The Ellison Bulletin Board

Comments Archive - 06/19/96 to 07/03/96

keegan Wed Jul 3 11:08:56 1996
I enjoyed last night's interview immensely. Appeared that Tom and Harlan genuinely enjoy each others' company.

How truly wonderful to hear Harlan speak with such love for his wife. I'm a "pain in the ass" to live with, too, and his description of Susan could have very well been applied to my wonderful spouse. A mellow, accepting and supportive mate is a great boon to a "high-verbal" artistic kind of person. I guess I was just touched to hear that someone in Hollyweird still loves and appreciates his wife. Susan is somethin' else, man!

On a fashion note: I thought HE looked SHARP! Did anyone else notice that the yellow-gold jacket made HE's eyes look green (or were my kids just adjusting the color on my set again)? I thought he looked "mahvelous, simply maaahvelous"!

I noticed HE's agitation growing when the first caller brought up the technology issue. I was glad when H

keegan Wed Jul 3 11:07:31 1996
I enjoyed last night's interview immensely. Appeared that Tom and Harlan genuinely enjoy each others' company.

How truly wonderful to hear Harlan speak with such love for his wife. I'm a "pain in the ass" to live with, too, and his description of Susan could have very well been applied to my wonderful spouse. A mellow, accepting and supportive mate is a great boon to a "high-verbal" artistic kind of person. I guess I was just touched to hear that someone in Hollyweird still loves and appreciates his wife. Susan is somethin' else, man!

On a fashion note: I thought HE looked SHARP! Did anyone else notice that the yellow-gold jacket made HE's eyes look green (or were my kids just adjusting the color on my set again)? I thought he looked "mahvelous, simply maaahvelous"!

I noticed HE's agitation growing when the first caller brought up the technology issue. I was glad when HE saved the poor guy by cutting off his rambling query. I appreciated HE's answer about why he could come up with a CD Rom game despite the fact that he's not a "user": "'Cause I'm smarter than the rest of you schmucks, that's why!". Right on, HE, man- and don't let 'em forget it!

WolfMistress (Somewhere Between Here, There, & Everywhere....) Wed Jul 3 10:49:49 1996
Kris(ten) -- couldn't resist! *Penal Envy* was priceless. Also HE's lively telling of his bout in the "slam". Kid sitting on the floor with his feet sticking out from under the bars; they'd come in, look at him, go out again, come back later, look at him, mutter something, go back out again....until they got the "Missing" flyer his parents had put out. Then it was more of the same -- obviously with no one asking his name or anything! It was wonderful!

Kris(ten) L. Homyk (if72@jove.acs.unt.edu) Wed Jul 3 10:35:30 1996
(Movin' Right Along...do do do do do do doo do)
OK, well, maybe I've only got a minute before I return to my packing and eventually (to paraphrase Rick) shut my own personal bad boy down, but I just have to say it:
PENAL ENVY! THAT alone was worth staying up until 1 a.m.!

Rick Wyatt Wed Jul 3 09:17:26 1996
It's funny Peter David should come up (he's a "Writer of Stuff", btw) - I just mailed him a letter today asking for info on the Friends of Ellison to put online.

The FOE is an organization David started a while back to counter the creation of the Enemies of Ellison (later renamed to the PC "Victims of Ellison"). Such luminaries as Robin Williams and Leonard Nimoy are members. I was tempted to call the Ellison household and scream into the machine "If Peter David is still there TELL HIM TO RETURN MY GODDAMN E-MAILS!!!".

But I didn't.

WolfMistress (Waiting with Telltale Tics and Tremors....) Wed Jul 3 08:44:34 1996
As in waiting for this day to be over so I can hit the highway and be *gone* for 4 days!

Unfortunately, TV scheduling in Madison leaves a lot to be desired. Tom Snyder doesn't come on here until 1:00am! They run episodes of Coach and ST:TNG after Letterman. Since I rise between 5:30-6:00am, I'm usually asleep by 11 at the latest. So I set one of my clocks to go off at the appropriate time.

I may have set it wrong or something, because when I woke up, the stint with Harlan was half over! However, what I saw was fascinating.

You would never know HE had such serious heart surgery by looking at him. And the man's energy is phenomenal. It was interesting to hear him say that 62 years was pretty good and he had done just about everything he had wanted to do, so death wouldn't be that big a deal -- except for Susan. HE said she is the one he fights to stay alive for, even if she may be from another planet for putting up with him!

From me to Susan (even if she never sees it): Thank you for caring and loving The Great One. Our lives are richer, thanks to him and you. Many blessings, always.

And yeah, Snyder interrupts a lot, but it was such friendly banter - it is obvious these two have a smooth and easy relationship. And the name Peter David rings a bell, but I can't place him. HE's anecdote about trying to find a blotter was priceless, because I know exactly how he feels. I was trying to find some a few years ago when I was heavy into calligraphy, which I do with a fountain pen. Go ahead; try to find some! Like HE said, most store clerks, being of a later generation, have no idea what a fountain pen is, let alone a blotter!

All in all, from what I saw, I think our Favorite Writer will be around a good long time. As he said himself: his place is being 'a pain in the ass' as far as society is concerned. That's good enough for me.

Marc Fleury (tetsuo@fox.nstn.ca) Wed Jul 3 01:02:11 1996
Well, I just watched Ellison on the Tom Snyder show. Gads, is it just me, or does Snyder interrupt his guests more than any other talk-show host?

Anyway... I heard Ellison mention that Peter David was in the Green Room with Susan. Now, I knew that David and HE were pals, but I didn't realize that they really hung around like that. I dunno. Um... do any of you even know who Peter David is?

