FEBRUARY 21, 2026 CLUB e-MEETING; Post 2 of 2, 5:00PM – Thank You, Wrap-Up

5) THANK YOU

We thank Joe Aspler, Cathy Palmer-Lister, and Danny Sichel for today’s meeting programming. Thank you, as well, to all of our contributing participants, along with everyone who helped to plan and run today’s get-together. We also thank, of course, all of you who joined us here on ZOOM; don’t forget to comment on today’s get-together (MonSFFA.ca).

6) NEXT MONTH’S EVENT:

Next month, we return to our familiar meeting hall at the Nouvel Hotel, downtown. Our meeting is set for Saturday, March 14, 1:00PM-5:00PM. We’ll gather in the “Faubourg” room of the Nouvel Hotel, 1740 René-Lévesque Ouest (corner St-Mathieu). Out-of-towners, as always, may join our ZOOM-chat and take part in the meeting from home! Check in periodically here at MonSFFA.ca for updates and further content.

7) SIGN-OFF

Thank you all for taking part today. We appreciate the enthusiastic involvement of our members, and we hope to see you all again next month, when we return to our downtown meeting hall! Until then, have a good evening, a restful night, and an early Spring, thanks be to the groundhogs!

FEBRUARY 21, 2026 CLUB e-MEETING; Post 1 of 2, 12:30PM – Introduction and Agenda

1) INTRODUCTION

Welcome to MonSFFA’s February 2026 e-meeting! We are gathering, today, online via ZOOM to share our passion for sci-fi! Join our ZOOM-chat and take part from the comfort of home! Proceedings will be getting underway shortly.

To join our ZOOM-chat, see the instructions, immediately below (Item 2).

Our programming agenda begins at 1:00PM; the meeting will conclude at 5:00PM. This opening post has gone up 30 minutes before the meeting’s start time to allow folk to gather online at their leisure. A closing post will go up at 5:00PM to officially thank today’s presenters, and to preview next month’s MonSFFA event!

2) JOIN THIS AFTERNOON’S VIDEO-CHAT ON ZOOM!

To take part in this afternoon’s meeting online, join our ZOOM video-chat, which will run throughout the next few hours. Simply click here and follow the prompts: This Afternoon’s MonSFFA Meeting on ZOOM

If you’re not fully equipped to ZOOM, you can also take part by phone (voice only); in the Montreal area, the toll-free number to call is: 1-438-809-7799. From out of town? No problem; find your ZOOM call-in number here: Call-In Numbers

Also, have this information on hand as you may be asked to provide it:

Meeting ID: 823 9309 2765
Passcode: 025837

Click on this link for ZOOM’s complete instructions on how to join the meeting, provided, here, as supplementary information:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82393092765/invitations?signature=7Bkj99fZmzLbfvoT6eaQb_fWBZ7lrbS8HGz359T-AJQ

3) FEBRUARY’S MEETING THEME:

We ask folks to come prepared with two or three examples of SF/F books or films that you discovered quite by happenstance, and thoroughly enjoyed, contrary to your expectations! We’ll talk about these during today’s “Hidden Gems” discussion.

4) AGENDA:

1:00PM – Don’t Judge a Book by its Movie!

Books often translate poorly to the movie screen. We proffer examples of good SF/F books made into bad SF/F movies, and vice versa! 

2:00PM – Hidden Gems

We ask MonSFFen to offer examples of SF/F books or films serendipitously happened upon and thoroughly enjoyed; happy, accidental discoveries, real gems previously hidden and now revealed, unexpected surprises, much to the pleasure of the reader or viewer!

3:00PMBreak

Brief discussion of club business, other announcements, and raffle.

3:15PM – Sci-Fi Balderdash! (Game)

Fakes, fooling folk, and fun! Given only the title of an actual SF/F story, can you come up with a brief, two-sentence fake story synopsis for that title, one convincing enough to fool your fellow players? And, can you pick out the real synopsis from among the fakes?

