2019

Strides in Representation but Problems Remain

When Star Trek premiered in 1966, it was revolutionary in showing a more diverse vision of the future. Not only were women in positions of power, but also men and women of color were shown as equal members of the crew. However, like all movies and shows that show diversity or make strides in that direction, it can and has… Read more →

Ancient Death Reawakened

On Friday at 4PM in the Hilton, Dr. Jessica Parilla presented “Microbes in (Semi)Permafrost,” a program on the reawakening of ancient viruses and bacteria as permafrost melts.  She began by defining permafrost as soil that has been continually frozen for at least two years. The map she displayed showed large areas of purple, which denoted continuously frozen soil that was… Read more →

The Legend Named Mike Resnick

Mike Resnick spoke to writers at Jody Lynn Nye’s Writer’s Intensive Workshop on Friday. Resnick’s topics were announced by Nye: “Long careers and short stories.” The legendary Resnick is the all-time leading award winner for short science fiction and has won a Nebula, five Hugos (nominated 37 times), and other major awards in six countries. He reminded his rapt listeners… Read more →

Tea Dueling in the American Tradition

Tea Dueling in the American Tradition

The tournament for the Fourth Annual Dragon Con Tea Duel quickly filled up with contestants willing to put their honor—and their fingers—on the line. You could be forgiven for not knowing that there is an annual tea duel at Dragon Con, but over the four years that the tournament has taken place, the popularity has grown enough that it took… Read more →

Everybody Loves Their First Doctor

The Hilton Crystal ballroom hosted the BritTrack panel “Doctor Who—Season 10 in Review” Friday afternoon. A veteran fan panel including Allison Lane, Andrew Hartley, Robert Bowen, Robert Lloyd, and Dr. Scott Viguié escorted the assembled Doctor Who fans through season ten. The discussion began, naturally, with the Doctor and especially the growth of Peter Capaldi. The consensus across the table… Read more →

The Many Facets of Fightin’ and Writin’

John Robinson, moderator, led the cohort of fighting experts who advanced on the topic from several different perspectives in Friday night’s not-your-usual Writer’s Track “Fightin’ and Writin’” panel. Scouts out front included panelists  Chris A. Jackson (fantasy and role-playing games), Allen Johnson (screenwriting and historic values), Nick Eftimiades (martial arts, defense,  diplomacy, and counter-terrorism, all spliced into Hollywood consulting), and… Read more →

Rockin’ the Track with Klingon Karaoke

Rockin’ the Track with Klingon Karaoke

After a full and successful launch of the 2017 Trek Track at Dragon Con, team Star Trek welcomed fans into the Hilton Galleria Friday night for “Klingon Karaoke.” A steady stream of fans signed up to perform, and with each song, the crowd became more and more engaged. Performers had obviously planned ahead, time and again tying their song selection… Read more →

Harry’s Promotion: Trek Trivia

Harry’s Promotion: Trek Trivia

Peter Stolmeier, Trey Tackett, Gabrielle Scandrett, and special guest Garrett Wang welcomed Star Trek trivia masters to “Win Harry Kim’s Latinum: Trek Trivia” Friday evening in the Hilton Galleria 2–3. Clips from Star Trek: Voyager episodes which focused (naturally) on Wang’s character, Ensign Harry Kim, provided the material for the questions. Each clip gave Wang an opportunity to share a… Read more →