Game of Thrones Maraton Part 1

Alternate Laser Rangers Meeting: Game of Thrones  

(Season 2: Episodes 1-4)

Date: July 7, 2012

Time: Around 4:45 p.m.

Place: David Sooby’s home theater with 51-inch Samsung HDTV, a 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby Digital sound system, a full set of audiophile-grade speakers, and brand new seating for about 15 people without crowding.

Food Theme: Medieval (Westeros)

Captain Laser: Ken Keller

The Program: "Winter in our Summer"

On Display: Longclaw, the officially licensed Valyrian Steel hand-and-half broadsword of Jon Snow

Check the Laser Rangers website for more information.

May it be known across the land of Kansas City and surrounding regions: the Laser Rangers will hold a special presentation of Game of Thrones Season 2. They will show the first 4 episodes of the second season in high definition in their first ever streamed session thanks to Tracy M.
 

There will be a pot-luck dinner break between the first and the last two episodes. Please bring your favorite Westeros dish and feel free to come in costume. Let a good time be had by all! (See authentic recipes here)

Shorts (In order to be shown before Season 2):

1. Games of Thrones - Season 1 - 'The Story So Far" Featurette
2. Game of Thrones: New Characters in Season 2
3. Game of Thrones: Destinations of Season 2

"The First 4 Episodes of Season 2:

1. E01: The North Remembers
2. E02: The Night Lands
3. E03: What Is Dead May Never Die
4. E04: Garden of Bones

"Immediately following each episode will be a very short HBO min-doc (3 or 4 minutes long) clarifying story elements and important plot developments shown in the episode.

"Captain Laser: Ken Keller, who will provide Season 2 film notes for the first 4 episodes."*

Season 2 Trailer (warning, may contain mild spoilers)

The home of the Laser Rangers is located about two miles north of the Kansas Speedway, NW of the intersection of I-70 and I-435 on the Kansas side of the Greater Kansas City area. For the exact address and directions, e-mail David Sooby at the email address given here.

IMAGE CREDITS: The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites! 
Game of Thrones Season 2 Logo is © HBO
*Update written by Ken Keller 

No Refunds Allowed

Laser Rangers: Takin' Your Money! Date: June 30, 2012

Time: Around 4:15 p.m., “fan time”

Place:David Sooby's House

Food Theme: Seafood

Captain Laser: Bill Ostrander

The Program: "No Refunds Allowed"

Check the Laser Rangers website for more information.

These alternate Laser Rangers features are held in various locations at odd times of the month usually to showcase something fun and unique. 

The Pre-Dinner Show

Kick off the evening is Attack of the Crab Monsters
(2011)

IMDB Synopsis: "People are trapped on a shrinking island by intelligent, brain-eating giant crabs. Roger Corman directs."

Watch a trailer for Attack of the Crab Monsters, from YouTube:

Dinner Break: TBA

The Laser Rangers take a dinner break between the two features of the evening, to share a potluck dinner and discuss the movie they have just seen, or get caught up on other events.

Shorts: 

"It Conquered the World" trailer 

"Invasion of the saucer Men" trailer     

"Voodoo Woman" trailer

30 Second Bunnies shorts Bunnies: War of the Worlds 

"Invasion of the saucermen the return"     

Captain Midnight Olvataline 1957 & 1951

Kix cereal commercial 50s 

Second Feature: 

Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus

(2009, 90 minutes, on Blu-ray in 1080P)
IMDB Synopsis: "The California coast is terrorized by two enormous prehistoric sea creatures as they battle each other for supremacy of the sea."

Watch a trailer for Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus, from IMDB:

The home of the Laser Rangers is located about two miles north of the Kansas Speedway, NW of the intersection of I-70 and I-435 on the Kansas side of the Greater Kansas City area. For the exact address and directions, e-mail David Sooby at the email address given here.


IMAGE CREDITS: The information and movie poster images for all of these shows come from the invaluable IMDB website. The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!

Want to be a Wizard?

SF&F Literati Explore Wizarding Careers June 25!

Wizardry as a career choice?

Where: Second floor of the Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Oak Park Mall.
When: June 25, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
What: This month's book selection is So You Want to be a Wizard, by Diane Duane.

