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The Ellison Bulletin Board

Comments Archive - 12/26/97 to 05/05/98

Gad!! I blunder before witnesses! Ah, well - quelle frommage. That's not "/ew.htm," it's /wonder.htm -- proceed at your peril. Doc

Gad!! I blunder before witnesses! Ah, well - quelle frommage. That's not "/ew.htm," it's /wonder.htm -- proceed at your peril. Doc

**RICK** Got your e-mails, and it's mostly terrific work. I'll take up the (extremely) minor gripes in private, later. The one Ellison necessary addition that he asked me to mention is the original title of "World of the Myth," which I wrote down and promptly forgot; you might call and ask about that. **NICOLE** for a nifty look at Yiddish, I refer you to Leo Rosten's THE JOYS OF YIDDISH. Furthermore, cop a copy of APPROACHING OBLIVION - it contains "I'm Looking For Kadak" complete with glossary, possibly orderable from HERC. As for meeting HE, be polite and, if you call, have something to say/ask. Nuttin' to it. **BARNEY** I am _not_ savage or vindictive; unfortunately, I can't really grouse about the rest of it,... **DTS** "Dwarf?!?" Why you, I'll moider ya, I'll mobilize ya! I'll give you a *this!* And a *that!* Any time, Stretch! (And who would dare accuse you of being defensive?) **ALL** It has come to my attention that three of my reviews have made it to this fair realm - thanks, Rick! - and can be found at .../reviews/memos.htm, .../nomouth.htm, and .../ew.htm. Couple minor things in translation to HTML, but mostly intact. And Sue's is at .../beast.htm So enjoy - if you can. Rick, the maddness is on me again -- anyone signed up for LOVE AIN'T NOTHING...? Cheers, Doc

Man, I am out of it! That can happen when all you do is hang out with jazz musicians. Glad to see things are hoppin' here--that means y'all are alive and while there's life.... Big hug to all the regulars, 'specially Sue. Speaking of Sue, can somebody direct me to where her review is posted? See, I told you I was out of it. All best to all and sundry!

I'm just wondering, did anyone get a transcript of HE's appearance on Sci-Fi Buzz? Or can at least tell me the gist of what was said? If someone did, could you please E-Mail it to me? Had to work that night and missed it. Bugs me a bit, that.

2 (Two) the number...... Rick, we [I mean I] NEED spellchecker for "your comments". Please consider this request before the thought police take away all my IQ pointzz yurs tchruly....

Sue - "TongueFu" Bwahahahahahaha! I can see it now. Golden Harvest and Vivid Video present Jackie Chan, Chaisey Laine and Christy Canyon in "Tongue Fu Tong Wars" with dialog like "My tongueFu is much better than your tongueFu. - "Oh yeah - you slept with my brother! I will avenge his genital herpes! Hhwahh! slurp. Sort of adds a new dimension to bad lipsynching. ;-) OK, I'll stop now. DTS) No need to be defensive. Your pretty much preaching to the converted on all counts. I think most of us engage in that kind of lit.crit. all the time-ie. "here, if you liked that then you'll probably like this. Only sadists would recommend someone else duplicate an ugly reading experience. For the most part bad stuff sinks without help and is replaced by a new batch of awful stuff bubbling to the surface. Even "Princess Daisy" will someday go out of print. After all, "Airport" did. But Jim Thompson and Peter DeVries and Shirley Jackson and Will Cuppy keep coming back in snazzier editions. Do you realize I have 6 copies of "Postman Always Rings Twice" and I can't get rid of any of them because they all have kewl covers. Arrgghh. To answer another point you raised - I think Speculative Fiction has only had to great reviewers. James Blish publishing as William Atheling Jr. and Algis Budrys. Both of these men could take a book and in reviewing the book [good or bad] teach you something about writing and the creative process. Harlan has taken many lessons from these two and employed them in his own reviews and would acknowledge the debt in a heartbeat. I think Ted Sturgeon could have done the same thing but would rather spit then saysomething bad about anyone or anything. I would also say the crit. and essays of Joanna Russ and Ursula K. Le Guin were on about the same level but in Ms. Russ's case that fine mind of hers is tuned to some very specific issues. Budrys/Blish were generally looking at broader aspects of the craft. Disch and Delaney are so much smarter than I am that I'm not even going to think about where they fit into the cosmology. Disch may just be eccentric/smart but Delaney is like laser beam in the fog smart. It's scary. So to wrap up - those are who I've read and scrutinized. There's also "New Maps of Hell" by Kingsly Amis and "Billion/Trillion Year Spree" by Aldiss but those are really surveys.....Anyway, bottom line, only reason to trash a crappy book is to teach the reader good writing from bad or to somehow velvet glove the punch enough as to encourage that writer to do better next time. And rather than end on a serious note - yes Susan your overqualified for WWF type conflicts but I bet your husband would like to see you in the scary costume anyways ;-) Doctor X / master of the figure four leg-lock signing off

Sue, since you constantly recieve book-type payola from Doc, I have to assume that you are part of a vast, dwarf-type conspiracy and therefore refuse to comment on anything you say about me (by the way -- I know you've been editing my posts here in Webderland). (Wow! Don't I sound like a belt-way type person today?). Out here, DTS

*BARNEY*: -Insert huge laughter- so I am still overdisqualified for convention bloodsports?? hee hee.. Thanks for the Very Complimentary words re:the review.. But it wasn't necessary - I know your sense of humor, and how your brain works (got an "A" in Dannelke 101 "Making the Twisted Straight").. I also read your prior post regarding the same - so no offense was taken.. Sooooo, you're going to be in Atlanta Thurs-Sun? And you're looking for a little extra-conventional adventuring in Atlanta? Hhmmm.. Was that meant to 'tempt'? It worked.. ;-).. *DTS*: You sound a little.. ummm... defensive... *ALL* I, too, ventured into the Dominion of the Skiffy Channel - and like Barney, lament the demise of Sci-Fi Buzz (well, the HE commentary, really). Replaced by an Entertainment show.. GACK! Not that jiggling young females lacks appeal to middle-aged women like myself.. *groan*.. Also checked the B-Board there. It would seem the change is catering to the "target" audience.. Sighhhh... It's sad to see so many people putting on the mantle of "Independent" and "Rebel" - while demanding the literature be watered down to "mainstream" standards... As it ever was, I guess. I think I'll go hone my Tongue-Fu.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Barney: at the risk of sounding self-defensive(which I'm not, cause I enjoy having the occassional thorn in my side -- just ask Doc), have you ever considered the possibility of a third kind of reviewer (critic)? When I took on a regular gig of reviewing for several papers, I decided that I was going to try and review ONLY books that I thought were worthwhile (although, since this involves little or no criticism, I guess the term critic probably wouldn't apply). In an article about this, I wrote, "Since the number of readers in America is still shamefully small, why not use the allotted space to inform readers about good books that are worth their time and money? Not just books of academic worth, but entertaining works of fiction as well! Still, when I agree to review a book and it turns out to be a poor piece of writing, it is important to write an honest review. Valid criticism of a book which fails to meet its goals is not a bad thing. As Dr. Isaac Asimov put it, 'An unsatisfactory book...requires a detailed review to explain why it seems to have gone wrong and where and how.'" At least five of my editors at various newspapers agree (to some extent) with this outlook (and the fact that they are allotted less space each year probably has a lot to do with it). But since a lot of bad fiction is written each year, and since I get to pick and choose 99 percent of what I review, I figure I might as well review something I like -- and, with any luck, pass on my unmitigated joy to a potential reader. I like to think of it as one reader turning on a few hundred others to a good book (I doubt I can claim thousands -- even with venues like the "Dalls Morning News"). The way one friend would recommend a good book to another. It's a form of criticism in that the bad books (even those that hit the bestseller lists) are not mentioned or talked about. Anyway, just some thoughts about reviewing before you actually wander down that path. Out here, DTS.

Nicole/ kvetch is to complain, whine , or bitch about something. ie. "Stop kvetching, I'll take the recycling container out when I feel like it." The word sort of has subtle overtones of you-just-know-this -will-go-unheeded. The tape version of Harlan's wonderful story "I'm Looking For Kadak" used to come with a mini-dictionary of Yiddish terms called Ellison's Guide To the Goyim or something near to that title. I can't remember if it was re-printed. I know it wasn't in "Wandering Stars" but without coffee with half&half at my disposal I lack the strength to go upstairs and pursue this question with vigor. So, since I'm going to be at Dragon*Con Thursday thru Sunday any natives got suggestions about what may outside the confines of the hotel and dealer room?

Barney: Thanks for the reply re: Islands. Maybe HE can speak to this one day, hmmmm. Speaking of reviews, the latest F&SF has a review of...Slippage. Very positive at that. Further, the magazine teases a HE article next issue. I'm still waiting on the one promised in Collector Glass News!

Thanks all. I'll be sure to check that out. Barney: could you translate "kvetch" for me? Why are there no Yiddish dictionaries out there? :) I've heard that word from Harlan and you, and I'm really confused.

Nicole - The link to the Dragon Con website [or, just do a search for Dragon*Con and you'll get the homepage as the first hit] will give you enough info. to run through a cartridge printing the stuff out. Hotel rates/convention program tracks/attendees/the whole 9 yards. Sue - You may not believe this but i wasn't thinking about the resident reviews when I wrote that. I was ruminating about the two flavors that Harlan's reviews have historically come in. Namely, the academic flavor of Slusser's piece "Unrepentant Harlequin" [well thought out but a little bloodless for my tastes] and the sort of sideline sniping and kvetching that fanboys and E.O.E alumnii have occasionally produced. There are exceptions and I have a box full of them but these trends have been the norm, at least until recently. Present company and the Langerhans material were not at the front of my brain when I last posted. However though your review was well reasoned, thoughtful, and took into account the the context in which the stories were originally written, it cannot be disputed that you are savage and have a death wish. ;-) *DOC* I am looking forward to your reviews. I couldn't unscramble the ones you e-mailed me. I'm sure the fault was mine and have backups which I was going to send to a friend of mine who is a techno wonk at the VA if all else failed. I see this will not be neccassary. Nuthin but luv folks............

*BARNEY* Reviews are "best left to academic experts and savage vindictive twisted hermits with a death wish.."??? I must be the latter, and Rick is half the former - since that is all that is posted. Odd thing about that comment, it's sorta like you meant it as a compliment... ;-)... *NICOLE* Rick posted a link to the DragonCon in the "News" section. *ALL* It's beginning to sound mouth-watering tempting, this DragonCon thingus.. Hhhhmmm.. ..

I know other people have probably asked this, and I just missed it, but can I have some more info on this DragonCon (that is what it's called, right?) thing? There's probably not much anyone can tell me at this point, but I'll take whatever I can get.

Charlie / re :"Islands" - doubt that it's a bootleg. No profit in bootlegging midlist spec. fiction. Easier to print twenties. Another scenario is that this was fallout from some pissing contest between Harlan and Pyramid/Jove HBJ. "Islands" would have been released around the same time as the uniform series of Ellison that Pyramid released in the mid-seventies with the Dillon covers. There were originally to be other titles in that series but problems developed and those titles were not delivered. At this point Ellison may have declined to help promote a Pyramid/Jove title with the use of his name and intro. or they in turn may have declined to continue the series using his name as a screw you of some sort. In either event Marta may have been caught in the middle. If all of this sounds petty or stupid - stick around. Publishing is full of this sort of stuff. RICK - I wouldn't characterize Bill Hicks as psychotic. His routine regarding handguns and soccer fans is pretty much the antithesis of psychosis [say that fast!]. I recommend him because I see him and Harlan as kindred spirits. Regarding reviews- what's left? I say this with a GREAT deal of trepidation as I feel criticism is best left to academic experts and savage vindictive twisted hermits with a death wish and the last time I looked I was in no danger of becoming either. I could do "Sex Gang". I'm qualified in that I own one! Of course then I would have to read it instead of treating it like a woodpulp fetish and I'm not sure even I am up to the task. Did somebody snag "Love Aint Nothing"? Howzabout "Strange Wine"? Could I do "Ensvmaark" in Swedish? Enquiring minds want to know......

