Chicon 2000 Infobot News - 22-Feb-2000 Chicon 2000, P. O. Box 642057, Chicago IL 60664, fax: 312-946-3779 The Chicon 2000 Infobot News is a service of the Chicon 2000 Web Site, http://www.chicon.org/ . If you know someone who'd like to subscribe, tell 'em to go to our web site at http://www.chicon.org/ and enter their e-mail address. If your e-mail address changes, or if you wish to be removed from the Chicon 2000 Infobot News mailing list, or if you don't have web access and want to be added to the list, please write to listmaster@chicon.org. In this issue: Latest Hotel News from the Chairman Suites at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Suites at the Fairmont and Swissotel What's Happening on the AcaTrack How To Get Around in Chicago Other Events in Chicago Want Ads: Children's Programming, At-Con Web Operators Latest Hotel News from the Chairman * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Although hotel room booking has gone fairly smoothly for most members, there have been some complaints, and one unanticipated problem has emerged. Here is an update: 1. Members who want to reserve rooms during the period before and after the convention have encountered delays in obtaining confirmations. This problem is not due to any shortage of rooms. The cause is the hotels' practice of putting rooms into One-Stop Chicago's inventory little-by-little - especially for nights well outside the "core" of the convention. Some mundane conventions overblock badly and don't release unneeded rooms until it's too late to resell them. To avoid being stung, the hotels hold back space until demand emerges. In Chicon's case, demand emerged much, much more rapidly than they expected. Both One-Stop and the hotels are scrambling to catch up. 2. Our room rate negotiations with the Swissotel suffered a serious snafu that led to our announcing the wrong rates. The rates that the hotel meant to offer are very good - $109/night for single/double and $139/night for triple/quad - but are a little higher than what we thought they were. I'm very sorry that this mistake occurred. If I had been paying closer attention, it wouldn't have. The moral is, if you set up a fool-proof system, take into account the ingenuity of fools. 3. If you encounter any difficulties in making your reservation, please let me know at chair@chicon.org. If we hear about problems first-hand, rather than via newsgroup gossip, we can deal with them more effectively. Tom Veal Chairman, Chicon 2000 Suites at the Hyatt Regency Chicago * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * We are now accepting Suite Reservation Requests on-line via a fill-in web page. If you've already sent in a request before this week, please go to the web page and re-send it - it'll help us put everything into a database. You can navigate from the www.chicon.org main page, or go directly to the fill-in form at http://www.chicon.org/hotel/suites.htm Note: If you don't have web access, write to info@chicon.org with a message (subject line doesn't matter) that says send suites.txt then print out the form, fill it in, and fax it or mail it in. Suites at the Fairmont and Swissotel * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Fairmont Hotel and the Swissotel have suites available for those who would like luxurious accommodations away from "the madding crowd". Chicon rates are - Fairmont $350/night (one bedroom); $525/night (two bedroom) Swissotel $375/night (junior suite); $475/night (executive suite) These suites are not set up in One-Stop Chicago's inventory. To obtain one, you must call One-Stop Chicago (800-424-5248 or +1 847 940-2152), make your request, then wait patiently until the hotel can confirm availability. If you encounter difficulties, send e-mail to chair@chicon.org, and we'll get them straightened out. The Fairmont also has several very large suites with excellent views, suitable for hotel-catered hospitality. Information is available from chair@chicon.org. As has been announced in many places (but we'll say it again), anyone who desires a suite at the Hyatt must submit a suite request form, see above. What's Happening on the AcaTrack * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Beverly Friend, Beverly.Friend@chicon.org Long ago, in a place not so far away (Milwaukee), Jerry Pournelle dismayed an audience of academics attending the annual meeting of the Science Fiction Research Association. First, Jerry likened science fiction authors to hunters, going out into the woods to bag their prey, bringing it home slung over their shoulders. Then, he compared science fiction critics and teachers to parasites, living off those writers. That view continues today, giving fans a distorted view of academia. To fight back, Neil Rest led a wonderful panel on "Fandom for Academics" at another SFRA meeting, this time in Evanston. Now, the discussion continues on two Academic Track CHICON Panels. Neil will be joined by Phyllis and Alex Eisenstein, Leah Zeldes, Dick Smith and Diane Blackwood for the panel, "What Academics Can Learn from the Fans." Then, Diane will shift gear and join Betty Hull and myself for a parallel panel on "What Fans Can Learn from Academics." Betty and I are continuing our thoughts from another SFRA moment when we spoke on "Who's Afraid of the Ph.D's." Academics are fans, too, it's just that their fandom may spill over to main-stream authors: Hemingway, Joyce, even Jane Austen. Many academics also wear several hats. Some are authors and critics as well as fans, and the academic track will cover such diverse topics as teaching SF, the state of criticism, feminism, utopian fiction, and the minority presence in science fiction literature. Eric Rabkin, from the University of Michigan, is planning one of the most exciting presentations. He will be joined by some of his student researchers for "SF Red in Tooth and Claw: the Genre Evolution