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Arisia '08 Preliminary Precis

This is a preliminary list of panels.

The first paragraph is the description of the panel as it will be published, the second paragraph (if present) is info for potential panelists.

Depending upon scheduling, signups, available space, ... we expect about half of these panels to be dropped

If you would like to sign up for a panel go to http://techno-fandom.org/~trg/arisia08/.
If you need help, please email program08@arisia.org.

Generated: Tue Nov 27 01:29:01 EST 2007

Adult Home Depot in the Bedroom 1hr
Home improvement stores sell rope, chains, bolts, lumber -- all this useful stuff. What creative uses can you put it to around the house? Hmmm... We'll give examples, tips and tricks, and general design principles. No children admitted.
The panel should be a mix of "What can you do with this product?" and "What can you use to produce this effect?" Physical examples of previous home projects welcome.
 
Adult Scening and Catharsis 1hr
Many people think of BDSM a simply a way to have a good time, but for some it's a way to learn about themselves and their partner, and even to explore feelings and ideas that they might not be able to explore anywhere else.
 
Adult Your Kink is Okay 1hr
No matter how outlandish a person's proclivities are, there are still things that they will find freaky about other people. Why is it that many who engage in one unusual behavior look down on another? We'll discuss various activities and maybe discover that "those people" aren't quite as freaky as we might have thought before.
The purpose of this panel is to talk about various kinks that many even in BDSM might find perverted, but that are really no stranger than the more accepted BDSM kinks. The hope is to enlighten and open minds. This panel is not about convincing people to try new things. It is about convincing them to accept others who do things that they might not approve of.
Adult BDSM for Dummies 1hr
So you've heard about this BDSM thing, and you think maybe it's interesting, but being suspended by your toes and tickled by midgets is a bit much for you. How can you get into it without getting over your head? More importantly, what must you do to stay safe while experimenting and exploring your own limits? We'll go over a few do's, and more importantly, don'ts of trying BDSM.
 
Anime Child-Safe Anime 1hr
Finding anime that is safe for children to watch may be difficult for parents. Selecting a child-friendly anime series may be difficult without recommendations. Learn more about popular series and hidden gems!
Panelists should be familiar with children's and child-friendly anime, and it would be most helpful if they were knowledgeable about recent dubbed and subtitled releases.
 
Anime Intro to Anime 1hr
Anime is easily as diverse as any other film medium, with everything from action to romance to intrigue. How can you find what you want? And how can you find it without stumbling into tentacle wielding giant mecha driving by dimensionally dislocated schoolgirls?
 
Anime The "Citizen Kane" of Anime? 1hr
It's been twenty years since the release of "Akira," a blockbuster hit that even people who had never heard of anime went to see. How has it influenced the field? How the does the film hold up? Is it something newcomers to the genre still need to see?
Having seen "Akira" is a must, but having some sense of where anime has gone SINCE then would be helpful as well.
 
Anime Studio Ghibli 1hr
A look at the legendary animation studio from its origins, starting with founders Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki working their way up the ladder as animation staff at Toei and Tokyo Movie Shinsha in the 60s and 70s. Then, there's a look to the studio's landmark first feature film, their most recent masterpieces, a peek at clips and sounds from Hayao Miyazaki's forthcoming Ponyo on a Cliff, followed by a screening of Studio Ghibli's latest film, Tales from Earthsea.
 
Anime Dub Yer Own Anime 1hr
Here's the deal: We're going to take an episode of Gatchaman, the snappy, exciting 70s show that spawned Battle of the Planets and G-Force. We're going to take the best bits of this episode, strip out the voices (but leave the music and sound effects in) and then YOU will step up to the mike and become the star of the show! Shall we produce an epic, faithful version of this anime classic, or a crude, fart joke-driven parody? You decide!
 
Art Why Buy Art When You Can Get Art For Free? 1hr
Our artists share their views on being a professional artist and discuss whether art-for-profit makes compromises. How does ease of distribution (and theft) through the Internet affect things?
Share your position and views on being a professional artist. Discuss whether art-for-profit necessarily makes compromises. The ease of distribution (and theft) offered by the Internet affects these issues dramatically as well.
 
Art Knittly, Stitchly, Quiltly 1hr
Share your interest in these growing hobbies in fandom. Love to start but don't know where? How to spin an SF theme into these crafts and thus marry your two loving hobbies.
We are looking for a mix of hobbies and skills for this panel. If you are interested in being on it, please list the crafts you'd want to talk about in your program participant information.
 
Art Telling a Book by its Cover 1hr
Art for book covers has a set of considerations all its own. Composition must leave room for lots of words -- titles, descriptions, and of course the bar code. Typography is a significant element in the book cover, both as advertising and as art that conveys the spirit of the book. How do the contents of a book get expressed on its face?
 
Art Digital Color Science for Artists 1hr
As more and more art and photography go digital, there are more opportunities for color shifts when moving from one medium in the process to another. The classic, of course, is when your printout looks nothing like what's on your screen. While perfect color reproduction is impossible, there are things to look out for and ways to get awfully close. This panel will cover both the why (digital color theory) and the how (ways to get better color)
Experts on digital imagery needed for this panel.
 
Art Improving the human form? 1hr
Using programs like Photoshop, what are the techniques and ethics of changing and "improving" the human form? When is it acceptable to "pretty up" a person in a digital image?
 
Art Building more than one 1hr
You built one, and now there's a need to make a dozen more! The panelists will discuss their favorite techniques for small production runs of handmade objects, and talk about how to estimate time and materials when doing this.
 
Art Fantasy Architecture 1hr
How do the looks of buildings contribute to a reader's immersion into the story? Consider the semi-official artwork for Lord of the Rings. Does seeing the art change the reader's perception of the world? Are we better off imagining the world as described in the pages, or does art help us to immerse more deeply?
 
Art Draw and Jaw 1hr
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a certified novice, come and join other artists to share your skills and works. Exchange tips and suggestions, or just chat in the way that only artists can. Please bring your own drawing materials.
 
