Programming
Program Schedule is subject to change at any time prior to,
during or after the convention
Updated 10/26/2009

ANIME

ANI - Americanized Anime
Quite a few shows have been altered' from their Japanese version into a version that would be allowed' to be shown in America (i.e. Sailor Moon, among many). Come discuss the differences between the Japanese and American versions of your favorite shows.

ANI/ART - Drawing Manga Characters
With a few strokes of the pen, Alison creates fabulous Manga characters. Come see how she does it. Pick up some tips and maybe learn a new technique.

ANI - European Anime
Thought all anime was either Japanese or American in origin? I did! Well apparently Europe is producing quite a bit as well. Come learn which countries are producing what.

ANI - Evolution of Anime
See some anime from when it first began (can you say "Speed Racer" or "Astro Boy"?) and see how it has evolved into the art form we enjoy today.

ANI - Growing Up Anime
What was the first anime you saw? How old were you? What "Anime Generation" are you? How has that influenced your life? How much anime is in your life now? Join in this group discussion where all can share their tale of how deep, long, and even costly our own personal anime addictions can be! Also, how generations of Americans that are "growing up anime" has helped in the evolution of anime in and for America!

ANI/COS - Intro into Cosplay
Get a general idea of what Cosplay is and where it came from. A local club will tell you how to get involved locally and where the fun is. Here's a chance to find out what all the kids are excited about.

ANI - Japanese Anime /vs./ American Anime
Is there a difference in anime that originated in America as opposed to anime that originated in Japan? Come learn how to tell the difference.

ANI - Live-Action Anime
Discuss Anime that has been turned into live-action movies (Dragonball comes immediately to mind). Has it lost anything in the translation? Does it still even qualify as "Anime"? Come join in what promises to be a lively discussion.

ANI - Manga to Anime
This panel will compare some Anime shows with the Manga they originated from (ie: InuYasha, Bleach, etc.).

ANI/ART - Nightmare Manga Characters
Watch as Alison brings creatures straight out of a nightmare to life on paper. She'll show you how she does it and inspire you to try it on your own.

ANI - Science Fiction in Anime
Science fiction has had a steady outlet in anime. Several anime movies and shows have gone in for harder and harder sci-fi. Come have an interactive discussion about this topic.

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ART

ART - Body Painting with Mark Greenawalt (Must be over 18 years)
 
ART - Current Market for Art
What does the current Market look like for Science fiction, fantasy, and horror artwork? How to best go about marketing your own art.

ART/ANI - Drawing Manga Characters
With a few strokes of the pen, Alison creates fabulous Manga characters. Come see how she does it. Pick up some tips and maybe learn a new technique.

ART - The Fine Line between Art & Porn (must be over 18 years old)
Who decides what "art" is and what is "pornography"? What is the difference between nude and naked? How do you draw the line between the two for, say, book covers? And, again, who decides this stuff?

ART/LIT - Highbrow /vs. / Lowbrow
The Iliad /vs./ the Watchmen, Beowulf /vs./ Monty Python, Salvador Dali /vs./ the Brothers Hildebrandt, Van Gogh /vs./ a tattoo artist. Across all mediums of art and literature, who decides what are "classic" or "highbrow" and what is "pulp" or "lowbrow"?

ART - How Do I Get MY Art In A Show?
So, you are an artist. People are always telling you how good you are. Where do you go from there? How do you get your artwork out of your portfolio and into a show? Come talk to the Curators of the West Valley Art Museum and a successful local artist.

ART - How to Run a Successful Art Show
How do you pick the pieces or artists to go in it? How do you arrange the art? How do you deal with a temperamental artist? What about lighting? These and other issues pertaining to displaying art in a show will be discussed.

ART - How to View Art
Viewing art with a critical eye. What makes good art good? Is there such a thing as bad art?

ART - "Mine, Mine, Mine, All Mine!" or Collecting Art
What is a good investment? Does the value always increase? How do you choose what to buy? How do you know when to sell and to whom? Where do you go to get your art appraised?

ART/ANI - Nightmare Manga Characters
Watch as Alison brings creatures straight out of a nightmare to life on paper. She'll show you how she does it and inspire you to try it on your own.

ART/COS - Special Effects Make-up with Moreg
Come watch as models are transformed into horrific creatures of the night. Learn a few techniques to try yourself.

ART - True Art /vs. / Commercial Art
What is the difference? Is one more profitable? Does that denigrate it? Who decides the difference? What about classical pieces of art that have been used in modern advertisement? Come in for a frank discussion.

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COSTUMING

COS - Arabian Nights (Middle Eastern) Dance Wear For Men
Ghawazee coats! Harem pants! Circle skirts! Come on already we know what women wear to dance in, but what about the men? Surely they wore more than those long white robes? YES they did!! Come learn what the male dancers and drummers wore.

COS - But It's Not the Color I Need!
Want to make a particular costume and need material in a specific color but can't find it!?! Maybe you should dye it! It might not be as difficult and/or as messy as you think!

