Minicon45 Programming

Minicon 45 - Programming Page

Okay, it's no longer a brainstorming page - now it's a preview of the convention!

There are still a few items that could use additional panelists, so if you see one below that piques your interest it still might not be too late to volunteer. There is a tentative schedule, but we're not quite ready to publish it yet. As always, please direct questions, comments, and offers of assistance to programming at minicon45 dot mnstf dot org.

For the Saturday Evening costume workshop, donations would be appreciated. We are looking for things such as: hats, wigs, bits and pieces of old costumes, jewelry, fabrics, yarn, twine and other fibers, ribbons, buttons, paper and cardboard, dowels, and pipe-cleaners.

Links

• Last Year's Ideas - some were used, some weren't.
• Minicon 45 Official Home Page
• Minicon44 Programming
• Sheraton Bloomington room capacities

Mar21_Version

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Science & Technology

Ask a Scientist

Professional scientists answer questions about physics, engineering and pharmacology. What's new and interesting in these fields, and what's next on the horizon? What are some favorite resources for learning more? Go ahead, ask anything except “Can you tell me what this rash is?”

Saturday 11:30 AM – Verandas 3 / 4

Astronomy for Children and Adults

Sharing astronomy with kids provides kids with a great way to stimulate their natural curiosity, and encourages a life long love for science. And cultivating that interest into adulthood need not break the bank. What are some effective ways to share astronomy with kids? How can one find free astronomy events like clubs or star parties in the area? Topics will include how to create an analemma on the ground in a sunny yard or on a ceiling in a sunny room, building a safe sun viewer, how to make and use a Sky Wheel, how to find a person's real sun sign, light pollution intro for children, and a telescope buying guide.

Saturday 1:00 PM – Verandas 3 / 4

Solar Eclipse in China

The longest total eclipse of the 21st century was on July 22, 2009. Despite some unfavorable weather, there are many beautiful photos of China and the eclipse. Special attention will be paid to preparing for the eclipse, choosing a super portable telescope, the equatorial drive, and camera modifications. Stories of ancient astronomy, tourism and shopping will be shared, along with some rather unusual vacation advice.

Saturday 2:30 PM – Verandas 3 / 4

The Space Program in the Obama Years?

The Obama administration has recently suggested some strategic and budgetary changes for space exploration, in and out of NASA. Will these changes fly through Congress? What are the good points and the bad points? Room for another panelist

Sunday 2:30 PM - Krushenko's

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Writing/Being a Writer

Do I Know Enough Science to Write Science Fiction?

What if you were never all that big on science in school, but you love the SF genre and want to break in? How do you educate yourself? Is it possible to learn how to write hard SF by reading lots of hard SF? How much science do you need for the soft stuff? Are there tricks for disguising your lack of knowledge in a way that doesn't make you look incompetent?

Saturday 5:30 PM – Krushenko's

The Editors' Panel

Editors answer questions/share their thoughts about the craft of editing.

Saturday 2:30 PM – Krushenko's

Including Disabled People In Fiction

How is disability presented in movies, book and TV? What are some of the best examples, and what makes us change the channel or press the eject button? How can publishers and authors make media more friendly and accessible to disabled fans?

Sunday 2:30 PM – Verandas 3 / 4

Playing the God Card

How do you introduce gods into your work without pushing the human characters into insignificance? Does it matter if they are "real" (e.g. members of the Greco-Roman pantheon) or products of the author's imagination? Can deities play a role beyond gigantic projections of human characteristics? What makes divinities so attractive to fantasy authors? Why do readers find them so compelling?

Sunday 11:30 AM - Krushenko's

Writing Cross-Genre

Cross-genre fiction is coming popular at the same time that many new sub-genres are being defined. What is there about SF today that calls for ever more specific categories while also inviting blurring of those boundaries?

One might say the whole point of genre is to help bookstores/libraries/etc know where to shelve your book, and cross-genre books are notoriously difficult to categorize. And if no one knows what to do with your book, it probably won't sell well. So why write cross-genre fiction? What is the appeal?

Friday 8:30 PM – Krushenko's

YA and Genre

In addition to the traditional genres, "young adult fiction" is often considered a genre in and of itself. But there is clearly a lot of (unlabeled) genre fiction with the YA library. Is there something about the nature of YA that makes genre fiction more acceptable/legitimate for this age group?

Sunday 10:00 AM – Verandas 3 / 4

The Flight of the Female SF Author

From Asaro to Zettel, female authors that used to stock the science fiction shelves are now almost exclusively writing fantasy. What are the reasons behind the mass migration? Are there new women coming into the genre, or will our daughters find the SF section filled solely by men?

Sunday 11:30 AM – Verandas 3 / 4

Brandon Sanderson Talks to Authors About Writing

Brandon Sanderson is fascinated by the process of writing and he loves to talk about writing with other writers. Join him for an in-depth lecture, followed by questions, answers, and open discussion.

Saturday 4:00 PM – Verandas 5 / 6

Minn-Spec Meeting and Meetup

Learn about this resource-sharing network for professional and aspiring speculative fiction writers.

