From my previous epistle, you are aware that the Comic-Con committee was allowed to return to the El Cortez for the 1981 convention. However, due to the fact that the hotel had been taken over by a religious organization, there were several stipulations regarding the usage of the site. The big “no-no” was the use of alcohol at any events.
For those early timers out there, you are aware that one of the things that made the Con memorable was the annual cocktail party, where the pros would hang out and mingle with fans and committee members. Since the cocktail party was not allowed to serve alcohol, this put a major damper on the event. Richard Butner, was particularly concerned about the pros not being happy and leaving early.
However, Barry Short, my programming partner, and I had several bottles of Jack Daniels hidden in our room. We raced back to our room with several empty Coca Cola cans and filled them with the forbidden item. Returning to the party, we “spiked” the drinks with some “Coke-Helper”. This improved the event greatly and all were said to have a good time. Not sure what the maid thought the next day when she had to dispose of several bottles of Jack Daniels.
Mike Pasqua
Former Programs Coordinator and Con Executive Vice President.
