Category Archives: All Posts

Worldcon Academic Track and Schedule

Posted on August 14, 2018 by

This weekend, I’m working as the lead coordinator of Worldcon 76’s academic-track programming in San Jose. This means I’ll be moderating multiple panels, as well as attending most of the other ones. Full info is on the online programming guide. … Continue reading →

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Oxford Fantasy Class

Posted on August 10, 2018 by

In four weeks, I taught seven novels at Jesus College, Oxford and oversaw multiple day trips. Examples? After reading Alice in Wonderland, we visited Christ Church College in Oxford where Lewis Carroll taught and took a boat ride down the … Continue reading →

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Teaching Fantasy Class at Oxford

Posted on June 15, 2018 by

This summer, it will be my honor to cover Dr. Amy Clarke’s regular UC Davis Study Abroad class called Oxford: Portal to Fantasy. Right now, I’m having a wonderful time revisiting some classics (and reading a few new ones). The … Continue reading →

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Steampunk Class Projects

Posted on May 7, 2018 by

Last quarter, I finished up another section of my UC Davis first-year seminar on Steampunk. Fifteen students came on board to read the VanderMeer’s short story collection, the original League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novel, and watch Wild Wild West … Continue reading →

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There are Two James Gunns, but Nobody’s Confused

Posted on April 30, 2018 by

James Gunn had two great stories in Asimov’s last month, finishing a string of works he’s published there over the last year, all affiliated with his recent Transcendental series for Tor Books. But the author is not the same guy … Continue reading →

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Did Bob Dylan Use Star Trek Dialogue as Lyrics?

Posted on April 16, 2018 by

Since I wrote my earlier post on The Last Jedi‘s use of Elvis Costello, another famous sci-fi/rock ‘n’ roll connection has been on my mind: a minor incident in Bob Dylan’s career that involves fans thinking he had pilfered Star Trek dialogue for lyrics. … Continue reading →

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Replacements Tribute by Guardians of the Galaxy Director

Posted on April 9, 2018 by

Here’s the best science fiction/rock n’ roll convergence I’ve seen recently. Director James Gunn, who helmed Guardians of the Galaxy (1 and 2) as well as some great genre films of his own creation, wrote an online essay about being … Continue reading →

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