Ten Years of MarsCon

Programming Ideas Page

The story so far: three years ago we came up with a brilliant plan, which we called "The Plan" ... we would let visitors to the website list program events they would want to attend (and maybe even present!) The Plan worked splendedly. When it was time to arrange all those suggestions into the Giant Program Grid, we hadn't lost hundreds of little slips of paper with suggestions -- Brilliant!

We were so pleased we did it again.

Third time's a charm. Post your brilliant programming ideas for MarsCon 2008 here (and let us know if you're willing to make it happen).

Read the list below, then add your ideas.

The Science Fiction Solution to Oil War and Global Warming
A Slide show/Power Point program on using Space Technology to get off fossil fuels, achieve energy independence and move into space.

Suggested by David Buth on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 10:07:59

Fire and Brimstone
A friend of mine does fire-dart and poi work. That means he spins and throws fire on chains. It's really cool, you should have him on your roster. Here's his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fire_lord_bernardo

Suggested by Tillie the Tea-wench on Friday, January 25, 2008 at 11:06:26

Prop Building 101
So you want to build a blaster? Or lightsaber? Phaser rifle? Pulse Rifle? Basic tools, techniques and materials (plastic, MDF, cardboard, junk, paper, PVC, etc.) for different props will be discussed. Put on by local members of the Replica Prop Forum, 501st, and others.

Suggested by Bob Poate on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 17:19:47

Sarah Jane Adventures
Come discuss the sarah jane adventures.

Suggested by Ben Ellis on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 20:23:11

Nintendo DS Gaming Meet.
There are various titles that let player connect to each other. Many of these games on the Nintendo DS only require one person to have a copy, and other people can join in. If you folks just place some sofas in the Apple Terrace room (a small section for kids and other games) it won't cost you anything or require anybody to run it. The most you might want to offer is a sign-up list or posting board for people to find other people to set up a game (Example, 8:00 - Cyber_Urza looking for 3 other players for Mario Party DS). Again, no virtually no cost to you, as well as nobody needing to oversee things. Just requires good advertising. Good luck!

Suggested by Cyber_Urza on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 22:53:30

Welcome to Torchwood
Requesting to join the existing panel.

Suggested by Revolutionary Jo on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 16:28:12

D20: it's How We Roll
A comedic play covering 20 years in the lives of two gamer geeks. As seen at the 2007 Minnesota Fringe Festival.

Suggested by Matt C on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 00:19:47

If Adventure has a Name...
Indy is back! 19 years after his "last" crusade, our favorite archaeologist is donning the fedora back on for another adventure. Dust off your bullwhip and let's discuss the up and coming Crystal Skull movie, as well as any Indy topics that strike your fancy!

Suggested by Minnesota Jones on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 11:03:15

Vogon Poetry Contest
Dig the verse until your ears bleed with glee.

Suggested by Siren on Saturday, January 05, 2008 at 00:54:38

Vidshow!
We've replaced your fandom's dialog with pop music. Let's see if you notice! Watch some fan created music videos from your favorite shows and learn a little something about vidding.

Suggested by Revolutionary Jo on Thursday, January 03, 2008 at 20:39:32

The Real Deal
Come and discuss how some real animals are protrayed in fiction such as Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction. See some real reptiles such as toads, frogs, snakes, and maybe an alligator.

Suggested by Mary Mac on Thursday, January 03, 2008 at 11:30:54

Adults who play with dolls
They're not dolls, they're ACTION FIGURES. Or are they...? From children's toys with a strange appeal to adults to adult oriented collectibles to resin kits and life sized reproductions to Asian Ball Joint Dolls, talk about your favorite playthings.

Suggested by DeadLegato on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 at 22:53:52

Costume: From Concept to Creation
C is for cosplay, that's good enough for me... learn how a costume goes from the screen to real-life. We'll pick a character, find or make a pattern, pick just the right fabric, everything you need to get down to sewing. Don't know how to sew? We've got resources for learning!