Project Studies the Struggles of the American Science Fiction Short Story." For a closer look at their work in progress, see their website The Genre Evolution Project . Additional programming, so far, also includes presentations from scholars nationwide: * Bob Blackwood, Wright College * Gail Bondi. Jacksonville University * Bill Clemente, Peru State College * Solomon Davidoff, Bowling Green State University * Bill Ernoehazy, M.D. * John Flynn, Towson University * Victoria Garcia, University of Colorado * Joan Gordon, Nassau Community College * Jim Gunn, University of Kansas * Jesse Rhines, Rutgers * Joe Sanders, University of Kentucky * Batya Weinbaum, Cleveland State University * Gary Wolfe, Roosevelt University. To submit ideas, or join us, contact Beverly Friend at Beverly.Friend@chicon.org. Sidebar Anyone interested in earning Continuing Education Credits from Oakton Community College (at a rate of 1 credit for 10 hours of participation), contact Beverly Friend at Beverly.Friend@chicon.org. How To Get Around in Chicago * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * or, you CAN get there from here! by John Donat, John.Donat@chicon.org Ok, now that you have decided to come to Chicago for the Worldcon, and now... how do you get there, and once you are here, how do you navigate in this monster of a city! First, Chicago is blessed with one of the finest transport webs in North America -- two busy airports, 60 Amtrak trains a day, and lots of Interstate highways all come together in Chicago. If you decide to fly, Chicago is one of a small number of cities that have their airports connected to the transit system. Both O'Hare and Midway have subway (or as we call it in Chicago, the El) stations. The O'Hare station is under the parking garage, and is one of the nicer subway stations, especially considering the limitations placed on it by its design goals. The Midway El station is just east of the airport, reachable by an overhead pedway. Getting downtown is a simple matter of getting a transit card from a kiosk, and getting on the train. The fare is $1.50/trip, no transfer required. If you desire, you can put in more $$, and get discounts on trips after $10.00 and $20.00 increments. The fare cards are also used on the CTA buses. It takes about 30-40 minutes from the airport to the downtown stops. The downtown stops are about 4 blocks away from the hotel. The Midway line is a bit less distant than the O'Hare line. Schedules, maps, and other good stuff are on the CTA's web site . The bus schedules, and maps, are also on the website. You can get to the Museum of Science and Industry by bus (an express one, if I remember correctly),and to the Museum campus of the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Both airports also have websites: * O'Hare * Midway Once you get here, how do you get around? Here are a couple of easy navigation rules for Chicago: 1. The lake is East. 2. Chicago is built on a grid system - 8 blocks is a mile, 5 blocks are one kilometer. All addresses are distance from a single point -Madison and State. Everything north of Madison has a North address, everything south of Madison... you get the idea. Everything west of State has a West address, everything east of State.... So, if you are 1060 West, and 3600 North, you are 10 (almost 11) blocks west of State Street, and 36 blocks north of Madison. You're also at Wrigley Field, but that's another story. 3. Chicagoans do not use interstate numbers, we use names for the expressways. I-94 is both the Edens, and the Dan Ryan -- just depends where you are. I-94 is also the Kennedy, after it combines with I-90, which is also the Northwest Tollway, once you get west of the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). The Tri-State connects with the Edens (I-94 north of Montrose Avenue), the Kennedy (I-90), the Eisenhower (I-290), the East/West Tollway (I-88), the Stevenson (I-55), the Bishop Ford (I-57), and the Borman Expressway (I-80/90 in Indiana). Now that you're thoroughly confused, navigating around the Chicago expressway system is easier than it looks. Really. It is. I promise. If you drive into the City, once you get into the city you will be on I-90/I-94 (Kennedy/ Dan Ryan). My personal preferences to get to the Hyatt are thus: The Scenic Route.... Get off at I-290 East -- it won't be an interstate for long, it turns into Congress Street. Take Congress street until you get to Michigan Avenue. Turn Left onto Michigan Avenue (N) go north about 8 blocks, until you get to Wacker Drive. You will want to start getting into the right lane about Washington Street. Go Right on Wacker drive about 2 blocks. The Hyatt will be on your right. The faster route (possibly not for the fainthearted): Follow the I-290 East route, but before the FIRST light, take the cloverleaf right, and head for the split marked Wacker Drive - LOWER Wacker Drive. Turn on your lights. You are now on the famous Lower Wacker Drive, forever immortalized by Jake and Elwood Blues in "The Blues Brothers." Stay on Lower Wacker. It will curve from the north to the east and then an S-curve to Michigan Avenue. At this point, start getting in the right lane(s). The Hyatt Parking garage(s) are on the right, off of Stetson Avenue. If you get to Columbus Avenue, you went too far! Wacker Drive is due for a major reconstruction, especially for Lower Wacker. If this happens, I'll give you yet ANOTHER way to get to the Hyatt. If you decide to get out of the con to go to a baseball game (the schedules are not yet published, but hopefully one or both of the teams will be home), getting there is a snap on the El. Both ballparks are on the Red Line (Howard/Dan Ryan). Getting to Wrigley Field by El is highly recommended, as there is virtually no parking available, except for small privately owned lots. Comiskey is at the 35th street stop on the Dan Ryan part of the Red Line. There