A Real American Hero

We all know that fighting is not the answer. Unless, of course, no one is killed, in which case it’s good for hours of total awesomeness! Recapture the bloodless warmongering of your youth at the international G.I. Joe convention, which winds up today at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center (2345 McGee). Registered attendees have been participating in workshops and contests and witnessing such spectacles as a 300-Joe parachute drop since the convention started on Thursday. But since Saturday, the gathering has been open to the public. From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, join the army of (mostly) men at the G.I. Joe lovefest, and then pine for a yesterday when good and evil were as distinct as black-clad ninjas or white. Knowing is only half the battle, though. The other half is showing up with $12 ($8 for kids 4 and older). See gijoecon.com for more information.

Sat., Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 2009