The Ellison Bulletin Board

Comments Archive - 02/10/97 to 06/03/97

Phillip
- Tuesday, June 03, 1997 at 14:37:38 (CDT)

*DTS* I know what you're saying. I agree with you about the absense of common courtesy in younger generations. Neglecting to look up Donald Westlake's last name wasn't a lack of courtesy though. I wasn't at home when I posted my message, so I didn't have SLIPPAGE handy to look up his last name. And besides, this isn't an article I'm writing here; it's casual conversation. If I don't know someone's last name, I'll say "what-his-name," no disrepect intended... Now I was going to say something about SLIPPAGE, but I forgot. Later.

Phillip: Not to worry, I wouldn't be put off by any "backlash." The (subtle?)point I was trying to make with my last entry to you was that my assumption about your age (or maturity) stemmed from the fact that most younger people tend to have a cavalier attitude toward people (in this case, a writer) they don't know (and before anyone starts a big discussion about this statement, I'll say that it is MY opinion -- an informed opinion brought about by years of observing humans, but my opinion nonetheless). Now, since your reference to Westlake didn't even do him the courtesy of using his proper last name (when you have the book so readily available), I naturally assumed you were just behaving like most young (between the ages of 10 and...oh, 22 or so) people do nowadays. Otherwise, if you were older and still hadn't learned old-fashioned courtesy or just didn't care, then it would have been impertinent of you. This, regardless of what you knew of Westlake's background as a writer. Now, I know (from some of the responses I seen on this board -- to myself and to others) that there are a LOT of "sensitive" folks out there. And I hope this long-winded explanation doesn't offend you, Phillip. But I just wanted to clear up the matter, make sure my original point was taken. And I really don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings (but you have to admit, common courtesy, the kind I was used to showing and receiving when I was kid, is a pretty rare commodity these days). Okay, that's definitely all. Next time I post, it'll be with useful info for Ellison readers and collectors, or not at all. Out here -- DTS.

Corrections: very well READ, and LETTERING not letter.

A few things: I've read the Donald Westlake story ("Nackles") from SLIPPAGE. I enjoyed his writing, enough to check him out the next time I'm browsing my bookstore. This isn't a backlash to *DTS* at all; it's a thought: I don't think never having heard of Donald Westlake before SLIPPAGE makes me wet behind the ears. Unless you're an SF fan who has read something a little older than most of the crap that's out there now, Book 7 in Drangon Lance series, Han Solo Does The West End, etc., there's a very good chance you've never heard of such writers as, let's say, HARLAN ELLISON. Most of the English professors I've met in the past 8 years have never heard of Harlan Ellison, and those who have have never read anything beyond "Repent Harlequin" which is the only HE story I've ever seen in an unversity-level anthology. It's easy to be very well and not have heard of writers like Donald Westlake and Harlan Ellison... Anyway, the SLIPPAGE cover: It's not the typical HE SF-looking cover, but I think it's okay. What I don't like is the letter on the spine. Close up you can that the letters are metallic, but from a distance when I look at the book on my shelf, the lettering looks kind of cartoonish. Not a really good look. I like the book, but as far as the overall material contruction, it's not as good as the Edgeworks books. What I don't like about the Edgeworks books is the small-case letter. Harlan's name doesn't stand out. The design isn't visually distinctive from a distance. The design of the 1980's Ace Paperback reissues were very distinctive. When I see that font on any other book, I immediately think of HE. I think those were the best covers and overall design of any HE book I've seen except THE ESSENTIAL ELLISON... The Lost World: 2 points for the scenes with the Velocoraptors, especially when the girl was about the stick her head outside the shed. That was the first jump I got. Maybe one more after that, and that was it. So 1 point for each jump. And I agree, that's generous.

DTS, you may be right: I probably am off my trolley, since we haven't had 'em in Salt Lake for years. Funny, though, that whenever someone says "no offense," you can bet that something offensive will follow immediately thereafter. Also, I wonder why people keep doing things they hate. Whenever folks tell me, "I hate to say this," they always go right ahead and spew it out anyway--and usually with such pleasure. Anyway, I'm generally an admirer of the lady's artwork, but everyone to whom I shown this SLIPPAGE cover has had the same independent reaction: Yuch. So it ain't me alone who's tumbled off that old trolley car. PHILLIP, I've got to agree with you about Lost World. I think you're being too generous, even, in rating it a "2." Now maybe if HE had written the screenplay.... -- Billy D.

FYI: oops. In case art lovers out there are interested in them, the series of books published by Underwood Books are entitled Spectrum:1 (or #,2,3 or 4) the Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art. They are published in a trade paper format, and therefore pretty affordable to the average joe. The first book in the series was even dedicated to Harlan Ellison (knew I could make a valid connection to this page), who has always patronized artists of every sort. Just wanted to make sure the titles of the books were correctly noted. Out here, DTS.

BILL: No offense, but I think yer off yer trolley! The SLIPPAGE cover by Jill Bauman is gorgeous (she's a dynamite artist). Now that I've gotten that off my keyboard, FYI: for serious Ellison collectors, Underwood Books (P.O. Box 1609, Grass Valley, CA 95945) will be publishing an "art book" (that's their specialty -- check out the Full Spectrum [vols. 1-4] line of books sometime) which will be illustrated by Rick Berry(another terrific artist), entitled "'Repent Harlequin!' Said the Ticktock Man." Ellison is also credited, so it's probably safe to assume that the text of his story (or an adaptation, ala the "Dream Corridor" stories) will be included. They will be printing a trade version ($17 -- ISBN# 1-887-7424-35-0) and a limited version ($60 -- SBN# 1-887-7424-36-9). The trade version will be available at any chain store and most of the independents. Gotta special order the limited if you want it. Out here, DTS.

First, for those who E-mail me privately, please note my new address in the header. Okay, I received my copy of the Ziesing Slippage this weekend and my first reaction was, "Holy Shiite, what a god-awful cover!" It's enough to make an atheist like myself believe in God--I mean, come on, no mere human could produce art so hideous without a heapin' helpin' of some divine inspiration. I was also angered by the list of stories included. It's probably just my own faulted reasoning, but I had mistakenly come to the notion that "previously uncollected" meant that the stories had not been in ANY collection to date. But "Columbus Ashore" was in the "Best Stories" collection. And "Mefisto" had a book release all its own. I thought I was spending my $75 for stories I hadn't yet read. Ah well, mea culpa I guess. DOC, about my favorite HE stories, I'd have to say that that "Susan" touched me the most--stung me in the tear ducts. I've only cried at the end of two stories in my life, and that was one of them; like a verbal tear-gas cannister HE had plunked in my lap. Knowing HE's life from all y'all's comments here in Webderland and how close to autobiographical the story was (though HE denies it!), I couldn't help but be moved. The other HE piece that touched me was his introduction in the volume that contains "Jeffty." This one got me dead-on in the old Adam's Apple, making me gulp (and believe me that's saying something, because the size of this bobbing protrusion on my neck has been known to attract passing hummingbirds). Maybe the introduction had special significance to me because the incident occurred in Salt Lake City, and I know the constrained mores around here by which people live. But when HE said he'd wished his mother would simply die, and then a woman called in to the radio station to say, basically, "I feel the same way, and until now I'd always thought I was alone." Wow, my throat went dry. I've never felt so "unalone" myself, in all my life. There, I've rambled on too long, as usual. -- Billy D.

PEAUX -- I guess there are those who will say that step-daddying doesn't count, but anyone who's had to do any sort of parenting on any level will assure you, that's a crock; at least, if they're doing the job with any conscience about it. Which is all to remind you that, Once 'Pon a Time, back in the early 1960's, HE was step-daddikins. In fact, unless I am completely outta my gourd, the lady (with whom HE parted amicably) and the lad (of whom HE speaks in glowing terms, even though I think the kid was making his approach to adolescence) were they who made that much-storied trip West with Harlan. Would HE have dealt any differently with the Fruit o' His Loins? (now is not the time for YELLOWBEARD references) I doubt it; and I hope not. I kinda like the Harlan we have, and I doubt he or his work would be improved or made more effective by any soft, rounded edges. Furthermore, I think it's a disservice to both man and his work to pigeon-hole either as "miscogenistic." HE has always drawn a pretty clear line between his hopes and his expectations: his hopes for Humanity are what keep him broadcasting the Word, but time and experience keep his expectations nice and low, and, therefore, the knife out of his wrist. I, by comparison, am an optimistic sap, and am disappointed by people ALL the time. Perhaps, when I am Harlan's age (if?), I will be so "miscogenistic". And, if you're interested, the term is "bellicose." If you don't believe me, ask HE -- go on, I double dog dare ya! SUE -- out beagling in the sunshine, were we? The bike must be feeling better. Yeah, your four have flown the nest -- but I'm surprised you didn't mention the boomerang effect....

WOW - take a little time off to ride the bike in the first decent weather of Spring - and miss the *snork* twitch of Webderland awakening from a deeeep sleep.. *DTS* Thanks for the helpful e-mail - came just at the right time - when I was running out of steam.. And I can understand *PHILLIP's* first re-actions completely. I'm no spring chicken, and I often have exactly the same type of reaction on first reading of a HE work (though rarely with his non-fiction) - and *usually* have to reread HE works to "get" them. I find of lot of what HE writes to be a bit more cerebral than what's common in the marketplace, so when a *new* HE work falls into my grubby little hands accustomed to the "quick read", I've got to gear back up to a higher level of "reader" skill that HE usually requires. I also find that stories which *did* connect immediately with non-cerebral emotionalism are rarely the ones I remember and treasure. Had to read Croatoan twice. *LOVE* that story. Like it better with every re-read - but it got a gut level "Huh?" on the first blinding race-through.. On the other hand, I can't remember the first HE story I read in a magazine that got this whole thing started.. I appreciate *PHILLIP* giving me the off-the-cuff innitial response of Slippage. Lets me know ahead of time what to expect, and allot time for reading accordingly.. Has whetted my lust to get a copy, not killed it. *DOC* (hugs) CROATOAN - a story I sloshed right through the first read, but nagged me.. So I read it again, and it got me in the Mommyspot, and nagged some more.. It's been claiming a little piece here and there with every re-read. Delves into the whole concept of "Who is my brother?", family, responsibility - the meat of where my life is - and asks a lot of leading questions that *make* me think.. What IS it that defines our humanity. If it is a given that we will screw-up for all the "right" reasons, what are the consequences and responsibility for those mistakes?? How far do those responsibilities go? Can a major mis-step be corrected? How does one deal with guilt? Somehow, I *don't* think THAT story is ever gonna get *old*... *PEAUX* I have four grown and flown children - and if there were any question about HE being a stunted, crippled person for lack of a child his own - I strongly reccommend you read CROATOAN.. Can't think of a more eloquent and sensitive story about children than that one.. *ALL* I'll *try* to drop in more regularly - though no promises, it is Riding Season *giggle*... Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

This is all very interesting...I have been a reader of HE for more than 12 years although my interest has waned abit after having children...no time or money to go searching for books anymore.... I wanted to put forth a comment: I wonder if it is a good thing that HE has never had kids... children are (among other things) harbingers of the future and they contain an innocence that pulls out optimism from even the most ardent nay-sayer... it seems to me that HE might have found his outlook a trifle less mysanthropic if he had produced progeny. Ever since i had children, i found my world view changing and my hope for mankind uplifted.... how would HE had responded to such a burden also? Children take a lot without tangible payback..... lastly, Children are not the little auto-mommies/daddies that their parents (even the most liberal of them) expect them to be.... can you imagine our esteemed autor trying to talk to his teenaged son? hehehe...... well, since some of you say you like IRC come by my DALnet chan #poetry_zone sometime!