Join KaCSFFS' book group as they discuss a book by a contemporary science fiction and fantasy master, then choose four new book selections to read for the next four months.

The Barnes & Noble website offers this overview of So You Want to be a Wizard:
“Something stopped Nita's hand as it ran along the bookshelf. She looked and found that one of the books had a loose thread at the top of its spine. It was one of those So You Want to Be a . . . books,  a series on careers. So You Want to Be a Pilot, and a Scientist . . . a Writer. But his one said, So You Want to Be a Wizard.


“I don't believe this, Nina thought. She shut the book and stood there holding it in her hand, confused, amazed, suspicious—and delighted. If it was a joke, it was a great one. If it wasn't . . . ?
“Diane Duane is the author of more then twenty science fiction and fantasy novels, including four other books in the Young Wizards series. Four of her Star Trek novels have been New York Times bestsellers. Ms. Duane lives in rural Ireland.

“Thirteen-year-old Nita, tormented by a gang of bullies because she won't fight back, finds the help she needs in a library book on wizardry which guides her into another dimension.”


PHOTO CREDIT: The Barnes & Noble Booksellers website provided the cover image.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Film Cadets

Film Cadets: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Date: June 24, 2012

Time: Last showing before 6pm (2D only!)

Place:Cinemark Palace on the Plaza

Restaurant: Noodle & Co. or (Bo Ling's, if Open)

Organizer: Ken Keller

While the name may seem hilarious, do not be fooled. This movie looks to be a strong summer action blockbuster worthy of a large tub of popcorn. Presented by Tim Burton; directed by Timur Bekmambetov (9 and Wanted); Staring: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie. Come one and all to watch one of our greatest presidents defend our country against it's most greatest  foe, Vampires (that don't sparkle, thank you very much!).

Based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith author of such stories as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. 


See the trailer below.




Location of Cinemark Palace on the Plaza:


View Larger Map

Image and Media Credits: Poster and trailer © 20th Century Fox; Map © Google, Inc. 

KaCSFFS Sponsors Two Contests!

Call for Entries!--Attention, Artists and Writers!
KaCSFFS is sponsoring two competitions in 2012--a Logo Contest, and a Pod-Play Contest! Win fame, adulation, and actual prizes! (scroll down for the Pod-Play Contest).
The Logo Contest:

Our venerable "Infinity Circle" logo
needs to be retired!

We've already given information about this contest in an earlier post, but it bears repeating. Our goal is a pair of compatible logos that could be used for several years: one for KaCSFFS, and the other for ConQuesT, the organization’s annual sf convention.

Winners will receive a free, one-year voting membership in KaCSFFS (for the KaCSFFS logo), and/or a free attending membership to ConQuesT 44, Memorial Day weekend, in Kansas City. Both winners (or the person who wins both) also will receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a box of Annedore's Artisanal Chocolate Truffles (4 truffles per logo) or a suitable alternative, depending on dietary restrictions.

Submission deadline is August 1, 2012.  

Contest Rules:
This logo contest is open to anyone, of any age, who has an idea and wants to submit it. Entries are now open, and must be received by midnight CDT on August 1, 2012.  

Design two logos that are similar but distinct from each other: one for KaCSFFS, the other for ConQuesT.

1. They do not have to depict Kassie and Casey (there is some debate within the club over retaining these mascots at all). 
2. They should look good in black-and-white. 
3. They should be easily identifiable at any size. That is, whether they are half an inch wide or three feet wide, they should look equally "legible" and clear.
4. They should have a "futuristic" feel.

How to submit your entry:

1. Once you have your two designs, they should be made into JPEG, TIFF, or PDF digital files. If you need help digitizing your entry, please contact Jan Gephardt at this updated email.
2. Image size should be 5 inches (360 pixels) wide, for each logo design.  Resolution should be 200 ppi (pixels per inch).
3. If the logos do not already incorporate the letters "KaCSFFS" for the KaCSFFS logo, and "ConQuesT" for the ConQuesT logo, you should submit a view of each that shows how lettering should accompany them (as the word "KaCSFFS" accompanies the 1970s logo example above).
4. Submit your designs digitally to the "Logo Contest Entries" file on the KAXFEN email group or directly to Jan at this updated email.
5. If you prefer to deliver the digital files via CD or thumb drive, you may hand these to Jan at any KaCSFFS meeting before the deadline or at ConQuesT, or mail them to: KaCSFFS, P.O. Box 34413, North Kansas City, MO 64116.

