SF&F Literati meet 3/25/2019

9,995 Chances and Counting . . . 

Date: Monday, March 25, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.
Title: Reincarnation Blues
Author: Michael Poore
Available from: Fine Booksellers, including Barnes & Noble
Meeting Location: Barnes & Noble #2352, 2nd Floor, 11323 W. 95th Street, Overland Park, KS 66214
NOTE: All are welcome to the meeting, whether you’ve read the book or not.

A wildly imaginative novel about a man who is reincarnated over ten thousand lifetimes to be with his one true love: Death herself.

“Tales of gods and men akin to Neil Gaiman’s Sandman as penned by a kindred spirit of Douglas Adams.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

First we live. Then we die. And then . . . we get another try?

Ten thousand tries, to be exact. Ten thousand lives to “get it right.” Answer all the Big Questions. Achieve Wisdom. And Become One with Everything.
 
Milo has had 9,995 chances so far and has just five more lives to earn a place in the cosmic soul. If he doesn’t make the cut, oblivion awaits. But all Milo really wants is to fall forever into the arms of Death. Or Suzie, as he calls her.

More than just Milo’s lover throughout his countless layovers in the Afterlife, Suzie is literally his reason for living—as he dives into one new existence after another, praying for the day he’ll never have to leave her side again.
     
But Reincarnation Blues is more than a great love story: Every journey from cradle to grave offers Milo more pieces of the great cosmic puzzle—if only he can piece them together in time to finally understand what it means to be part of something bigger than infinity. As darkly enchanting as the works of Neil Gaiman and as wisely hilarious as Kurt Vonnegut’s, Michael Poore’s Reincarnation Blues is the story of everything that makes life profound, beautiful, absurd, and heartbreaking.

Because it’s more than Milo and Suzie’s story. It’s your story, too.

Praise for Reincarnation Blues

“The most fun you’ll have reading about a man who has been killed by both catapult and car accident.”—NPR

“This book made me laugh out loud. And then a page later, it made me sob. Reminiscent of Tom Robbins and Christopher Moore, Poore finds humor in the dark absurdities of life.”—Chicago Review of Books


“Charming . . . surprisingly light and uplifting . . . It reads like a writer having fun.”—New York Journal of Books

IMAGE: Many thanks to Amazon, for the Reincarnation Blues cover. 

March 2019 meeting. For real!

The local meteorologists have reassured us: we SHOULD have good weather Saturday! Many thanks to KaXFAN Tim Keltner, we ALSO have a place to meet, after losing our longtime home at The Writers Place in Kansas City, MO.

Basic facts about the meeting:

Where: in the community room at the Natural Grocers at 13335 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, KS
When: March 16, 2019
Hours: we need to start the meeting at 5:00 p.m. and end at 8:30.
Program: "The best and Worst of Last Year's SF/Fantasy/Horror TV, a discussion led by Carol Doms and Ken Keller.

Don't forget your cash or your checkbook!

Remember also that the March meeting is our annual Fiscal Meeting. That means it's time to pay dues, if you want to be a member of KaCSFFS. The new dues structure, approved last year, is $36 for a regular membership, or $60 for a combined membership to BOTH ConQuesT 50 and KaCSFFS. That's:
$36 - KaCSFFS only
$60 - KaCSFFS plus ConQuesT 50
Note: the PayPal button on the website has been disabled pending an update. It was still charging the old amount. We apologize for the inconvenience!

The location-search continues
The search for a new place to meet more regularly continues. Director David Means and several other Board members have viewed, considered, and attempted to book several different places, but so far we haven't found a place that is available on our regular meeting night, that we can afford. 

If you know of any possibilities--preferably located near the center of the Kansas City Metro area--please contact us! Come to the March meeting, or reach out directly to David or any of the Board of Directors, or use the KaCSFFS email. Thanks for any help you can give us!

This also is the first month for candidates to self-nominate to be officers on the KaCSFFS Board. We're looking for candidates for all offices: Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications Officer, and Quartermaster.

Roasts and Toasts for 2018 sf/f/horror TV
Our annual review and discussion of the best and worst shows in our speculative genres that came to television in 2018 will be the topic of a lively discussion, led by Carol Doms and Ken Keller. This annual favorite program is back by popular demand. We hope you can join us, and weigh in with your opinions.