Phillip: Mea Culpa. I typed the note after a long night at the keyboard (in the wee hours of the morning), and I guess I wasn't thinking straight (it's just that, when you referred to Westlake, a writer who has won 4 Edgar Awards, an oscar nomination,a Grandmaster from the Mystery Writers of America, and an upcoming Lifetime Achievment Award at the Boucheron Conventtion in October...when you referred to him as "Donald Whatshisname, I automatically decided you had to be wet behind the ears, cause no one who has written as well and as long as Westlake has written deserves any disrespect -- so I assumed you just didn't know any better, and weren't really showing impertinence). In any case, my apologies. I'll be quiet, now. -- DTS

*DTS*: First of all, I haven't been critiquing the contents of SLIPPAGE. I've been banging out my first initial responses to the stories. That's it. No in depth analysis, nothing fancy, just my initial impressions of the stories: I liked them or I didn't like them, they did something for me or they didn't. To give you an idea of what kind of stories do something for me, here's a list of some of my favourites: "The Other Eye of Polyphemus," "Jeffty is Five," "Ernest and the Machine God," "One Life Furnish in Early Poverty," "Punky and the Yale Men," and "Paladin of the Lost Hour." I'll argue it right down to the ground that these are some of the best stories Harlan has ever written. Except for certain portions of "She's a Young Thing..." none of the stories I've read from SLIPPAGE so far have been on the same level as any of the above. That's my opinion based on my gut reaction to the stories, not my intellectual critical response. As far as the level of my reading maturity and my not "getting it," I've been reading HE long enough to recognize the subtleties in his stories like a blow to the head. I get plenty. This is just a bulletin board and I don't have the time to fart around to express myself in a refined and "mature" manner. I spend enough of my time as it is writing academic and critical papers---things like this bulletin board are a relief for me. I let it fly and I don't care what hits the fan. I haven't read the original "Nackles" short story yet, but can you tell me what profound subtleties I'm missing from the teleplay? I believe as far as the teleplay is concerned, I GOT IT---but what I got ain't nothing to write home about. And when I say that I didn't get it, that's what I mean. I realise that the off-the-cuff manner in which I express myself sometimes gives the impression of my being much younger than I am, but try not to mistake that for ignorance and inexperience. To put it politely, your message was just a *tad* patronizing. Respectfully, Phillip. Anyhow, I just read the first version of the essay (which I've read before off the net), "The Pale Silver Dollar Pays Its Way and Makes Change," and thought it was excellent---as with most of HE's non-fiction. The second version though wasn't really necessary.

PHILLIP -- I'll try to do this *without* sounding pompous, pedantic, or patronizing. I can understand your disappointment with the direction of the ending. How many of us have ever been faced with the choice of going to live with the Cannibal Monsters to remain with the person we love? If you substitute Los Angeles for the Cannibal Monsters, it might put it a bit closer to your heart, and -- believe me! -- the comparison is not that far off the mark. Many people consider L.A. synonymous with Cannibal Monsters. If you doubt *my* word, try reading Nathaniel West. And don't give up the ship -- there have been stories, HE's among them, that just didn't snag me the first time through. I re-read them later 'cause I forgot what they were about, or even that I HAD read them. I've discovered whole different stories, that way. What a clever man HE is, hiding stories like that. Sort of "time release" things, like those cold capsuals. -- SO -- no-one wants to pursue my proposed topic? Or are we just taking time to chew on it? Ooh! BTW -- anybody out there ever heard of "Journal Wired?" I know there's a 'zine on the stands at a market near you called "Wired," but I don't know if it's the same thing. This one I'm talking about was put together by Andy Watson and our ever-lovin' Mark Ziesing, kicked off with issue 1 back in Winter '89. Is it still going? A friend gave me some old magazines, and I found the first 2 issues among them -- very swell. Anyone know? Cheers, Doc

Phillip: Couldn't help but notice your ongoing critique of the contents of SLIPPAGE (ltd ed.). Especially how all of the comments seem to end with, "I didn't get it," or something to that effect. When I was younger (between 10 and 21), and I found that I often didn't "get it"(either the subtle theme of a story, or an unexplained twist) when reading stories by writers who were very good at their craft. That was because (I believe) the writer expected his (or her) audience to have attained a certain level of maturity before sitting down with that particular piece of fiction. Now, if a younger (less mature)reader picked up that particular story or book and was entertained, that was great too. (cause that's prime reason behind any story or book). And if the young reader actually understood any subtle points in the story as well, serendipity! But if the reader came to the story came to the story before his (or her) level of maturity had reached that point where light bulbs suddenly came on, then it was up that reader to go back (later on) and reread the tale -- discover the buried treasure. THe point of all this rambling is just to say that I think you might want to revisit these Ellison tales later on in life (quite a bit later, if you are as young as you sound in print). You'll appreciate them more -- and you'll more than likely "get" the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) points behind stories and teleplays like "Pulling Hard Time, "Midnight In the Sunken Cathedral," "The Function of Dream Sleep (think you mentioned this one in another, much earlier, post)," "'Nackles," "The Man WHo Rowed Christopher Columbus Ashore," and on and on. Speaking from experience, if I were you I'd just sit back, enjoy the story, forget the analysis, and not worry too much if an epiphany doesn't take place. You've got time on your side. Out here, DTS (just another old fogey).

Does anyone get The Discovery Channel (maybe just in Canada)? I got an email from someone saying they saw a show on Discovery celebrating the 20th anniverisy of Star Wars with a bit where HE says he wouldn't trade the worst five minutes of Raiders of the Lost Ark for the entire Star Wars trilogy. Anyone see that show? I also saw Lost World: Jurassic Park. I give it a 2 out of 10.

Anybody who wants to be my neighbor can feel free to phone me. My number is in the book, but of the two listed there mine is the one NOT in Russian Hill.

I got around to reading the "Nackles" teleplay from SLIPPAGE. (I have yet to read the orignal story by Donald Whathisname.) I thought it was a very well written teleplay (usually I can't be bothered with HE's teleplays; I still haven't read the "Flint" teleplay from THE ESSENTIAL ELLISON)---but this was a short teleplay and read just as well as a short story, very easy to read and follow. I could visualize all of it, no problem. It that sense---the visual sense---I thought it was very well written, extremely well written. But there was no story to it. I could summarize the whole thing in 3 sentences. I didn't see what the big deal. With special effects and spooky music, just the right kind of lighting all all that, it could stir up some feeling---in the visual medium. But on paper, there didn't seem to be much to it. Next. Does anybody know if quoting the first 3 paragraphs from "She's a Young Thing..." would infringe on some copyright laws? I love the opening to the story so much that the next day I printed the first 3 paragraphs and kinda put it in my scrapbook. I have those 3 paragraphs on disk, so it would be no problem to post them to the page here. DOC, I find certain portions of the story to be very intimate and personal and honest, at least the way he wrote it, that's how it sounds (that verisimilitude HE's has often talked about)---but that sense of verisimilitude isn't there once he gets into the family of cannibals stuff, Sawney Beane, whatever. Anyway, I'd still love to quote those first 3 paragraphs.

SUE -- easy on them breasties, kiddo. PHILLIP -- if it's any consolation to you, HE wasn't especially impressed with "Chatting With Anubis," either. If I remember correctly, HE said he knocked it out in a couple hours; this, while other stories, for which he sweat bullets, get a "Hmm. Very nice, Harlan. Carry on." I know what you mean about "She's A Young Thing,..." though. I think it's a fine story, but it doesn't seem as intimate, as personal, as some of his other work. FYI, I thought it interesting that HE would go for that particular premise, since Sawney Beane et al were debunked mucho many years ago as THE original 'urban legend.' Meanwhile, he's Ellison, and I'm just a furshtugginer nebbish who's waiting to hear back from F&SF on his first submitted story to that magazine. Big kisses -- Doc

Pay no attention to that little man behind the curtain! I AM OZ! Aw, the hell with it, found out is found out, and that's what I is. Dang. Yes'm, that IS what makes HE one hell of a writer -- his work, across the board, hits everybody someplace, to some extent. What I'm talking about, though, are the stories that hit you mid-sip and make milk come outta yer nose; or give you funny dreams; or are hard to finish in the first place, let alone re-read, because they carve so goddamn close to the bone, and you can't give it words yourself. Those stories that REALLY say, "You are not alone." It's great to "see" all of you again. Things are pretty grim for me, right now (the snail-mail cometh, Sue), so please, humor me and show a few soft spots, guys -- 'kay? KEVIN KIRBY: we might be neighbors. Can I look you up in The Book, maybe get together for coffee and genuine conversation? Sue can assure you, I'm no axe-murderer. I'll try to make it back soon, gang. Play nice -- Doc

OOOPS!!! *ALEX* not allen *ALEX* not allen (bad fingers..) sorry

DOC!!!! *hug, hug* 'scuse me... sorry for the outburst.. Gee, sure wish I knew who that fogged faced incognito guy was... (;-) ... and as for that question which HE stories tug at what parts of my anatomy - so far, he's had a story for darn near every bit, from the happiest and silliest, to the saddest and most painful.. That's why I consider him a great writer. I can agree with Phillip that not every story hits home - but I'm not sure that we agree on the percentages.. Most stories "hit" something to some degree. And the few that don't... well, put it down to having several "differences in body parts"... (;-) ... *DTS* thanks for the EW3 info. Gives me something to do to keep me out of trouble until Slippage: the cheapie affordable Trad Edition comes out. *grin* *ALLEN* gotta agree with you - while the window idea sounds good (appeals to the curiousity - how *does* HE DO that??) - the reality of an IRC type forum is that they are geared for short and shallow. If anyone else tried to follow HE's online chat from that Con a while ago, it was pretty obvious that what HE had to say takes too long for the short-attention-span crowd, and things quickly side-tracked into abusive harassment (both ways - HE gives at LEAST as good as he takes.. heh heh), that the point HE was making... well, what was it?? I read the transcript several times - and *still* am confused... Somehow, I don't see HE creating literature in an environment where he couldn't even have a civil conversation.. And other than that - how was the show Mrs. Lincoln?? And *PHILLIP* keep up the good deed, sharing your Slippage experience with your poorer buddies.. It's really whetting the appetite..

Mr. Kirby: You know, I like the idea, but I fear it would, in practice, turn into something like a scene from George Alec Effinger's "What Entropy Means To Me". Failing that, perhaps something like the Monty Python skit in which thousands gather to watch Thomas Hardy write. First, you would need one hell of a thick-skinned author; would YOU suffer the feeble comments of some newbie looking for #teensex? Even the incisive, intelligent comments could grow grating after a while. Next, you'd have to reconfigure IRC so that the author's keystrokes ran herd over all of the incessant "Hi, AwThor1!"s to which even the most intelligent IRC channel is heir. Lastly, I would have to nix this suggestion for the reason that I KNOW it cannot work: Were it not for my own IRC addiction, I'm fairly certain that I'd have finished my novel by now. As it is, I've only set 60,000 words to paper and need to yank the rest from my head. All things aside, it WOULD be a nice, if generally unproductive, ego boost for whichever author is chosen ... Hmmm ... maybe I should announce my OWN contention in time for the next novel ... Heh.

Let me just say that I'm glad Harlan didn't cancel this web page, and from all available evidence he appears able to tolerate its continued presence in the electronic matrix. While engaged in "conversation" with some of the SF authors who appear regularly in Martha Soukup's Head Space forum, I forwarded the idea of a live writing session along the lines of the legendary store-front appearances of Mr. Ellison, but actually occuring on a moderated IRC channel. Then, of course, we thought "wouldn't it be great if Harlan himself did something along those lines?" Imagine a site where you could see a great author writing a story before your very eyes, and even send comments while it occurred. Why isn't somebody already doing this, I wonder? Hey, mention this to Harlan. It would be a great show; especially if it went on daily for years and years.

