A half page article in the current Discover struck a chord with the Okal Rel Universe. Written by Discover staff writer Jessica Ruvinsky, "Is Cancer the Price of Longevity?" reports on research with mice that suggests we evade cancer as we age at the cost of a build up of P16(INK4a), a protein that inhibits regenerative processes. That works for Sevolites, since the cost of enduring youth and regenerative ability -- for highborns -- is increasing risk of regenerative cancer. While theoretically immortal, highborns are unlikely to live beyond 200 years or without sophisticated medical attentions from the Lorels. In The Courtesan Prince, for example, Princess H'Us is dying of regenerative cancer at around 200 years of age. The oldest Sevolite in the novel series planned by myself and Alison is around 400 years old, but Lorel interventions apply in spades in her case. And they are very sophisticated. Which suits me because I have always felt the holy grail of immortality would not be a simple one to solve biologically, nor in terms of the social ramifications for any culture that achieves it.
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Brianna and I got a chance, earlier this week, to tell CBC listeners about our kaleidoscope illustration project on her All About Amel ORU fansite, and to mention Brianna's comic book (in progress) featuring Amel's childhood. Big thank you to CBC personality Betsy Trumpener for having us on DayBreak.

Attended Quantum Leap at UNBC as a panelist, Thursday Nov 23 2006, by invitation of Chemist and friend Dr. Margo Mandy. I was on the "Computing and the Arts" panel with photographer Philamenia Hughes and musician Barbara Parker, General Manager of the Prince George Symphony, whose background is in the art and science of making music digitally. Participants in Quantum Leap were a group of bright, aware young women in their final years of high school, contemplating the future (or putting it off, as the case may be). I got a chance to chat with some of them, donated a copy of The Courtesan Prince to UNBC student volunteers helping out with the event, and gave Margo a copy of Throne Price as a door prize.

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Righteous Anger, book #2 of the Okal Rel universe saga, is at the printers! See Edge Website for when it is available. (Click the cover icon on the homepage.)
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Would be nice if the label was "Ann of Rire" instead of "Space Girl 1" but still cool to discover Echo's lovely cover for Okal Rel Universe sage book #1 appearing on T-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. on her Echo-X site.
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Rebecca Rowe and I got a mention in the Novelist newsletter, written by Fred Lerner. I met Fred at world con in August and he was kind enough to chat briefly with me about the saga. Broad Universe gets the credit for bringing us to Fred's attention as he was on the lookout for members when he chanced upon us.
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Artist Echo Chernik, who did the beautiful cover of The Courtesan Prince, book #1 of the Okal Rel Universe saga, has a nifty display variation on the cover up at her website. The other art there is gorgeous also.
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Thanks to the efforts of web master David Lott, our webring affilitation is all all straightened out and duly accepted.

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My request to be listed in scifimatter.com was approved. I've explored the site a bit but not a lot, yet. Seems like a creative-friendly place that mixes up all things sci fi from traditionally published books to role playing games.
posted by Lynda at 07:20   permalink comment? e-mail lynda@okalrel.org 0 comments

 
from someone helping to make it happen ...

>I just finished RA and sobbed.
>
> Janice (Nov 2, 2006)
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