“We should all learn to live with uncertainty.”
During her opening ceremonies speech, Helen Montgomery (Convention Chair) shared these words of wisdom from a former teacher, and the statement has stuck with me ever since (granted, the ceremony took place a little over 12 hours ago, but the ol’ memory banks aren’t what they used to be).
We live with uncertainty every day, and while life’s stubborn determination to major in “undecided” may fill us with dread from time to time, we also revel in the unknown. Speculative fiction thrives on the endless possibilities of this universe (and universes beyond). Artwork of the fantastic invites us to look beyond our horizons, and we are more than happy to oblige.
Of course, we can also take solace in the fact that at the end of the day, we can return from the edges of Teixcalaanli space by laying down the book. We can appreciate the beauty of the City Enduring at our leisure, even as Lantern Sojourner “Jo” Mullein fights to uphold justice. We can turn down the volume as the Fremen wage war against their oppressors (except we won’t, because the sound design was awesome). However, we cannot escape the unknown as we live out our lives. Some may choose to view the unknown as “cold, hard reality,” but as speculative fiction fans, our minds are primed to revel in the unknown, are they not?
I know that my grandfather, who introduced me to science fiction, possessed such a mind. As he shared his Arthur C. Clarke paperbacks and his love for astronomy with his grandson, he would often share his own words of wisdom (perhaps borrowing a bit from quantum mechanics texts). He would tell me that “the universe may abide by the rules of nature, but as human beings, it will always be a stranger and more wondrous place than we can ever imagine.”
May your second day of Worldcon 2022 be filled with delightfully strange ideas, wondrous encounters, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
Rex Allen Hughes, Newsletter Editor
Chicon Updates
Call for On-Site Virtual Volunteers!
We are in desperate need of On-Site Virtual Hosts. The host sits in the room where the panel is happening at the Hyatt, helps start the streaming, and acts as the “voice” for any questions that come in on the virtual channel.
If you want to participate in some fascinating panels and earn some volunteer rewards, stop by either of the volunteer desks and sign up for to be an On-Site Host for a session (or two… or three). It’s easy and fun!
CoNZealand 2020 Update
We missed seeing you in Wellington, New Zealand for CoNZealand in 2020. Come along to Grand Ballroom A and B anytime from 1pm to 9pm TODAY to experience some of the things you would have seen and done.
We’ll have panel re-screenings, you can take photos with our fabulous New Zealand backdrops, and you can sit on our throne of kiwis. We’ll also have the last of our t-shirts for sale – they’re going cheap because we won’t take them home!
Masquerade Registration
The Masquerade registration desk is near Main Registration and will be open Friday and until 11 am on Saturday. Anyone can enter the masquerade and we are happy to help anyone who may be interested! Those who register in advance must check in at the registration desk to receive a tech rehearsal time slot. Those who did not register in advance can do so at the desk any time we are open.
The Masquerade will take place at 8 pm on Saturday and everyone is invited.
Friday Art Show Tour
Artist and ASFA president Sara Felix will be guiding a tour of the Chicon 8 Art Show (Regency Ballroom ABC) at 1:00 pm today.
Philcon Young Writers’ Contest
The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society (PSFS) and Philcon, the Philadelphia Science Fiction Convention are pleased to invite all young writers to participate in the Philcon Young Writers’ Contest. There are two categories (grades 5-8 and grades 9-12) with cash prizes for the first and second place winners in each category as well as publication (if the winner and his/her/their parents wish) in the Philcon Program Book.
Copies of the rules and the entry form can be found on the Freebie Table in the Exhibit Hall. You may also visit our website at Philcon.org under Programming. Good luck! We look forward to reading your entries.
WFC 2021 Bookbags
For members of WFC 2021 who responded to our recent survey, you may pick up your bookbags at the Smofcon Table, next to the Winnipeg NASFiC bid.
Lakeshore Drive Closure for Bike the Ride (Sunday)
On Sunday, September 4th, Lake Shore Drive will be closed from approximately 6:30 to 11:00 am due to Bike the Drive. If you are interested in learning more about the event, please check out their website: https://bikethedrive.org/
Special thanks to Steven H Silver, Michael Nelson, Jannie Shea, Lynelle Howell, Karin May, Helen Montgomery, Ilene Tatroe, and Lew Wolkoff for contributing to the Sunrise Edition.
If you would like to submit updates to the newsletter for morning publication (Sunrise Edition, 9 am) or evening publication (Chicon Signals, 5 pm), please email us at newsletter@chicon.org!
The Star Chart newsletter is produced with the (much appreciated) help of several folks, including our Publications team, roving reporters Suzan Spitzberg and Michael Nelson, and various contributors. We look forward to experiencing Chicon 8 with all of you!
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