An Open Letter to John Goodman

(A quick note to everybody not named John Goodman: Chalupa of the Lebowski Podcast sent me this story yesterday - once you read that you'll get up to speed on this letter)

Mr. Goodman,

Please accept my official invitation to attend an upcoming Lebowski Fest. I should mention now that I have no authority from Will Russell or Scott Shuffitt (the "founding dudes" of Lebowski Fest).

My invitation is merely just a suggestion from one Fest attendee (me) to another potential attendee (hopefully you). As someone who spent years on the sidelines wanting to go to a Fest, and finally did - I find myself uniquely qualified to help convince someone who appears to be on the fence about attending [such as you might be].

Knowing that your time is precious, I'll list a few quick reasons:

-It is as fun as it looks... And that's well before the bowling starts.
-It is not a Star Trek convention... Nobody is going to hassle you asking if you know the name of Walter's dog.
-You might end up taking more pictures than being pictured... I won't lie to you (no funny stuff), you will be very popular at a Lebowski Fest and many people (such as yours truly) will request to be photographed with you. But I can assure you that you are going to want to take pictures of your own to help share your experience with others.

Also, on a personal level, let me say that I get the sense that you will only attend if one of your fellow billed co-stars join you. Please, don't let this be the barrier preventing your decision to come out. The same reason kept me away for years, and I finally decided three years ago to fly it solo. It didn't take me long to meet instant friends. At the very least - you can hang out with me.

I can't offer you much Mr. Goodman. And, no offense, if I had the option of cutting off my toe to get you to a Lebowski Fest I would decline it and keep my toe. However, if needed: I will sacrifice my hotel room. People will be happy to let me crash in their room knowing I gave it up to get Mr. John Goodman to town.

May I suggest the 9th Annual Lebowski Fest in Louisville, Kentucky to be your first Fest? It's the weekend of July 16 & 17. Although there are many more in 2010, the one in Louisville would be your best option. Feel free to e-mail Will or Scott at dudes@lebowskifest.com for more information.

I look forward to meeting you,
TQ

The Big Facebook

As much as I got a kick out of the Achiever Forum back before I even attended my first Lebowski Fest, I have to admit that facebook has really tied the community together in a much better way.

It makes it a ton easier to share photos after Fests, and to foster friendships of people met.
And it works just as well before the Fest as well.
For example, if you are going to Louisville this July - feel free to RSVP on Facebook.
That link takes you right to the Official Event that Lebowski Fest set up.
As of the time I'm writing this, over 90 people are attending the event that's just under 3 months away!



I've officially clicked the "attending" button. Will you?[TQ]

9th Annual Lebowski Fest, less than 3 months away

Remember this foursome from Ohio?

That above picture was taken in anticipation of their first Lebowski Fest in 2008.

By the looks of it their crew, along with their enthusiasm, has grown significantly. Ladies, Gentlemen, Achievers & Amateurs: here is the first "sign" of the upcoming 9th Annual Lebowski Fest:

Get your tickets before they sell out![TQ]

Next stop for Lebowski Fest - ORLANDO!

I stumbled upon a random message board today, citing high anticipation for the first official Lebowski Fest to hit the Sunshine State.

One of the Floridian Achievers posted a picture from a previous amateur viewing party:

Meanwhile, it appears others are stocking up:


CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL LF EVENT PAGE / MORE INFO / ENLIGHTENMENT

One final, odd thought..
Seeing how it's Orlando and all...
If the characters from the nearby "Magic Kingdom" attended a Fest...

Mickey in jellies
Minnie in a bathrobe
Goofy in a Purple Jesus Jumpsuit
Donald wielding a piece on the lanes
Goofy as Jesus
Who would be Donny?[TQ]

LF on TMZ

Notes on the initial Lebowski Fest Los Angeles pictures

Judging solely on the first images from this past weekend's Lebowski Fest, I can't help but view it as a huge success:


It looks as if Peter Stormare, not exactly a lightweight, is really embracing his TBL association with that shirt:



Once again, just when you think you've seen every possible potential costume idea, the infinite creativity of Achievers will blow your mind:



There's usually a spike in facebook traffic after Fests, as new Achievers became fans of the official group, and start sharing pictures.[TQ]

Lebowski Fest LA Bowling Party Tonight! Mike Gomez ("Leads" Cop), Liam & Jeff Dowd. Tickets available at the door. @ Cal Bowl 9pm!

Lebowski Fest LA tonight! 8 special guests, Ceedence cover set + the movie. Tickets available @ The Wiltern. Doors 8:30 / Show 9 / Movie 10

Ich Bin Expert!

...and the good news continues to pour in from Lebowski Fest World Headquarters!

Peter Stormare (Uli The Nihilist / Karl Hungus) will stop by to fix the cable at the Movie Party this Friday in LA!

Even if you're a Nihilist, believe it![TQ]