Understood, Rick. No, then it's not an emergency. Just felt it best to check before I go off and do something stupid. I know that it must be a lot of work for you, faxing stuff and all, so I wanted to know what I should and shouldn't put you through :) Anyway, thanks for setting me straight. I'll take your advice about the HERC then. You've been real helpful to me, thanks.

All you guys with free time to surf Bill Hicks sites (the guy was basically Lenny Bruce in need of some SERIOUS anti-psychotics) should start working on an Ellison book review for me! I've got FIVE reviews in the pipes now and hopefully more coming, but there is a LOT of work to be done. E-mail me if you're interested. On the emergency contact question - basically an emergency is a true 911 need to contact Ellison (urgency on your part does NOT constitute an emergency on HIS part) OR an opportunity for HE involving PAYING work. For anything else use the old Postal Service to his agent or the HERC. ................. Also, DragonCon is a skiffy/fantasy convention with the standard comic book and gaming crap tacked on, you can get the link from the BRAND NEW appearances page I just put up last night. I'll do the steel cage match but I should warn everyone that I know kung fu!!!

BARNEY/DOC/RICK- Thanks for the reply re:Islands. Barney, my copy is the Pyramid edition, as the other books in the HEDS. The other books are listed 1-4. Islands has no number. However, in the Edgework books, Islands is listed as part of the HEDS. However, Islands is not listed in my Borderlands copy of No Doors No Windows. My feeling is HE may have edited the book, but it's not part of the HEDS, unless my copy of Islands is a bootleg?

Like the Village I can't seem to stay away from this place lately. For those of you who get stuck in a web rut and keep going to the same places - I am VERY guilty of this - Here are a couple of places I've enjoyed recently. Fear-and-loathing.com is up and running to promote the new movie and is worth a stop if for no other reason then to link to the other Hunter S. Thompson sites. Gilliam and Hunter S. Thompson. Can't wait. Also, check out the various Bill Hicks web sites and pages. Not for the delicate. If Jesus had done drugs, worked as a stand-up comedian and died of pancreatic cancer before they could crucify him you'd have Bill Hicks. Your mileage may vary but I love the stuff. Later... Barney

Hey Sue! - Great job on the "Beast" review. I admire the tenacity it took to give all the stories a fair shake and not just play the favorites. In a few cases that may be the only review those stories ever get. By all means your overqualified for convention bloodsports - unless DTS hits you over the head a few times with an arena seat to warm up. On the other hand attending a convention having already had your bell rung a few times is probably the way to go. It's mostly skiffy. I've seen the advert for whatever it is that's replacing SciFi Buzz. It's SciFi Buzz with Cleavage, no wait, um, breasts, um boobies? Non-mammary challenged? Whatever. I'm so glad this field is maturing......Looks like it's feeding time for my row of cages-gotta go.... Barney

Huh?? Barney?? ..hee hee.. You mean I can't form a tag-team with Ellison?? I thought I could "spell" him (so the Fun could continue while he did the Susan-supervised, and enforced, "rest" thing..). *giggle* Does this mean I have to referee?? Have I'm disoverqualfied?? Geez - It does sound like fun, too.. Nice ride to Atlanta.. See some old friends, and literally see some old friends for the first time.. Dang! And me with "limited funds".. Well, I'll keep my eye on how things develope on Dear Old Webderland, and if it starts looking too good to miss, I'll just have to finagle a way.. *DOC* SO Good to hear from you. I'm waiting for the Snail-Mail Dude In Blue to stagger to the door, bent over double by the weight of your incoming missive... ;-)... *DTS* Hey guy! Thanks for the kinds words re: the review.. Makes me feel better about all the stains on the keyboard from me sweating blood as I wrote it.. *NICOLE* Welcome to Webderland. Don't worry, if you keep hanging about here, by the time DragonCon rolls around you'll have PLENTY of attitude, and no problems. *ALL* Life is starting to settle back into familiar territory. Still catching up on all the reading.. and writing (as in e-mails). YIKES! I forgot How Many folks keep in touch via Cyberspace! Just finishing off up-dating the Old Folks Home Page.. One of these days I'll even scout the page on this site with HE appearances on it, to see if he's coming back to the local ComicCon.. Hate the ComicCon - but wouldn't mind another round of HE anecdotes to spread around.. Last time, it took me foreeeeeever to figure out all those tables loaded with people, coffee cups, and goodies were for some CARD GAME, and *not* the restaurant area... siggghhhhh... Is DragonCon a skiffy or comic thing?? (The answer will directly affect my interest in attending.)

Barney, regarding the rumble in Atlanta -- I wanna be paired off against the dwarf that calls himself "Doc." (Ha!) (couldn't resist). Out (good-naturedly, of course) here, DTS.

Thanks all. I'll try and watch the worship-thing (and I do NOT like thinking about Susan, a very sharp knife, and my throat) Thank you for all your help. Well, since I'm not going to be doing anything this summer, since the writing camp filled up, I guess I'll have to try for a trip to LA, since he probably won't be in the Indianapolis area anytime soon. This is just sort of getting to me, you know? And I'll lay off the foot-kissing ;) but I WILL be so grateful to even talk to the guy that I will do anything you want. And Rick, if you could set that up, set anything up ('cause I know you two are friends and you can do this) you will have made me so happy. Really. (BTW Rick, as for what you said about e-mailing him on the "Harlan Ellison Contact Info bit, what constitutes an emergency exactly? I mean, I'm not dying, but this IS getting to me a bit. Just e-mail me direct on this one, if you get the chance. The last thing I want to do is have anybody angry at me.)

Hey Rick!! The place is looking real spiffy lately. Good job. I think if all of us get together in Atlanta it should be in a pit or a steel cage with weapons chosen by commitee. And, of course Sue will need some handicapping. Barney [Deathmatch] Dannelke PS. "Rumble" indeed

On ISLANDS - I listed the information on my booklist damn near the same way it came to me from Susan Ellison. Therefore, it's edited by HE from the horse's mouth, although I can't answer as to whether it was officially part of the Discovery series. On MEETING ELLISON - I'd go with the avoiding hero-worship thingie, and will confirm that Ellison does not handle praise or flattery well in public. You would also be best advised to try to hook up with him sometime he is not "on display". I'll be at DragonCon as well (hell, I live in Atlanta), if there is enough interest perhaps we can arrange a meeting between HE and his Webderland admirers....

Charlie/Doc - Thanks for putting the ball in my court Doc! Here is what I know, and it's not much. Neither the Leslie Kay Swigart bibliography [>1983.] or the preliminary T. Ricmond bibliography make mention of it as being part of the Discovery series ie. #1 Stormtrack by James Sutherland #2 Autumn Angels by Arthur Byron Cover #3 The Light At the End of the Universe by Terry Carr #4 Involution Ocean by Bruce Sterling You mentioned the book has no copy indicating it as part of the series. This would make sense in that the copyright has it coming between volumes 2-3 of the Discovery series making it volume 2.5 instead of volume 5. Is it a Pyramid/Jove pb? Does anybody know if there was a SFBC edition? I don't have this and is on my list of to be acquired at some point.... To address your other question - if Harlan listed it in any of his books then I have to assume that he edited it in some way. Anybody here know Marta or have an SFWA address book? This may have been a product of Clarion or a Dangerous Vision project that expanded. The timing is about right for either scenario. Working in a vacuum..... Barney

Nicole - First, when you do meet him I'd back off of the hero-worship approach. While Harlan is not what I or anybody else would call modest, a display of unmitigated adoration will probably get in the way of the two of you simply enjoying each others company. That and Susan may smite you! :-) As for meeting him - he was just in the mid-west. Your next big chance would be Dragon*Con [check out the website for details] this late summer/early fall. I got round trip airfare for about $130.00 and your a straight shot down so may even do better. Not ideal circumstances but much lower pressure than getting brow beaten by a master over composition skills. No feet kissing please, Barney

Charles - The new release date for Edgeworks Volume 5 is, indeed July according to Amazon.com , WhiteWolf and B&N. Nobody has specified which week yet. I'm sure this is rather last minute as the Glass Teat interview thingee in the B&N in house flyer was probably supposed to coincide with the release. The delay could be for any number of reasons. Remember he has promised not only the new intro. but also the continuation of the Volume 4. A comprehensive index would be a nice touch. Although for an indexed version, both Teats are available from Glenn Hauman at bibliobytes and may be downloaded for a small fee. [plug!] This will be one of the largest volumes and Harlan could certainly find enough things to footnote/update in them if he wanted to. What this will do to the bi-annual schedule nobody is currently saying.

Thanks Doc. The way you describe him, he sounds a lot like ::shudder:: me. Well, it's called Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop, and it's in New Hampshire. It's for young writers. I got it through Rick Wyatt's Ellison Links; there's the full web address there. You have to submit an application and 15 page writing sample, both of which were due Apr. 15. It's for young writers only; I qualify at 2 days of 18, so not that young. Anyway, I just found out today that I'm not going. Class of 20 filled up too fast, so I'm writing this from the pit of depression here. (I'm on a waiting list tho: yeah, right..) Anyway, now that two-month hopes of actually meeting Harlan are smashed, if anyone can figure out a way I can actually meet the guy, talk to him, or something without taking a long cross-country trip to LA, please tell me, and I swear by the Goddess I will bow down and kiss your feet. (My friends will probably do the same. It was all I could talk about for weeks.) I want to meet him so bad it's driving me crazy!!! One of those things I really want to accomplish. I dunno. I just admire him so much, but I'm too scared to actually write him, and as for e-mailing Wyatt to do it, well, I read what he said underneath his address, and ::cringes just thinking about it:: Anyway, thanks again. Like I said, any suggestions for me would be wonderful. As for the exact address, I'll try and look it up for you if you just want it from me.

Does anyone have up-to-date info on the publishing schedule of _Edgeworks Vol.5_. The local Barnes & (Ig)Noble left a message on my machine saying that _Edge V_ was postponed from early May until some time in July. Is that accurate?