Saturday 11:30 AM - Krushenko's

Lady Poetesses from Hell / Memorial for Mog

Lady Poetesses From Hell is a poetry performance group. They dress very nicely and have wicked senses of humor. Their performance this year is dedicated to Mog Decarnin, who passed away in January. Mog's full name is Camilla M. Decarnin. She was a poet, essayist, and a well known fanfic/slash writer, who lived in the Twin cities several years ago.

Saturday 8:30 PM – Verandas 3 / 4

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Science Fiction

The Wheel of Time from the Younger Point of View

The Wheel of Time series certainly was not created as Young Adult fiction, but many young people do in fact love these books. What makes this series work so well as YA fiction?

Saturday 11:30 AM Verandas 5 / 6

How Brandon Got the Gig: Finishing the Wheel of Time

Robert Jordan (James Oliver Rigney) died before completing the last part of his magnum opus, the Wheel of Time. How did Brandon Sanderson wind up being the guy to carry forward the work on the final book of the series? What were the hopes and fears of fans of the WoT when the announcement was made? What was the Minnesota fannish connection?

Sunday 1:00 PM – Verandas 5 / 6

The Year in SF: What Should I Read Next?

Our annual confab about what's good and (mostly) new in (mostly) science fiction and fantasy.

Saturday 7:00 PM - Krushenko's

Who Wants to Live Forever?

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy and immortal. Extending the human lifespan for centuries, even to the threshold of immortality, is an eternal human dream and a popular subject for speculative fiction. But there's always a catch, isn't there? The difficult implications of extended lifespans range from boredom to loneliness to raving insanity. On the other hand...you don't have to die!

Saturday 10:00 AM - Krushenko's

Borges as Science Fiction

Jorge Luis Borges wrote some wonderful, mind-bending fiction. One of his stories was an inspiration for 2001: A Space Odyssey. Where have his stories taken us?

Saturday 8:30 PM – Verandas 5 / 6

The Rivendell Group Discusses Works of Brandon Sanderson

The fantasy-book discussion Rivendell Group has met regulary since 1973, including Minicon meetings most years since at least 1981. This year, Rivendell will discuss the writings of Brandon Sanderson.

Saturday 1:00 PM - Krushenko's

Brandon Sanderson Reading and Signing

Needs Description

Sunday 2:30 PM - Reading

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Fannish & Miscellaneous Topics

Game Theory - Through the Prisoner's Dilemma, and BEYOND

Game theory as an approach to the study of human behavior has become a scientific metaphor for a wide range of human interaction. Forget the computer models, let's try some game theory games on unpredictable humans!

Sunday 1:00 PM – Verandas 3 / 4

The Fannish Community Center

A discussion of proposals for a fanninsh community center in the Twin cities. What would such a thing be used for? If the fannish community center goes forward, what are the next steps?

Sunday 1:00PM – Veranda 2

Recursiveness in Science Fiction That's About Recursiveness

The first rule of Mime Club is "Don't talk about Mime Club." Enter the hall of mirrors to discuss some favorites in fiction about fiction, games about games, movies about movies and other stuff about itself. Is it the novelty of the genre that allows us to enjoy self-aware entertainment, or is it the other way round? What does it all mean? Is this postmodern, or should we discuss that tomorrow? A panel about the elusive set that contains itself.

Friday 8:30 PM – Veranda 2

The Evil Librarian Panel

Our Author GOH, Brandon Sanderson,has written a book called -Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians-, so this seems as good a time as any to do a librarian panel. We'll start out by talking about Brandon Sanderson's YA fantasy novel (and perhaps its sequels). Then we'll ask, if librarians are so smart why don't we rule the world? This will include a look at how the role of the librarian is transforming as libraries mutate into destinations and byways on the Information Superhighway. Think of the possibilities that offers for global domination....

Friday 5:30 PM - Krushenko's

Secrets of the Sheraton Bloomington

Some of us have been attending conventions at the Sheraton Bloomington (née Raddisson South) for decades. We've played hotel tag in the stairways, made friends, gotten married, and experienced life-changing firsts. Some of our younger members may even have been conceived here. Let's celebrate this architectural fixture in our fannish lives. Remember watching the sun come up from Mr. C's on the 22nd floor? Does anybody know where the time capsule is hidden? What is the weirdest place we've ever found a sleeper?

Saturday 1:00 PM – Verandas 5 / 6

The Snob in Every Fan

Given the common dismissal of our favorite genre, you might think that fans would be a little more accepting of others. But, let's face it - we all have (types of) books that we look down on. What kinds of fiction get ignored or marginalized by fans? Why?

Friday 5:30 PM – Verandas 3 / 4

Disability, Self-Care and Fandom

How do you balance the demands of your disability - be it energy, medication schedules, battery life, whatever - with your desire for the Full Con Experience™? What specific modifications could fandom make to create a more accessible environment? What does fandom get right and why do we stay involved? How do you perform fan outreach in disabled communities and among your disabled friends?

