Orlando

Rosen Hotels & Resorts is offering specials for U.S. Military this May, National Military Appreciation Month, that will last through June 30.

Active Duty and Retired U. S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy half-price accommodations off of the standard rack rate of $89.99 (a $45 military rate) and half-price off of buffet dining at Rosen Hotels & Resorts' four Orlando leisure properties - Quality Inn International, Rosen Inn closest to Universal, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando (all three located along International Drive, in the tourist corridor) and Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World.

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An article dated April 16, 2012 in Men's Health ranks Orlando at the top of the list for the Smuttiest City in America. The criteria use to compile the list (which ranks Las Vegas as #2) uses the following criteria:

1. The amount of pornographic DVDs purchased, rented or streamed
2. Registered adult entertainment stores per city
3. Rate of porn searches
4. Percentage of households who subscribe to a cable channel that shows soft-core porn

Could some of these figures be attributable to the high number of tourists that visit Orlando each year?  Perhaps because of the large convention population that we attract?  It would be interesting to see results for DVDs rented or streamed that are from hotels.  The Orlando area (according to Visit Orlando) attracts over 50 million tourists a year, yet the Greater Orlando metropolitan area has a population of only 2,134,411.

I'm offended by this report - like so many that give Orlando a bad rap, the criteria is weak and doesn't take into account all the factors.  What do you think?  Post your comments below.

Universal Orlando Resort is looking to hire more than 1,000 enthusiastic, new Team Members to help guests enjoy an unforgettable summer at the theme parks. A variety of positions are available across the destination in areas such as Food Services, Culinary, Attractions, Merchandise and more. Opportunities include part-time and summer-specific roles.

In addition to a paycheck, working at Universal Orlando can provide great perks, such as free park admission, discounts, complimentary guest passes and more.  The company even offers a benefits package to part-time Team Members.

Apply online  at Universal Orlando.   Interviews will be scheduled for qualified candidates by invitation.

More: Jobs at Disney

This year enjoy the Fringe shows beginning May 16 - 28, 2012.  Continuing the tradition of entertaining Central Florida audiences as they have every May since 1991 the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided cutting-edge, genuine theater and entertainment that is guaranteed to be everything from the unimaginable to the unforgettable.

100% unjuried, 100% uncensored, 100% accessible for artists and audiences alike, 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists. This year's festival runs starts May 18, 2011 and continues until May 30th.

On a milder note, Kids Fringe is a free, kid friendly event will be held on the festival weekends from 11 am to 4 pm.

Have a favorite show? Share your experience in the comments below.

This Saturday, May 5th, 2012  enjoy a fun family evening out in College Park.  Dancing on the Drive is a free event featuring a DJ and dance instructors teaching a variety of dances from Swing to the Cha Cha Slide.  Enjoy featured music from the 70s, 80s, 90s, through today's hits.

Edgewater Drive will be closed down from Smith Street to Rugby Street for vendor booths, tables that attendees can reserve, a dance floor and fun activities.  The event begins at 6:00 PM and ends at 10:00 PM

More: Free Events in May

Florida's Blood Centers are asking Central Florida Heroes to "Get o the Bus!" this May 2, 2012.  The location is at the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce at 75 South Ivanhoe Boulevard, Orlando.

The mission is to save lives in our community.  Blood cannot be manufactured; it must be donated by volunteer donors.  Blood donated today will likely be transfused into a patient within two to three days.  The turn-around is that fast, the need is constant.

Check the Central Florida Blood Bank site for additional locations where you can donate or to schedule an appointment.  Each month local businesses offer deals and free items for those that donate.

More: Volunteer opportunities in Orlando

Coming up May 5 & 6, 2012,  thanks to Museums on Us, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, cardholders will receive free admission to three museums in Orlando, including The Mennello Museum of American Art, Orange County Regional History Center and Orlando Museum of Art. Over 150 cultural institutions in 91 cities participate in the Museums on Us program, now in its 15^th season, to provide Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders a fun, free, and cultural experience.  Free admission will also be available on June 2 & 3, 2012.

More: Free Events during May

Now celebrating 20 years as the Orlando area's premier fine dining and wine paring charity event, this year's Chef's Gala will continue with the tradition at Walt Disney World's Epcot World Showcase.  The annual event which is Heart of Central Florida United Way's major fundraiser, attracts over 1000 guests for a night of thoughtfully paired wine wines, live music and a dazzling silent auction.

More than 20 of the area's top chefs and establishments will be featured on May 19th at this year's event including some of the Disney Dining favorites of Artist Point, Flying Fish Cafe, , California Grill, Jiko - The Cooking Place and Raglan Road.

As Central Florida's most comprehensive health and human services charity and the largest provider of funds to the region's most critical health and human service programs, Central Florida United Way raised and managed $27.3 million throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.  Walt Disney World's contributed an impressive $5.7 million which was raised among its cast members and corporate resources.

Did you know that Historic Winter Garden was once a major producer of citrus in Orange County?  The city, which was incorporated in 1903 thrived in agriculture until the major freezes in the 1970's and 1980's.  With an interest in going back to their  'roots', the city has purchased 45 acres of a former cattle ranch to serve as an  'agricultural incubator ' for local produce crops, grown by local farmers.

On May 5, 2012 the City of Winter Garden and Slow Food Orlando will host the first Winter Garden Harvest Festival.  From 9 am till 5 pm the streets of Winter Garden will celebrate farm to table living, highlighting local farmers, artisans and food purveyors - every aspect of the Festival will be sourced locally.

Find out more on local food in Orlando or visit edibleORLANDO, Orlando's magazine for Local Food.

More: Outdoor Events in May

Walmart has launched a Fighting Hunger campaign in the 200 cities in the nation that have been hit the hardest by the economic downturn.  Who will receive the $1 million dollar donation?  Vote for Orlando by April 30th to increase our chances.  The city with the most votes on Facebook by the end of April will receive the money.

Orlando is one of the top hardest hit communities in the entire nation with a large percentage of residents facing hunger challenges.  Click here and then select the vote button to keep Orlando in the running for the million dollar donation.  If Orlando wins, a portion of the money will be distributed through Second Harvest Food Bank.

More ways to volunteer in Orlando.