CopperCon 28 Social Programming
(all information is subject to change at any time up to,
during and even after the convention )
Updated 08/25/2008

(Note: Thursday programming is open only to those who have pre-registered)

SOC-SOCIAL TOPICS

SOC/FAN - ARE WE THE MUNDANES NOW? Has broader society absorbed everything important about 1950s & 1960's science fiction? Are we living in a "science fiction" society? If so, what is the relevance of science fiction literature today?
Sun 1p-2p, Palo Verde 1. Paul Cook (Moderator), Don Markstein, Randall Whitlock

SOC/LIT - BRINGING SF INTO THE CLASSROOM. Which schools are already using SF in their literature - or science - programs? Which books do they use, and why? What results do they get? Do students go on to read more SF? How does the introduction to SF affect them? Should this become a market niche? Some writers wrote specifically with school age readers in mind: Heinlein, Asimov, and Rowling certainly; which others?
Sat 11a-noon, Ballroom B. Paul Cook (Moderator), Emily Hogan, Chris Paige, Rick Novy

SOC - CHARITY AUCTION Beneficiary is Reading is FUNdamental, and the donation will be given to a local elementary school.
Sat 2p-330p, cash out 3:30-4p, Ballroom A. Catherine Book, Bill Whitmore, Deborah Paper.

SOC/FAN - GIRLS 101. Girls are people too. You've heard it, but maybe you have no idea how to react, what to say, or why that girl behind the counter at the gaming store doesn't want to hear about your hex maps. Listen to real, genuine girls and ask your pressing questions! Audience participation encouraged.
Sun noon-1p, Ballroom B. Chris Paige (Moderator), Sarah Clemens, Rebekah Lamberth, Jennifer Aronson

SOC/LIT - GOD AND SCIENCE FICTION. There's no reason not to include religion in your science fiction, religion has a place in our history and our culture. How much is too much? And what flavor? When does it contribute to the story and when does it just turn into preaching?
Fri 5p-6p, Ballroom A. Chris Paige (Moderator), Steven Brust, Charles Lesher, Michelle Welch.

SOC/FAN - THE POLITICAL AGENDA. Does most science fiction have a political bias? Is Firefly Libertarian, while the Foundation Series depicts the ultimate state? Does awareness of political implications or subtext contribute anything to these stories; or rather is the desire to interpret them in a political context in fact a political statement?
Fri 7p-8p, Ballroom B. Anna Paradox (Moderator), Mark Horning, Walter Sanville

SOC/ODD - RAISING PAGAN CHILDREN. A panel to discuss the resources now available for pagan parents or parents of children who choose the pagan path. There is a lot of good information out there for teen witches and their parental units. It is our belief that education can overcome most knee-jerk negative responses that many individuals have to Wicca as a religion. We will also discuss when stepping into the broom closet becomes a valid choice for parents who have raised their children in the Craft. Sadly, sometimes freedom of religion involves protecting our children and ourselves from religious persecution.
Fri 6p-7p, Ballroom A. Chris Dickenson, Dawn Taylor.

SOC - REGENCY DANCE. Hosted by Marty & Alice Massoglia.
Fri 830p - til whenever we drop, Ballroom A. Marty & Alice Massoglia

SOC/ODD - TAROT READINGS. Two experienced tarot readers will answer your specific or general questions. What does your future hold? Join us for a bit of divination, one card at a time.
Sat 730p-830p, Raven room. Chris Dickenson, Dawn Taylor.

SOC/FAN - THROW MY STUFF AWAY??? Ever watched an episode of Clean Sweep and thought that could be your house? Worried about the fact that you currently have more action figures than dishes? Frustrated with organization guides that seem to preach getting rid of every fun thing you own? It is possible to be an Organized and Decluttered Collector - and enjoy your collection to the max.
Sat 630p-730p, Palo Verde 1. Don Markstein, Sue Martin

SOC/FAN - TRAVERSING THE BLOGOSPHERE. What are the best science fiction and fantasy web sites to keep up to date on TV, Movies, Books or just see what your favorite author is up to in their spare time?
Sat noon-1p, Ballroom B. Summer Brooks(Moderator), Lee Whiteside, Patrick Connors

SOC/ODD - WICCAN ETHICS. If you can find two magical practitioners who agree completely on the ethics of magic, it is a rare thing indeed. The arguments rage on about what constitutes white, gray or black magic, and they always will. Magical practitioners that have struggled with these very questions themselves and with their students and clients share their insights into the old magical admonishment "Do as ye will, with harm to none."
Sat 9p-10p, Palo Verde 2. Chris Dickenson, Dawn Taylor.

SOC/SCI - WOULD YOU GO INTO SPACE? Bill Shatner reportedly turned down the opportunity to fly on Virgin's first passenger flight but Sigourney Weaver has already booked her ticket. Would you go if you could? And why?
Sun 10a-11a, Palo Verde 1. Anna Paradox (Moderator), Patrick Connors, Charles Lesher, Walter Sanville