Carol Doms and Ken Keller introduce their discussion of 2017's Best and Worst in SF/Fantasy/Horror TV Shows at the January 20, 2018 meeting.

IMAGES: The Natural Grocers Logo is from the parent company's Facebook Page. We are grateful to the European Parliament's post, "Economic governance explained," for the photo of the empty cash box used in our "Treasury Rejuvenation Month" graphic, assembled by Jan S. Gephardt. The photo of Carol Doms and Ken Keller is by Jan S. Gephardt, and was taken with their permission for KaCSFFS publicity purposes during last year's "Best and Worst on TV" program, which they also hosted.

Laser Rangers 2019 March Meeting

The Lady Vanishes

Date: March 9, 2019
Time: 4:15pm
Location: 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 upgraded seating for about 15 people without crowding.
Captain Laser: Tall and Dark
Food: Italian
Costume: Mysterious
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/305769000132245/


Short features will be shown before each feature. Don't miss them!

A Simple Favor

(2018, 117 minutes) Directed by: Paul Feig

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells

SYNOPSIS-Stephanie is a single mother with a parenting vlog who befriends Emily, a secretive upper-class woman who has a child at the same elementary school. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate.

Watch the trailer here!







~~~~~
After the first feature, please join us for a potluck dinner. Bring something to share. It can follow the theme, or be something you prefer.
~~~~~

Feature Presentation!
Gone Girl

(2014, 149 minutes) Directed by: David Fincher

Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry

SYNOPSIS-With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.

Watch the trailer here!







The home of the Laser Rangers is located about four 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.

IMAGE CREDITS: The information for all of these shows come from the invaluable IMDB. The movie posters come from Wikipedia or the movie's respected distributors. 

The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!

NO! We're NOT having a Meeting 2/16/2019!

Two months in a row is a record for KaCSFFS, but we don't have a choice. Many thanks to Tim Keltner and Natural Grocers in Shawnee, KS, for setting up a venue, but weather conditions have forced us to cancel the regular monthly meeting AGAIN THIS MONTH!

See you in March? Weather permitting!?!

IMAGE: Thank you, Alpine Daily Planet, for the "Road Conditions" image. 

YES! We're having a meeting 2/16/2019!

Many thanks to KaXFAN Tim Keltner, we have a place to meet in February, after losing our longtime home at The Writers Place in Kansas City, MO. Unfortunately, we'll have to postpone that Chili Cook-off.

Where: in the community room at the Natural Grocers at 13335 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Shawnee, KS

When: February 16, 2019
Hours: we need to start the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:30.

Program: "The best and Worst of Last Year's SF/Fantasy/Horror TV, a discussion led by Carol Doms and Ken Keller

Food Theme: FORMERLY the Chili Cook-off, we might be able to buy food at the grocery store where the meeting will be held. The Chili Cook-off has been POSTPONED to a later date when we have a meeting place where we can bring home-cooked food.

The search for a new place to meet more regularly continues. Director David Means and several other Board members have viewed, considered, and attempted to book several different places, but so far we haven't found a place that is available on our regular meeting night, that we can afford. If you know of any possibilities--preferably located near the center of the Kansas City Metro area--please contact us!

Come to the February meeting, or reach out directly to David or any of the Board of Directors, or use the KaCSFFS email. Thanks for any help you can give us!

Maybe no Chili, but a Program!
Our annual review and discussion of the best and worst shows in our speculative genres that came to television in 2018 will be the topic of a lively discussion, led by Carol Doms and Ken Keller.

This annual favorite program is back by popular demand. We hope you can join us, and weigh in with your opinions.

Carol Doms and Ken Keller introduce their discussion of 2017's Best and Worst in SF/Fantasy/Horror TV Shows at the January 20, 2018 meeting.

IMAGES: The Natural Grocers Logo is from the parent company's Facebook Page. The photo of Carol Doms and Ken Keller is by Jan S. Gephardt, and was taken with their permission for KaCSFFS publicity purposes during last year's "Best and Worst on TV" program, which they also hosted.

Laser Rangers 2019 February Meeting

Food Porn - POSTPONED!

