Radcon Feb 12-14, 2016
The Science of Believing
Lots of people believe in things that are, or aren't, real. Not everyone can be right, but everyone thinks they are. As humans, we cling to our convictions as if they were life preservers. Why do we believe things, even when those things are strange or unpopular? And why is it so hard to face being wrong? Science has studied these questions and come up with interesting answers. Come learn about cognitive dissonance theory, cognitive biases, the levers of influence, and mental shortcuts that leave all of us ready to defend our beliefs, sometimes even to the death.
Fri 1:45-2:45p – Rm 2205
With: Peter Jones, Rory Miller
Empaths, Synesthetes, & Other Super Powers
What does science tell us about empathic abilities, synesthesia, and other multi-sensory ways of perceiving - and interacting with - the world? Explore the benefits and challenges experienced by people with these "super powers". Be ready to share. Excellent opportunity for writers crafting a character with one or more of these traits.
Fri 5:30-6:30p – Rm 2201
Polyamory Revival
Polyamory is returning to mainstream consciousness with hit shows like "Polyamory: Married and Dating" on Showtime and feature stories in major news outlets. Learn how polyamory is from times of old, how agriculture and property ownership changed family dynamics, and how certain polyamory models are especially empowering for women. Enjoy the discussion, and walk away with suggested readings to further your knowledge on this fascinating subject.
Fri 8:00-9:00p – Rm 2201
With: Amanda Baldwin, Bruce Kenoyer II, Craig Jackson, Kevin Wiley, Tamra Excell
50 Shades of Consent
With the success of books like 50 Shades of Grey, more people than ever are reading about BDSM. But when writing about it, what are some misunderstandings or common errors to avoid? How can writers present it in ways that are safe, sane, and consensual?
Fri 9:15-10:15p – Rm 2201
With: Amanda Baldwin, Craig Jackson, Peter Jones, Rhiannon Louve
Mind Control
Your villain runs a creepy cult. Your protagonist chooses to remain in an abusive relationship. Your antagonist is a manipulative con artist. A side character is a cult exit counselor. What can transform an intelligent skeptic into a Koolaid-drinker? No magic, truth serums, hypnotic chants, or hand-waving required. Learn the real science behind cults, cons, and coercion for writing realistic mind control.
Sat 11:15-12:15a – Rm 2201
With: Peter Jones, Rory Miller
Reading: TBA (Theogenesis Gimmick?)
Sat 12:30-1p – Rm 2211
Surviving the Post-Apocalypse with Disabilities
Survive a post-apocalyptic world with disabilities, both mental and physical, visible and invisible. How do you find food when you have difficulty walking? How do you defend yourself against mutants and rogues while managing PTSD triggers? What will you do without ready access to medications that stave off chronic pain, heart disease, depression, or attention difficulties? Might some disabilities actually become hidden strengths in a world where society has been turned upside down? The panelists are personally experienced with disabilities and will discuss their plans to stay alive through whatever may come. Bring your survival instinct and prepare to prevail.
Sat 5:30-6:30p – Rm 2205
With: Bill Holden, Eytan Kollin, John McDonald
Diversity in Fiction
Our world, and our fandom, is expanding. How is a simple SF/F author to keep up? Come talk with a panel of authors who know a thing or two about inclusive writing. Find out how to go about, why to go about it, and when to go about it (Hint: The answer is now!).
Sun 10:00-11:00am – Rm 2203
With: Alma Alexander, J Tullos Hennig, Kaye Thornbrugh, Peter Jones
Geek Boys vs. the Feminists: An Empathetic Look at Gender in the Geek Community
Through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, geeks banded together against an oppressive world that mistreated them and refused to understand them. They created acceptance and friends where previously they had only experienced bullying and ostracism. Now those geeks feel oppressed by a new threat: feminism. Except, the threat isn't new. And it isn't a threat. Male geeks and feminist geeks have more in common than we have different. Let's discuss the intersectionality of the geek cause with the feminist cause, and why inclusion, not busty body armor, should be the common interest that holds the geek community together.