Art The Art of Tarot 1hr
Many artists are creating tarot decks. Why did they feel the calling to create a deck? What are the reasons behind their imagery? Join the artist in a discussion of their crafting of a deck.
 
Comics Clark "Superman" Kent and Bruce "Batman" Wayne 1hr
The dual identity of superheroes does not speak to comic's readership as much any more. Comic writers no longer write as much about Superheroes' secret identities. What are comics losing by dispensing with secret identities? Who would write for the Daily Planet if Clark left his job to be a full-time superhero?
 
Comics Feminist Icons in Comics. 1hr
What characters and creators do we look up to as feminists? Do you favor the old school feminist icons of physical power like, Wonder Woman and Xena? Or are you more turned on by females taking the lead in a team situation? What about women taking control of their sexuality in books like Love and Rockets or Omaha, Cat Dancer? How about a world with only women in control, like Y-Last Man Standing? Let share our favorites and discuss where they belong in comic’s history.
 
Comics Steampunk: Clockwork Minds to Goth with Goggles 1hr
There are probably as many definitions of steampunk as there are fans of this genre. Victorian fantasies, coal-fired cyberpunk, anime like the movie Steamboy, the graphic novel Girl Genius, goth bands playing with darkly romantic dirigible imagery, it’s all here. What does Steampunk mean to you and how does it power your vision of the world?
 
Comics The Best Webcomics You're Not Reading 1hr
This panel was quite popular last year and this year we'll revisit the idea, with a whole new set of recommended webcomics for you to discover. There are thousands upon thousands of webcomics out there on the great big Internet. They range from wretched to wonderful; from the most mundane to the freakiest of the fantastic. We're going to discuss what we consider to be the best of the best from various genres--and we're sure to cover some you haven't heard of yet.
 
Comics Comics as Commercial Art 1hr
Comics and comic books are made to be sold. How much of a comic is commercial and how much is art? How much of a difference is there between commercial and art?
 
Comics Comic Books Go to the Movies 1hr
Comic books and graphic novels are showing up on the big screen, and television. Why so many recently? Are they just easier to adapt? How important is accuracy in the conversion? Is this good or bad for comics?
 
Comics The Diversity of Creativity 1hr
Decades ago, comics were mostly created (80%) by white males. What does the evolving diversity of comic creators show us about modern society?
 
Comics Showing action, showing violence 1hr
When does action turn into violence, and when does that become gratuitous? How necessary is the image to the story?
 
Comics Best Issue and/or Story Arc Ever 1hr
DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths, X-Men: "Days of Future Past", the Marvel Mutant Massacre, Civil War, Identity Crisis and Cerebus' "Church and State". Come discuss what your favorite your favorite issues or arcs and why in this round table discussion.
 
Comics 52 / Countdown 1hr
DC called the "52" run a success, and is now continuing it with "Countdown." How does it fit in the current DC universe, is it causing continuity issues? Is it really a "success?"
 
Comics Non-Comic Authors Doing Comics 1hr
What do you think of novelists and TV show writers' guest spots in comic books? Is it just a gimmick? It may help sales, but does it improve or move along the storyline?
 
Comics Hey, Kids! Comics! 1hr
It's been said that they'd not making comics for kids anymore - that's not true! Come discuss great all-ages comics like Amelia Rules, Bone, Tellos, and the new manga-inspired line by Del Rey.
 
Comics Navigating the Seas of Manga 1hr
Manga has lots of wonderful stuff for kids and teens. It also has stuff that we don't want them reading until they're thirty. How do you sort through that bewildering wall of manga? This panel will include lots of suggestions for kids and teenagers.
 
Comics No Capes! Non-Superhero Comics 1hr
From mysteries to romance drama, almost every area of fiction seems to be represented in the comics field; so, why don't these titles get more press? However, Brian Wood's "Channel Zero" is near future science fiction and social commentary. Terry Moore's "Strangers in Paradise" explores the life and romantic entanglement of two lifelong friends. What other non-superhero comics are out there? Bring your examples of other non-hero comics to this panel and share them with our attendees.
 
Comics Strangers in Paradise: the End of an Era 1hr
One of the all-time indie greats just ended its run after almost a decade and a half, and its fans are grieving. Join us as we discuss SiP's place in comics history, what its end means to the greater industry, and whether or not we'll need to form a 12- step group.
 
Comics Best New Comics of 2007 1hr
Come talk about the best and the brightest of 2007. Who are the hot writers and artists? Which publishers are going in directions that are fresh and fun? What surprised you this year?
 
Comics Misogyny in Comics 1hr
A statue of a scantily-clad Supergirl. Another of Peter Parker's wife doing his laundry, thong showing and breasts hanging out, a vapid smile on her face. Formerly strong women tied up on a comic cover, costumes artfully torn, cowering before a batch of phallic, goo-dripping tentacles. What on earth has gotten into Marvel and DC? How can we fix it?
 
Comics Web Vs. Hardcopy 1hr
Many comics are moving from print to the web - Phil Foglio's Girl Genius and Carla Speed McNeil's Finder are two prominent ones. Is this our future? Join us as we discuss whether, in this age of high printing costs and even worse overhead, it's wiser to build an audience on-line before printing a book, or if people only value what they can hold in their hands.
 
Comics Continuity? What's that? 1hr
In the wake of Infinite Crisis and House of M, do back issues matter anymore? When long-standing storylines are ignored or rewritten, does what came before factor into the enjoyment of a title? Is continuity the sign of a well-written story or just obsolete?
 
Comics Superman and the Sins of Copyright 1hr
DC Comics and Disney have managed to protect their copyrights on their cash cows by quietly forcing through legislation that extends copyright law to 2019, forcing many to wonder if the next move will be for perpetuity. What are the ramifications? Why has a good law that was designed to protect creators and their immediate families become a law to protect corporations? Is copyright a necessary evil or something we should fight against?
Knowledge of copyright *law* ought to be a prerequisite for at least some of the panelists, so that there are some people who actually know what they're talking about.
 
Comics Welcome Back! 1hr
Returning to comics after a few years away? Here's what you should know! Take notes, as this promises to be a rapid-fire - and funny - panel!
 
