InFurNation!
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- January, 1997
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Table of Contents:
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"The
world was such a wholesome place until...
Getting close to the electric wire for ConFurence Eight, everyone!
In this issue of you'll find a lot of important information
regarding what to do (plus when, where, and how to do it) later in
the ConFurence Progress Report. But first, here's some current stuff
we think you'll want to know about:
Disney's live-action remake of their animated classic
101 Dalmatians (starring Glen Close and Jeff Daniels)
opened over Thanksgiving weekend, and at more than 45 million dollars
in box office over that five-day period now holds the record for a
November release. As is typical these days, the release of the film
came with a massive merchandising campaign, from numerous spotted
clothes available from The Disney Store, to collectable toys from
McDonald's.
Two weeks earlier, Warner Brothers new Feature Animation
Division made its bid for the big-time with the release of Space
Jam, starring Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, Bugs
Bunny, and just about every other classic Warner Brothers animated
character you can think of. (The Animaniacs and the Tiny Toons seem
to be notably missing, though.) Interestingly, a line of Space
Jam toys and figures was also available from McDonald's.
The soundtrack CD, featuring Quad City DJs, Seal, and others,
is available from Warner Brothers Music. Space Jam was number
one at the box office for its premiere weekend, then slipped to number
2 with the release of the latest Star Trek feature the next
weekend.
Upcoming from Walt Disney Pictures is a live-action
version of Jay Ward's ever-popular animated series, George
of the Jungle.Brendan Fraser (Encino Man, Mrs. Winterbourne)
stars as the guy who should watch-out-for-that-tree (oo!). No word
yet on who will play the ape named Ape.
There's a new upcoming film, Zeus and Roxanne,
about a dog who befriends a wild dolphin. We kid you not. It stars
Steve Guttenburg. (Though he's neither the dog nor the dolphin.)
Upcoming comics from MU Press is the long-awaited
furries-in-the-ancient-sands adventure Fangs of K'aath by Paul
Kidd, illustrated by Javier Ruiz. Also, look for the new
collection of adult and classy furry pin-ups by Terrie Smith,Little
Paw II (with more than 100 pages of art). And, Donna Barr
presents the new Stinz graphic novel adventure, A Stranger
to Our Kind. All of these black-and-white titles should be available
this month.
Over at Antarctic Press, Mitch Beiro again
illustrates the cover of Genus #22, as well as a story inside
by Paul Kidd.Furrlough #49 features the continuing adventures
of Ninjara the kitsune from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, presented
by original creators Dean Clarrain and Chris Allan.
Available now from Vision Comics is the first issue
of Tales of Beatrix Farmer, a full-color comic by Taral
Wayne. The series, created by Steve Gallacci, follows the
adventures of a reluctant lady rabbit superhero and the indestructible
super-suit she finds herself stuck in. Also out now is the special
64-page full-color trade-paperback graphic novel of the Tank Vixens
Remix by Paul Kidd and Mike Sagara. Plus, look for
Sweet Treats, perhaps the first cook book ever assembled by
a furry, Marsha Redfox (with help from compiler and illustrator Margaret
Carspecken).
A new comic book anthology series from Tapestry Comics
is called Tapestry Anthology, appropriately enough. Among the stories
inside are the adventures of the small furry Wallas by Mary Hildebrandt
(niece of Tim Hildebrandt, who helps out), and more adventures
of Burrito the Little Burro by Carlos Saldana. Black
and white, and available this month.
In The Rabid Monkey, a new black-and-white
comic by Joel Steudler and John Kozlowski, a pugnacious
monkey decides he's had enough of life in the jungle, and he instead
moves into a more profitable way of life -- bank robbing! Odd stuff
from D.B.I. Comics, available soon.
New from Gladstone Comics is the Penny Pincher
series, a color 'mini-comic' series (16 pages) featuring new Disney
stories and classic re-prints. Issue #1 collects the stories of Donald
Duck versus his next-door nemesis, Neighbor Jones.
From Nightowl Studios comes a new full-color comic
series, Canus. This story follows an ancient race of canine
humanoids and their continuing battle with the overwhelming forces
of humanity, right up to today. Also look for the new black &
white comic series Domain from Fry Vision. Taking the opposite
tack, Domain looks at a society of evolved canines in a far
future setting.
New from Shanda Fantasy Arts is the black &
white comic anthology New Horizons. This collection of fantasy
and romance stories features a plethora of modern anthropomorphic
talent, including writers Mike Curtis, Mark Merlino, Richard Thatcher,
and Brock Hoagland; and artists like Carla Speed MacNeil,
Shauntae Howard, Jim Groat, Kishma Danielle, Ted Vollmer, Charles
Ettinger, and Mary Hanson Roberts. Many others too.
