Hudson Leick Newsletter

Like many people, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Warm, cozy evenings at home, curled up in my favorite chair, with a mug of my favorite, steaming hot beverage and a good book; colorfully lit streets and houses, brightly glowing in the dark; the enticing aroma of freshly baked goodies coming from the kitchen; and cold, rainy evenings, snuggled up with that special someone, in front of a big, roaring fire. (Yes, Virginia, it really *does* rain in California)

But one of the things that I enjoy most about this time of year is getting together with my friends and family during the holidays. We reminisce about old times, tell each other about events in our lives and catch up on all the latest gossip. (I have 3 sisters, so you *know* that the gossip can go on for hours and hours...hahahaha)

As is the case with many families, we have our squabbles and disagreements and have gone through our share of "growing pains". But we also care a great deal about each other, share our lives with each other, support each other, and are there for each other in bad times, as well as good. We also share common interests, a sense of loyalty and fond memories.

So, this year, I have even more to be thankful for than in years past. Because, we, as members of the Hudson Leick Official Fan Club, may experience our "growing pains" and differences of opinion. But, because of our loyalty to Hudson, and common goal of supporting her and her expanding career, as well as our sense of camaraderie, willingness to support each other, and our shared memories - and what could possibly be more memorable than seeing Hudson at a convention? - I have come to realize that we're all a family, in our own way.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish my extended family a very healthy, happy and safe Holiday season. And would like to wish each and every one of you all the very best in the coming year.

Hudson is still hard at work in New Zealand, filming episodes of both Xena and Hercules. So, unfortunately, she was not available for the "Hudson's Favorite Things" section for this issue of the newsletter. But I know we're all glad that Hudson is working and this will give us something to look forward to in the next issue.

Hudson has now taped two episodes of Xena for this season, "Maternal Instincts" and "Bitter Suite". And is due to tape two more episodes of Xena early next year. She has also done one episode of Hercules, "Yes, Virginia, there really is a Hercules". Be sure and watch your local listings for the date and time that these episodes will air in your area.

I would like to specifically thank everyone who contributed to this special Holiday edition of the Hudson Leick newsletter. Those that contributed did a *fantastic* job. We have some very talented people among us. I hope you enjoy their work as much as I did. Thanks, also, to Serge Walters for contributing his very special Callisto Christmas pictures. Very cool, Serge.

The Hudson Leick Official Fan Club Web Site (HLOFCWS), and maintenance team, would like to welcome the 2 newest additions to the HLOFCWS: Angela Wheaton's complete, comprehensive and totally awesome "Tube Watch Report" page. And Linda Parham's outstanding, remarkable and always informative "Hudson Leick Crusade" page.

A complete listing of all the "Special Members" pages can be seen by going to: http://www.hudsonleickfan.com, then clicking on the "Special Pages" button. These people are all doing a fantastic job and we would like to thank them for their very valuable contributions to the Hudson Leick Official Fan Club and Web Site. Be sure and visit their pages often.

Hudson Leick Official Fan Club Update: Yes, Hudson Leick Official Fan Club membership packages are still in the works. Due to Hudson's busy schedule the membership packages are taking a little longer to put together than we had originally anticipated, but we hope to have them available in the near future. An announcement will be made to all HLOFC members and on the HLOFCWS just as soon as they are ready. We thank you for your understanding and patience.

I knew she would be beautiful, graceful and charming. I had high expectations.

Charming: From descriptions and photographs of Hudson at other conventions, I knew she had a tendency to charm audiences.

Graceful: It seems obvious from watching Callisto that Hudson is graceful. In Law and Order she plays a super model. In one scene she is reclined in a lawn chair wearing a baseball cap, blue jeans and a sweat shirt, and she is a super model. In another she is in a dignified court proceeding as a witness, looking credible. She is a super model. She brings that with her.

The curtain was near one side of the stage. The microphone was near the center of the stage. I expected she would move across that distance gracefully.

Beautiful: This is where it gets tough. "Beautiful" isn't adequate. Maybe the word is used too much, in too many different ways. Glamorous, sexy, pretty and beautiful are related, but are not the same. The differences are explained in plain English, and illustrated in any book on taking pictures of people. It is rare to see someone that....well.....

.....Hudson appeared from behind the curtain in a dress that looked like it was about two inches wide before she stretched it to fit her. You haven't seen anything in the world fit anything else in the world the way that dress fit on her.

She moved across the stage in a series of glides that ended in stopped poses, giving people a chance to take snap shots. However, this wasn't what I thought would be standard show biz type poses, with an arm extended in the air, or out to the side, or a hip suddenly moved out while walking. This was as though a professional photographer was taking pictures of a real model that could have appeared on magazine covers anywhere in the world. You would not have to know anything about X:WP, Callisto or Hudson Leick. Her image on a magazine cover would draw your attention no matter how many other magazines were near by.

She appeared with everything. Everything. She is pretty, pushes it to beautiful, moves with all the glamour and grace of a model, and is, lets say "sensuous" (that means sexy) beyond belief. I didn't know anyone could look like that. I was stunned. Now I "get it". I know what stunning means.

A lot had happened before she was half way to that microphone. I mean folks, all kinds of things were going on that stage before she was anywhere near where she was going. I was in the front row, near the center. There was no arms on those chairs.

Everyone else had planned a presentation before the question and answer sessions. It seemed from the way she moved across, the stage, that if this was a build up to something she planned to deliver when she got to that microphone, it was going to be like Callisto was here, and what was here before just aint here no more. She did it again; flattened everything. It seemed like anything could happen. Anything.

When she go there, her shoulders slouched down, and she was suddenly in a relaxed, casual posture. She disappeared all of the incredible tension (I felt) she built up with her stunning appearance from behind the curtain, and that spectacular trip toward the microphone.

The way she is: All that happened when she got to the microphone and relaxed is she said something like (this isn't a direct quote, but close) "I got here 5:30 in the morning. I haven't slept much. I'm tired. Is there something you want to know. Do you want to ask me something" No one knew what to do. There was no precedent. All of the other guest stars kept the ball in their court for a while. She repeated the question. "Is there something you want to ask me". People from the audience stared asking questions from where they were seated. The rest of us moved toward a microphone near the stage.