Comics All I Ever Needed to Know, I Learned From Comics 1hr
History as told by Sequential Art - From Jason Lutes' BERLIN to Rick Geary's historical humor; from Ben Grimm as Blackbeard to Larry Gonick's Cartoon History of the Universe: What's right, what's wrong, and what's just plain goofy.
 
Comics $X Versus $Y 1hr
Could the Hulk beat Superman, could Captain America beat Batman, would the Spirit beat the Question, and who would be victorious in a three-way melee: Cerebus the Aardvark, Captain Carrot, or Peter Porker, Spider-Ham? (Okay; kidding on that last one.) Yes, kids; it's time to get your geek on!
 
Comics Gods and Monsters 1hr
In a world with Galactus, the Celestials, Darkseid, Zeus, Thor, the wizard Shazam, the Endless, and on and on, what happens to human religion(s)?
 
Comics Bad Boys (and Girls): The Antihero 1hr
Hitman. Deadpool. Catwoman. The Punisher. The Red Hood. The Thunderbolts. With so many "heroes" of questionable morals strewn across the landscape, what becomes of the heroic ideal?
 
Comics Sandman and Beyond 1hr
With "Sandman", Neil Gaiman changed comics, showing us that they could be a vehicle for modern myth. Bill Willingham has picked up the torch with "Fables". What else is out there? How is it influenced by Sandman's success among non-comics readers? Teens welcome.
 
Comics From Annihilation to the Legion: SF Comics 1hr
Are there good science fiction comics out there, or is it all licensed properties and Spandex in SpaceTM?
 
Comics Super-Mega-Epic Crossovers 1hr
Civil War. Crisis on Some Kind of Earth. Apocalypses seem to abound in the major comic book companies, touching upon all of their stories. Once, this was seen as a way to shake things up; now, it seems like the stakes keep rising to even get our attention. Are mega-crossovers all good, all bad, or some of each? What makes one worthwhile, and how many armageddae is too many?
 
Comics XKCD: How Did He Know That About Me? 1hr
Some geeks suspect Randall Munroe, the author of the webcomic xkcd, of having spies in their brain. What is this comic about, and what makes it so compelling?
 
Costuming Mary, Mary how does your costume grow? 1hr
How on earth would you make that? Where you can find that missing piece and unusual fabric? What common home items can be re-appropriated as your perfect talisman? How to transform your dream into reality.
 
Costuming Masquerade for First Timers 1hr
Are you new to masquerades? Here's the scoop: what to expect, what all those terms mean, how to present your costume and move on stage. We will cover everything you need to know to successfully take part in a masquerade.
Masquerades are great fun; they are also a great deal of work. All goes much more smoothly when we all know what is required of us. From what to expect when you enter a masquerade for the first time through all the different terminology to what the judges look for, we will even provide the top tips for how to present your costume to best effect and how to wow audiences every time. Of course, we need your experienced costumer's insider to pull this off....
 
Costuming Humor on Stage 1hr
The pros and cons of being silly on stage. How to present a humorous character or skit. The importance of broadening the scope of your humor for the audience.
Successful humor presentation costumers and MCs. Punny people welcome.
 
Costuming Beading Workshop 2hr
Intermediate Beading on Fabric workshop. Materials are available for purchase at the workshop.
Presentation by Lisa Ashton. This is an Intermediate Beading on Fabric sit-down workshop. Alone, she could handle about 10 people. With other beaders that could be 10-15 people. Lisa has little kits that she could bring and sell with supplies, and a thorough hand-out. Participants should have basic beading techniques.
 
Costuming Faux Fo' Less (The Art of Faux and Costuming) 1hr
Using inexpensive & commonplace materials to simulate metal, beading, jewels, leather, stone and wood for stage and hall costumes. Examples and demonstrations of techniques for creating, distressing, or simulating faux details of your costume.
 
Costuming Thrift Store Costuming 1hr
Tips and suggestions for making the most of thrift and second hand clothing stores and resources. Where to look, what to look for, and how to get the most for your dollar. We will show examples of costumes made from thrift store items. Plus, insider secrets from a 10-year manager of a vintage clothing store.
 
Costuming Buccaneer Wear 1hr
When we think pirates, the stereotypical buccaneer image comes to mind: sashes in bright colors, large boots, cutlasses and pistols, one gold earring, an eye patch, over-sized beards and long coats. What did the pirates in their Caribbean heyday really wear? What about those in China or Nigeria?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Fannish Disaster Preparedness 1hr
How to protect what's important to you from random acts of disaster. How do I protect my books from flooding? What is a good off-site email storage solution? Homeowner's and renter's insurance: what they cover and what they don't. What foods should I keep on hand other than the Coke and Twinkies?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Responsible Monogamy 1hr
You've found the love of your life, now what? How do you keep love strong without stifling each other or boring yourselves? Come talk about how you can reach your golden anniversary.
Panelists should have a history of and strong commitment to monogamy; volunteers with a background in marriage counseling would be a plus.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Me Tarzan, You Jane: How to Flirt with Style 1hr
Our "experts" will discuss the theory and practice of flirting. What appeals to people you're interested in, and why? Come learn how you, yes you, can become a champion world-class flirting master!
Panelists should have a sense of humor and a sense of style. A proven track record of having flirted successfully would be a plus :) Take into account different modes of flirting -- with or without intent, flowery flattery versus direct statements of appreciation -- and when each is appropriate. Represent flirting from the perspective of the flirt-recipient as well as the flirt-instigator.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Poly 201: Varsity Poly 1hr
Ok, so you've moved beyond the basics - now what? We'll talk about how to keep long-term commitments strong and interesting. We'll talk about explaining your relationship to family members? We'll talk about how many names you can list on a mortgage. Join in the fun!
Participants with a long-standing commitment to and involvement in polyamory will talk on the kinds of varsity-level topics that arise for poly people who have moved beyond the basics.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Drum circle 7hr
Carry the energy of the night forward by participating in the drum circle.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Mad Scientist Laugh Contest 1hr
Let the world hear your madness. Who can be most maniacal?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Straight in a Poly World 1hr
So there's monogamy on one side of the relationship spectrum and polyamory on the other and never the twain shall meet. But is it really that simple? Is there a middle ground? Monogamy isn't for everyone and neither is polyamory, but how do you tell which is right for you? Join this discussion for those of us who grew up with a one to one relationship ratio worldview as we try to comprehend relationships that involve higher-level mathematics and flowcharts.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Flirting: Cyber, Real Life Or A Balance Between 1hr
Are you a bolder flirt in virtual reality -- ala Second Life -- than you are in real life? Do you flirt with friends over IM more then you would ever do at a party the next day? How has removing face-to-face flirting changed how people get to know each other? Has VR helped your RL flirting skills?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Humor & Sex 1hr
Sex can be a beautiful, poetic expression of love, or a passionate display of lust, but sometimes it can be a comedy of errors. A funny look into where you put that leg, what was that sound and satin sheets sound romantic until you slide off of them.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Drumming 101 1hr
Drumming 101, before the drum circle
 