4:30PMFinal Thoughts and Wrap-Up

We close the afternoon with final thoughts, questions, and commentary on today’s topics, or on other sci-fi or club-related subjects members may wish to briefly share with the group. Your feedback is always welcome, folks!

5:00PMEnd of Meeting 

Please Note: While we strive to keep on schedule, we do, sometimes, fall behind a little, or find ourselves having to reshuffle the order of items on the agenda for one reason or another, or reschedule planned presentations/discussions. Therefore, please understand that all programming is subject to change!

The meeting officially begins at 1:00PM! Thanks for joining us today, and enjoy the afternoon!

Club e-Meeting This Afternoon, Saturday, February 21!


MonSFFA meets online via ZOOM this afternoon, Saturday, February 21, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM! We begin gathering online at 12:30PM, just to give people an opportunity to settle in before the meeting officially begins at 1:00PM. (See details on how to ZOOM with us, end of this post.)

This will be the last of our winter e-meetings in 2026; next month, we return to our usual downtown meeting hall at the Nouvel Hotel on René-Lévesque Ouest.

February’s Meeting Theme:

We ask folks to come prepared with two or three examples of SF/F books or films that you discovered quite by happenstance, and thoroughly enjoyed, contrary to your expectations! We’ll talk about these during today’s “Hidden Gems” discussion.

On the Agenda:

Don’t Judge a Book by its Movie!

Books often translate poorly to the movie screen. We proffer examples of good SF/F books made into bad SF/F movies, and vice versa!

Hidden Gems

We ask MonSFFen to offer examples of SF/F books or films serendipitously happened upon and thoroughly enjoyed; happy, accidental discoveries, real gems previously hidden and now revealed, unexpected surprises, much to the pleasure of the reader or viewer!

Sci-Fi Balderdash! (Game)

Fakes, fooling folk, and fun! Given only the title of an actual SF/F story, can you come up with a brief, two-sentence fake story synopsis for that title, one convincing enough to fool your fellow players? And, can you pick out the real synopsis from among the fakes? 

We’re looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on ZOOM for this February 2026 e-meeting! Tell a friend; invite them to join in! We’ll see you all this afternoon, Saturday, February 21, 1:00PM-5:00PM! 

Please Note: While we strive to keep on schedule, we do, sometimes, fall behind a little, or find ourselves having to reshuffle the order of items on the agenda for one reason or another, or reschedule planned presentations/discussions. Therefore, please understand that all programming is subject to change!

How to ZOOM With Us This Afternoon:

To take part in this afternoon’s e-meeting, join our ZOOM video-chat, which will run throughout the course of the meeting. Here is the URL you will need; enter it into your browser, and follow the prompts:

Topic: MonSFFA’s ZOOM e-Meeting
Time: February 21, 2026, 13:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82393092765?pwd=iMj81jvgrODV2C1tMBmf51EivFbjdk.1

If you’re not fully equipped to ZOOM, you can also take part by phone (voice only); in the Montreal area, the toll-free number to call is: 1-438-809-7799.

Also, have this information on hand as you may be asked to provide it:

Meeting ID: 823 9309 2765
Passcode: 025837

Provided as additional, supplementary information, here are ZOOM’s complete instructions on how to join the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82393092765/invitations?signature=7Bkj99fZmzLbfvoT6eaQb_fWBZ7lrbS8HGz359T-AJQ

 

Next Club e-Meeting Set For Tomorrow, Saturday, February 21!


MonSFFA’s next e-meeting is scheduled to take place on ZOOM tomorrow, Saturday, February 21, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM! We begin gathering online at 12:30PM, just to give people an opportunity to settle in before the meeting officially begins at 1:00PM. (See details on how to ZOOM with us, end of this post.)

This will be the last of our winter e-meetings in 2026; next month, we return to our usual downtown meeting hall at the Nouvel Hotel on René-Lévesque Ouest.

February’s Meeting Theme:

We ask folks to come prepared with two or three examples of SF/F books or films that you discovered quite by happenstance, and thoroughly enjoyed, contrary to your expectations! We’ll talk about these during today’s “Hidden Gems” discussion.