Date: February 9, 2019 February 23, 2019!!!!   >Cancelled!
Sorry Folks, the weather wasn't with us this time. 
Time: 4:15pm
Location: 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 upgraded seating for about 15 people without crowding.
Captain Laser: Chef
Food: Gourmet
Costume: Apron



Short features will be shown before each feature. Don't miss them!

The Hundred Foot Journey

(2014, 122 minutes) Directed by: Lasse Hallström

Starring: Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon

The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open a restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory's Michelin-starred eatery. -IMDB

Watch the trailer here!







~~~~~
After the first feature, please join us for a potluck dinner. Bring something to share. It can follow the theme, or be something you prefer.
~~~~~

Feature Presentation!
Chef

(2014, 114 minutes) Directed by: Jon Favreau

Starring: Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Amy Sedaris, Emjay Anthony, Robert Downey, Jr.

A head chef quits his restaurant job and buys a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family. -IMDB

Watch the trailer here!






The home of the Laser Rangers is located about four 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.

IMAGE CREDITS: The information for all of these shows come from the invaluable IMDB. The movie posters come from Wikipedia or the movie's respected distributors. 

The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!

January 19 KaCSFFS Meeting CANCELED

The January 2019 meeting of the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society has been canceled due to adverse weather. 

We said our mournful goodbyes to The Writers Place in December. The KaCSFFS Board continues to search for a suitable new regular venue. As we moved into the "week of," questions still hung over us about where we could meet.

Time grew short, and the weather forecast for Saturday kept growing more dire. If the snow didn't get us, the temperatures were poised for a major plunge.

KaXFEN come from all over our metro area. We have members in the Northland, members in Raymore, MO, members in Independence, MO, and members in Lawrence, KS. 

We want ALL of you to stay safe and warm, out of snowdrifts, off of the black ice, and snug in a warm place. So the Board has decided to CANCEL Saturday's meeting.

Let's all hope for better weather in February.

We already have a plan for Feb. 16, 2019!

We're still looking for a venue, but the planned program is our annual look back at the best and worst of the past year in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction on TV. Once again our knowledgeable discussion leaders will be Carol Doms and Ken Keller. This annual review of the previous year has become a highlight. Don't miss it!

But wait! There'll be chili, too!

Yes, the February meeting will see the return of our annual Chili Cook-Off. Break out your best chili recipes, your favorite sides and/or toppers, and plan to share them. Keep watching this blog and our Facebook Page, for the latest details.

IMAGES: Many thanks to Vermont Public Radio, for the "colorful question marks" illustration; to KSHB Kansas City Channel 41 for the 7-day Weather Forecast image, featuring a 100% chance of snow on Saturday, Jan. 19; to Destination Kansas City, for the multi-county, two-state map of the Kansas City metropolitan area; and to SYFY Wire for the retro TV image.

Laser Rangers 2019 January Meeting

Justice January

Date: January 12, 2019 POSTPONED! January 26, 2019

Time: 4:15pm
Location: 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 upgraded seating for about 15 people without crowding.
Captain Laser: Captain Justice!
Food: Chili and Mexican
Costume: Justice Costumes!

Short features will be shown before each feature. Don't miss them!

Incredibles 2

(2018, 118 minutes) Directed by: Brad Bird

Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huckleberry Milner, Samuel L. Jackson

The Incredibles hero family takes on a new mission, which involves a change in family roles: Bob Parr (Mr Incredible) must manage the house while his wife Helen (Elastigirl) goes out to save the world. -IMDB

Watch the trailer here!




 
Ant Man and the Wasp

(2018, 118 minutes) Directed by: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip "T.I." Harris, David Dastmalchian, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder Fortson, Randall Park, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Douglas

As Scott Lang balances being both a Super Hero and a father, Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past. -IMDB

Watch the trailer here!

~~~~~
After the first feature, please join us for a potluck dinner. Bring something to share. It can follow the theme, or be something you prefer.
~~~~~

Feature Presentation!
Ant Man and the Wasp

(2018, 118 minutes) Directed by: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip "T.I." Harris, David Dastmalchian, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder Fortson, Randall Park, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Douglas

As Scott Lang balances being both a Super Hero and a father, Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past. -IMDB

Watch the trailer here!







The home of the Laser Rangers is located about four 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.