Fannish Lifestyle Eye of Argon Contest 1hr
One more line, just one more line, nope you lost it and dissolved into hysterical laughter! How much of this "story" can you read without falling into a giggle fit?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Explaining Polyamory 1hr
All of us in the polyamorous lifestyle have had to face misconceptions from time to time. How do we combat popular media stereotypes and talk about our lives in a fashion that doesn’t veer off into “Too Much Information” territory? We will share some practical solutions to real world questions, and a war story or two!
 
Fannish Lifestyle Leather Folk, Ren Faire, Star Wars: Connections 1hr
As Margaret Cho points out, there seems to be a significant connection between alternate sexuality and fandom. Join us as we explore why that is and whether we think it’s a good thing.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Why LiveJournal? 1hr
Friendster, Facebook, Tribe, Diaryland, Vox, Gather, MySpace... there are so many blogging & social networking sites on the net. But here at Arisia you've probably already seen several people introduce themselves by LJ name, and might not have heard any of the other sites mentioned at all. Why is our community so drawn to LiveJournal? Non-LiveJournal users welcome!
 
Fannish Lifestyle Belly Dancing Class 1hr
numbers entered
numbers entered
 
Fannish Lifestyle Speed Dating 1hr
Looking for a SMRPG? a BiGLARP? FSFR? Welcome to speed dating (Single Male into Role Playing Games.. no not that kind... oh maybe) (Bisexual Girl into Live Action Role Play... eeks not again) (Female Science Fiction Reader)
Looking for someone who has run a speed dating item before.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Dealing with Disability in the Fen community 1hr
Many fen have what could be labeled disabilities. Are these disabilities barriers to full participation in the fannish community? What can conventions do to make sure every fan gets the full convention experience? What should fans do to help their fellow fen?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Heinlein Homeschool 1hr
Science Fiction Writers have often written about changes that technology might make to education, from the students "desks" in Orson Scott Cards "Enders' Game" to R.A. Heinlein's observations and critiques of education in his Juvenile Fiction. What kinds of alternate education exist now? How does emerging technology effect the learners of tomorrow? Is school out for summer?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Keeping Kids Off The Grid 1hr
Can you "Google" your child's name? Do you think your child will want future employers to know that they were the Young Fan winner in the Arisia Masquerade? How about the kids at school? Or more nefarious individuals. Just how much of an online presence should a child have? And at what ages? Parents and other adults, what are their responsibilities protecting that privacy?
 
Fannish Lifestyle What am I? A fan? A geek? A nerd? 1hr
What is a geek? A nerd? A fan? A hardcore fan? Which one are you? What does it mean, and should you even care? Discuss how labels affect fandom and what can be done to benefit from or break down the structures that distinguish us.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Eric in the Elevator - a primer 1hr
Eric "in the Elevator" Zuckerman is our Fan Performer Guest of Honor. Who is he? What does he do? And what floor will he be getting off on? Enter into the mystery and imagination of our GoH in this hour examination. Going up!
 
Fannish Lifestyle Being a Morning Person in Nocturnal Fandom 1hr
Fen are generally thought of as a nocturnal bunch. Many even take this for granted, assuming that all fen are night owls. What does it take to survive as an early riser in fandom? How do you deal with late noisy friends and people who try to invite you out in the middle of the night? More importantly, how to avoid violence from your sleep addled roomates early in the morning?
This panel is at 7:00 AM in the morning
 
Fannish Lifestyle Convention Party Horror Stories 1hr
If you've been to convention parties, unless you are really lucky, you've probably been to really bad parties. You might have even been to really bad parties this weekend. Let's hear your worst. How bad can it be? Make the party hosts here feel better about whatever might have gone wrong with their party.
This panel will be 3:00 AM Sunday morning
 
Fannish Lifestyle Blllrrrrrrgggggh 1hr
It's 5:00 AM Monday morning after 3 days of con. This is your mental state, but you are not smart enough to sleep. Come babble incoherently with us.
This panel is 5:00 AM Monday morning
 
Fannish Lifestyle Fannish Proposals and Weddings 1hr
Fans love to go out of their way to combine their fannish and romantic interests. One person got got authors and artists to sign a petition to convince his girlfriend to marry him. Another couple had a complete Babylon 5 wedding. Last year a panelist in web comics wove a proposal into the panel.
Ideally panelists should be people who successfully (or otherwise) combined their fannish interests with their wedding proposals and weddings.
 
Fannish Lifestyle LiveJournal & SixApart: Discussing the meltdown 1hr
Over the past year, the popular blogging site LiveJournal and its owner, SixApart, have made some stunningly boneheaded moves, from opening the site to commercial sponsorship to deleting fannish LJ accounts at the goading of a known white supremacist group. Their PR during this matter has been lacking, to say the least, and many formerly loyal LJers are fleeing to other blogging sites. What went wrong?
Please familiarize yourself with all of the subjects beforehand; errors will be jumped on by the (very passionate) audience. Knowledge of obscenity laws is a plus.
 