The first impression I got is that she is smart; really smart. Perhaps not the mathematical genius, absent minded professor type brilliance, but very direct and quick. If you ask her a question, you don't get an answer with 25 interpretations, pick the one you want, and think "Wasn't that a nice answer. Just what I wanted to hear." When what you heard was mush, and you filled in what you wanted to hear. Many public personalities are good at those kinds of "answers"; show biz people, political people. Not Hudson Leick. If you ask her one question, you get one answer, with one interpretation. You get the feeling it is pretty much what she thinks.

There is nothing fuzzy or ambiguous about her answers. They are not coming from an ambiguous or fuzzy mind. Her mind is quick, intelligent, and above all, she is direct and sincere. There is more to that than what she says; a lot more, but I'll get to that later.

As I said, I had heard and read that she was charming. I "got it" because I was there. She is gracious and generous beyond anything that is required, or that I expected, or, maybe what some people would think appropriate. A man had his little boy with him. When they got to the microphone, he said his son was a Callisto fan (suuure, his Son was a Callisto fan...right), and asked her if she would autograph a promotional photograph of her for his son. That seemed a little inappropriate to me, because it was widely advertised that there would be an autograph session at a later time, and there was a long line of people waiting to ask her questions. She could have said "Yes, but I will be signing autographs later." No one would blame her. It was not required, or expected, that she would do it then and there. She said OK, and the little boy and his father were on stage with her. There were no tables there. She was down, practically on her hands and knees (maybe she was on her hands and knees. I can't remember exactly) on the floor with that little boy. She smiled at him, did something or other I can't remember to make him happy, and signed the picture. His father took a snap shot of his son with Callisto..

That kind of thing was going on a lot. Then some guy asked "Can I kiss you?" Got that folks? "Can I kiss you?" I don't know. That seemed to me more than a little inappropriate. That question she thought over. She sort of walked around in a circle a few times. I think she glanced at someone off stage. She walked around a little more, and said OK. That guy came on the stage and she kissed him...on the lips. I could hardly believe it. It was obviously for a photograph. He wanted a friend of his to take a photo of him kissing Hudson Leick. She could have avoided it. No one would have blamed her. Maybe some people thought she should have said no. Not only didn't she avoid it, once she decided it was OK, he was going to get a picture of him kissing Hudson Leick. There would be nothing peripheral about it, or indirect, or around the edges. She could have given him a little peck on the cheek or forehead. He would have his picture, and every one would have thought "Aw, wasn't that cute" The kiss was brief; just enough time for the camera flash to fire, but it was direct, centered and on target. She never seemed to hesitate about where to kiss him. I got the impression that her mind doesn't work that way. She doesn't think or act indirectly, or around the edges, and is not at all concerned with what a standard response should be. It is always direct, centered, and on target, and there is nothing average or standardized about it.

That's the way she answered all of the questions that were asked; directly, centered and on target. I will not attempt to detail the questions or answers. Some were, from the standpoint of her career, sort of sensitive, or, "political". She never avoided them. Her answers were always kindhearted and gracious, and honest.

The microphone was in a terrible position, at a terrible height, and wasn't very sensitive. People trying to ask questions were having a difficult time. That she came to the edge of the stage, out of the set up lighting, may not have been too unusual. It was unusual, I think, and impressive, at least to me, that she squatted down to get as close to eye to eye level as possible. This was not only out of the main lighting, but in a position that isn't all that graceful (except that this is Hudson Leick, who is graceful no matter what she does. This is Callisto, remember? She could have jumped off the stage, slit throats and eaten children, ...gracefully.)

She always thought quickly about her answers, which were always at least kind, and usually gracious. However, there is more to it than what she says. If you ask her a good question, she would say, in plain English "That's a good question." If you ask her a dumb question, or, especially an affected question, there was something that let you know what she thought of it. I hesitate to use words, and am glad you can not see any expression on my face, or you might think she was being unkind or arrogant. She wasn't, but... if it was a dumb question you got the impression she thought "That was a dumb question." If it was an affected question, you got the impression she thought, "You think you're real smart, huh? Your not," Of course she said nothing of the kind. I can't describe the signal. She thought every question over, and answered, at least politely.

She is close to the surface. If she thinks it, you know it. She thinks fast, and you know it fast.

How she reaches people: If you would see a tape of the Detroit convention, and the sound was off,. you wouldn't understand much of what the others had done there. I am not criticizing. Ted Raimi did it right. Joe LoDuca was fabulous. However, without hearing them, you wouldn't know a lot of what they had done. You would understand a great deal about what Hudson had done there, sound or no sound.

The images of her stunning appearance from behind the curtain, the spectacular trip across the stage, the tension she built on the way, the way she disappeared the tension with a change in posture, Hudson on the floor with that little boy, Hudson kissing that young man, moving out of the light and getting down to eye to eye level, the generosity and kindness with which she accommodated people one at a time; Those images don't need sound. If the camera was close enough, you would get the sense of how focused she was on the person she was talking to, somehow sense the directness of her answers, and you would somehow, I don't know how, and couldn't describe it, get a sense of the twist, and it's edge.

If most of communication is non verbal ( I think 70% of communication is non verbal) she has it down pat, and it's not an act.

Hudson Leick reaches people at many levels and from many directions. It is immediate, and continuos. There is no letup.

More description wouldn't help convey the immediacy of the Hudson Leick phenomenon. I can only summarize.

She is pretty, beautiful, graceful, glamorous, and sensuous. She is close to the surface. If she thinks it, you know it. She thinks fast, and you know it fast. She doesn't like distance between her and people, and she closes it. She is a master of non verbal communication. She reaches people at many levels and from many directions. It is immediate, and continuous. She is an original. Above all, there is nothing average or standard about her.

If you haven't been in a room when Heidi hot rod comes crashing in, you are missing something.

PERSONAL: I had two drawings of Callisto I wanted her to sign. One is a successful charcoal rendering of a drawing I started with a much more beautiful but difficult approach. I wished like crazy I would have stuck to it, done my homework so I could have been successful with the more difficult method. There was nothing wrong with that charcoal drawing though. The other drawing, also charcoal, is different. It is not bad or I wouldn't have kept it, but it is flawed, and in central places. Her nose and mouth are indefinite. I didn't know whether she would sign on the paper, so I had them matted, famed and put behind glass at a framing store. They did a good job, but the quality of the "package" (matte, frame and especially the glass) was way ahead of the drawings, especially the flawed drawing. So I had two pieces of amateur artwork; one successful, the other somewhat flawed, all dressed up and packaged as though I was presenting them like they area hot shot stuff.