FYI: meant to add this earlier: Donald E. Westlake has a new novel that is just out in the stores (those folks who bought the limited edition of SLIPPAGE will know that Westlake is the guy who wrote the story entitled "Nackles," which was turned into an equally brilliant teleplay by Mr. Ellison). Westlake's new book is THE AX, a brilliant satire on the corporate world and the increasingly desperate American workforce (for those who think in Hollywood tersm: think "Network" meets "Psycho"). That's definitely all! -- DTS.

FYI: found EDGEWORKS: VOl. 3 in a Barnes & Noble today (ISBN# 1-56504-962-4 for those of you who need to have your local bookstores order a copy). If your local store hasn't got a copy yet, don't be surprised. The publicity person at White WOlf didn't even know it was out yet (he was still waiting to see a copy). Apparently, they are still suffering a few SNAFUs since the recent reorganization. That's it. -- DTS.

Y'know, it's good to be back, if only for a drop-in visit. Who am I? Well, that's for you to guess. The Old Crowd shouldn't have much trouble, and no fair looking in the archives to check syntax! Good to see that so many of the old participants are still, um, participanting: Barney, Bill, WolfMistress, Sue, and Phillip (you still have those rocketship underoos? Sorry -- you were waxing a little pedantic, and I couldn't resist). Feh. I don't feel very terrific. That's the thing about e-mail, though: it's faster than letter-writing, cheaper than telephones, and less demanding than Suicide Hotline. Anyway, kiddles, here's a little something to keep you busy contemplating -- especially since no-one mentioned Unca Harlan's birthday. Phillsie said that when HE nails it, he nails it good: so what does that mean to you? For me, HE hits all my sore spots, my sweet spots, my open wounds. Not every story, but after 40 years, there's a prodigious number of stories that DO. "Jefty," "On the Downhill Side," most of ANGRY CANDY, "All the Lies That Are My Life." You know what they are and what they tweak. That's my challenge: where does the Maestro touch you and why? Please feel free to indicate the body-part in question. Muchas Smooches

Still reading SLIPPAGE, a little bit at a time. I think I'm going to re-read "She's a Young Thing and Cannot Leave Her Mother." I read the first couple pages of it again today and could tell I didn't get it all the first time. I just finished "Chatting with Anubis" (from a Dream Corridor, I believe); I don't know what's so hot about that story. I suppose there's some profound idea behind it, but I don't get it. Harlan writes many different kinds of stories. Some of them are works of art, but others fit into the category I READ IT BECAUSE IT'S A HARLAN ELLISON STORY, BUT I PROBABLY WON'T READ IT AGAIN. I also read "Pulling Hard Time." I didn't think much of that one either, although I got more from it than "Chatting with Anubis." If I was a science fiction fan, I probably would have thought it was great. Here's the highlight from P.I. the other night... HARLAN: I'll tell you something. I was in O'Hare airport recently. And I washed my hands, I did my thing. Next to me was a guy who whipped his wand and then he started walking out. [ Laughter ] And so I said to him, "Hey, hey, hey!" And he goes, "What, what?" And I said, "Would you like to wash your hands instead of spreading germs?" He says, you know, "screw you" is basically what he told me. [ Laughter ] So I said, "Hey, king of the pig people, come back and wash your [ bleep bleep ] hands!" [ Laughter ] He walks out. I followed him down the [ bleep ] aisle. "This man did not wash his hands! Don't shake hands with this man!" [ Applause ]

Hey *ALL* - found this nifty URL with the entire transcript of that PI I missed with HE on it ...http://www.abc.com/pi/word/970521.html.... Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Okay, I've been reading more from SLIPPAGE. I've noticed that almost half of the stories were taken from the Dream Corridor comic books, so I've skipped over those for now. For me, the best thing I've read so far is the introduction. After that (as far as the fiction is concerned), the short story "She's a Young Thing and Cannot Leave Her Mother," not for the story as a whole but just for the opening pargraphs, which I love would to quote right now in their entirety to show anyone not familiar with HE why they should go out and buy SLIPPAGE as soon as it's out, but posting the first three paragraphs (a full page) from the story would probably infringe on some copyright crap---but let me tell you, folks, those 3 paragraphs were worth the $85 Canadian (HERC price) I paid for my deluxe limited editon of SLIPPAGE... Ah, screw it. Here's just a bit of it from the second paragraph to give you a taste: "I lay there and listened to the music, trying to snare just a wisp, even a scintilla, of the dream. It was the memory of something I was certain I'd lost among the ruins of the years that lay strewn behind me. Years in which Camilla and I had fled from place to place, neither citizens of a certain land nor citizens of the world: simply refugees whose most prominent baggage was fear." Now, that sounds alright, but you have to read it within context to really feel the full force or it. After awhile he flies off in a direction I didn't find very interesting, but in those opening paragraph, man, he nailed it. I think the main entry in the book is "Mefisto in Onyx," which I've already read twice from its Omni publication. I thought the teleplay to "Crazy as a Soup Sandwich" was kinda silly, more or less what I thought of the original Twilight Zone episode. As with most of Harlan's writing, I've enjoyed the non-ficiton essays the most: the intro ("The Fault in My Lines"), "The Deadly Nackles Affair," and "The Pale Silver Dollar," but there's not much point in commenting on any of this; I kinda have the feeling I'm talking to myself here. I'll see you all later when the book comes out.

Haven't had much to say lately, and I was also dissapointed that I didn't see the Politically Incorrect show on Wednesday. I have watched it at times, but that evening, sleep won out. Did Harlan Ellison make comment on Norman Mailer's new book about Jesus told in the first person narrative? I think this would have been an interesting topic for a writer. Do you think Mailer will be on some fanatics hit list? As for EW3, I have has my local Waldenbook store order it for me, because they did not have it on their regular list!!! I asked to order "Slippage", but they tell me I have to wait until it is officially released, so I will have to pester them until it arrives. Since I finished my class, I have been rereading the first two EW books, and have enjoyed the tomes one more time. Have to go now, JJCB

Don't believe 'em, Sue. With all due respect to keegen, the show was lame. And if you think 1 a.m. is bad, in the most easterly part of the continent where I'm living, P.I. comes on at 2:30 in the bloody morning.

I don't wanna talk about... :-( ... I *really* don't want to talk about it... PI was scheduled for !* 1AM *! our time, and I waited, and waited... and when I woke up, there was a test pattern where HE was supposed to be.... And NOW I hear it was a GREAT show... {:-( ... still.. Good to hear from you Keegan!! Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe (and don't forget to set the alarm clock..)

Harlan made me laugh several times during last night's PI. I especially loved the story about when HE noticed the guy next to him in the airport can didn't wash his hands after finishing his business. Harlan asked him about it; he ignored Harlan. Harlan then proceeded to follow him through the airport warning folks not to shake hands with the unsanitary one! That's our HE: ever on the forefront in the battle for good hygiene!

Well, you didn't miss much. I'm still watching the tape of P.I. as I'm writing this, about halfway through the last segement. So far HE hasn't really said much, but neither has anyone else. And, yes, he plugged SLIPPAGE and E.W.#3 and his Babylon 5 "book" (?).

Dagnabit felching hell! I just read that Harlan was going to be on P.I. just now, here, mere minutes after the end of the show. Of course, I was doing something few seem to be doing these days -- reading. God, if only to save our children (and provide a reasonably large market for my almost-finished book, hahah), we have GOT to start to return this country to a mindset where "reading" translates as "entertainment". Hell, had I known it was to be this bad, I would have ditched the dreams of being an author that I've had since I was three and gone into a more fertile job field -- television evangelism, perhaps; I don't know. Well, back to the editing (Summer or bust!) ...

Dave- Nope, different FemiNazi. This is a new show taped this afternoon. I havent seen it yet but Maher was on Snyder the other night saying that his first day off will be in two weeks, New FemiNazi, new attacks. I wonder if HE's plugging Slippage or Edgeworks 3? By the way, any1 got info ew3?

Well, it's 11:28 pm edt here, and I'm waiting for Harlan to appear on Politically Incorrect, assuming our host's news is accurate. Harlan commented on his appearance on that pathetic show and the reson it was a total fraud back at I-Con - I had assumed it had aired long ago. Finale is supposedly Harlan going after said (literal)FemNazi when she denounces a victim of McCarthyism, then says she read none of the guy's works, just the fax about subjects to be discussed on the show that night she had received the day before. VCR, get thy wheels in gear!

Has anyone been reading SLIPPAGE? I haven't had much time for it since I recieved it, but so far I've read the intro, the "Nackles" essay and "She's a Young Thing and Cannot Leave Her Mother"---I love the beginning and certain passages throughout, but I didn't like the way it turned in the end; it didn't do anything for me. I found the beginning of the story very compelling, one of the best openings to any story I've read in a long time (flowing prose reminiscent of "Susan"), but about halfway through it, the narrative takes off in a different direction with a different feeling, and then he lost me; I didn't care what happened after that. Something about some cannibalistic family in Scotland. I know most of Harlan's SF/Fantasy audience loves that kind of stuff ("cannibals, man; cool"), but I prefer it when he keeps it simple. I think Harlan's best stories are his most straight forward ones, the ones which are not so obviously fare for SF/fantasy publications.

Harlan appears in the most recent edition of HARPER'S. It's only an excerpt from the intro "The City on the Edge of Forever," but there it is.

TV ALERT! Harlan will appear on Bill Maher's TV show Politically Incorrect on Wednesday, May 21st. Maher's other guests will be motivational guru Tony Robbins, comedian Harry Anderson, and right-wing idealogue Heather Higgins (who will no doubt piss HE off greatly). Check your local listings for channel and time.

I don't have muh to say but the newest comment was from Thursday so I figured I may as well. According to BARNES AND NOBLE and BORDERS, edgeworks 3 should be out any time now and when I was Ellison at the Motor City Con he said it was sent to the press that week I figure it will be out Tuesday. ANyone with news? Also, anyone have any info on Dream Corridor Quarterly 2?

It was Nietzsche who said, "I love only what a man writes in his own blood." And Alan Watts once expounded, "Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your teeth." When it comes to the genius of Ellison my hands come away dripping of blood and I can hear the cracking of his enamel. He is a true unadulterated resevior of brillance, and I hope the well never runs dry.

Holy Mackinaw Joe. SLIPPAGE has arrived. (I have #536.) Just finished reading the introduction. Talk about nailing it. I'm speechless. Won't be getting much homework done tonight. Later.

Holy Mackinaw Joe. SLIPPAGE has arrived. (I have #536.) Just finished reading the introduction. Talk about nailing it. I'm speechless. Won't be getting much homework done tonight. Later.

Does anyone here know if HE will attend the Chicago ComiCon this July? He's not on the guest list, but Tony Isabella is. I'm told that's a good sign.

One problem might be the name. Hydrox sounds like the name of a detergent or something, not a rich, chocolaty treat.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! I'm having a GREAT one - still in my bathrobe at 8:40 pm... Doesn't get any better'n THAT!!

I know all about cookies! Hydrox may certainly be found at the grocery store, but one should bear in mind how supermarkets divvy up shelf space. Companies pay money to place their products in the most advantageous position on the shelf to stimulate consumer impulse buying. A big company like Nabisco can afford to buy the space at eye level and fill the space with many, many types of their product. Something like Hydrox (made by the smaller Sunshine company, I believe) is likely to end up on a lower (or a way high) shelf where it doesn't attract as much consumer attention, primarily because the small company can't outbid the larger company for prime shelf space. So... if you're looking for a Hydrox, don't forget to look high and low because you probably won't find it in the middle. (By the way: I ate another confection associated with HE the other day: A Zero bar. Remember? They sponsored Mike Hodel's Hour 25. It was delicious, but no Clark bar, fer sure!). -/;>)

Ben -- grocery store?

Ben -- grocery store?

Ben -- grocery store?

News: Ozone hole is causing death of plankton. Science fear cascade effect. Increased UV radiation causing deformities in amphibians. Sharp decline in their populations has been found on large scale.

