If it's Memorial Day, then it also must be Fleet Week! This year there were far fewer ships coming into the city, I suppose since so many are on active duty, what with the ongoing military campaigns in Iraq, Haiti, Afghanistan, etc. Only 2 destroyers, 1 missile cruiser, and an amphibious assault ship (it looks like a WWII era carrier). The nice change of pace this year was that instead of the guided tours of last year, this year was totally unguided. You boarded the ship, and then were free to wander about all the public spaces, occasionally asking a helpful sailor or marine what the stuff was all about. This was especially nice, as I was with Jeff on our second annual Fleet Week outing. Jeff is special because he has the magic ability to be invisible. I've gotten into a lot of restricted areas (closed movie theatres, backstage areas, etc.) by tagging along with Jeff. Saturday was no exception. For starters, security was a complete joke. More on that later. Once we were topside on the carrier deck, we noticed a sailor and some kids popping out of a side staircase. There was no sign, and Jeff's invisibility was it's usual self, so we popped on down to take a look. Two staircases in, it was pretty clear this was not a public area, so we beat a hasty retreat. The rest of the day was spent just enjoying the sun, chatting it up with the friendly sailors/soldiers, and having a blast of a day. For some reason, the crowds were very light, which is too bad. I highly recommend coming on down to meet the troops and seeing what your tax dollars are buying. West Side piers, btw 44th and 49th streets, just North of the Intrepid Air Space Museum. :: Security, however, was a total joke. For starters, the civilian security (looked like NYPD detectives) were very loud and very rude in insisting that no liquid be aboard. They were confiscating all manner of liquid, be it soda or water, unopened or open. VERY RUDE in addressing people on that issue. Piles of open and unopened cans of soda everywhere at the security checkpoint. I got pulled because I had an unopened can of soda in my bag. However, this guy behind us, who accidentally brought his large Swiss Army knife (must have been at least a 2 inch blade), he doesn't even merit a second glance. [sarcasm]Because if we let bottled water aboard the USS Iwo Jima, then the terrorists have won! [/sarcasm] And, of course, the second you pass through security, there is an array of vending machines, and a hotdog cart selling hotdogs, pretzels, and sodas (for $2 a pop). Once aboard the USS Mahan, there's even a sign warning against dehydration, and advising anyone who is thirsty to ask a sailor for water. Idiots. Aboard the ships, there are a few signs advising where is restricted and where is public, and the MP's are packing pistols and rifles. But they are all the friendliest people you could meet. Want to climb that ladder leading to the clearly restricted area? Give it a couple of rungs! They'll even give you advice on how you would move off the ladder onto the platform, if you were on a rough sea. It's all fun. Once off the ships, there are no signs to tell you what to do and where not to go. But that won't stop the security guys from yelling at you for not following the invisible line in their heads. Idiots. To summarize: Naval Security: The brave men and women who make the sacrifice to serve, and yet manage to stay human. NYPD Security: Self important bullies, who also happen to be totally incompetent. :: Coming back from visiting the cousins yesterday night, I passed through the Oakland Center parking lot. For some reason, there were 13 Honda S2000's parked, with various customizations and colors. How odd.