When I was in line thinking about asking her to sign them, I remembered when someone asked some big deal intellectual sounding question, she seemed to think "You think you're real smart huh? You're not." This could have been "You think you're a hot shot artist, huh? Well Callisto breathes through he nose and speaks through her mouth. Put them there. Go home and practice"

She is to the surface and that edge is there. I liked that edge. It made things interesting. Like if you walk in a room with a group of people and say "How are you? How's the family? How was your vacation" and they say "Nice. Nice. Nice." They ask you the same questions and you say "Nice. Nice. Nice." Everything is nice, but who cares? Nobody listens to that stuff. With Hudson you might hear, "How are you". Your wrists are slashed. Blood is gushing from your neck. Your head is on the other side of the room. Then you hear "How's the family"....

The usual kind of thing will happen. She will be Nice, nice nice, but, well... how do I describe it. There is something there that isn't average, predictable or standardized. All of that is interesting...for someone else. I wanted no part of it.

I guess it comes with the Y chromosome. When you're going to that close to a woman that looks impossibly beautiful, you want something nice to happen. If not, I surely didn't want to annoy her in the least. My admiration for her appearance, and my respect for her had been magnified a great deal. I didn't want to create the impression I was pretending to be something I know I'm not. I should have left at least one of the drawings behind, but I didn't and now it was too late. There would be no time to explain "I didn't know if you would sign on the paper, so I had them framed. I didn't mean to have them packaged so nicely that you would think that I think this is professional quality work. Honest"

Then it was my turn. I was only a tables width away from her. The closer you get, the better looking she seems. I put the drawings down sideways and turned them around so they faced her. She put down her pen and pulled them closer to her. She said something very nice, and asked "Do you want me to sign these, or something", and sort of searched around for the pen. (She didn't know I had two boxes of felt tip pens of different widths, and had practiced with them on glass. When someone signs an autograph, the line is thick, then trails off. Depending on how they move their wrist, the line gets thread thin, or not. It is very individual, and if I was going to have Hudson Leick's signature on my drawings, I wanted every nuance to show.) I may have missed a great opportunity. Maybe she thought I was offering them as gifts. If I was only thinking clearly, and she would have accepted either of them, I would have been flattered out of my mind. Maybe I am just imagining that.

She found the pen and while signing them, as I remember it, she sort of looked at the drawing I like and said she really liked it. Then she looked straight at me and said "You do beautiful work." The emphasis was on beautiful. She said it like she meant it. All of the signals were clear. I didn't feel that edge at all. She really seemed to like both of them.

I came around the table, knelt down so I was right next to her. She looks impossible. The closer you are the better looking she seems, and I was very, very close now. She looked at me and said "This is fun, isn't it?" I was surprised. I thought she was talking about playing Callisto and coming to conventions. I said " I hope you are having as good a time as it seems" (or something like that). We both smiled and someone used my camera to take a picture of me and Hudson.

When I got home I began to think she had extended her kindheartedness to me. When someone is standing in front of you, and the flow of blood had been cut off to their brain, and they can hardly breath, I guess you sense the tension. She had, and was telling me that I came to the convention to relax and have a nice time, and that I should do just that. I didn't realize it at the time.

I took my camera back and left the room, in dazed relief, tired but somehow exhilarated.

I don't know what the future holds, but I don't think God can produce a case of Alzheimer's that will erase the memory from my mind of Hudson Leick saying "You do Beautiful work."

Editors note: Yes, it was a bit long, but I just didn't have the heart to cut much of it out. It was *great*, Marty. Thanks a bunch!

The doors opened a little before 1:00pm, and the lines formed immediately. The line for people without tickets was the longest when the convention opened, but that line was quickly transferred to the photo table. There was what seemed to be a plentiful supply of photos, but further inspection showed there was a limited supply of photos of the actors appearing that weekend. Aside from the photos, convention visitors were able to purchase magazines, fan club memberships, scripts, shirts, jewelry, and an assortment of glassware provided by Creation. There were also tables promoting independent weaponsmiths, and Renee O'Connor's, Kevin Sorbo's, and Kevin Smith's fan clubs.

The day followed with blooper reels, music videos, and some behind the scenes information on both shows from Sharon Delaney. There was also an auction to benefit William Shatner's charity (The Hollywood Horseshow) which raised over $1400, a trivia contest, and a preview of the upcoming Hercules and Xena animated feature. All of the Creation created videos were top-notch, however it would have been an improvement if the blooper reels were not the ones from the Xena and Herc fan clubs.

The first guest to do a Q&A on-stage was Robert Trebor. He seemed right at home, but then again he should since he is from nearby Philadelphia. He is a veteran of many conventions, and it showed in his ability to keep the crowd involved while answering individual questions. Since he has done multiple episodes on both shows, he was able to compare the shows from a creative standpoint. It is that "behind the scenes" information that everyone wanted to hear, and Robert was an excellent source.

In keeping with tradition, they saved the best for last. Hudson appeared on stage shortly after 5:00pm to a barrage of camera flashes (my own included of course). She strolled across the stage a couple times to make sure everyone could get a good picture. Once things calmed down a little, she started to stir the crowd up again. "Well? I'm here? Oh, by the way, my parents are hiding here somewhere. If anyone can find them, you can ask them anything". (Personally, I was waiting for one of Hudson's friends or relatives that were in attendance to point them out, just to ask about some embarrassing moment from Hudson's past. That did not happen, and Hudson's parents remained anonymous until the autograph session.)

The questions appeared to be off to a bad start when a little girl asked, "Why are you so mean to Xena?" After a tactful response about the past between Xena and Callisto the girl continued, "But .. Why?" Hudson then turned to the audience and vented, "She's a plant isn't she? She comes to every convention and asks the same thing!" From there, Hudson proceeded to answer the onslaught of questions, channeling Callisto whenever asked questions pertaining to that character. Possibly the most personal moment in the Q&A session was when she was asked to do Callisto's scream. As she was concentrating, preparing to make the first three rows deaf , she suddenly stopped. She peered to a section of the audience and coyly stated, "This is for you, Mommy" and gave an evil laugh before resuming. (Therapy at it's finest!) She continued to answer almost every question asked, before being prompted to wrap-up so that the autograph session could begin.

