SAT 3/20
"I don't know why it was his lifelong dream to build a boat out of 100,000 corks," says Jody Rafkind, "but I thought, 'I want to meet that guy. '" Rafkind is manager of the Broward Public Library Foundation's annual Literary Feast event, and she's referring to John Pollack, a curious individual who quit his job as a Washington speechwriter, built a boat from wine corks, and wrote a book about it. He and 22 other writers appear at Nova Southeastern University's Alvin Sherman Library (3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day of literary lectures on subjects ranging from Oscar fashion to corporate fraud. James Swain, gambling expert and author of Sucker Bet, will demonstrate the various "cons, scams, and grifts" executed in casinos around the world. Also dropping by will be Afghanistan-born Khaled Hosseini, who discusses Kite Runner, his novel about two boys growing up in Kabul. The event is free. Call 954-357-5954, or visit www.broward.org/library. -- Deirdra Funcheon
FRESH CATCH
FISHIN' FOR FUN
FRI 3/19
Mmm... There's nothing like a couple o' frog's legs to start off your afternoon. Or maybe a plate of grouper fingers. Well, you can have that and plenty more at the 16th-annual "Seafood Festival" at Howard Park (1302 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach). Dig into a hearty assortment of seafood, from conch fritters to gumbo and jambalaya, and browse the numerous vendors peddling a variety of arts and crafts. Also, adding additional flavor to the festival, live bands, like the Caribbean-styled Coconut Heads, provide the background tunes while you shop and eat. The free event runs Friday, March 19, through Sunday, March 21. Call 561-832-6397. -- Jason Budjinski
Queer Eye for that God Guy
FRI 3/19
A few weeks ago, Mike Huckabee, the Republican governor of Arkansas, was giving a speech when his cell phone suddenly rang. The caller? The Lord God Almighty, whom Huckabee proceeded to engage in a "conversation," revealing to the audience that indeed, God is a Republican. With the economy a sore subject (how about them jobs, Mr. President?), there's no doubt the hard-line Republicans are building up gay marriage as the new national bogeyman. After all, it's a sin, right? Well, not all religious leaders agree, especially the Rev. James Lockard of Religious Science Fort Lauderdale (1550 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors), who is holding the program "You Don't Have to Choose Between Gay and God." The presentation includes discussion, live music, and coming-out testimonies, all outlining the nuances of being gay in America -- the gray area conservatives like to gloss over. The program starts at 7 p.m. Call 954-566-2868. -- Jason Budjinski