Fannish Lifestyle LiveJournal and the Nature of Community 1hr
LJ has risen above all of the other blogging site to become the site of choice. Why? Community - a sense of community that was built into LJ, that the other sites don't have the programming to accommodate. And as LJ grew, the community has grown as well, with thousands of mini-communities. How is LJ *your* community?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Sexual Harassment in the Blogging Community 1hr
Kathy Sierra's case made big news this year, prompting many female bloggers to say "That's nothing new." The internet has always been a place where people use that shield of anonymity for all it's worth, and a female blogger grows to expect sexual harassment. What can we do about this? How can we change the blogging culture to see that this is not acceptable?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Raising Kids in Fandom 1hr
How do you introduce your kids to SF/F? What do you do if they're not interested? How can you help them navigate between the worlds of fandom and the mundane? There are all sorts of challenges (and rewards!) to raising a child in fandom. What if you're a fan and your spouse is not? Let's discuss!
 
Fannish Lifestyle What's Cooking With Food Geekery? 1hr
From Alton Brown's "Good Eats" to new roleplaying games entirely based on cooking, this panel explores the fannish fascination with matters gastronomical.
 
Fannish Lifestyle How NOT to Run a Ren Faire 1hr
We love to see things succeed, but the spectacular failures make the best stories and lessons. It is one thing to learn from your mistakes, but far safer and cheaper to learn from the mistakes of others.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Intellectual Property Issues 1hr
Intellectual property issues have gone from obscure legal trivia to become the concern of every person in America in the last few years. Students and grannies are being sued for filesharing. Where is IP law going and what effect will it have on creativity?
This panel seeks people with background in IP law and similar issues.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Growing Fandom 1hr
Mere appreciation of SF and fantasy does not a fandom make. It takes the hard work of dedicated members of the community to bring people together and keep the community strong and vibrant through smooth and stormy seas. Hear how you can be a part of building wonderful fannish culture in your arm of the galaxy.
Metageeks (i.e. People who have started and run events) are ideal for this panel
 
Fannish Lifestyle Virtual Panel 1hr
Science fiction has inspired numerous advances in technology, but how have advances in technology affected science fiction and fandom and the way we communicate as a community? To fully illustrate the concept of this panel, it will be conducted both online and in person. A chat room will be set up, and all discussion shall run both live in the room as well as through the chat room over the Hotel wireless. Wireless Ethernet and IRC capable hardware is highly recommended.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Walking Through Darkness with a Cheeseburger 1hr
Goth culture started as a small sub culture, deeply misunderstood by society at large. Today goth is mainstream enough that one of the most popular outlets for gothic clothing was acquired by The Gap. Goth music festivals draw tens of thousands of people. Goth music and culture has blended with SF convention culture. What becomes of a sub-culture when it becomes widespread and even mainstream?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Rise of the Uni-Mind 1hr
Year by year, even month by month, more tools are showing up to try to increase communication between people. Social networks like LiveJournal and Facebook; chat systems like AIM and MSN; realtime modes like Twitter and SMS; all of these and more and putting people more and more in touch, via electronic mediation. This panel will talk about all these and more, speculate a little about where it might be going next, and ask whether all of this seems like a help or a hindrance to everyday life.
 
Fannish Lifestyle How to be healthy at a con 1hr
From hygiene to baby-care, the panelists describe how to maintain healthy habits at a con
 
Fannish Lifestyle Exercise session 1hr
Physical exercise workshop
 
Fannish Lifestyle The realities of setting up a business 1hr
In one classic SF plot, a scientist/engineer develops something in his garage, then goes on to sell it to the masses. There's a few steps missing in that plan. Here's what you need to know in case you'd like to follow that particular dream.
 
Fannish Lifestyle The IRS and you 1hr
From not-for-profit organizations to mutli-book deals, if money is involved you have to keep records. Who has to know what and when do they have to know it?
 
Fannish Lifestyle The "Troof (sic)" is out there! 1hr
JFK was murdered with Johnson's help; George W. Bush personally loaded the Twin Towers with explosives and his minions faked the plane crashes; these are only two of the Great Conspiracy Theories we have come to known and love. Why do people go in for them? What needs to they fulfill?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Psychology of Geekiness 1hr
What makes a geek? We often recognize each other given only a few seconds of conversation, but what is it that we see?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Ethics for the End of Life 1hr
What are the ethics are about letting someone die, about how we humans make or allow people to live as vegetables for years and such. How do you make the choice for someone you love?
This would involve lawyers, doctors, and people who've either been someone's health proxy or who have been sufficiently sick to fully consider the subject.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Out and Poly: Do's and Dont's 1hr
Being out as polyamorous isn't always easy, or necessarily advised. Come talk about the do's and don'ts of being out to friends, family, clients and/or co-workers about your many loves.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Keeping Track of the Books: Cataloging At Home 1hr
A frank and open discussions on how to use tools to catalog your books, CD's DVDs and anything else with a bar code. The change from 10-13 digit bar codes. Do you need a CueCat? Can you use your webcam? What software works best? Should you write your own? How ISBN numbers work? Home book cataloging systems?
 
Fannish Lifestyle What Your Health Will Cost You 1hr
Advances in telematics, sensors, and real-time communications means when you sleep, drive, eat out, or do just about anything else it can be tracked for future analysis. In the not too distant future, the price you pay for insurance, car rentals, and health care, just to name a few, will be calculated in real-time based on health factors and decades of personal behaviors you used to think were private. See how 1984 was one of "the good ol' days" compared to what's coming on the horizon.
 
Fannish Lifestyle What Not to Eat in the Con Suite 1hr
A guide to sensible eating while at the convention. Common sense nutrition that is easy to forget. How to have fun at the con without turning into "The Thing from another World."
This can easily go beyond nutrition to general lifestyle advice for fen.
 
Fannish Lifestyle Bricks and Mortar vs. Wires and Webs 1hr
Do you always have to support your local book store? Purchasing books, games and models from the net can save you money, but lose a local store. How can brick-and-mortar bookstores make themselves centers of their communities?
 