COS - Choosing the Right Material
Say you're making a skirt, choose the wrong material and instead of "beautiful drape and flow" you've got "hanging stiff and barely moving"! Sometimes you can have the right material, but CUT it wrong and get that same bad result! Get some tips on how to choose the right material in the store and how to cut it when you get it home.
  
COS - Costuming for Teens and Tweens
So, you're no longer a kid and you'd sort of like to start making your own costuming. Learn how to read a pattern, how to choose a pattern, how to mix and match parts of patterns. Find out about different sewing resources around the valley. Get answers to your questions.

COS - Decorative Fringe
Learn to make your own decorative fringe! Learn which fabrics works best for this and why. Also, once your fringe is made, learn to add beads to embellish it!

COS - Dress Like a Pirate
Want to dress like a pirate without necessarily looking like Captain Jack Sparrow? Come get tips and advice from the real deal, our very own Arizona Corsairs

COS/KIDS - Hats, Hats, and more Hats!
Sue Uttke has generously donated a veritable plethora of hats, so come pick out your favorite and decorate it any way you please! Be silly, classic, medieval, go over the top, or under scale it's your hat, so it's your choice!

COS/SOC - History of Masks
From ancient times through modern days, masks have always held a special place in human society. From ceremonial to celebratory, come learn the history of the mask.

COS - Hollywood Costuming
What do they get right and how wrong can they be? And why do they think we won't notice when they mix time periods?

COS/KIDS - Imagine A Costume
There will be fabric and bits of clothing and other "stuff" provided. The kids' mission: assemble a costume from the assorted materials. (Then maybe show-off their creation in the Masquerade?!).

COS/ANI - Intro into Cosplay
Get a general idea of what Cosplay is and where it came from. A local club will tell you how to get involved locally and where the fun is. Here's a chance to find out what all the kids are excited about.

COS - The In's and Out's of Masquerade
If you've never been in a masquerade or it's been a while, this is the panel for you. Learn about the different categories, which one you belong in, what the judges will expect, stage movement, what is expected of you backstage and what to do if you win an award. Get any questions you may have answered here.
    Nyki Robertson

COS/KIDS - Mask Making
Back by popular demand! Come decorate a mask. Let your imagination go! Decorate one to go with a costume, or just do one because it's a lot of fun! Great for kids and adults alike.

COS - Masquerade

COS - Masquerade Contestant's Meeting
Meet with the Director and crew to finalize paperwork, get music turned in, do technical walk-thru &/or rehearse with the M.C. If you have a divinely inspired reason for missing this meeting, please make prior arrangements with the Director. You do not have to be in your costume, just be present. *Judging will start at 4:00 SHARP, you will be told what order to go in at the contestants meeting!*
    Nyki Robertson

COS - Pattern Altering
What a great pattern you've got there! Now, how are you going to make it fit yourself? Learn how to alter a pattern to fit real-world bodies. Your instructors have a combined total of a 100 years experience in sewing! Come take advantage of their knowledge!
  
COS/FAN - Pillow Covering
Take regular, inexpensive pillows and, with the right material and a few well placed seams VOILA! You've got an expensive-looking throw or floor pillow to liven up your room (or S.C.A. Inc. tent) with! Come learn the trick to this interior decorating design treat!

COS/KID - Scrunch Dyeing
Like the look of tie-dye, but don't like the mess? Then this is the demo for you! Great for t-shirts, pillowcases, etc... This fast, easy and fun new method will capture your attention. Hands on workshop! Take your project away with you. Fun for kids and adults alike!

COS/ART- Special Effects Make-up with Moreg
Come watch as models are transformed into horrific creatures of the night. Learn a few techniques to try yourself.

COS - Steampunk Costuming
A blend of Victorian-era with futuristic elements makes for some great possibilities in what you can do. Get some great ideas and learn how a master-level costumer manages this ever-growing popular "new" genre of costuming.

COS - Steampunk Makeup
Come learn some interesting makeup tips to go with your steampunk costume!

COS - Steampunk Pieces and Parts
Parts is parts, right? But where do they get all those really neat little (and sometimes not so little!) gew gaws and stuff? Come find out some sources you can use in your own steampunk costuming adventures!

COS - Tricks of the Costuming Trade
Explore the differences between home sewing and theatrical costume techniques. For example: there is a HUGE difference in how an historically accurate layered garment (such as Ottoman Turkish Robes) and the same garment created for the stage are constructed!

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DEMONSTRATIONS & WORKSHOPS

DEMO/FAN - Advanced Belly Dance
For anyone who thinks they can follow along! A special treat presented by one of our local Belly Dance Celebrities!

DEMO/FAN - Arabic Drum Rhythms
Learn the difference between an African Jumbey and an Arabic Dhoumbek. Figure out a beledi from a saidii, and basically learn how to make the dancers happy!

DEMO/FAN - Basic Belly Dance Moves
Learn a good stretch-out routine and some basic moves from a tribal style (heavy on the Ghawazee influence) dance instructor.

DEMO - Corsair Fighting
Come watch the swashbuckling Corsairs in action! Maybe even learn a move or two! But be careful they've been known to pirate away' a pretty wench here and there!

