What does Cepheid Variable do?  (I mean, besides sit around and just hanging out.)  Every once in a while we put on programs covering the various aspects of science fiction, fantasy and horror.  Check out "when/where" to see when and where these events are being held.


AggieCon: AggieCon is a once yearly science fiction convention produced entirely by the members of Cepheid Variable. It has the recognition of being the oldest, continuously running, student produced science fiction convention in the U.S. (If you know of any that are older, please let us know.) Each spring we bring in guests noteable in their chosen fields of writing, art, acting, editing, or game production and give the student body a chance to see them in person. Past guests have included authors Harlan Ellison, Neil Gaiman, Tad Williams and Terry Pratchett, artists Tim Bradstreet and Nene Thomas, and actors Ted Raimi and Nigel Bennett, to name a few.

Schlockfest: Schlockfest is our major fall program in which we encourage the students of Texas A&M University to make their own "cheesy B-movie." Inspired by movies such as Plan 9 from Outer Space and Them, we try to get submissions that have the same feel of wonder, awe, and bad special effects that made these movies cult favorites. The maker of the best (worst?) Schlock film gets the coveted Carl of Cthulhu(tm) award.

Film Workshops: In conjunction with Schlockfest, we will bring you a series of film making workshops. These workshops will be designed to teach anyone how to use a home video camera, a tape deck, a couple VCRs and some willing friends to make their very own "B" movie. Maybe the skills you learn in these workshops will help you win your very own Carl of Cthulhu(tm) award for Schlock Excelence.

Anime: Before there was Pokemon, however, we were showing anime to the students of Texas A&M. Bringing you the finest in anime, we've shown such classics as Ghost in the Shell and Ninja Scroll. This year promises to be one of our best in the animation department, so keep a check on the anime schedule.

Marathons*: No, we aren't talking about 26 mile jogs. We're talking about showing entire television series from start to finish 24 hours a day until we're done. Past marathons have included Buffy the Vampire Slayer and X-Files. This fall has a awsome line up of anime, ending with a Pre-Finals Anime Marathon (2 weeks ahead of the stress).


Pleiades Cluster: The Pleiades Cluster is the Cepheid Variable reading group. Once a semester we gather to discuss a previously chosen book. Topics of conversation range from what the author was *really* trying to say to what kind of mind altering drugs the author was taking while writing the book. This program is intended to expose its participants to a wider range of fantasy and science fiction literature beyond just Stephen King, Robert Jordan, and Isaac Asimov. Books discussed in the past include Earth by David Brin, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, and Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. This year we plan on co-programming with the MSC Literary Arts Committee. The book for this semester is Worthing Saga by Orson Scott Card.

*Program pending approval.

Halloween*: Look for us painting faces near Rudder Fountain with the Visual Arts Committee this Halloween, and don't forget to wear a costume for the costume contest!