Saturday 2:30 PM – Verandas 5 / 6

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Media

Doctor Who and the Forest of the Timey-Wimey Monster Planet

As of 2010, Doctor Who has a new production team, a new companion, high profile writers, and a new Doctor. Which of the announced changes are we most looking forward to? What other changes would we like to see? Which of the classic series episodes will be referenced in the 2010 season? Which was worse - "The End of Time" or "Daleks in Manhattan"?

Saturday 7:00PM – Verandas 5 / 6

Avatar - Cinema Event of the Year or Festival of Plagiarism?

James Cameron's high-tech sci-fi cinema baby has finally been delivered, and it's a blockbuster. Its reception among SF fans has been decidedly mixed. The plot and theme strike some as iconic and deeply moving, where others see it as trite and derivative. Cameron has been accused of plagiarizing everything from Dances With Wolves to Poul Anderson's novella Call Me Joe, and Ursula K. Le Guin's novella The Word for World is Forest. Enthusiasts have declared that this movie redefines the cinema experience so deeply that a decade from now 2D will be as retro as black and white. Detractors are less enthralled. What do you think -- cinematic breakthrough, just a big yawn,or...?

Saturday 4:00 PM – Krushenko's

The Western as Fantasy

Westerns share common ingredients with traditional fantasy such as heroism/chivalry, 'magic' weapons and/or abilities, the lure of landscape/travel, comfortingly familiar settings, fun costumes, and of course, horses. The Old West was the dominant fantasy setting a couple of generations back. But is the Old West of fiction/film really so different from the Old West of reality? Sponsored by Con-Sarnit Three, a Western convention to be held Saturday, June 5.

Sunday 1:00 PM – Krushenko's

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Art, Crafts, and Costuming

Slide Show: Dan Dos Santos Presents

An illustrated lecture about the evolution of Dan Dos Santos' work from childhood on up. Presented by the artist, Dan shows examples of his artistic influences, and of course, the art itself.

Friday 8:30 PM – Verandas 3 / 4

Oil Painting with Dan Dos Santos

Our artist GOH will show us how his work happens with a live demonstration of painting. Watch for this wonderful ongoing demo in the Art Show on Saturday afternoon!

Saturday 1:00PM – Art Show

Visualizing Magic: The Gathering

From card to art -- how the process works: an illustrated lecture.

Friday 4:00PM – Verandas 5-6

New Images of Fantasy

How has fantasy illustration changed over the past few years? How has digital media changed the field, and what's it like to break in as a new artist? What cool things are new artists doing?

Saturday 5:30 PM – Veranda 2

Costume Workshop

Before the evening parade, a workshop open to all ages. Create a new costume out of provided raw materials, or bring your unfinished costume for a chance to sit and work with fellow costumers. Seamstresses, hot-melt glue guns, a drill and other tools will be provided. All skill levels are welcome.

Saturday 4:00 PM

Fantasia Parade and Costume Contest

In your Eeeeaster bonnet, with all the squids uponnnnit... Show off your finest costume from home, or display one created at the costume workshop earlier in the day. Guests of honor Brandon Sanderson and Dan Dos Santos will be on hand to judge.

Saturday 8:00 PM

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Gaming

The Social Contract: Making It Explicit

We've had a lot of discussion about the social contract -- the rules by which our gaming groups operate, whether unspoken or not. Too often, though, they remain unspoken until someone blows up, or stinks up, the game. How can we go about making sure everyone is on the same page regarding how we game together? Is such a thing even desirable?

Saturday 7:00 PM – Veranda 2

Designing Your Own Game

A lot of us can't help but house-rule and fiddle with games. Many gamers want to take the next step and design our own games. How do you get started? How can you become rich and famous designing games?

Saturday 4:00 PM – Veranda 2

Invasion of the German Games

German and European boardgames have become immensely popular in the past few years. What qualities do they share? Which ones are the best?

Saturday 5:30 PM – Veranda 2

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Standards, Ongoing Events, and Not Really Panels

Opening Ceremony

Everything you always wanted to know about The Opening Ceremony but were afraid to ask. Thrills, Chills and a Keynote Speech!

Friday 7:00 PM - Bloomington

Retro Video Game Freakout

Artist Guest of Honor Dan Dos Santos, is a huge fan of old videogames. If we're lucky, Dan may even bring his Atari. Come play some of the classics! Legacy game systems will be available, feel free to bring your own to share as well. Kick-off happens at 10pm. Play continues throughout the con, or until there is unanimous agreement on exactly how many buttons a controller should have.

Friday 10:00 PM

Guest of Honor Interview: Dan Dos Santos

Needs Description

Sunday 11:30 AM – Verandas 5 / 6

Guest of Honor Interview: Brandon Sanderson

Needs Description

Saturday 8:30 PM - Krushenko's

Closing Ceremony

Needs Description

Sunday 4:00 PM - Bloomington

Giant Soma Cube

As a continuing activity throughout the con, we will be building a giant Soma Cube. You know, that puzzle where you assemble irregular 3-dimensional pieces into a giant cube? Please join in and do your part!

Ongoing - Garden Court

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