Had Hydrox cookies the other day. Delicious. Hard to find, though. Found them in a vending machine in Las Vegas of all places, but haven't bean able to find them since. Where does Harlan find his favorite cookie? Could he tell me?

PHILLIP (notice I used two L's this time): I read your previous post with interest; I think we might have similar views, but from different angles. Though I've been an SF fan for years (lifelong Asimov's subscriber), I was mostly one of those dolts whom HE is wont to berate: didn't notice author's name; never read much beyond the surface of a story; missed the nuances. Then in 1993 I read a story in Omni magazine's usually unbearable fiction section that simply floored me. "Mefisto in Onyx." I flipped back to page one to check out the author. Harlan Ellison. Oh yeah, isn't he the guy whose "I, Robot" script was published in Asimov's a few years ago? I began actively seeking HE's works, scouring libraries for his collections, etc. After a while I stopped counting the number of times I'd pick up a HE story and halfway into the first sentence think, "Hey, I remember reading this thing years ago in some magazine and it was great." "Count the Clock..." "Laugh Track" "Paladin..." "I Have no Mouth..." On and on. Most SF stories I forget immediately. But it seems like many many of the tales that made the greatest impact on me were by HE. So when HE nails it, it's one big mother of a nail, I'll tell you that. Anyway, thanks in large part to HE's work, I made the big step in life from simply BEING a dolt to actually REALIZING I'm a dolt. Who knows what leaps I might one day make if I keep guzzling his work--perhaps even leave doltdom behind. -- Billy D.

*SUE* I'm glad you're enjoying THE BEAST. I was sorting through all my books last week and discovered that I sold you my *only* hard-cover edition. But that's okay, I've got plenty to make me happy; I'm not a collector anyway. As long as I have a readable copy, good enough. And except for "A Boy and His Dog," I don't much care for that collection. SHATTERDAY-, STRANGE WINE - and LOVE AIN'T NOTHING BUT SEX MISSPELLED-like stories are more up my alley. Re: ANGRY CANDY. I'm not reading it at the moment. I listen to my "Paladin of the Lost Hour" cd from time to time, and occasionally my tape of "Prince Myshkin, and Hold the Relish," which makes me laugh (I didn't pick up on the humour when I first read it in ANGRY CANDY). Re: favourites. It's easy to pick my favourites from any collection because they're the one's I remember. It's been a few years since I've read ANGRY CANDY, and looking at the table of contents right now, there are only 4 stories which I can immediately recall: "Paladin," "Prince Myshkin," "Laugh Track," and "Stuffing." I wasn't very impressed by most of the stories in the collection. According to the little markings here in my book, the last 5 stories, in my opinion a few years ago, were a waste of time. I heard Harlan say a while back, when asked what were his favourite stories, he said something like, "The one's I haven't written yet. I've been doing this for 40 years, and I think now I'm just starting to get good at it." (Then I think he mentioned a few stories that he was particularly proud of; "Paladin" was one of them.) Maybe he was half-joking when he said that, but I more or less agree with him. When I look through all of HE's collections, none of them are really packed with great stories. For me, there are usually one or two that are outstanding (for instance, "Jeffty if Five," and "The Other Eye of Polyphemus," from SHATTERDAY; "Paladin," and I guess, "Laugh Track," from ANGRY CANDY; "Ernest and the Machine God," from OVER THE EDGE; "A Boy and His Dog," from THE BEAST; "Punky and the Yale Men," from LOVE... ---just off the top of my head), but most of the stories are pretty much forgettable, slightly entertaining perhaps, but ten minutes later completely forgotten, nothing in the initial experience of reading the story which would impel me to want to read it again. No doubt about it the man can write, but only occasionally does he really nail it. The rest of the time I think he's just getting by, appeasing the audience because they're easy to satisfy. I don't think I have overly-high standards. In his intro to DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH, Harlan recalls a quotation from Kafka: "I believe that we should only read those books that bite and sting us. If a book we are reading does not rouse us with a blow to the head, then why read it?" I always have a hard time recommending a HE book to someone who hasn't read him before. I can say read this story or that story, but the whole book? Well...? I've loaned out several of my HE books over the years, and I don't think I've turned a single person onto his writing. I'll say, "Did you read *this* story, or that one?" and the usual response is, "No. I read about half the stories and then gave up." I have heard this SO MANY times, it's depressing. I'll buy anything with Harlan's name on it, but nobody seems to understand why. And I can understand that. But I know better. I know that when Harlan DOES nail it, when he really shines, it's something you NEVER forget. And it's well worth the price of admission (my expensive limited edition of SLIPPAGE should be arriving by the end of the week).

LAUGH TRACK - loved it. Somehow, I feel so *cheap*, so _fickle_, so indecisive.. My favorite story (heck, favorite collection) of Ellison seems to be strongly anchored in whatever was the most recent read.. Changes with every read. *PHILLIP* Glad to hear from ya - and I can't understand how you can be so sure of an order of favorites.. A male thing?? A little obsessive thing kicking?? ... ];-p... It's only when I _haven't_ read any HE for a while that I can begin to guess favorites - simply by what comes to memory first.. You reading Angry Candy?? *KEEGAN* (aka Coogan, 5'3", small scars on wrists, works as teacher for cover) You're ALIVE!! *ALL* I'm re-reading The Beast (thanks again, Phillip). And I mean multiple readings of each story. Trying to do a review for Webderland that seemed like a good idea at the time.. (me an my Big Mouth - what? SUuuree.. I can do that.. ooooo.. welllll.. ummmmm.. maybe I can't...). Just wondering if anyone else who volunteered for a review is finding it as tough as I am to find insightful, intelligent things to say.. Is it just me, or is there a Whole Lot of any HE story that doesn't want to fit nicely into a synopsis?? And resents and resists being labelled and analyzed in a commentary?? And could this _possibly_ explain why there are so few reviews of HE works published (and quoted on the dust jackets)?? Or am I just a moron?? I keep having little "HE's Watching" flashbacks.. Am I going crazy?? ...or worse... turning into a FanBoy?? Sure would appreciate a little "you are not alone" here.. At the very least, for the company on the funny farm.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Just wanted to thank Mr. Ellison for his wonderful rant on the Rancho Santa Fe tragedy. His words gave me hope in a time of madness. How strange is it that the Sci-Fi channel has to air promos denouncing the tragedy, as if they were responsible for mass suicide and genital mutilation. Mr. Ellison was right on the money in saying that these sad disturbed people had no idea of the value of human life. Thank you Mr. Ellison PS Loved your Sinatra story on Tom Snyder

I loved "Laugh Track", too. I've always been fascinated by the different types of laughs on laugh tracks. When I was a kid, I swore that they used the same canned laughter on "Gilligan's Island" and some other show, I can't remember now. It was a big deal and I used to tell my sister, "No, listen! Don't you hear? Those are the same voices!" Maybe one of 'em was the aunt. Anyway, I just really loved that story. It was so creative (like, uh, DUH!).

"Laugh Track" is my second favourite story from ANGRY CANDY, "Paladin of the Lost Hour" being #1. After that I'd pick "Stuffing," because, as with "Laugh Track," the idea of the story is *so* cool, ya gotta love it. (And the writing ain't too bad either.)

Hey all. Quit with the fighting or I'll stop this car right now. Anyway, I see my Guest Rant has passed on. Thanks all for the support while it had it's moment or two. Maybe some time soon I'll get another done. (Nah?) Anyhoo, the sequel to my latest Guest Rant will probably be found in TCV's 100th Installment Collector's Edition. For more info you know where to find me. Until next time...

While browsing in the bookstore yesterday, I saw a series entitled something like "Best Fantasy of the Century," in which each volume is devided by decade, like "Best Fantasy of the 1990's" etc. In the 1980's decade, HE's "Laugh Track" is one of the stories. Strange, though, is that the cover appears to be from an Octavia Butler book, yet I saw no Butler story in the contents. Enjoy -- Billy D.

Unless, of course, you're talking about THIS PARTICULAR COMMENTS PAGE, in which case please send me a tag you consider more appropriate and I will take your suggestion under advisement. This has been a paid political announcement.

Andy, the yellow on black you decry is actually an exact copy, resolution allowing, of the page colors on "The Essential Ellison". You probably either have your desktop set to 16 or 256 colors or you have some cheap-ass Samsung monitor. In any event, if you've got a better background, I'll be happy to try it out. I can receive binaries encoded Mime, BinHex, or UUencode.

I've enjoyed discovering the Ellison homepage et al, as I am a long time fan of the mans' writing, but for god's sake, YELLOW on BlACK??!! Are you trying to make us poor nearsighted bookworms go blind? (or blinder than we already are...) Consider this a vote for a more readable colour scheme. Thanks.

Yeh, my SLIPPAGE is on the way. Just got my bill from Ziesing today. $85 Canadian, but what the hell---how often does HE release a new collection, once every 7 or 8 years? I think I can afford that.

DTS -- I will try not to make any excuses, but I had started that rant as a defense of my friend and her choice to ride motorcycles, which it appeared you were disparaging. Thanks to the 'emotionless' tone of this medium, your remarks about walking came across like you thought you were some great high saviour of the environment for doing so and those of us who didn't as regularly were the worst form of low-life. Well, that's the way it reads to me! ;>) Go back and read over it calmly and quietly. You'll see what I mean. Anyway, It's over and done, and I haven't looked at the 'Wanted' part in ages, and you really should have an email address if you are going to partake in public discussion! (How's that for all in one breath!) Apologies for the vicious tone, but I still meant what I said.....! There are several free web-based mail services available if you're interested. Use any reliable search engine and look under "free email". You would be surprised at how much free stuff there is out here! SUE -- Sunfire & Rainbows is back! It will be a page in the whole site named Elysian Rosebuds (for my Mom). Angelfire (a free web-site service) overhauled their whole site and I decided to have my more or less 'public' web site there. My private (and much larger) web site (which I will be paying for) will be on Illuminati Online as soon as I finalize all plans. RICK -- yeah, the guilty parties know who they are. (blush, blush) Glad to see you are still alive and well. Will keep an eye out for more HE sightings.

DTS -- I will try not to make any excuses, but I had started that rant as a defense of my friend and her choice to ride motorcycles, which it appeared you were disparaging. Thanks to the 'emotionless' tone of this medium, your remarks about walking came across like you thought you were some great high saviour of the environment for doing so and those of us who didn't as regularly were the worst form of low-life. Well, that's the way it reads to me! ;>) Go back and read over it calmly and quietly. You'll see what I mean. Anyway, It's over and done, and I haven't looked at the 'Wanted' part in ages, and you really should have an email address if you are going to partake in public discussion! (How's that for all in one breath!) Apologies for the vicious tone, but I still meant what I said.....! There are several free web-based mail services available if you're interested. Use any reliable search engine and look under "free email". You would be surprised at how much free stuff there is out here! SUE -- Sunfire & Rainbows is back! It will be a page in the whole site named Elysian Rosebuds (for my Mom). Angelfire (a free web-site service) overhauled their whole site and I decided to have my more or less 'public' web site there. My private (and much larger) web site (which I will be paying for) will be on Illuminati Online as soon as I finalize all plans. RICK -- yeah, the guilty parties know who they are. (blush, blush) Glad to see you are still alive and well. Will keep an eye out for more HE sightings.

*RICK* Ummmm... I guess that means *me*... But nice to hear from you. And the Bauman art is GREAT! *BILLY D* Thanks for the rundown on the Sci-Fi Vortex business. It was listed as "War Room" in our local TV guide, and I didn't have a clue.. So I'll have to catch it on the next go round. Sigghhh.. *KEEGAN* Glad you're still with the living.. and Say-No-More Say-No-More.. Until the new threaded forum I suppose. *PHIL* Everyone I write to (or who posts in a forum I Lurk), who lives in Canada, is asking the same question.. Guess there is an answer in that.. Back to the trenches (re-reading The Beast - and still loving it). Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe (ps - the bike is back! better than ever! WAAA-HOOO!)