Kris(ten) L. Homyk (if72@jove.acs.unt.edu) Tue Jul 2 20:18:04 1996
(Wetwired and ready to roll!)
Rumors of my death have been...wait a minute now! Who the hell's spreading those rumors??!!??!! Me, I'm still alive but barely -- I'm MOVING. It's a hellish tale (worse than a three-hour tour that turns into a permanent shipwreck, thanks), but I'm too tired to share. I'll be gone a few days more (packing the computer is my absoluteliest favorite part! yippee!), but I'll be back eventually. Wish me luck on my search for pots, pans, and a table...and special waves to Sue and WM, who apparently care enough to send the very best. *grin* Sue -- I'll be answering real soon, I promise...
Oh, and, Jason -- don't bother...my server is wiggy, too -- it has a thing about delvering argumentative mail when I'm tired, emotionally worn-out, and concerned with larger skemes (sp?) of things than whether or not someone understands me.
Love ya'll, though...

WolfMistress ((Yeah, yeah - I know...)) Tue Jul 2 16:20:11 1996
Jason - didn't mean to leave you out..but I'm not sure how to address one who is both comatose and dead....

Anyway, do you happen to remember the NAME of that instructional book for writers that has HE and "Maggie" in it???? I would like to acquire said book, if it can be identified and found. Is it a new book, or a used book? So I will know to prowl the millions (seems like) of used-book stores surrounding this nesting area of 45,000 UW-Madison students.

Title and author(s) would do nicely. Please? Pretty please? Look -- just gimme the name already! Thank you, Jason. You are a wonderful, most benevolent corpse-in-waiting. ;-)

WolfMistress (I Have a Mouth and I AM Screaming....!) Tue Jul 2 15:59:26 1996
MY GAWD -- HE'S BACK! Yo, Jim! Glad you accepted our invitation to crash the party! It's been a little dull without you. (just a little, you understand). And I haven't the slightest notion of what you're talking about people talking behind your back. Is some kind of scandal going on that I don't know about???? Tell me, tell me, tell me, quick!

And a Righteous "Howdy, Neighbor" to you, Rich! You'll get to know who I am, sooner or later (be very careful. touching me leaves ugly welts on the fingertips...) Charles is lost in the glasses and is trying to follow his reflection out....We oughta toss some meat in there, just in case....? Sue & Keegan -- Banzai! Blue Blaze Regulars Forever! That's enough of that. HE finds out after what happened at that con, *he'll* run us off the Board....

Sue - Be *very* careful how much you use that drive because when it crashes, you will lose EVERYTHING on it! Got that? Good. Unless you are running a near-constant tape backup, I suggest you STOP now! Really. Hissing noises not good, Kemosabe. (and no, I am NOT trying to insult Native Americans! - PC disclaimer)

Anyway, it's been a weird day, and getting more so as I speak. Everyone check out my Page - it has changed considerably since its birth. The address is down a few. I don't want to take undo advantage of Rick's benevolent nature by using his Board for free advertising of a competitor! (Massive ego, huh?)

Kris(ten) -- are you still among the living? Or do I have to yell at you again to make you poke your head out from under the covers with the flashlight, there, now. 8-} I think I'm outta here for today. Hopefully, my usual serious demeanor will return by tomorrow (you wish!).

Sue Luesse (jaluesse@htonline.com) Tue Jul 2 14:28:36 1996

Ummmm, guys.... The ol' Puter has succumbed to Hot Flashes, and is making noises like a turbine giving birth.. Hubby says the hard drive is 'going', keep it short (SNORT), and we'll get it fixed over the week-end.. So now you know.. )8-( Forgive the touch-typoes as I try to 'beat the crash'..
WolfMistress - I LOVE Buckaroo Bonzai! 'Cept I 'fell' for John Lithgow.. Is my age showing??? (;-)~ Hope to be back in the 'browsing' business soon, and give your constantly growing Homepage it's due..

Rich - Always nice to have a new (face?? fingers?? Awww shoot, cyberspace is confusing...)..

And what ever happened to Charles?? He left to unpack a glass for a drink, came back daaaaaze later, and disappeared after asking "Whuzzat about a glass?".. Hey guy, come on! You and Rich are gonna hafta hold my place for me on the Board 'til the Puter is all better.. (;-)

And to you all (yes, all includes you 'lurkers' - and I hate that label, how about "silent partners"?) Hope the next post isn't post haste.. I DO love to linger and chat..

Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Jim Hess (104656,765) Tue Jul 2 14:21:40 1996
All right people...let's get a few things cleared up.

First, I do NOT beg (or plead or piss or moan). If you want or feel some need to e-mail me, go ahead. I'm up to my neck in e-mail after certain cracks made about a certain public figure. (Geez...you'd like think people would have a better sense of humor these days.)

Second, I sold the boat. WHY? It makes no sense since it has been raining here almost every day since I arrived. I sold it because I ain't hauling the d*** thing back to Colorado.
Yes, kiddies and kiddos, the grumpy one is going back to Colorado. (And on to Cali at some point; watch in horror as your property values drop unannounced).

Third, I really don't like it when you talk about moi behind my back. If'n youse have a rumor about me, check with me first so we get the story straight. Got it?

Anyway...just a note to let y'all know I'm baaaaaaaaaack.

Piss and moan, piss and moan...

Jim

Rich (blush@poboxes.com) Tue Jul 2 12:04:47 1996
'HE'...god-like demeanor...hmmm. Sounds like idle worship to me 8).

Rich (blush@poboxes.com) Tue Jul 2 12:02:56 1996
Thanks to Sue and Keegan for their gracious welcomes. No, I've never been here before, having only recent acquired Net-access and building confidence to play with search engines. As far as babbling on-and-on at HE about one particular story that changed my life...couldn't do that. It was a gradual paradigm shift in my consciousness (I think, in retrospect, after contemplation). If I had to (ie, HE deigns to ask me) I would say his introductions and forwards were the most influencial. And still the stories trickle in...a friend just loaned me "No Doors, No Windows." and (insert dirty word here) if it didn't blow me away all over again. Sure, a lot of the stories (as HE himself declared) were cranked out to pay the rent, but, as usual, there were daggers. Also, I somehow managed to find a copy of "Gentleman Junkie" in a used-book store...for $2.00! Brain-clamp.