CHARLIE: Yes! I remember you asking about that, and I thought to e-mail (yes!) the *redoubtable* Barney D., because he is the Man on Ellison in print and private. Truly a mine of information (as opposed to a *mime* of information -- hard to get anything out of them, even when you threaten to pack them in an invisible box). If he can't tell you, he can probably direct you to the proper authorities. NICOLE: what's this about a writers' camp? I've heard of writers *cramp* and writers' *block*...seriously, I'd like to hear more, so please e-mail me! As far as meeting Harlan Ellison, be polite, be real, and don't take him too personally -- he has kind of a habit of "playfully" needling people, but mostly he's just joshin'. One of the few things he is *entirely* serious about, however, is writing and the craft thereof. If he's going to critique any of your work, listen closely and carefully, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification or to defend something you feel strongly about. It's all about doing it better, right? SUE: Wheee! You've arrived! Speaking of arrivals, the Great Snail should be delivering a missive soon. RICK: Thanks for your patience through all the nagging and kvetching. WooHoo to you, too. And let's all remember to be especially kind to our postal workers, eh? Moochas Smooches, Doc

Hello, I've asked this question on the board a couple weeks ago but never received a response and question is now buried. Anyway, I'll ask again and see if anyone knows the answer. Is Marta Randall's book, "Islands", part of the HE discovery series. I know it's listed in some of HE's books, but it's not listed in some other books of his. Further, my copy of Islands does not contain a HE introduction as the other books in the HEDS. Also, there is nothing in my copy of Islands to indicate that HE has anything to do with the book at all. Just wondering what you guys/gals know in this regard. Thanks. Charlie

Just a sort of rant about HE here. I personally think he is the greatest author I have ever read. In fact, I've even reccomended his books to my friends. His book "Angry Candy" was the first book to ever make me cry. I cried during the intro, while reading all the stories, everything. Now, someone who can write something that moves me that much emotionally is just plain amazing. In fact, I wish my writing was that good, but I know it probably won't be. Ellison is my personal hero. I respect him both for his work and as a person. (And a special mention to Rick Wyatt for all the cool stuff on HE's web page. It is very awsome. Credit where it's due after all.) I've never met him, but he's supposed to be the author-in-residence at the Odyssey writing camp that I applied to (and haven't heard back from yet ::sigh::). I hope I get in. I've been looking forward to meeting him for two months now, and I'm so on edge that I can barely sleep anymore. On edge, but terrified to death. Can't help it. Anyone who's ever met him, could you tell me sort of what to expect? I'm so scared of looking like an idiot in front of him. Besides, it might help me relax a bit. I respect the guy so much that I'm paranoid about doing something that might annoy / anger him. I swear, I would do just about anything to meet him. At the risk of sounding like some insane, crazed fan, I completely idolize the guy. (Ignore the bad spelling: my hands are shaking just typing this) Just my little speech. Take it as you will.

Sue: read your review -- impressive! A lot of (obviously) well-thought out detail (no wonder it took you so long). Perhaps you've stumbled onto a second career as a book critic. Looking forward to more. Out here, DTS.

Doc: Thanks to the convergence of a second phone line, a computer desk, and a free Sunday evening, I got Sue's BEAST review up at http://harlanellison.com/review/beast.htm. I've done formatting work on your reviews, I have to do editing, FrontPage review, and spellcheck and then they will be up as well. Woohoo!

P.S. Not to nag anyone about it, but, um, any idea when the reviews are going to be posted?

BARNEY - I'll be contacting you via The Great Snail, soon. I had a chance to visit with HE if you'd like to hear about it. DTS - what's to figure out? Except that there are people who don't realize that they sound like they're talking down to people and don't cop to it when it's pointed out? EVERYBODY - life is way weird, but I do check in when I can. In the words of that little old man over John Cleese's shoulder in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "I'm not dead yet -- I don't want to go on the cart!" Thanks for all the well-wishes, and right back atcha. You've neither seen nor hesrd the last of me. Cheers, Doc

Whoa!! Go off-line for a week or so - and *everyone* posts, and has fun... HIYA Barney! WolfMistress! DTS! Wow.. and HE topical posts, too.. Go figure.. Kinda late for me to tag in on the HE prolific/irresponsible topic, but when did that ever stop me. *grin* Gotta agree with Barney - HE is _PROLIFIC_, and overcommits himself as well. *shrug* As far as I'm concerned, HE's output already outpaces my pocketbook, so it's just that much less for me to yell "DARN" about.. Good to see WM and DTS sparring again. And a *HUG* to all. :-) I'll be in touch.

I am a graduating English MA candidate at Virginia Tech. For my final project, I wrote a paper on the three different versions (short story, comic adaptation, and computer game) of Harlan Ellison's "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream". Feell free to check it out at: http://athena.english.vt.edu/~hall/ISWeb/code/he-is.htm I optimized the hypertext to work best with 1) Netscape Navigator Gold, 2) Netscape Communicator, and 3) Internet Explorer (actually, it will work better with Netscape Nav 2.0 better than IE 4.0). I recommend that you stick with some version of Netscape if possible. I know that basically I'm using some images without the owners' permissions, but this site is only going to be up for about 5 days or so. My department wanted to give the faculty access to it in the easiest fashion. Some of it tends to be academic, so be prepared. Your questions, comments, concerns, and complaints are welcome.

DTS/ I'm working on a biography. I have a friend who is putting together a bibliographical checklist and I help him gather citations for it when I can or when my work overlaps with his. I also use the Swigart bibliography and update but the latest version of that [that I know of] came out in the early 1980's. There are other lists and my own [redoudtable] collection. I intend for it to be published by a real publisher - not self published. I have no intention of publishing anytime soon. There is a biography coming out later this year [November see Amazon.com] and if it's the same one I spoke to Harlan about then it is about 150,000 words and Harlan is still fact checking it when he can bring himself to it. Ask yourself, would you want to? I believe that will be a University press type book. Other than natural curiosity I have no feelings either way about it. Whatever I end up with, it's going to be quite a bit longer than that. Right now I'm just doing background research and trying to talk to whoever is around. If there is anybody who lurks on this list and they have any tapes they made of lectures by Harlan etc. I would very much like to borrow and transcribe them. Remember that audio and video tapes degrade much faster than words on paper.Also, if you have dinner conversation anecdotes - FOE testimonials - whatever - feel free to drop me a line. So at any rate DTS, thanks for the assist and if you feel like it, get in touch. Anybody have the Silver Surfer cartoon "Antibody" on VHS? Howzabout Cleveland Science Fiction Bulletins? Old Rogue magazines? Algis Budrys home phone? you see how it is..... Barney [preserving the past so that it may be ignored in the future.....

Barney: I've seen mentions of your gathering background information and such about Ellison, his life, and writing. Tell me: are you working on a biography, or bibliography, or something? If so, will it be published with a national company or self-published? And if there are other gaps in your bibliographical info on Ellison, and you'd like to see if anyone can fill in the those gaps, let me know and I'll contact you (as I did WM) via email and offer what help I can. Out here, DTS.

WolfMistress: I'm glad you take these occassional but spirited outbursts in the friendly manner intended. And (though I know of at least one other who never figured it out, despite all these asides), I always enjoy debating with the folks on this site, and never intentionally set out to insult anyone. And, of course, I'll defend to the death your right to consider me wrong-headed (even though we know I'm right). I'll watch for your email reply. Do take care of yourself (you sound a little like the "Bionic Woman"). As always, it's been a pleasure going round and round with you. -- Kind Regards, DTS.

"redoubtable" arousing fear or awe. formidable. worthy of respect or honor. Damn, Doc. That's the nicest thing anybody not trying to sleep with or get money out of me may have ever said about me. Happy Trails, whever you are right now. Regarding the present exchange. First, let me say thanks to DTS for posting the Dream Corridor bibliographical info. Saves me having to do it to add it to my bibliography work sheet. I'm only up to the middle 1980's with anything like consistency. Regarding the question of responsibilities I'm currently on DTS's side of the fence, if there is a fence at all. Hugs all around guys. Now, I have had my moments of frustration with the progress of some of Harlan's projects. I'm not pathological about it like Greg Feely over on Genie but I've had my moments. Nevertheless, in the last two years my attitude about this has changed. Here's why. I've been working on a chronology of Harlan's life. Part of this process involves backward engineering a number of bibliographical sources and whatever else I can lay my hands on. It has been an eye opener. In 1957 Harlan published 92 stories and articles. That does not include book reviews/record reviews or letters. That's getting published almost twice a week. Do we really expect a 64 year old man to keep up that pace? I don't. Hell, many of us can barely afford the pace of the reprints of what presently exists. Secondly, the pace doesn't slack off as much as you may think. Each of those 70 (yeah, I know there's retrospectives, chapbooks, and foreign reprints in that number, I see your hand over there) books represents a plate in a circus plate spinning act. The more plates, the more maintenance. You could fill up a 40 hour week just tracking copyright expiration schedules on that much material. Each TV app. sucks up a day or two. Each convention and writer conference sucks up a week or more. Signings are a day [and probably a recovery day]. Feel rested after a convention? I don't and I'm 38. I cannot imagine what that'll feel like 27 years from now. Each year in my 1950's notebook is 4-5 pages. 1957-59 are 7 pages each. You'd think the 1990's would be 2 pages a year at that rate but it's more like 3 pages a year. That's hardly a sign of indolence. Another way to look at it is my handy dandy home improvement metaphor. Think of each story and essay as re-painting and furnishing a room. Each book is an extension on your home. Painted 6-10 rooms a year of your own home lately? How many floors have you added to your house? What would we have him give up? Anybody who likes focus and monomania is bound to be frustrated by Harlan. Cut him some slack and let him blame it on infarctions or sunspots or both. My notebooks tell me he's not only dancing as fast as he can but damn near as fast as he ever did. Goodnight.

DTS -- Ah, yes, just checking. You did explain about the email address a couple years ago. Just a friendly leg-pull. I can sympathize with your mother; I suffer from Epstein-Barr, plus Lupus, severe degenerative arthritis, and a couple other congenital problems that mean pain off the scale on a 24-7 schedule! Still, I work as a Networking Technical Engineer and do a lot of personal stuff on the side (graphic design, database design, learning Swedish just for the hell of it, gaming, etc.). I am fully aware of what it takes to fulfill one's commitments when not in the best of health. And you went off on me like always (I actually missed you doing that! All in good friendship, I hope ;-} )!! What I meant was HE's commitment to the publishers to produce a quarterly HEDC! Of course, I don't know what his commitment to the publisher is; I just assumed that if you're going to call the thing a "quarterly", it would appear on the stands in the a "quarterly" fashion! I am not one of those who always wants the "next" book before the ink is dry on the last one. Lord knows, HE's output over the years is phenomenal to say the least. I know I couldn't do it with the regularity he does. My point was that if he signed a contract to put out an HEDC issue on a regular, quarterly basis, he was not honoring that contract. I'm not sure how publishing contracts differ from my freelance technical contracts, so I don't know how flexible his production schedule can be. I just think that if you sign your name to a contract that says you will present the material for a publication that will be out every 3 months, and you don't present that material in a timely manner, you are not only violating the terms of the contract, you are being irresponsible. I'm old-fashioned. I was raised by parents who taught me that keeping one's "word" was one of the most valuable charachter traits to have. It makes one dependable, someone you can count on, that if they tell you something, you can stake your life on it. Seems like the whole idea is passe, I guess. I'm not slamming HE's involvement ; I'm speaking from a business-person's point of view. If I sign a contract saying I will deliver a camera-ready print of a finished logo by close of business on May 1, 1998, barring a total meltdown of my computer or an unforeseen hospitalization, I had damn well better deliver it by 5:00pm on the day specified or I can kiss my reputation and my fee goodbye! If these are the conditions of HE's contract, then he is in violation of same and may be liable for damages! Strictly from a business point of view, see? But as I said, I don't know who publishing contracts are construed or the flexibilities written into his. That is what I meant. It's just plain bad business that everyone makes excuses for him about and lets him get away with. IF this is the way it is. ASIDE -- I get tons of email, will check my Juno incoming and get back to you. Thanks for the rousing comments, DTS, as always. I really did miss it! "There's no normal life; there just life; Get on with it" WolfMistress.