Has anyone in CANADA recieved the ltd. ed. SLIPPAGE yet? For the past 2-3 weeks I've been hearing other people talking about the book, and I'm started to feel left out here. If mine doesn't arrive today, I might have to send Mark a message to make sure he hasn't forgotten me. I *hate* hearing other people talking about the book when I haven't recieved it yet.

HE appeared in the "war room" portion of SF Vortex on the Sci-Fi channel this weekend, so here's a quick rundown of the show for anyone interested. In general HE repeated most of the same points he's been hitting lately: the difference between science fiction and sci-fi; the sad state of science fiction movies; the Rancho Santa Fe gang. Some good points of humor did pop up, however, as you might expect with our Mr. Ellison. First, the host introducted HE as the most controversial man in SF today, and a guy "who has more writing awards than Captain Kirk has women." HE seemed to appreciate the good-naturedness of the remark and laughed with a smile. When asked to name a standard bearer among science fiction movies of the 90's, HE replied "I, Robot," if someone would just make the thing. Other members of the panel (JMS, Babylon 5 creator; and Yvonne and Herb Solow, writers of a new Star Trek book--Herb also was the guy who hired Roddenberry for Desilu in the 60's) agreed that there was no good science fiction movie from the 90's. At one point I thought censorship was going to read its ugly butt when HE started in on a rant calling studio heads "know-nothings" and the host quickly jumped in saying, "This seems like a great time to break for a commercial." But after the return from a few Psychic Hotline ads, HE was allowed to continue. JMS chimed in, "I agree with Harlan, but that's my job." HE also recounted how he used to stand outside Herb Solow's window at Paramount and yell, "Herbie, Sweetie, can you come out and play? Will your mommy let you come out and play?" At the show's end, the host told HE that "The Resurgence of Miss Ankle Strap Wedgie" was the best SF story he'd ever read. Harlan kind of rolled his eyes at one of these "adoring fan" type comments. I second WolfMistress' earlier comment here that HE looks really great. Over the past year, whenever I've seen him on TV, I've always thought that he was a man who had aged beyond his years. But this weekend he looked more like a middle-aged guy with grayed hair. It's super to see his body showing some of the old vigor. -- Billy D. (Note: all quotes in this message are approximate, based on the feeble state and short retention period of my few, lethargic brain cells.)

Re: On-topic comments. I'm not going to run herd over this board, I expect it to be a self-policing forum as it is not my intention to censor traffic unless absolutely necessary. As soon as we get to a stable Windows NT platform for the web server at Menagerie, I will have a multi-topic threaded forum with one of the forums specifically for personal discussion. IN OTHER NEWS, you might check out the web page, specifically the new Jill Bauman section of the gallery, a new guest rant, and some news entries. I should have a links update, more quotes, and a rant of my own up next week, time is short this week.

Just a note to let y'all know I'm alive and lurking. Been busy (and to those waiting for a tape: it's coming, it's coming. Now you know why I don't make noise about the extensions of Harlan's release dates!). Went to New York on Thursday. Caught two sets at the Vanguard (my first time, believe it or not. A personal Haj of sorts) then spent the rest of the night (till 6 am Friday) at jam sessions. I sang a little and attracted VERY positive attention. The musicians were very kind to me and one in particular, a drummer of some stature on the NY scene, took it upon himself to show me a good time by taking me to Small's and introducing me around. I don't think a musician could ask for better welcome than I received that night. Anyway, I'm okay and my dreams are coming true (fortunately, not the nightmares). I probably won't get with Harlan again until summer. Even Cookie Coogan takes a break to hang poolside with a good book! I'll talk Ellison with ya then. Gone!

FYI: as apologia for the past few postings (involving little, or no, Ellison type info: Harlan Ellison will be appearing with Walter Koenig (as "Bester") in "THe Face of the Enemy," a Babylon 5 episode slated to run between June 6th and June 12th. Ellison will also play a Psi-Cop. (Got the info in a HERC mailing). That's definitely all, now. -- DTS

WM: Actually, I don't have an e-mail address readily available (sometimes I use my wife's when she lets me). And as far as the intials -- no hiding invovled there, I just hate to have to type out Dorman Truett Shindler -- DTS is easier (since I'd made a few postings in the "Wanted" section of this page, using the whole moniker, I boneheadedly assumed most regulars had run across them). And (this is meant SINCERELY, not sarcastically): I don't ask for your respect...just your forbearance when I'm typing notes to another visitor of this page (thereby saving us both from blowing impolite steam off at one another). Out here, DTS.

I have no respect for a person who will hide behind initials and no email address when responses are better done in private, rather than on a public forum. I used a public forum because that is all I was allowed, and I _will_ respond publicly or privately, when the need arises. End of that topic! HE has been seen on SciFi Channel in this week's Masters of Fantrasy series when they did a superb overview of Arthur C. Clarke's life and writings. HE popped up several times at various points in the presentation giving his opinions of Clarke, his visionary expertise, and his books. HE was also seen briefly on The Buzz giving his usual (and tiresome) rant about alleged alien abductees and an article in the most close-minded publication in the universe -- The Skeptical Inquirer -- that if everyone were to be believed there are 3.5 million abductees in the USA alone. He then went on to name the 10 most fascinating scientifc mysteries which were given in an issue of Discover Magazine a couple years ago, saying that these were more mysterious and fascinating than the alien abduction or the reasons therefore. One thing, Harlan looked a LOT better than he did on previous Buzz appearances. He was looking pretty old and ragged there for awhile, but it appears that Susan has worked her unique magic on getting him to rest or whatever. He was looking very spritely and a lot younger than he did before. All the lines and pain were gone from his face and his eyes had that old Ellison sparkle in them again. Good. I'm glad he's doing better. No matter what he claims to believe or not believe, Harlan is still slaying his dragons _his_ way.

I have no respect for a person who will hide behind initials and no email address when responses are better done in private, rather than on a public forum. I used a public forum because that is all I was allowed, and I _will_ respond publicly or privately, when the need arises. End of that topic! HE has been seen on SciFi Channel in this week's Masters of Fantrasy series when they did a superb overview of Arthur C. Clarke's life and writings. HE popped up several times at various points in the presentation giving his opinions of Clarke, his visionary expertise, and his books. HE was also seen briefly on The Buzz giving his usual (and tiresome) rant about alleged alien abductees and an article in the most close-minded publication in the universe -- The Skeptical Inquirer -- that if everyone were to be believed there are 3.5 million abductees in the USA alone. He then went on to name the 10 most fascinating scientifc mysteries which were given in an issue of Discover Magazine a couple years ago, saying that these were more mysterious and fascinating than the alien abduction or the reasons therefore. One thing, Harlan looked a LOT better than he did on previous Buzz appearances. He was looking pretty old and ragged there for awhile, but it appears that Susan has worked her unique magic on getting him to rest or whatever. He was looking very spritely and a lot younger than he did before. All the lines and pain were gone from his face and his eyes had that old Ellison sparkle in them again. Good. I'm glad he's doing better. No matter what he claims to believe or not believe, Harlan is still slaying his dragons _his_ way.

A manga artist by the name of Yoshihisa Tagami, a great fan of yours, made a certain manga, now turned anime called "GREY", which happened to be almost exact to your book "I have no Mouth, and I must Scream.". By any chance that both you and Y. Tagami met and talked about TOY (from "GREY"), and AM (from "I have no Mouth, and I must Scream".). And was there any other, anime/manga that you enjoyed.

*WOLFMISTRESS* I _truly_, *really* meant to convey my hopes for a QUICK ENCORE of the REMISSION.. No sarcasm intended. It caught my eye when I was reading Billy D's post.. Doggone it.. Looked almost nasty - and that was NOT my intent. I know that the sorts of surgeries hanging over your head can be downright torture if there are complicating factors (and not nice in the best of circumstances), and was thinking a remission is always nice.. Seems brevity is not only the soul of wit - but also a source of misunderstanding.. (is this a shameless justification for being a long-winded Mouthy Sort??).. Appologies (she says beet-red with embarassment) for any unintentional offense. *BILLY D* Yeah, I keep rooting around, trying to find that "perfect" energy source. Thought solar was the answer - til I realized *I* live in the state with the least annual days of sunlight - and most of the sunlight we *do* get is in the summer, when what I'm looking for is Heat in the Winter.. Then I thought GeoThermal! Until I realized THAT works when you live on a fault line in a volcanicly active area (OUCH!!). Oh, Wind Power - but we would have to double the size of the property and fill it with windmills to get anything out of the wimpy little breezes we get (don't sell many sailboats around here..). Fellow down the way put in a hydro-electic dam on a creek that runs through his property.. Free electricity!! 'Cept the dam cost more to build and maintain than any 'savings' (by a wide margin), so now he's trying to get licensed to sell electricity locally to recoup part of the cost - and leaning Hard on neighbors to Get In On It.. I never was too keen on nuclear - and the string of "problems" from 3 Mile Island, through Chernobl, to the most recent in Japan hasn't done much to calm my fears. About all I can say at this point is that gas and electricity is better than coal and woodburning, and there doesn't seem to be a lot on the drawing boards that's as effective. Darn.. But - I'm always interested in New Stuff with potential.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Sue, yeah I guess I wouldn't be fair if I didn't admit that automotive use of hydrogen presents the biggest problem. Current hydrogen cars have a short refueling range. For heating and electricity, though, hydrogen is just wonderful. No problems at all. I guess motorcycles, though, won't be for some time down the road. On another front, I'm still trying to confirm the SciFi (or is it Sci-Fi?) Vortex info I heard. I'll let you know. I originally read it in an E-mail from JMS to a Babylon5 fan saying that JMS and HE would be appearing on Vortex together. JMS is usually pretty reliable--although he did claim that Harlan was going to write a Babylon5 episode as a sequel to "Demon with a Glass Hand," but HE now says it ain't gonna happen. -- Billy D.

Well, Boy Howdie!! Take a little time off for Puppy Training, and EVERTHANG happens! Yes, thank you, puppy is officially Housebroken!! Has also learned what not to chew and bite.. And is doing pretty well at "Come" - if there aren't *too* many distractions.. *BILLY D* - Funny you should mention Hydrogen fueled bikes.. The Engineering School at U. of Mich. down the road had a go at that a few years back.. And it turned out that the State of the Art Technology required a Van to cart around the necessary stuff.. So they're doing solar powered cars now.. With some success, I might add.. But nothing more on Bikes.. Sighhh. I liked the "price" of fuel on solar.. *WOLFMISTRESS* - Welcome back! And, hey.. Hope that remission makes an encore! And quick. *JIM* - Cool!! And you're gonna offer it to Rick for the Webderland Review Section... right??... so none of us have to embarass ourselves writing something that will pale in comparison.. right??.. OK, so I'm _lazy_.. What of it?? *ALL* I'm usually the last one to know the when and where of HE's comings and goings.. But sure do appreciate being kept informed.. So what IS the deal with "Sci-Fi Vortex"?? And how did HE ever wind up featured on a Skiffy Channel?? And speaking of emissions, why is there absolutely NO correlation between aroma and sound when people "poof"??? It would be a benefit to all mankind to receive a 'force' warning.. Always questions.. Sighhh.. Back to the Poop Patrol.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

WM: It's been a tough week, so patience is short. I'm sure that Sue took my ribbing in the manner it was meant to be taken. But thanks for that interjection. ANd I'm glad to see you have decided to keep a stiff upper lip and not whine or complain in public about your ongoing problems. -- DTS

Rumor has it that HE will be appearing on the SciFi Channel's "SciFi Vortex" soon. If anyone has details, I'd be pleased to have 'em, otherwise I'll keep y'all posted as I learn more. -- Billy D.

