FB Report: Lots of Links on Speculative Fiction -- 10/24/10

This week reports a Featured Event, children's book award nominations, a book list, and lots more.

Quote of the Week:  "Remember that a story with worldwide wireless communication was fantasy 150 years ago, scifi 100 years ago, and is not scifi today. "  by Sean OBrien 
[October 18, 2010 on http://www.facebook.com/thedavidbrin in a discussion concerning the definition of hard science fiction.]

Want your link to be listed? Share it to the Reading For the Future page on Facebook or make me your Friend and post links on your Wall that you share with Friends. If you think I will overlook it, send me a message with the link attached and the remarks you want to say in introducing the link. Be sure to include your personal website url.

This is the third in the series of links of interest found on Facebook from the Reading For the Future page on Facebook and a few Walls of various friends.

Please note the spelling is corrected now in that the word "For" is capitalized. Cie named the page this way to distinguish it from other RFF sites online. Me, I noticed it once, then promptly forgot and misspelled the page for weeks of blog posts and rff group emails--even after someone remarked on how I had a typo in place. There are none so blind... My apologies.

Remember, the Note.

---

Reading For the Future, "...article at the bottom of the page entitled 'Notes on Writing Weird Fiction'. [essay by] H.P. Lovecraft...1933,...published...[in] June 1937 issue of The Amateur Correspondent."
Flash Fiction Online
flashfictiononline.com
Flash Fiction Online is a free source of professional flash fiction -- complete stories of 1,000 or fewer words. It includes stories from award-winning authors as well as first-time publications. Check us out!
http://www.flashfictiononline.com
[10/22/10]

From David Brin, "Every instance of First Contact in human history resulted in pain for the less advanced culture. I believe we should exercise caution before allowing a few individuals to beam messages into space."
David Brin Wants Us To Keep A Low Galactic Profile | KPBS.org
www.kpbs.org
From An interview with Tom Fudge of KPBS. In the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, called SETI, people point powerful radio telescopes at distant stars in hopes of hearing radio signals from other civilizations. But the problem comes when humans stop listening and begin to shout.
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/oct/21/david-brin-wants-us-keep-low-galactic-profile/
[10/22/10]

Reading For the Future, "Saw this... and had to share with fellow Spec Fiction fans....[for]Lovecraft's 120th birthday."
H P Lovecraft Cthulhu necklace in black stainless by FableAndFury
www.etsy.com
An homage to one of the most influential horror writers of the 20th century, Howard Phillips Lovecraft. This framed silhouette pendant is detailed with sprawling tentacles... a nod to Lovecraft's cosmic creature, Cthulhu.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58943078/h-p-lovecraft-cthulhu-necklace-in-black
[10/22/10]

On Valerie's wall from Science Fiction Book Club, "...movie news...PJ's Hobbit movies...casting of Bilbo Baggins...-Rome
Peter Jackson officially announces the cast of The Hobbit (Yes!) | Blastr
blastr.com
The Hobbit is moving out of New Zealand to Australia. Or to London...[Peter] Jackson does know...who'll be starring in the long-delayed movie.
http://blastr.com/2010/10/peter-jackson-announces-t.php
[10/22/10]

On Valerie's wall from David Brin's Uplift Universe "Dolphins uplifting themselves? In Australia, a group of river dolphins has learned to walk on water...[and] taught others."
BBC - Earth News - Dolphins learn to 'walk on water'
news.bbc.co.uk
Wild dolphins in Australia are naturally learning to "walk" on their tail flukes, a rare example of playful behaviour being culturally transmitted among animals.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9116000/9116120.stm
[10/23/10]

On Valerie's Wall from Bobbie DuFault, "Hey how cool!"
About « Do Nothing But Read Day
wp.me
On December 3, 2009, Amanda Lanyon-LeSage said something on Facebook that could possibly change the world. She merely wished that she could take a day off and do nothing but read. Her idea was seconded–and thirded and fourthed–and then it happened for real.
http://wp.me/PKnH7-2[10/22/10]

On Valerie's wall from West Wing Week is a link to a video of the 2010 National Science Winners meeting with President Obama. Believing it is important to share any activity that motivates children to read and learn, I share this with you.
West Wing Week: "The White House Science Fair"
www.youtube.com
This week, walk step by step with the President as he holds the first ever White House Science Fair, signs an Executive Order renewing the Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isTXGUONgcQ
[10/22/10]

David Brin shared this link.
Considering Cryonics | Lightspeed Magazine
www.lightspeedmagazine.com
From submarines to robots, much of the technology we take for granted today was originally conceived, not by scientists or inventors, but by that biggest of dreamers: the science fiction writer. Once thought wildly impossible, cryonics—the freezing of the recently dead, to be revived and repaired
 http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/nonfiction/considering-cryonics/
[10/22/10]

Reading For the Future, "2010 Nominations: Fantasy/Science Fiction for the Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards"
Cybils: 2010 Nominations: Fantasy/Science Fiction
www.cybils.com
The Children's and YA Bloggers' Literary Awards
http://www.cybils.com/2010-nominations-fantasyscience-fiction.html
[10/22/10]