WolfMistress: I'll be getting that information to you (via your email address listed below) later tonight. As for my own email address, I really DONT have one (the few times I contact people this way, I use someone elses). On the subject of Ellison's responsibilities and the adbication thereof (just for the sake of argument, which, if you recall, I enjoy): I'm not certain how Ellison has been irresponsible. I mean, when he writes essays about gun control, environmentalism, women's rights, civil rights, etc., and then goes out into the world to join in protests, court actions, and civil disobedience, isn't that a sign of responsibility? And when he turns in completed work to publishers, magazine editors and TV producers (work which is, so far, at a high level of craftsmanship, is that irresponsible? Or is your complaint more of the typical reader's bitch (I'm appropriating WM's term, so don't anybody go off half-cocked)? You know, the one Ellison chronicled so well in his intro to SLIPPAGE. Here's an excerpt: "...there is an aspect of the reader gestalt that is not only troubling, it's terrifying. Not all, but some, of one's readers become obsessive and act as if a writer is denying them their mainline fix if they don't get a new book when they want it. No matter that one has more than sixty other books they can enjoy...they want the NEXT one." If that is the failure of repsonsibility you're referring to, well...I'd have to say you're wrong. The idea that writers owe their readers something is strange one born of the head of fanatics with too much time on their hands (and I'm not talking about you personally, WM -- just so we're clear on that). Ellison puts out at least one book a year (two, now that White Wolf is doing reissues). And some years (take '95 for instance) he churns out a new book and a slew of stories (not to mention a screen or teleplay or two). And there are uncounted essays and book introductions. But not much noise is made about those periods of extra-super productivity. Most of the noise is made about a book or two that didn't get published quick enough. As if the writer has somehow let everyone down. To use Ellison's own words: "The assumption that a new book, not yet published, is already the property of the reader because he or she desires it, is a part of the job they never warned against..."). And, finally, if the irresponsibility you feel Ellison displays is toward his various publishers, well...who knows what the contract stipulates? Maybe there is no limit set. I think most of the people who deal with Ellison (and with any writer in general) know that "deadlines" are flexible. But any complaints in that area should come from the parties involved, not from us folks on the sidelines. Even though our cash helps support the writers, they don't have an obligation to produce for us on demand. And in Ellison's case, he's a sixty-something man who (farily recently) suffered a traumatic event and surgery, and who continues to live with Epsein Barr (or Chronic Fatigue) Syndrome, the effects of which can be like a sledge hammer to one's immune syndrome (I get personal reports from my mom, who also happens to live with it). So. All of that is a long-winded way of saying, I think we oughta give the guy a break. He's typing as fast as he can, and he's admitted (in not a few introductions) to somtimes taking on more work than he should. (hell, if I were him, and I'd just went through all of the stuff he's gone through, and continues to, I'd say to hell with any bitchy readers and spend as much time with my wife as possible). I think Ellison's doing a great (and responsible)job, and I'm always happy to wait a little longer for something that is done well (not quickly). I'll send you that information tonight, WM. Until then, out here -- DTS.

Adam (and others) -- Thanks for the update on HEDC. I suppose it's been said elsewhere or here for that matter, but I feel the need to say it again -- HE has a really nasty streak of irresponsibility that appears to be getting worse as he gets older. He commits to 9 million projects, then when he can't pull them all off on schedule, he gets defensive and starts making all kinds of illogical excuses. He doesn't do it intentionally; somewhere in there he really BELIEVES he can do it all. And when he can't, he does the one thing he despises in others -- refuses to take responsibility for it! Why is it so hard for HE to just say, "Look, I got a little overwhelmed with stuff here and I really will get back to it asap. Sorry for the inconvenience, folks, but sometimes I screw up!" He demands responsibility in everyone around him, but refuses to indulge in it himself. Now it appears "The Heart Attack" is gonna become the fall guy for a lot of missed deadlines and invisible issues of whatever. I hate to say this, but after 30 yeas of listening and/or reading Harlan's preaching to the world at large like some overzealous Southern Baptist preacher, it gets a little tiresome when he expects immunity for doing it himself. End of Bitch Session. DTS -- Interesting information. Contact me at the email address above (since you still refuse to devulge your own after all these years), and I'd be happy to have the info on how the missing issues in my collection can be got! Otherwise, I'm still surviving. Preliminary results of a cat scan reveal the rest of my vertebae are collapsing in a really hideous manner. WIll need surgery sooner than I thought, or want. More fusions and titanium rods & wire. Lovely. If figure if this continues, I will have a skeleton something like the Terminator by the time they're done. And of course, more titanium has to go into the fusion that has come apart where I used to have an ankle joint. Just call me "Metal Mama"! Take it light, folks. I'll leave you with one of the best lines I've ever heard in a movie, from Tombstone when Doc Holliday is dying -- "There's no normal life; there's just life. Get on with it." WolfMistress

WolfMistress: To answer the second part of your question below: Harlan Ellison's Dream Corridor first came out in Jan. 1995, the first edition was HEDC Special ($4.95) with the first half of "Midnight In the Sunken Cathedral," and a foldout page featuring artwork by Jill Bauman. HEDC Isue One came out in March '95 ($2.95)and featured the second half of the forementioned story. It also contained the first of a four-part adaptation (by John Byrne)of "I Have No Mouth and Must Scream." HEDC #2 ($2.95) came out in April '95. HEDC # 3 came out in May '95. And HEDC #4 came out in June '95. It concluded the "I Have No Mouth..." adaptation and began a two-parter of "Catman." HEDC#5 came out in Aug. '95. It was quickly followed by a reissue of the HEDC Special($4.95)with an interview and the entire text of "Midnight In the Sunken..." (which was either partially rewritten, or finally printed correctly since there is a substantial amount of text added to the last part of this version -- as opposed to the second half which appeared in HEDC #2). Then there was a "hiatus," and HEDC Quarterly was launched in August of '96. That series is still on hold (for now). A compilation of The first series (or volume) of HEDC came out as HEDC Volume One($18.95 trade paperback; $69.95 signed/numbered hardcover). That's the entire history of the HEDC series thus far. As to where you can get copies of the original series, if you are interested, post a message and I'll contact you via your email. I know someone who has about eight copies of each, but they are going for $10 a copy (Special) and $8.00 per copy (HEDC 1-5). Out here, DTS.

You folks asking about the Dream Corridor: HE explained the DC hiatus at the Harper appearance. Blamed most of it on the heart attack (which didn't make a lot of sense), suggested the title be renamed "Harlan Ellison's Dream Corridor Whenever He Damn Well Pleases" (or something of the sort) and said that issues 2 and 3 have been completed. He said they WILL be coming out; however, when I saw him about a year ago in Detroit he said the same thing. Who knows. And there... your question has been answered.

Doc's guess about HEDC quarterly #2 (and so on) is probably on the money. The folks at Dark Horse advised that they are waiting for Ellison to complete his part of the next book (framing material,etc.), and that he will get to it when his schedule permits.

WOLFMISTRESS -- the fate of HE's DC seems to be just plain ol' mysterious. There was an industry foofaraw awhile back, during which it was on hiatus, but now? Your guess (and that of Rick, Infoman, and the redoubtable Barney) is probably better than mine. My guess is that Harlan is too bloody busy to give the comic the attention that his involvement requires -- I saw him when I was in LA, first week of February, and he was on THREE deadlines. Plus lectures and assorted whatnot since. I told him he's the only person I know who can go in every direction at once and actually MAKE it. He laughed; I wasn't kidding. EVERYONE: I know you've heard this before, but I keep resurfacing (next, I expect to be portrayed by Glenn Strange). Anyway, fact of the matter is that my Net access is going to be spotty at best. I'll answer any e-mail when and if I can. If you don't hear from me, it ain't 'cause I don't love ya -- my life has just taken that famous/infamous Left Turn At Albuquerque. Please don't talk about me when I'm gone. This is the Doctor, signing out.

Hello, Folks -- I know this is probably reeealy old news, but what has become of Dream Corridor? No longer in production? Still in production, but impossible to find?? So rare that the first issue is now worth $5K?? (Thanks for selling me one, Barney, at a VERY reasonable price a while back! ;-} ). If anyone has a clue as to how many issues were actually distributed and where any may be got for a reasonable amount, please inform this half-loony old bird. Later, people.

Post below should read "no HE introduction" Sorry for the faux pas.

Question: Is Marta Randall's book, "Islands", part of the HE discovery series?? I've seen it listed in some HE books and not in others. Further, I have a copy of Islands and there is nothing in it or on the cover to indicate it is part of the HEDS. There is HE introduction as in the other books of that series. Can anyone shed the proverbial light. Thanks, Charlie

Does anyone know if Harlan will be part of this new show? > Buzzed Off For Entertainment > > The Sci-Fi Channel appears is pulling the plug on Sci-Fi Buzz which > has been banished to lousy time slots for the last year or so. They > will be starting up a new show called "Sci-Fi Entertainment" (the same > name as the SFC magazine) on May 1st hosted by Chase Masterson (Leeta on > Deep Space Nine) and Scott A. Mantz (his credentials are that he was > an accountant for Creation Entertainment for six years making him a > "science fiction insider"). > > Sci-Fi Entertainment will feature a news, reviews and gossip > segment called "The Buzz," a new products and trends segment called > "Living Sci-Fi," a behind-the-scenes segment called "Sci-Fi > Insider," and debates on various SF issues. The show will air at > 6:30 pm ET and midnight ET on Friday nights. > > >From the above description, it looks to be a revamp of Sci-Fi Buzz with > a few ideas pulled from SF Vortex (the debates). You can catch the > final episodes of Sci-Fi Buzz (which has been running since the channel > started) the rest of April at 2pm ET Fridays, Saturdays at 12:30pm and > Sundays at 9:30am. >

LARUE, thanks for the info. There was also a glowing review of Slippage in last month's Asimov's Science Fiction magazine. -- Billy D.

Er . . . I heard something about a movie being made of Maefisto in Onyx. True?

FYI: There have been a number of HE items that have hit the shelf recently which may or may not have been mentioned previously: 1) Jan/Feb 1998 issue of The Bloomsbury Review includes a review of Slippage by Dorman Shindler, 2) the April/May Explorations, Barnes & Noble's sf promo piece contains an interview with HE as well as displaying the cover to Edgeworks 5, 3) April 1998 issue of Sci-Fi Entertainment contains "Struggling for Interior Logic" - HE's say on The X-Files, 4) Ultra Filmfax no. 63-64 re-evaluates "Demon with a Glass Hand" with comments by Harlan (there is also going to be a spring/summer issue with a major HE piece in it I've been told) and for the ultra-collector, there is now an Edith Keller action figure in the latest Star Trek series available at local toy retailers (if you need to ask who that is, then you needn't be bothered).

