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Welcome to The Genre Traveler! Please sign up using the form to the right so that you'll get all the latest updates to the site. You also might want to sign up for the RSS feed, which you can do via email or your favorite RSS Reader. I found this website that I thought would be of interest to all my readers in the U.K. The UK SF Book News Network covers "science fiction, fantasy and horror book and comic news from UK authors, creators, publishers and retailers." Although there is a lot on non-travel news on the site, it does include information on book signings, conventions and other genre events.

For example, Joe Hill, a horror and dark fantasy author, will be signing copies of his first novel, Heart-Shaped Box, at the Forbidden Planet Megastore in London on March 29, 2007.

For more information, visit www.uksfbooknews.net/2007/02/24/joe-hill-and-star-wars-events-at-forbidden-planet-london.

I just learned of yet another artshow at Hyaena Botique and Gallery in Burbank, Calif., starting on Thursday, March 1. Called "The Eidolon of Icarus," the show features the "otherworldly and surreal dreamscapes" of Emily J. Steigerwald. An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2007, from 8pm-midnight. The show ends on March 15.

Who wouldn't want a lovely lounge on a tropical beach to go with their excursion to the edge of outer space? Maybe that's what Hawaiian lawmakers had in the back of their minds when they passed a bill to turn Hawaii into a major player in space tourism last week.

According to a press release, under the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) will create an office for the development of space exploration activities. Also, the Center will creat a lunar base simulation on the Big Island, as well as develop support technology and astronaut training.

"Oahu is an attractive location for space flights because it is a tourist destination," said Charles Lauer, vice president for business at Rocketplace Kistler, which will be using Hawaii as its space tourism base.

"We can be a major player in space activities," said Jim Crisafulli, a research and development cooridinator for DBEDT, "but we need to be proactive."

So, it looks like Hawaii is becoming a genre-travel hot spot. LOST is shot there (by the way, did you read my post about the LOST Fan Party I'll be attending March 31?); soon it will be a center of space tourism; and its always had a rich, mythological heritage that is appealing to fantasy afficioandos. Have I missed anything? Please post your knowledge as a comment.

One cool thing about attending Haunt X this past weekend was the opportunity to discover the work of artists I hadn't previously been aware of. In the vendor's room I met Mike Sosnowski and was honored to enjoy his brand of humorous horror art. He's agreed to an interview, so keep an eye out for a spread of his work in a future issue of The Genre Traveler.

In the celebrity room, I met Ashley Laurence, who's probably best known for her acting roles in the Hellraiser films. But she's also quite a talented painter. I was particularly drawn to one of a female after an autopsy. It had power and emotion. I still think of it. I'm working on getting an interview, so keep your fingers crossed.

Anyway, I also learned of a gallery in Burbank, Calif., Hyaena, that seems to specialize in unusual art. One show that runs through the end of this month and two forthcoming show, would be of interest to genre travelers.

The Serial Killer Art of Chuck Hodi
Feb. 16 - Feb. 28, 2007
Features portraits of -- yes, you guessed it -- serial killers.

Midnight in the Rumpus Room, Artwork by Lost Goat
March 16 - March 31, 2007
Opening Reception, March 16, 8pm to Midnight
The artwork on the promotional postcards reminds me of Ed Gory meets Matt Groening. The marketing copy describes it this way: "An exploration of dark and tragic fantasy lands with a modern minimalist approach. Lost Goat’s tiny painted canvases illustrate a whimsical gothic playground."

Of Lilies and Remains, The Artwork fo Eric Pigors
April 16 - April 30, 2007
Opening Reception, April 20, 8pm to Midnight
Featuring tongue-in-cheek horror cartoons

For More Information:
Hyaena Botique and Gallery
1928 W. Olive Ave.
Burbank, CA
www.hyaenagallery.com

Chuck Hodi
www.chuckhodi.net

Lost Goat
www.onelostgoat.com

Eric Pigors
www.toxictoons.com

Mike Sosnowski
www.sozstudios.com

Ashley Laurence
www.ashleylaurence.com

I just got back from Haunt X and you're my first contact -- after saying hello to my husband and dog, that is. It was incredible. I'm exhausted. I was there Friday night through this afternoon. I was so busy checking out the sights, talking with people and taking notes at the seminars I attended that I just plain forgot about picture taking. I only got two from last night's Dance of the Decayed.

There were some great costumes. The girl in the one below won best female costume. I tried to get the best male costume but the pictures just didn't turn out. There was even a guy there dressed up as one of the Knights Who Say Ni (Monty Python's Holy Grail). I tried several times to get his picture. Man, taking photos in a darkened room sucked.

Anyway, I've made some contacts with some really cool people who'll be showing up in the pages of future issues of The Genre Traveler and the Interim Update, including artists, actors, a special makeup effects guy with a really cool name, and possibly a director or two. I'll be writing a bunch of stories for RabidDoll.com, too. Once they're posted (for now on SyFyPortal.com (scroll to the bottom of the page), because Rabid Doll doesn't launch until June), I'll post the links here.

Well, I' gotta slog through two days of email, so I'll chat with you later. Oh, and if any of you happened to be there, please post a comment. Thanks!