The autograph session was fairly uneventful, as Creation and security personnel were trying to keep the line moving. Periodically the line would stop to let people take close-up photos of Robert and Hudson. During one of those photo sessions, Hudson decided to kneel on the autograph table and vogue for the amateur paparazzi. During one of Hudson's sexier poses, her mother (sitting next to Hudson) became a bit humiliated and hid behind her hands. After a quick hug and a bit more teasing, all was forgiven.

The biggest surprise came at the end of the autograph line. Hudson stood up and said, "All right, who wants to have photos taken with me?" Everybody that wasn't cradling items in both hands put one in the air, so security began herding people to the main entranceway to line up for photos. Hudson's previous modeling experience was evident, as she had a different pose for just about everybody. The interaction between Hudson and the fans here was priceless. Every "Thank You" to Hudson was met by "Thanks for coming and being supportive" from Hudson (also from her parents, and friends). It was this extra effort that gave attendees personal memories to take with them, and showed just how much Hudson cares about her fans.

The second day was almost a complete duplicate as far as the videos were concerned. There were only 3 new videos, which was a little disheartening to many of those that paid reserved and gold circle prices for both days. It was quite amazing that they played the "Villains" video on Sunday, and not just before Hudson came out on Saturday (since Callisto was #1).

Ted Raimi was the first guest on Sunday, and he hit the stage with his usual prat falls and dives. He was asked to sing "Joxer the Mighty" from an audience member, and when he couldn't remember the words, he jumped off the stage and grabbed a copy of the lyrics from someone in the front row. Ted often had comedic stories to complement his responses to questions about his other works, such as "Seaquest" and those Raimi/Campbell movie collaborations. Possibly the funniest situation was when one of the officers in TRIFC gave him an honorary membership. He put the badge on, looked up at the audience, gave the "two thumbs up" sign and said, "Cool, now I'm a member of my own fan club."

Reneé was the last guest to appear on stage. Her mom had mentioned that she was a little nervous, this being her first convention. She did look a little tense, but a phone call from Lucy, and Ted stepping back on stage helped diffuse the situation for Reneé. She may be working for the New Zealand Travel Commission as well, since she made sure to give detailed descriptions of the places she has visited. One young fan (who doesn't get all ROC news) asked if Reneé and Ted were more than friends. Reneé peeked around the background curtain and asked something like, "Ted, are we an item now?" before responding, "No, just good friends."

In general, the convention was a big success. Some people were grumbling that more distinctive booths (like fan-fiction) would have been a big plus. To Creation's defense, there were only one dealer room that wasn't that large, and it was packed with people most of the day. If it is within your means to go to a future convention, you should go. It is an excellent opportunity to meet many enthusiastic people, including those guests on stage, and the other members of the audience.

Editors note: Rob has been super busy with work, lately, so I really appreciate him taking the time to do this write up. Thanks, Rob, you're a sweetie! :)

Here are some more fan comments about Hudson regarding her memorable appearance at the Valley Forge convention:

"This girl's (Hudson's) energy and stamina was amazing, she tired you out just watching her."

"Oh my lord. Anyone here who hasn't seen Hudson in person. Go. Run. This woman is not human. She is a sparkplug. A physical anomaly. A perpetual motion machine."

"Hudson is the most amazing person I've ever seen. Imagine the most energetic, bubbly, outgoing, amazing person in the world. Now double that, and you've got Hudson. She was just so energetic! I don't know where she gets it. She is so outgoing and open! Wow, I still can't believe people like that actually exist. She is like a light, being moved around in the darkness, lighting everyone up. It's great to say that Hudson truly and honestly cares about her fans."

Yes, great news for everyone patiently awaiting the news. Hudson will be appearing at the 2nd Annual Xena/Hercules convention in Burbank, California, on January 17th, 1998. She will also be appearing at Creation's Dallas convention on January 3, 1998.

I know I have said it before, but as you can see by the previous convention reports, it can't possibly be said enough times. If you are a Hudson Leick fan, and have never seen her in person, you absolutely *must* see Hudson at a convention. Words cannot do her justice, but I assure you that it will be an experience that you will never forget!

Trancer will be in charge of the Hudson Leick Official Fan Club booth at the Burbank convention. I'm sure she will be looking for volunteers to help out, so if you are planning on attending, and would like to participate, you may want to write her: "trancer" <icarus@Alaska.NET>

Here is the information for both the Dallas and Burbank conventions. But, as always, be sure and check Creation's web site at: http://www.creationent.com/calendar.html for all current information.

DALLAS AREA (PLANO) -- JAN. 3, 1998 THE PLANO CENTER THE OFFICIAL HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS & XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS CONVENTION TOUR '98

Guest: HUDSON LEICK (Xena: Warrior Princess' "Callisto")

SHOW HOURS: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS are available in advance for $15.00 at TICKETMASTER OUTLETS*, or by calling CREATION at (818) 409-0960**, 10am - 2pm Pacific Time.

Or, mail fees to: CREATION 411 N. CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE #300, GLENDALE, CA, 91203.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS will also be available at the door for $18.00.

PREFERRED SEATING (Giving you a reserved seat in the front section of the auditorium, all convention long come & go) TICKETS are available in advance through the methods prescribed above, for $40.00.

GOLDEN CIRCLE SEATING (which are the first 3 rows in the auditorium; the first 500 include autographing with Ms. Leick) TICKETS are available in advance through Creation, for $65.00.

All ticket prices are per person, per day.

CHILDREN (General Admission ONLY): Tickets are available at the door for $10.00 (kids 7-12) Children under 6 are FREE.

*TICKETMASTER charges service fees. **There is a $2.50 service charge per ticket through this number.

Miss Leick will only be signing 500 autographs. Please read our General Autograph Policy for further information.

The PLANO CENTER is located at: 2000 EAST SPRING CREEK PKWY in Plano, TX. For directions only please call (972) 422-0296.

BURBANK, CA. --JANUARY 17-18, 1998 BURBANK AIRPORT HILTON OFFICIAL HERCULES AND XENA CONVENTION MAKE HISTORY AT THE BIGGEST CELEBRATION OF HERCULES AND XENA EVER!