Hello, People -- I have been having a running battle with ISPs. There were connection problems and email problems, so I have decided to separate the two. I am now using AT&T WorldNet for ISP, but have decided that Juno email is lot more dependable than any other. Besides, AT&Ts address is too long. To Mr. Webb, who way below admitted to being bitchy: you don't know me, and right now at this stage of my life, you don't WANT to know me. I write to communicate to those I consider my friends on this Board, not necessarily always seeking a reply. Thank you for reminding me of amazon.com. I have bought several other books from them in the past and find their service to be exemplary. Mr. SUNG -- I've only lived in Madison for 5 years (this month), but doubt I will ever leave (unless I get a chance to get back to Northern California someday). I don't know what happened to Pat, but Scanner Dan is alive and well up and down the length and breadth of State Street as always. SUE - please write. Glad the Costumery was a smashing success, as was the play I take it. Need to speak with you personally, tho. The fight is becoming a losing battle and my attitude isn't the best in the world. Same with you DOC - when you have time. I'm not surprised HE didn't like Titanic; he makes a point of going against the tides anyway so why should one of the best movies of the 30 or so years be any different? And I'm not going to argue that fact of the movie's greatness with anyone; my grown son and I (by proximity) are both Titanic "buffs", historians, groupies, whatever -- it's a family hobby -- great disasters of the 20th Century; Titanic, the Lusitania, the Hindenburg, the Coconut Grove fire, the Andrea Doria, etc. We've got tons of material on all of them, the most on Titanic. We went to Memphis last summer for the Titanic Exhibition of over 5000 artifacts recovered from the debris field between the 2 sections of the ship. One of the most surreal experiences of my life. And from all that is know from eyewitnesses, survivors, photographs and modern scientific knowledge, except for the love story, Cameron's movie was so close to totally accurate, the difference would be negligible at best. It's 5:45am Saturday morning and I haven't been to sleep yet. Intense pain has that effect on a person. It also makes one bitchy, which I am on the verge of becoming, so I will cease and desist. To all those who celebrate Passover and Easter, Happy Holiday. To those who don't, have a good day anyway.

Right there, below me: He didn't really say what his opinion was which surprised me. I have to believe he saw just so he could say how much he hated it and why it was so ridiculous (which it was) but he was off on another tangent before he could give his opinion

Adam, what was HE's opinion of the Titanic? (side note) I heard DiCpario hated the line King of the World but Cameron made him say it. Seeing Camerons fondness of the line makes me wonder

TO: Them who care I saw Harlan today at Harper College in Palatine; he was sensational. This is the best of the three times that I've seen him. Highlights included: HE's opinion on James Cameron, HE's first day of kindergarten and he ranting about the fact that the Harper newspaper called him a Sci-Fi author just to piss him off. I'm too tired now to remember most of it--later.

Re. the posting below by charlie: the "Hunger" episode was a screenplay version of "Footsteps" from ANGRY CANDY. It is scheduled to run again on the 10th. As charlie said, it wasn't bad, and the special effects were pretty cheesy. Here's hoping that Ellison's "Wanted In Surgery" for the "Outer Limits" doesn't suffer the same fate as "The Face of Helene Bournouw (the earlier Ellison adaptation for "The Hunger")."

Hey, there's a HE interview in that Barnes & Noble magazine that is always in the Science Fiction Section re: E5. There's one question and a long HE response. A cover of E5 is reproduced. Also, did anyone else catch The Hunger series show last Friday on Showtime - they did a Cordwainer Bird (!) story-the one that's in Angry Candy about the woman that likes to eat men after turning into a monster (can't think of the name) Anyway, it wasn't too bad, except for goofy shots of the monster's hand once she transformed.

EDWARD -- I live in SF (if you can call it living; oy, only one's enemies should have such tsooris, nu?), and I'm not familiar with the name. You might try THE GATE, the sorta on-line newspaper clearing house, see if you can track the rascal from there. I don't know of any brouhaha -- but I am not the Oracle. SUE & ADAM -- yeah, I saw the thing about MEFISTO, too. Then, I spoke with HE about something, happened to think of it, and congratulated him on finally getting to do what he should have been heading up all along, and he said, "Huh? Wha...?" Harlan may be listed, but it was news to him. He's probably getting story credit for having written the, um, story. Cheers, Doc

I was just wondering if anyone knows what happened to the website and/or writings of Paul Riddell, SF critic who was mentioned on this site in connection with that "Victims/Enemies of Harlan" brouhaha. His site has disappeared without notice. I realize this is only tenuously related to HE, for which I apologize profusely, but there seems to be some kind of connection between this site and Riddell's so I hope this post isn't completely out of line. By the way, to Wolfmistress: I lived in Madison for several years when I went to the university there. Wonderful, wonderful town, and I miss it very much. I actually subscribe to The Onion! Please tell me resident weirdos Sister Pat and Scanner Dan still shout it out in the State Street courtyard. -- Edward

Sue: A check on the Internet Movie Database shows HE listed as the writer for Mefisto In Onyx, a 1999 film. Whether or not this is correct remains to be seen.

HURRAY! I have reclaimed my "no-life" status! The show was *great* - I even got my Name in the reviews for "Costumes worth the price of the ticket.." And they spelled it correctly.. Now if I could just find that Preparation H for the Sit-N-Sew side-effects.. I am picking up where I left off with the Edgeworks reading (re-reading, in most cases).. Lessee was that II or III?? And *5* is coming out next month?!? YIKES!! Well, keep the lens-cleaner handy, buy lots of spare batteries for the flashlight, cuddle up under the blankie, and dive in.. Somewhere along the line, I recall postings about MEPHISTO scripts, and mucho mayhem - any one have any updates on that? Yes, I know, it's all somewhere on the Web - have pity.. I want to hear *more* than a listing of who is doing what at the moment.. (I *love* the Holy Grail of Gossip).. You haven't seen the last of me yet..

The Guy Below Me--Edgeworks 5 will be released (if all goes well) in mid- to late-May. That's the plan at least. ADIOS

Would anyone happen to know the release date for Edgeworks 5? White Wolf's World Wide Web site (say THAT ten times fast!) gives no indication. Thanks muchly!

My, my. Did I piss in the punchbowl by accident again? Hmm. Anyway, short version here: I was NOT criticizing HE. Just thought of some oh, so nifty ways to jazz his appearances (future, of course) up. That's all. Gotta fly! Working on a new web site. (Drop a line if'n youse want to stop by and say 'hey' there.) Until next time...

Doc: you ain't just whistlin' dixie.

JLW -- Why not? Not as though you'd be the first that it's happened to....Cheers, Doc

These parts being where I reside. Not this board of course. That's probably clear by the context, but why take chances. I'd hate to become reviled and despised just cause of some minor misunderstanding.

What's wrong with bulletin boards. I like bulletin boards. Where else can you meet with such exceptionally discerning readers, individuals of such taste and perceptiveness are hard to find. Truly a rare breed. Certainly aren't many round these parts.

JON -- about that chap waxing wroth about the "slurs" against Arkansas, he was referring to a college lecture of HE's that he had attended, *not* the PI appearance. All square on that? Well, at least one of us is....MAJI -- some pretty bold assertions; and I believe you refer to the Bolsheviks maybe? I might be embarrassing myself with my own spelling, on that one. But really? The Nazis and the Bolsheviks put away more people than were killed in all Christendom? LOTS of people have been killed since Jesus' birth. Start with the Romans, who done for Peter & Paul (what happened to Mary remains unclear; I suspect she left on a jet-plane). Then, of course, there were the Crusades, during which a lot of Christians and other ne'er-do-wells were killed. I hesitate to mention that tired ol' Inquisition (why do I never *expect* that?), but I think you left a few zeroes off of your figure. Please remember that the Inquisitions (yes, plural; Spain wasn't the only party host) went on into the 19th century; that's 500 or 600 years. Then there are the witch hunts to consider, but really those are only chump change, comparatively speaking. I suggest you look into the Children's Crusade. In any event, not everyone is familiar with Unca Harlan and/or his views anent religion, and getting him started about the subject on network television took some brass, no doubt. And I'm not so sure he's as convinced about atheism as he would like to be, either. I think he has more of a grievance with the self-alleged "godly" than he actually has with spiritual pursuits. WOLFMISTRESS!!! -- sorry to hear you're ailing too. I'll e-mail you soon as things are less maniacal here. Losing ground, lights growing dim...is that you Mother?...Maybe I can drift off on a slow boat to China with that Dragonlady....Where is she, anyhow? Must fade -- tomorrow begins at 7 ayem, and it's going to be mostly packing. Cheers, Doc

Wolfmistress-- It continues to amaze me that you can leave repeated messages left unanswered and still post a new message (that again won't be answered) 12 hours or so later. Yeah, I know I'm acting bitchy... it just all seems very puzzling. Anyway, you can buy books online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. I suggest the former because it's the one that I've used and it seems to have the best prices. adios

OK -- Once we understand that there are occasions when I am more loopy than usual, everything becomes perfectly clear: my email address is -- rosebud114@mindspring.COM! Don't ask me why when every ISP I have ever known is at a '.net' address. I work in this field, I should know what's going on. But I haven't been well lately(!), so I can always blame it on prescription drugs...YO, Barney and Jim -- Glad to see you're both still alive and kicking (who you're kicking is your own business, of course). This may be old hat, but is there somewhere online or maybe in the Madison area where I can get the rest of the books. My last purchase was Vol. 2, then I got sick and then 20th Century Comics, where I used to buy all my HE stuff just disappeared one day and is now a new coffeehouse (like Madison needs more coffeehouses)! I see we're up to Vol.5 and I am waaaay behind! Also, is Slippage available or not? Thanks for the help, gang. I'll just lie back now and continue floating......!

TO JLW: Do you attend the Madison campus? I live in Madison. Nice to see others from the area here!

TO JLW: Do you attend the Madison campus? I live in Madison. Nice to see others from the area here!

To anyone who tried to use the TERRACOM email address. They had some sort of server problems that went on for days. Then, I proceeded to have a blowout of my own all over them. So I switched ISPs and there we are. So anyone who sent me an email, please resend to the above address. My permanent email address is rwanderson@usa.net for those who want to be SURE I get it. It's just that sometimes I don't want to get into the Web just for my email. Anyway, I'm back and will try to look in regularly on this little love-fest of ours. Like Sue, I'm glad to see all of us Oldies but Goodies still carrying the flame. Whatta lovely buncha coconuts! See Ya!

I have to disagree with the criticisms of Harlan's PI appearance. He isn't responsible for the topics being discussed. Also, his comments about the bible and religion being responsible for more deaths, blah blah blah, may not have been a breathtaking new insight, but they certainly were valid. You can't expect his every word to be a profound revelation, no matter how brilliant a writer he is.

Transcripts for recent airings of Politically Incorrect can be found at abc.com/pi Choose 'word for word' under 'in the forum' to find out what was really said by Harlan and the others on last Wednesday's show. This should help to clear up some confusion and settle some of the misunderstandings the episode has engendered. But hurry before the transcript is replaced by a more current one.

You, down below, who asked for a line to be dropped, Yes, I've got my tickets for Harlan's Harper appearance and am greatly looking forward to it. In the past, the only time I've seen Harlan is at comic conventions, I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether or not Harlan will have time to sign books or if I just shouldn't bother bringing them. Thanks.

Please insert "said" between "something" and "is" in post below.. *blush* {bad fingers, bad fingers} And, Yes, there is a bit of heavy sarcasm in that post..