Suggested by DeadLegato on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 at 22:22:20

Basics of hat making for costuming
Seminar on making hats- hands on experience in creating a basic hat from start to finish, design ideas, troubleshooting

Suggested by Lisa Keipp on Wednesday, January 02, 2008 at 11:23:16

What to read and watch during The writers strike
Come Contribute ideas of what to read and watch since TV is plagued with reality shows due to the writers strike.

Suggested by Ben Ellis on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:19:14

Commentary tracks of the dammed
Discuss what are some of the worst commentary Tracks you have heard on DVD.

Suggested by Ben on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:13:28

The Best and Worst movies of 07/08
Discuss and debate some of the best and worst movies of 07/08 with your fellow panelists.

Suggested by Ben Ellis on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:09:32

The return of the time lord
Come discuss and speculate about series 4 and the future plans for out favorite time lord from Galifrey

Suggested by Ben Ellis on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:08:36

Welcome to Torchwood
Welcome to Cardiff home of the time rift and the Torchwood team. In this panel we will discuss what is going on so far in torchwood series 2 and what we all like didnâ t like about series 1 or the series one DVDs

Suggested by Ben Ellis on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:06:35

Panel: The Science Fictional World of Beatrix Potter
Working on a description for this event.

Suggested by Naomi Kritzer on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 16:35:10

Panel: The Wyrdsmiths Writing Group
Meet the Wyrdsmiths.

Suggested by Naomi Kritzer on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 16:34:09

Interview/Discussion: The Works of Naomi Kritzer
David Lenander & Eric M. Heideman, co-mods.; sponsored by The Rivendell Group, a fantasy-book discussion group meeting regularly since late 1973 or early 1974, and Second Foundation, a speculative fiction book- discussion group meeting regularly since 1983.

Suggested by Naomi Kritzer on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 16:29:25

Fiction Reading: Naomi Kritzer
Reading

Suggested by Naomi Kritzer on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 16:28:19

Discussion: The Latest Works of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson
Sylvia had a book out this year, there's been a video release of "Dick Spanner" and a plan to make a new "Thunderbirds," among other events.

Suggested by Joan Marie Verba on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 16:22:03

So You Want To Be A Blogger
What is blogging and how to get started. Discussion of tools available for blogging from Live Journal and Blogger to Movable Type and MediaWiki. This is a "How to" panel on getting started in blogging and the New Media.

Suggested by Todd Hansen on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 08:13:56

Brainiac Bimbos Redux: The Women of Heinlein & His Free Love Concept
This event was held at the first MarsCon, ten years ago, where presenters were amazed at the high level of interest and attendance on a Sunday morning. Let's do it again.

Suggested by Whitestar Phoenix on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 07:38:11

Part Two: My Heart Is in the Coffin There with Harry Potter
Now that we have seriously critiqued J.K. Rowling's works, let's talk about the novels and the many reasons why we love them.

Suggested by Whitestar Phoenix on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 07:26:30

Part One: We Came Not to Praise Harry Potter, But to Bury Him
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels catapulted her to a level of success rarely enjoyed by authors. Did her writings merit her becoming the world's very first billionaire author?

Suggested by Whitestar Phoenix on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 07:20:20

Filkin' & Folkin' Around [with Bob Zentz]
Veteran Folk Performer/Recording Artist. Hosts an 'unplugged' Music Session/discussion/panel, on the roll [past, present & future] of traditional, contemporary and original Homemade Music, in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Genres. [with a variety of guest performers] This event could be a prelude to an 'Open Mike Event'. Visit; BobZentz.com

Suggested by Bob Zentz on Friday, December 14, 2007 at 21:49:58

Raising Fannish Kids
This could be possibly Co-led by me And my girl Discuss how sci-fi and fantasy has impacted families (My dad and mom on the farm watched Star Trek with us - my children in turn watched Buffy and other shows with ME. Can sci-fi and fantasy make for better communication, better kids, optimism...fun?

Suggested by Brinn on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 13:43:11

Great YA
The young adult genre has leaped into speculative fiction. Sure, there have always been some books and films that could be categorized as both YA and spec fic, but it's only in the recent past that it's earned both more significant real estate on bookstore shelves and credibility as a valuable genre. What books and films make for great YA speculative fiction (regardless of their age)? Which ones are real stinkers? Which ones seemed great at one point, but just haven't stood the test of time?

