MEETING #3909

JULY 12

Matthew Tepper, President

Elizabeth Carlie, Scribe

ST. MARC SCHIRMEISTER

SCRIBE’S NOTE: Because it was so helpful last week (and because he kept reading over my shoulder and asking me if I was SURE I got everything down), I once again asked my good vampiric friend, Detective Jackson to read over the minutes and note anything I might have missed or gotten wrong. Personally, I think he’s getting into the spirit of the club, even if he IS just “tagging along for shits and giggles.” Being that he’s helping out again, I thought I might pause lightning fast to tell you a little bit more about him: he was born in New York but raised here in LA, he was turned when he was 45, and if you ask me has ENTIRELY too much fun pulling the “cranky old man” card on EVERYONE. Don’t let him fool you.

(Artie: Pretty little girls should be obscene and not heard. I got that quote right, didn’t I? Heinlein, I think. Does that make me cool enough to join?)

And lo, with a mighty roar in the night, meeting #3909 of the LASFS came to order! David Okamura paid $2.50 to name the minutes, and generously donated the privilege to the scrappy spitfire serving as club scribe, one Elizabeth Carlie, who named them “I, Too, Have A Voice!”

(Artie: ...scrappy spitfire? You’re hanging out with me too much kid. And explain yourself: President Tepper had a slip of the tongue, said he needed to watch THE KING’S SPEECH again.)

Passages:

With regards to last week’s loss of Andy Griffith, previously absent club member Jim Busby shared his personal ties to the man, having worked on SALVAGE ONE in 1979 as a technical advisor: young, just out of college, and assisting in building the moon. He said that while he never spoke to Andy personally, he was exactly as he appeared: the nicest guy ever. He had a lovely story: they were shooting scenes on the moon, and Andy wasn’t on camera, but he stayed around for moral support. Said you could hear the trademark Griffith drawl all over...so much so that the director had to stop and tell him to be quiet. Nicely, mind you. Said he was polite, sociable, and made a good memory for a couple excited kids working on real life TV for the first time.

Our second passage was that of Ernest Borgnine, character and leading actor who left us at the age of 95. He had a long list of science fiction credits to his name, making his passing especially worthy of note in our midst.

Jim Busby had an AIRWOLF story: Jim said they wanted to have the helicopter at the Science Center back in 1984, but Universal wanted enough cash to prevent it from happening. Don Bellisario, however, was kind enough to let them onto the set to have a look. Borgnine was present...chatty fellow, larger than life, and had a bit of a temper: he HATED Jan Michael Vincent.

(Artie: Have to agree. I never liked the look of that boy. Eyes aren't set right, if you ask me.)

David Okamura shared some of Ernest Borgnine’s extensive filmography for the club’s edification: among his credits are such films as THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE, ICE STATION ZEBRA, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, and such TV shows as CAPTAIN VIDEO & HIS VIDEO RANGERS, FUTURECOP, and SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS in more recent memory.

There was a moment of silence in his honor.

(Artie: Rest in peace, Ernie. We’ll miss ya.)

SAINT

Tonight, our honored saint was Marc Schirmeister! Members of the LASFS share their memories and kind words about their fellow and friend...

(Artie: Let’s see...Scratch, good fellow, I like him...said that Marc has a marvelous sense of shape. He can draw things, like cartoons, that are wonderful. That fella who does the cartoons, TOM SAFER, said that Marc and he share an interest in animation, and he’s thrilled to have a fellow fan about. Oh, and he thanked him for the ice cream he brought out. Real nice of him, shame I’m a bit lactose intolerant these days.)

Milt said of Marc that his cartoons show up all over the English speaking world, in fanzines here as well as Britain, even in Australia. He suggested that someone nominate Marc for a Best Fan Artist Hugo Award. He’s never been nominated, and it’s a shame!

(Artie: That cute little devil, Marcia, also thanked Marc for the ice cream. Think I have competition for in-house ladykiller...)

David remarked that Marc took it on himself to redo the planters when the clubhouse moved. He waters, helped set up the irrigation system, and took it on himself personally, so everyone should have a look.

Dr. Pournelle seconded Milt’s vote to nominate Schirmeister for a Hugo, it’s a damn shame he’s never won it. He also said that Marc’s taught him more about the history of film & animation than anyone, and given that he’s forgotten a lot of it, he has Marc to remember and teach him all over again.