Fannish Lifestyle Carpe Noctum: Fen at Night 1hr
Fen are generally thought of as a nocturnal bunch, but much of the world is not. What does it take to survive as a late riser in the world? How do you deal with noisy neighbors and businesses that close before you wake up? More importantly, how does one avoid violence against perky, early-rising roommates?
This panel is at 2:00 AM in the morning
 
Fannish Lifestyle Surviving Your First Con 1hr
So much to do. So much to keep track of. We'll tell you about some of the highlights to be sure not to miss and how to keep from wearing yourself out the first day. Remember: 5 hours of sleep, 2 meals, and 1 shower EVERYDAY!
 
Fannish Lifestyle Alternate Lifestyles and Fandom 1hr
Alternate lifestyles of all kinds seem to flock together, especially at a con like Arisia. Why is alternative sexuality so common in fandom, and even openly talked about when it is almost completely shunned in the mainstream world? How do we feel about all this adult discussion and behavior in our conventions? Is it appropriate here or should they go get a room?
 
Fannish Lifestyle When Did Society Get So Awesome? 1hr
Zombie shuffles in the streets. Talk Like a Pirate Day. Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day. 5000 person Zombie vs Human games on college campuses. We have heard about the great stuff that used to happen at places like MIT and CalTech in the old days, but much of that had died down. Now, thanks to the Internet and some enterprisingly awesome people, these hacks are going world-wide. Are we entering a brave new world of awesome? Or is it just a passing fad?
 
FastTrack Which is better: the Book or the Movie? 1hr
Which Shrek looked more like an ogre - the original picture book or the recent Disney film? Come discuss your favorites.
Which Shrek looked more like an ogre - the original picture book or the recent Disney film? Come discuss your favorites. Come help the kids explore the differences of their favorite characters as they appeared in films versus how they appeared in their original novels.
 
FastTrack Hands-On Science for Kids, Take 1 1hr
Explore the weird world of science with the New England Mad Scientists Guild! Learn about physics and chemistry as you perform fun experiments. Be prepared to get your hands dirty!
Have an interest in playing the mad scientist? Put your science knowledge to the test. Bring your lab coat and safety glasses. Physicists, biologists, chemists all welcome. Volcanoes, slime, color-changing liquids...
 
FastTrack Amazing Watercolors 1hr
Wow! Discover the amazing combinations of colors when you sprinkle salt over your masterpiece.
must be willing to work with kids and make a controlled mess.
 
FastTrack At Home with the House Elves 1hr
Storytelling in the Potter Universe and Beyond
Participants should be prepared to spin tales of the humanoid folk found in the Harry Potter Universe and elsewhere.
 
FastTrack Sound Effects for Story Telling 1hr
Enhance your stories with sound effects like those heard on radio plays.
Participants with a broad repertoire of noises they can make and teach to young fans are especially welcomed. A flare for engaging storytelling would be a plus.
 
FastTrack Folk Song Sing-a-Long 1hr
Sing-a-long with our musical entertainment.
Guitar + music = entertain the kids!
 
FastTrack It's Storigami 1hr
Storytelling and Origami
story telling and origami.
 
FastTrack If I Ran Wizards of the Coast ... 1hr
Brainstorm/think tank for tomorrow's generation of gamers. A panel discussion on the games in the market that do and don't work for you.
A brainstorm/think tank for tomorrow's generation of gamers. Young gamers gather together for a panel discussion on the games in the market that do and don't work for them and kick around ideas as to what they would like to see from Wizards of the Coast.
 
FastTrack Magic: The Gathering 1hr
Play Magic....
Participants will assist Gaming Staff and attendees with the playing of Magic: The Gathering for the 7-12 yr old set.
 
FastTrack Mask Making 1hr
Masks make your personality, with costumes or not.
Panel needs 1-2 adults with good imaginations. Also needs several knowledgeable adults to help out.
 
FastTrack Cartooning & Comic Creating 1hr
Learn how to draw cartoons and construct a comic.
Panel needs an artist/illustrator to assist the kids and give good practical suggestions.
 
FastTrack Alien Rubbings 1hr
Art work turned in by aliens?
Moderator with a measure of cartooning ability a la Ed Emberely would help add a creative spark to this panel and give the kids more ideas on how to turn their rubbing into a truly alien piece of work.
 
FastTrack Humorous Stories 1hr
Funny Stories
Story telling; bring your funny stories to Fast Track.
 
FastTrack No-Sew Costumes 1hr
Costuming bins open, scissors at the ready, what can you come up with?
ability to see beyond the frame, desire to work with kids, costuming a big plus. Perhaps this will overflow into another hour, I think we will have space for it.
 
FastTrack Haiku for You 1hr
poetry, in small, carefully chosen thoughts.
 
FastTrack Zip Zap Zop 1hr
The goal is to pass the words and energy around as quickly as possible, which is harder than it seems. Many theatre companies use this as a warm-up before going on stage, to establish teamwork and to encourage quick thinking.
willingness to come work with kids
 
FastTrack Tissue Paper Collage 1hr
Create a masterpiece of color to take home.
artistic ability, desire to work with kids
 
FastTrack Story Telling with Ming Diaz 1hr
Ming is a consummate story teller who captivates children
 
FastTrack Kamikaze Costuming 2hr
Fabrics, Pins, Imagination! Come make your own costume. Then, show off your creation in the Masquerade.
Help our young fans create their own costume and then present it to con attendees in the Fast Track Masquerade Entry. Needs 3-4 people minimum to assist with costume construction, working knowledge of sewing machines a big plus. More is better as last year this item was extremely popular. Sewing machines a big plus.
 
FastTrack Beyond Hogwarts: A Young Fan's Reading List 1hr
What is out there for kids that doesn't insult the intelligence, but also doesn't fly over the heads faster than a Firebolt?
Panelists could further the discussion by providing participants with ideas of what to look for, after they are done with all the obvious choices. Panelists with a firm grounding in Young Adult fiction would be a plus.
 