DEMO/FAN- Dancing With Props
Rule # 1: Sometimes the prop wins! Learn the basics for dancing with a cane, veil, sword, fan veils, candles, etc.. Just remember Rule #1!

DEMO/FAN/ - Drum and Dance Circle
Put on your hip scarves and come move to the beat of live drummers! Don't have hip scarves? Never belly danced before? Come on down anyway! We'll show you how to drum or dance or you can just watch, whatever, a good time is just waiting to be had!

DEMO/KID - Friendship Bracelets
Come learn how to make different styles of friendship bracelets. Materials provided.

DEMO/FAN - Intermediate Belly Dance
Continue your belly dance education with an instructor trained in American Tribal Style!

DEMO/FAN - More Basic Belly Dance Moves
Build up your library of basic movements and get ready for the intermediate level with a cabaret trained, tribal influenced dancer

DEMO - S.C.A. Inc.
Hard-suit armored combat demonstrations. One-on-one and group battles. Medieval style in full body armor using mock-up, rattan weapons.

DEMO/KID/COS - Scrunch Dyeing
Like the look of tie-dye, but don't like the mess? Then this is the demo for you! Great for t-shirts, pillowcases, etc... This fast, easy and fun new method will capture your attention. Hands on workshop! Take your project away with you. Fun for kids and adults alike!

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FAN

FAN/DEMO - Advanced Belly Dance
For anyone who thinks they can follow along! A special treat presented by one of our local Belly Dance Celebrities!

FAN/SOC - Alien Archaeology Panel
Panelists will be given a variety of common and uncommon household items. Their goal is to tell the audience what an archaeologist from an alien civilization would decide the item was and what its significance within our society would be. Quite a blast for everyone!

FAN/DEMO - Arabic Drum Rhythms
Learn the difference between an African Jumbey and an Arabic Dhoumbek. Figure out a beledi from a saidii, and basically learn how to make the dancers happy!

FAN/MED - "Barry Bard Memorial" "At the Movies"
FREE SWAG! This is a favorite local event where you will get a sneak peek at trailers for some exciting new upcoming movies. After the trailer presentation we will hold a lottery for free movie promotional material (T-shirts, baseball caps, special posters and whatever else the studios have sent to us). Sponsored by CASFS.org
     Len Berger, Richard Bolinski, Craig L Dyer

FAN/DEMO - Basic Belly Dance Moves
Learn a good stretch-out routine and some basic moves from a tribal style (heavy on the Ghawazee influence) dance instructor.

FAN - Con Widow's
Are you a Convention Widow? Dragged to the convention by an overly-enthusiastic significant other who has failed to notice your lack of enthusiasm? Well, come, meet others of your kind, and drink tea and coffee. Learn about what there is to do in Phoenix around the hotel.

FAN/DEMO - Dancing With Props
Rule # 1: Sometimes the prop wins! Learn the basics for dancing with a cane, veil, sword, fan veils, candles, etc.. Just remember Rule #1!

FAN - Disaster Strikes! What to do, What Not to do, What is Just Plain Stupid!
What can I say, the title pretty much say it all!

FAN/DEMO - Drum and Dance Circle
Put on your hip scarves and come move to the beat of live drummers! Don't have hip scarves? Never belly danced before? Come on down anyway! We'll show you how to drum or dance or you can just watch, whatever, a good time is just waiting to be had!
 
FAN - Fandom and the Economy
With the economy like it is these days, people can barely afford to go to the corner store, let alone a convention. So how do you fit fandom into your budget? Come discuss some of the creative ways folks are using to keep fandom in their lives.

FAN - Fandom 101: Orientation
This panel is a tutorial for new convention attendees and parents who want to know what their children are getting into! So, what is a Fandom Convention, anyway? How are the themes for the Con's picked? What is a ConSuite? Should I go there? Where do I go to score the neat free stuff? How do I meet the Guest of Honor's (GoH's)? Attend this panel (which may include a guided tour!) to find out the answers to these and other questions you may have about attending a science fiction convention.

FAN/LIT - Fandom 102: Required Reading
What are some of the books that every sci-fi fan should read? Is reading even required to be a fan in the media age? Either way, what movies and TV shows are "Must sees"?
 
FAN - Filk 101
What is Filk? Who does it? Can I do it, too? Come get the answers to these questions and possibly even learn a song or two!

FAN - Fire or Ice: End of the World: Fiction /vs/ Reality
What can I say, the title pretty much say it all!

FAN - Guest Etiquette
Learn the difference between adoring fan behavior and outright stalking. When it's permissible to ask for an autograph and how to approach your favorite author/artist/actor/whoever.

FAN/LIT - Has the Web Killed Fanzines?
The pro's and con's of paper /vs./ web based fan publications. Hear from folks on both sides of the issue. Panelists discuss e-zines that are available, what the best e-zines do right and what the others could improve. Where do you get paper fanzines anymore and which ones are best? Included will be some recommendations of some good e-zines and fanzines for both readers and writers.

FAN - Home Brewing or How to Make Your Own Cordials
Come learn the basics to make your own cordials in the comfort of your own home from an acknowledged Master of the Craft, our very own: Craig Dyer!