Marty Cantor met Marc back in the Seventies at the first club house. He’s very happy to use his art on covers for APA-L. Marc is probably the best fan artist that's never made the Hugo short list, and he really deserves it. Marty will use his work whenever possible, and hopes that when Marc gets the time, we’ll get his work on the door to the print room. It’s board approved, Marc just needs the time.

President Tepper agreed that Marc’s association with the club goes back to the early or mid Seventies. Once, Elliot Weinstein & Mike Glier & Matthew found some of his work and found themselves saying "Who is this guy?!?" He does serious & silly with equal panache: everything from serious art based on Lovecraft mythos to silly galloping horses & dinosaurs. Marc even designed a float that was in the Rose Parade, representing the City of South Pasadena.

Joe Zeff also mentioned Marc’s Rose Parade credit, and President Tepper added that Marc’s offhand comments sometimes floor him with their humor. Once, while watching a cartoon with a bouncing ball singalong, Marc remarked out of nowhere, “Next week, we’re going to sing Gregorian chants & follow the bouncing cube!”

(Artie: The honorable Saint Schirmeister got three cheers, a grunt from Jim Busby, and a tip of the hat from yours truly. And no giggling from the honorable brat scribe: my wife LOVED the fedora. Two kids proves it.)

REGISTRAR

We have guests! Collectively, there were nine total with four new members, including both the Ray Bradbury Memorial as well as the Second Sunday open house.

First we have Skylaire Alfvegren, fan name Elf Hellion. Skylaire researched us, came for memorial, and is a freelance writer/researcher. She went on to officially join the club.

Next was John King Tarpinian, fan name John King. He came for the memorial, is also a new member, and is interested in old school fandom. He is also an accountant.

(Artie: Good ol’ Dr. Pournelle pulled us in another new face, one Alan Rosenberg. He likes hard science fiction, and he’s a financial advisor. Hmmm...if I ever go insane and decide to retire, maybe I’ll give him a ring.)

Brenda Cox Giguere found us on Facebook by way of the Memorial. She’s interested in all forms of sci fi, and works in film & video production services. Another new face that found us for the memorial via Facebook was Shoshana E. Paige, and lists her occupation as “looking for one.”

Linda Marin enjoys sci fi/fantasy, is a Ren Faire participant, and a clerical worker. Carla L. Bollinger found the memorial, and us, through the Daily News events page and is a promotional advertising specialist. Marlene Kunert heard about us through her husband, and works in purchasing. Finally, from the Memorial we have Richard Heft, who likes vintage sci fi from the 1940's-1960’s, and works as a staff writer.

From Second Sunday, we had Leo Walker, who came via a link on Dr. Pournelle’s Chaos Manor. He likes sci fi, military sci fi as well as general. He works as a realtor.

(Artie: We also had Ben Crane, who got referred by a member. He’s interested in consuming sci fi...good one, kiddo...and works as an assistant. Let’s see...oh, and another lovely lady named Mimi Alves. Friends told her about this outfit, she’s a freelancer, and she came ‘cause David said there was board games. Atta boy, David!)

Michelle then paused for a brief violation of a long-standing rule AGAINST clothing reviews: she told us that Lois Lane liked her outfit. She also informed us, in Christian’s absence, that there was no Committee To Gouge.

(Artie: Bring your wallets for next time, though. Don’t know about you, but auctions bring out the worst in me. Fun. Oh, there was also some remarks made in absentia from Elayne...shame she wasn’t around, missed that sweet face. Anyway, she said there shouldn’t be any outdated electronics submitted for the Committee to Gouge, just scrap that business.)

Also, food refuse isn’t being disposed of properly. Kitchen trash isn’t being emptied, be good sports and haul your heavy food rubbish out to the dumpster. Like Jim said: to leave all doubt, please throw it out.)

COMITTE REPORTS:

(Artie: Poor Arlene had a bum foot, so she delivered her spiel from her seat. Feel better, sweetheart. Anyway, tonight we’re watching THE MIKADO featuring Groucho Marx...at least you all are, I have to skedaddle after this: see a man about a pint of pig’s blood.)

Next week, Canadian SF author of Triggers, Robert J. Sawyer will be speaking

7/26: Monthly LIMBER UP workout

7/18: A reading of Hugo nominated stories at 7:30, which we’ll be videotaping.