On the Agenda:

Don’t Judge a Book by its Movie!

Books often translate poorly to the movie screen. We proffer examples of good SF/F books made into bad SF/F movies, and vice versa!

Hidden Gems

We ask MonSFFen to offer examples of SF/F books or films serendipitously happened upon and thoroughly enjoyed; happy, accidental discoveries, real gems previously hidden and now revealed, unexpected surprises, much to the pleasure of the reader or viewer!

Sci-Fi Balderdash! (Game)

Fakes, fooling folk, and fun! Given only the title of an actual SF/F story, can you come up with a brief, two-sentence fake story synopsis for that title, one convincing enough to fool your fellow players? And, can you pick out the real synopsis from among the fakes? 

We’re looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on ZOOM for this February 2026 e-meeting! Tell a friend; invite them to join in! We’ll see you all tomorrow, Saturday, February 21, 1:00PM-5:00PM! 

Please Note: While we strive to keep on schedule, we do, sometimes, fall behind a little, or find ourselves having to reshuffle the order of items on the agenda for one reason or another, or reschedule planned presentations/discussions. Therefore, please understand that all programming is subject to change!

How to ZOOM With Us Tomorrow:

To take part in tomorrow’s e-meeting, join our ZOOM video-chat, which will run throughout the course of the meeting. Here is the URL you will need; enter it into your browser, and follow the prompts:

Topic: MonSFFA’s ZOOM e-Meeting
Time: February 21, 2026, 13:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82393092765?pwd=iMj81jvgrODV2C1tMBmf51EivFbjdk.1

If you’re not fully equipped to ZOOM, you can also take part by phone (voice only); in the Montreal area, the toll-free number to call is: 1-438-809-7799.

Also, have this information on hand as you may be asked to provide it:

Meeting ID: 823 9309 2765
Passcode: 025837

Provided as additional, supplementary information, here are ZOOM’s complete instructions on how to join the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82393092765/invitations?signature=7Bkj99fZmzLbfvoT6eaQb_fWBZ7lrbS8HGz359T-AJQ

 

Next Club e-Meeting Set For This Saturday, February 21!

Attention People of Earth! Attention People of Earth!

MonSFFA’s next e-meeting is scheduled to take place on ZOOM this Saturday, February 21, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM! We begin gathering online at 12:30PM, just to give people an opportunity to settle in before the meeting officially begins at 1:00PM. (See details on how to ZOOM with us, end of this post.)

This will be the last of our winter e-meetings in 2026; next month, we return to our usual downtown meeting hall at the Nouvel Hotel on René-Lévesque Ouest.

February’s Meeting Theme:

We ask folks to come prepared with two or three examples of SF/F books or films that you discovered quite by happenstance, and thoroughly enjoyed, contrary to your expectations! We’ll talk about these during today’s “Hidden Gems” discussion.

On the Agenda:

Don’t Judge a Book by its Movie!

Books often translate poorly to the movie screen. We proffer examples of good SF/F books made into bad SF/F movies, and vice versa!

Hidden Gems

We ask MonSFFen to offer examples of SF/F books or films serendipitously happened upon and thoroughly enjoyed; happy, accidental discoveries, real gems previously hidden and now revealed, unexpected surprises, much to the pleasure of the reader or viewer!

Sci-Fi Balderdash! (Game)

Fakes, fooling folk, and fun! Given only the title of an actual SF/F story, can you come up with a brief, two-sentence fake story synopsis for that title, one convincing enough to fool your fellow players? And, can you pick out the real synopsis from among the fakes? 

We’re looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on ZOOM for this February 2026 e-meeting! Tell a friend; invite them to join in! We’ll see you all this Saturday, February 21, 1:00PM-5:00PM! 

Please Note: While we strive to keep on schedule, we do, sometimes, fall behind a little, or find ourselves having to reshuffle the order of items on the agenda for one reason or another, or reschedule planned presentations/discussions. Therefore, please understand that all programming is subject to change!