DTS & Others of a Like Mind: You know, I'm glad for you. I really am. It must be wonderful to be able to go through 10 pairs of shoes in a year just from walking. I wouldn't know. Because for the last 20 years, movement of any kind from the hips down causes me pain so exquisite in so many places it may become pleasurable before I leave this life! As of this writing, I need a hip replacement, a titanium rod inserted in my spine to help keep the vertebrae from collapsing more than they are, and an entire implant in what used to be my right lower leg and ankle (ankle is long gone; bolts, rods, & a jazzy assortment of pins holds the leg to the foot these days --- and they are coming loose). Why? Because at the age of 26, after growing up on a working farm, being one hell of an athlete all the way through school and lettering in track, I discovered I had some genetic bone disease that didn't even have a name then, by the simple expediant of my ankle shattering to bits when I stepped off a sidewalk! I have stepped off a sidewalk and broken 4 bones in my other foot -- just trying to WALK, the way I used to RUN! After over 2 dozen operations, 20 years of not once being without pain, and the determination that the betrayal of my body will NOT stop me, the doctors found a name for my problem - basically it is a rare form of osteoporosis aggravated by advanced degenerative arthritis -- in a body that was way too young for it then, and was in the peak of health. At 47 now, it is once again in an "active" phase after being in remission for a few years. I would LOVE to be able to walk like I used to, I would love to play a volleyball or softball game like I used to. I would love to wake up some morning an be able to MOVE without gritting my teeth and starting the day with a fight to stay sane! I still walk a few blocks now and then, before the hips give out and I lean on my cane like someone twice my age, praying for somewhere to sit for a few minutes. I DRIVE because I have no choice - my job is in Milwaukee; I live in Madison (75 miles to the west) and am currently staying in a Milwaukee suburb during the week until I can arrange moving, and because I enjoy driving. As a country kid from the word go, no one could be more of an environmental advocate than I am. But your self-righteous come back to Sue about her bike-riding just pushed me over the edge. So you walk. Big damn deal. I just hope that someday you don't look back on all that walking with the desperation and longing of one who has lost something precious forever -- and will succeed anyway, if I have to crawl on my hands and what's left of my knees to do it!

Sue and DTS (and All), since you're discussing emissions, I'll take a non-HE minute to push my personal environmental cause here: switching to hydrogen fuel. Guess what you get when you burn hydrogen: water. Guess how you produce hydrogen: shine sunlight on water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen can be transported just like natural gas, through pipelines, and equally as safely. States like Utah, Arizona, etc. could become as rich as Saudia Arabia. This is truly the zero-emissions fuel. Electricity, automotive, home heating--all can be done with hydrogen fuel. It would take about 25-40 years to convert the infrastructure here in the USA. Eliminate pollution. Save the environment. End dependency on foreign oil. If you've never pestered your elected federal representatives for anything, this is the one to harp on. -- :sermon-off Billy D.

Well, folks, as I promised awhile back the review of EDGEWORKS, Volume One was finally published. But...with a few problems (in my opine). Seems the good folks at a certain newspaper thought they knew better and rewrote a certain percentage of what I wrote. (The same mentally, apparently, as Tipper Gore, who would have loved to leave an oily handprint on Michaelangelo's David while it was under construction.) Anyway, long story short: If you want a copy of the printed version and the original text, e-mail me and I will give you the details. Until next time..

DTS - Appology accepted, since you're obviously still dealing with the trauma that loss of a bike causes... ];-)... As for the guns, well.. I'm the card-carrying ACLU, Audubon, WWF member of the family... Have to take the guns up with the NRA life-member Hubby (we *believe* in division of labour..) I just eat Bambi (no Thumpers, don't like the flavor). Got no desire to own a gun. Do believe in my constitutional right to defend myself, though.. I can envision myself protecting my home and family from an invading foreign army (Canada??), rolling their tanks and whatnot around the ruts and potholes to capture our place (no doubt for the stategic significance of being smack between where nothing is, and where no one wants to be, and WWII Vet Admin Housing subdivision 'lowest bid' technology).. What I can't envision is holding off the invasion with a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.. I want one of those cute little trailors with a dozen Patriot missles on it.. Maybe a tasteful Stinger Launcher propped up on the porch.. This is the sort of talk that gets me into trouble with the local Militia Types (Michigan Militia is BIG here).. They don't get the humor.. And when they _do_ - they don't like me any more.. The Ever Unpopular Liberal strikes again.. And so there is no mistake about it - I'm drooling over the *thought* of a Ziesing Edition Slippage.. Even checked it out. Lessee.. $55 with the HERC discount + $5 S&H + $10 HERC dues, and that's.. $70!!! Admittedly inexpensive for a book.. Since the Baby Boy's books for College average $50 a book, and there are never less than 6 of them a semester (English major is a *killer* for book costs).. And there's the rub.. Seems life is full of trade-offs. For the next 2-3 yrs., we remain Working Poor in the eyes of the IRS, and just plain POOR according to our bank.. But the kid is getting an education. Come to think of it, so are *we*, but not the kind that results in diploma's.. So have a heart, and don't rub my nose in it.. It's already a sore spot. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Sue: I used to ride a bike (it was a small one -- 300cc, tops, I think)in my college days (back in Texas, where one had to drive 31/2 hours just to reach the corner store -- so don't pull the old "I live in 'farm country' and nothing's within walking distance" routine -- you're typing to an ex-flatlander -- and yes, I WALKED, a lot, after the bike bit the dust). Can't remember what kind it was though, cause it died after some drunk lady knocked me and it for a loop that lasted 254 feet (just short of a touchdown). So I knew I'd raise your hackles a bit (since you are a "bike" person) when I mentioned air polllution/emmissions, etc. Sounds like you've got an economical and environmentally sound machine -- however, it STILL does contribute to the ozone problem (by the way, that was a blanket statement about all Amurricans, in general; myself, included, although I've been reforming quite admirably this past year [I've gone through nearly 10 pairs of shoes!]; so it wasn't meant as a personal indictment). Oh yeah: you're right. I don't know (the exact) date of when hunting (deer or fowl) season begins -- but all I have to do is ask one or the other of my brothers (one of whom is a taxidermist). Like you, they also weild guns in a society already too crowded with instruments of death (now THAT oughta getcha started)! So maybe you could trade one of those bunny blasters in for good read (SLIPPAGE - available from ZIESING BOOKS -- cheap!). Whattya say? Thats all for now (from K.C., MO, surrounded by wildlife, farmers, John Deere tractors, crops of every sort and all sorts of "city slicker" stuff), DTS.

DTS - thanks for the info and price.. I'm not so sure about being grateful for the lifestyle critique. My bike is less than a tenth the bio-hazard of a car, costs a total of $200 a year to run, cost $500 to buy, and will run forever. It has no "doo-dads" other than what safety demands and being a utility vehicle requires. Out here in the farmlands of small town USA transportation is a necessity - they don't have sidewalks, buses, or mass transit to bridge the miles to town where all the little necessities of life are located (like food, medical centers, pharmacies, schools, etc.), and 'walking to town' could take the better part of the day (I guess the walk home would make it a Weekender). The bike is the most eco-friendly and economical (if somewhat 'uncomfortable' in the winter) means of getting around. We got rid of the car as soon as the kids moved out - cost too much. Cars can't take the punishment bikes do on those lovely scenic (and low priority maintained) county roads. NOW, I can *afford* to wait for the cheap trade edition to come out and have one of my very own, rather than hope (and hassle) the local librarian so there will be one to check out for 2 weeks.. C'mon, DTS.. admit it.. Never seen anyone drive a John Deere cab tractor to town for a beer, haveya??.. Don't see dead deer tied down to vehicles with bungees, do ya?? You're a CitySlicker aincha??.. Betcha don't even know the opening and closing dates of hunting and fishing seasons - or even that there's more than one kind.. S'Okay.. I was a CitySlicker, too, 20 years ago.. But it's generally not sound logic to assume that everyone has the same environment and lifestyle you do.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Sue: FYI: the 30,000 extra words in the Ziesing edition of "Slippage" include an essay detailing how some Network executives censored Ellison's teleplay("The Great Nackles Conspiracy"),the unproduced teleplay("Nackles", a short story by Donald Westlake(entitled "Nackles") which was the impetus for the aforementioned, and a second version of a story ("THe Pale Silver Dollar of the Moon..")which was altered for inclusion in an anthology entitled "The King is Dead (1994)." Besides all of that, the book includes some of the best design and artwork since Ziesings edition of "Mefisto in Onyx." The book, dustcover and slipcase are works of art in themselves. Definitely worth the $75 (or $65, if you are a HERC memeber) cover cost. So quit being cheap, go sell one of your numerous motorcycle doo-dads (thereby cutting down on the amount of ozone depleting gases released day in and day out by Americans who are in too big a hurry -- or too lazy -- to walk now and then), buy yourself a copy of this beautiful Ziesing edition, and watch your stress factor decrease by a factor of five (the preceeding was an unpaid advertisment). Out here, DTS.

GEEEZ!! Everybody get their copy of Slippage, and decide to cozy up under the blanky with a flashlight?? Just to rub my nose in it?? Well, I'll be expecting LOTS of discussion on Slippage.. And I'll join in when the cheap trade edition hits the stands - and still not know what you are talking about half the time (30,000 word introduction?? Isn't that the size of a Whole Book??).. Must be finals time for the college crowd. And the rest of you have no excuse - other than what you post.. So POST!! Grrrrmmmbbmmml... Do I have to do it ALL *myself*?? Sheesh.. Is this a plot to _FORCE_ me to 'get a life'?? Waiter!.. Check, please.. This joint is deader than a Hare Krishna Airport Information Booth..

Mark Z. made it official today: Slippage 1) has shipped and 2) a very few copies of the signed/limited edition with 30,000 more words than will appear in the trade addition are still available. Order or forever hold your peace!

Thanks for the info *DTS*.. Now that you explain it.. I DO remember hearing about a collection of older, previously uncollected material due to be published at part of the Edgeworks series. Guess I just didn't catch the name, and got flummoxed when it came up - not connecting that a 'new' book would have to be published first on it's own - before it became part of the White Wolf Library project.. Siggghhh.. It's probably just as well I'm not a writer, and don't have to deal with all these confusing 'business' details.. Life in the shadow of the puppy continues (a rather confining shadow, since the beast is about 5" tall, and weighs all of a few ounces - hardly casts a shadow to live in..). And still no bike.. Mechanic broke his wrist Test Riding - the new model motorcross for sale.. Good thing for him the weather is so flaky - and crappy - or I'd be having hissies every hour on the hour.. As it is, I circle the house with a rag and bottle of rubbing alchohol correcting puppy oopsies, feeling like I'm *accomplishing* things.. Another 2 weeks..and puppy should be housebroken.. But it's gonna be a LOOoong 2 weeks.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

FYI: (SUE & anyone else wondering)"Rough Beasts" will be a collection of some of Ellison's early stories which (for one reason or another) were never collected (or haven't been in print for a long while). I believe they will be mostly "mainstream" or "crime fiction" type stories (of the type he wrote for "Manhunt," etc.) THe book will be a limited edition produced by THE LITTLE BOOKSHOP of HORRORS (you can write to Doug Lewis and get on a mailing list: c/o Little Bookshop..., 10380 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO., 80004). Since Mr. Ellison hasn't finished some introductory material (not surprising with all of his other projects, not to mention being treated like "human omelette" last year), the book hasn't gone to print yet. It is also supposed to be included in the White WOlf series, albeit, a little farther down the road. That's all. Out here -- DTS.