WolfMistress (Chasing the Djinn...) Tue Jul 2 11:58:25 1996
Well, now, Keegan -- since you are so kind, your Family Home Page gets a link on *my* Web Page! See how that works?? Pages mean Power! 8-}! I'm seriously losing it, I think....

keegan (remember: wherever you go, there you are.) Tue Jul 2 11:37:53 1996
THANKS, WM! I love BB and will check the link later. Thanks for the story about the "rather Godlike" HE. I'm guessing that whatever happened, he was probably less than amused......

WolfMistress (rwhiteanderson@kraft.com (just in case)) Tue Jul 2 11:06:09 1996
The following is a little tidbit mentioning our Favorite Writer that I found while browsing the biggest Buckaroo Banzai site. And if there are those out there who do not know about BB and the Hong King Cavaliers, see my Web Page for the link. I'm not gonna explain it all here. Besides, most of you would probably think I'm a little wacked for liking Buckaroo in the first place. Sorry. Fell in love with Peter Weller. :-) Anyway, check out the following:

>From: Jaredmcf@delphi.com
>Date: Fri, 9 Feb 96

The Buckaroo Banzai headbands WITHOUT trademarks were handed out at a promo at WesterCon just before
BB was released. They showed the long trailer, several brief teasers, and snippets of behind-the-scenes footage.
They also got the crowd of around 200 chanting, "Where are we going?" "Planet Ten!" etc., etc. The reason this
was so memorable was that Harlan Ellison was in the next ballroom over, trying to do a reading. Needless to say
the BB crowd was SO loud, he came over to shush us. Despite Harlan's rather godlike demeanor, we would not
be shushed, and he went away. I never heard whether he was able to finish the reading, and the BB group
continued to be loud and rowdy for the remainder of the presentation. I have two of the original headbands; later
versions DO have trademarks, or so I've been told.

I find it hard to believe that HE simply *went away*, but I'm all for the description - "rather godlike demeanor". Love it! More later.

Jason (Mount Pleasant Cemetery) Mon Jul 1 22:33:58 1996
Unlike our illustrious Webmaster I was both comatose and dead. Not a pleasant week I can tell you. Tough trip back you have any idea how difficult it is to resssurrect yourself after they've donated your body to science?
I've been running into HE a lot over the past two weeks, (figuratively that is) First the aformentioned apperances on the Anti-Gravity Room and @discovery.ca, then in a TV guide salute to Star Trek, where he was listed most surprisingly as ranking twelve out of the hundred most influential people in Star Trek?! He beat out every cast member except for Shatner and Nimoy and Majel Barrett, Roddenberry's wife.
Then I was in a bookstore and found an instructional book on writing featuring stories by S-F writers and essays on those stories by the same authors, guess who featured their story Pretty Maggie Moneyeyes in the Character section. He followed it up with a funny essay called 'The whore with a heart of iron pyrites; (fool's gold) or Where does a writer go to find a Maggie? This essay tells you everything you wanted to know about how HE writes a story, and probably a few things you didn't. I'm still trying to shake the image of HE throwing off his clothes so he can write.
Then I hear HE's name mention in support of an X-files episode, the funny one about precognitive psychopath. "The show which Harlan Ellison calls astounding." That caught me by surprise. Now HE's apperance on Tom Snyder, they mention a different author on the CBS website. And on Wednesday Dream corridor comes out in comic stores.
Gotta go, I'm trying to come up with a question to ask HE tommorrow tha won't embarass me on network televison.
p.s. Kristen I have a response to your E-mail, it's just my server is wonky.
jason

Rick Wyatt (webmaster@harlanellison.com) Mon Jul 1 18:25:18 1996
IMPORTANT NOTE IMPORTANT NOTE IMPORTANT (KINDA) NOTE!

Harlan will be a guest on Tom Snyder's TV Show on CBS tomorrow night (Tuesday the 2nd) after David Letterman - 12:30 AM EST, 9:30 PM Pacific.

WATCH IT!

WolfMistress (Introducing auto mechanics to the Paingod and Other Realities...) Mon Jul 1 09:36:55 1996
Gooood Moooorning, Webderlaaaaand! (Spoken as Robin Williams did "Good Morning, Vietnam" at the beginning of the movie of the same name) --

What a lovely weekend I've had! (dripping with sarcasm). Took my better car ('82 Chrysler Imperial Special Edition - Mom's last gift to me I discovered when I went home. This particular edition, with Mark Cross leather, etc. is considered a 'Classic Car'. My son has (among others) an '81 edition that he enteres in shows, etc. I was lusting after his (exquisite black and gold w/beige leather interior); I guess my Mom paid attention.), in to have a routine tune-up and full radiator flush. No big deal, right! *WRONG*! The car only had 1 previous owner and is in near factory-mint condition. The 318 V-8 purrs so softly, it is impossible to hear if the radio is on even real low. No vibration, no nothing. Just a splendid ride. The people at Firestone (whom my Dad used to swear by years & years ago), did the tune-up and flush; I pay them $153, and drive away.

But all of a sudden, something is terribly wrong. This magnificent conveyance is idling so roughly, it's rattling my teeth. It quits altogether at a stop sign or light. Since I was the last one of the day Saturday, the place is closed, so I can't go back right then. Then the plugs start mis-firing - badly! It is obvious to me that they either crossed up the plug wires, in which case they better get the Chilton's Manual out and get real busy, or they did something even more heinous to the car!

My straight-6 '79 Mercury Zephyr old beater never even sounded that bad! I seethe and steam for most of Sunday, because even though Firetone was open, they only did oil changes. No mechanics were available. I tell the nice young man by name of Chris whom I had met the day before that he had 3 choices: Fix the problem free of charge, of course; be part of a Consumer Protection investigation; or represent Firestone in Small Claims Court when I file for damages. I also have 2 witnesses who rode in the car Friday & Saturday morning before I took it in to testify to the fidelity of its soundness.