FastTrack Magic Show 1hr
Sleight of Hand, Illusion, and, possibly, making your best friend disappear -- come to the Arisia Magic Show!
Earnestly seeking a Magician who enjoys making youngsters oooooh and aaaahhhhh over Magic. We're interested in performance, not "how to do magic."
 
FastTrack Defend Yourself Against the Aliens 1hr
Self-defense techniques for boys & girls. Learn to defend yourself from insults & actions.
Looking for a few individuals to teach our kids how to counter the taunts and physical insults they may have to cope with in their day-to-day life.
 
FastTrack Magic Show 2 1hr
Illusion! Appearance and Disappearance of small objects! I'm pretty sure that quarter wasn't in my ear!
Seeking one or more magicians to perform magic for a room full of youngsters. With more magicians, shows can be shorter. Teaching magic not expected in this panel. Yes, we would like to have 2 magic shows, one Saturday, one Sunday, or possibly one Friday night.
 
FastTrack Hieroglyphics 201 1hr
Go beyond creating your name using ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Hieroglyphics part of your interesting and fun stuff to do? Can you bring the kids beyond the basics? then this one is for you.
 
FastTrack Celtic Knotwork Frames 1hr
Make a frame covered in amazing Celtic knotwork.
All materials will be provided. All you need to do is add your personal touch and experience to teach the kids how to make Celtic Knotwork.
 
FastTrack Children's Filk Concert 1hr
Filk! Sing-a-longs! Bring your voice!
Please come fill their minds with song! The more the merrier. Sing-a-longs encouraged. These are not your usual kids, so bring your best songs.
 
FastTrack Have Space Suit: Heinlein for Juveniles 1hr
Heinlein's juvenile stories have long been admired and imitated, but are they just too dated for today's youth?
Heinlein's juvenile stories, dated though they may be, have maintained sales. We discuss which tales still resonate with today's youth and why. Heinlein's dictum on writing juvenile novels: "Take a young protagonist, write the best story you can, and leave out all the sex and bad words, and you'll have a saleable juvenile."
 
FastTrack Pirate Ship Building; or is that a Ninja Castle? 1hr
Make your own creation with our supply of paper tubes, shiny sticky papers, and homemade playdough.
Talk about ships and castles and their similarities and obvious differences. Be prepared to work with glue, playdough, boxboard and children.
 
FastTrack Origami 101 1hr
Create paper animals, rockets, balls or your own creation using the ancient art of Japanese paper folding.
Participants would help our young people fold paper into various animal shapes. An origamist with some practice making paper SF & F themed creations would be a plus.
 
FastTrack Care and Feeding of Mythical Creatures 1hr
Talk with a fannish vet about the various creatures in your care, or those you would like to have.
 
FastTrack Children's Games for Time Travelers 1hr
Fun games of times gone by.
Adults are welcome to join in if accompanied by a child or if sufficiently young at heart.
 
FastTrack Catapults: Early Rocket Science? 1hr
Just like the machines in Lord of the Rings... but smaller, and all your own.
 
FastTrack Teen Interest: Trebuchets 2hr
Early Rocket Science? You wanted something in space? More desktop medieval war machines.
Geared towards the older child, ages 10+. Adults welcomed to come play, too.
 
FastTrack A la Ollivander: Magic Wands 1hr
Which wand would you choose? Or would it choose you?
Panel needs 1-2 adults with good imaginations.
 
FastTrack Pipe Cleaner Dragons 1hr
Design and make a mythical beast from pipe cleaners.
Panel needs one adult to both supervise and instruct.
 
FastTrack Beading is a Way of Life 1hr
Beading, with pony beads
Who will lead this bead workshop for the 6-12 year old set? Several assistants needed too.
 
FastTrack Teen Beading: Working with Seed Beads 2hr
Beading with the little bitty beads... :-)
We are looking for someone to lead this 2-hour beading workshop. Assistants will be welcome.
 
FastTrack Fannish Fiber Arts for Kids 1hr
Knitting, weaving, finger knitting, crocheting..
Bring your knitting, crocheting weaving talents to Fast Track. We're looking for 2-3 adults with several assistants.
 
FastTrack Pinch Masks 1hr
Masks with foam and hot glue. Create your own boogie monster!
expertise with glue guns and foam... and desire to create what the imagination comes up with.
 
FastTrack Stump the Scientists! 1hr
Come and learn how things really work.
This will be a stump the scientist type panel. It needs 2-3 scientists who like having their brains picked by bright kids.
 
FastTrack Magic How-To's 1hr
Learn the basics of illusion and sleight-of-hand
A magician who seeks apprentices for the fabled world of Magic would be the ideal leader for this how-do-you-DO-that? panel.
 
FastTrack Nomimal Quiet Room/Free Play 6hr
Sunday Indoor voices please
 
FastTrack Knit One Pearl Two; Fannish Fiber Arts for Kids 1hr
Knitting, weaving, finger knitting, crocheting..
Bring your knitting, crocheting weaving talents to Fast Track. We're looking for 2-3 adults with several assistants.
 
FastTrack Anime & Manga Creating 1hr
Create or continue your own style of manga.
Panel needs an artist/illustrator to assist the kids and give good practical suggestions in the creation of their own manga styles.
 
FastTrack SF Round-robin Storytelling 1hr
Have you ever wondered how stories are created?
Attendees will be given an opportunity to take part in both a telephone-style story telling and in a round-robin story circle. Moderator should be familiar with both styles of story generation and be able to facilitate both kinds.
 
FastTrack Build It with Legos 1hr
Legos! Brightly colored bits of plastic...and they all snap together!
We will provide the plastic blocks, the kids will bring their imaginations. Volunteers are encouraged to come help make the wildest fantasies into smaller scale realities.
 
FastTrack Balloon Animals 1hr
Learn how to make your own balloon art.
We are looking for several experienced balloon artists to come teach our young fans how to twist their own balloon animals and objects.
 
FastTrack Comics Petting Zoo 1hr
What's new in the comics world? Are the old superheros standing up to their new creations? Are special effects taking over?
People who own comic stores or who have a vast knowledge of comics needed to suggest juvenile comics that might be overlook or gems that are still very good today.
 