FAN - How to Throw a Con Party
Want to throw a Con Party without getting thrown out of both the Con and the Hotel? Come and learn the in's and out's of throwing a party in a hotel room, both local and long distance.

FAN/DEMO - Intermediate Belly Dance
Continue your belly dance education with an instructor trained in American Tribal Style!

FAN - Modern Goths
Are there really more Goths out there these days, or is it just that more of us are feeling comfortable about being more open about it? How do you tell a true Goth from a Marilyn Manson reject kid? What does being Goth mean to you? What is a Goth? Join us for an open discussion.

FAN/DEMO - More Basic Belly Dance Moves
Build up your library of basic movements and get ready for the intermediate level with a cabaret trained, tribal influenced dancer

FAN/COS - Pillow Covering
Take regular, inexpensive pillows and, with the right material and a few well placed seams VOILA! You've got an expensive-looking throw or floor pillow to liven up your room (or S.C.A. Inc. tent) with! Come learn the trick to this interior decorating design treat!

FAN - Theory and Art of Flirting
What constitutes flirting and what is just creepy stalking behavior? Have an interactive discussion of flirting techniques and timing.

FAN - Tomorrow: Dystopia or Utopia: What do you Think?
Well, what DO you think? Where do you see humankind headed? Come put your two-cents in and hear what others think.
 
FAN - You Mean I Can Make A Living At This?!
A surprising number of careers can arise out of working at your favorite conventions. Aside from the obvious ones dealing with the publishing and art worlds, there's event planner, accountant, travel agent, lawyer, police officer, caterer, etc Don't believe me? Come find out for yourself!

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GAMING

GAM/LIT - Fiction /vs/ Gaming
What is the difference in writing fiction (of any kind) and writing for gaming?

GAM - Gaming 101
Learn the terminology: what does LARP stand for? Etc.

GAM - Magic: The Gathering
This game was introduced more than 12 years ago yet it is still going strong. Why? For those who don't play, but are curious, come learn some of the basics of the game. Card types, basic plays, etc. Come learn what the excitement is all about.

GAM - Video Games: PAst vs Future

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KID

KID - Color Time
Come color picture of various types and things or draw your own pictures to color! Crayons, colored pencils, paper and pictures will be provided. Kids of all ages welcome.

KID/LIT - Creative Writing for Children
Do you want to write a story? Write your own book? But you don't know where or how to start? Well kids, this workshop is for you. A "hands-on" workshop led by an experienced "young adult" author and an English professor from ASU-West.

KID/DEMO - Friendship Bracelets
Come learn how to make different styles of friendship bracelets. Materials provided.

KID/COS - Hats, Hats, and more Hats!
Sue Uttke has generously donated a veritable plethora of hats, so come pick out your favorite and decorate it any way you please! Be silly, classic, medieval, go over the top, or under scale it's your hat, so it's your choice!

KID/COS - Imagine A Costume
There will be fabric and bits of clothing and other "stuff" provided. The kids' mission: assemble a costume from the assorted materials. (Then maybe show-off their creation in the Masquerade?!).

KIDS/COS - Mask Making
Back by popular demand! Come decorate a mask. Let your imagination go! Decorate one to go with a costume, or just do one because it's a lot of fun! Great for kids and adults alike.

KID/LIT - Once Upon A Time
Running along similar lines as "It was a dark and stormy night ." Only this one's for the kids. Come, let your imaginations soar! See how wild and fantastical the story can get with children at the wheel! Led by experienced adults. Audience participation is HIGHLY encouraged!

KID/DEMO - Origami
The ancient art of Japanese paper folding. Come learn some fun shapes. For kids of all ages.
   
KID/DEMO - Plastic Craft Lacing
Come learn to do a couple of different craft projects using the plastic craft lacing. Materials supplied.

KID/COS/DEMO - Scrunch Dyeing
Like the look of tie-dye, but don't like the mess? Then this is the demo for you! Great for t-shirts, pillowcases, etc... This fast, easy and fun new method will capture your attention. Hands on workshop! Take your project away with you. Fun for kids and adults alike!

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LITERARY

LIT - Authors /vs/ Editors
Are writers and editors antagonists or partners? This panel looks at the ways each can help or hinder the other, from BOTH points of view, with practical advice to make the author-editor relationship a smooth and mutually beneficial one

LIT - Big Brother
Looking at George Orwell's classic book "1984" and its tie in to contemporary conspiracy theories

LIT - "Bite Me, Chew off My Face, But Love Me
When did vampires, werewolves and other monsters become love interests?

LIT - Book Collecting
Signed/Limited edition books, publishers, collectors, and big names. How to recognize first editions. How to tell if your signed and/or first edition book is worth anything.

LIT - Build a Good Alien
Your mission: create a plausible alien using current physics and biological laws. Remember: the key word is PLAUSIBLE.

LIT - Christian Science Fiction
A small, but growing section. Is there room in sci-fi for the Christian God? What do Christians think about the sci-fi, fantasy, even horror genres? Are we missing a large market by not catering a little bit to them?