So first thing this morning, I'm sitting parked when they open at 7:30. It took maybe 3 minutes to fix - the #3 plug wire had a contact problem; the car was trying to run on 7 cylinders. My car is now back to the way she was; even quieter if such is possible. And that was just a *part* of my weekend.

Also have check -- Web Page is up and running, no problem so far. Will adding more links and changing the commentary as soon as I find the time. See ya later!

Sue Luesse (jaluesse@htonline.com) Mon Jul 1 08:44:12 1996

Well, thank you Rick. There must be a bit of the 'Southern Gentleman' in you, to throw yourself between my posts, risking God-only-knows what kind of serious injury, and give me the appearance of dialogue.. ;-) And a VERY BIG THANKS for all you've done for us with Webderland.

Just curious - how crazy IS it in Atlanta right now? We know 2 other folks in that neck of the woods, and they both just kinda winked out of communication with the advent of the *Summer Olympics*.. Not that they didn't warn it might happen (they did) - I'm just wondering what all is going on there to so completely disrupt ordinary, nobody kinda lives..

Kristen - No trade... Read on...

GUESS WHAT!! (my two favorite words) We dropped in on an "Iron Butt" buddy (that is an official organization for bikers who LIKE riding thousands of miles in any weather) in Ohio while we were trying to beat the heat (tells you how hot it was, that we went so far), and she asked why I hadn't gotten her friend Gene's bike since he lives so close (in Ann Arbor), just got his Phud and a job in France, and has to get rid of it... Obvious answer - I didn't KNOW Gene.. But I do now.. And I have his beautiful, lovingly customized for my kind of riding mini-tour bike!! HOOO-RAAAY!! Even has the extra battery and plug for the electric long-johns.. I'm flyyyyying! So, no trade, Kristen.. But you can have your choice of THREE bikes now.. };-)~

Gene turned out to be an aeronautical engineer (who invented some kind of CAT scan sort of thing to test metals for structural integrity) - a very bright and FUN guy - and woefully ignorant of Ellison. We have corrected that flaw. Had my Essential Ellison with me for the 'pit stops', and let him 'take a peek' while I test rode the bike. Got the bike, his tools, his manuals (filled the back of my sons pick-up, actually) - and lost my Essential Ellison (and STILL hadn't read the last few. Sssiggghhh). Gene came up for dinner yesterday (tried to trade his old pick-up truck for our Ellison Collection - REALLY!), and left with the HERC info, http for Webderland, and our promise to mail any Ellison we can dig up for him. Does this constitute a 'cultural invasion'?? heh, heh.. ]:-) Strange world.. Or is it that *I* am probably that Strange Person your mother warned you against??

Well, off to title and plate my new treasure - and buy ANOTHER Essential Ellison.. Geez! The things I do for passion (and is that a legal defense??).. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Rick Wyatt (rwyat@crl.com) Sun Jun 30 21:24:43 1996
I promise that, despite indications to the contrary, I am neither dead nor comatose.

I've just been BUSY.

I should have a new web-page update later this week (I know it's been a couple of weeks) and I will also ask HE a few questions for it. Other than that, no promises.

And no, I don't have extra furniture. Sorry - I've barely got enough for my own purposes - although if my girlfriend has her way every last bit of my present furniture will eventually find its way to Goodwill....

Sue Luesse (FREE JUNK - YOU HAUL (jaluesse@htonline.com)) Sat Jun 29 19:05:33 1996

Kris(ten) - I promise I won't mention I met Harlan Ellison in this post. ]8-)~ I DO have my own Salvation Army depot in my garage. Folks around here tend to 'drop stuff off' for me to 'give to someone who needs it'. Now it's nice to help folks out, but this has really mushroomed over the years. It has led to the need for bungie-cords to keep the garage door from popping open, and a zoning waiver for all the 'large items' (like cars) we babysit. We meet a lot of interesting people (with some stories to singe the hair in your nose, wring tears from of lump of coal, and make you KNOW just how GOOD your life is) that a variety of agencies send our way. Small Town - what can I say?.. So if you are fool enough.. };-)~ Come on up.. I'll trade a dinette and sofa for a reliable 1,100 cc motorcycle in good shape..

To all - Got a lovely little e-mail from Jim Hess, and it appears that it isn't just my server causing problems. His e-mail has a limit on number of 'saves', and after that they all get bounced back. He's pleading (or as close to it as he gets) for us to keep sending 'til they get through. I personally find the Re:mail works best.. His new e-mail address repeated: 104656.765@compuserve.com

And WolfMistress has the most amazing Homepage! It comes, it goes it comes bacl.. I think she has some kind of detector on it that practices Behaviour Modification until you are up to the standards of the page... (;)

Seriously, I'M JEALOUS. And it should be great fun! Way to go WoldMistress! I'm just too HOT and CRANKY to keep up the 'happy chatter', so I'm going to find something to kick into submission and make it share my misery.. Try High - Fly Straight -Drive Safe

