In The Navy

You’ve probably heard the sad news already: Because of rising fuel costs and lack of corporate sponsorship, the annual Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show has been canceled. 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. Although civilians can’t board the ships, them boys and gals will be gallivanting around town in their Navy whites, doing deeds both virtuous (blood drives, nursing home visits, charity golf tournaments) and not-so virtuous (copulating with local girls and, perhaps, boys — don’t ask; don’t tell).

Tonight the sailors and seamen will head to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood) for their official welcome party, All Hands on Deck. From 6 to 10, you can check out entertainment by the Navy Band, watch light and waterworks 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. And here’s another way to do your part: DVDs4vets.org, a nonprofit service, is collecting 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 the locator to find the nearest VA hospital or center, and the kind folks at the organization will make sure your flicks bring some joy to our returned servicemen.
April 28-May 3, 2008