How to ZOOM With Us This Saturday:

To take part in this Saturday’s e-meeting, join our ZOOM video-chat, which will run throughout the course of the meeting. Here is the URL you will need; enter it into your browser, and follow the prompts:

Topic: MonSFFA’s ZOOM e-Meeting
Time: February 21, 2026, 13:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82393092765?pwd=iMj81jvgrODV2C1tMBmf51EivFbjdk.1

If you’re not fully equipped to ZOOM, you can also take part by phone (voice only); in the Montreal area, the toll-free number to call is: 1-438-809-7799.

Also, have this information on hand as you may be asked to provide it:

Meeting ID: 823 9309 2765
Passcode: 025837

Provided as additional, supplementary information, here are ZOOM’s complete instructions on how to join the meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82393092765/invitations?signature=7Bkj99fZmzLbfvoT6eaQb_fWBZ7lrbS8HGz359T-AJQ

 

FEBRUARY 2026 ISSUE OF IMPULSE NOW AVAILABLE!

The February issue of MonSFFA’s news bulletin, Impulse, is now available, right here on this Website! Visit our “Impulse” page for this latest, as well as back issues of the news bulletin. Or, just click below:

ImpulseFebruary2026(OnlineVersion)PDF

We have a club e-Meeting scheduled for this Saturday, February 21; watch this space for further posts all about that within the next 48 hours! Meanwhile, enjoy reading this latest issue of Impulse!

Across the Fandomension with Garth Spencer”

We have received an update regarding Garth Spencer’s website, “Across the Fandomension with Garth Spencer” . This is shaping up to be a valuable resource for fans of SFF.  –Cathypl

Dear Guys,

My SF information website, “Across the Fandomension with Garth Spencer” (https://www.vcn.bc.ca/~garth2), is now extended and updated. I intend to make additions and updates monthly.

This is still a bare-bones information website, so to begin with I have focused on simply finding the links to resources. If you spot errors and omissions in the information about clubs, conventions, fanzines, fandoms, writers’ resources, markets, or websites, please comment and criticize and suggest amendments. If you have suggestions for improved layout and format, I am open to them, too.

 

Yours cordially,

 

Garth Spencer

Upcoming books, Jan & Feb

Locus list of upcoming books, Jan & Feb

JANUARY 2026

  • EUGEN BACON & CHERYL NTUMY, ET AL, EDS. • Sauúti Terrors Short Stories • Flame Tree Collections UK, Jan 2026 (oa, hc, eb)
  • BRADLEY P. BEAULIEU • A God of Countless Guis­es • Bloomsbury UK/Head of Zeus/Ad Astra, Jan 2026 (hc, eb)
  • MONIQUILL BLACKGOOSE • To Ride a Rising Storm • Pen­guin Random House/Del Rey, Jan 2026 (tp, eb)
  • STEPHANIE BURGIS • Enchanting the Fae Queen • Tor/Bramble, Jan 2026 (v, tp, eb)
  • JIM BUTCHER • Twelve Months • Ace, Jan 2026 (hc, eb)
  • JIM BUTCHER • Twelve Months • Orbit UK, Jan 2026 (hc, eb)
  • ROSHANI CHOKSHI • The Swan’s Daughter • St. Martin’s/Wednesday Books, Jan 2026 (v, hc, eb)
  • NICOLE GLOVER • The Starseekers • Harper Voyager US, Jan 2026 (tp, eb)
  • NICOLA GRIFFITH • She Is Here • PM Press, Jan 2026 (c, tp, eb)
  • ISABEL IBAÑEZ • Graceless Heart • St. Mar­tin’s/Saturday Books, Jan 2026 (hc, eb)
  • SEANAN MCGUIRE • Through Gates of Garnet and Gold • Tordotcom, Jan 2026 (na, hc, eb)
  • K.J. PARKER • Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead • Orbit UK, Jan 2026 (tp, eb)
  • K.J. PARKER • Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead • Orbit US, Jan 2026 (tp, eb)
  • ALASTAIR REYNOLDS • Halcyon Years • Orbit US, Jan 2026 (1US, hc, eb)
  • BRANDON SANDERSON • Magic the Gathering: Children of the Nameless • Subterranean Press, Jan 2026 (x, hc)
  • CHARLES STROSS • The Regicide Report • Tor, Jan 2026 (na, hc, eb)