Kris(ten) L. Homyk (if72@jove.acs.unt.edu) Sat Jun 29 16:52:55 1996
Sue: I'm not reading -- I'm trying to move. And I have no furniture, and I don't own a pot. So here is some shameless begging from ya'lls favorite "sand in the machinery":
I am in Denton, TX, and I am trying to set up my own little apartment, independent of roommates, spouses, parents, pets...ok, well, pretty much anyone. I don't know if anyone out there lives close or is planning a large donation to goodwill anytime soon, but as I said above, I don't have some stuff that an apartment makes essential. So if you have some that you no longer like, I can provide a good home for it. Otherwise, I'll have to shop and go in debt and that means no book-buying allowance...so if you've got stuff (esp. a table -- my kingdom for a table -- I'd kill for a table -- etc. -- etc.) e-mail me or post here, even if you live in Seattle. If it's a good deal, shipping might be worth my while. And even if you don't got stuff, I could use sympathy. I won't post my hellish leasing-this-apartment story, but trust me, there is one, and I can use the companionship in my misery.
--KRIS, who is hating Sue as we speak for dropping the mention of the fact that she met Harlan in every post...but who hopes Sue has a table she doesn't like anymore *grin*

keegan Fri Jun 28 22:49:43 1996
Hey all-
Yeah, summer rules for reading! I went to the library today. Mostly, I took out cd's (need to teach a class next week about how Broadway show tunes become jazz standards), but also found "Mephisto in Onyx". Took a break from the other thick book I was reading and couldn't put "Mephisto" down until it was finished. I won't say much here about it because it's the kind of story that's such a pleasure to read cold. I'm the kind of person who will turn to the back of a book to check the ending because I can't stand the suspense, but I forced myself to read the story as HE intended it to be read and I wasn't disappointed. It was a THRILL. Any word on when the movie will be made? I think with careful screen writing, it would be a terrific flick. I hope whoever's doing it does it right!
Rich-welcome to the board. Can't remember if you've dropped in before, but your comment echoes my feelings: HE makes me feel. That is the mark of a true artist.

WolfMistress- I'm bummed about the disappearing web page. Checked it out for a minute yesterday, but didn't get very far before non-virtual life intruded. Keep us posted!

Happy weekend, everyone! Enjoy the blue moon!

Sue Luesse (...For The Greater Good (jaluesse@htonline.com)) Fri Jun 28 18:53:26 1996

THERE! It's done. The pictures are in the mail, and now anyone wishing to bellyache and nag can be Rick's Problem..

Rich - Interesting. I had nothing to say, had no expectations, and had plenty of warnings NOT to tell HE how his story "____" had changed my life, or ask dumb questions.. He didn't seem like such a bad guy.. };-) Very entertaining and witty, so I guess I didn't need to be.

WolfMistress - Bummer! New Homepage vanished like e-smoke, and no e-mail to let you know.. Are you on somebodies sh-*list??

Must be Summer vacation.. Everyone's reading, and hardly anyone's posting.. So I'm EXPECTING BIG THINGS when you all turn up around here again.. );-)~ Guess, I'll hop the bike, and beat the heat in style.. Dinner out sounds good.. In air-conditioning (it's almost 8pm, and still in the low 90's, with no breeze).

Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

(maybe I should've included a pic of me in jacket on bike for Bill..)

WolfMistress (Day of the Living Dead....) Fri Jun 28 15:11:10 1996
OK - This is getting tedious as all hell. I would love to get back to discussing our Favorite Writer, but the *Techno Gods* whom I serve professionally have chewed through the wires yet again.

Our e-mail has been moved from the UNIX server in Glenview to the WindowsNT server here in Madison. Result is that the matching of mailbox addresses with our Internet adresses will be a couple days behind. Meaning I won't receive any mail for a couple days or if you send any, you may get an *undeliverable* notice in reply.

I had nothing to do with this. Computer Wonk though I may be, this is Corporate's Wonderful and Lustrous Decision!!! I am also raving at the people at Angelfire about the non-accessibility of Web Pages.

When the technology works -- it is miraculous and a wonderfully beautiful sight to one such as myself. When it doesn't work, it gives me the shits!!! (please excuse harsh language). Anyway, everyone have a great weekend, and by next week I will be back in the mood to talk about HE, hopefully. 'Bye!

Rich (blush@poboxes.com) Fri Jun 28 14:16:37 1996
Y'know, if I were to ever meet the man himself, I have no idea what my reaction would be. I'm torn between giving him a bear-hug or clawing his eyes out. I mean, when I was in my early teens, I was more than happy to sit slack-jawed and drooling in front of the teat. I didn't have to worry about the state of the world or the danger we were in as a species or anything. Of course, I didn't know about passion, ecstacy or epiphanies either. I s'pose my father has something to do with the change as well, because he had the books on his bookshelf and gave me the kick in the keister to read, but E.R. Burroughs and R.A. Heinlein and most of the other stuff are pretty much bubble-gum to a thirteen year old.
"I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream." Hmmm...interesting title, so I gave it a whirl...then it gave me a whirl. So, HE, you SOB, I just want to say: "How dare you! How dare you make me think, and be a better human, and make me worry and consider the ramifications of my actions, and look at other people as people and not some place-holder to verify census counts, and how dare you make me laugh and cry and through a book across the room (and I have done this) and most of all...HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME FEEL?"

WolfMistress (A Speed Bump on the Cyber-Highway....) Fri Jun 28 13:07:50 1996
Well, it appears there is an access problem with Angelfire.com where my Web Page resides. If this is a chronic ailment, I will be moving the page to NightVision or another free-access web site. I've started and I am not about to quit now!

For those who have mentioned it, *YES* the Internet is full of *FREE* stuff! You can get free e-mail addresses, free Web Pages (and you don't even have to know html, although for some, it might help) That's HyperText Markup Language, which is what Web pages are created in. If you take a good browse, you can find absolutely *anything* free on the Web. CD's, software, (the shareware archive is humongous!), games, just about anything.

My favorite search engine is Alta Vista, which is run by DEC/Digital, to whom I am professionally partial. It can be found at:

http://www.altavista.digital.com/

Give it a try; it can't hurt. And I will keep you posted on where the "Sunfire and Rainbows" page ends up!

WolfMistress (rwhiteanderson@kraft.com) Thu Jun 27 15:48:17 1996
All right, Everybody! Listen up! I want you all, individually and collectively to be so kind as to go to the following URL:

http://www.angelfire.com/pages1/Wolfen

There is something for everyone there -- especially you - *Sue Luesse*! Let me know what you think, all of you. OK?

