Parties, Parties, and More Parties

Several years ago, the editor of Makin' BayCon complained about the sad lack of parties, especially on Friday night of the convention. We're pleased to report that fans have apparently shaken off the doldrums, based on the large number of parties planned tonight.

The majority of these pre-party notices were supplied by the wonderful party map (designed by 'the other Eric'). This map of the second and third floors shows most of each night's parties with pointers to where the parties are. To see the full-sized original, just drop by the Information Desk, located outside the Art Show room, or visit the 2nd floor kiosk by the elevators.

Remember that rooms numbered 41 and higher on each floor are in the "ten story tower" (where the main elevators are) under 41 are in the "eight story tower" (the other one). Starting times for parties vary, but most should be open by 9 pm and last until the hosts get tired.

203-205 The Internet Cafe, courtesy of Wallis Enterprises. (May be delayed due to technical problems.)
249 Yarf! Where fans of Furries come to hang out.
254 Great AmeriCon (Combined bid for 1999 Westercon and NASFiC) bid party.
257 Mara's Bar: Progressive rock party. "Where the fleet goes to party!"
258-260 The Nexxus/BayCon Con Suite: Tonight after the Meet the Guests Reception, gather for King Cake in celebration of fifteen years of BayCon.
261 Clan McDude's Surf's Up party.
259 It's About Time party.
317 Redubbed Anime Video party, 8 pm.
341-343 Starcraft and Justice League party.
347 USS Northern Lights - impromptu party.
356 BASFA (Bay Area Science Fiction Association) party, 8 pm. Come and join us; bring lots of quarters.

Registration Hours

In case you are reading one of these issues and wondering how you can become a member of this wonderful convention going on around you, here's the latest update on convention registration.

The Registration Weasels welcome you to BayCon '97. Artwork featuring cuddly weasels and friendly badgers adorn the desks. "If there's anything weasel-related, please see us," requests head weasel Cindi. "Have a great BayCon '97!"

Hours of operation:
Friday 6:15-9 pm
Saturday 9 am-7 pm
Sunday 10 am-7 pm
Monday 10:30 am-2 pm
Membership Fees are $60.00 for the whole convention, Saturday only $35.00, Sunday only $30.00, and Monday only $20.00.

"BayCon's going great for me so far this year. Wait! It'll hear me! Forget I said that."

Panel Review
"Is Bill Gates the Antichrist?"

...And the answer was, "no not really," but the man does have more money than common sense, is one of the best salesmen of this age, wields a whole heck of a lot of POWER and why can't we have been that lucky? (A related question was "and why does Apple keep snatching defeat from the jaws of victory?") The panel was very enjoyable and audience participation was high. The highlights of the panel were: an explanation of why Unix systems are what you want for keeping your data secure, and the horror that is Windows. Everyone was in agreement that Gates should treat his employees better, since burning out his proteges is so very wasteful. As one comment pointed out though, "He is Bill Gates of the Borg. Prepare to be assimilated. Point - click."

"It isn't theft! It's a way to increase its distribution!"

It's Not His Fault

David Falk, the artist who did this year's BayCon logo, among other artwork in the program book, says, "It's not my fault that they scanned in some of my work badly for the program book this year. If you want to see my work properly presented, a lot of my original artwork is in the Art Show." We figure this just gives convention members another reason to visit this year's Art Show.

Works in Progress Report

This year's Works in Progress exhibit focuses on cloth work. "We won't be holding formal classes this year, but if you have the time, drop by," said Mouse, standing watch over the exhibit in the Santa Clara Room. "We'll be glad to show you how to do hand stitching, samplers and embroidery. Anything you want to learn, we'll be willing to teach you." Mouse showed off a lovely example of Celtic cross-stitching to illustrate her artistry. Remember that this could be you!
There will be a "stitch and kvetch" session held all day on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, where chocolate will be a featured guest. Mouse concluded, "If you want some quiet moments during the Con, please drop on by. We'll be delighted to see you!"

You Should See the Environmental Impact Statement...

"I don't think the membership realizes how much paperwork it takes to order up rain for the first morning of a convention," said BayCon Chair Michael Siladi earlier today. "It takes tons of paperwork. However, we do have an order in for sunlight for the rest of the convention weekend."

The Message is a Massage

Massages are available in room 858. Take a break, relax and enjoy a back and shoulder massage or a foot massage. Very reasonable prices. Stop by all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No appointment necessary until after 8 PM.

Charity Auctions Notice

The SFWA Medical Fund Auctions will be Saturday and Sunday at Noon in the Thunderbird Ballroom Foyer. We'll have more details in our morning issue.

Program Changes

The Procrastinators' Anonymous BoF has been postponed to Saturday morning at 11:15 AM in Pine/Fir/Oak. The panelist list is still in preparation. Lost Badge Policy
Take care of your badge! You need it to attend ALL convention activities. Check with registration if they are open, or ConOps in room 266 if it is after hours. If your badge is not found, you must purchase another membership to remain at BayCon. If your original badge is found later, we will happily refund the second membership fee. Thank you for understanding.

Makin' BayCon is the newsletter of BayCon '97. Number 2, Friday Evening, May 23, 1997. Š1997 by Artistic Solutions, Inc. on behalf of the contributors, with all rights reverting upon publication. Editor: Kevin Standlee. Editorial Courtesan: Lisa Hayes. Webmeister: Rick Hallock. Ace Field Reporter: Barbara Johnson-Haddad. Artist In Residence: Erlinda Hallock. Special Assistant to Mr. Kane: L. Cranston. Uncredited articles probably were written by the Editor or staff or found in the elevator foyer scribbled on gum wrappers. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the BayCon '97 Committee, Artistic Solutions, Inc., or anybody but the person who expressed them. Submission Drop Boxes are located at the Info Desk (Main Lobby) and in the Con Office (Second Floor). The Newsletter Office is in room 441.