LIT - The Cthulu Mythos
H.P. Lovecraft created a mythos to rival that of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Come learn about his diverse pantheon of beings. What is the Necronomicon, anyway? Which ocean does Cthulu sleep under? Get answers to these and other questions at this interactive panel
 
LIT - Collaborative Writing
Have a great story you want to write with someone, but aren't sure you can do it without killing them and ending up in prison? Get some tips from people who have been there and survived to tell about it!

LIT/KID - Creative Writing for Children
Do you want to write a story? Write your own book? But you don't know where or how to start? Well kids, this workshop is for you. A "hands-on" workshop led by an experienced "young adult" author and an English professor from ASU-West.

LIT - Cross Cultural Writing
Discuss cultural differences and their impact on writing &/or their role in miscommunications and misinterpretations. Brainstorm with the experts on ways to solve this issue.

LIT - D.I.Y. Media Promotion for Authors
Ways that aspiring authors can use current internet social media tools-Twitter, podcasting, blogging, Facebook, MySpace, etc.. to draw attention and build fan communities around themselves and their works.

LIT - Did Shakespeare REALLY Do Shakespeare?
Why do so many people think someone else wrote Shakespeare's works? They don't feel that way about Mozart or any number of other artistic geniuses who have about the same amount of documentation about their lives?!

LIT - The Difference between a Comic Book and a Graphic Novel
Is there a difference between comic books and graphic novels besides length? If so, what are they? What are the elements that go into a comic book as compared to what goes into a graphic novel?

LIT - E-Books: The New Small Press
Are eBooks the new small press? Some authors say YES! Others say NO! Still others won't commit either way. Come hear about the topic and decide for yourself

LIT/GAM - Fiction /vs/ Gaming
What is the difference in writing fiction (of any kind) and writing for gaming?

LIT - G/B/L/T in Sci-Fi" (must be over 18 years of age)
Another group to ask if they are equally represented in sci-fi? Is it important? Do they want to be? There's Torchwood, but what else is there? What else should there be?

LIT - Hardcore Science & Science Fiction: Do the 2 Ever Go Together Any more?
What has happened to the "Science" in science-fiction? Why do the authors seem to be "dumbing it down" nowadays? Has the education system failed us so badly that even our fiction has to be written for the uneducated and semi-literates? What is going on, for Pete's sake?!?

LIT/FAN - Has the Web Killed Fanzines?
The pro's and con's of paper /vs./ web based fan publications. Hear from folks on both sides of the issue. Panelists discuss e-zines that are available, what the best e-zines do right and what the others could improve. Where do you get paper fanzines anymore and which ones are best? Included will be some recommendations of some good e-zines and fanzines for both readers and writers.

LIT - High Fantasy
What exactly is it? Who set the standards for it? Who are the legends in it? Who is hot right now?

LIT - Homo Sapiens Parvulus
In geologic time, we're still children. Where does hard science fiction say we may be going as a biological species? What are the costs and benefits of the paths before us, and what conflicts would speciation (development of a new species) lead to? (Left Hand of Darkness, Childhood's End, the Cyber-punk sub-genre, etc)

LIT - How to do a Reading
This workshop gives advice in HOW to give readings, promoting your readings at various cons and events, and provide contingency plans for when good readings go bad. We will cover the importance of readings and how to find the best stopping point in your chapter selection or prologue that will compel your audience to buy your book.

LIT - How to Market Your Story
So, you've written your great masterpiece or maybe just a pithy short story. What's the next step? Come get advice from published authors on what you need to be doing and what you should maybe avoid doing!

LIT - The Inevitable Robot Wars!

LIT - It Was A Dark and Stormy Night
This is a round-robin story telling tradition at con's. Can we make a ridiculous yet compelling story in 50 minutes? How bizarre will it get? How hysterical? You won't know unless you attend! Audience participation is HIGHLY encouraged!

LIT - The Linguistic Problems with First Contact
Usually, shows use a "universal translator" (how convenient, but who programs it?) or they have a genius linguist who can crack a new language in 18 hours flat. However, what about slang? On our own planet, in our own country, it's a problem from west coast to east coast. Go from America to England, or England to Australia! How much more would it be a problem from our planet to another?!? Come join in what promises to be a lively round table discussion.

LIT - Lovecraft: the Man, the Myth, the Legend
Lovecraft lived at the turn of the century (1890-1937). He was a pioneer in the horror genre; indeed, some consider him to be the "Godfather of Horror". Learn about his life, his motivations, etc. He was an original purveyor of psychological horror and was a master of it. Come learn about Cthulu's creator (or was he?!?). Ask questions of an expert.
   
LIT - Lovecraft in the Media
Lovecraft elements turn up in some of the most (seemingly) odd places: Metallica does a song about Cthulu rising from his sleep, Cradle of Filth mention Lovecraftian themes, as do several other heavy and death metal bands. (KMFDM, etc.). We know that there have been several movies based on Lovecraft's works, and what kind of Lovecraft elements have shown up in anime? There's even a game entitled "Call of Cthulu"! Everywhere you go; it seems that there's a little bit of Lovecraft there. Quite comforting for his fans, kind of creepy if you're not

LIT - Medievalism in Modern Culture
This panel will take a look at the representation of Medieval narratives, characters, themes, myths and images in modern media and literature.

