Title: Computers in SF

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: Anna Hepworth

Description:

From Orac to HAL to Skynet, come and discuss the various visions of computers in SF. Past, present and whatever they may hold in the future.

Room Notes:

Tags: Science fiction, Science

Confirmed panellists: Rob Masters , John Parker, Theresa Anns

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Cocktail Lounge

Time: Thursday 8:30 PM

Title: Is Space Opera Science Fiction?

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

Traditionally, Space Opera is seen as Science fiction. This panel is to discuss whether this is indeed the case, or whether the genre would be better described as a form of Fantasy. This is to be a group discussion, led by the panelists. Specific examples will be looked at, which will include LMB's Vorkosigan universe, as well as Star Wars as a counterpoint.

Room Notes:

Tags: Books & Literature, Science fiction

Confirmed panellists: Elaine Walker, John Parker

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Montana B

Time: Friday 10:00 AM

Title: Reading: The King of the Copper Mountains

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

Leece reads from her favourite book in all the world.

The King of the Copper Mountains is dying, and has only his faithful hare for company. The Wonder Doctor is called to help, and to keep the King's heart going, promises to fetch the Golden Speedwell, sending any animals he finds to tell the King stories. Will the stories keep him alive until the Wonder Doctor arrives? The stories of three headed dragons, fierce wolves and dwarves with diamond saws and the continuing adventures of the Wonder Doctor keep us enthralled.

Enjoy an introduction to this classic of Dutch literature which entertains the adult in the child, and the child in the adult.

Room Notes:

Tags:

Confirmed panellists: John Parker, Leece

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Other

Time: Friday 4:00 PM

Title: Hack Your Hardware (V2.0b)

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: John Parker

Description:

Flashing your firmware, bashing you box - Welcome to the wonderful world of modding. We look at simple hacks for your phone, camera and game console. A reprise of the panel at Wasteland II: Age of Iron.

Room Notes:

Tags: Format: Workshop, Technology, Equipment: AV

Confirmed panellists: John Parker, David Cake

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Montana B

Time: Friday 5:00 PM

Title: Zombie Apocalypse Survival in the Fan Lounge

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: cricketk

Description:

Create a kit out of everyday items and workshop defending the hotel.

Participate at your own risk!

Location: Fan Lounge

Room Notes:

Tags: Science, Geek stuff, Icebreaker

Confirmed panellists: Alistair McKie, John Parker

One additional panellist has been suggested.

Room: Other

Time: Saturday 11:00 AM

Title: Non-violent videogames

Status: confirmed

Proposed by: John Parker

Description:

A discussion of video games, violence and their impact on children. Come hear about games, how they've developed over the years and learn about what to play that doesn't involve splatter-art.

Room Notes:

Tags: Gaming, Children

Confirmed panellists: John Parker, Jon Hayward

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Oshaneshii

Time: Sunday 8:30 PM

Title: Global Warming: Spike vs Precipice

Status: confirmed

Proposed by:

Description:

Will we hit an ecotastrophe before we hit an information explosion?

Can we hold off the global warming "collapse" long enough to have the explosion of technologies that would come with the spike around to fix it. (I am specifically thinking about nanotech as a "fix" solution, since it is so useful as a "carbon squestering" solution.)

Room Notes:

Tags: Science

• Global_Warming_-_Spike_Versus_Precipice.mp3

Confirmed panellists: John Parker, David Cake, Fern Clarke

No additional panellists have been suggested.

Room: Oshaneshii

Time: Monday 11:00 AM