*HAIL!* *HAIL!* The Gang's All Here!! - no, wait.. That's Pirates of Penzance, and I'm doing Ruddigore.. *sigh* A BIG ((HUG)) to Barney, Jon, Jim, WolfMistress, Rick, Doc, and Jason... :-) ... Warms the cockles of my heart to hear from you again (not that *I* have been too terribly active here myself of late).. So what's all this brou-ha-ha about HE on PI?? HE offends?? Not that *nice* *clean* old man?!?.. They say "The Truth Hurts" - I say the Truth only hurts Ego and cherished Lies... Sheesh!! Grow up! If you're gonna have a hissy every time something is that doesn't satisfy your ego, you're not gonna have time to do much with your life *except* have hissy's.. Harumphhh.. No, I didn't watch that PI episode (like WM - I pretty much know where HE stands). And No, I'm not from Arkansas (the State of fragile emotional balance and impaired hearing, judging by the representative posting here).. So what?? *BARNEY* HE in Ill.? Details please! Or is this that same Notre Dame thingie? {confusion} *ALL* Moving into the theater today (leaving in 30 min.) and will resume a personal life Monday April 6.. Will be back then. :-) Will *have* to get to know our intriguing new-comers.. Rex, chaser of Huskies hanging about his igloo?? ooooooo! Now THAT is something I *want* to hear about.. ;-) Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

In a world in which Gore Vidal is studiously kept away from the venues of network television for merely asserting that we live under a one party system of government I wouldn't characterize Harlan's appearance on ABC as "toned down". Comparing Hitler's "Mein Kampf" to the Bible on network television is hardly a sign of timidity on Harlan's part. Of course, Faye Anderson blindsided Harlan by bringing up his atheism simply because Harlan mentioned the Bible. This undercuts his credibility with an audience. I'm not saying that it should, simply that it does. Of course, Harlan likes fighting from corners to begin with! My point is that Ms. Anderson did not need to do this to further any arguement. She simply mentioned it to damage Harlan in front of an audience. So, does anybody know what 'Headway' magazine is? .......What I found interesting about the show in retrospect is that, if your just reading the transcrips, Mathew Modine comes across as the most lucid and clear thinking of the bunch. A pleasant suprise in an actor. If anybody is going to be attending Harlan's William Rainy harper College app. in Palatine Ill. on 4/8/98 please drop me a line. Thanks

I was suprised to see a posting by someone regarding a statement made on PI Wednesday evening. This person believes there was a comment made about incest and Arkansans. I took the liberty to find the transcript of the show, and could not find the reference, nor could I remember the comment being made while the show was in progress. I admit, that in my area, the show is broadcast at "midnight" (following the string of commercials)and I can be a bit tired after working all day, and attending a class in the evening. Was the broadcast shown on my TV edited? or was this person looking for an excuse to complain? By the way, I introduced my "perfesser" to the writings of HE, via "Edgeworks, vol. 1, and I haven't been able to get the book BACK!! My teacher really enjoys the writing, and is incredulous (for he is originally an English Major)that he did not know of this author. Well, that's enough surfing for now, hafta catch up on the end of third quarter (I get to teach now!!!)JJCB

Jim: perhaps Ellison seems (and acts) more sedate because of the recent heart bypass. I mean, although he is still capable of still making the wallpaper unravel when he wants to by going into a tirade against whatever moronic action (or actions) some human has taken (and which are being discussed on the show), maybe he just chooses not to anymore for the sake of his health (mental and physical -- after all, no matter how many times our own stupidity is pointed out to us, we humans manage to forget about it the following week). He's more than done his time as a gadfly. His time and energies would be better expended on stories, screen and teleplays, columns and essays -- and, above all, hanging out with his wife and friends.

Although it might not be wise, I am going to add my two cents on Mr. Harlan Ellison and his appearance on POLITICALLY INCORRECT 25 March 1998: Hafta wonder: Does host Mahr (who seems of late to be tiring of this particular gig; wouldn't it be sumpin' if Harlan sat in as host for, oh, a month? And had the likes of Pat Buchannan, Charlton Heston, Pat Robertson, Howard Stern, Don Imus, Newt Gingrich on? Talk about the need for spreading of sawdust to collect the spilled, pooling blood and the hosing down of walls afterwards--whew! I would watch! ) coach HE before hand: Harlan, love, man. This is mostly late night teevee, but behave. This *is* ABC/Disney and no one f***s with the mouse house. Settle down. Chill. I ask because it seems like HE's last two appearances on PI have been *very* restrained and toned down...especially for hisself. And when I slump before the glass teat to watch HE I. WANT. MY. HE. Until next time...

TO CLARIFY: I am NOT the DragonLady, although at first glance she sounds like someone after my own strangeness. I did see HE on PI last night and changed channels before it was over for reasons stated below -- I admire and respect HE's writing and talent to the max, but his arguments are seriously tiresome; he's been saying the exact same things for the last 30 years that I know of (since I was around 17 or so when I discovered him). He really needs to give it a rest. I have printed out all 24 pages of the current goings on. I will read them and reply accordingly. See ya!

I'M BAAAAAAAACK! To all those who remember me (Doc, Jason, Sue, et al),-- thot I had kicked it, didn't you? In that respect, I'm like HE -- VERY hard to be rid of! I am very happy to see you back, Rick! Missed you terribly! Have had major health downers that have resulted in numerous hospitalizations, prospects for at least 3 major operations, and the taking of many wonderful legally-prescribed controlled substances. We have Lupus, severe degenerative arthritis, fibromyalgia (whatever the hell that is!), and moderate dystrophic muscular degeneration going on here. My vertebrae are collapsing, I need a new right hip joint and the foot and bone in my right leg need a refusion. Pain is off the scale all the time, and I don't sleep much anymore. Haven't worked in 6 months, but that's gonna change very soon. Finally broke down and bought a laptop to use sitting up in bed instead of trying to stay upright at my desk for any length of time. NOTE: new email address. USE IT! I need to hear from other insane persons -- I won't feel to alone that way. Someone below mentioned the "Infamous" WolfMistress who was given to inciting all sorts of strange stuff. This is she and I would be happy to incite anything you like. HEY, JASON -- wanna start something just for old time's sake!! ;-) Email me people or I will send the WolfMistress' Legions of the Undead to seek you out. I know who you are and I see what you're doing..........Take care, be kind, and give 'em hell! This means YOU, Doc! ;-)

"In this century alone, in the name of atheism the NAZIs and the Bulsheviks have killed many times more people than were killed in all the centuries of Christendom." As quoted by the person below. The Nazis apparently didn't advocate atheism. In fact, on each soldier's belt buckle the following slogan was emblazened with the Nazi symbol: "Gott mit uns", translation "God with us". Go figure. Killing is wrong, whether done by a Christian, atheist, hindu, vegetarian, or even the State. Period.

I thought HE did a wonderful job on PI last night. I was a little surprised to see Ron Silver attacking HE’s views on the Bible and the violent references contained therein. Any other opinions regarding Ron Silvers’ misguided attacks on HE? Sincerely, S.Randazzo

I have always respected Harlan Ellison for his erudition, although not for his tantrums, until hearing him last night on PI. I can not believe he trotted out the tired old connundrum that goes something like: more people have been killed in the name of religion, etc (you know the rest). In this century alone, in the name of atheism the NAZIs and the Bulsheviks have killed many times more people than were killed in all the centuries of Christendom. As to the over used example of the Spanish Inquisition, I could be wrong, but I believe the total deaths resulting therefrom was 7, a fact so often ignored.

P.S. -- Mr. Willhite, if you look under the above flag, "resources", you'll find the address for the Harlan Ellison Recording Collection. If you write to him care of HERC, you can tell him yourself! Wouldn't that be keen? Include a SASE, or your phone number, and he might even respond!

Hi Gang -- MR. WILLHITE: sorry you took it amiss. It was probably mentioned as the first state below the Mason-Dixon to come to mind. I have been to Arkansas, and had a splendid time in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings among very friendly, sincere, well-spoken people. I have no idea what Harlan's experiences have been like -- no doubt he was actually thinking of Alabama. Being a sorta-Southerner myself (native of Oklahoma, now living in the Granola Bowl [fruits, nuts and flakes]), I get no end of wiseguy remarks about Bubba-ism, rednecks, etc. All I can tell you is you shouldn't take it too personally. There does, unfortunately, seem to be a greater level of Old Guard hatefulness coming out of the southern regions, though I must say that it is far from being confined to that area. Meanwhile, there is no question whether Harlan Ellison is a "writer" -- I can personally assure you that he is one writing son-of-a-bitch; and while you might be justified in attacking his lecture syntax, you should probably leave off about his professionalism -- writing, to him, comes first, before fans, before co-workers, before possibly-over-sensitive Southerners, before even his delightful and beautiful wife, Susan. If you're just upset over his casual kvetch about Arkansas, I'm sure he would understand, sympathize, even apologize (maybe); but if you drag performance of his craft (for which he has won more awards than some people have brain cells) into it,...well, you're asking for trouble. Please accept that he is merely poorly informed on the subject and let it go at that -- and if you expected to go to a Harlan Ellison speaking engagement and come away without being offended by something....why the hell were you there? You should have known better. As for the REST OF THE GANG -- we arrive now at my last week of regular internet access. Input from me will be spotty at best, but my e-mail address will still be active, so don't be too shy to write. And I am fully prepared to cause as much trouble as possible in the next seven days. Cheers, Doc

Has he ever been to Arkansas? It is a quaint, family oriented state. His comment on incest, obviously given to solicit ego supporting laughter, shows me the ignorance of this man. Arkansas is constantly being viewed in a low light. For this reason, it has incentive for improvement. And we are great people. I've been to numerous other states, and the problem with most of them is that they do not know the magnitude of their idiocy. Because of this they do not improve. If you can get in touch with this "writer," please tell him my view.

For those who care, autographed copies of compilation 'Dark Corridor' are being sold by Bud Plant, 800-242-6642. Just got one and it's peachy!

The movie database on the net (us.imdb.com) now lists Harlan Ellison as co-writer (with Gregory Widen) of "Mefisto In Onyx," slated for 1999 -- but more to the point, it also lists him as a cowriter of "terrain vague" 1960, a french film. ANyone ever seen it? Does your local video rental store have it? Ours doesn't (of course, this place is, as Mr. Ellroy so artfully put it, a cultural vacuum). If anyone has any info (sadly, for once, I'm lacking) post a note! Thanks, infoman.

HARLAN WILL BE ON POLITICALLY INCORRECT ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH (i'll stop shouting now!). He'll be on with Ron Silver and 2 other guests, on ABC after Nightline, check local listings for details...

Greetings once again to all! I deeply apologize for my absence but I've been ON VACATION! WHOO-HOO! Wine, women, and the songs of Donna Summer! YES! I wish you all could join me in my revels! We would party as if it were 1999, which very soon it will be! Onward! ... TO YU NO HU: Haven't we met before? It was in East Berlin. 1983. You were standing by a Fiat. I was disguised as a hat. We shimmied, shook and waited in line for toilet paper. I said it was love, but I might've had a cold. You know my name! Look up the number! ... TO SUE: A HOWDY! right back, and I loved my Escort! Except that the heater didn't work, the windscreen wipers weren't in sync, the trunk wouldn't close, and the radio only played the Captain and Tennille! (Love! Love will keep us together...) Good luck with your production! ... TO DOC: I kinda liked INDEPENDENCE DAY too. Let me tell you, Jeff Goldblum can DANCE and he has a way with the women, too! He brings any movie a touch of class. Except for VIBES. Whutta bunch of ca ca. Testify! ... TO TODD: Joe Lansdale is the stuff. And what's this MST3K thing? Wait, is that the new super-virus thingamajobbie? Sounds DEADLY! All skate! And no, my local cable has no TNT. All I get is news, shopping, religion, and the Weather Channel. There's a storm coming up, and it's LOVE! ... TO RICK: Sorry, don't have that copy of AMAZING STORIES. Actually, I don't have any AMAZING STORIES, except for that one with the dog cartoon. ... Now, I have to go! Gotta pick up the Igloo for a heavy date. That always impresses them! I'll report back later in the week with ACTUAL ELLISON CONTENT! You Cats stay cool, and you Kitties keep chillin'! Love, Rex Dart - ESKIMO SPY!