Sue Luesse (Anybody get the number of that truck? (jaluesse@htonline.com)) Thu Jun 27 10:40:12 1996

Wowie Zowie! Stuff happens fast in a small town.. As soon as I mentioned my plan for the rally to a few folks, things snowballed.. We are now having an Interfaith Prayer Vigil the evening before the KKK Rally, and a Tolerance Teach-In several hours after (in the same spot)..

I LOVE Small Towns! Most of the 'oldtimers' (read that Pre-White Flight Invasion natives) don't "care much for" what their town is becoming, and with the informality of Small Town folks, a formal request for permitting the Vigil and Teach-In to co-incide with the rally 'just turned up on' the Councils Agenda last night (and was approved). Now this is interesting - since the formal KKK request has not yet been submitted.. Will the KKK still hold a rally, knowing in advance it will benefit the people they oppose?? Stay tuned for more in the continuing Adventures of Small Town Life...

I am still working on Essential Ellison (almost finished), and eager to get into Edgeworks. Having a big yard sure takes a toll on 'free' time.. I still haven't figured out how to run a mower and weed-whip with a book in one hand.. But I'm still thinking on it..

And, yes, life goes on - even after my flirtation with the Big Time during my fifteen minute (or was that seconds) of proximity to Fame.. The only thing you can count on in life is change. So hang in there.. Don't say it will necessarily get better - but it will be different in time.

Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Kris(ten) L. Homyk (if72@jove.acs.unt.edu) Wed Jun 26 19:21:55 1996
WM: I don't want to try to add to a general pity party, but I've always wished when my loses happened that someone had told me just how hard they'd be. Father's Day absolutely SUCKED this year, because my grandfather LOVED hats, and he always got a new hat (he was bald -- it was a family joke he loved) for Father's Day. It became a big ritual to find a new hat that was different from the others, yet fit his personality. Well, this year, there was no hat. There will never be another hat. We buried him with the last hat I bought him, a hat he wore every day he was sick until he died. But there won't ever be another shopping trip for the hat. So keegan, I know what you mean about being triggered by small things. WM, I really hope that you and your son eventually get to the point where all the little things make you smile instead of cry. I'm still working on the hat thing, though -- it takes a while.

keegan (correction) Wed Jun 26 16:57:23 1996
The last sentence of the third paragraph in my following post should read: "...I realized I'd never *again* play with...". I enjoyed singing over Jim's "feel" for quite a while and mourn its absence.

keegan (memories of a roadfather) Wed Jun 26 16:50:20 1996
WolfMistress-
It's okay. The finality takes some time to sink in, especially if the one we lost was not an everyday physical presence at the time.

Two winters ago, in December, the jazz community in Upstate New York lost one of its dearest members, Jim Gannon. Jim had cancer and played his way through the disease as long as he was able. When the inevitable arrived, we gathered at a library in Sackett's Harbour for the "final gig". The jazz music kept my spirits up, but when I spoke about how Jim, a bassist who worked with Sarah Vaughan among others, had nurtured little nobody me into being a professional, the tears came. I loved him because he loved my voice and gave me a chance. I loved him because he loved the music and didn't have a big old attitude about it. I loved him because he was a great guy.

It didn't bother me too much until one day late in the following spring, I found myself thinking of Jim and crying uncontrollably. I couldn't figure it out for a while, and then I realized that it was about time to get a call from Jim for summer wedding gigs (this had been a loose ritual for about five years before his death). That was when I realized that I'd never play with Jim's mellow walk swinging under the tune.

I'm thinking of you, WM. I think I understand, if only a little. My simple hope, wish, and prayer? I hope there's jazz after death so I can play with Jim again. I miss him.

WolfMistress (Adrift in The Region Between....) Wed Jun 26 16:24:18 1996
Hi, All! Just to let you know I'm still alive, I think. Spent the last 4 days with my son -- separately, we can manage Mom's loss; together we look at each other and realize just how big the crater in our lives is now. Intellectually, we have our faith and a knowledge which should preclude all this.

But somewhere in the dark; in the drafty corridors where our Human fraility resides -- we refuse to accept it. She would go away on trips, sometimes wouldn't call for a month -- *but she always came back*! She's not coming back this time - and we cannot yet imagine that. Everything my son and I have done in our lives was for us, yes -- but mostly for her, for her approval, so she would be proud, so we would be worthy of the love she gave without limit and without question. She was no saint, by any means, and she would have been the first to admit it.

She gave us life, and meanings for that life. Now, nothing seems all that important anymore. I know this is "incorrect" thinking. By our belief system, she still knows what we're doing. But we don't have the *physical* presence to call and here her laugh with us or cry with us anymore. We are a "touchy feely" family, hugging and kissing and touching all the time. I need to touch her -- and I cannot. And my soul cries.

Sorry. Just one of those days. Hopefully it'll get better. But not yet. And not for a long, long time.

keegan (alive and back from a friendly voyage) Wed Jun 26 12:53:12 1996
Hey all!
Just returned from a vacation of sun, swim, barbecue and cee-gar smokin'. Thought I'd drop in to relay my greetings.

First of all, sounds like the Luesses had a great time in Chicago. Thanks for posting your story. Also, thanks for the info about the Klan's burning of the Southern Poverty Law Center. This organization publishes excellent literature. Their "Teaching Tolerance" materials are most useful and made available for free to educators around the country. I encourage folks to email Sue for an address to which you may choose to send donations. I look at it as metaphorically dropping some bread into that can Sue will be hauling around at the rally.

Secondly, remember when I said that I was buying a copy of "Essential Ellison" for that special high-school graduate in my life? Well, I gave him that and an edition of the complete works of Shakespeare. When he received the gift, he "oohed and aaahed" over the Shakespeare and said he'd give Harlan a read. I saw him today (a week later) and the dude is a third of the way through "Essential". His words: "I *LOVE* this stuff. He's a great writer." There you go. Someone else who "gets it".