LIT - Muslims and Jews in Space
Is there a market for science fiction amongst the Jewish or even the Islamic cultures? I know plenty of Jews who would die before giving up their sci-fi, but that's just a drop in the bucket. What's the official stance?

LIT - Race and Color in Sci-Fi
Are minorities equally represented in sci-fi? To ask the politically incorrect question: is it even important? Well, yes, because we all need to be able to identify with a character. So, what do YOU think? Come share your opinions

LIT/FAN - Fandom 102: Required Reading
What are some of the books that every sci-fi fan should read? Is reading even required to be a fan in the media age? Either way, what movies and TV shows are "Must sees"?

LIT - Sci-Fi and the Younger Generation
If we are complaining and moaning about a lack of "good" Science fiction for adults, then what does the market look like for the "young adults" (teens) and children? How can we expect to raise the next generation of fandom if there isn't an adequate supply of science fiction for them to "cut their teeth on"? Come talk with some YA authors and learn what they are doing to remedy the problem. Toss your two-cents in.

LIT - Science Fiction /vs/ Fantasy
There sure seems to be more fantasy on the shelves these days. Are we, as readers, getting lazier? Is it harder to sell good science fiction because no-one understands it anymore or is that a copout on the author's side? Has the good "science" story gone mainstream?

LIT - Science Fiction and Fantasy for Your IPOD
Podcasts novels are becoming an "in" thing for all kinds of writers. What are some good sites for downloading podcast science fiction and fantasy novels? If you want to write a novel for podcast, what are some do's and don'ts?

LIT - The Secret /vs/ The Force
"We think things into existence." "If you believe it, you can achieve it." "The force is all around you, Luke" "Use the Force" Anyone besides me see the similarities between how "The Secret" works and how the force works?

LIT - Selling Stories on the Web
Publishing and selling your stories on the web. How to do it, what are some of the pitfalls to watch for, and what are some of the benefits of doing it?

LIT - Small Press
How are the small presses surviving? Is it a good venue for the struggling writer? Why do the successfully established writers go to a small press?

LIT - Steampunk Literature
Discuss the roots of steampunk and examples of novels starting with Jules Verne and ending with China Mieville. What elements need to be present to qualify as steampunk? Is location significant? Will it gain in popularity?

LIT - Tips for Writers
What is the difference between Access & Availability? What are 3 things a successful author must do? What is "the New Model"? Come talk to a successful author, publisher and speaker and get some great tips.

LIT - What Universe Are YOU Living In?br> Where would you live if you could? Earthsea? Hogwart's Academy? Or maybe you would want to wallow in Heinlein's future? Star Trek Universe /vs/ Star Wars Universe? What about the verse Serenity flies in? Maybe the Holographic Universe (wait-that's a WHOLE nother panel!)

LIT - What IS SF?
Back around what is known as the "Golden Age" there were great debates and sometimes vicious arguments: some insisted that SF was Sci-fi or Science Fiction while others argued that SF should stand for the more inclusive "Speculative Fiction". Come air your opinion in this great debate.

LIT - What's "Real" Science Fiction
Is Walter Mosley writing "real" science fiction? Who IS Walter Mosley? How much mainstream stuff could be sci-fi? Is the line blurring into the soft' sciences? Why are general fiction writers attracted to our genre?

LIT - World Building
Fleshing out the details for world building. Organization for novelists. Ideas for keeping track of characters. How to lay-out world building.

LIT - Writer's Groups
How to form them. How to manage them. Setting up basic ground rules. How to deal with "problem" members.

LIT - Writing Contests
How do you tell which writing contests are legitimate? What do you look for to avoid a scam? Do these contests ever really help you get published?

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MEDIA

MED/FAN - "Barry Bard Memorial" "At the Movies"
FREE SWAG! This is a favorite local event where you will get a sneak peek at trailers for some exciting new upcoming movies. After the trailer presentation we will hold a lottery for free movie promotional material (T-shirts, baseball caps, special posters and whatever else the studios have sent to us). Sponsored by CASFS.org
     Len Berger, Richard Bolinski, Craig Dyer

MED - BBC America

MED - Censorship and the Media
Should all of us be punished by having everything censored to a near death because the conservative right-wing apparently have no idea how to change that channel or turn off the TV when there is a program on that they feel is "inappropriate" for their child/ren to view? Surely you have an opinion on this topic?

MED - Cons and the People who Attend Them (an interactive documentary)
In other words, do a documentary at con about cons!

MED - Does Action/Adventure Have To = Dumb/Mindless?
Is it possible to tell a supercharged, fun, action-adventure story in books or movies and still include some thought provoking ideas? Panelists discuss action/adventure stories and films in science fiction and which ones hold up as smart, or which ones are just dumb and dumber

MED - Doomsday Movies
With all the "end of the world as we know it" movies out there, (where, if you notice, we don't usually destroy the planet, just the environment we can live in!), it seems that there is a definite message being sent: Humans need to stop our self-destructive behaviors. Do you think this is an appropriate vehicle for this type message and dos it appear to be getting through?

