SUN 10/31
Before you get too excited about bratwurst, Bavarian brass, and burly bier-sloshing waitresses, we better warn you that the 11th Annual Canine Oktoberfest is more about Rotts than brats. "It's basically a fun day to raise pet awareness and educate people about different breeds," Gulfstream Rottweiler Club Vice President Catherine Crespo says. It's also Halloween, so no doubt every Chihuahua in attendance will be coifing a sombrero and yapping, "Yo quiero Taco Bell!" In addition to a best-costume contest, there'll be a cookout, an obedience show, a best trick contest, and games such as a dress-up race and bobbing for hot dogs. In the Doggie Fun Zone, the challenger course invites mutt Olympians to chase a mechanical lure through 400 feet of agility obstacles, and folks from the Canine Good Citizen Program will be on hand with the manners meter to certify dogs as "respected members of the community." The shy, resentful, or whiny might be better off sniffing out the pet psychic... just a thought. Festivities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at T.Y. Park (3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood). The regular $1 park entrance fee applies, and some activities cost extra, with all proceeds benefiting Rottweiler rescue efforts. Call 954-985-1980 or 954-463-6363. -- Michele D. Omenson
Act Up
And beat down the Patriot Act
THU 10/28 Hurry! Make fun of President Bush now! Because either (a) he won't be president for much longer or (b) he will, in which case we can reasonably expect to spend the next 80 years sharing a jail cell with Jon Stewart for anti-American offenses like calling people "douchebags of liberty." That is, if the Patriot Act has its wicked way with the American people. To understand how badly this law -- passed just 45 days after September 11, with almost no debate -- messes with your civil liberties, check out Unconstitutional. The documentary features interviews with the former director of the CIA's counterterrorism operations, a former congressman, and regular people who had their lives seriously screwed up because of this draconian nonsense. The movie is presented by the American Civil Liberties Union, and it screens tonight at 7 at Cinema Paradiso (503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale). Tickets cost $10. Call 305-576-2337, ext. 13, or visit www.aclufl.org. -- Deirdra Funcheon
Beer Is for Fogies
It's just Red Bull, Ma!
BY DEIRDRA FUNCHEON FRI 10/29
Circa 2000, there was just one word scarier than Condoleezza. That word was rave. Promoters knew the five-year-long party was over when ecstasy made the cover of Time magazine and DEA agents showed up at the warehouse wearing glowstring necklaces. Club owners wriggled free from the cuddle puddles, went back behind the bar, and tossed their Chemical Brothers records in the rubbish bin. But the brave souls at the Euphoria Project aren't scared to say it: They still love rave! It's not about the drugs; it's about the music! The scene! The vibe! If you're too old for trick-or-treating but not quite ready to hunker down in the rocking chair with a Budweiser, then these are your people. Grab your glowsticks and head to the Games Depot (4200 S. University Dr., Davie) -- where there will be a costume party, 15 DJs, b-boys, X-boxes, and PlayStations -- but no alcohol, just energy drinks to wash the, uh, candy down. Call 954-675-0020, or visit www.euphoriaproject.org. -- Deirdra Funcheon
Hotter Than Hell
FRI 10/29 The national mood since the release of Michael Moore's polemic Fahrenheit 9/11 has gone from mere polarization to near civil war. If you're one of the tragic souls who missed it the first time around, drop by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida (1717 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale) tonight at 7 for a $2 screening. You won't be acting unpatriotic. Call 954-961-7176. -- Jason Budjinski
