Redeye September 04 2003

Pros and cons: This weekend, the smell of Stormtrooper sweat (and desperation) hung heavy over the Hyatt Regency and Marriott Marquis, where the devoted congregated for the annual sci-fi/fantasy/gaming convention Dragon*Con. Let it be said that nerds can drink — they’ve got it down to a science (get it, science). Hotels suites were packed as tight as spandex with parties every night (women were involved!).

Nerds weren’t the only ones who needed to kill the pain. As judges for Sunday’s costume contest, George “Sulu” Takei and Walter “Chekhov” Koenig (of “Star Trek,” yo) looked like they could use a stiff one — especially Chekhov, who (half in the thrall of sleep, half in the throes of laughter) corrected spelling, mispronounced names and was crotchety in general. As Instigator Craig, RedEye’s weekend cohort, observed, the night was a cross between a high-school honor- society assembly and “The Gong Show.” And Sulu and Chekhov were the exasperated faculty members with vodka hidden in their desks.

Nobody fucks with the Jesus: Dragon*Con wasn’t the only place for freaks, geeks and costume contests last weekend. Rug-pissers had to beware Friday and Saturday when LeFont Plaza held its first-ever midnight screening (including costume and trivia contests) of the Coen Brothers’ __The Big Lebowski. Admittedly, Lebowski doesn’t have the call-and-response allure of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Yet. But after a few Caucasians (White Russians to newbies), who knows? All Vietnam-obsessed bowlers can get info on upcoming screenings at www.lefonttheaters.com.

Week end offers new beginning: Sunday night drew to a close at Decatur’s Carpe Diem in the Icehouse Lofts. The Bistro recently began late-night Sunday service (until 4 a.m.) with Departure, in which Carpe’s serene urban(e) surroundings are complemented by the dubby downbeat nu_jazz of DJ Rodd Summers (also of Halo). For the most part, the people were as attractive as the setting.

The weekend came full circle when Instigator Craig — fueled by Jack-and-Cokes and Caucasians — began threatening to assimilate people into the cyber-organic Borg collective (more “Star Trek,” yo). As few people enjoyed having someone yell, “You’re too stupid to be assimilated!” the night’s name was taken quickly to heart and a hasty departure was made. A certain Borg only visits on occasion, however, so anyone looking for sensual late-night Sunday libations should feel safe checking out the scene.

Until next week, keep one RedEye open. And send all comments, questions, observations and invitations (with the event/date in the subject line) to redeye@creativeloafing.com__