Elsewhere creator Joseph Krejci has
released his first full-sized black & white comic issue, from
Starving Artist Press. Butch the dog and Walter the walrus find themselves
in all sorts of odd and funny situations as they begin life at college.
The black & white adventure comic Terrific
Trio by Aston and Cacciatore features a back-up
comic strip called Yorick, which follows the humorous adventures
of a young and inquisitive turtle.
The Four Ferreteers is a new comic book from
Little Paw Publishing, following the adventures of a group of time-travelling
ferrets as they fight an evil sorceress. Little Paw also prints several
ferret-oriented t-shirt designs. Information can be had from Little
Paw Publishing & Production, P.O. Box 35, Califon, NJ 07830. For
other ferret products, check out the 1997 Ferret Calender [info
from Calender, P.O. Box 7161, Redwood City, CA 94063-7161], and the
unique carved-wood ferret 'Welcome' signs and paper-towel holders
of Clara Rodriguez [P.O. Box 752, North Bergen, NJ 07047].
New from Warp Graphics is The Wolfrider's Guide
to the World of Elfquest, an extensive (hardcover) encyclopedic
guide to Richard & Wendy Pini's long-running comic book
series, and an expansion on the earlier Big Elfquest Gatherum.
Illustrated throughout by Wendy Pini and others, with full-color covers
by Wendy.
For fans of Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series,
Penguin Books presents Sword of Ice, a collection of short
stories set in the Valdemar universe. Contributors include Mickey
Z. Reichert, Larry Dixon, and Tanya Huff, plus many others.
Also look for Mercedes' latest book Firebird, a fantasy based
on Russian folk tales.
From St. Martin's Press comes Grimmy: King of
the Heap, a new collection of Mother Goose and Grimm by
Pulitzer Prize winner Mike Peters. Also included is a 16-page
color section.
It's a good season for dragon books. First up is
Dragoncharm by Graham Edwards, in which the last remaining
dragons fight to save their magical land from an invading army of
'Naturals'. From Harper Prism. From TSR comes The Doom Brigade
by Margaret Weis and Don Perrin, a village of dragon
engineers and a local band of dwarves battle over a treasure -- only
to discover they're both being exploited by outside forces. Also from
TSR in paperback, look for Dragons Can Only Rust by Chris
Cymri, a futuristic novel in which a mechanical dragon searches
for its soul.
More dragon books, this time for kids. Look for
Matthew's Dragon by well-known fantasy author Susan Cooper,
illustrated by Jos. A. Smith and released by Alladin Paperbacks.
Also look for The Great Redwall Feast, illustrated by Christopher
Denise. It's the first picture book based on the popular Redwall
series by Brian Jacques. From Philomel Books.
A pair of social satirists have new furry books
out. William Kotzwinkle, well known for his novel Dr. Rat,
has now given us The Bear Went Over the Mountain from Doubleday
Books. A bear in Maine finds a business report, and submits it under
his own assumed 'name' -- only to find himself called to Wall Street
as a new financial genius. And, from Europe comes The Woman &
The Ape by Peter Hoeg, published by Farrar-Straus-Giroux.
It seems that a certain lady has more than scientific interest in
a newly discovered humanoid ape creature...
From Dancing Otter publications, look for a new
guide to 'animal medicine powers and qualities': Animal Energies
by Gary Buffalo Horn Man and Sherry Firedancer. The
soul qualities of some 60 different mammal, reptile, bird, and insect
spirit-guides are discussed. Dancing Otter also publishes a newszine
called The Sacred Circle, dedicated 'to bringing two-leggers
back into harmony and balance with our animal relatives and the Earth
Mother'. Information on these and other publications can be had from:
Dancing Otter, P.O. Box 122, Sadieville, KY 40370.
From JW Kennedy <cde4jwk@atlas.vcu.edu>:
New 24-page one-story digest from JW Kennedy called _Jenny Fur_ FANZINE
issues 1 thru 7, plus Kennedy compilation _Raunchy Sex_ which is actually
PG rated but loads of fun anyway, plus two homegrown 60-minute audio
tapes of The Loud Toons, a genuine furry rock/jazz funk/variety band
(a third tape coming soon). Also commission rates, lots of prints.
ALSO tentatively accepting ads for the DIRECTORY: Artists design their
own full- or half-page ad, make it informative but cool enough the
fans will want one. Fingers crossed in hopes of a fat 8.5 x 11 DIRECTORY
out in a month or two, depending on amount of interest and ads contributed.
The address for all of this:
JW Kennedy, 221 N Cleveland St Apt 12, Richmond VA 23221.
