Date: August 22, 2026 (updated September 2)
Interstellar News: In February, we lost Professor Zoom very unexpectantly. In May, like a bunch of dummies, we adopted a puppy. Her name is Talia Quinn al Ghul Marini McCraw. She’s adorable, and knows it, is super willful, and is smart as a whip. This year it will be hard to leave her, but her brothers Loki and Jazz will look after her (as will Uncle Christopher).
2026 is also a big year for birthdays and anniversary’s. Kyle and I were both born in 1986, so we’re both turning 40 this year. It’s the 40th offering of Dragon Con. It’s the 10th anniversary of: my Master’s degree, my and Kyle’s weddings, and our 10th Dragon Con! We’ll be celebrating officially and unofficially all weekend.
Here’s my 2026 Dragon Con schedule:
Thursday, 9/3
No official programming as our “birthday panel” is now moved to Saturday.
Friday, 9/4
- 10 am: Just the Worst: A Tournament of Villains (Marriott M103-105). Come see me be the bossiest board boss that ever board bossed!
- 11:30 am: Who or What Dunnit? Science Fiction Mysteries (Embassy AB Hyatt). I’m moderating a panel of fantastic authors who will help us discuss what happens when the Sci-Fi and Mystery genres meet.
- 7 pm: Classic Sci-Fi Charity Movie Lock-In : Howard the Duck (Marriott M103-105). This very real viewing of Howard the Duck will benefit the very real charity that Dragon Con has chosen for this year. It is unofficially a pajama part to continue the anniversary/birthday celebrations.
Saturday, 9/5
- 1 pm: Battle of Fictional Bands : From Archies to Wyld Stallynz (Marriott M103-105). Board boss time, and one of my favorite panels of the con.
- 2:30 pm: Classic Sci-Fi Fandom Feud (Marriott M103-105). The mighty Sue Kisenwether has requested my board boss skills. Since she brings the bagels, I do what she says. This will be a fabulous time.
- 4 pm: Batman 66: Holy 60th Anniversary! (Marriott M103-105). I may or may not talk to myself on the Bat-phone. We’ll see what happens.
- 5:30 pm: Two Nerds Turn 40: 40 Years of Geeky Things (Marriott M103-105). The “unofficial” birthday party for me and Kyle. Moved from Thursday.
- 7 pm: Classic TV Table Read: Saturday Night Live (Marriott M103-105). I might wind up in a van down by the river by the end of the night, or I might just host Coffee Talk… stay tuned!
Sunday, 9/6
- 4 pm: The History & Cultural Impact of the Battle Vest (Augusta Courtland Grand).
- Description: Early battle vests were tribal vestments turned military garb. But the modern version is a cultural marker, representing affiliation with specific groups or subcultures, while functioning as a personal canvas for individual expression and creativity. Learn how your vest can show your identity.
- I shall be a panelist along with my fantastic friends from the DC Battle Vest group. This will be a lot of fun!
Monday, 9/7
I have no official programming on Monday, so it’s likely we’ll just be packing and heading home.
Come find me and say hi!
TA Out!
To Boldly Go Where Everyone Has Gone Before 