I believe that Rough Beasts is a projected book that got caught up in both HE's bad habits of announcing projects as completed books (I'm still awaiting Blood's a Rover and, for that matter, Dial 9 to Get Out) and his health. I hope it will exist - though it is down as a collection, and everything he's done lately *is* in Slippage, at least the Z edition, with its extra 30,000 words. As for the behavior of fans, at a gathering of some folks including the ICON people, I mentioned that I had met Harlan on several occasions, and considered him an empathic (overly so - and not willing to ever do anything to dress the burns he suffers from reading others), polite, open, honest and delightful person. Several folks threatened to kill me - after filling me with tales of how horrible a person Harlan is, the terrible things he's said to his fans, etc. What it came down to, when I got all the details, is that Harlan did all these things - after his allegedly caring readers had treated him like shit, hasseling him for no reason except to watch him explode all over them, etc. etc. etc. I do not care if Harlan stood up and named the city and hotel he would be staying at, and even some of the activities he and Susan planned to enjoy while vacationing, and that maybe others sprayed it all over the net. Then again, when seeing a Famous Person I do not know but might like to meet some day engaging in private activities like vacationing or walking the street, my first action is usually to turn and walk away, leaving said person alone. As a reporter, I happen to know one of the only honest politicians ever to come out of northern New Jersey - who eventually got out of serving the common good and went to work for a major bank. In part, he said, it was because he couldn't do anything anymore that he enjoyed. The last straw came, he told me, when he and his wife slipped out to an obscure restaurant in Manhattan for a possibly private dinner out. Five minutes into the meal, he was accosted by someone asking for a job. Harlan's work has gotten me through more than one bad spot in my life - most recently a now-subsiding 3-year vascular headache. I read his work and it helps. You expect me to blow his vacation? dmr

Hey, thanks for the Report on I-Con *DAVID*. You were nice enough not to mention where the Ellisons planned to vacate (??? too much puppy stuff!) - but the news is all over the Net.. Hope HE fibbed a little, and they are elsewhere while the fanboys circle an empty nest looking for easy pickin's.. Do like the discretion shown here, though. *ANYONE* (please..) So what's the deal with a book called "Rough Beasts" by HE, supposedly published in 1996?? Is this another one of those rumors?? GEEZ!! Sure Hope Not!! I wannit.. *ALL* I don't know why HE wouldn't know about Walter Koenig doing a revival of Star Lost - they're pretty good friends, aren't they?? But, hey... What would I know.. Maybe they aren't such good friends all of a sudden.. Maybe Star Lost has been restored to HE's origonal vision.. Maybe I *think* I know more than I _really_ do about HE.. It's those darned introductions HE writes for everything published.. I keep being fooled into thinking I *know* something about the man.. I gotta get that puppy trained quick, and get a life!! Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Hey All! Guess who is trying to live her life around a puppy's schedule?? Yup, Hubby decided 2 is not enough, and brought home a *teeny-tiny* just weaned Brittany, in the pocket of his bike jacket.. Seems the Mommy got run over on the freeway, and tough biker-dude _had_ to bring the puppy home. Well, it needed a Mommy, didn't it?? So *We Have Puppy*.. And I don't have a life for the next few weeks (til puppy can be trusted unsupervised in the house). Hubby named her Chakra - and she is a live wire.. May not sound like a lot going on here - but trust me on this - Puppies and kids are a lot of work, don't leave much time for anything else, and they're a *lot* of FUN.. Thank God puppies grow up faster than kids do.. So what's this got to do with HE, and this oh-so-focussed B-Board? HE had a dog. You got a problem with that?? ...];-)... So the expensive, limited edition Slippage is out.. I can only hope the cheap trade will be ready for the likes of me in a few months. Sigghhh.. Who knows, maybe it will be a double header, with Slippage and Edgeworks3 both available at the same time.. In time for my Birthday gift.. In the Fall.. When I can let myself be absorbed in reading a book without fear of puppy-piddle retribution for my inattention.. I guess that works. Is it just me, or does it seem that HE has become higher profile in the media lately?? Had someone ask me if I knew who that Harvey Emerson guy, who wrote about Heaven's Gate in Newsweek was.. Sighhh. Still the most famous and honored unknown writer in America.. But that's still more than what it's been for a while.. I keep wondering why that is - since HE isn't exactly shy.. He get's the label "Writer's Writer" a lot.. and I'm beginning to think it's because only other writers remember his name (for the most part).. Thoughts anyone?? Oh! The things that float to the surface when not much is riling the waters.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Ellisons at Stony Brook - Harlan and Susan were IMHO, highlights of the weekend at ICON-XVI convention. Looking tired only after a solid weekend of addresses, answering stupid panel questions and deliviering a stunning, though gravelly-voiced reading Paladin of the Lost Hour, Ellison made the show officially devoted to Babylon V, in terms of PR, anyway (see my previous post. Ellison did drive away small children at two points - once, during his comments, which led several parents to rush their kids out of the room, and once, with apologies, asking a woman with a crying infant to leave during the reading. Note; Two copies of Slippage were on site, only two known on the East Coast (one his) - it is off the press, beautiful and Mark Zeising is apparently in the process of shipping right now as quickly as he can get everything together and I wouldn't bother him if I were you and you ordered because your copy IS on its way and worth waiting a few more days for. White Wolf was taking advance orders for Edgeworks #3, promising release in a matter of three or four weeks. Harlan and Susan are currently taking their first vacation in many many years - he stated the location, I will not.

WRT The Starlost: You might want to check the posting date on that AOL section, ie, make COMPLETELY sure it's not dated 1/4/97 (or 4/1/97, or April 1, 1997, or 1st April, 97, etc, etc). Which, I suppose, we can only hope. :) JJ Mohareb

I found this posted in the Compuserve Science Fiction area: "A. F. Productions has announced they will be reviving the classic science fiction series The Starlost for the fall season with Walter Koenig reprising his guest star role as Oro in the opener. The rest of the cast will be all new actors." I doubt that H.E. has anything to do with this show, but I'd be interested to hear his comments on this enterprise. Shane

On second thought, maybe "kicks" is a better word than "elevates". Either way. Sometimes it takes a kick to get a butt to move on......

Hello all and Hail-Bop! I saw the comet last night from a balcony just before the big-band concert. I listened to Bill Mays play some of the most heartfelt music I've ever heard. Yesterday afternoon, I had the opportunity to sing with this man who accompanied many of the true greats and was instrumental in the creation of a record that changed my life: Mark Murphy's BOP FOR KEROUAC. I heard Harlan on the Buzz and I think I realized that I'm not really a fan. Sure, I've read my share of shlock but I've grown beyond it. I don't even read Science Fiction exclusively (in fact, hardly at all. I'm a magazine type chick during the school year). Anyway, I *am* a Harlan fan, I think mostly because his work elevates the soul rather than allowing it to reamain stagnant and ultimately despairing. Harlan, keep raging and make us swallow the hard answers. Maybe, it will make us ask the harder questions.

Sincere apologies for not noticing your comment earlier, DTS!!! The article HE was talking about is obviously the one you mentioned. I'll pay more attention in future, I promise.

HI! Thought I'd better drop a line or two on the Board, so no one thinks I joined a sect, died, or any of the weird things people are worrying about these days, and sends the Sherrif's to our door to check on me.. Guess that's one benefit of being a true non-conformist.. Or maybe being mouthy.. Of course, my ace in the hole is having no large amounts of money to make up for my many deficiencies - guarantees nobody, mainstream or otherwise is willing to 'put up with' me, so I am never in danger of belonging to the "wrong" group.. Or just about any group.. And, no - this is not aimed at the Heaven's Gate people. I personally feel they got the short end of the sh@tty stick while living, and certainly after their deaths. I'm still trying to figure out why Official Systems of Society are working so hard to portray them as somehow Evil, or at the least Crazy - when all the evidence shows they did all the stuff society likes us to do - work hard, pay bills and taxes, don't ask for anything, don't make waves.. You know, the stuff *I* keep being told I *should* do.. I keep wondering if anyone would have cared much, or even noticed, if they had done the same thing in 39 separate domiciles scatterred about several jursidicitions over a weeks time.. But we can all be thankful they were quiet and private enough to leave speculation wide open, and left LOTS of Loved Ones behind to publicize and sell their stories for them (yes, that is heavy sarcasm, liberally sprinkled with disgust).. Life is pretty busy.. That Spring thing is kicking.. All that stuff we put off Til The Weather Is Better suddenly came due all at once.. Anyone know if there is such a thing as WeedWhackers Elbow?? I think I may have it.. So far, the HighLight of Life is sitting around watching the fire in the backyard.. made up of all the parts of trees that fell down in the last ice storm, which we had to cut up and dispose of ourselves after the utility workers came around to put all the lines back up (and cut down extra branches and limbs for good measure). It does get all the neighbors out at the same time, so we can catch up over the back fences.. And see who is Weird, who might be in the news next week as part of a mass cult suicide, so we can all be on TV giving Insights.. I'm leading in the Weird category - but nobody can picture me taking orders from anyone without putting up a huge stink (and a bigger fight), and everyone pretty much agrees I'm more likely to be murdered than commit suicide - so the leading contender is that New Woman nobody knows anything about.. And now that the deadwood is burned away, there is an entire yard suddenly available and demanding attention. I'm supposed to pick up my bike tonight - so I will finally be independantly mobile. Good thing, too. Too many good riding days without a bike to ride make me surly.. Especilly since the last riding remembered was in winter conditions that were, shall we say, Uncomfortable.. I've begun to say thinly veiled threatening things about the situation - and in the interest of mental health (people worry about what will happen next when I turn 'ugly'), my bike suddenly got top priority.. So, if you thought I was spending too much time on Real Life up 'til now, just wait... I do promise to tag in, mouth off, and generally shore up the sagging egos of those, what needs re-assurance to feel superior, with my Dazzling Displays.. Nice to know you serve a purpose.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

I caught HE's special edition on SciFi Buzz last night. He explained that Time or Newsweek had asked him to do a piece commenting on the connection (!) between the beliefs of the Heaven's Gate UFO stuff and science fiction. HE treated the request as it deserved -- with flaming scorn. He gave them an article, he said, that had been severely toned-down for public consumption, and was giving the original response on The Buzz. It was vintage Harlan, who said that the cultists thing was a child of "sci-fi", not science fiction, and went on to explain why this was so. It was one of his most impassioned blow-outs in a long time -- the manic urgency of his message seemed to come right through the screen! Although I personally believe in many parts of the mystic/spirituality he wholesale derides, I was forced to agree with the message -- that such misguided beliefs as those which caused the people to kill themselves are the mainstay of "sci-fi" as opposed to the artistic hopefulness of science fiction. HE insists that sci-fi is driven by the _deus ex machina_ -mentality intead of the exploratory scientific wonders of SF and I have begun to agree with that point more and more over the last 10 or 15 years. This business of us being at the mercy of alien influences, government-driven conspiracies, godlike beings, etc. has gotten way out of hand. In truth, I have some pretty hard & fast opinions about all of the above, and they are not all in total disagreement. What I mean here is that I see the validity of HEs stand on the pathetic doings of the Heaven's Gate people, and although I respect their freedom to worship whatever and live their lives however -- ending those lives in such spectacular fashion for what is to me a Grand Delusion by a method I personally see as the greatest sin is in total agreement with the point Harlan was making. At least, that's my take on it. If anyone else saw it and has more to add or subtract, lets have at it!

Amazon books (www.amazon.com) just sent me this email. Thought you'd all like to know. "The Harlan Ellison Hornbook & Harlan Ellison's Movie (Edgeworks - The Collected Ellison , Vol 3)" by Harlan Ellison List: $21.99 -- Amazon.com Price: $21.99 Subject: Fantasy Publisher: White Wolf Pub Binding: Hardcover Expected publication date: May 1997 ISBN: 1565049624 URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1565049624

FYI: The April 7, '97 issue of "Newsweek" features "Strangers In a Strange Land" (page 49) by Harlan Ellison, an essay about the strange times we inhabit, and how the average Joe can be driven to do something like the "Heaven's Gate" cultists did. Just read the essay and it's a terrific piece (hope some people pay attention) -- DTS.