From David Bliss <Rivercoon@aol.com>:
ATTENTION CF8 VIDEO TAPERS. Are you are planning to tape events at
CF8? We would love to be able to include your footage in next year's
highlights tape. In order to prevent the long delays and possible
postal mishaps encountered while collecting tapes in the past, duplicating
equipment will be on paw at the con. If you would like your tapes
used please let us copy them BEFORE you leave the convention. Full
details will be available at the INFORMATION DESK, or ask David Bliss.
Also From David Bliss:
LOOKING FOR A MISSING SKETCHBOOK!
An 8 1/2" x 11" dark blue sketch book with a black spine
disappeared from a dead dog party at ConFURence East. It was last
seen sitting on the corner of the bed in Room 482 sometime between
11:50 p.m. and 12:10 a.m. Sunday night. The theme of the book, IN
THE MOOD, is written on the first page in silver ink. The cover is
blank but the corners are well worn. The first picture in the book
is by Terrie Smith and shows two RL foxes mating. The last page of
the book has a full color Steve Martin painting of a male wolf-morph
with two female companions, a raccoon and a skunk. The book is 70%
- 80% full. The following name and address of the owner is written
inside the back cover: David Bliss, P.O. Box 70014, Riverside, CA
92513. If you or anyone you know now have this book or saw it being
taken from
the party at CFE please let David know at the address above or
Rivercoon@aol.com. He would very much like to get his book back.
From Steve Addlesee <steve.addlesee@lcars.com>:
As 1996 draws to a close, I'm busy inking and lettering "Big
Decisions," a seven-page ditty written by Mike Curtis and pencilled
by Dann Phillips. This should appear in Giant Shanda Animal
#2. Then (when the pages arrive) I'll be inking and lettering the
lead story of the landmark issue of Shanda the Panda #17, pencilled
by Michele Light. Recently I wrote an article about furry fandom that
will appear in Cartoonist and Comic Artist #11 by Yendie Boox
Publishing. I'm slated to ink Chris Grant's Empire series for
Central Empire Productions, as well as Scotman & Icelad
created by Scott Malcomson and Kjartan Arnorsson.
Furry editors and/or publishers: If you need an inker or illustrator,
please look me up -- Steven R. Addlesee, 7919 Thornton Circle Sandy,
UT 84093 (801) 942-9266
From: Major Matt Mason <marmelmm@dunx1.ocs.drexel.edu>:
Hot on the heels of #4's hit issue featuring Reed Waller, TaliVisions
#5 is scheduled for a CF8 release. Artists slated to appear include
Dee Schiller, Peter Stoller, Sean Andersen/Scott Alston, Joseph Ny,
Antti Remes, Mitch Beiro, Chris Grant, Dean Lee Norton, CF8 Guest
of Honor Mel. White, Brian Miller (Sylverfox), Chris Berdoz, Mercy
Van Vlack, Sue Mills, Zephery Hughes, Gahan Wilson, Kjartan Arnorsson,
Tygger, Brigitte Sleiertin, Ed Zolna and more! About 32 pages, about
7 bucks! Don't miss it!
-MMM-
Advertising in In-Fur-Nation: As before,
ads in In-Fur-Nation come in two sizes: 1/8-page "business card"
size for $5.00 per issue, and 1/4-page size (4 1/2" tall by 3
1/4" wide) for $10.00 per issue. We also offer full-page inclusions
for $50.00 per issue. Check should be made out to ConFurence. Send
camera-ready art and text to P.O. Box 1958, Garden Grove, CA 92642-1958.
Getting just a mention in In-Fur-Nation is easy: Send us information,
and we'll reprint it in our blurbs section verbatim, with minor
corrections for spelling and grammar.
(Information in this issue provided by Mark Merlino, Rod O'Riley.
Thanks again to our intrepid 'field reporter', Jed Martinez; all the
folks in Rowrbrazzle; and the folks who sent in ads)
...Cruella, Cruella DeVil!" (101 Dalmatians)
Other
Conventions
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None to report at this time.
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ConFurence Eight --
Music and Mirth!
- ConFurence Eight -- It's furry, it's funny, it's Music and
Mirth! Here's more important stuff about our guests, our show,
our presentations, and lots of other reasons why you should
be a part of ConFurence Eight -- Whether returning, or for the very
first time!
The Guests That You'll See -- And A Few You
Won't.
As we hastily hand-wrote on the last issue, just before mailing,
we're sorry to announce that Last Unicorn author Peter
S. Beagle has informed us that he has family commitments this
January, and will not be able to join us at ConFurence 8. We were
very sorry to hear that... but, losing no time, we decided to fill
the gap with one of our own! So, ConFurence 8 is pleased and proud
to welcome our new 4th Guest of Honor, none other than illustrator
Mel. White. You know her: As artists of the Duncan &
Mallory series of graphic novels, as creator of her own line
of mini-comics, as writer and illustrator of the Sam Siam
in FurryMuck Land series of MUD instruction booklets, and as
a long-time staple on the scene at the Dallas Brawl fanzine.