Take care everyone!

Barney Dannelke (Hogging all the blankets in a Procustean Bed) (dannelke01@enter.net) Tue Jun 25 22:45:25 1996
Aaaaarrrrrgggghhhhhh! First I miss the HWA thingie. Then I can't attend Chicago because I'm holding down two jobs. I figure, it's okay, I'll just wait and somebody will post all the good stuff and all I'll have missed is standing in line and all that great con suite food [nudge nudge wink wink] but other then Sue {thank's Sue!} - nothing. Suuurre. Stuff yourselves with the manna and ambrosia of life experiance and leave those of us who are forced to live life vicariously to starve from the perfect abscence of telling details, juicy gossip, lies and half baked misremembered anecdotes. C'mon, [voice of Lenny] I'm dyyinn over here!

The great thing about the Klan rally is that picture of the Sister that was taken and the fact that only 15 KKK showed up and were met by approx. 1,000 protesters. Until that utopia where we get to commute to work in helicopters and take all of our nutrition in pill form I'll take those odds.
I gotta go by that discounted Dan Quayle spellcheker. Seeya.

Sue Luesse (jaluesse@htonline.com) Tue Jun 25 12:37:52 1996

HEEeeeyy!! Did you guys move to a NEW Webderland bulletin board, and tell everyone except me, while I was gone? {8-b OK - It's working...I feel lonely. I promise not to do it again, if you'll all come back and play.. ((8-)
Leigh Ann Luesse - has a nice ring to it... Do you wash dishes?? {;)

Bill - Be happy to oblige. First I have to take the rest of the roll of pictures. Then I have to get it developed (with duplicates). Then I have to buy a scanner thingie and figure out how to use it - after I get a home page all set up to put it on... How about if I send copies to Rick when they're developed (give me a few days here), and let him do his thing on Webderland?

And to all - guess what! While I was gone, the Klan rally scheduled for our little Burg got moved to Ann Arbor, and I guess it was quite the National News making event.. And I missed it all. Oh well, they have another one planned later this month. I thought it would be nice to circulate through the attending crowd with a tin can soliciting donations for the Southern Poverty Law Center (recently burned down by the Klan), and releif aid for victims of Klan activities.. Whaddaya think? {:-)~

Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Bill Dennis (Shouting Love at the Heart of the Web) Mon Jun 24 14:46:40 1996
Hey, Sue, get those photos digitized and uploaded fast. I'm eager to see a picture of someone who can Fly Straight and Drive Safe in a three-foot-fringed purple jacket. I guess the recently-sutured old guy with whom you were posing would be of some interest in seeing, too. ;-)

Remember: He who laughs last, probably didn't get the joke.

Leigh Anne (lnichol@ksu.ksu.edu) Mon Jun 24 11:14:24 1996
Wow. Sue, great story. Great way to start the week. Will you adopt me?

Sue Luesse (Definately Over The Edge (jaluesse@htonline.com)) Mon Jun 24 00:21:12 1996

Well, we did it. Had a nice ride to Chicago. It threatened to rain all the way there, but it spit a little once, and we spit back, so it stopped...or something like that. My hubby picked a route that would 'dodge' the bad traffic and nasty parts along I-94 - and we ended up doing the entire south side of Chicago, one block at a time (timing on the lights sucked). Very interesting. Been through Brooklyn, the Bronx, and the Bowry; been through Detroit and Flint; and now the South Side of Chicago.. That only leaves Watts to go..

We got to the Comicon bright and early Saturday (and did you know that if you park motorcycles in the Convention Center Parking Garage, and put up a big stink about paying twice for parking four wheels in one parking spot just because it's two motorcycles, a cop will come over and let you park for free?? Really!) And we were off to a fine start. Fortunately, we aren't 'Comic' people, so the only dent in the wallet was for Edgeworks (only 20 bucks there) and a primo condition hardback (with dustcover) first edition Harlan Ellison's Watching which I got for dirt cheap (I think the guy was afraid of me). Spent most of the morning watching people studiously not looking us in the eye, and trying to find our old buddy (our only failure). The highlight was (what else?) when HE showed up for the signing session. The fellow ahead of him must have needed help to sign his name, because he ran almost ten minutes over - and I thought it was sad that HE was blustering to no one off to one side, so I presented myself as an 'easy target'. Approximate exchange:

Me - May I take your picture?

HE - Can't you see I'm busy working?

Me - No. That guy over there, sitting in your chair, is working.

HE - Well, you should ask nicely to take someone's picure..

Me - Pretty please (whine, whine).

HE - Do you have a name?

Me - No.

HE - (taken aback at first, then lunging) You don't have a name?? (heavy sarcasm)

Me - Nope. I used to, but I lost the surname when I got married, lost the christian name when I had kids, and now I'm just a generic.

HE - (snickers, with twinkle in eye - turns to line-up of people) Watch out for her (pointing at me).

He did let me take all the pictures I wanted, and even mugged for one. (Though I suspect telling him I was giving copies of them all to Rick for Webderland MAY have had something to do with it). And when the signing commenced (and I finally dragged me and all my baggage up to the table for my turn), he was very friendly and personable. Definately a mensch. Asked if he could use our encounter as a topic for his Storytelling Panel, and I told him, "Ayeh, why not?" Now I am hoping that the chuckles, snorks behind the hand, and smirks means he enjoyed it as much as I did (since I was too cheap to pay the fee for the panel (didn't want to cramp his 'creative' style with my presence was my excuse), and don't know what HE had to say about it). Having met him, he strikes me as a guy who knows how to have fun, and the kind of guy who could give the phrase "Hangin' with Harlan" several new meanings.