The Pod-Play Contest:

We propose to produce a pod-play on an sf/f/horror theme.

KaCSFFS wants to produce a one-act pod-play (like a radio play) on a science fiction, fantasy, or horror theme, to be chosen in the fall, performed at the January meeting, and published via our X-Ray Delta One Podcast. The winner will receive a publication credit to put on his/her resume and possibly mention in future cover letters.

Submission deadline is October 20, 2012.  

Contest Rules:
This pod-play contest is open to anyone, of any age, who has an idea and wants to submit it. Entries are now open, and must be received by October 20, 2012.  

1. We will only accept original scripts, based on the author's original story.
2. Each pod-play remains the intellectual property of its author. Entry in the contest grants KaCSFFS the right to produce and podcast it, and keep the production podcast in its active archive, should it be chosen.
3. The play must be complete in one act, and at most about an hour long.
4. It should be based on a fantasy, science fiction, or horror theme.
5. The play may be either comedy or drama.
6. The author should include production instructions, such as needed sound effects. Sound effects must be within KaCSFFS' practical capability to produce (suggestions for techniques are welcome).
7. The author should supply: 
1. A a script-style manuscript.
2. A list of characters with short descriptions. 
3. An interest-provoking, descriptive blurb no more than 50 words long.
8. Entered Pod-play scripts will be posted on the KAXFEN Yahoo Group for members to read between October 20 and November 17, 2012. Authors' names will be withheld until the voting has been completed.
9. Members will vote for their choice in person at the November 17 meeting, or via Absentee Ballot beforehand.
11. The winning author will be contacted personally before the results are announced.
12. The title and author of the winning entry will be identified on the KaCSFFS Blog, on the KaCSFFS Facebook Page, and on the KAXFEN Yahoo Group, along with a call for cast members, the play's character list, and its 50-word descriptive blurb. 
13. The chosen pod-play will be cast, produced, and turned into a podcast episode for the club's X-Ray Delta One Podcast.
14. Entrants whose work is not chosen will be notified via email. Printed manuscripts, CDs, or thumb drives will not be returned without a SASE. 
15. All rights to manuscripts not chosen for production revert to their authors, and KaCSFFS may make no further claim on them.

One pod-play will be chosen for production.

How to submit your entry:

1. Entries may be submitted any time through midnight Central Time, on October 20, 2012.
2. They may be submitted to Communications Officer Jan S. Gephardt, in several ways: 
1. In person at KaCSFFS meetings or other KaCSFFS events where Jan is present; 
2. Via email at this email address; 
3. By postal mail to KaCSFFS, P.O. Box 34413, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Mailed-in entries must be received no later than October 19, 2012, so they can be brought to the meeting.
3. Each entry MUST include:
1. A cover letter or cover email, giving the author's valid mailing address and email address.
2. A 50-word descriptive blurb. The purpose of this blurb is to make people interested in reading or seeing your pod-play, so write it like advertising copy!
3. A complete list of characters, with a short description of each.
4. A manuscript in standard script format; each page should have 1-inch margins, and be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font. 
5. If submitted digitally, use a standard MS Word-style .doc format. If submitted in person or via postal mail, the .doc should be on a Macintosh-compatible, virus-free CD or thumb drive. Inclusion of a printed paper copy is optional. 

PHOTO CREDITS: The "Infinity Circle" logo was originally designed for KaCSFFS by Ken Keller in the 1970s, and is still being used on membership cards and other items. There is currently no ConQuesT logo in consistent use. The two images of radio-play production casts in action are from the "LAist" website and the World News website, respectively.

In June: Our Annual Indoor Picnic

An indoor "American Picnic" is the ticket for a
hot, humid Kansas City June day.

Come Share an All-American Family Picnic!
Where: The Writers Place, 3607 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64116
When: June 16, 2012--the Meeting starts 6:30 p.m.; the Picnic begins when the meeting ends.