Mel. joins Robert J. Sawyer, Dr. Jane Robinson, and Bill
Holbrook for what's sure to be a fun and informative time for
all! Also joining them, of course, are some of the finest in anthropomorphic
artists, writers, publishers, producers, and just plain big-name
fans. All this plus plenty of familiar furry faces, and a slew of
new muzzles to meet! Many of our Guests will be available for autographs
in our fan lounge/open bar, as well as at our special Meet The
Guests gathering on Friday afternoon. Once again each of our
Guests of Honor will have their own special session to discuss what
they're up to, and numerous guests and well-known people will be
on hand at various SIGs and events throughout the con -- listings
will be posted in the main convention area. Be on the lookout for
them! [Recently added guests: Julie Mammano and Joseph
Yakovetic, both published local illustrators, will lead the
'Creating Picture Books for Children' workshop on Saturday.]
The NEW Hotel
We're all settled in for our first ConFurence at the Buena Park
Hotel, right in the parking lot of Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park,
California. We keep hearing word that the main hotel may have sold
out for ConFurence 8, but we can't be sure -- so you'd better
call! Remember, rooms are only $64.00 a night for single,
double, triple, or quad! To check on reservations, call (800)
422-4444, or the local number (714) 995-1111.Important:
Make sure to call during business hours (M-F 9 am - 5 pm,
pacific time), and make sure to mention ConFurence! This
may be your last chance!
Other Accommodations
For those fans of less means, we're happy to report that we have
three less expensive facilities (less than $50.00 a night!) for
you to stay in, right across the street from our main hotel! They
are, in order of closeness:
The Colony Inn -- (800) 98-COLONY
The Covered Wagon Motel -- (714) 995-0033
The Crescent Motel -- (714) 828-3483
Call the individual motels for room reservations, and be sure to
mention both ConFurence and the Buena Park Hotel, as they've
made arrangements for special room blocks at each hotel.
Once more, a Hotel Reminder! Paying Attention? Good for You!
If you're going to be more than a couple of hours late in arriving
to the Buena Park Hotel, or if you change your plans and aren't
going to be staying with us for the first night of the con, make
sure to phone the Hotel and let them know to hold your reservation
for you -- or it will not be there when you arrive!
Getting TO The Hotel
The Buena Park Hotel is located at the south end of Knotts
Berry Farm, on Crescent Avenue, just west of Beach Boulevard. From
either the 405 or 22 Freeways (from the south) or the 5 or 91 Freeways
(from the north), proceed to Knotts Berry Farm on Beach Boulevard.
Turn west on Crescent -- that's right if heading south or left if
heading north. From the north you can also cut right through the
Knott's parking lot and shopping area. The hotel is right there
on your right. The Colony Inn, Covered Wagon Motel, and Crescent
Motel are all across Crescent, on the south side, just east of our
main Hotel. What, still confused?? Why, just use the handy-dandy
maps included in this issue!
A Word Or Two About Parking...
Parking in the Hotel lot at the Buena Park Hotel is primarily reserved
for folks actually staying in rooms at the hotel. If you're coming
to ConFurence from a local town and not staying overnight, please
consider parking in one of the adjacent Knott's Berry Farm lots
-- they're not expensive; in fact one of them is free for up to
4 hours!
Let's Den Up!
If you're coming to ConFurence on a tight budget, why not split
the room costs? (And meet some nice people in the bargain!) If you
are interested in sharing a room, or if you have a room and
could use some extra bodies, please give us a call at the ConFurence
phone number. (Or, if you can, e-mail vinson@netcom.com) We'll ask
you some pertinent questions, and pass along the information to
other interested furries. Also look for the Room Sharing info on
the Scent Post bulletin boards at the convention.
A Furry's Gotta Eat!
The Buena Park Hotel comes equipped with its own deluxe coffee shop,
a fancy steak house, and a 50's-themed bar! But there are
plenty of other places to feed your muzzle or beak in the environs
of ConFurence! Immediately to the north of the main hotel are several
eateries just outside of Knott's Berry Farm, and Goodie's Coffee
Shop is located at Beach and Crescent. Plus, numerous eating places
of all sorts are found up and down along Beach Boulevard in the
area. Maps and lists (with hours) will be available at ConFurence
Information, or else, look to any hotel staff person with that hungry
look in your eyes!
Welcome Back To -- The Pearl Possum!
Modelled after the local Lynchbany tavern in the first book of Alan
Dean Foster's Spellsinger series, ConFurence Eight proudly
presents the return of our own continuous juice bar and fan lounge,
available to ConFurence members! In addition to a full line of (non-alcoholic)
drinks, The Pearl Possum will once again feature events such as
book signings, story readings, and filk singing at night. Be sure
to check it out!