is considerably more parking at Comiskey, but the El is a fast and safe way to the ballpark. Other interesting places to go, and this is just an early, and short list. Navy Pier - Navy Pier has become an entertainment complex, with clubs, theatres, restaurants, and museums. The Chicago Children's Museum is there, and take it from a member, it's fabulous! Parents, as well as kids love this place. My favorite is the 30 foot water table, with about a bazillion ways to move and re-direct water! Navy Pier does very good fireworks on the weekends, up to and including Labor Day. Navy Pier will also have a Shakespearean theatre by the summer of 2000. We have Boston and Baltimore to thank for Navy Pier - the Fanueil Hall complex, Harborplace, and Navy Pier were all developed by the same company. Michigan Avenue and State Street shopping areas.... we are very close to the Michigan Avenue shopping area - just go West on Wacker Drive to Michigan, go over the bridge, and you are there! The shopping, etc. goes on for about 6 blocks, all the way to the John Hancock Building. The State Street shopping area is south and west about 4 blocks from the Hyatt. Marshall Fields and Carsons are two of the main shopping attractions there. Some Chicago Resources * The official City of Chicago tourism webpage * A downtown map from the Chicago webpage This map will make sense of many of our directions. State Street and Madison Street are highlighted in this map. Other Events in Chicago: So you want to Leave? * * * * * * * * * * * * Chicago's a busy place, and wonderful for the fan who wants to get away from the convention for a while. This is a listing of limited time events that happen to coincide with Chicon 2000. All are limited time, some are ticketed, and some may require reservations, which is why we are detailing them here. If you know of an event occuring in Chicago between 26-Aug-2000 and 06-Sep-2000, drop a line to webmaster@chicon.org and we'll add it here. Relevance is not an issue, fannish interests range far and wide, and it's our goal to make sure that no member leaves Chicago thinking "If I'd only known that was there." 22th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, at Grant Park. 31-Aug-2000 through 03-Sep-2000. One of the oldest in Chicago's series of free music festivals, located just a couple of blocks away from the Convention. Lineup TBA, but always amazing. Free, close, what more could you ask? Pharaohs of the Sun at the Art Institute Of Chicago. 16-Jul-2000 through 24-Sep-2000. The Art Institute if Chicago is presenting a collection of artifacts from the Armana period of Egyptian history. This is a ticketed exhibition, and the buzz indicates that tickets may be hard to get tickets at the door. The Art Insititute is four blocks south of the convention. Titanic: The Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry. 18-Feb-2000 through 04-September-2000. The Museum of Science and Industry presents a special exhibit featuring over 200 artifacts from the Titanic, and recreations of several areas of the ship, including the boarding ramps and the Grand Staircase. There is also a related OmniMax film, Titanica. Tickets are available on line. The Museum of Science and Industry is several miles south of the convention center, but nearby CTA transit (#6 Jeffery Express, #10 Science and Industry buses) will take you right to the door. Want Ads: Children's Programming * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Chicon 2000 Children's Programming is looking for responsible persons to help maintain and monitor the children's programming rooms. This is a staff position with the rewarding and entertaining function of insuring the smooth flow of some excellent planned children's programs involving such excellent participants as Hal Clement and Josepha Sherman, among others. Please contact me if you are interested in insuring that our younger attendees have a good time at Worldcon as well! Linda Winks, Linda.Winks@chicon.org Want Ads: At-Con Web Operators * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Chicon 2000 web staff is looking for a couple of fen to act as Web Operators for on-site updates during the run of the convention. We have several plans, but at the very least, we intend to provide photos, copies of the daily newszine, site selection news, and various award winners, including a blow-by-blow account of the Hugo Awards. The current implementation of the website is on a BSD based UNIX system, so you would need to be comfortable in working in an interactive UNIX environment. You should be able to navigate the UNIX shell, be comfortable in the use of ed, vi, pico or emacs, and familiar with the wonders of grep and find. Interest parties should first get their attending membership, since this is an at-con position. Then, email webmaster@chicon.org, and we will get in touch with you. This position offers no pay, somewhat long hours and the occasional stress fit. In other words, it's just like any other job at a convention. You will, however, get to work with a great number of wonderful people, experience a Worldcon from a completly different perspective, and generally enjoy yourself. You'll probably also get a whole stack of new friends. Presuming we get the 2-3 operators we want, this position will involve around 4 hours a day of work, so there would be plenty of time to attend other events at the convention. We look forward to hearing from you. Chaz Boston Baden, Webmaster. Erik V. Olson, At-Con Webmaster. webmaster@chicon.org Service Mark Notice * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Service Mark Notice: "World Science Fiction Society", "WSFS", "World Science Fiction Convention", "Worldcon", "NASFiC" and "Hugo Award" are registered service marks of the World Science Fiction Society, an unincorporated literary society. 20000222.txt sent to 1408 subscribers of CHICON-NEWS.