Guests: LUCY LAWLESS (Sunday only) KEVIN SMITH ("Ares" -- Sunday only) HUDSON LEICK ("Callisto" -- Saturday only) ROBERT TREBOR ("Salmoneus" -- Sunday only) BRAD CARPENTER (Renaissance Pictures -- Saturday only) FLAT EARTH PRODUCTIONS (FX gurus -- Saturday only) with RU EMERSON (author of 3 "Xena" novels) and ROB WEISBROT (author of "The Making of Hercules" and "The Making of Xena" books)

SHOW HOURS: 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS are available in advance for $17.00 by calling CREATION at (818) 409-0960, ext. 225, 229 or 216** 9:30 am - 5pm Pacific Time M-F.

Or, mail fees to: CREATION 411 N. CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE #300 GLENDALE, CA 91203 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS will also be available at the door for $20.00.

GOLDEN CIRCLE SEATING (which are the first 500 seats in the auditorium) TICKETS are available in advance through Creation, for $65.00.

All ticket prices are per person, per day.

CHILDREN (General Admission ONLY): Tickets are available at the door for $15.00 (kids 7-12) Children under 6 are FREE.

**There is a $2.50 service charge per ticket through this number.

All guests (except Lucy) will be signing. Some have a limited time which will be announced later. Please read our General Autograph Policy for further information.

The BURBANK AIRPORT HILTON is located at: 2500 HOLLYWOOD WAY in Burbank, CA, directly across from the Burbank Airport. For directions only please call (818) 843-6000.

(To the tune of "The Monkees Theme") Here she comes Riding down the street Trampling over peasants And everyone she meets

Oh, no, it's Callisto And people know she's one evil gal 'Cause she's too busy killing To be anybody's pal

She goes where she wants to Stabs who she wants to, too If you get in her way You'll likely be run through

Oh, no, it's Callisto And people know she's one evil gal 'Cause she's too busy killing To be anybody's pal She's just going crazy All to avenge her hometown By destroying our hero Xena But she just can't put her down

Oh, no, it's Callisto She's already been burned and drowned Even Herk couldn't stop her She may be coming to your town!

Editors note: Thanks, Autolycus. Being an old (yes, very old <grin>) Monkees fan, I loved it!

Submitted By: Darth Skeye <mjm86@columbia.edu> Mount Cally by Darth Skeye (Michael Moussourakis)

Formed by earth and Fire A volcano waits Seethes and Hates Rage and despise. From a distance, Pure majestic beauty Yet up close, lonely Cold rock, Trapping the warmth inside Rendered invisible to the naked eye Except when it explodes.

Oddity Twins Productions Proudly Presents A SOLSTICE TALE Staring: THE GODDESS CALLISTO (GC) with Special Guest Star: Hudson Leick (HL) And featuring: the Oddity Twins (well we had to include them, they're writing this thing)

Notes to those unfamiliar with Oddity Twins Productions and the Cirran Restoration Society (CRS): First, consider yourselves lucky we here at the Hudson-Leick Mailing list have had to put up with their oddity for months. Second, since you have came this far and are obviously intent on reading this little tale, you might as well have some background on the project.

CRS: A project created, or rather the brainchild of Melissa Monson, who wanted to create a "virtual town" modeled after Callisto's not-so-happy home town. Don't ask. We don't. Heck even the Goddess herself is a little bit afraid.

Oddity Twins: There are actually four Oddity twins, yes we said four (We told you they were odd.) Melissa, Trancer, Matt, and Jeff make up the quad. While they don't have any super powers like the Wonder Twins, they do have the ability to telepathically communicate with each other. Goddess doesn't like it...not one bit. We should tell you here that any thing that any dialogue which occurs between <>'s is not spoken but rather the thoughts of the characters.

Melissa Monson (MM): <sigh> what can we say, she's the Mayor of New Cirra and debatably the oddest twin. She is the personal bard to the Goddess Callisto. She'll try to tell you she's a scribe but don't let her fool you, a scribe by any other name is still a bard. Oh Goddess says she is also one heck of a remote control. ::blush:: We have no idea what that means, but somehow blushing seemed appropriate.

Matt Peters (MP): Coiner of "Goddess of Obsession." Which he is very proud of. Matt owns the Kindling Gate Mall, and heads up the Callisto-Gumi, a yakuza style Organized crime syndicate. Matt is part of the Oddity Twins, responsible for some of the weirder stuff. If you've ever sat back and said to yourself "Huh?" It was something Matt probably wrote. A common theme in Matt's writing is "the foot thing", while no reports exist of him actually *having* a foot fetish, which he says is just plain bizarre, people talk about a certain 6 hr tape in his possession of the "you lose" scene from Return of Callisto.

It was Winter Solstice in New Cirra, a time of celebration and thanksgiving...ok, who are we kidding, it was a time of pain and misery, but just what did you expect from a bunch of bloodthirsty psycho-Goddesses from Tartarus worshipers? You want love, peace, and happiness try New Poteidaia, ya big baby! Anyway where were we, oh yeah...The fresh New Cirra snow fell with a thud. Goddess Callisto, not especially known for her patience, likes her snow NOW, so rather than letting it accumulate over days and weeks, she makes it fall in six to seven inch bursts at a time.

The Mayor/bard of New Cirra was home in her temple apartment. She was allergic to the snow, or at least that's what she liked to tell people, especially irritating houseguests who attempted to get her to shovel the walk...we won't mention any names...Leick we have to. The phony allergy had also successfully gotten her out of several snowball fights with the Goddess and, well to be perfectly blunt, her victims. A stroke of genius on the part of the bard we'd say, well you know if she weren't such a sap. But we're not ones to gossip so you didn't hear it from us. Anyway on this particular day the bard sat in her office scribing a letter. Dear Senticles,

MM: <by now unfazed by the Goddess's unique way of making an entrance...ok, ok so she flinched, sheesh you try getting use to an ancient Greek God materializing out of thin air sometime!> Scribing a message to Senticles, Goddess.

GC: Yes there is and please, making lists, checking them twice. He might as well be an irritating blonde in a Bilious Green Sports Bra (BGSB) for Zeus-sake!

GC: oh, there, there little my bard, don't worry. You look adorable in your BGSB.

