’19 Panels/Events

George Takei: An American Voice

George Takei: An American Voice

A grateful and passionate George Takei took the stage in the Marriott Atrium Ballroom Sunday morning to answer questions from fans of all ages about “all things Takei.”  He began with a boisterous “Oh Myyy,” followed by a moment of reflection on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of Star Trek and just what that meant. A television series that… Read more →

Have at Thee, Knave!

Have at Thee, Knave!

The next time you find yourself speeding into the distant past at 88 miles per hour in a DeLorean, knowing medieval self-defense is a skill that may keep you alive, or at least help you take the other guy with you across the River Styx. Attendees marched into the Hyatt Kennesaw Sunday morning to see the Atlanta Freifechters demonstrate medieval… Read more →

Will the Real Karate Kid Please Stand Up?

Will the Real Karate Kid Please Stand Up?

In 1984, Ralph Macchio, as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid, lifted his arms sky high, assuming “the crane” stance, and face-kicked his nemesis, the bully known as Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka. We all cheered. Our hero prevailed, getting the trophy and the girl. Good bested evil. Or did it? Fast forward thirty-some-odd years to a little show… Read more →

Tweens Read Too: Middle Grade Books

Tweens Read Too: Middle Grade Books

Tweens felt the love of the YA track on Sunday at 10 am in Marriott A707. Guests were treated to the Middle Grade book recommendations made by panelists and authors Alison Cherry, Mari Mancusi, Diana Peterfreund, and Christine Taylor-Butler (not pictured), and moderator Casey Fiesler. For those not familiar with the term “Middle Grade,” it encompasses those books whose target… Read more →

Wonderful Magic

Somehow, I didn’t think that a magic show sponsored by the Skeptics track would be quite as popular as it was, but the Grand West ballroom in the Hilton was full Saturday night to see Curt Anderson and Matt Dillahunty perform an abbreviated portion of their stage shows. The evening of magic was hosted by Jamie Swiss, who claimed “not… Read more →

Peter Mayhew: A Member of the Family

Peter Mayhew: A Member of the Family

Sunday afternoon in Marriott A601-602, friends, loved ones, and fans of Peter Mayhew gathered to share their memories and love for the man who created one of American film’s iconic characters: Chewbacca the Wookiee from Star Wars. Bryan Young, Albin Johnson, Cheralyn Lambeth, and Ryan Ziegler guided the hour. This was not a Q&A. Rather, the session was an opportunity… Read more →

A Chaotic Neutral Party Makes for Hilarious (Adult) Adventuring

A Chaotic Neutral Party Makes for Hilarious (Adult) Adventuring

A rowdy crew assembled in the Hyatt International North on Saturday afternoon to perform for an equally rambunctious audience. The “Improvised Dungeons and Dragons” (D&D) cast took to the stage and, prior to introductions, verified the absence of any attendees under the age of 18. Once verified, the players on-stage really got into their characters. The entire band of adventurers… Read more →