FastTrack I've Got All the Balls in the Air; Now What? 1hr
For both first time and experienced jugglers.
2-3 adults sought to work with children and the basics of juggling.
 
FastTrack Card Games for the 7-12 Set 1hr
Apples to Apples, Set, Five Kings...
A variety of games will be available; your choice.
 
FastTrack Robots in Space 1hr
Most of us know about NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, but do you know about any other probes that are out in space right now? Do you know what they're looking for, and what they've found? What about other probes that never made it past the drawing board? What's a nanorover? Come explore these questions and more, and make your very own balloon-powered nanorover?
Mars exploration interest wanted, interest in kids and crafts too. Kits all set to go, all you need to do is put it together.
 
FastTrack Germs: Up Close & Personal 1hr
Germs: Up Close & Personal - hear a story about these little critters that have such an Evil Power over our lives, and do a science experiment to discover some unusual vectors of viral and bacterial contagion.
 
FastTrack Six Word Stories 1hr
Wired Magazine started this concept.
Writers with an interest in working with kids.
 
FastTrack Hands-On Science for Kids Take Two 1hr
Have you always wanted to be a mad scientist? Bring your lab coat and safety glasses and put your science knowledge to the test. Budding chemists and physicists can recreate some of the experiments at home.
Panel participants should have ideas for experiments that can be recreated at home.
 
FastTrack Origami/Kirigami 201 1hr
Create paper animals, rockets, balls or your own creation using the ancient art of Japanese paper folding and paper cutting.
Participants would help our young people fold and/or cut paper into various animal shapes. An origamist with some practice making paper SF & F themed creations would be a plus. Kirigamists also invited to share their art.
 
FastTrack Face Painting 1hr
Face painting takes another dimension...
The more face painters we have, the more kids who can get their faces painted. Come help Ming Diaz paint on the kids.
 
FastTrack So this is a Greenroom 1hr
What goes on in a greenroom? What is the etiquette of the room? And how about fan photography?
We need 2-3 people, knowledgeable about the Masquerade, who are willing to talk about what goes on in a greenroom, what the etiquette of the room is, about fan photography, etc. A basic do and don't primer.
 
FastTrack Science Fiction is a Girl thing too! 1hr
Is Science Fiction only aimed at boys? We ask a selection of prominent authors to offer us their opinions and suggestions, for girls and boys, too.
 
FastTrack What Would My Super Power Be? (for Kids) 1hr
If I were to choose, what special powers would I have?
knowledge of super heroes, and desire to interact with kids a plus.
 
FastTrack Learn a Bit of Karate 1hr
Learn a few basic karate moves. (No hitting allowed.)
 
FastTrack Card Games 1hr
Fluxx, Munchkin, Chrononauts, Apples to Apples - stop in and have some fun!
 
FastTrack MonstraCity 1hr
Pint-size kaiju fans can step into the clawed, house-crushing shoes of giant alien monsters "Brontilla", "Velosamara", and "Quethra" in MonstraCity, a strategy game of monster vs. monster that actually allows you to "smash buildings" with your feet. MonstraCity is aimed at ages 9 through 14.
knowledge of MonstraCity helpful.
 
FastTrack Knight Training 1hr
Learn the basics of sword-fighting (just like in the movies!) using kid-safe foam weapons in high-energy games. At the end, participants will be knighted in a special ceremony!
any one with fencing expertise? We've got some great space this year to work in.
 
FastTrack Dragon Quest E 1hr
Mythical creatures summoned by mysterious magical cards battle using safe foam swords.
 
FastTrack Drawing Out the Inner Artist 1hr
Participants will express themselves through art. More than learning to facepaint, our Aritist Guest of Honor will help the participants bring out their own creative spark through techniques such in face painting. Participants should wear clothing that can be soiled in the course of painting.
please come be the helpers as Marrus teaches our kids to express themselves thru paint
 
FastTrack Pirates Thru History 1hr
Our theme is pirates and ninjas, but did you know about the many real-life pirates that have peppered our history?
interest in pirates and storytelling.
 
FastTrack Theatrical Makeup 201 1hr
A theatrical make-up workshop for advanced (kid) costumers.
 
FastTrack A Day in the Life... 1hr
What is/was it like to be a child growing up in (insert your favorite culture/country here)? Hear about edventures around the world.
 
FastTrack Pirates of the Carribbean Treasure Hunt 1hr
Treasure maps, sekkrit codes, puzzles; come try your skills and win a prize.
 
FastTrack Learn Facepainting 101 1hr
Come learn the techniques of creative face painting: brushes, stencils, sponges, and your imagination.
desire to help kids learn the how-to's of this wonderful art. Show them, then let them work on each other to develop technique
 
FastTrack Pirates vs. Ninjas part 1 1hr
What could be better than a play about Pirates and Ninjas? We'll have a script to work with, props, costumes, and then we'll show it off to the con members on Sunday in the ballroom. Come see what part you want to take,
adults to help wrangle parts, rehearsal, prop making, ets for a "theatrical performance".
 
FastTrack Pirates vs. Ninjas part 2 1hr
What could be better than a play about Pirates and Ninjas? We'll have a script to work with, props, costumes, and then we'll show it off to the con members on Sunday in the ballroom. Come see what part you want to take, make sure you can rehearse, and we're off! Arrrrr.
adults to help wrangle parts, rehearsal, prop making, ets for a "theatrical performance".
 
FastTrack Pirates vs. Ninjas part 3 1hr
Have stage fright? You can always do back stage work and help make props. What do you think you will need?
adults to help wrangle parts, rehearsal, prop making, ets for a "theatrical performance".
 
FastTrack Pirates vs. Ninjas part 4 1hr
Costumes... all pirates and ninjas need some sort of costume. It's getting closer to show time...
adults to help wrangle parts, rehearsal, prop making, ets for a "theatrical performance".
 
FastTrack Pirates vs. Ninjas part 5 1hr
One last rehearsal... we've got props, costumes, lines... what more do we need?