MM: Goddess I would not be caught dead in that affront to... <suddenly finds herself wearing a BGSB>...fashion.

GC: Well happy Solstice! <ruffles Melissa's hair> Don't say I never did nothing for ya.

GC: <arching an eyebrow> Watch your tone little one, I'm only a benevolent Goddess, I'm not made of stone.

GC: That's better. Now where in the Tartarus is Trancer? She knows we always watch The Grinch together on Solstice Eve.

GC: ::blush:: oh yeah. Look bard, I swear, I thought we were having some sort of infestation. How was I to know they were just pretending to be elves?

GC: Yeah, you would think. <inward smile> Where is mallboy anyway? He should be here by now too.

GC: Do you think that's wise? You remember the last time you left them alone together, don't you?

Meanwhile, in the Bard's kitchen Matt and Hudson busily prepared the evening's meal. Ok really they were just tossing flour around the room, like in one of them Shake and Bake commercials, but in all fairness they were doing quite a nice job of it.

GC: I'll get it! (thinking it was presents) <opens the door to Solstice Carolers>

After hours and hours of grueling labor Jeff finally arrived with the tree only to be struck by Ambrosia Goddess Lightning (TM). Ok, it was more like 45 minutes and he didn't actually chop down the tree himself but the salesman was really giving him a hard time and he did in fact suffer a major injury...alright, was a splinter, but look we're going for drama here alright.

TR: <comes through the door carrying a life sized plastic statue of Senticles> Hey gang look what I found! Can you believe some one just threw this away?

MM: <entering the frontroom> Dammit Trancer what have I told you about going through my trash!

HL: Say Matt could you be a dear and bring me a couple of them plain cake donuts?

GC: While your at it, bring me a box of donut holes. (she didn't really quite trust "little cake chakrams" yet, but she was loosening up)

<<<Max the Grinch's dog is decked out in full reindeer regalia being forced to pull a sleigh>>>

GC: <notices the table legs would make a fine set of antlers> <smile> <peaks at Melissa out of the corner of her eye>

It took Trancer and two firefighters 45 minutes to revive Matt. He never could handle himself when the Goddess used her pouty lip defense. And it took two carpenters and a blacksmith 45 minutes to remove the table legs from the bard's uhm...let's just say from the bard and leave it at that, shall we.

GC: this part always makes me all weepy. I mean HOW can he just give back the toys?

It wasn't often that Goddess Callisto lost control of her emotions. Ok, so we made that up. In fact she was back to her chipper li'l self with the help of Matt's Soundtrack Pants(TM). These pink, flared fashion abominations had a rainbow on the butt and played music. Usually bad Disco music. Melissa asked that he install Seasonal carols for the holidays.

"Grandma got ran over by a Reindeer" GC: <hysterical laughter> did you hear that Bard? Funny huh. MM: yeah like the first hundred times, but after that I have to confess, it lost something.

GC: <singing> all I want for Solstice is YOUR two front teeth, your two front teeth....

MM: <clamps her mouth shut> <I thought I told you to take that song out of the play list twin!>

HL: <singing> all I want for Solstice is my two front teeth, my two front teeth....

While the Oddity twins and Hudson tore into their gifts, Callisto began opening hers very carefully so as not to tear the paper, who knew the Goddess would be one of those people.

GC: A gold plated Chakram, new boots and a beautiful hair clip! Thanks Bard. I got you coal.

Matt gave Hudson a copy of one of his favorite CD's Jeff Buckley's "Grace". Trancer, Jeff and Melissa each got a Lego UFO Set, and Callisto received a new autographed picture of Pat Sajack, her idol. Trancer and two firefighters took 45 minutes to promise everyone they'd be revived without charge, unless it was an emergency in which case the fee would be doubled. Jeff gave out get out of jail free passes. Hudson, gave everyone a clumsy splinter ridden home-made cheeseboard that she was very proud of. And the bard, well the bard gave out scrolls. (What can she say she obviously didn't inherit the cool gift giving gene).

Matt and Melissa had pooled their funds and got Goddess a little something extra.

GC: Oh that Horton...him and Charlie Brown should team up. (Callisto fights with more wrapping paper and finds...) _Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose_, _Yertle the Turtle_ AND _How the Grinch Stole Christmas_!

Then Goddess Callisto opened the gifts Matt bought her. GC: _I can Lick 30 tigers today_

GC: _Fox in Socks_ <curls her toes> (she's wearing "bear feet slippers --they look like big furry bear claws) _The Foot Book_

GC: That's it! <SMACK> You have to bring that into everything we do, don't you?

GC: Maybe...But one more like this and you're in serious trouble. <opens gift> _There's a Wocket in My Pocket_

When the dust all settled, at the end of the holiday season, there were six people stuffed with Roast Beast, five of which sat around with unbuttoned pants and rubbed near Buddha quality tummies. Callisto however changed into a less confining huge sleepshirt.

The group sat sipping eggnog while snuggled up in front of the TV, they would have preferred a fireplace but Goddess didn't allow fire in the Bard's place and let's face it Goddess gets what Goddess wants. Melissa, being the considerate sibling that she is, read to the group from the Christmas Carol. Ok, Goddess made her do it, but it's the thought that counts right? Who cares who actually had the idea, as long as it was the Goddess.

For the past few weeks we have had the December Newsletter question posted on the Hudson Leick Official Fan Club Web Site. I would like to thank everyone who stopped by and took the time to respond to that question.

The question was: When it comes to giving people gifts, they say "it's the thought that counts". With that in mind, if you could give Hudson *any* Christmas gift you wanted, what would you give her, and why?

The only stipulation was that no one could give Hudson money or themselves. But, other than those two things, the sky was pretty much the limit.

We had a lot of people respond that they would like to give Hudson "a starring role in a feature film and/or a film contract." And still more people that wanted to give Hudson "her own tv series and/or a Callisto spin off series."

Here are some of the other responses that we received: (I thought some of these were very thoughtful while others were pretty darn funny. So, get ready...)

From: geekgrrl@ix.netcom.com Answer: Material possessions are so easily forgotten...So, how about a bit of light on a dark night. The echo of laughter when the tears are threatening. A sense of peace when chaos reigns. A smile from a stranger on a rainy day. All the things that have no value and yet are immeasurable in their worth. To travel the landscape of the world, both inner and outer, and always be richer for the experience.