Bobbie DuFault shared, "How about a Peter Parker toilet seat?"
The 6 most awful comic book toys and action figures EVER | Blastr
blastr.com
We all love toys,... love comics....But we don't love ALL toys, because all toys don't deserve it.
http://blastr.com/2010/10/the-7-most-awful-toys-and-action-figures-ever.php
[10/22/10]

David Brin, "Science fiction can infect children with the dangerous mental habit of imagining things different than they are."
Contrary Brin
davidbrin.blogspot.com
An occasional online journal to handle discussions generated by "The David Brin Site" (http://www.davidbrin.com/ ) Courteous argument is welcome...
http://davidbrin.blogspot.com/2010/10/astronomy-seti-science-transparency-and.html
[10/21/10]

On Valerie's wall was the remarks of Lynda Williams sharing Valerie's link (Yep, that's me.) to her own blog post.
Said Lynda,"Valerie of RFF wishes for Okal Rel Universe paper dolls near the end of this delightful description of her encounter with artist Tom Tierney."
Wonderful Paper Dolls of Tom Tierney
http://soapboxbyval.blogspot.com
(After describing a visit to the Tom-Kat Paper Dolls store, I speak of the conversation I had with Tom Tierney and the books I looked at. I speak of using paper dolls to motivate children to read and then wonder if science fiction characters in Tierney's fashions would foster reading of science fiction.)
http://soapboxbyval.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderful-paper-dolls-of-tom-tierney.html
[10/21/10]

To which Valerie asked," Will beautifully illustrated paper dolls of literary characters encourage kids K-12 to read?"

In an answering comment, 10/21/10, Bobbie DuFault said,"Of course they will! And cut out action figures for the boys with lots of swords."

Reading For the Future quoted David Brin, "[F]iction is one of the most 'American' literary genres, because, like America itself, SF has a relentless fascination with change. In fact, I believe that this trait - rather than technology - is what most distinguishes SF from fantasy." Astronomy, SETI, science, transparency and wonders!
Contrary Brin
http://www.davidbrin.com An occasional online journal to handle discussions generated by 'The David Brin Site' (http://www.davidbrin.com/ ) Courteous argument is welcome..."
http://davidbrin.blogspot.com/2010/10/astronomy-seti-science-transparency-and.html
[10/20/10]

Reading For the Future "From Valerie C comes a great SF reading list for SF!  thanks for all the hard work Val :)"
Valerie's Memos: Suggested Readings for K-12 From the Golden Duck Reading List
vmemos.blogspot.com
Last month,I posted a book list at a local library in TX while visiting my parents, Smithville Public Library. The book list was based on the Reading List provided by DucKon the sponsors of the Golden Duck Awards and the Hal Clement Awards.
http://vmemos.blogspot.com/2010/10/suggested-readings-for-k-12-from-golden.html
[10/20/10]

To which William Wood commented that very same day,"Glad to see "George's Secret Key to the Universe" on the list. I finished it with my 6 year old a couple weeks ago and we are now reading the sequel. Well suited to this age and yet still packs a lot of cutting-edge space-related concepts."

Reading For the Future~Valerie,'From James Sawyer comes this update on ereaders and a new source for his book Iterations. The article goes on to say, "To get things started, famous science fiction writer Robert Sawyer has graciously contributed his short stories to the mix which will be free for all jetBook owners, now how about that? Ectac...o has also invited writers to send in their own written material in order to have a chance for their writings loaded to every jetBook sold"
Ectaco introduces jetBook mini » Coolest Gadgets
www.coolest-gadgets.com
Once you’ve taken a look at the title, do not groan and say “Oh no! Not another e-book reader that has descended upon us!”. Well, that might be the case, but you need not worry about Ectaco’s latest offering as the jetBook-mini will be an extension of the world’s leader in portable language learning...
http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20101019/ectaco-introduces-jetbook-mini/
[10/20/10]

Also on 10/20/10, I asked James whether the reader showed colored pictures. Unfortunately, no, he he told me.

Reading For the Future from Lynn E. Cohen Koehler, "Educator's workshop at the MICHENER ART MUSEUM Doylestown, PA
Saturday, November 13, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
$45 Registration deadline: November 2, 2010
James A. Michener Art Museum: Events and Programs: Teacher Workshop: Graphic Novels in the Classroom
www.michenermuseum.org
An introduction to the popular literary art form, the graphic novel, and its benefits for your curriculum.This three hour workshop led by artist, Scott Hanna, will introduce, LitGraphic:The World of the Graphic Novel, followed by a hands-on workshop focused on the visual elements in the graphic nove...
http://www.michenermuseum.org/events/event.php?id=1200
[10/19/10]

The above link refers to our Featured Event. Read more below.

