Scene: Todd and Sarah Smith (aka Mr. and Mrs. Spazz) are doing the dishes together on a recent Saturday night. They’re exhausted and it’s hot. Because of hectic work schedules and relatives in town, the happily married couple hasn’t seen each other for more than ten minutes in the last few days.

Sarah: What’s with the beard?

Todd: I’m growing a beard.

Sarah: It’s August. Why would you grow a beard in August?

Todd: It’s my summer beard.

Sarah: Sounds like a ‘Flight of the Concords’ song.

Todd: I’m actually growing my beard so I can shave it into a mustache in September.

Sarah: No you’re not.

Todd:   Relax. I’m growing a mustache for a costume.

Sarah: That’s almost worse. What costume?

Todd: I’m growing a mustache for Lebowski Fest. It’s a part of my costume.

Sarah: The Lebowski Fest? Please don’t tell me you want me to go with you?

Todd: No. I’m going with J.R.

Sarah: Oh. What the hell is Lebowski Fest anyways?

Todd: It’s a celebration of the movie and all things Dude-y. There is a costume and bowling party at Memory Lanes in Minneapolis.

Sarah: What character are you going as?

Todd: A guy named Mel Zelnicker.

Sarah: I’ve seen ‘The Big Lebowski’ like 10 times and don’t remember seeing a character named Mel Zelnicker.

Todd: Exactly. He’s not actually in the movie.

Sarah: What the hell?

Todd: His voice is on the Dude’s answering machine.

Sarah: Wait a minute. You’re dressing as a character that actually isn’t even in the movie? You’re dressing as his voice.

Todd: Exactly. Summer beard, dude.