: The usual.  See contact information for host David Sooby inside the proscenium arch.
Food Theme: "All Time American" food (hamburgers, fries, or anything with grease!).  Alternate "liquid" diet, suggested as a spoof: "The Tony Stark" (martinis or anything straight up with a proof over 20%).
Captain Laser: Ty Gephardt
Apparel: Wear superhero costumes, or business suits (in honor of Tony Stark or the blind attorney).
You have a truly broad range of costume alternatives in July!
On the Program: The Movies of the Evening both feature Marvel superheroes:
Daredevil is the first feature for July 9.
Daredevil
Released in 2003, the group will view the Director's Cut.
The movie was written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson,
It was based on the Daredevil comics by Stan Lee and Bill Everett.

The cast includes: 
Ben Affleck, as Murdock/the Daredevil
Jennifer Garner, as Elektra
Michael Clarke Duncan, as Kingpin
Colin Farrell, as Bullseye

Shorts:
Captain Laser has selected three short films to accompany the evening's features:
A scene from The Incredibles (2004), with Brad Bird as Edna "E" Mode, describing the pitfalls of capes.
The Robot Chicken short, Iron Chaney.
The How It Should Have Ended short, Iron Man (due to spoilers, this short film will be shown after the second feature!).

The second July 9 feature is Iron Man.
Iron Man 
This 2008 blockbuster was directed by Jon Favreau.
The screenplay was written by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway.
The movie was based on the Iron Man comics, created by Stan Lee, Larry Leiber, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby.

The cast includes:
Robert Downey, Jr., as Tony Stark
Terrence Howard, as Rhodey
Jeff Bridges, as Obadiah Stane
Gwyneth Paltrow, as Pepper Potts

A more in-depth description of this program, with reviews and at least one film clip, should be published on the Laser Rangers Website.

CREDIT WHERE IT IS DUE:
Many thanks to Ty Gephardt for most of the information in this post!
PHOTO CREDITS: The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online.  The photo of the man in the business suit is from Men's USA.  Paul Young's Screen Rant blog provided the image of fans in superhero costumes.  Many thanks to IMDB for the movie posters for Daredevil and Iron Man.