From: alison@plasma4.chee.uh.edu Answer: I'd give Hudson some Lucy Lawless slave-for-a-day coupons. Also a puppy to keep her warm.

From: mdezearn@erols.com Answer: A dozen long stem roses, dinner at a 5 star restaurant and tickets to a concert of her favorite music group.

From: rcboisclair@stthomas.edu Answer: I would give her an antique nutcracker. The ones hand carved by skillful artists in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Symbol of strength (definite pun to Callisto), beauty, a sense of fun and amusement, and a limitless character through the ages.

From: jknow473@aol.com Answer: I would give her talcum powder. Sounds stupid but think about it. First off it goes next to her skin which is a totally pleasant thought. And secondly unless they are wearing underwear designed by Nassau those leather costumes have to chafe :)

From: ghost@redrose.net Answer: ...and, what manner of gift would a humble Gentleman Ghost bestow upon so fair a princess?...alas, 'tis something that isn't quite tangible, yet genuinely precious...*peace of mind*...

From: ghoti@cannet.com Answer: What would I give Hudson? If it were possible, I'd capture the collective joy, the laughter and the raw emotion that is expressed on our mailing list -- the energy that has been generated by all of us brought together because of what she brings to her characters and what she gives to her fans...that essence, placed in a bottle. On the gift tag would be written: "Your gift to us." Or, I'd get her a puppy.

From: JBreault@worldnet.att.net Answer: I would give Hudson the Grinch Who Stole Christmas so she would always have someone to play with.

From: male@epix.net Answer: I would give her immortality to shine as the bright star that she is.

From: sll1s@cc.usu.edu Answer: I would give the gift of laughter. Laughter is the world's magical "cure all" for what ever ails you. My life would not be complete unless I have laughter. To give the gift of laughter is the ultimate accomplishment, and my gift in return would be the wonderful smile that will appear on her face.

From: bdomagas@earthlink.net Answer: The Christmas gift I would give would be an opportunity to time travel. A one time ticket to travel to the past or future.

1. A cup full of wisdom (goes along way when Callisto has to battle Xena). 2. A heaping teaspoon of good humor (a must for facing "FIERY" death on the show) 3. Gobs of hairspray (for those chariot races on the beach). 4. A pinch of sunscreen (you guessed it...for those beach scenes). 5. A dash of knowledge (for all that fancy foot work).

Preheat oven to 600 degrees (oops, sorry...(I keep forgetting that fire-heat thing)...Mix all above ingredients together, roll out and cut into shapes of Callisto...(let's face it, we gotta cook these things) Okay...put into microwave for 1 minute...Remove and let stand for 5 minutes...Poor yourself a nice cup of coffee, call the FED-X guy out and wrap the finished product up in a pretty package...Write "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL EASTER!"...(That will throw Hudson off, hehehe!)

After all is said and done...My gift for HUDSON would be a lifetime supply of GOOD HUMOR!!!...(and I don't mean the ice cream man either)...All kidding aside...I feel the best present to give anyone would be that of "KNOWING YOUR SOUL WILL GO TO A BETTER PLACE WHEN IT IS FINISHED HERE ON EARTH"!!!

Submitted By: "Jeffrey C. Morton" <jmorton@trib.com> Callistians, you asked for it, here it comes. A Christmas poem just for you.

Twas the night before festival and all through the town Not a creature was stirring lest they be struck down The axes were leaned by the doorway with care In case mad Callisto soon would be there

The children were buried six feet in the ground Run down by horses the last time around And Pa in my armor and I battle strapped Were setting the trip strings. Might Callisto be trapped?

When out in the yard we heard sword blades clatter If this didn't work our heads she would splatter Away to the weapons I flew like a flash Then peered out the window. Was that a loud crash?

The blood on the breast of a new-fallen foe Showed he'd been killed by a single sword blow When what to our horrified eyes should appear Than Callisto the slayer. Our hearts seized with fear

With a long silver sword, so deadly and quick I knew in a moment my flesh it might stick More ugly than ogres her warriors they came And she laughed like the maddened and told them the game

Now sack it! Now kill them! Now pillage and maim! Slice them to ribbons, let no life remain Break their belongings, knock down every wall Now murder them! murder them! murder them all!

As dry leaves in a fire did her family die Leaving a young girl asking just one word: why? Now from house to house her wild warriors slew Peasants tried to fight back, but they were too few

And then in a twinkling she was at the door And kicking and kicking, on through it she tore With my ax in my hand, my eyes she did astound O'er the tripstrings Callisto came with a bound!

She was dressed all in leather, from shoulder to foot Except for her middle and just over her boot A lifetime of sorrow seemed to cling to her back And she looked mad and angry, prepared for attack

Her eyes how they sparkled with malice and hate We knew we had reached our dying day's date Her beautiful mouth was drawn up in a sneer And looking around she said "What have we here?"

The hilt of a sword she held tight in her grip And then papa started to give her some lip She smacked his old face 'til he trembled like jelly Then drove that long sword right up into his belly

She was graceful and lithe, her skills were top shelf And she screamed like a banshee, and I shat myself Her fist in my eye, and a kick to my head Soon gave me to know I'd be quickly quite dead

She spoke not a word, but stared at her handiwork She'd killed all my family, she was such a jerk And swinging her swordblade aside of my nose She chopped half my head, to the ceiling it rose.

She strode to the doorway, to her warriors gave whistle My soul flew to heaven leick the down of a thistle But I heard her exclaim, ere she rode out of sight "BLAME XENA FOR ALL, AND KNOW I'LL KILL HER TONIGHT"

As many characters from other times and places have come through the Xena\Hercules universe, so too comes the tale of a little man, misunderstood when he meets the cast of the shows.

Santa stopped to look at the map, donner had really done it this time, he had no idea where he was. Yet there were little boys and girls here somewhere that deserved toys, he would visit them. First, he would use a little elf magic to find them, tada!

The first house on the list seemed to belong to a boy called Hercules. Down the chimney he went his toy sack on his back. Ho ho ho, he said as he started looking around for the tree. Suddenly a powerful hand grabbed him and lifted him off his feet.