Sun 12:30-1:30p – Rm 2201
With: J Tullos Hennig, Tim Martin
The Psychology of hackers and gamers; a male/female perspective
With the advent of Gamergate and the press a portion of the gaming community has garnered, people are looking at the anti-social aspect of gaming and of hacking. What are these issues, which are real and which are myths? Come join us for what promises to be a lively discussion.
Sun 1:45-2:45p – Rm 2207
With: L James, Meg James, Peter Jones, Tim Martin
Norwescon March 24-27, 2016
The Future of Accessibility
As much as we might want a future where every injury can be healed, chances are there will always be some things beyond our ability to fix, and situations where tried-and-true will remain the best course. So how might one navigate micro gravity with a leg cast? Would a paraplegic still use a wheelchair, or would exo-skeletons or bionic legs be standard practice? Could robots replace service animals? Let's talk.
Thur 9:00-10:00p – Cascade 3&4
With: Pat MacEwen (M), Sar Surmick, Dr. Ricky
Invisibile Disabilities
Not every disability is apparent at a glance, nor is anyone's personal health anyone else's business. From mental illness to chronic disease to a variety of syndromes and impairments too lengthy to list, we'll discuss the difficulties of living with chronic health conditions, the stigmas associated, what progress has (or hasn't) been made in reforming public perception, and strategies on getting other people to mind their own blasted business.
Fri 12:00-1:00p – Cascade 10
With: Gregory Gadow (M), Cheryce Clayton, Michael 'Tinker' Pearce
Magic Rumble
Join our pros as they each are given a magical system and debate which would reign supreme.
Fri 5:00-6:00p – Cascade 3&4
With: Grant T. Riddell (M), Peter Orullian, Logan L. Masterson
Creativity & Disabilities
Whether your problems are physical or psychological, there's no denying that being creative and creating art is difficult to almost impossible when a disability stands in your way. Come learn how different artists and writers work with, past, or through their personal disabilities and limitations to create their art.
Fri 6:00-7:00p – Cascade 10
With: Kevin Mathews (M), Liv Rainey-Smith, Mark Chapman, Spencer Ellsworth
Consensual Non-Monogamy 101
What is consensual non-monogamy? Is it polyamory or swinging or polygamy or relationship anarchy? Why would anyone want more than one partner? What important advice is there for starting out? How do you do you minimize hurt feelings? Can you? How do more conservative family members react to these plural relationships? Should you, shouldn't you? What are the pros and cons?
Fri 7:00-8:00p – Evergreen 1&2
With: Sar Surmick (M), Sheye Anne Blaze, Wednesday Phoenix, Burton Gamble
A Culture By Any Other Name
Many alien cultures bear a strikingly humanized feel to them. Yet, does creating alien cultures too foreign in design make them too hard to be relatable? The pitfalls, pros, and cons of alien cultures is discussed.
Sat 12:00-1:00p – Cascade 10
With: Jason Bourget (M), Caroline M. Yoachim, Kim Ritchie, Lawrence M. Schoen
Reading: Theogenesis Gimmick (forthcoming in the Truth in Paradox anthology by Onyx Path)
A young woman finds out what happens when you click one of those "One Weird Trick!" ads and finds herself awakened to a puzzling world filled with gods and magic.
Sat 1:00-1:30p – Cascade 1
Sex & Gender Fluidity
We are used to thinking about people in binary terms, but reality is nowhere near that simple. Join our panelists as they discuss what we know -- and do not know -- about the biology of sex and gender.
Sat 8:00-9:00p – Cascade 5&6
With: Sar Surmick (M), Amber Clark, Wednesday Phoenix, Gregory Gadow
A Thousand Words
Literature may be the art of beautiful words, but sometimes great writing comes from--or cooperates with--great images. Come hear how writers use drawings, photographs, and maps for inspiration, worldbuilding, character development, and more.
Sun 11:00-12:00a – Evergreen 3&4
With: Brenda Carre (M), Nina Post, Gregory A. Wilson
The Human Element: PTSD in Science Fiction
Be it the rigors of space travel or the weight of destroying an entire species, protagonists in science fiction take those fights home with them. Join our panelists as they discuss the nature of post-traumatic stress disorder in science fiction.
Sun 3:00-4:00p – Cascade 5&6
James C. Glass (M), Sar Surmick, Robert J. Sawyer
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