BIG BIG EMERGENCY REQUEST FROM HE!!!!! Harlan needs a couple copies of the January 1958 AMAZING STORIES (the one with his "School for Assassins" inside), and says if anyone can get him a copy he will make it "well worth your while". We could go through rare book collectors but Harlan prefers to deal with his readers if possible. Please e-mail me, webmaster@harlanellison.com, with any info. Also, if someone could copy this to a.f.he newsgroup I would be indebted. My non-web Inet access is kinda screwed right now.

To answer Charlie's question. The magazine is "Sci-Fi Entertainment". A "Sci-Fi Channel" magazine. The cover has David Duchovney (sp?) and Gillian Anderson as Mulder and Scully. HE does a two page op-ed piece about The X-Files and the show's fans.

Jason posted about 1 wk. ago: "just thought I'd break from lurking to let you know that harlan has an article about x-files in the magazine sci-fi universe". Does anyone have more details, such as actual name of magazine, date of magazine, etc. thanks

*hee hee* Now I don't feel quite so silly for Not-No-Hu.. It's always so nice to have company.. Good to see so many folks.. :-) Still lost in the wild ways of theater, suffering from random attacks of costume demanding fuzzy-visioned directors, who can't remember what they said the last time - or what my budget is.. Got a new old car - and a new license plate with the letters PMS - that about says it all... I'm scheduled to resume normal life April 6.. See ya then.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Ah -- such speculation, and on so less-than-worthy a subject! Brings to mind scene in "Animal Crackers," starring Bros. Marx: Chico gets in face of Abie the Fishman, demanding to know howlong he's been alleged art expert; Abie replies to Chico, "How long have you been Italian?" In short, as venerated Charlie Chan observe, "Dangerous to go unmasking, when own slip is showing." I assure Infoman that he and Mark Trail are still pals. Mr. Jon Basten -- if you *must* know,... get used to disappointment. Why would esteemed Wolf Mistress go masquerading as me? (And incidentally, where has she been?) Sorry to disappoint, Jon. Give my regards to the Mrs. and all the little Bastens. So mote it be -- Dragon Lady

Dragonlady -- color me wrong. Sorry 'bout that (hope this doesn't mean I lose my membership to with the Junior "Mark Trail" Detective and Ecological Association).

Dragonlady -- color me wrong. Sorry 'bout that (hope this doesn't mean I lose my membership to with the Junior "Mark Trail" detective and ecological society).

I have to know, is YU NO HU the infamous Wolf Mistress who posted many "incites" in the past?

For your Info, man, you have me confused with another. No harm, I suppose. And thanks for the info on most coveted volumes. Will pursue at speed, thanks to gap-closing possibilities provided by Internet. Adieu -- the Dragon Lady

Doc...er,um...I mean, Dragon Lady (aka Yu no hu), the volumes collecting Ted Sturgeon's work (there will be ten in all) are issued by North Atlantic Books (their phone number is 510-559-8277, which should be a fairly "local" call for a Californite). Four volumes have been issued so far (with the first two sporting jacket art by Jacek Yerka). They are: THE ULTIMATE EGOIST, MICROCOSMIC GOD, KILLDOZER! and THUNDER AND ROSES (don't have time to look up the ISBNs just now, but they are all still in print). The next volume will probably be out around the fall of this year. So far, they've all been priced at $25.00 (hardcover), and not been reissued in paperback (trade or otherwise). Informationally, the man.

Pee Ess -- where may I find these coveted volumes by respected Master of Form, Benevolent Plucker of Heart-Strings, Theodore Sturgeon?!? How many volumes and how much are they? $adly, tearful daughter of Fu Manchu must occasionally do without, as venerable senior ancestor hordes funds for his pursuit of global conquest (if I wait, of course, I can have all the books I want; yet patience pearl in oyster: hard to find right away). Ciao, Dragon Lady

Greetings, Esteemed Colleagues -- not precisely Ellisonia in content, but greatly so in spirit and function: it has come to my attention that there are tele-marauders abroad! Recently, someone was called by an individual identifying themselves as an AT&T Service Rep, who said that they were running some sort of test program and, to complete it, they needed the individual called to press nine(9) zero(0) and the pound key(#), then hang up. Suspicious, this person refused. Further investigation revealed that following those instructions would allow the dirty bird who had called them to make long distance calls and have it charged to the other person's bill! Seems this is a popular prank in communities near large jails/prisons. So be warned -- if anyone calls and invites you to dial 90#, politely decline, 'cause it's a grift! I tried this with a friend, just to see of it was on the ups, and sure enough,...Merely a friendly warning from the Dragon Lady.

ESKIMO INVASION by Hayden Howard (not Hull) escaped the deluge, but THUNDER AND ROSES, the fourth volume of the Complete Short Fiction of Theodore Sturgeon didn't completely, damn it. (Aside to all--buy these Sturgeon books, or at least look at them, when you go pick up the Ellison omnibi. You know you want to) And, Rex, TNT is Basic Cable, or at least should be...even my loser system (sans Comedy Central and a few of the smaller local broadcast stations) has TNT....

sorry Alex, for calling you otherly. All these comments were typed on Sat the 7th, btw, despite date that's being stamped on them.

Allen, my fellow Phyllodoughian, and all other interested parties are directed to the most recent issue of PSYCHOTRONIC VIDEO, which reviews the video rerelease of THE GODSON among one or two other Rotsler films. And to prove the wages of good intentions and slovenly life and being a showoff is Pain, while resituating my messy desk so I might type a few fewer typos into this posting than the last, I dumped seltzer water all over the new HARPERS, a 1954 FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION, my PSYCHOTRONIC ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FILM, my review copy of Joe Lansdale's BAD CHILI, Vol 5 of the cheap edition of THE COLLECTED STORIES OF PHILIP DICK, a Jerome Charyn/Joe Staton comic novel FAMILY MAN, the 10th Annual YEAR'S BEST FANTASY AND HORROR, and the slipcover of my Elvin Jones LP TIME CAPSULE...but not my copy of THE ESKIMO INVASION by Hayden Hull nor any home tapes of MST3K, Rex Dart, backatcha babay and all my wounded materials are recommened if you can find your own copies while I attempt to dry mine. (Aside to "Rex"--not only was I born in Alaska, but my father and I actually squired my then just-post-infant brother to GODZILLA VS. MEGALON in a suburban theater during its first US run---I think we were all impressed by the child's watercraft in that film). And, hi, Sue!

Constant readers might remember HE's review of WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT, WORLD? reprinted in THE GLASS TEAT. The Nostalgia Channel has been running it, and I just caught the first episode, the one reviewed, at 7pm ET...and it's all Ellison said it was and insanely more. Martin Landau and Barbara Bain, among others, should be permanently embarassed. (It's a righwing "comedy" variety sketch show. clearly imitative of THE SMOTHERS BROS SHOW and LAUGH IN, and as valuable as it was to see the SMO BRO repackages on the E channel, the representation of WHAT'S on the Moon/Unification Church-founded Nostalgia is almost as impressive and vastly more surreal. (Why run it? It's cheap, and rightwing yet "naughty"--even Limbaughexque--and, of course, nostalgic) Just as sloppy, too--remarkable how professional even the most dire SNL sketch seems in comparison to the late '60s efforts...and the fact that the ALL STAR PARTY FOR AARON SPELLING could follow at 8 ET on WHAT'S old network, ABC, shows that there is no lack of contemporary cheese (and I wonder if HE was in the latter's audience, even if only because he was a major contributor of scripts to Spelling's first production/series, BURKE'S LAW.

The people at Filmfax (Iforget the number, but they're who I ordered my copy of "The Godson" from) had oodles of information on the film, but I heard nothing of HE participating in that particular scene. Just for general eddification, though: the Teutonic beauty in the act of getting groped was Uschi Digard, one of Russ Meyer's vixen-type peoples. Filmfax (no number, sorry) also has "The Masters of Comic Book Art" video with Ellison hosting the bridging segments. Wow!

Sorry about the previous postiong; I used the less-than/more-than punctuation marks to set the text in the middle apart. This wiped that stuff out entirely. Recently, this was posted to alt.fan.harlan-ellison, and I figured if any knew about this, the answers were to be found here at Webderland: //There is a movie (made around 1970) called THE GODSON, which is a William Rotsler production with lots of nude busty women and simulated sex. (It would probably be considered X, not triple-X.) There is an orgy scene in a swingin' bachelor pad, and among the many "action" scenes is a recurring, er, shot (sorry!) of some clown groping two babes. You can't see the guy's face, because the women are standing in front of him, one on each arm with their backs to the camera. They're topless, and it's obvious he's helping himself to their above-the-waist treats. Finally, though, the two honeys step aside and the mystery breast-man comes up for air, and . . . Could it be?? Is it *Ellison*?? A couple extra observations: Rotsler is credited with many of Ellison's Pyramid paperback photos and in those pictures he looks a lot like the grinning joker seen (for a few seconds) in this scene, and the place where the scene occurs is filled with books, mostly paperbacks (there even appears to be a stack of New York Review of Books on the bedstand)-- is it possibly Ellison's own apartment? You can also hear, briefly, this unknown "actor" speaking in the background, and the similarity to Ellison's high-pitched voice is striking. How about it, Ellison fans? Is it him?// I read this, and thought, "I just gotta, GOTTA know!" An intensive search of the 'Net yielded nothing on this obscure movie, and all the Internet Movie Database had was the picture's date (1971) and that it was directed by Rotsler and produced by Harry H. Novak. Please, does ANYONE here know about this checkered bit of Harlan's past?

Recently, this was posted to alt.fan.harlan-ellison, and I figured if any knew about this, the answers were to be found here at Webderland: I read this, and thought, "I just gotta, GOTTA know!" An intensive search of the 'Net yielded nothing on this obscure movie, and all the Internet Movie Database had was the picture's date (1971) and that it was directed by Rotsler and produced by Harry H. Novak. Please, does ANYONE here know about this checkered bit of Harlan's past?

just thought I'd break from lurking to let you know that harlan has an article about x-files in the magazine sci-fi universe (i thimk that's what it's called) also I have no confirmation on this but I read that HE is supposed to be involved in the silver surfer the new saturday morning cartoon on fox. Rick can you confirm? one question for Rick to pass on. What is HE's opinion of Titanic? I'm just curious back to the shadows Jason (wondering if anyone remembers me)

Bummer: "The Face of Helene Bournouw," which aired on Showtime tonight, was credited to Cordwainer Bird. It didn't even have the ususal "based on the story by" tagline, so Ellison really must've wantedt to distance himself from it. After watching, I have to admit that it didn't seem up to his ususal level of excellence -- which makes one wonder just how much the original script was changed (it would be interesting to read, ala the "'Nackles" script and accompanying essay in SLIPPAGE, just what went wrong -- of course, such an excercise would only be repetitive tedium for Ellison). Oh well. Here's hoping the adaptation of "Wanted In Surgery" for the Outer Limits turns out well. In the meantime, there's always EDGEWORKS VOl. 5 to look forward to (and, for those interested fans, a new John Irving book in May -- A Widow For One Year). -- Infoman...signing off.