I think I just ran out of Comments Posting Window (and steam - it is _Late_, and if I weren't wired from the trip home, I'd be in bed right now). I'm sure this gives WhiteWolf a run for the money re: typos and errors, so tough nougies (you got the poop, didn't you?) (8-)~

And, YES, I wore the 'Jimi Hendrix Acid Rock Purple Leather Jacket with the 3 ft. fringe' (and got the pix with HE to prove it).

Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Shannon Watkins (None...I'm borrowing someone else's...umm...) Sun Jun 23 15:36:03 1996
Hope He's feeling better. God, that gave me a scare...

keegan Thu Jun 20 23:06:18 1996
Wow!! Slick move! I only *wish* moving into my new house will be as swift. Nice work, Rick.

Lou-Thanks for your post about "Scream". I hope others respond. I haven't seen the game yet, but after your review, I have this yen to go purchase a CD ROM player. It sounds like good entertainment!

Louis (ldineen@agate.net) Thu Jun 20 22:12:23 1996
I'm not sure if this is for the right place for this, but...

After getting tired of the regular Looking for Things/Finding Things
Killing Things genre of computer games, I was thrilled to get a copy
of the game "I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream". Now, I've stayed up
late playing Doom, Heretic and such, but Scream is the only game that's made me want to stop playing for a bit and go off and think.

Anyway, I am looking for a forum in which to discuss Scream. I searched the newsgroups for a discussion group (I realize that my server may
not carry each and every group). I found dozens of groups on Duke
Nukem 3D covering everything from playing the game to dressing like
Duke, to Duke's favorite foods, but nothing on Scream.

I hope I'm not the only person in the world to have acquired the game. Although, one of the big software dealers in my area said that they
sent the game back because it wasn't moving. Guess they had to make
room for the Doom Recipe CD, the Heretic Prarie Home Companion, and
the Duke Nukem Marriage Counselor Guide. (Where's AM when you need it?)
So, if anyone would like to discuss this game, or maybe point me to
a website or newsgroup where a discussion is taking place, I would be
very interested.

Thanks,

Lou

Barney Dannelke (dannelke01@enter.net) Thu Jun 20 22:11:25 1996
Rick - Thank you, thank you, thank you for making the demise of our beloved comments board such a short lived crisis. Now if the Fed Ex truck delivers my heroin my day will be complete.

That was a joke, I say, a joke son, Ya hear?[voice of Foghorn Leghorn] David - I can't answer the question about Amazing although my guess would be about 40,000 based on what would constitute viable distribution levels for the time. As to the Chocolate Alphabet, yes, it was authorized by Harlan (in the case of at least the cover the art came first) but being an "underground" published in the (late 70's?/early 80's?) it was to recent to be sited in the Swigart bibliography and being a comic is frequently overlooked in other sources. Amazing Heroes listed it in an article explicating the Ellison/comic connection. They also published a bitchin' photo of Harlan made up as two-face [his favorite rogues gallery villain] which I wish the HERC would reprint in larger than thumbnail size. Hope this helps. Ellisonalia - it's not a job, it's a career! TANSTAAFL.

Rick Wyatt (webmaster@harlanellison.com) Thu Jun 20 21:17:37 1996
Okay, after the world's shortest hiatus (sometimes, properly written c code is SUCH a pleasure), we're back alive.

I'm running this sucker from my home page at Snider. It will stay here until (a) my account is terminated or (b) the new webmaster starts deleting cgi programs. If either of these eventualities comes to pass, I'll move somewhere else. Luckily, after all this work the comments page is pretty mobile.

So go at it, and try not to attract TOO much attention. :)

Oh, and Ellison Webderland now lives at:

http://harlanellison.com

...please update your bookmarks and web sites accordingly.

Rick Thu Jun 20 20:47:14 1996
This is a test. If this works, the board is back up!

Rick Wyatt (webmaster@harlanellison.com) Thu Jun 20 20:19:09 1996
NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE NOTICE

I am shutting this bad boy down. It will return at a new location VERY soon.

From now until then, just keep the faith and I'll post here when the new page is available. Thanks!

keegan Thu Jun 20 13:48:31 1996
Bummed about the comments page. Guess I'll have to start watching soaps again! Seriously, though, best of luck to Rick in finding us a new home. If I hear anything useful, I'll send it your way. See you in the mirror!

Kris(ten) L. Homyk (if72@jove.acs.unt.edu) Thu Jun 20 09:56:21 1996
(A love song to Rick Wyatt)
Rick, on behalf of the gang here, who did not elect me and doesn't know I'm doing this, thank you for all the worry you're going through to keep our poor, addictive page going. Those of us who can't get alt.fan.harlan_ellison appreciate that Ellison Webderland ever came into being. So thanks. I, unfortunately, don't know enough about these crazy machines to know if there's room for Comments somewhere -- sorry.

Onto other things, however, Sue has apparently left the building (to go to Comic Con, not forever). I'll e-mail her and give her the bad news. I, too, will be leaving the building for the weekend, so this may be the last comment any of you ever see from me -- I'd drag it out to make it good, but I have nothing to say. Now that you've all recovered from your shock, have a nice weekend, and I hope to see you all in some other healthy Comments forum soon.

David M. Razler (david.razler@worldnet.att.net) Thu Jun 20 00:38:54 1996
Question:I am looking for information on a piece of Ellisonia in my collection that I cannot find referenced anywhere, a comix version of Harlan Ellison's Chocolate Alphabet (with a 1/3 eaten chocolate Sacred Heart on the cover. Info in publication $1.25/ pub. 1978 by Last Gasp Eco Funnies, art by Larry S. Todd.

I *know* it exists - since I have it in my hand. I *wonder* whether it was, indeed, published with Harlan's permission, since I never see it mentioned anywhere. A *second* question: how many copies (roughly) of the Amazing/Fantastic issue containing Run, Spot Run (dated 1/79?) ever got out. I found mine shortly after it arrived in a central Fla. mag shop, and have never seen it nor seen mention of it since.

dmr

Sorry, but that's it!

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