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 19:09:01

YA - not just for kids anymore
There is increasingly more young adult fiction being produced as publishers recognize this as a legitimate and worthy market. But not all readers of YA are young adults. More adults are branching out into the YA department, not just to check up on what their kids may be reading. What is the appeal of YA books among the not so targeted audience? What makes some YA books eminently suitable for adults? This is not intended to be a panel on all the new YA out there, per se, but a discussion on the YA that crosses over as great genre fiction and perhaps some great genre fiction that crosses over as great YA (ie: what books did you read as a young adult before SF/F YA imprints existed?).

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 19:04:00

Spec Fic 101
So you want to co-opt more folks to the genre of speculative fiction, thus getting your toaster oven (or increasing your own reader base if you're a writer). What books might make a good introduction to those unfamiliar with spec fic? How can we catch and keep new fans (youth and/or adult)?

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 19:02:04

Meet the Weapons - Demos
A few years ago there was a combat panel that discussed various weapons that show up primarily in fantasy but also SF (we were short on actual data on the effects of phasers and the like). At the end of the panel, the audience members could come up and see just how heavy a sword was, ideally allowing them write more accurate/realistic fight scenes without having to train with a weapons master.

There wasn't room or time for demonstrations on how the various weapons are used, which might have been nice. It would be great to have brief demos on a number of weapons that show up in sf/f (to see how they work, what they are designed to do, and what they aren't), followed up with a chance for the audience to again see the weapons up close and personal.

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 19:00:49

Dealing with rejection
It's a part of the game. If you're an artist of any kind and you actually want to get read, or perform, or have your art displayed, you have to learn how to handle the inevitable and innumerable rejections that follow the submission/audition process. What works? What doesn't? Even if you have a good way of dealing with it, are there times you end up in a funk? How do you recover from that? Bring your best and worst rejection stories.

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 18:56:41

The Dark Side of the Fey
Traditionally capricious and dangerous, the fey are now often portrayed very differently. Why have we moved toward a purely cuddly and kindly fey? What authors draw on the more traditional characteristics and do it well? Why does this work? What purpose to tales of the dark fey serve? Why should we "stay on the path"?

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 18:55:11

Cyborgs or Wizards?
In speculative fiction, how important is it to ground your reader in the world/time/place? What are ways to do this without neon signs, dancing girls or an obvious "the writer wants to tell you X and it won't be clear for another 2000 words if you aren't told right now." How quickly does it need to be done? When is grounding less of an issue? What happens if you don't ground your readers sufficiently?

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 18:53:49

Cost in Fiction
Writers will often talk about "cost" in their stories and others. What exactly is cost? Why do stories need to have it? What kind of stories need to have cost assigned? What purpose does it serve? How much is enough? How should the assignment of cost be handled (ie: how to decide who pays the cost)? What authors handle this particularly well or particularly poorly?

Suggested by S.N.Arly on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 18:51:49

Space Based Solar Power to the Rescue
On October 10th, 2007, the National Space Security Office [NSSO] released a report that was the result of two years of work by a team of experts from many fields. The gist of the report is that the United States can _only_ achieve true energy independence by errecting a network of solar power satellites in Geosynchronous orbit to beam full strength solar energy 24/7 to rectennas on Earth. The report suggested that the only affordable way to put up such a system would be to get the bulk of the materials needed from the Moon. This would go well beyond the present "Vision for Space Exploration" and involve civilian industrial settlements on the Moon. Details, Discussion and Implications.

Suggested by Peter Kokh, December 07, 2007

"Serious" music and its place in the SF/Dementia community
Because you can't live on comedy (and Star Wars) alone, they invented "serious" music, but what is serious music? What makes it serious? Does "fun" music count as serious? If not where does fun-but-mainstream music fit? Does music that takes itself so seriously that you have to laugh qualify as demented? What about genres that were invented with their tongue in their cheek but aren't really funny? This could either make for an extremely interesting debate or an extreme bore.