IMAGE CREDITS: The information for all of these shows come from the invaluable IMDB. The movie posters come from Wikipedia or the movie's respected distributors. 

The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!

Last hurrah at the Writers Place

End of an era
The owners have spoken. The Writers Place organization is moving, and the "stone castle" on Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed.

The KaCSFFS Holiday Party of Saturday, December 15, 2018 is the final scheduled event for the venue that's been our home since 2001.

The KaCSFFS Board is still looking for a new home for us, starting with the January 19, 2019 meeting. Stay tuned. But meanwhile, let's say goodbye to our longtime home with a great party!

Where: The Writers Place--ONE LAST TIME! 3607 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64111
When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: Setup starts at 6:00 p.m.; Program at 7:00; Frivolities till 9:30.
Theme: Holiday Party and Seasonal Readings
Food: Fun-fueled Holiday finger food

The Readings
Our guest readers all are local writers, who've graciously agreed to share "something seasonally appropriate" with us. Please help us welcome Rob Howell, Karin Rita Gastreich, and Sean Demory.

Rob Howell

Rob Howell

Rob is a reformed medieval academic who draws upon those skills and resources for his stories and settings. He has also been an IT professional, a cook, and a soda jerk. As a child, his parents discovered about the only way to keep him quiet was to give him a book. Without books, either he or his parents probably would not have survived. Possibly both.

He decided to write professionally when he discovered he was too educated for most jobs, and not quite educated enough for a few. Fortunately, he had always written and this was his chance to follow in the footsteps of Forester, Tolkien, Weber, Drake, Parker, Chandler, and Francis. Rob is the author of the Shijuren series and other stories.

Karin Rita Gastreich

Karin Rita Gastreich

In her website bio, Karin writes of herself: "In November of 2007, a curious dream sparked the opening lines of what would become my first full-length fantasy novel, Eolyn. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had opened the door to yet another exciting world: the world of publishing.

"I balance my life as an ecologist and writer. I treasure all living things and weave many fantastic creatures into my stories. The worlds I create are a strange amalgamation of medieval Europe and colonial America, with misty forests, vast savannas, and steamy jungles. They are populated by brave heroines, noble heroes, and twisted villains.  They reflect the magic I’ve known all my life, of dance and music and play, as well as the hardship that I and many of the people I care for have encountered along the way.

"These stories come from the heart. I give them to you in hopes that you will make them your own."Eolyn is the first book in the Silver Web Trilogy. Find Karin's writing on Amazon and elsewhere.

Sean Demory
Sean is a frequent reader at KaCSFFS meetings, as well as repeat appearances at ConQuesT. His last appearance at a KaCSFFS meeting was in October, when he shared a supernatural tale inspired in part by his own childhood experiences.

He also is the power behind Pine Float Press, which has published a variety of books (including the anthology Palookaville, which held a release event last year at a KaCSFFS meeting).

IMAGES: Many thanks to The Writers Place for the photo of our longtime venue; we'll hate to lose you! The authors' photos for Rob Howell and Karin Rita Gastreich are courtesy of those authors, and used with their permission. The photo of Sean Demory is from the Johnson County Library website, though the original source-page has since been removed).

Laser Rangers 2018 December Meeting

Marvel Superheroes IV

December 8, 2018: DATE, 2018
4:50: 4:15pm
Location: 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 upgraded seating for about 15 people without crowding.
Captain Laser: On Holiday
Food: Potluck
Capes and Cowls: COSTUME

To learn more, please visit our Facebook Event Page.

Short features will be shown before each feature. Don't miss them!

Black Panther

(2018, 134 minutes) Directed by: Ryan Coogler

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis

After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king -- and as Black Panther -- gets tested when he's drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.-IMDB

Watch the trailer here!


~~~~~
After the first feature, please join us for a potluck dinner. Bring something to share. It can follow the theme, or be something you prefer.
~~~~~

Feature Presentation!
Avengers: Infinity War

(2018, 149 minutes) Directed by: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt

The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.-IMDB

Watch the trailer here!







The home of the Laser Rangers is located about four 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.

IMAGE CREDITS: The information for all of these shows come from the invaluable IMDB. The movie posters come from Wikipedia or the movie's respected distributors. 

The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. Many thanks to these websites!