Hi-ho, gang. FRANK NEY -- I didn't see the "Buzz Words" installment in question, so I'm not sure what you mean. Backpedaling? I know HE has said some pretty choice things about the Mouse House, in the past, generally regarding their marketing product as though they personally invented everything from SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES to the Grand Canyon. Otherwise, I don't think he has any problem with them (unless I've missed something, which isn't at all unlikely). I mean, he *worked for them (however briefly), and certainly has enough Disney memorabilia in his house (ask me about it sometime; possibly through private e-mail; yes, Ellison's house is Ellison-realted; but it's also his *HOUSE* fer chrissakes...). So, please, fill me in, 'cause I know not of what ye speak. And by the way: that's "the Skiffy Channel." SUE -- of course you know Yu No Hu! Don't you recognize the Daughter of Fu Manchu? Clearly, someone is channeling for Myrna Loy. How's life in the theatah? I presume Joe is appropraitely villainous? Natch, nobody who actually knows him could believe it for a moment...RICK -- easy does it, and stout heart, old fellow. Glad to hear you aren't off to Bombay after all; on the other hand, a return to Atlanta might not seem like a satisfying alternative. "Quelle frommage," as the French people say. Speaking of French (the language, not the people), anyone hear anything from, of or concerning Phillip Cairns? Gee, I miss that guy. I'd even be satisfied if he only stopped in to gloat about the Winter Olympics hockey situation. KEEGAN -- how's tricks, kid? Ain't heard from you in a while. Nu? Anybody seen DESPERATE MEASURES? Ecch! Feh! What a disappointment! Dubious premise, and a truly wretched script. I saw it for *free* and almost asked for my money back (and this is from a guy who actually kinda liked INDEPENDENCE DAY, just because I have a forgiving nature)! And for anyone who's A.) interested and/or B.) insists on more HE focus, it's looking more and more like the Maestro is going to do the adaptation for MEFISTO IN ONYX. Those of you with cable, keep your eyes open on Showtime: he's adapting WANTED IN SURGERY for "The Outer Limits." Kisses -- Doc

WOW! Lookit all the peoples! Nice to see you again Todd! And a big HOWDY to Rex and Bird (an old-timer returned??).. Yu No Hu, well, ummmmmm, actually, I don't... :-( ... But welcome, anyway... :-) ... Why do I get the feeling I took a wrong turn, and wound up in a scat convention?? Boy! Do I feel uncool.. Maybe it's that green and red paisley with orange stripes formal I have on.. Which only goes to show that dressing for success doesn't always work the way you think it will.. Hubby and I went to a Mock Formal (a local theater event) as the Vulgarian National Champion Figure Skating Pair (who took the wrong bus to Nagano). We won the worst dressed couple contest.. I think that's good.. I mean, we won - Right?? Life is still fun - and hectic. For those of you who have followed the Adventures In Driving saga, the Piece D'Shitte Escort has been replaced!! No more open the hood to start the car with a screw-driver if we can't find a hill to park on.. We are Fahrfegnuggened! HURRAY!! For the purists, who object to anything personal being said on the "Ellison" Bulletin Board - Phhhhhhhhtttttp!! Attytude, baby.. Pure Ellisonian attitude.. Haven't noticed that HE ever colored inside the lines when HE writes.. Just following the Maestro's lead, like a good little dance partner.. And, have any of these folks who object to "personal" stuff on the B-Board *EVER* read an Ellison Introduction?? Geez.. Well, Skittles-Ski-Doo to all the cool folks, and I'll tag in when I can.. Somewhere between costumes.. Try High - Fly Straight - Drive Safe

Yumpin' Yimminy -- who *IS* that Maxxed Man....? Wonder would he care to become much-respected son-in-law of Fu Manchu...

Greetings all! I've just returned from a little weekend mission (I had to let her down easy!) and I have to say "Thank you for the warm greetings! I HAVE TO DANCE!!!" ... ATTN: Bird & Dragon Lady - Right back atcha! You speak my language! Ah, your hospitality remind me of comrades long gone. Wait a second, I have to cry! Ok, I'm back! Live long, you hot happening heavy high-grade hugger-mugging hepcats! ... RE: Frank's comments on HE's comments aboot Disney - Wait a second. I'm lost and I came in late. Flat tire, locusts, earthquakes, floods, famine. That kinda thing. Please elucidate and enlighten further. Thank you! ... RE: HE & Babylotion 5 - Am I correct in stating that it can ONLY be found on TNT? Bah! My igloo only has basic cable. Tell us more about the episode of which you (Todd Mason) speak. You're beautiful! ... RE: HE at Notre Dame - What IS the fee HE charges for an appearance? I could use his assistance next month on my mission to . I need someone with steady hands, nerves of steel, AND the ability to destroy an army with only a business card and a cordless phone. Who else fits the profile? ... To: Rick - Good luck with the new job! Atlanta is a great city! It was the home of the 1996 Summer Olympics! ... Now, I must be departing. Laundry day! Gotta frug in my scivvies at the laundromat! Remember kids: Stay away from the drugs, because no warranties are implied or given! The CIA sell them! You Cats stay cool, and you Kitties keep chillin'! Love, Rex Dart - Eskimo Spy!

Okay gang - I have tentatively accepted a job in Atlanta as a Project Manager, and am trying to fix one car and buy another. Hopefully by the end of this week I will be settled and have some time to devote to Webderland, including getting those reviews up. It's been a rough couple of months lately and before that I was out of the country for two months, but if everything goes fine this week I'll be in country, employed, and online. As for the question on Harlan's appearance at Notre Dame, he doesn't go anywhere without his usual fee and 1st-class airfare so you can rest assured the Irish boys bellied up to the bar on this one.

Hello again Sue, Keegan, and other old hands, and hello to all newer contributors and lurkers. Happen to have a decent (that is, non-AOL through my creaking [actually clicking] 486) web browser at my disposal and thought I'd mention the most recently-aired (cabled) BABYLON 5 script, based on a story coauthored by Ellison. A bit heavy-handed, but generally fun, and with a character portrayed by an actor (name forgotten) who was (shall we say) inspired by Ellison's own public persona, as well as by the GOODFELLAS star Joe whose surname I can't remember either! Nice attempt to take another perspective on the events at the station, occasionally successful humor (the heavy cast-change injoke is not among the better bits).

Just saw his commentary on the SF Channel (I refuse to use that name, too) concerning his backpedaling on previous comments on Disney. Isn't it interesting that all those minions of the Anti-Walt couldn't be bothered with Harlan until some bad publicity hit the airwaves, then the rabies-infested lawyer-scum couldn't wait to get involved? Hmmm.

Fah Lo Seh also misspells -- that last word should be commands, although I commend you as well. Toodles -- The Dragon Lady

Ah -- the noble Bird is among us, is he? Is that the semi-famous, certainly infamous Cordwainer Bird? Or do I detect a certain patois suggestive of the demon Skidoop (revealed to us in HE's story "Deal From the Bottom")? Many other sites are all keen on tossing demons out -- here, however, you find a different breed of trouble-maker. In short, we are somehow demons ourselves! Though, mostly, we use our powers for good. So welcome, Bird! And also a big fat "How d'ye do" to Rex Dart -- no relation to Dick Dart, I hope? (see Peter Straub's THE HELLFIRE CLUB.) Glad to know that our brothers to the North are represented in the counter-intelligence field. *If* your not just talking spy-in-the-sky wanna-be. Nonetheless, you seem too cool for school -- drop in again! Fah Lo Seh commends! -- The Dragon Lady

Omigod! It's true! BIRD LIVES!!!

Rex: you are one skiddli-op,doobee-do,bee-boppin feline kinda cat! If yer groovin on Ellison -- and his scattin about the tube, then we love ya the most, baby! Till next time, stick to the back alleys and watch out for the big dog -- cause he bites!

Greetings to everyone! My name is Rex Dart, Eskimo Spy! All of you have instant respect in my book for being fans of the Great and Powerful Ellison. This is my first post, so I'll make it snappy, then head on out by doing the Watusi. YEAH! ..... RE: Ellison at Notre Dame. Have any of you ever BEEN to South Bend, Indiana? One word comes to mind. Wasteland. Worst "college town" on the planet. Knew a girl once that lived there. Double B boring. The girl AND the town. Harlan will be the first exciting thing that's happened there in decades. ..... RE: Publication of "Glass Teats". Yes! When I read this, I grabbed my secretary and kissed her lips off. That crazy kid! I found the Pyramid edition of "GT Uno" about three years ago and it immediately jumped into my Top 5 HE Books of All Space-Time. My operatives have been searching for "GT Dos" ever since. No such luck. Anyone have any thoughts to share on this seminal work of 20th century media criticism? ..... RE: HE on TV. I was able to catch his appearance on PI (No, not Magnum PI! Go soak your head!) just after Dodi and Di done did diddy-died. (Disrespect not intended! Di was a fabulous dancer and Dodi was hell in a Doom Death Match. I miss 'em!) Anyway, all they did was talk about Di Doing Death and the Media Who Loved It Too Much. I was bored. Harlan looked bored and like he wished he had a handy vial of Ebola. Anyone know where a body could find some transcripts of HE's appearances on Tom Snyder? Haven't been able to catch one yet. ..... You cats stay cool and you kitties keep chillin'! - Yours, Rex Dart, Eskimo Spy!

INFOMAN -- I'm given to understand that, finally, Widen collapsed under his own weight and the chores have gone back to Unca Harlan (not to be confused with Inca Harlan, or even and especially Inka Dinka Doo). Widen directed his own screenplay for The Prophesy, which was a terrific idea, handled somewhat poorly. I mention that for those who are making the dog-face ("Huh?"), like I did when I first heard it. RICK -- Those people must pay him well; I don't know how Da Man can bring himself to leave that far-out house to go to the store, let alone lecture snot-nosed, world-weary college kids. Adieu -- The Dragon Lady

Gang, this will hit the news page soon but Harlan will be appearing at the Notre Dame University, Washington Hall on Thursday Feb 19th at 8:00pm. It's free, call (219) 631-7757 for more information. I have a big update on the reviews page upcoming, but real life has taken a toll in the past month (specifically I have had some job search stuff take WAY longer than it should, although hopefully I'll be set this week and can concentrate on REALLY important stuff like the web page).

Picked this up at the Science Fiction Weekly site (it's a quote from a Hollywood trade paper), and thought it might be of interest: "Samuel L. Jackson will star in and produce a film adaptation of Harlan Ellison's famous novella Mefisto in Onyx, about a serial killer who trades memories with a "mind jumper," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Greg Widen will write the screenplay." It's old news, but maybe the fact that it's been officially announced in a trade paper means the project is actually gonna see daylight (maybe).

Jacob -- WHAT?!? Spock smarter than Data?!? No way! Is not!...Meanwhile, somewhere around here, there's a list of the publication schedule for the Edgeworks series; some of them are longer coming than I want to wait, which is why you should all vote for me for King of the Universe. Anyway, MEMOS is terrific -- if you like what HE does with fantasy/speculative fiction, reality is really tough. Above and beyond the involvement he presents in his essays -- this is the closest we have, for now, to actual autobiography. If you can find a copy 2nd hand, grab it.

By the way, Spock is waaaaay smarter than Data.

Sorry, just giving you a little bit of a hard time. Nothing meant by it. Things seem to be picking up lately. Really, sorry. Obviously some thought goes into these posts. Really, keep up the good work. By the way, Does anyone know when Memos from pergatory comes out in Edgeworks. It sounds interesting. Ellison posing as a gang member. Can't wait. I've been able to find a lot of Ellison's rarer stuff at the library, but not that one. Sounds good too. Guess I'll have to be satisfied with Glass teats.

*ALEX* Haven't had the time to _read_ Edgeworks 4 - but did sort of skim through the Beast, to see how much it differed from the Avon Hardback I used for the review. The Intro was word for word the same, and the index was likewise the same. So I naturally assumed that the Edgeworks Beast was unchanged.. And that could have been a disasterous assumption.. :-) ... Hope that is a help. Maybe Infoman has better Info???