FEBRUARY 2026

  • EDWARD ASHTON • After the Fall • St. Martin’s, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • STEPHANIE BURGIS • Enchanting the Fae Queen • Macmillan/Tor Bramble UK, Feb 2026 (1UK, hc, eb)
  • V. CASTRO • Maria the Wanted • Titan Books UK, Feb 2026 (h, tp, eb)
  • P.A. CORNELL • Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl • Stars and Sabers, Feb 2026 (na, v, tp, eb)
  • MATT DINNIMAN • Operation Bounce House • Ace, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • HEATHER FAWCETT • Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter • Penguin Random House/Del Rey, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • HEATHER FAWCETT • Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter • Orbit UK, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • KIM HARRISON • Secondhand Luck • Ace, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • MATTHEW KRESSEL • The Rainseekers • Tordotcom, Feb 2026 (na, tp, eb)
  • PAUL MCAULEY • Loss Protocol • Orion UK/Gollancz, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • IAN MCDONALD • Boy • with Occasional Dinosaur, Tordotcom, Feb 2026 (na, tp, eb)
  • BETHANY C. MORROW • The Body • Tor/Nightfire, Feb 2026 (h, hc, eb)
  • NNEDI OKORAFOR • The Daughter Who Remains • Astra House/DAW, Feb 2026 (na, hc, eb)
  • REBECCA ORE • Writing Is Writing • Aqueduct Press, Feb 2026 (nf, tp, eb)
  • BRANDON SANDERSON • Isles of the Emberdark • Tor, Feb 2026 (hc)
  • BRANDON SANDERSON • Isles of the Emberdark • Orion UK/Gollancz, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • ALI SMITH • Glyff • Penguin Random House UK/Hamish Hamilton, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • A.D. SUI • The Iron Garden Sutra • Kensing­ton/Erewhon, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • MICHAEL SWANWICK • The Universe Box • Tachyon Pub­lications, Feb 2026 (c, tp, eb)
  • ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY • The Best of Adrian Tchaikovsky • Subterranean Press, Feb 2026 (hc)
  • ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY • Pretenders to the Throne of God • Bloomsbury UK/Head of Zeus/Ad Astra, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • ALIYA WHITELEY • The Misheard World • Rebellion/Solaris UK, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)
  • MAKANA YAMAMOTO • The Obake Code • Harper Voy­ager US, Feb 2026 (tp, eb)
  • MAKANA YAMAMOTO • The Obake Code • Orion UK/Gollancz, Feb 2026 (hc, eb)

Volcanoes on Io

 A late-2024 volcanic event was the most powerful ever observed on Io, releasing 140–260 TW of energy from a vast 65,000 km

For the details, click https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025JE009047

The simultaneous eruption of distant hotspots reveals a single, extensive subsurface magma reservoir connecting them
Findings support a “sponge-like” regional magma network, reshaping the understanding of Io’s interior

On 27 December 2024, NASA’s Juno spacecraft observed an enormous volcanic eruption on Io, Jupiter’s most volcanically active moon. The eruption covered a vast area of about 65,000 km2 in the southern hemisphere and released an estimated 140–260 TW of energy-possibly the most intense volcanic event ever recorded on Io, far surpassing previous eruptions. The eruption affected multiple volcanic hot spots, with some increasing in brightness by over 1,000 times their usual levels. Scientists believe this was a single massive event spreading underground across hundreds of kilometres, linking multiple magma reservoirs. However, other nearby volcanoes remained unaffected, adding complexity to how Io’s interior works. This unprecedented event suggests that Io’s volcanoes may be more interconnected than previously thought. Future observations by Juno could reveal whether the eruption left behind new lava flows or ash deposits, helping scientists better understand the moon’s geology and volcanic activity.