Our annual picnic is traditionally held indoors, because Kansas City is usually hot and humid in mid-June, and some of our members have health issues that make it hard for them to be outside.

We want ALL of our friends who can come, to join us and be healthy and comfortable!

Bring along your favorite family games!

This year's theme is "An All-American Family Picnic," and our party planners are Susan Satterfield and Becky Rickart.

They plan to decorate with red-and-white checked tablecloths and entertain us with old-fashioned games, such as Yahtzee, Monopoly, Farkle, and others.

If you have a favorite family-type card, table, or dice game you'd like to share, please let them know what you're bringing (via the KAXFEN Yahoo Group)!

Food:
KaCSFFS will provide hot dogs, buns, chicken legs, and chicken thighs--as well as Italian sausages,  courtesy of "Zac" Zacarola. If you'd like to bring a different kind of meat, feel free to bring what you like!

KaCSFFS supplies some of the food,
but we need your help to make a successful Picnic!

We also need members to bring food in several other categories:
Salads (any type except broccoli, which KAXFEN never seem to eat);
Potatoes, Rice, and or Beans;
Other side dishes (deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, chips and dips, etc.);
Condiments and Relish; or
Desserts.

Please alert Diana Bailey about any kind of meat or other food you plan to bring! There is a sign-up opportunity on the KAXFEN Yahoo Group.

We provide plates, cups, and plastic tableware, but please also bring whatever you prefer to drink.

Our Annual Picnic is always a popular event. Come join us!

PHOTO CREDITS: The decorated table photo from an indoor picnic is courtesy of Amy Anderson, on the Food As Art Blog. The image of the family playing a board game is from the Gaming Inc. website. CD Kitchen Blog provided the image of the picnic food. Many thanks to all three!

Time Is Running Out

Laser Rangers Jump and Jump Again into the Time Stream. 

(Alternate Laser Rangers Session Announced below and nearer to the date.)
Date: June 9, 2012

Time: Around 4:15 p.m., “fan time”

Place: David Sooby’s home theater with 51-inch Samsung HDTV, a 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby Digital sound system, a full set of audiophile-grade speakers, and brand new seating for about 15 people without crowding.

Food Theme: Picnic Food & BBQ

Captain Laser: Mike McCain

The Program: "Time Is Running Out"

Check the Laser Rangers website for more information.

The Pre-Dinner Show

Kick off the evening is Timecrimes
(2008, 98 minutes, on Blu-Ray in 1080P)

IMDB Synopsis: "A man accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back in time nearly an hour. Finding himself will be the first of a series of disasters of unforeseeable consequences."

Watch a trailer for Timecrimes, from YouTube:

Dinner Break: Picnic Food & BBQ

The Laser Rangers take a dinner break between the two features of the evening, to share a potluck dinner and discuss the movie they have just seen, or get caught up on other events.

Shorts: 

KICHWA - A short fun story of the perils of time travel.

Selections from Ty's "Shorts!!" playlist on YouTube.

Second Feature: 

Source Code

(2011, 93 minutes, on Blu-ray in 1080P)
IMDB Synopsis: "An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train."

Watch a trailer for Source Code, from YouTube:

The home of the Laser Rangers is located about two miles north of the Kansas Speedway, NW of the intersection of I-70 and I-435 on the Kansas side of the Greater Kansas City area. For the exact address and directions, e-mail David Sooby at the email address given here.

No Refunds Allowed

Date: June 30, 2012

Time: Around 4:15 p.m., “fan time”

Place: David Sooby’s home theater with 51-inch Samsung HDTV, a 5.1 Surround Sound Dolby Digital sound system, a full set of audiophile-grade speakers, and brand new seating for about 15 people without crowding.

Food Theme: TBA

Captain Laser: Bill Ostrander

The Program: "No Refunds Allowed"

These alternate Laser Rangers features are held in various locations at odd times of the month usually to showcase something fun and unique. Please join us for a viewing of "Chillerama" and "Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus."


IMAGE CREDITS: The information and movie poster images for all of these shows come from the invaluable IMDB website. The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!