The Den of Dealers:
As of this time, the Den of Dealer's is sold out for ConFurence
Eight. If you've called us and you're on our waiting list, please,
bring your stuff! We'll try our best to find room for you in our
Artists' Alley, or perhaps in the Den of Dealers itself -- cancellations
do happen, sometimes at the last minute!
The Artists' Alley remains one of the most popular features of any
ConFurence! Tables in the pre-convene area are available free
of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, with sign-ups each
morning at 9:45 am -- sharp! The tables along Publisher's Row are
assigned through previous arrangements with ConFurence -- and currently,
they're all filled up!
Important Information for Dealers: We recommend you bring up
materials for the Den of Dealers through the freight elevator on
the east side of the Hotel (facing towards Beach Boulevard), through
the service corridor, and in the back door of the Den of Dealers.
We'll have ConFurence staff on hand to help you out. Once you arrive,
a Dealer's Den Map will be available to show you the way to your
table. Dealers do not have to register their memberships and receive
their badges prior to setting up their tables -- but they must do
so immediately after setting up!
The Artists' Alley:
Remains one of the most popular features of any ConFurence! Tables
on the mezzanine at the Buena Park Hotel are available free
of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, with sign-ups each
morning. Once again, by special request, the Artists' Alley will
also feature Publishers' Row, where comic book, video, and other
production houses can show you their wares and scout out new talent.
Publishers' Row tables may be reserved via special arrangement with
ConFurence -- but there's not many left! Write to Rod O'Riley
at the ConFurence address for any information.
The Art Show:
Guess what? We've done it! We've filled up our huge ConFurence Eight
Art Show to the very walls. From this point, at-the-door sales of
art show space will be allowed only if there is space remaining,
and only on Thursday and Friday (the 16th and 17th). Our thanks
to the many artists, print-makers and sculptors who are participating
in our show this year. If you've registered and you're bringing
art to hang/display/sell, please note that Art Show set-up will
be taking place starting Thursday morning, with the show to open
early Friday. The Art Show and all of its business will take place
on the 9th floor, in the City Lights Room. Once again this year
the ConFurence art show will feature two voice-auctions,
with the first taking place Saturday evening (in addition to the
traditional Sunday afternoon voice auction) for those piece which
have already received enough bids for auction. We want everyone
who wants art to have a chance to get in on the bidding! Further
information will be available at the con. (We highly recommend that
artists displaying in the show attend the Matting Workshop on Thursday
at 7:00 pm, if you can!)
IAnd Here's A Look At Some Of The
Events We'll Be Bringing You...
More of your favorites at ConFurence Eight! As always there'll be
plenty of our popular round-robin SIGs, covering diverse topics
like computers, animation, drawing, writing, publishing, personal
furries, role-playing games, furry anime, universe design, and more!
Also returning are the ever-popular species meetings, where you
can seek out and talk to folks who likewise favor your favorite
animal type! And also returning this year is the 'third track' in
our Lecture Hall -- special presentations by furries who have $tuff
they really wanna $how you, plus some extra special events! It's
all in your handy dandy pocket program, available at Con Registration!
A quick overview of daily stuff: Thursday is mostly a set-up
and meet-and-greet day, though Artists' Alley, the Lounges, and
the Video Theater will all be up and running. Also on Thursday this
time is the Matting Workshop, to help artists keep their
stuff looking good as long as possible! Late Thursday Night, it's
time for the return of Club Tekno-Fur, presenting the hottest
dance sounds in the galaxy, direct to you! Friday will start
off with the Meet The Guests reception/meeting for our GOH's
and other guests, as well as the first Life Drawing Workshop
for artists who'd like to learn a bit more about drawing furries
based on real bodies! Friday night, furry puppeteer Steve Plunkett
returns with his singing femme-fatale skunk (and more new friends),
and also look for the return of the Pet Auction (just for
fun). Friday night it's the Ice Cream Social (included in
the price of your admission!); our annual Filk Song Contest,
where you the listener get to vote on the best new song with a furry
theme; and finally our first ever Filk Concert. Ending up
Friday night is a new dance, Purple Nurple Live, direct from
FurryMuck to you! Saturday brings another Life Drawing
Workshop, not to mention our famous Costume SIG/Presentation
and how-to session. Saturday night things really get moving: Munch
on lasagna at Garfield's (a separate ticket item), see the
first art auction, and come to the famous Cabaret Fur le Dance
(also a separate ticket item -- for adults!). Sunday morning it's
time for another Dog & Pony Show (where producers of
new comics, TV shows, and other goodies get to strut there stuff).