MED - Everything Old is New Again
Why is it that instead of coming up with new ideas, Hollywood is merely re-doing all the old movies and TV shows? Is there really nothing new under the sun or has the reality of the space station stopped all speculation of what's out there?

MED - Lights! Camera! Action!
Have you always wanted to make your own Indie film? Where do you get funding? Find Equipment? Get technical assistance? How do you deal with temperamental actors? Get a caterer? Did I skip anything? YIKES! There is a LOT that goes into this! Come talk with some people who have been there and done that'. Get answers to your questions.

MED - Media and Music
Almost every movie uses music to cue our emotions. Do they have no faith in their actors' abilities? Do they really think we are so mindless that we can be led around by the music? Come chat with a couple of director/producer's and hear their opinions on the topic. Ask questions.

MED - Radio and Censorship
Federal laws keep getting stricter. Pretty soon DJ's are going to have to script their show for approval PROIR to airtime! This is getting RIDICULOUS! Come hear what some local radio personalities think about radio and censorship and where it's all headed. Ask questions, "air" your opinions.

MED - Reality Shows and Sci-Fi on T.V.
Has reality' TV gone too far? Is it even reality? Could science fiction contribute to this new genre?

MED - Sci-Fi Channel
Speaking of "revamps", the sci-fi channel has revamped itself, now calling itself the "syfy" channel. But has anything really changed?

MED - Smuggling 101
Is the Serenity better set up for smuggling or is the Millennium Falcon got the better set-up? Hmmm? Come hear as the debate continues on!

MED - The Star Trek Universe Update
Last year the Star Trek Universe was reborn thanks to JJ Abrams movie reimagining of Star Trek's origins, which begame the highest grossing movie in Star Trek history. A sequel script has been developed -- can a sequel expand the franchise? Join members of the United Federation of Phoenix, celebrating its 35 anniversary at CopperCon 30, for a panel discussion to discuss all things Trek.

MED - Supernatural /vs/ Sci-Fi
More and more the industry is producing shows (both T.V. and Cinema) that are supernatural in nature, but are calling them "Sci-Fi". Are they really? Or is the industry "copping out" on us and trying to get around having to come up with legitimate "science" fiction shows? Why are the directors and writers skirting around the science issues instead of addressing them?
 
MED - SyFy's Fall Line-up
What is your opinion of the fall lineup? Did they keep your favorite show or drop it? Are there any new shows you are looking forward to? Did they leave your favorite in a gut-wrenching cliff-hanger you're dying to talk about?

MED - Transformers
The old Transformers /vs/ the new revamped Transformers: which are better? The debate rages among fans. Come listen and/or join in!

MED - True Blood: The Phenomenon
The show that has taken the nation by storm (even my PCP watches it!). Based on the novels by Charlaine Harris, this panel will discuss how true to the books the series really is and how it differs. Open to fans and non-fans alike. Come air your opinions.

MED - Whatever happened to...?
Whatever happened to the Andromeda? She was a GREAT ship with a great crew! So where did they go? Exactly how many rewrites did it take to kill er, try to save them?

MED - The Whoinverse
It's not just Dr. Who anymore, there's Torchwood, the Sarah Jane Adventures, audio adventures, a new K9 spin-off series, and a new Doctor and Companion.

MED - The World of Stargate
Stargate, SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, now Stargate Universe. When will the madness end? Do we really want it to? With GateCons growing in popularity, the answer, seemingly, is no. Come discuss the various incarnations of Stargate with other fans

MED - You Might As Well Face It; You're Addicted To Con's
(Anyone besides me hearing Robert Palmer in their heads?!?) This is part of the documentary. This isn't a 12-step program, but come meet others who share your addiction. Swap "war" stories; share your love of con's and fandom. Tell what got you coming in the first place and what keeps you coming back

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SCIENCE

SCI - Artificial Intelligence

SCI - Astrobiology
Discuss the origin, early evolution, distribution and possible future of life not only on earth, but elsewhere in the cosmos as well!

SCI - Astrophysics
Discuss stellar evolution, star formation, galactic structure, extra-galactic astronomy and high-energy astrophysics. This is for all you hard science guys and gals out there!

SCI - Biogeography
Take a look at environmental and historical processes that determined distributional patterns of animals and plants, emphasizing terrestrial life. A great panel for authors creating their own planets!

SCI - Environmental Physiology
Learn how animals (and humans) respond and adapt to various aspects of their physical environment. This is a hard science panel that would be good for writers creating their own worlds!

SCI - The Europa Jupiter System Mission: Exploring the Immergence of Habitable Worlds around Gas Giants (PowerPoint presentation w/Dr. Dave Williams)
In Feb 2009 NASA approved an Europa Orbiter as the next Flagship mission to the Outer Solar System. Coming on the 400th anniversary of Galileo's discovery of the moon's of Jupiter, this will be a joint project with the European Space Agency (who will build a complementary Ganymede Orbiter), and this Europa Jupiter System Mission has the theme of exploring the immergence of habitable worlds around around gas giant planets. Join Dr. Dave Williams of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration to learn about all the facts of this fascinating new planetary mission.