"And what have we here, a little breaking and entering? Don't you know it's not nice to rob people?" "Ho ho haaaa!" Santa cried and he was thrown up the chimney to sail thirty feet into the air and land on his back. Miraculously, nothing seemed to be broken. He got up and dusted himself off. Maybe Hercules really didn't need a toy truck.

He hopped in the sleigh and headed to the abode of a character named Ieolus, and down the chimney he went. Tippy, tippy, where was the tree?

"Don't you know not to steal things?" A voice asked and Santa flew out of the window, propelled by a flying drop, karate roundhouse kick. Oddly enough upon landing, nothing seemed to be broken. Quickly he flew off in the sled.

A fellow named Salmoneous was next on his list. Down the chimney, pause, back flat to the wall he sidled around looking for the tree.

"Hello there? Are you here for the auction? Would you like to buy a watch, what's in the bag?" An oily voice asked.

"Leaving things? Like presents? I love presents. Say nice wrapping paper, we could get together and make a bundle..."

"Xena, a nice little girl, maybe I'll leave her a dolly." Santa said, parking the sled. Ho ho ho, he thought, slipping quietly down the chimney. He looked again for a tree. Suddenly a round razor sharp\dull edged hoop sailed thorough the air, conked him on the head, rebounded off the wall, cut his large black belt off, which made his pants fall down.

"Gotcha, fat boy." A sneering woman's voice said. "Did Ares send you? Well here's a response to him." She leapt over to his side of the room, a good twenty feet anyway, and screaming like a Jack Russell Terrier with it's tail caught in a door, jumped up again and kicked him twenty times in a row without ever coming down. He lay on his back, his head ringing, wondering where he was.

"Xena, Xena! How many times have I told you, hate is not the answer? We need to show Ares we love him, so he can love us, and the cycle is broken once and for all." The little blond was coming his way, with the intent of handing out a pamphlet or maybe a cheap paper poppy, he could tell.

"Kill, kill kill, and what good does it do? We need to show him a better way, a kinder way, he might have had a terrible life..."

Feets don't fail me now, Santa thought, dashing for the chimney. In a flash he was up it and in the sleigh. "Dash damn it, dash!"

His next delivery was at an Inn, to a prince. That was good, Kings need their sleep and hopeful this guy was out. Down the chimney, he slid, being extra quiet.

"Hello there." A voice said, and Santa whirled, his bag clutched tightly to his chest. "Autolycus, King of thieves at your service."

Santa eyed the window, wondering if the dive out would kill him. "I just wanted to leave something." He mumbled.

"Well by all means, be my guest." Autolycus said, smiling. Santa picked out a football and a baseball mitt.

"Well I have a lot more deliveries to make." He said edging to the chimney. He was out in a flash, leapt into the sleigh and zooming into the sky before he noticed his bag seemed awfully light.

"Last one, last one." Santa mumbled as he flew to a ramshackle dwelling. Down the chimney he went like a CIA spy, he looked around, to make sure the coast was clear, and dashed to a rickety table to dump the toys. A giggle caught his attention, and he leapt back twenty feet.

"Uh hi, just leaving, got a lot more toys to deliver tonight." He said, panic settling in.

"Toys. Tooooyyysss!!!" She screamed, like a banshee, her little girl face turning into a lunatic's. "I'll show you toys."

Despite the threat of an impending heart attack, he managed to squeak out, "I left you a toy, here have another, have all of them." He backed up spilling toys all along his path to the chimney. "Take the bag too." He said, desperate to get out of here. "And my watch, here's my wallet..." Up the chimney he went, with her little footsteps right behind his.

He dove headfirst into the sled, bellowing at the reindeer to get out of here. They barely cleared the treetops, the sled titling crazily side to side. He could her screaming in rage, or frustration or something on the cold earth below.

Just happy to be alive and more or less in one piece, he whipped the reindeer into a jet-like fury of speed.

Once again, we pay homage to those talented, hard-working, selfless souls who run and maintain Hudson Leick/Callisto web sites and web pages. We owe these people a huge amount of gratitude for their endless hours of hard work and considerable contributions. "Thank You"!

Each Web Master has provided their own web site/page information. So, if you have any questions concerning a particular web site please write directly to the Web Master listed.

If you would like to have your Hudson Leick/Callisto web site/page featured in a future issue of the Hudson Leick newsletter please email me: Debbie <fire.ice-sac@worldnet.att.net>

Altered pictures show Callisto interacting with various other T.V. shows. Also, a collection of Callisto Java applets, gamefiles to alter Civilization 2 to "XenaCiv", and coming for Christmas... the Amazing Help Hudson Get Dressed for the Convention Game (yep... just another pointless, time-killing waste of bandwidth).

Also, I produce graphics seen on other sites... most notably Tower's Callisto Tales.

Question: How did you first discover Hudson Leick and what compelled you to start a Hudson Leick/Callisto web site/page?

Serge: In the Beginning... there was Sturm. A great man who had a dream called "Project Callisto". And Sturm wrote a silly page called... "What If Callisto..." which I read and chuckled over.

The site is gonna have A Hudson news area. A link to her Official Fan Club and a aol Callisto Chat room! ( it died awhile ago and I was bugged to try and revive it) and hopeful an organized weekly chat on who else but Hudson or Callisto!

At my site there is Fan Fic, games (including this really cool Callisto Jigsaw puzzle), some very high quality sound recordings (of Callisto), some very neat computer art graphics, and more.

Question: How did you first discover Hudson Leick and what compelled you to start a Hudson Leick/Callisto web site/page?

SkyKnight: I first saw Hudson in her role as Callisto, and she did a awesome job.

My web page is about Callisto! I have pictures, sounds, and some "lines" from "A Necessary Evil", and there's a condensed version of the Callisto story. Best of all I have some really neat music! =) It has nothing to do with Callisto but complements my page really well! I'm not the real "Zhofia", she's my friend!

I discovered Hudson by watching XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS! After looking at some Callisto pages already on the web, I decided to make my own.

The Net Forum invasion is still underway. Hudson Leick/Callisto supporters have been slowly, but surely, converting Universal's EZ Streets Net Forum to the new Hudson Leick/Callisto Net Forum. This is a great place for all Hudson/Callisto fans to converse openly in a friendly, message based environment.

The next newsletter will be out on March 1, 1998. Until then... Be Well, Everyone,