Suggested by Stephen: the Rather Geeky and also Somewhat Looney on Thursday, December 06, 2007 at 07:22:29

Some Sort of Robot Panel
The Twin Cities Robotics Club might be interested in doing another robotics panel.

Suggested by Robo Man on Monday, December 03, 2007 at 16:51:15

Demented Music As A Subgenre
2007 saw the end of syndication for Dr. Demento and the broadcast hiatus of Shockwave Radio Theater. Yet MarsCon thrives on weird music, as do other cons. Fewer but more devoted fans change the dynamic for Demented Artists. How? What can you do?

Suggested by Baron Dave on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 14:02:22

Press Star T(rek) to coninue
Star Trek wasn't the first science fiction show on television, but it was the first continuing series that inspired a franchise and began the trend toward good sf on the tube. What has been the legacy of the original series, and what has it meant to you?

Suggested by Baron Dave on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 13:57:28

Vampire Masquerade LARP
To run from Friday at 4 PM till Sunday at 3. Story Tellers (3 or 4) will be my minions.

Suggested by Mary Mac on Friday, November 09, 2007 at 12:19:22

(spam ignored)(spam ignored)(spam ignored)(spam ignored)

And you thought lead in toys was a bad idea...
...who knows what pharmaceuticals purchased from spammers contain? Lead? Arsenic? Polonium? Is susceptibility to a spammer's pitches an inherited trait? Will it eventually be eliminated from the human genome?

The Programming Ideas page is not going to be an experiment to test that last theory. Future suggestions will be edited by a human before they appear online... a human who is not trying to be the next Darwin Award nominee.

Suggested by Webmaster on Monday, November 05, 2007 at 08:29:39

Starship Troopers vs. The Forever War
A discussion on the differences and similarities of the books by Heinlein and Haldeman.

Suggested by Todd Hansen on Friday, November 02, 2007 at 07:59:00

I Lost it over Lost!
One day I realized my favorite soap opera (General Hospital) had...a VAMPIRE IN IT? Since then I have noticed an interesting tendency to sneak sci-fi and horror and other genres into what would otherwise be realistic fiction...best example - LOST. Love it? Hate it? Share

Suggested by Brinn Hemmingson on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 13:43:47

Cheese!
This isn't so much a programming type idea as it is a free gift type idea; people hand out cheese to everyone who happens to be within arm's reach.

Suggested by Stephen: the Rather Geeky and also Somewhat Looney on Monday, October 29, 2007 at 08:35:13

The impact of SPAM on the dementia community
You see, people sit around and talk about the impact of SPAM on the dementia community... there will also be lots of SPAM eating.

Suggested by Stephen: the Rather Geeky and also Somewhat Looney on Monday, October 29, 2007 at 08:31:51

How to survive the inevitable zombie apocalypse
Rather self-explanatory: it's a seminar on how to survive a zombie apcalypse.

Suggested by Stephen: the Rather Geeky and also Somewhat Looney on Monday, October 29, 2007 at 08:28:45

Hotsauce Tasting
Everyone loves hotsauce, right? So a thing where you taste different kinds of hotsauce would be awesome, right? I'd explain, but it seems rather self-explanatory... hotsauce!!!

Suggested by Stephen: the Rather Geeky and also Somewhat Looney on Monday, October 29, 2007 at 08:23:35

Dashing Swordswomen and Brilliant Diplomats: the resurgence of GLBT characters in SF/F
The last few years have seen something of a resurgence of GLBT characters in SF/F novels and stories, including recent novels by Laurie Marks, Ellen Kushner, Elizabeth Bear, Hal Duncan, Christopher Barzak, etc. What titles shouldn't we miss and why?

Suggested by Catherine L on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 19:52:54

Writers with Day Jobs
Let's talk about the realities, the juggling and what works and what doesn't.

Suggested by Catherine L on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 19:48:42

Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Highly Improbable, Unlikely and "You Must Be Joking!" uses of swords, firearms and other weaponry in sf and f. Let's talk about the best and the worst - books, movies, TV, etc.

