Parallel Universe Blasts Off at The Galaxy Express

Beginning today, The Galaxy Express is hosting "Parallel Universe" an event featuring and promoting Science Fiction Romance in conjunction with the RWA Nationals in Washington DC that will begin July 15th. TGE will be hosting a number of posts with a SFR focus in the two weeks to come. Be sure to join the fun.

If you're on Twitter, search the related hashtag "#rwasfr" for current tweets and live updates from RWA Nationals next week.

The Toasted Scimitar Signs Off

Some of the readers of Spacefreighters may know of my other joint blog The Toasted Scimitar, our themed Fantasy Pub. T/S kicked off in June 2007 as a joint blog co-hosted by myself and three--later four--Fantasy/SF writers, my co-bloggers Abby Rustad (published author of an impressive list of Fantasy and SF shorts), published author Ardyth De Bruyn (CHOSEN SISTER), and the talented writers known as "Skipperz" and "Spartezda."

We recently made the joint and unanimous decision to retire Toasted Scimitar from blogdom. ("RIP Toasted Scimitar") We'll leave the blog inactive for the next year before deleting it, as some of the former articles are still getting hits and comments. I will always fondly remember T/S as my tutor and on-the-job instuctor into the universe of blogdom.

Long live Toasted Scimitar.

Independence Day

As I contemplate the freedoms this country offers
and the wealth I enjoy that goes far beyond the monetary
As I celebrate our liberty
and revere our heroes and our fallen
I remember with pride those who came before--
Those who sacrificed so our country could be born
Those who died defending democracy
Those who taught me the meaning of heroism and courage
Those who inspired me through words and music
to look in the mirror and become a better citizen of this great planet.

To them I am forever indebted.

Happy Fourth of July
Long may that Star-Spangled Banner Yet Wave

Lest We Ever Forget

Sometimes controversy tries to drown out
the truest and the greatest contributions
of one life, one voice, one message...

Let us never forget
what he showed us through his music.

We are the world.

Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

Just for Fun

Counting Down Our Favorite Sci-Fi Movie Babes, Past & Present on Asylum.

I voted for Sigourney Weaver as the most bad-ass female in Sci-Fi (but only because Vasquez wasn't on the list). Who do you pick?

And a Star Wars Dance Off on YouTube that includes an unintended tribute.

Yeah, I had to vote for the late entry, too.

Parellel Universe on The Galaxy Express

A reminder about The Galaxy Express Parallel Universe event, which is coming up beginning July 5.

Parallel Universe will run concurrently with the RWA Nationals in Washington DC and promises to be a Skiffy Rommer paradise, featuring articles, guest bloggers, and live twitter posts (tweets) from SFR-oriented attendees who will be right at the heart of it all reporting on the happenings--official or otherwise. We hope to have good coverage of "The Gathering" sponsored by the FF&P Chapter and the RITA and Golden Heart Awards, where we'll be cheering on Sharon Lynn Fisher's SFR, Ghost Planet, a Golden Heart finalist in the Paranormal category.

If you're on Twitter, the #rwasfr hashtag has been kicked off in advance (and I could use some company). Feel free to post anything related to SFR or RWA whether you plan to be in attendance or not. If you're not on Twitter but have been thinking of joining, now might be a good time to sign up. Do a search for the hashtag #rwasfr to jump into the conversation. You may also wish to follow #rwachange which has developed in just a few days into an almost 400-strong group promoting reform of the organizations' policies toward e-publishing.

Come join the fun.

Spaceport Groundbreaking

I often describe New Mexico as a wonderful place for a writer to live because it can't decide which century it wants to exist in.

Yesterday marked an event that's definitely a showcase of the state's stake in the future, the groundbreaking of the first commercial spaceport in the world!

From the Spaceport America website:

The next chapter in space transportation is being written right now in the State of New Mexico. Forward-thinking pioneers are developing both vertical and horizontal launch vehicles using the power of free-market enterprise.

As the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, Spaceport America is designed with the needs of the commercial space business in mind. Unique geographic benefits, striking iconic design, and the tradition of New Mexico space leadership are coming together to create a new way to travel into space.

When it comes to outer space, New Mexico is bringing it down to earth!

I invite you to stop by the Spaceport America website to see the vision, browse the videos and information and check out the Spaceport America Foundation and available products.

Support your local spaceport! :)