Later Sunday it's time for some rest, but only so you can get up
for the second art auction, and some other special events -- to
be announced! See The ConFurence General Store (near Artists' Alley)
for information on prices and availability of separate ticket items,
and check out our Information station to find out more about our
fabulous events!
More Information On Special Events
The Costume SIG
Your opportunity to show off what you can do with costuming for
your own furry creation -- not to mention the creation itself --
comes on Saturday afternoon at our Costume SIG, where the two-hour
program starts off with a presentation of the handiwork of costumers
and furry constructors from throughout furrydom (with photo opportunities),
followed later in the day by a popular vote for the two best costumes
(at the presentation, or wandering the halls). After the presentation,
costumers from around the country will be on hand and available
to discuss the materials and methods they use to bring us their
creations! Sign-up sheets for the presentation portion of the Costume
SIG will be available at ConFurence Information. Keep your eyes
open -- several costumers have asked about having individual how-to
sessions on various aspects of their art. Check out the daily schedule,
and watch the newsletter!
Dinner at Garfield's
Another ConFurence tradition -- stuffing yourself on Saturday! This
year Garfield's will feature lots of lasagna (appropriate name,
right?), plus lots of other goodies to fit all tastes and needs
(including special diets) available buffet-style. Tickets are available
from the General Store, and include and a drink for only $10.00
per person. Eating times are staggered to keep the crowd down --
so make sure and check your ticket!
The Cabaret Fur le Dance
By now a ConFurence tradition, the Saturday night Cabaret show features
lively music and hot dancing by skillful male and female dancers,
plus costumes and skits -- yes, there's adult-oriented material
here (at least in some parts of the show!), so the show is for over-18's,
sorry! Proceeds from the Cabaret benefit various charities, including
the Deal Whitley / Du Cret Art School scholarship fund and animal
rescue and educational institutions like the Wildlife Waystation
. Tickets can again be purchased at the General Store for $10.00.
Filking
ConFurence strives to be a filk-friendly con. The Pearl Possum will
again be set aside on Friday and Saturday night for fans who want
to get together and sing about their favorite furries. This
time on Friday night it's time for the annual furry filk
lyric contest, with the winner picked by a popular vote. What? You
don't sing or play? Why, just bring your lyrics along -- we'll have
someone perform them for you! And hey, do you play a guitar or other
instrument? Bring it along! We can always use accompanists! And,
Friday night, make sure to check out our first ever Filk Concert,
starring Dr. Jane Robinson, Cynthia McQuillin, Thoth, and
Leslie Fish! And remember, admission is free with
your membership! After the contest and concert, and all night Saturday,
it's circle the chairs and sing the night away in the Pearl Possum.
The Video Theater -- Back Together Again!
Once again, ConFurence video is back in one spot. Our Video Theater,
running 24 hours a day from Thursday afternoon to Sunday
afternoon, will feature many animated features and TV shows, anime
originals, translations (serious and otherwise!), short films, furry
commercials, and other nifty stuff. Find the Video Guide Books at
Registration or Information, follow the signs, and head toward the
flickering lights!
Gaming
Always a popular pastime with lots of furries, whether the game
is Albedo, Other Suns, TMNT, Werewolf, or Teenagers From
Outer Space! Gaming space will be available at ConFurence downstairs,
on the first floor -- just follow the signs! Sign-ups for games
and game masters will be kept right outside the gaming room, and
a schedule can be found near Con Information. Be on the lookout
for special tournament announcements, including a special Rage
Tourney!
The InterNet Comes to ConFurence
About time, we hear you say! This year our members will be able
to check e-mail and news groups, MUD, IRC and whatever ! Look for
the InterNet Terminal Room downstairs, next door to Gaming.
A Few Important Policy Notes for ConFurence
-- Weapons
- For the length of ConFurence Eight, all real, realistic, or simulated
weapons must be peace-bonded with ribbon. This includes any sort
of gun, knife (above 4" total), sword, whip, or other such
item which could cause damage. ConFurence security will be
enforcing this.
-- Some Words on Dress and Behavior
- We've said it before, but it's time to ask it again: Hey folks,
all sorts of people from all over the world, from many walks of
life, come to a ConFurence. And we really want to make a good impression
on as many of them as we can. Since not everyone who shows up is
going to be into or not into the same things, please try to be discreet
with things like leather shock-gear, okay? At very least in the
Lobby and main Convention Area, try to think about how you're dressed,
and try to make sure that you are dressed! Secondly, be careful
about getting over-energetic with horseplay! If a bit of fooling
around damages hotel property, it's gone way too far. Okay? Thank
you from all of us.