Reading For the Future, "Teaching Physics With Niven [Ringworld] Wow that would be fun :)"
Ringworld 40th Anniversary—Learning Physics with Ringworld
www.tor.com
The Physics of Ringworld by Andrew Love, part of the Ringworld 40th Anniversary celebration on Tor.com
http://www.tor.com/blogs/2010/10/ringworld-physics
[10/19/10]

Reading For the Future, "Check out the RFF Reflections Blog for a great article on The Heinlein Society!"
The Heinlein SocietyReading for the Future Reflections
rff-reflections.blogspot.com
The Heinlein Society. Sharing common goals, some RFF members have worked closely with The Heinlein Society, http://www.heinleinsociety.org/, on projects in the past. The two organizations even have members in common. Expect more collaborative efforts from these two organizations
http://rff-reflections.blogspot.com/2010/10/heinlein-society.html
[10/18/10]

Reading For the Future,"Spooky Legends Event: Oct 18th-31st; 2 supernatural blogs + 14 spine-tingling days + 28 frighteningly talented authors & characters, creepy cool urban legends, and the most chilling new releases of the season = Spooky Legends"
All Things Urban Fantasy: Spooky Legends Event: Oct 18th-31st
allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com
I’m teaming up with...Angela from Dark Faerie Tales, for this wickedly wonderful event that will feature some of the biggest names in paranormal fiction writing...
http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/2010/09/spooky-legends-event-oct-18th-31st.html
[10/17/10]

Reading For the Future From Mike Resnick -
Just went into the self-publishing biz. (Bear with me; it's not a vanity
press.) I have 29 stories and about 270,000 words worth of Hugo-winning
and Hugo-nominated stories...so I put together 5 e-books, THE HUGO
STORIES Volumes 1 through 5, with a cover photo of me standing next to
...the trophy case, and uploaded them to... the Barnes & Noble web
page. (They'll be on the Amazon Kindle page in another day or two.)
Below is a link to volume 1
The Hugo Stories -- Volume 1
search.barnesandnoble.com
The Hugo Stories -- Volume 1 by Mike Resnick eBook at the World's Largest eBook Store. Download eBooks and free samples within seconds from Barnes & Noble.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/2940011883330/?itm=1&USRI=THE+HUGO+STORIES%2CMike+Resnick%2Cmike+resnick
[10/17/10]

Reading For the Future, "Good blog post about writing"
What is Great Fiction About? | Creed_of_Kings on Xanga « A. R. Travis's Blog
artravis.wordpress.com
When they say there is nothing new under the sun, that is correct. It has all been done. This is what I’ve tried to be mindful of when creating my book.
http://artravis.wordpress.com/2010/10/17/what-is-great-fiction-about-creed_of_kings-on-xanga/

Featured Event

This event was shared by Lynn E. Cohen Koehler. She reminds us to RSVP directly to the Michener Art Museum (contact link below) not to Reading For the Future page on Facebook. Using the RFF page on FB rsvp link will allow you to network with RFF members, but will NOT notify the museum or Workshop organizers of your intentions.

Featured Event from Reading For the Future

Lynn E. Cohen Koehler Educator's workshop at the MICHENER ART MUSEUM Doylestown, PA
Saturday, November 13, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
$45 Registration deadline: November 2, 2010

For more information, contact jamam1@ michenerartmuseum.org
James A. Michener Art Museum: Events and Programs: Teacher Workshop: Graphic Novels in the Classroom
www.michenermuseum.org
Copyright © 2001-2010, The James A. Michener Art Museum. All rights reserved. James A. Michener Art Museum | 138 S. Pine St. | Doylestown, PA 18901 | 215.340.9800 Contact us at jamam1@michenerartmuseum.org

Quoted from the link above, this abstract tells what the workshop is about.
"An introduction to the popular literary art form, the graphic novel, and its benefits for your curriculum.This three hour workshop led by artist, Scott Hanna, will introduce, LitGraphic:The World of the Graphic Novel, followed by a hands-on workshop focused on the visual elements in the graphic nove[l]..."

More information on the Workshop was provided by Cie, admin of Reading For the Future.

An introduction to the popular literary art form, the graphic novel, and its benefits for your curriculum.This three hour workshop led by artist, Scott Hanna, will introduce, LitGraphic:The World of the Graphic Novel, followed by a hands-on workshop focused on the visual elements in the graphic novel. In this session, ...K-12 educators focus on the elements of the design process concentrating on visual techniques to construct a world and deliver a story.This will include: how to express a time frame, how to convey emotions and retain a reader’s interest, utilize various types of perspective, emphasizing line quality to create form and texture, the use of color, adding value to enhance mood/atmosphere, utilizing expressions and body language, and more. Visual examples will draw from graphic novels as well as video games, movies, animation, cartoons, etc. Supplies will be provided.

The instructor, Scott Hanna, is one of the most published inkers in the industry today. His drawing/ inking work has appeared in over 100 books to date. He currently works for both Marvel & DC Comics. His comic and graphic novel pages have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and at MOCCA, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in New York City.Topics in Scott's work cover a vast range of Superhero themes, including many of the Hollywood movie adaptations, such as “Iron Man” (the first movie),“The Hulk,”“Daredevil,”“Batman Forever,”“Spiderman 3,” and “X-Men.” Scott received the 2005 Wizard Fan Award for “Best Inker” and the 2002 Eisner award for “Best Serialized Story.”

Does your event fit the mission of RFF? Share it with RFF, Cie and me.