Even a couple of weeks is enough to change a political landscape, and mark our words, the landscape of next year's presidential election is already a-changin'. Former U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark will probably dive into the primary race after September 15, so that he doesn't have to report laughable third-quarter fundraising dollars. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is unexpectedly pummeling Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry. Meanwhile, the light of homegrown candidate Sen. Bob Graham grows dimmer with each passing day. And you just sit idly by? Get involved, dammit! If you don't know how, the Lighthouse Point Resource group will tell you. The campaign consulting company offers a two-night crash course called "Political Campaigns 101 -- An Overview" for all would-be candidates, campaign managers, volunteers, lobbyists, and other political junkies. It meets from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight and Friday at Denny's (3151 NW Powerline Rd., Fort Lauderdale). Cost is $55 for one night or $100 for both, and reservations are required. Call 954-675-7357.
FRI 9/5
You know when you're in a crowded bar and that hot guy and/or girl across the room keeps glancing your way, then talking to his/her friends? It's times like this when you wish you could read lips. In fact, you could probably think of many other situations in which you'd like to catch a surreptitious snippet of conversation. And, of course, if you're deaf, it's mighty handy as well. In any case, a ten-week course on lip reading begins today at North Regional/Broward Community College Library (1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek). From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on each Friday from now until November 21, you'll learn all the basic techniques needed to divine the conversational gist without hearing a word. Registration is required. Call 954-201-2601.
SAT 9/6
GWAR was a band whose genius was never fully realized. The musicians' talent was so all-consuming, so white-hot with energy and heavy-metal sweat, that it had nowhere to go but down -- in flames. Or maybe it was just those unwieldy costumes. Now, from the ashes of GWAR step bassist Dave "Oderus" Brockie, drummer Brad "Jizmak" Roberts, and guitarist Mike "Balsac" Derks, for the aptly titled Dave Brockie Experience. According to its website, the band "fully intends to choke on their own vomit," like their predecessors, the Jimi Hendrix Experience. They also state their band mission: "To suck as badly as possible." The DBX swings into South Florida on its "Here We Blow Again" tour to support its new album, Songs for the Wrong. Witness the genius of "Medieval Werewolf," which contains some of the most poignant lyrics ever to come from ex-GWAR members: "...and because he drinks so much, he's falling down the stairs-wolf." Check out the DBX with Southern Flaw and the Mary Tyler Whores at the Factory, 2674 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $10. Call 954-564-ROCK.
SUN 9/7
Today's your last chance to catch In Living Color alumnus Tommy Davidson at the Improv CityPlace (550 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach). Known for playing little kids and impersonating the famous on the TV show, Davidson's standup draws on those impersonations and adds much more. He takes the stage at 8 tonight. He also performs September 4 at 8 p.m., September 5 at 8 and 10 p.m., and September 6 at 7, 9, and 11 p.m. Tickets cost $21.20 to $26.50. Call 561-833-1812.
MON 9/8
"Learn how to access the invisible world of spirit to directly communicate to departed loved ones" reads the opening salvo of the press release for Crossing Over, conveniently titled precisely the same way as the TV show that pulls the same stunts. Instead of John Edward, though, we get Dr. Brian Sheen. But like the more famous TV show, this course offers a fantastic demonstration of cold reading rather than a conversation with your late grandma. (Cold reading, of course, is the practice of using clues to make it seem as if you're communicating with the dead.) In fact, one could argue that Sheen is even more talented in this regard than Edward, since his performance isn't edited -- one wonders how many snippets of bad prognostications have been left on Edward's cutting-room floor. Sheen demonstrates his talents at the Quantum Healing Center (12 NE Fifth Ave., Delray Beach). You can also make your $148 check payable to that establishment. Call 561-272-3733.
TUE 9/9
Something's missing in your life. Something's not quite right. You haven't heard from Buckcherry in over a year and you're starting to lose faith in humanity. Well, lift your head out of your hands and dry your eyes, little one. Yeah, he was all lit up with Buckcherry (word on the street is, he loves the cocaine), but now former singer Josh Todd is striking out on his own. If you took the sounds of Iggy Pop's bastard son and C.C. Deville bitchslapping each other and put it on wax, you might get Todd's debut album, You Made Me. Just don't yell out any G'NR requests. Todd may still be a bit disappointed about not getting to fill Axl's "crazy shoes." You can check out Josh Todd at the Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. Show starts at 8 p.m., and Godhead and Loud Mouth Kitten open. Call 954-564-1074.
WED 9/10
The Community Blood Center of South Florida presents its countywide Community Blood Drive. If you don't have a fear of needles, head over to the City of Lauderdale Lakes' City Hall Complex (4300 NW 36th St., Lauderdale Lakes) for a mini-physical, blood pressure check, cholesterol test, iron level check, and body temperature reading. The whole process is complimentary and takes less than 30 minutes. Spread the word: Tell some friends, and have them tell more friends. Blood drive starts at 8 a.m. and is free. All donors must be age 17 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds. Call 954-535-2740.