The Price
Registration to ConFurence Eight is on a sliding scale. From now
until January 10th, 1995, three-day Attending memberships
are available by mail for $30.00. After that, three-day memberships
will sell at the door for the same $30.00. And a full year
of In-Fur-Nation, plus our special annual ConFurence Souvenir
Collection Book, are all included in the price of your membership!
And remember, if you cannot migrate to this part of the world at
that time, feel free to join ConFurence as a Supporting member!
Supporting members get a full year's subscription to In-Fur-Nation,
the Souvenir Collection Book, and one free art show display space
for the taking, all for the low price of just $12.00! Got
it? :)
Planning on buying your membership at ConFurence? The prices at-the-door
will be: $15.00 for Friday, $20.00 for Saturday, $15.00
for Sunday, $25.00 for Saturday and Sunday, and $30.00
for all three days. Converting your membership at the door
works like this: Supporting to Attending: $13.00. Attending
to Sponsor: $30.00 - $79.00. Sponsor to Super Sponsor: Whatever
brings your total up to $100.00 or more. Attending to Super
Sponsor: $80.00 or more.
Registering at the Convention
ConFurence Registration will be divided into three parts: Pre-registered
members with last names between A-L, Pre-registered members with
last names between M-Z, and new At-The-Door registration. For Pre-Registered
Members, sign your name next to the name and address in the
Reg Book, and check your name spelling and address for correctness.
(If anything is not correct, please write in the correct
information next to your name!) For At The Door Registration,
fill out a new member form (press hard, it's carbon!), hand over
your money (cash, check, or money order only, please), and make
sure to get your receipt copy! For any and all Converting Memberships,
go to At The Door Registration, point out what you wish to
upgrade from and to, sign next to your name if asked to, and hand
over the appropriate amount of money. At Registration you'll be
handed a packet with your con badge, your souvenir book, your pocket
program, your video schedule, and other neat stuff! Remember, special
membership badges are handed out to furries who're under 18 years
of age -- so be prepared to show ID at Registration if you fur isn't
quite dragging the ground yet! Another important thing: We must
have a real name associated with a real face for each and every
badge handed out. We have to know who your 'guests' are before we'll
give them (or you) their badge!
Important Note on Registration, for Special Guests and Pre-Paid
Sponsors and Super Sponsors Only:
As an added bonus, our special guests of ConFurence, Sponsors and
Super Sponsors (pre-paid, not converting) can bi-pass the Registration
lines all together! If you're a Special Guest, Sponsor or a Super
Sponsor, please follow the signs to the Sponsor Lounge (take
the elevators to the 8th floor, and follow the signs). Your badges,
packets, and ribbons will be waiting for you there. Not certain
if you're a Sponsor, Super, or Guest? Check the lists at Information!
We Get By With A Little Help From Our
Friends...
.... And Now A Word About Our Sponsors
Our Sponsors
Sponsors are the special furries who help keep ConFurence going
by giving a little bit (or a lot bit!) of extra financial help.
That's money for transporting, lodging, and feeding our special
guests, as well as off-setting complimentary memberships. To become
a sponsor, just contribute a minimum of $30.00 over and
above your membership fee. Indicate which of our special guests
this money is to help toward; or if you can't decide, just mark
it "general fund" -- we'll split it among all of them.
What do you get for being a sponsor? Besides being mentioned by
name in the Souvenir Book, sponsors are the only folks (besides
staff and guests) allowed in the Guest Lounge, a special place
set aside where folks can relax away from the hubbub of the con.
The food is good and the company is lively. And sponsors get special
seating at the Fur le Dance Cabaret (with the purchase
of a regular ticket -- after all, it's for charity!). Plus, sponsors
get -- our unending gratitude!
Super Sponsors! (The Animated Series!)
Super Sponsors are people who really want to help out the convention
-- and think they deserve something special in return. Supers
sponsors are those crazy, er, wonderful people willing to contribute
$100.00 or more toward our special guests. Super Sponsors
get all the same neat stuff as other Sponsors, plus some extra
snazzy foodstuffs in the VIP Lounge (Guests and Super-Sponsors
only allowed!). Other neat perks include front-row seats at the
Fur le Dance Cabaret! (Again, that's with the charity purchase
of your ticket for the FLD show.) What, you don't have $100.00
sitting around? Why, make installments! That's right, we'll take
two payments of $50.00, or four payments of $25.00
-- it still counts you as a Super Sponsor! [Important Note:
Keep in mind, you're not actually a Sponsor until we get the actual
$50.00 or more, and not a Super until we get the full $100.00
or more. So, if you're making installments, you might not get
your name in the Souvenir Book, say, if you take a while to get
yourself paid up! But, we promise -- we'll acknowledge you as
soon as you do!]