(Artie: Goodreads business: we’re over 200, 210-215 members. Globally...amazing business, isn’t it? To think I’d probably never have lived to see it if I were human. Some days, it’s good to be undead.)

On the RAY BRADBURY MEMORIAL, Arlene declared that Ray would have been very happy. There were 63 guests who signed in, probably more overall. There were several speakers, Matthew helped read some announcements from those who couldn't make it. Many people spoke, there video presentations, and so forth. All in all, he would have loved it had he still been with us. Matthew Tepper remarked that all the video really made it feel like he was present, and Arlene continued to say that the event didn’t start until 2:30, and went on until six, with people lingering. Many people visited just for the memorial, and those who knew him personally thanked us for our efforts.

The whole affair was videotaped, so that’s being copied and sent to the family. Someone’s also going to put that up on Youtube, with a link on the website. Big thanks go out to everyone who helped...clean up, set up, and Eylat for the potluck. There was lots of cooperation from all.

Matthew extended thanks to Arlene on behalf of the club, and sounded the Aetna parking warning. He went on to say that we were on Agenda Kind-Of-Light, so encouraged a completion of announcements.

Tom Safer, reminded us we have 1,001 ARABIAN NIGHTS, a week from Saturday. It features Jim Backus, Catherine Grant, Dwayne Hickman, and Hans Conrid as the Wicked Wazeer.

MOMENT OF SCIENCE - DAVID OKAMURA
David spoke of concerns that parents are raising kids in too sterile an environment, making them more prone to illnesses because there’s no exposure to dirt, and therefore no antibodies can be built to keep them healthy. A recent study says one way that's effective in inoculating kids? Pets! A dirty dog can be a child’s best friend. Even house pets who stay indoors improve immunity in children, but there’s marked improvement with outdoor pets who play outside and return with various forms of disease, bacteria, and so on.

(Artie: Or you could just let the kids play outside more. My wife, God rest her soul, wouldn’t tolerate no pet dander, so she sent Jim out to play stickball and Irene out to climb trees and read her Sherlock Holmes novels. Didn’t hurt them one lick.)

In the same vein, there’s evidence that cats carry similar disease...or rather, parasites, one in particular: toxoplasma gondii. It’s a protozoan, and a cat is its optimal host. In fact, it can ONLY reproduce in in cat's intestines, though it infects other creatures. To return to its natural environment, it’s been known to affect the brains of mice: it actually makes them run TO cats to encourage reproduction. The parasite attacks the part of brain responsible for sexual arousal. It’s a bad day for mice, but a free meal for cats. When it eats the mouse, the parasite returns to native environment.

To that end, we have to ask: does this happen to us? Yes, 10-20% of Americans have this parasite thanks to litter boxes & undercooked meat. A study in Denmark checked the infection rate & suicide stats in women, and found a marked increase in terms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, & suicide among those with this parasite. There was a 90% increase of attempted suicide in one instance.

(Artie: As the boy put it: dirty dog good, cats not so much. This message brought to you by the AKC. Milt remarked that there needs to be a protozoa to encourage science fiction reading. I like that guy.)

CLJII commented, in a similar vein, that there is a lungworm which lives in crayfish...which are a delicacy, eaten raw in the Mississippi Valley, causing outbreaks there. It thrives in one's digestive system, goes to the lungs or brain, and gorges itself.

(Artie: Yuck. Says the man who has to skedaddle after this and see someone about a pint of pig’s blood.)

REVIEWS:

Milt reviewed WESTERCON, out Seattle way. There were few LASFS-ians, but attendance was just under 1000, the largest in 10 years. It was at the same hotel as NORWESTCONS, they had one there about 10 years ago. The selection was different from cons down here.

(Artie: And Little Miss Congeniality here gave reviews for ABRAHAM LINCOLN VAMPIRE HUNTER and the new SPIDER MAN flick. She sang the praises of ALVH, even though it deviates heavily from the book. Haven’t read the thing myself, but I caught the movie: miserable portrayal of my kind, this is why we can’t just go about our business like decent folk...those of us who ARE decent folk, I mean. Anyway, Beth Bear here said it was a great action flick, and a good historical romp that gave serious weight to a silly notion, and made it work. She agreed with the stuff we’ve heard thus far about SPIDER MAN, but was kind of let down by the easter egg business at the end.)