SCI - Finding Good Science
What are considered credible hard science magazines? Is there a difference between reading something in "Discover" and reading it in, say, the "New England Journal of Medicine"? Why one is considered more credible than the other? Where does the layperson go to find accurate, credible information about their favorite science?

SCI - Foolish Science in Movies and Literature
It's true that a lot of our early science fiction looks foolish now but how many budding scientists were inspired by pulp and movie serials? Are they still being inspired by the idea of a transporter? Do we really need to be science Nazis' in our fiction or is there still room for wonder?

SCI - Genetic Engineering and Society
Now days it seems as if the scientists can genetically engineer almost any plant they want heck, they even cloned a sheep! What are the applications regarding vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics? What ethical question's (if any) does this raise?

SCI - Genetics /vs/ Good Sense
If you could genetically design your baby, what would you want? Should this be allowed? Then again, does the government have the right to withhold this technology "for our own good"?

SCI - The Holographic Universe
What is the Holographic Universe? Who is Talbot? What are Aspects findings which are quoted here: "University of London physicist David Bohm, for example, believes Aspect's findings imply that objective reality does not exist, that despite its apparent solidity the universe is at heart a phantasm, a gigantic and splendidly detailed hologram." Come hear more on this fascinating topic.

SCI - NASA Space Science Update (PowerPoint presentation w/Dr. Dave Williams)
What's happening with Solar System Exploration? Join Dr. Dave Williams of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration to review all of the recent discoveries from the Moon, Mercury, Mars, and throughout the Solar System.

SCI - The Past Made Modern
Could archaic technology be brought into the modern world and used to update modern technology?

SCI - Radiation and Life
Are we really at risk of radiation exposure in today's society? Can there be any benefits from it? What about medical applications, food irradiation, nuclear power, solar UV? What are the population health effects?

SCI - The Unseen Universe: Infrared Astronomy
Many of the newest astronomical instruments are being optimized for infrared astronomy, including the NEWFIRM and WHIRC cameras at Kitt Peak and the James Webb Space Telescope. So, what's so special about infrared light? Well, you can see a lot of things that you can't see in the optical such as whole galaxies of dark matter, extrasolar planets and clues to the origins of the universe that just aren't seen at visible wavelengths. This panel discusses infrared instruments and what has been discovered so far and what people hope to learn with them.
   

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SOCIAL

SOC/FAN - Alien Archaeology Panel
Panelists will be given a variety of common and uncommon household items. Their goal is to tell the audience what an archaeologist from an alien civilization would decide the item was and what its significance within our society would be. Quite a blast for everyone!

Alien Sex Toys" - ADULT - Must be 18 or older to attend
We recently discovered a box of alien artifacts from a vanished race. We have reason to believe the entire box is full of alien sex aids. Please come help us identify their real purposes. It could change the very fabric of our society Adults Only.

SOC - Are We Doomed To Repeat Our Past?
What patterns repeat in the phenomenon of human history? Does Emperor Domitian's command & control economy hold lessons for modern Totalitarianism? What lessons, if any, might our civilization take away from the empires of the past? If the patterns (such as the rise and fall of several empires) are relevant, what does that say about human social organization? Are we doomed to repeat our mistakes?

SOC/FAN - Drum and Dance Circle Sunday Evening
Put on your hip scarves and come move to the beat of live drummers! Don't have hip scarves? Never belly danced before? Come on down anyway! We'll show you how to drum or dance or you can just watch, whatever, a good time is just waiting to be had!
    
SOC - Freedom of Speech
We (supposedly) have freedom of speech in this country. Do we really? Should this include freedom of artistic expression?
   
SOC/COS - History of Masks
From ancient times through modern days, masks have always held a special place in human society. From ceremonial to celebratory, come learn the history of the mask.

SOC - The IrRgular? UnOriginal "Modern Dance" Friday Night (Space allowing)
" IrRegular? UnOriginal?" What does THAT mean? It's the Theme for the CopperCon 30 Modern Music Dance! All the songs are Covers, Remakes, Alternate, Tributes, Remixes, songs in other languages and songs that are mixed together! Come and hear different versions of your favorite songs, or even learn that your fave tracks already are one of these kinds!
Requests are encouraged, but they must stay with the theme. Requests will be accepted in mp3, m4a, wav and cda formats. Please submit requests in any of the following ways: CD (burned or factory), MP3 Player w/ USB plug-in, Flash Drive. NO IPODS!!! Hosted by DJ Lilith Syn

SOC - Population Control
The population of our planet is expanding exponentially. Some say that pretty soon we're going to run out of the resources to provide for everyone. What to do then? Many say the answer lays in government controlled, painless, planned death. (Does anyone remember "Logan's Run"? or am I dating myself?) Is this a feasible answer? If so, at what age do we go? Do we pick our own age, or is there a set age limit? (Again, I say "Logan's Run"). Would everyone have to do it or would exceptions be made for "exceptional" people? And who would decide who those people were? Come air your opinion on this controversial topic.

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