In the Navy

You’ve probably heard the sad news already: Due to rising fuel costs and lack of corporate sponsorship, the annual Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show has been cancelled. Yes, it’s a bummer (and kind of ironic…does the war have a sponsor?), but we still have Fleet Week! Today through May 3, Fort Lauderdale will be overflowing with sailors stationed on five Navy ships docked at Port Everglades. And while civilians can’t board the ships, them boys and gals will be gallivanting around town in their Navy whites, doing deeds both good (blood drives, nursing home visits, charity golf tournaments) and not as good (copulating with local girls and, perhaps, boys).

Monday night, the sailors and seamen will head out to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood) for their official welcome party, “All Hands on Deck.” From 6 to 10 p.m., you can check out entertainment by the Navy Band, watch light- and water-works shows, and party with the some 2,500 crewmembers expected to be in attendance. It’s a great way to show our armed forces we care, even if our shitty government chooses to exploit their goodwill on a regular basis. And it’s free! For a detailed breakdown of Fleet Week events, visit bnd.terapad.com.

Here’s another way to do your part: DVDs4vets.org, a non-profit service, is collecting your used DVDs for injured and needy veterans. All you have to do is mail your movies to the address listed on the website or use their locator to find the nearest VA hospital or center, and they’ll make sure your flicks bring some joy to our returned servicemen and women.
April 28-May 2, 2008