Larry Niven gave a review of Ursula Liguin's THE DISPOSSESED...about 40 years late. He blamed her, it beat A MOTE IN GOD'S EYE for a Hugo, and he stayed mad about this long. It’s very good, and an excellent character study. Ursula did her level best to deal with subjects interesting to Libertarians. It was a pure look at capitalism vs. libertarianism, something both sci fi fans and straight up libertarians can love.

Eric Hoffman reviewed the release of a Hammer film, part of the CARNSTEIN TRILOGY: TWINS OF EVIL, featuring Peter Cushing as a fanatic puritan. Remotely evil? You’re burned at stake. The twins in question were, in fact, the first twin Playboy Playmates. The release also has a special: THE FLESH & THE FURY, a documentary about Hammer vampire movies. They interviewed people like CHRISTOHER FREYLING (he wrote books on spaghetti westerns) and Randy Newman. Also interviewed: our own Hammer sage, Eric Hoffman himself. Check it out, the DVD was released just this week.

TOM SAFER reports that the EUREKA series finale is next Monday. Watch, enjoy, and scream at SYFY for canceling it.

Eric added that season 5 is coming up on DVD. Then Patrick and President Tepper both announced that people ought to make sure they rolled up the windows in their cars, we got a little rain about then.

CLJII reviewed the worst big budget fantasy movie of all time...XANADU. It’s on Flix right now, and the first 40 seconds are great. However, it’s all downhill after the appearance of the Universal logo. It features the Nine Muses...culturally diverse muses, and all of them daughters of Zeus. They’re also ALL muses of the dance. It’s a bad story, horribly executed, but the final music number is wonderful. There’s a wonderful number featuring Gene Kelly envisioning big band theme club, while his partner wants grunge disco. It goes back and forth between the two, and it’s VERY good. The two styles merge into one number that really makes sense.

(Artie: Eric commented on one number, a tribute to Gene Kelly, remembering days as band singer. It was his last time acting in a film, and Olivia Newton John won his respect by keeping up with the man. I agree with Eric: Kelly’s all the reason you need to check it out. Frank remarked that the movie pretty much explained the Eighties. You cracked wise about your own weirdness, but nobody wants to hear more about why we love ya, Goober.)

Gregg announced that Downtown Pasadena is doing free films on Saturdays for the summer. This Saturday at Central Park on 99 S. Raymond, they’re showing JAWS. Next week, and for the rest of the run, they’ll be at 1 Colorado Place, showing PHILADELPHIA STORY, and finishing with PSYCHO. It’s a good run of titles, and he’ll be offering up the info for the website.

Jim Busby gave us some updates on the shuttle mockup: they rolled it around the side of the building after 40 years, and on into the new building. The mockup, built in 1974, is open to the public well ahead of the Science Center, which is good to see. He also gave us a little schedule of things to come:

- Rocket Fever launches a week from Saturday at the Columbia Center. They’ll be launching model rockets, doing some indoor launches, and having other activities. Mmm...may have to take the great grandson.

- Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire: meteors & asteroids, it’s a new exhibit from the Smithsonian that’ll be there through September.

- Shuttle’s open for visits for a small donation at the end of month, and there’s gonna be a little suaree in Downey on 8/5 about 9:30 or so in the evening to celebrate the Mars Lander heading out again. It’s $5 a head...I’m dragging my partner to this one, sounds like a hoot.)

Patrick Finney remarked that the full size mockup has been in Downey since 1974.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Hare Hobbs presented photographic evidence proving why clothing reviews are BANNED at the LASFS.

Tim Trzepacz: this weekend there’s a mini maker faire at UC Irvine. Check it out, he'll be there with Rhythm Core Alpha. It should be exciting!

Arlene Satin asked everyone to pick up around them, clean up food in back, and wipe the table down. Also, please pick up chairs since Gregg Bilan isn't here to do so after programming ends.

CLJII noted, just before we adjourned, that there’s a bedbug infestation in this neighborhood: exercise caution!

(Artie: And onward to THE MIKADO. I’ll see you kids next week...remind me, Lizzie Borden: I got one more free meeting, right? Maybe next week, I’ll bring the grandkid.)