Suggested by Catherine L on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 19:43:32

Broad Universe Rapidfire Reading
Short fiction readings by members of Broad Universe.

Suggested by Catherine L. on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 19:39:29

Weird and Funny Scifi and not so Scifi songs I wrote
Hi,I'm Art Paul Schlosser and I would love to come back again and sing I'll Meet You on Mars,3-6 headed Martins Coming,Purple Bananas on the Moon, My dinosaur song and a new one I'm working on called The Computer is Working,plus tons of other songs I wrote. Hey check some out at http://www.cdbaby.com/artpaul or at Apple iTunes

Suggested by Art Paul Schlosser on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at 04:21:05

Masquerade Show and Tell
An open demo/panel for those people who have costumes they'd like to show off. It wouldn't be limited to those entering the Masquerade, but to everyone who has a cool costume. It would give the rest of us the chance to say "How'd you DO that?!"

Suggested by Rae Lundquist / Masquerade director on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 14:26:18

Prop-tacular!
An open panel for those who would like to show off their home-made props. It gives the con-goers a chance to get up close to the items and ask questions of the creators.

Suggested by Rae Lundquist / Masquerade director on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 14:23:16

How to be a (Cos)player or what's expected of a costume contest participant
Tips, hints and suggestions to those who want to enter the Masquerade (or any other costume contest). the panel would be chaired by experienced costume contest judges, directors and participants. Advice on costume/make-up/prop construction, as well as sound/music prep.

Suggested by Rae Lundquist / Masquerade director on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 14:19:53

The History and Traditions of the kimono
In response to the popularity of anime costuming, we'd like to present a panel/demo discussing the traditional kimono, with examples on display. It would take place in the Masquerade Lounge

Suggested by Rae Lundquist / Masquerade director on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 14:16:10

Creating A Geisha
This will be a 2hour demonstration, similiar to the 'Creating Queen Elziabeth' done last year in the Masquerade Lounge. It will be a combined wig/make-up/costume demo presented by Elizabeth Sloan, Bill Hedricks, and Rae Lundquist, with an unnamed victim as model.

Suggested by Rae Lundquist / Masquerade director on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 14:13:11

Star Trek & Star Wars....is it all said and done?
A look at two of the top sci fi movies/tv programs in the past...oh...30-40 years. Is there any life left in these classics? What would re-energize them? What would YOU do to bring this to new heights of admiration and excitement? Or would you bury them?

Suggested by Matt Brogmus on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 23:55:41

History/trends/future of Anime
A discussion of anime of the past and present...how it has evolved, brilliant works, rip-offs, and trends that nowadays seem more recurring than unique. Is there a future for anime?

Suggested by Matt Brogmus on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 23:51:50

Molecular Origami
How to use Origami to build molecular models.

Suggested by Mary Mac on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 16:20:36

Cloud Experiment
See secondary particles from Cosmic Rays. Needs to be on an upper floor.

Suggested by Mary Mac on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 16:15:12

Looking Back at MarsCons of THe Past
Being 2008 is the 10th year of MarsCon, get together and discuss MarsCon's of the past, share stories of the good/the bad/the otherwise or the not that well remembered:)

Suggested by Nicole Luckes on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:53:49

Sci Fi Spelling Bee
A spelling Bee featuring sci-fi words. for an example see. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ppb4hokl4Q --Ben

Suggested by Sci Rm Ben on Sunday, May 13, 2007 at 15:57:23

Programming ideas page
Lets let the people who will attend MarsCon 2008 enter THEIR ideas about great program events. It's worked in the past. Brilliant.

Suggested by Webmaster on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 21:31:06

As always, MarsCon is immensely grateful for the incredible programming contributions we receive each year from artists, authors, guests, musicians, singers, actors, fan groups, clubs and individuals. Thank you for your support!

MarsCon 2008 / Feb 29th—Mar 2nd / Holiday Inn Select / Bloomington,MN
If you're looking for the Marscon in Hampton Roads, Virginia click here.

Questions about MarsCon: info15d@marscon.org
© 2007—2008, Fans Educational Network for Science Fiction.
This page was last revised May 02, 2008 at 07:12