Once again at ConFurence Eight for Sponsors and Supers: We're
setting up a special 'Express Registration' just for our pre-registered
sponsors and super -sponsors. You can bi-pass the line-up at Con
Reg, get your badges and other con stuff right away, and get out
there first to get those sketches in your books started!
ANOTHER Special Note for Sponsors and Supers...
We've had several people who have actively requested help from
ConFurence to get out here, so they might join us and be part
of the program. It would be very helpful to us if any Sponsors
or Super Sponsors willing to would ear-mark some or all of their
contributions (already made) toward helping out specific well-known
furs. Besides our four guests of honor (Robert J. Sawyer, Dr.
Jane Robinson, Bill Holbrook, and Mel. White) whom
we can always use help for, the folks asking about Sponsorship
include: Thoth (jazz/ethnic group, performing at the filk
concert), Steve Addlesee (inker/artist on Shanda and
other comics), Freddy Anderson (comic book artist), Major
Matt Mason (3-D artist and creator of Talivisions),
Steve Plunkett (furry puppeteer), Cobalt (fan artist),
and Wookie (fan artist). Several of the artistic folks
here have already said they'd be will to maybe do up some
special print runs just for their sponsors... so, if you'd like
to ear-mark some of your funds to some of the needy, why not give
the ConFurence phone number a call, or e-mail vinson@netcom.com.
Our Staff
We can always use more staff to help keep things running smoothly
at ConFurence! What's it take? Twelve hours (minimum) of your
time over the length of the con (though more is always appreciated!)
helping out with Registration, Art Show shuffling and paperwork,
sound and lighting for the shows and dances, and all kinds of
stuff it takes to pull off a con like this one? What do you get
for all this? Well first and foremost, a free space to
crash in and cheap (if not free) munchies for the length of the
con! Plus a chance for a free membership to the following ConFurence,
transferable to certain 'stuff' at the ConFurence General Store.
[Remember though, you do have to buy a membership first,
do the work, then you'll be credited for your membership!]
Want more info on ConFurence volunteering? Just send a note to
Rod O'Riley at the ConFurence address (or his e-mail address)
and he'll send you out a Volunteer Information Packet right away!
If you'd like to volunteer at the Con itself, or if you
have signed up for staff and need to check in, just head
up to the desk with the sign in nice big friendly letters that
says Volunteers (it's upstairs, next to Information).
Furries on the Wing -- Follow
That Ultralight!
ConFurence has its own official travel agency, Ladera Travel
of Southern California. They've specialized for years in getting
good rates for travel to and from SF cons, including ours! Contact
Rick Foss or Robin (his trusty assistant) at (800)
624-6679 from outside California, or (310) 640-0527 inside California.
The Great Furry Migration
Looking for adventure? And a way to get to ConFurence Eight, too?
How about a carpool or caravan! Get to spend some 'quality time'
with some old or brand new friends! ConFurence will assist furries
interested in ride-sharing to CF8. Give us a call on the ConFurence
phone and give us some pertinent information about what you need
or what you're offering. We'll pass the info along to others in
your area (or path) who'd like to ride share.
The Times, They Are A'Changin'... Maybe!
(Note: These times are tentative! Check at the con itself to make
sure!) ConFurence Eight opens officially at 5:00 pm on
Thursday the 16th. That means the Lounges, the main SIG Room,
and the Video Theater will be open -- Art Show and Den of Dealers
will be setting up still, after 12:00 noon. [Artists' Alley
will be open for anyone who wants to sit down; no sign-up required.]
The other three days, things get started at 10:00 am each
morning -- that is, Con Registration and the Artists' Alley. Dealers
can get access to the Dealers' Den starting at 9:00 am
each morning, and sign-ups for Artists' Alley take place promptly
at 9:45 am each morning. Con Registration will close at
8:00 pm on Friday, 7:00 pm on Saturday, and at 1:00
pm on Sunday (to make way for Registration for ConFurence
Nine). The Den of Dealers will be open from 10:30 am - 7:00
pm on Friday, 10:00 am -6:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00
am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Information regarding viewing and
bidding times for the Art Show, the auctions, and other such information
will be posted on the door of the Art Show, and published in the
newsletter when possible. The Video Theater Schedule will be available
in separate booklets at Con Registration. The whole sheboom closes
down at 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Keep Ahead of the Game!
How do you stay on top of the latest schedule changes, additions,
deletions, and other need-to-know items at ConFurence Eight? Simple!
Just pick up the latest issue of The Scratching Post, our
half-daily newsletter of events and information. And for getting
your questions answered by a human being, just stop by our handy
Information Table, located next to Artists' Alley, right atop
the big spiral staircase.
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Happy New Year, everyone! Be one of the pack! Keep in touch
with the world of Anthropomorphics! Join ConFurence Eight Today!
Catch Those Puppiiiiies!
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