Adam, I posted the full text about what Harlan said on the News page at Webderland a week ago and put a link to it from the homepage. It's also posted on alt.fan.harlan-ellison. If you'd like to read more, go to http://harlanellison.com/ellinews.htm. I usually let the stuff on the comments board go because I assume people on here occaisionally click those little links at the top of the page. I'll remember in the future to post a note here when a major item is put up on the news page. BTW, you guys also need to watch the Sci-Fi Buzz at 10:00pm Thursday Night (or later at 2:00am) as Harlan is doing a special BuzzWords on the Heaven's Gate cultists. If you don't get the Sci-Fi Channel, I'll have the full text up on my site the next day.

This frieday, very late at night (at least around here), HE's bastardized Star Trek episode, "The City of The Edge of Forever," will be airing on FOX 31--out of Toledo, I think. WUHF FOX 31---somthing like that. Check your local listings.

Just wanted to say I'm still here, just very, very busy at the moment. One of aabout 5 major projects on my current TO DO List is designing Visual Basic programming scripts for Win32 APIs -- if you're a geekoid like me, you know what that mean, if you are sane and rational, don't even try and it would take too long to explain! :>) I am as much of a fan of Babylon 5 as I am a Trekker, I guess, but it has been widely known for some time that there may not be a 5th Season. There was some doubt about there being a 3rd & 4th prior to their development -- it's up to JMS: it's his creation and he can complete it or trash it if he doesn't like something about how it's being handled. HE admitted to being an imbecile for having said it, and Adam reported what he heard so why are people getting their shorts in a bunch?? :>) I enjoy the series immensely and have a great deal of respect for it because it is the ONLY TV series that has been on this long that has ever been written by only ONE person. I personally think JMS deserves some sort of award for that alone -- it is obvious the man is NOT sane. TODD: haven't forgotten you -- just busy. If you have the time, go to the Archives and look at some of the postings I made around March/April of last year. They should tell you all you need to know about me -- maybe more than is legally safe when dealing with role-playing alter egos of techo-geekoids like yours truly. Everybody have fun! It's spring! SPROING!!!!!

From the NY Times Long Island Weekly section 3/30/97 p. 12: I-CON 16 .... include appearances by Rene Auberjonois, "Odo" of "Star Trek DS9,"; Michael O'Hare, "Commander Sinclair" of "Babylon 5"; J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of "Babylon 5"; Joe Haldeman, author; Julius Schwartz, the writer of "Superman" comics and Harlan Ellison, a "Babylon 5" writer. Convention hours are ... Apparently Long Island Guide compiler Barbara Delatiner needs a bit of a clue.

I confess that I don't know anything about Babylon 5 except that I recognize what it is when I surf past it on my way to CNN. However, it appears to me that nothing is definite and *that's* the story. It may continue or it may not. What Rick posted on the homepage seems the likely truth, as it is quite possible that Harlan was heard or understood out of context. High Verbals like Harlan (and many others with whom I'm familiar) often take for granted that their "audience" can keep up with the colors and meanings of their rapid fire, off the cuff speech patterns and are consequently misunderstood with some frequency by those who miss crucial nuances in the monologue. Again, I don't know 'cause I didn't hear it myself. Only offering a thought about why this confusion might exist. I don't think Rick necessarily *has* to say something about this. It's a teevee show. It might or might not be cancelled. Fight for it like folks fought for Star Trek if it's that important. Just remember to fight for the rights of its creators to do it well and as they envision it, not as the "powers that be" might coerce them to do for the sake of the Almighty Ratings. Just my opinion based on what (admittedly little) I know. Greetings to all the wayward travelers in Webderland. Welcome back to our humble Tavern! How-OOOOOOL!

Well, I sent the B5 anouncement to Rick becuase I assumed he hadn't heard. He told me that HE has since apologized for his comments at the Motor City Con about there not being a fifth season and that since I was spreading false information I should add another comment and I don't know apologize or something. Well, I'm not about to apologize, I heard HE perfectly fine and according to him there is no fifth season. If that's true or not, depends on whether Harlan got the right info. Furthermore, don't you think Rick could jump on here occasionally if he here's that Harlan accidentally gave out false info? Hmmm....

*ALL* Before we go getting lathered up and intense on this Babylon 5 thing - have a look at News (bracketed at the top of the page). Seems it IS just a global village, with all the small time gossip that comes with the package.. So, lessee... Somewhere back there *TODD* was talking about keeping things shallow and superficial (and for a moment, I thought I had found my niche - though I think you were being sarcastic) - and I got to thinking about it. And I was struck by how much conversation is just that.. And how much it annoys people.. And how much more annoyed they get when they feel "shut out" of a conversation, because it IS in deapth, and it isn't something they know much about.. And how sad it is that in an Age of Specialization and Expertise, people either don't have much in common with each other asside from a shared specialty, and/or can't let go of their ego long enough to learn something new from people with different specialties.. And worst of all - it means an awful lot of folks aren't communicating with very many people. That struck me as a terrible irony - all this High Tech Communications available, giving wide access and instantaneous communication almost anywhere in the world, and a more people feel more alienated and lonely than back when communication was face to face, or mailed. *PHIL* So HE calls to explain why you *can't* broadcast one of his recordings, and *TODD* says HE _did_ let him broadcast a recording (though not the specific one he wanted to).. I'm dying to know *WHY* 'yes' to one and 'no' to another.. Is that one of the confidential, untellable details?? Sure hope not, since it doesn't make much sense to me.. Oh.. yeah.. WELCOME BACK!.. And, GEEZ! Sure seems like I'm back in Chatty Mode.. Well, it will give Todd some competition... ];-p ... Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

I'll be back in a few days. But in the meantime, does anyone know anything about Harlan's "Savoy Book" which is available from Amazon books for $10?

Oddly enough, the same situation led to my first personal contact with Ellison, first of two, a correspondence about whether his Alternate Worlds recordings of readings were still covered (or had ever been covered) by performance rights. I ended by buying the HarperCollins recording of '"Repent, Harlequin!"' from him and running that instead. I still prefer the AW performance, tho' they're close.

Hey folks. I haven't dropped by for a long, long time. Been busy with other things. I notice a few names I haven't seen before, and a few others that I have faded off into the distance like myself. Anyway, I'm reaquainting myself with Webnerland, checking out what's new, skimming through the comments and stuff. That'll take me a few days. But when I get back, maybe I'll tell you about the phone call I got from Harlan last week. I'd written him a letter asking if I could broadcast his recordings on my radio show and he said NO, so I wrote him again expressing my disappointment. So he decided to call me back and explain in further detail the reason for his NO. We talked for about 15 minutes. It was a very relaxed and easy conversation on both sides. The conversation began with my asking, "Is there anything in my letter that pissed you off?" (It wasnt the nicest letter I'd written, and I wanted to apologize.) And Harlan replied, "Yes. Kinda. Just let me explain..." In the end we both laughed, Harlan was very gracious, and everything was cool. We could have talked longer than we did, but it was kind of an expensive call (4 and a half hour time difference) and he was paying. The reason I bring this up is not to say, hey, look at me, I talked to Harlan Ellison. It was a private conversation that I won't get into in great detail, but it was the SUBJECT of our conversation which is what I think would interest some of you. But I gotta go now. Talk to you later.

Thanks for the con reports, Sue! And I wonder about that BABYLON 5 announcement--sounds a bit like spin (Warner has it's own network to focus on, what with the WB giving us such ornaments as NICK FRENO, and TNT is another arm of Time Warner these days...anyone noticed how comparitively little promo Paramount has given DS9 since UPN's inauguration?); B5 is the last of the PTEN bunch, and Warner is probably just as glad to shut down the department. B5 on the WB network would probably be mutually beneficial, but egos and contracts probably intrude.

So where was I?? Oh yeah - Big Adventures at the Motor City ComicCon. It came off better than it had any right to. There were signs posted on the doors saying the entrance fee was a misprint on all the ads, and it was $2 more to get in. The programs had an index - but no page numbers.. They ran panels in three rooms continuously - but had no schedule.. So it was whenever whoever had put on a list somewhere, and announcements in Kurdu over the PA were the only way to know.. The kid (hey! anyone under 30 is a kid to me..) I went with (cousin of Oldest Boys friend) had a booth, and regaled me tales of how the volunteers organized it in progress as they showed up for the event.. And yaknow - lots of *really* good people made it a nice event. Harlan was looking good health-wise, though maybe a little tired. I had intended to get some programs signed, and attend a panel.. So when I got done with "table-sitting" I got in line for the signings, and snapped pictures (*after* asking). They'll mostly be HE bent over a variety of his books, pen in hand. I missed the one I really wanted, where HE climbed up on his chair to illustrate the tale he was telling (jerko ahead of me blocked me off, to get a 'better' view - and he was over 6'- so I've got a picture of his back). HE left for a panel when nazi-boy was next in line (and bitching about it), and I followed HE to the room.. There were no seats (I would've stood up), and there was some guy with a video set up telling everyone they couldn't take pix 'cause the flash would screw up the video.. And then son's friend turned up to tell me they wanted to go get something to eat, and couldn't since faithful son was holding my place in line, and getting hassled by the nerd-droid jerk-wad ahead of him.. So I did the loving Mother thing, and missed HE reading Palladin of the Lost Hour so my son could go, and "killed time" in line. I did get some satisfaction out of hassling back "Dick Head".. Hope he chokes to death on the snot rolling back down from that highly upturned nose.. And had fun talking to Julius Schwartz, Susan Ellison, Shawn the Volunteer, and Bart behind me in line. Learned that not many females collect comics as kids (which is the only time I did). Bart behind me had a typewritten manuscript he had picked up at a used bookstore, which he was afraid was a fake, that turned out to *be* an origonal Harlan had written in a store window in CA.. None of us could figure out how it had wound up in a used bookstore in Mich. But I figured that made up for "Bark" on the litho.. When HE came back from the panel, he seemed tired - and I got the impression that HE would've much rather gone home for a nap.. He was lively, as ever, in conversation - and we had an amusing altercation. I was taking pictures, and wanted to get a full face shot, so I was squatting in front of the table with my camera.. Through the lens, I saw HE shove a stack of books back to Jerkula, and thought it was my turn - so without lowering the camera, I reached up to the table and pushed my programs toward him, and started to tell HE who to make them out to.. He erupted in a rant about "fans" who only care about getting "their" stuff in single-minded rudeness.. I took the camera from in front of my face and stood up - to see Jerkenstien pushing yet another stack of books forward to be signed, smug look of satisfaction that I was 'getting mine'.. Told HE "Hey, sorry - natural mistake - I thought the stacks of books on the table were YOURS, and for sale.." HE snickered, and then continued the rant about abusive "fans" who want something for nothing.. And Snotwipe didn't catch the change.. Then, the entire library signed, blown dry, inserted in plastic, and packed away - it was my turn. Guess HE was relieved I only wanted *2*.. He took his time signing - in fact, took time out to "pose" for the pictures. I hope they turn out. I was laughing so hard, they're probably all too fuzzy to see.. I told him I was sending them to Rick, and could he try to look "Worldly Wise and Witty" (pose/pose/pose - all exagerated and hillarious), and from there it was a hoot - I'd say a descrpitive word (Intelligent, now sexy, etc.), he'd pose, and we'd all fall out laughing. I finally ran out of film, and when He asked what's next, I told him it was time for the Tush Shot... Loads of fun. And to all who thought they Knew - HE didn't remember me at all from the Chicago signing a year ago.. Like I thought.. And *I* win.. For a more personal, and quote laden HE tale, I'd really recommend you read Tony Isabella's account on alt.fan.harlan-ellison.. Well, whadda expect! I'm not exactly Big Time, here.. And I don't exactly Know the man.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Hoooo-Boy! Don't ever try to communicate coherently after a "fun"