Fanzine roundup!

Here are the zines that arrived in the virtual mailbox. Enjoy! and share!

Greetings, programs!
Attached you will find the January 2026 edition oTightbeam, number 376, with reviews, recipes, and reminiscence.
You are invited to peruse and send a letter of comment.

Jason P Hunt
Publisher/CEO
www.SciFi4Me.com

Jason also sent us N3FReview202601

From Leybl in Israel: CCJanuary2026-v01

From Matt Mitchell at LASFS: Please feel free to distribute to your members.  Thank you very much. De Profundis #617 – February 2026
From Nic Farey: “The Enlightenment view of mankind is a complete myth. It leads us into thinking we’re sane and rational creatures most of the time, and we’re not.”
From Jason Hunt, N3F, two zines.  Greetings, programs! Please find attached the latest instalment of NAPA280_jan2026 
As we work out the kinks in the schedule, the goal is to get everything on track for a regular schedule of dates on which each of our ‘zines will hit your in-box. I appreciate everyone’s patience!
As we draw near the end of the month, as I contemplate the ridiculously cold temperatures and snow on the ground and wonder if the deer in the back are OK, I am sending to you this last ‘zine of the month (I think?) — the National Fantasy Fan for January 2026, beginning Volume 85.
Letters of comment are welcome. And please continue to send me any updates on e-mail addresses. I’m trying to keep everything as current as possible. TNFF202601

From Ahrvid Engholm: Intermission163

Intermission in the Epstein files?

It wouldn't surprise us, considering how morally corrupt it is! But in
the Engholm files (latest example #163 enclosed) we find Jules Verne!
(With his unknown, only English story!) And a whole bunch of writers
in deplorable filthy-pro magazines such as Beyond Fantasy,
Imagination, Startling Stories and others presenting your wettest,
wildest dreams! Blue films - at least one - also covered, and AI
translation.
  But we start with the latest goofs by Trump and Putin. Agent
Orange's Greenland plans get cold shoulders from the Arctic and
Putins's under-supplied alcoholic bumbs of an "army" is destroyed by
drones. And why don't media report on Putin' collapsing economy?
 Finally, don't miss ■■■■  and ■■■■, especially ■■■■!!!

Don't Put Hands In Running Mower,

--Ahrvid Engholm, edit■■■■or
  (Comments welcome, but whatever you write, make CC: to
ahvid@atomicmail.io, due to failing Microsoft...)

From the N3F: Tightbeam 377 is attached. There is an Alarming Event…we are back on schedule. On the topic of schedules, Mindy Hunt reports that the next issue of FanActivity Gazette will be delayed.

Updates from Bill Burns at d-fanzines
  • Perry Middlemiss’s Perryscope #56
  • Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation, Spring 2026 is now on line
  • Octothorpe #151, a regular fannish podcast by John Coxon, Alison Scott and Liz Batty, is now on line
  • Two Chairs in Print #12 by Perry Middlemiss and David Grigg [2025 issue]
  • Henry Grynnsten’s Wild Ideas #67 [2025 issue]
  • John D. Berry’s dot-fanzine: guillemets
  • Nic Farey’s This Here…#95
  • Andy Hooper’s CAPTAIN FLASHBACK #86
  • Opuntia #618, edited by Dale Speirs
  • Leybl Botwinik’s CyberCozen – January 2026
  • Christopher J. Garcia’s Claims Department #94
  • John D. Berry’s dot-fanzine: interrobang and dot-fanzine: colon [archive issues]
  • Two Chairs in Print #13 by Perry Middlemiss and David Grigg
  • Octothorpe #152, a regular fannish podcast by John Coxon, Alison Scott and Liz Batty, is now on line
  • Opuntia #619, edited by Dale Speirs
  • Garth Spencer’s The Obdurate Eye #59