"I will be visiting panels regarding science fiction and horror films and will also stop by the L. Ron Hubbard booth in the Dealers Room," said Black. "I've been a big Hubbard fan for years and have supported his Writers of the Future contest for more years than I can remember. I'll also want to say hello to my good friend Ray Bradbury if we are there at the same time."

While legions of shoppers are off at the malls on Black Friday and the ensuing weekend, Karen Black will join future dreamers to share and discuss new technologies and ideas. Panels include space travel, the latest nano or macro technology, anime, proto-SF and the gamut of fantasy interests from gaming to magic.

LosCon in its 36th year is the longest running science fiction convention in the world. In addition to stars of science fiction, attendees can rub elbows with famous science fiction and fantasy writers like Tim Powers (On Stranger Tides - Pirates of the Caribbean), Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle (The Mote in God's Eye, Inferno and Lucifer's Hammer), and Robert J. Sawyer (FlashForward).

So you aren't big on high-tech? The convention also offers a costume contest, ice cream social, "filking" - sing-alongs with able guitarists. It is also family friendly with a room for tots to play, while you check out the art exhibit or catch a performance.

"LosCon is like Comic Con but covers a much broader theme, and its not so packed that you can't even get comfortable," said 10-time attendee Beverly Widder. "You can actually walk up to famous authors and have a good long conversation with them. You don't have that opportunity anywhere else."

The convention is open to the general public. For more information on how to attend please visit www.loscon.org.

Source: Los Angeles Science Fantasy Convention